As if Iceland couldn’t get any better, with its majestic (and sometimes) volcanic mountain peaks and lava rock fields dotted with hot springs, it also offers one of the best road trip routes in Scandinavia. If you are looking to take some real time to experience every corner of the island, the ring road is a perfect vacation itinerary.
Iceland’s ring road circles the perimeter of the country and is easy to pick up no matter where you are. All in all, it measures around 828 miles and will take about a week to complete, and that’s without long stops.
There are many back roads to help you get off the beaten track and away from the crowds that bump into the road. But the reality is, you could drive for hours without seeing another human. And that is something really wonderful. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about planning your own Ring Road trip below.
How to drive the ring road
There are a couple of ways to approach this route: you can drive the whole country or you can take specific parts of it. There is a lot to see on all sections of this route, so turning back will be anything but boring if you decide, for example, to drive from Reykjavik to Glacier Lagoon and come back on a long weekend.
Route 1 is almost completely paved so expect a fairly easy ride. But watch out for sheep and horses – you never know when local wildlife will show up.
Duration
If you are not looking to make too many stops, just to sleep and have some food with some quick breaks to admire the nature you are passing through, you can do this trip in a week. If you really want to get it right, plan a 10-day trip.
It also depends on what time of year you are planning your Ring Road vacation. While it can certainly be done during the winter, you will have to deal with makeshift road closures and bad winter weather. It is not uncommon for sections of highway to close for days after a major snow storm; News like that can completely derail a trip. You will need to plan more time for winter tours along the Ring Road than you will need for summer tours. With that in mind, seriously consider taking your summer road trip.
Not only are the days longer, there’s nearly 24-hour sunlight in late June and July, but you’ll also save some money on car rental insurance.
You really can do this trip as long as you want. There’s plenty to see and do to supplement a month-long trip, if you have the time. Most of the main cities are off the ring road, but some of the loveliest towns and people are a bit off the beaten path.
Hypothetically, if you planned to drive straight without stops, you could drive the entire ring road in 16 hours. But where is the fun in that?
Main attractions
Making a list of all the things to do along this route would be next to impossible – the ever-changing environment is a playground for explorers. But here are some things to get you started, broken down by region:
About islandia
The southern section of Iceland is as different from the western and northern mountainous regions as can be. The sprawling lava rock fields resemble an interstellar movie set and there is plenty to see as you drive. Some things you don’t want to miss:
- Reykjadalur Valley: This is a valley that is home to a hot spring river. It’s a bit difficult to get there, about an hour each way, but the remote views are worth ten times over.
- Seljavallalaug: You have most likely seen these hot springs in a movie or on Instagram. Between Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss (more on upcoming), you will find this public group. Follow the signs to Seljadalur to find the parking lot. From there, it is a 20 minute walk into the mountain valley.
- Seljalandsfoss – This waterfall is known for the huge cave behind it, allowing you to walk behind the falls from a different angle of view. Seljalandsfoss will take about two hours to get there from Reykjavik.
- Skogafoss – If you leave Reykjavik, you will catch this waterfall after Seljalandsfoss. If you have time and are looking to walk, this is the starting point for a day hike that will take you to Eyjafjallajökull.
- Black Sand Beach Plane Wreckage – Justin Bieber Made a Music Video Around It, Photographers Can’t Get Enough – The DC Plane Wreck has become one of Iceland’s hottest landmarks. There are signs pointing to a parking lot located on the southern stretch of the ring road, but be aware that you have about an hour of walking ahead of you before you reach the wreckage. This is one of those stops if you’ve added extra time for impromptu adventures.
- Reynisfjara – Located near the seaside town of Vík, Reynisfjara is Iceland’s most famous stretch of black sand. Here, you can see a basalt column cave up close. This is a stop that requires a bit of planning. Tidal and wave patterns can be unpredictable, and they have been known to take several lives each year. Check out our complete guide to black sand beaches before defining your itinerary.
- Skaftafell: This area used to be its own national park, but is now a section of Vatnajokull National Park. Plan a full afternoon for this destination. Visit the Black Waterfall (Svartifoss), take an ice cave tour during winter, climb Hvannadalshnjúkur (Iceland’s highest peak) or go on a glacier hike… with an experienced guide, of course. For more ideas on what to do in Skaftafell, check out this guide.
- Hofskirkja: Architecture enthusiasts should plan a stop at this turf church. It is the last church (that we know of) that was built using a turf house style. What that means: There is actual moss and dirt covering the roof of the building, giving it the unique ability to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. Oh, and preserve warmth for those horribly cold winter months.
- Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach : You can’t see one without seeing the other! The Glacier Lagoon, or Jokulsarlon, is a fantastic place to observe the ice of Vatnajokull. Across the street, you will find a black sand beach where small chunks of ice wash up on the shore. Try to capture this scene during sunrise or sunset to get the best views.
Western iceland
- Snaefellsnes – The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a geological paradise, filled with volcano craters, a massive glacier, lava tube systems, and impressive cliffs. Take a short detour from the ring road and head to Snaefellsnes National Park. You can explore everything in a matter of hours. Don’t miss Budirkirkja: a lonely black-painted church with a vast mountain range in the background.
- West Fjords – If you’re considering camping and visiting during the summer, consider booking a few days in the West Fjords. It’s a bit off the main ring road, but the remote villages, cliffs, fjords, and red beach make it worth it.
- Secret Lagoon – This public hot spring is worth a quick detour from the ring road. Located in Fludir, you will find one of the oldest places where children learned to swim a long time ago. This is believed to be one of the oldest hot springs in the country.
- Hraunfossar and Barnafoss: 35 minutes from the ring road, you will find this set of waterfalls. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss send water from under a lava field, which makes them a bit different from the other powerhouses you’ll see in the south.
- Esjan: You will be able to see this mountain from Reykjavik on a clear day as it is on the other side of the harbor. If you’re looking for a quick hike, you’ve found it – you can go up and down this mountain for about two hours, long enough to shake a long road trip off your muscles.
- Reykjavik: You can’t visit Iceland without spending a little time in Reykjavik; give yourself a long weekend to really appreciate all it has to offer. After spending a week (or two!) Driving through the most remote regions of the country, come back to reality at one of Reykjavik’s many outstanding restaurants or bars. You also won’t find a better nightlife anywhere else in the country. Be sure to visit the town’s church, Halgrimmskirja. If you visit on the weekend, you may get lucky and hear the choir practicing.
North Iceland
- Lake Mývatn : If “hot springs” appear even once on your to-do list, head to Mývatn. This lake is surrounded by hot springs, as well as caves. For a more luxurious experience, visit the Mývatn Nature Baths.
- Grjótagjá : Let’s be clear here: you can’t swim in the water in this hot spring. But if you’re a “Game of Thrones” fan, you’ll recognize this location as the place where Jon Snow and Ygritte, um, meet away from the distraction of others.
- Dettifoss: If you go a bit further from the ring road, you will find the most powerful waterfall in Europe. There are two places to park, if you are looking to visit Dettifoss: on the east side of Highway 864 or on the west side of Highway 862. Check out our full Dettifoss guide here.
- Húsavík: If you want to see whales while in Iceland, head to Húsavík. This small town is about a 40-minute drive from Lake Mývatn and you will have the option of taking part in whale watching tours. Reserve an afternoon to really experience all that this city has to offer.
- Akureyri: Speaking of cities, you can’t drive through North Iceland without visiting Akureyi, also known as the ‘Capital of the North’. As the second largest city in Iceland, there is quite a bit of nightlife, many restaurants, and a ski resort. Oh, and it’s located in a stunning fjord region.
- Godafoss – Also known as ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, Godafoss is located just off the ring road on the way to Akureyi from Lake Mývatn. Legend has it that statues of the country’s Norse gods were thrown into the falls after it was decided that they would accept Christianity as the national religion.
Eastern iceland
- Höfn: Head an hour north of Glacier Lagoon and you will come across this fishing village. It’s the kind of scene Scandinavian dreams are made of. It’s a great place to stop for a few days to enjoy local walks and museums.
- Hallormsstaðaskógur: It won’t take you long to realize that Iceland is quite devoid of forests, but you will find the largest collection of trees in eastern Iceland. Hallormsstaðaskógur also marks the midpoint of the journey, about eight hours from Reykjavik.
- Vestrahorn Mountain: Known as “Swan Fjord”, you will find, you guessed it, flocks of swans that congregate near this mountain during the summer. Its stiff peaks make it a destination for many photographers.
- Hengifoss : If you want to stretch your legs, draw in pencil on a visit to the waterfall. It’s about a two-hour walk from the parking lot, but it’s worth it: Hengifoss is surrounded by basalt strata and strips of red clay. You will not find another waterfall like this in Iceland.
Where to stay
Airbnb is always a good option when visiting different parts of the country and there are many options just off the ring road in Iceland. You will find accommodations ranging from guest houses to luxurious multi-star hotels on your journey. Some of the best hotels along the ring road, or a bit by car, are the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, the Five Million Star Hotel, the Laxá Hotel, the Budir Hotel, and the Ranga Hotel. There are certainly more options than that, which can be found by searching the nearby cities where you will be driving.
