Heading east out of Reykjavik, the 190-mile (300-kilometer) Golden Circle driving route loops around three of Iceland’s best-known natural attractions: Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and site of the world’s first parliament; the teeming waterfall of Gullfoss; and the Haukadalur geothermal region, home to the mighty Great Geysir and the regularly erupting Strokkur geyser. All three are within an hour’s drive of the charming town of Hveragerdi.

Around 2 hours southeast of Geysir, along a dramatic stretch of coast, Vík í Myrdal is mainland Iceland’s southernmost village. The tiny town is much-photographed for its simple white church backed by the Katla volcano and is a popular stop along the Ring Road. Two of Iceland’s most impressive natural landmarks are within a short driving distance of the village: Reynisfjara, a black-sand beach; and Dyrholaey, one of the best places from land to see puffins from May to August.

Between Vík and the town of Höfn, Jökulsárlón is the deepest of Iceland’s many glacial lakes. Formed by the melting glaciers of the Vatnajökull National Park, the lake is dotted with drifting icebergs and framed by jagged peaks, making it one of the country’s most magnificent sights. Visitors can explore Jökulsárlón by taking to the water on a boat tour or hiking around its shore. Don’t miss a visit to Diamond Beach on the other side of the road.

An hour east of Jökulsárlón, the small fishing town of Höfn is another great jumping-off point for adventures in Vatnajökull National Park, from ice climbing to exploring ice caves, and for climbing the 1,490-foot (454-meter) mountain of Vestrahorn on the Stokknes Peninsula. Less challenging options include taking a swim at Höfn swimming pool and visiting the nearby Hornafjördur Art Museum, dedicated to the local painter Svavar Guðnason.

Nestled in the innermost corner of its namesake fjord, Seydisfjordur is perhaps the prettiest town in East Iceland, known for its many well-preserved early 19th-century timber houses and its photogenic rainbow-brick road. Though small, the town is home to many artists and famed for its vibrant cultural scene. The Skaftafell Center for Visual Art is well worth a visit, as is the LungA Art Festival, which takes place in July. Seydisfjordur is around a 3.5-hour drive northeast of Höfn.

Thermal baths are dotted all over Iceland, but the Mývatn Nature Baths (2.5 hours west of Seydisfjordur) are among the best. Perched on the edge of Lake Mývatn, the baths offer a more authentic glimpse into Iceland’s hot-spring culture than you’d get at the more touristy Blue Lagoon. Close to sights including the volcanic caldera Krafla, Dimmuborgir lava fields, and Hverfjall volcano, it’s also a great spot to unwind after some outdoor adventures.

Around a 45-minute drive west of Mývatn, the mighty Godafoss waterfall is a roaring presence near the Ring Road. Falling from a height of 39 feet (12 meters) over a width of 98 feet (30 meters), this is arguably the most spectacular waterfall in Iceland—a country that is not short of spectacular waterfalls—and certainly lives up to its name, which translates to "Waterfall of the Gods.”

Four hours southwest of Godafoss, the volcanic crater of Grábrók is easily accessible from the Ring Road. Visitors can follow the steep footpath to the top of the crater for views of the moss-covered lava fields of Borgarfjördur and the surrounding mountains. From Grábrók, it’s possible to make a 40-minute (one-way) detour off the Ring Road to see the lava waterfalls of Hraunfossar.

Visiting the Snæfellness Peninsula requires a detour off the Ring Road, but it’s well worth adding another day or two to your trip to do so. Known as "Iceland in Miniature,” it’s home to most of Iceland's geological features, all packed into one compact peninsula. There's the glacier-capped volcano, Snaefellsjokull, as well as lava fields, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, charming fishing villages, and picturesque mountains such as Kirkjufell.

Just before arriving back in Reykjavik and completing the Ring Road loop, make time for a hike on the volcanic range of Esja. The area has a variety of trails to suit all levels of hiking experience, and the view from the rocky plateau known as Steinn looks over Faxaflói Bay to the Reykjavik skyline.