Discover Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss falls, explore Reynisfjara black sand beach, visit the village of Vík, and witness glistening icebergs at Jökulsárlón lagoon and Diamond Beach.
North Iceland
Uncover volcanic sites around Lake Mývatn, see the mighty waterfall of Dettifoss, enjoy whale watching in Akureyri or Dalvik, and learn about Icelandic culture in Siglufjörður.
East Fjords
Explore Iceland’s untouched East—drive scenic highland roads, visit charming villages like Seyðisfjörður and Djúpivogur, and spot diverse wildlife like reindeer and puffins.
West Iceland
Visit lava-carved waterfalls like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, soak in the geothermal springs of Borgarfjörður, and take a scenic detour to Snaefellsnes peninsula.
Bonus – Optional Add-Ons for Your Road Trip
Blue Lagoon (near Keflavík International Airport)—Geothermal spa close to Reykjavík’s international airport; ideal for pre/post-road trip relaxation.
Golden Circle—Short detour from the Ring Road, featuring three of the most popular Iceland trip destinations (Þingvellir National Park, Geysir hot springs, Gullfoss waterfall).
What is the Ring Road in Iceland?
Behind the cascade of Seljalandsfoss. Thanks to Gunnar Gaukur for sharing this image.
The Iceland Ring Road, also known as Route 1, is the primary highway encircling the entire country. It starts and ends in Reykjavík, connecting most towns and regions. Fully paved and accessible year-round, it’s perfect for Iceland road trips in every season.
The total length of this two-lane route is 1,322 km (821 mi), covering South, East, North, and West Iceland. While you could drive it non-stop in just a few days, you need at least a week to see the main attractions and truly enjoy the journey.
Top stops along this scenic loop include Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss falls, Reynisfjara and Diamond beaches, Lake Mývatn, the whale-watching town of Akureyri, and more. Whether heading to the Golden Circle, Reykjanes, Snæfellsnes peninsula, or other diverse destinations, the Ring Road in Iceland is your primary gateway.
It’s not just practical—it’s packed with stunning views of towering mountains, snow-covered glaciers, and vast lava fields, making it one of the world’s most scenic drives. Discover where to go in Iceland following the iconic Ring Road 1.
Want to explore the Ring Road in Iceland? Choose between guided excursions or self-drive tours, depending on what type of experience you want to have.
On a guided Ring Road trip, travel in a small group with an expert instructor sharing local stories and insights beyond what guidebooks offer. It’s an excellent option if you want to relax, especially in winter when driving can be tricky due to snow and ice.
Iceland self-guided tours give you flexibility and freedom. Explore at your own pace, skip stops or add new ones. It’s especially convenient if you want to focus on specific sights. In summer, Route 1 is dry and easy to navigate. After booking, you receive a detailed map with highlights and hidden gems to guide your adventure.
Discover our best Iceland Ring Road tours selection and choose according to your travel style, length, and goals.
6-Day Guided Tour—Timeless Iceland Ring Road Getaway
Follow Route 1 to the black shores of Reynisfjara. Photo by Gunnar Gaukur.
Explore the country’s best regions in less than a week. Visit erupting geysers in the west, walk on the black Reynisfjara beach in the south, and see Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. In winter, chase the Northern Lights; in summer, spot puffins and wild reindeer. The six-day trip from Reykjavík is available all year round to anyone over eight years old.
Want to experience more? Book the ‘adventure package’ and add whale watching, ice caving, or glacier hiking with certified guides. This thoughtfully crafted itinerary turns 144 hours into thousands of memories and every stop into a highlight.
7-Day Guided Tour—Classic Iceland Ring Road Experience
Eye-catching views of Arnarstapi village. Captured by Gunnar Gaukur.
What can be better than a full week on Iceland’s most scenic route? From the Golden Circle to Snæfellsnes peninsula and the historic town of Borgarnes, you’ll visit iconic sights and hidden gems of West, North, East, and South Iceland. Each day brings a new discovery, and every season reveals a different experience. From April to May, spot bright-beaked puffins; from September to April, sleep beneath Northern Lights-lit skies. A small group setting allows for a more personal, immersive experience. Choose an adventure package and hike on Vatnajökull Glacier, step into a translucent Crystal Ice Cave, or observe whales in Eyjafjörður—unforgettable moments guaranteed.
Almannagjá gorge, where continents drift apart. Image provided by Gunnar Gaukur.
An 8-day Ring Road adventure perfectly balances 3–4 hours of daily driving with plenty of time to explore the sights. Experience the vibrant capital, Reykjavik, walk between tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park, and see the eruptions of Strokkur geyser. Detour to Mt. Kirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur pebble beach, and drive in a Super Jeep through the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar in summer. In winter, snowmobile across the Langjokull ice cap with certified guides, and observe icy glacial formations up close. Additionally, you can soak in the geothermal waters of Mývatn Nature Baths or Forest Lagoon near Akureyri. Your ultimate Iceland Ring Road itinerary awaits!
The colors of Landmannalaugar are impossible to ignore. Source: Gunnar Gaukur.
If you want to connect with the country on a deeper level, an immersive 9-day Ring Road trip is one of the best ways to see Iceland beyond the main highlights. Enjoy comfortable transportation, cozy accommodations with breakfast, and knowledgeable guidance. With more days to explore, you can get up close and personal with majestic volcanoes, glistening ice caps, gushing geysers, and mineral-colored highlands. The journey includes exciting activities like whale watching and hiking on Iceland’s biggest glacier. Go further, see more, and stray off the beaten track with an extensive Iceland loop tour.
Experience the ultimate Iceland road trip itinerary on a 10-day self-guided tour. Feel a sense of freedom as you navigate open roads with towering glaciers and vibrant mountains in the distance. Travel around the Golden Circle, South Coast, Eastfjords, North Iceland, and the Snæfellsnes peninsula, visiting breathtaking attractions like Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. Ideal for the whole family, this experience is available from March to October. The self-drive Iceland itinerary includes a detailed map with all stops, easy-to-follow travel plans, descriptions, tips from local guides, and pictures of all attractions. Create your dream journey now.
Private Ring Road Tour—Tailored Adventure Around the Island
If you want to customize your trip, travel comfortably, and enjoy exclusive insights into each attraction, try a private Ring Road experience—available year-round. Visit beloved highlights and hidden gems like the Sólheimasandur plane wreck with a personal local guide. In summer, hike, spot whales, and watch puffins; chase the Northern Lights, snowmobile across glaciers, and explore ice caves in winter. Adjust the tour duration to match your pace and choose dream accommodations in the most scenic spots along Route 1. Shape your own adventure and experience the best Iceland road trip the way you want.
You should spend at least a week in Iceland to fully experience the beauty and thrill of this unique country. Some of the best Iceland tours that take you on multi-day adventures are excursions along the Ring Road (Iceland’s main highway). In 6 or more days, you can visit the most picturesque regions like the Highlands, South Coast, or East Fjords, and try exciting activities like whale watching or glacier hiking. Choose guided or self-drive tours and experience the land of ice and fire.
The best months to go to Iceland are June to August if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors, hiking, and observing the wildlife. It’s one of the best seasons for long road trip adventures. If you’re looking for a wintry Iceland travel experience—visiting ice caves, hiking on glaciers, and chasing the Northern Lights—choose December to February. Winter in Iceland is a magical time filled with festivities and Christmas celebrations.
It doesn’t matter whether you travel the Ring Road clockwise or counterclockwise—the total trip time stays the same. Going counterclockwise from Reykjavik takes you to the South Coast first, followed by the East Fjords and the remote North region. If you travel clockwise, you’ll visit the Snaefellsnes peninsula and gradually make your way to busier highlights like Vik Village.
Driving around the Ring Road in Iceland costs from 269,991 ISK (~$ 2,119) for a 6-day trip to 304,849 ISK (~$ 2,393) for a 10-day adventure. The price of private tours varies depending on your preferences. Choosing between standard and adventure packages for guided tours also affects travel costs.
The best times to travel to Iceland for a road trip are late spring and summer. The highways are clear of snow and ice, making them easy to navigate. Temperatures vary from 1°C to 14°C (33.8°F to 57.2°F), which allows for longer exploration of attractions on foot. Daylight stretches to 15-20 hours daily, allowing long drives in the midnight sun.
Planning a trip to Iceland by car requires you to consider when to go, how long to stay, how to get around, and what to visit. If you like independent travel, book a self-drive tour and manage your own time with a pre-made itinerary. If you enjoy carefully scheduled trips, with everything, including driving, arranged for you, go for guided journeys and travel in minibuses and Super Jeeps.
You can spend a memorable and exciting week on a Ring Road tour in Iceland. Visit Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, see the black beach of Reynisfjara, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Wilderness Center, and other notable attractions. Choose a guided or self-driven Ring Road itinerary and travel the best way for you.
You can stay in hotels, cabins, guesthouses, or campsites in various regions of Iceland. If you want to spend the night on the South Coast, try cozy Hotel Geirland or Hotel Hof. When traveling in the east, stay in the unique Wilderness Center, and if you visit the Snæfellsnes peninsula, spend the night in Hotel Hellissandur. If you’re looking for an exceptional stay in nature, explore various camping grounds all over the country.
