The must-see Iceland Ring Road itinerary
Ask any traveler what’s on their wishlist, and there’s a good chance they’ll say Iceland’s ring road. A significant percentage of foreign visitors to the country get behind the wheel and explore its sights and scenery at their own pace. If you can spare the time, it’s worth splurging on a longer trip to Iceland so that you can see and do more. So let’s see if we can tempt you with our must-see Iceland ring road itinerary. To make it easier for you to plan, we’ve put our favorite places in order traveling anti-clockwise and have suggested how long you might spend at each. Depending on how much time you have to play with, simply pick and choose those that appeal to you and slot in the overnight stops that suit you best.
Reykjavik
You might not have considered having a car in the Icelandic capital but it’s invaluable if you are to reach its suburban sights in a timely fashion. Renting a vehicle makes it easier to reach museums such as Perlan and Árbær, geothermal treats Sky Lagoon and Nauthólsvík, off-the-beaten-track gems such as the Recycled House and the Laundry Pools, and much more. From September to April it also makes it easier to free yourself from the light pollution and improve your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Allocate a few days to make the most of Iceland’s charming capital.
Hveragerði
An hour or so from Reykjavik gets you to Hveragerði, from where you can access the Reykjadalur geothermal valley. There are plenty of hot springs and luxury lagoons across Iceland, but the chance to bathe in a geothermal river in rustic surroundings is one you shouldn’t pass up. The hike beside the river along the valley is also a highlight. We’d suggest you allow a full morning or afternoon for this activity. Consider calling in at The Geothermal Park to learn more about this form of renewable energy.
Selfoss and Skyrland
Continuing along the ring road, the next major place you encounter is Selfoss. Make a pit stop at the Old Dairy Food Hall. As well as housing a cluster of eateries, it’s also home to the Skyrland Museum, where you can learn all about Iceland’s unique dairy product, from its Viking origins to the methods used to produce it today. Allow a couple of hours if you plan to eat, too.
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
These two waterfalls are among the most famous in Iceland, and conveniently, they both sit very close to the ring road. Park up first at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall and peer through the curtain of water at the countryside beyond. Twenty minutes further east is Skógafoss. Like its near-neighbor, it’s 60 meters tall but broader and often topped with a rainbow. Climb up the steps beside it for one of the most breathtaking views of the south coast. You’ll want at least two or three hours to do justice to both.
Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey and Vik
Vik’s evolved into a tourist town, partly because of its position midway between the capital region and the glacier lagoons further east and partly because of the wealth of sightseeing and activities that are possible in the surrounding countryside, including those on Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Must-sees in this part of Iceland include the nature reserve at Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara – the black sand beach known for its views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, the basalt columns that flank the cave, and of course, those infamous sneaker waves. There’s plenty to keep you occupied here for a day.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Glacier retreat is a sign of global warming but there’s a silver lining for a while – the melting ice pools in front of the ice to create a glacier lagoon. The most famous in Iceland is Jökulsárlón, unusual in that it’s linked to the ocean by a tidal channel. Icebergs calve from the glacier into the lagoon and then gently bob down to the sea, where the waves wash them back onto the beach at Fellsfjara, more commonly referred to by its nickname – Diamond Beach. Stay a few hours, long enough to take a boat trip out onto the lagoon.
Stokksnes and Vestrahorn
Far from being anti-climatic after the dazzling iceberg-strewn lagoons, Vestrahorn manages to hold its own and is an often photographed sight. The jagged ridge that characterizes the mountain’s shape is especially remarkable when the tide’s in – far enough for the outline of Vestrahorn to be reflected in the water but with enough of the grassy dunes visible for foreground interest. A brief pitstop is probably enough for all but the most serious snappers.
Mývatn
East Iceland is a real treat, with its fjords and geothermal areas, but as you travel further north, you’ll absolutely want to stop at Mývatn. The name translates to Midge Lake, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you take a leisurely dip in the Mývatn Nature Baths. The surrounding area has a wealth of volcanic and geothermal landforms to check out, including those at Dimmuborgir and Hverir. You could easily spend a half day, more if you are able, in this corner of Iceland.
Goðafoss
No Icelandic road trip is complete without several waterfalls, particularly if they are in plain sight from your rental. One such waterfall is Goðafoss, a horseshoe-shaped landmark that is a true head-turner in both summer and winter. A footbridge crosses the river which means you can view the waterfall from both banks without having to move the car in between. An hour’s enough to see it.
Akureyri
Located at the head of Eyjafjördur, Akureyri is North Iceland’s largest town. It’s a convenient base if you’re planning to drive the Diamond Circle but also has plenty of attractions of its own, such as museums dedicated to aviation, motorcycles, and social history, the luxurious Forest Lagoon surrounded by nature, the Hof Cultural Centre, whale watching trips and the Akureyri Botanical Garden. In the evenings, you’ll have a choice of eateries and, afterward, live music at Græni Hatturinn. Give this place a day, at least.
The Icelandic Seal Center
As you head towards the northwest of Iceland, it’s worth deviating slightly off the ring road to reach Hvammstangi. There, you can learn about the seals that are found in this part of the country at the Icelandic Seal Center before driving a little further along the peninsula in the hope of seeing these cute marine mammals hauled out of the water. A few hours is sufficient to make this detour.
Borgarnes
This town is the gateway to the Snæfellsnes peninsula but has a number of attractions, making it a worthwhile stop in its own right. The primary reason to visit is the Settlement Center, which explores Iceland’s early history and brings Egils Saga vividly to life. Movie fans will want to make a pitstop at the Geirabakarí Kaffihús, as this bakery doubled as a pizzeria in the Ben Stiller film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. You can tick off both in an hour or two.
These stops, especially when coupled with scenic detours such as the Golden Circle, provide the basis of a ring road itinerary. Whether you barely have a week or can take Route 1 at a far more leisurely pace, you’ll find there is a plethora of things to do and see without having to stray far from the main road. All you need now is a car – and we’re happy to help with that!
How many days do you need for Iceland Ring Road?
The ideal amount of time to drive the Iceland Ring Road is 7 to 10 days. This allows you to explore the major highlights at a relaxed pace and include a few detours like the Golden Circle or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. If you’re really short on time, it’s possible to do it in 5-6 days, but you’ll be spending a lot of time driving and might have to skip some incredible stops. For a truly immersive experience, aim for closer to 10 days – trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
What is the difference between the Golden Circle and the Ring Road in Iceland?
The Golden Circle is a short loop near Reykjavik that features three main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. It’s a great day trip or an easy addition to your itinerary if you’re short on time.
The Ring Road (Route 1), on the other hand, is a 1,332-kilometer (828-mile) highway that circles the entire island, connecting you to Iceland’s most iconic sights like Seljalandsfoss, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Akureyri. It’s a much bigger adventure, typically taking a week or more, and offers a deeper dive into Iceland’s diverse landscapes.
In short: the Golden Circle is a quick snapshot, while the Ring Road is the full photo album.
What is the best time of year to drive the Iceland Ring Road?
The best time to drive the Iceland Ring Road depends on what you want to experience. For most travelers, summer (June to August) is the ideal time. The roads are easier to navigate, the weather is milder, and you’ll enjoy endless daylight thanks to the Midnight Sun. It’s perfect for exploring without feeling rushed.
If you’re chasing the Northern Lights, head there in autumn (September to November) or winter (December to February). Just be prepared for icy roads and shorter daylight hours. Spring (March to May) can also be a lovely time, with fewer crowds and a mix of snow-covered peaks and thawing landscapes.
For beginners or those who prefer stress-free driving, summer is your best bet. If you’re up for a bit of adventure and don’t mind colder weather, winter is magical in its own way!
