Iceland on the Ring Road Day 6: Vik to Reykjavik

October 02, 2025

Iceland on the Ring Road Day 6: Vik to Reykjavik

Welcome to the final installment of our trip traveling the Ring Road around Iceland! Kudos to you if you've made it to Day 6 with me. Today we're going to drive from the southern city of Vik to the capital city of Reykjavik. We'll be visiting some of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland due to the proximity to Reykjavik and the Golden Circle - a circular route that takes in some of the main attractions of the area. So let's get started! (I'll link all the other installments at the end of this post if you missed any and you'd like to go back)

Skogafoss

Skogafoss is one of Iceland's biggest waterfalls being 82 feet wide with a drop of 197 feet. Located on the south coast, it is also one of Iceland's most popular waterfalls. There were lots of visitors here and some tents and camper vans camping in the parking lot. But it's an easy enough stop if you're driving the Ring Road. Definitely worth a stop!

We stopped here on our drive - there is very easy access and parking - for some photos and to feel the spray from this powerful waterfall. You can get quite close to the base and climb a staircase to the top. (You cannot go behind the falls as the force of the water makes it too dangerous) We chose not to climb as we still had a lot of stops to make but many were climbing it. As I said, easy stop for a beautiful waterfall.

Drangurinn

At the base of the Eyjafjoll mountains sits a rock, a mysterious giant boulder, that has many legends tied to it. Folklore says this rock was ripped from the mountain by a giant strong man to become a home for elves. (Yes, a large percentage of Icelanders believe in elves and fairies.) The caves at the base of the rock were used by farmers to keep their cows. And legend says that the elves took care of the cows here in these caves.

Drangurinn and its immediate surroundings - including the farm it sits on - are a protected landmark and on private land. You can see it from the road and since it is a tourist attraction, there is a small parking area. There is a short path to walk to look into the caves and see the rock. It is asked that you respect the private land and the landmark.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss waterfall, translated to mean "Golden Falls", is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Along with Pingvellir National Park and the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss makes up the Golden Circle Tour. Located about 1.5 hours from Reyjkavik, this waterfall is known for its powerful cascade. It's a two tier waterfall that's fed from a river which is fed from a glacier. In the summer, almost 5000 cubic feet of water per second rushes over the falls. You can easily feel the spray of water from either of the viewing points.

There is a visitor center here and plenty of parking. It's a short walk to the upper viewpoint and I recommend that you also visit the lower viewpoint for two different views. My memory of this waterfall is seeing the travel guru Rick Steves running down the path to the waterfall to film his Iceland special. (I asked for a photo but he said he was too late to stop. The show can't go on without its star I guess!)

Geysir

Geysir, otherwise known as the Strokkur Geysir, is one of the most reliable and active geysers in the world. Erupting every 5 to 10 minutes, it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Eruptions typical reach about 50 feet but it has erupted to as large as 130 feet.

It's located on the Golden Circle tour in a geothermal park sitting on top of a "vast boiling cauldron." There is parking, a restaurant and a hotel if you visit the area but be aware, it is very popular. Most people only stay to walk the short, 5 minute path to the Geysir, see it erupt and then leave so there is a high turnover of spots in the parking lot. We did just that and did indeed, see Geysir erupt.

Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon was one of my favorite places we visited in Iceland. Minutes outside of Reykjavik, this scenic geothermal lagoon and spa has become quite popular for its views and proximity to the city center. It's a manmade spa right on the water with a popular 7 step ritual including cold plunge, a sauna (with view), body scrub, shower and then a drink from the swim up bar when you're done. There is also a cafe and gift shop for all your needs.

We made advance reservations and were given directions to the large locker room where we showered (always naked in Iceland and not in your swimsuit). Then it was submerging ourselves in the delightful warm water looking over the bay. Five out of five for me!

Source: Rick Steves Europe

Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in Iceland towering over the center of Reykjavik. It is a national historic landmark dedicated to a 17th century poet. It is a parish church that houses the largest organ in the country and its 240 foot high tower is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. So it's a pretty important church!

We were lucky enough to visit while the organist was playing in this stark, modernist church which was so very cool. We weren't fortunate enough to climb the tower as the line was very long. It's free, though, if you choose to do so. As a side note, there is a really unique swingset in the front of church and a very popular hot dog vendor also. You know the Icelandic people love their hot dogs!

Reykjavik

The largest, and capital, city located on the southwest coast of Iceland, Reykjavik is world renowned for its culture, history and natural beauty. Home to colorful houses, the aforementioned Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Concert hall, museums, geothermal spas and city pools and a street of rainbows, Reykjavik bills itself as "the smallest big city in the world."

We spent only one night in the city - our last night of traveling the Ring Road before we flew out the next day. After arriving and checking in at our Air BnB, we walked downhill to the quirky Reykjavik Fish Restaurant for dinner. Next on our schedule was our evening at Sky Lagoon (see above)

The following morning was a stroll around the main street, Laugevegor, with its shopping and dining. Mr. UR wanted to end the trip with a beer at an outside cafe - because let's face it, food and drink always tastes better outside - so we found a cafe with outdoor seating and enjoyed some people watching with a beverage. Cheers to the Ring Road!