Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) circles the entire island in approximately 1,332 kilometers, connecting most major attractions while passing through varied landscapes. This is the ultimate way to see Iceland. Here is what you need to plan it well.
Ring Road Overview
Total Distance: ~1,332 km (828 miles) Minimum Days: 7 (rushed) Recommended: 10-14 days Best Time: June to August (accessible year-round)
The Ring Road is entirely paved and passable in a 2WD vehicle during summer. Winter travelers should opt for 4WD and monitor road conditions closely.
7-Day Itinerary: The Essentials
For those with limited time, this itinerary covers the highlights at a comfortable pace.
Day 1: Reykjavik → South Coast (Vík Area)
Distance: ~180 km Highlights: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Beach
Start early and head east along the South Coast. Stop at Seljalandsfoss to walk behind the waterfall, then continue to the powerful Skógafoss. After lunch in Vík, explore Reynisfjara black sand beach (but stay safe from sneaker waves).
Accommodation: Vík or surrounding area
Day 2: Vík → Glacier Lagoons → Höfn
Distance: ~275 km Highlights: Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach
Drive through the vast sandur plains with glacier views. Stop at Skaftafell for a short hike to Svartifoss, then continue to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Watch icebergs calve and drift to the ocean, then walk Diamond Beach where ice washes ashore.
Accommodation: Höfn or Jökulsárlón area
Day 3: Höfn → East Fjords → Egilsstaðir
Distance: ~250 km Highlights: East Fjords scenery, fishing villages
The East Fjords offer stunning landscapes and charming villages. Drive through tunnels carved through mountains and stop at places like Djúpivogur, Stöðvarfjörður (for Petra’s mineral collection), and Seyðisfjörður if you have time for a detour.
Accommodation: Egilsstaðir
Day 4: Egilsstaðir → Mývatn Area
Distance: ~170 km Highlights: Dettifoss, Mývatn Nature Baths
Head north via Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The volume of water passing over the edge is considerable. Continue to the Mývatn region, a geological wonderland of craters, lava formations, and hot springs. Relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths in the evening.
Accommodation: Mývatn area
Day 5: Mývatn → Akureyri
Distance: ~100 km Highlights: Mývatn exploration, Goðafoss, Akureyri
Spend the morning exploring Mývatn: walk among the pseudocraters at Skútustaðagígar, explore the Dimmuborgir lava formations, and see the boiling mud at Námaskarð. Stop at Goðafoss on your way to Akureyri, Iceland’s charming northern capital.
Accommodation: Akureyri
Day 6: Akureyri → Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Distance: ~320 km Highlights: Northwest Iceland, Borgarfjörður
This is the longest driving day. The northwest coast offers rugged beauty but fewer tourist stops. Options include the Vatnsnes Peninsula (for seals and Hvítserkur rock formation) or the more direct route. End on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Accommodation: Snæfellsnes
Day 7: Snæfellsnes → Reykjavik
Distance: ~170 km Highlights: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Snæfellsjökull
Explore Snæfellsnes, often nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes. See Kirkjufell mountain, explore Djúpalónssandur beach, and visit the charming fishing village of Arnarstapi. Return to Reykjavik via the undersea tunnel or ferry.
10-Day Itinerary: The Balanced Journey
Extra days allow for deeper exploration and less driving pressure.
Additional Stops to Include:
Day 2-3 Enhancement:
- Glacier hiking at Sólheimajökull
- Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
- Full afternoon at Jökulsárlón with boat tour
Day 4-5 Enhancement:
- Detour to Borgarfjörður Eystri (puffins in summer)
- Full day at Mývatn with all sites
- Whale watching from Húsavík
Day 6-7 Enhancement:
- Extra day in Akureyri region
- Visit Siglufjörður (herring era museum, northern charm)
- More time on Snæfellsnes
14-Day Itinerary: The Complete Experience
Two weeks allows for a more complete circuit with time to linger.
Add These Experiences:
Westfjords Extension (2-3 days)
- Dynjandi waterfall
- Látrabjarg cliffs (westernmost point of Europe)
- Remote fishing villages
Golden Circle Deep Dive (1-2 days)
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir and Gullfoss
- Kerið crater
- Secret Lagoon
Highland Detour (1-2 days)
- Landmannalaugar (4x4 required)
- Kjölur route
Reykjavik Time (1-2 days)
- City exploration
- Museum visits
- Dining and nightlife
Region-by-Region Highlights
South Coast
- Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi waterfalls
- Skógafoss waterfall
- Sólheimajökull glacier
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Vík village
- Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
- Skaftafell National Park
- Svartifoss waterfall
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
- Diamond Beach
East Iceland
- East Fjords scenic drive
- Djúpivogur village
- Petra’s Stone Collection
- Seyðisfjörður
- Egilsstaðir
- Borgarfjörður Eystri (puffins)
North Iceland
- Dettifoss waterfall
- Mývatn Nature Baths
- Mývatn pseudocraters
- Dimmuborgir lava formations
- Námaskarð geothermal area
- Goðafoss waterfall
- Húsavík (whale watching)
- Akureyri
- Siglufjörður
West Iceland
- Borgarfjörður region
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
- Into the Glacier (ice tunnel)
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Kirkjufell
- Snæfellsjökull glacier
- Arnarstapi & Hellnar
Accommodation Tips
Booking Strategy
Summer (June-August):
- Book 3-6 months ahead
- Hotels fill quickly, especially near popular sites
- Guesthouses and farms offer alternatives
Shoulder Seasons:
- Book 1-2 months ahead
- More availability
- Lower prices
Winter:
- Flexible booking possible
- Some accommodations closed
- Check road accessibility
Accommodation Types
| Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels | ISK 25,000-50,000+ | Book early, best amenities |
| Guesthouses | ISK 15,000-30,000 | Great value, often include breakfast |
| Farm stays | ISK 12,000-25,000 | Authentic experience |
| Hostels | ISK 5,000-10,000 | Budget option, shared facilities |
| Camping | ISK 1,500-2,500 | Summer only, designated sites |
Where to Base
Strategic locations for multiple-night stays:
- Vík/Kirkjubæjarklaustur – South Coast base
- Höfn – Glacier lagoon access
- Egilsstaðir – East Iceland hub
- Mývatn – North Iceland exploration
- Akureyri – Northern capital, services
- Snæfellsnes – West Iceland base
Practical Considerations
Fuel
- Fill up whenever under half tank
- Gaps between stations can be 100+ km
- Credit card needed for unmanned pumps
- Fuel apps show prices (Gasvaktin)
Food
- Pack snacks for long drives
- Grocery stores in larger towns (Bónus, Krónan)
- Hot dogs (pylsur) are a national treasure
- Gas station shops for basics
- Restaurant meals expensive (budget ISK 3,000-6,000)
Connectivity
- Cell coverage good along Ring Road
- Remote areas may lack signal
- Download offline maps
- WiFi in most accommodations
Costs
Daily Budget Estimates:
| Style | Per Day (ISK) |
|---|---|
| Budget | 15,000-25,000 |
| Mid-range | 35,000-50,000 |
| Comfort | 60,000-100,000 |
| Luxury | 100,000+ |
When to Go
Summer (June-August)
Pros: Midnight sun, all roads open, best weather Cons: Highest prices, most tourists, book early
September
Pros: Northern Lights begin, fewer crowds, fall colors Cons: Shorter days, weather variable, some closures
Winter (October-April)
Pros: Northern Lights, ice caves, unique beauty Cons: Limited daylight, road closures, challenging driving
May
Pros: Puffins arriving, longer days, lower prices Cons: Some highland roads still closed, variable weather
Accessibility
Most accessible stops along the Ring Road:
| Location | Accessibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seljalandsfoss | Partial | Viewable from parking; path behind not accessible |
| Skógafoss | Partial | Base fully accessible; top requires 527 stairs |
| Reynisfjara | Partial | Parking accessible; beach is sand |
| Jökulsárlón | Good | Paved paths, viewable from parking |
| Diamond Beach | Partial | Viewable from roadside |
| Goðafoss (east) | Good | Paved path to viewpoint |
| Dettifoss (east) | Partial | Parking accessible; uneven path to viewpoint |
| Mývatn Nature Baths | Good | Accessible facilities and pool entry |
| Akureyri | Good | City center accessible |
| Kirkjufell | Partial | Roadside viewing; mountain climb not accessible |
Accessible accommodations: Most hotels in larger towns (Vík, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, Akureyri) offer accessible rooms. Request when booking.
Mobility aids: Rental companies can provide vehicle adaptations with advance notice. Wheelchairs available at major visitor centers.
Photography Tips by Region
South Coast:
- Waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss): Rainbows 10 AM - 2 PM on sunny days
- Reynisfjara: Sunset for sea stack silhouettes
- Jökulsárlón/Diamond Beach: Sunrise and sunset for warm light on ice
East Fjords:
- Best light: Early morning as sun rises over mountains
- Narrow fjords create dramatic shadows
- Foggy conditions add atmosphere to fishing villages
North Iceland:
- Dettifoss: Overcast reduces harsh shadows; include people for scale
- Mývatn: Steam photography best at dawn when air is cold
- Goðafoss: Morning light from east side; evening from west side
West Iceland:
- Kirkjufell: Classic reflection shot requires still water at base
- Best at sunrise/sunset; Milky Way possible in autumn
- Snæfellsnes beaches: Overcast brings out black sand contrast
General tips:
- Golden hour extends 4+ hours in summer (9 PM - 1 AM)
- September offers Northern Lights plus autumn colors
- Polarizing filter essential for reducing glare and enhancing colors
- ND filters allow slow shutter waterfalls in bright conditions
- Protect gear from salt spray at coastal locations
Ready for the Ring Road?
The Ring Road is an unforgettable journey. Contact us to plan your Iceland circumnavigation, whether you want a self-drive itinerary, a fully guided tour, or a comfortable experience with private guides and carefully selected accommodations.
