Best Travel Guide to the Ring Road of Iceland

What is Iceland’s Ring Road?

Iceland’s Ring Road, also called Route 1 or Highway 1, offers an unparalleled way to experience the country’s sweeping, dramatic scenery. Known locally as Þjóðvegurinn, meaning “national road,” or Hringvegurinn, or “ring road,” this famous route will be a key part of your adventure, whether you’re on a day trip, visiting for a few days or a longer stay.

Map of the Ring Road of Iceland

Completed in 1974, the Ring Road has played a vital role in linking remote towns and villages to Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, and its other key areas, such as the capital of the north, Akureyri, making it a critical artery for both transportation and tourism.

The Ring Road primarily follows Iceland’s coastline, passing through diverse geographical regions, including the rugged fjords of the east, the volcanic plateaus of the south, and the rolling farmlands of the north.

Travelers along the road often stop at iconic sites such as the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the black sand beaches of Vik, and the geothermal fields near Lake Mývatn. With most of the road being paved and well-maintained, it is accessible year-round, although certain sections can become hazardous due to snow and ice in winter months.

How long is the Ring Road in Iceland?

Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, is a 1,332-kilometer (828-mile) highway that circles the island, connecting its major regions and attractions. This scenic route is one of the most popular ways for tourists to explore the country, offering breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs.

How long does it take to drive on Iceland’s Ring Road?

Hypothetically, if you drive the Ring Road non-stop, it would take about 16 to 17 hours.

In a practical sense, however, most travelers take several days, a week or even 10 days to complete the journey, allowing time to explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes, unique attractions, and frequent photo stops along the way.

Essential Facts About Driving the Ring Road of Iceland

• The speed limit on the Ring Road is generally set at 90 kilometers per hour (55 miles per hour), though in certain sections, it may vary slightly.
• The Ring Road is largely paved, with only a small 2% stretch left as gravel. In Eastern Iceland, these gravel areas may require careful driving. Although the road typically has two lanes, you’ll come across some single-lane bridges along the way.
• The Ring Road is mostly paved and well-maintained, but weather and road conditions vary with the seasons. In winter, sections may be snow-covered and are prone to avalanches, though roads are usually cleared quickly.

How To Travel Around Iceland’s Ring Road

To travel Iceland’s Ring Road, plan 5-10 days for a full experience. Join a Ring Road tour, or rent a car or campervan; pack essentials, and enjoy stunning stops, local cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.

Join a Tour

Visiting Iceland and exploring the Ring Road requires careful planning to make the most of it. With costly accommodations and must-see spots just off the main route, a well-thought-out itinerary ensures you won’t miss a thing or waste time.

The most economical way to explore the Ring Road is by joining a multi-day tour around Iceland. The tour guides on these tours are typically knowledgeable and experienced, helping you discover hidden gems, manage time efficiently, and avoid common travel hassles. 

Simply sit back and relax as Iceland’s stunning landscapes unfold outside your window. There’s a variety of multi-day tours available, each with detailed itineraries to help you choose the one that best suits your schedule and interests.

For example, the 6-day Around Iceland’s Ring Road tour is a popular choice, covering Iceland’s iconic highlights like geysers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the glacier lagoon. It also includes off-the-beaten-road gems, such as Fjaðrárgljúfur (the Feather Canyon), the newly discovered Studlagil Glacial Canyon with its striking basalt columns, and the stunning winter landscape of Vestrahorn mountain. 

With 5 nights of accommodation, this tour is the most economical way to experience Iceland’s grandeur in under a week, offering extensive coverage of attractions, rich cultural insights, and thrilling adventures.

Self-drive

You can rent a car and drive your planned itinerary around Iceland, or sign up for a self drive tour with accommodation included.

Driving the Ring Road is a popular option for both short and extended visits, with many choosing to complete the loop over the course of a week or more. While some parts are relatively straight and easy to navigate, other stretches are winding and narrow, requiring careful attention, particularly in Iceland’s often unpredictable weather. 

For visitors seeking an unforgettable adventure, Iceland’s Ring Road offers not only a convenient way to see the country’s natural wonders but also an immersive journey through its unique and striking landscapes. There are gas stations in towns, big and small, around Iceland, so you don’t need to worry about filling the tank. It’s best to prepare some cash just in case.

What is the Best Time to Drive Around the Ring Road of Iceland?

The best time for a Ring Road adventure depends on what you want to experience, as the time of year plays a significant role.

Summer (June to August) is the most popular time for a Ring Road journey, offering long days, warmer temperatures, and nearly 24 hours of daylight under the Midnight Sun. This extended daylight allows travelers to maximize each day, exploring Iceland’s diverse landscapes at their own pace. With all roads and highland routes typically open, summer provides easy access to remote areas and a broad range of hiking trails, including the vibrant Highlands region.

However, summer is also the busiest season, so expect higher prices and more visitors at popular sites.

For those seeking a quieter experience, the shoulder seasons of May and September provide a beautiful alternative. May brings early blooms and snowmelt, while September wraps the island in stunning fall colors. With fewer crowds than summer, shoulder seasons offer a more peaceful atmosphere and moderate weather, though some highland roads and attractions may close, especially by late September.

Winter (October to April) transforms Iceland into a breathtaking winter wonderland. For travelers hoping to witness the Northern Lights or explore ice caves, this is the time to visit. Snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls create a uniquely magical experience along the Ring Road. However, winter brings challenges: driving can be difficult with snow, ice, and sudden weather changes, and parts of the Ring Road may occasionally close. Limited daylight also means less time for sightseeing, so winter travelers should plan accordingly.

For the best blend of accessibility, comfortable weather, and sightseeing opportunities, late May to early September is ideal. But for those drawn to Iceland’s winter beauty and Northern Lights, late October to March offers a rewarding, if challenging, adventure.

What to See Along the Ring Road of Iceland

Along Iceland’s Ring Road, you are treated to an array of stunning natural wonders and unique attractions. From towering waterfalls and black sand beaches to geothermal fields and glacier lagoons, the route offers a constantly changing landscape. From Reykjavík’s vibrant cityscape to remote villages and winding fjords, the Ring Road offers access to Iceland’s most iconic sights and hidden gems, making it a must-see journey for you.

I am going to break the highlights you can see along Iceland’s Ring Road by region you travel through.

South Coast of Iceland

• The town of Hveragerði
• The town of Selfoss
• Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls
• Solheimajokull glacier
• Dyrholaey Promontory & Rock Formations
• Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Vik i Myrdal
• Víkurfjara black sand beach
• Katla ice cave
• Fjaðrárgljúfur, the Feather Canyon
• Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
• Fellsfjara the Diamond Beach
• Vatnajokull National Park
• Skaftafell Nature Reserve
• Vatnajokull glacier

East Iceland

• The town of Hofn
• Vestrahorn mountain
• Borgardjörður Eystri
• Vök Baths
• Egilsstadir
• The village of Djupivogur
• Studlagil glacial canyon and basalt columns

North Iceland

• Akureyri, capital of the North
• Asbyrgi Canyon
• Dettifoss waterfall
• Dimmuborgir lava formations
• Lake Myvatn
• Myvatn Nature Baths
• Namaskard geothermal fields
• Hverfell Volcano
• Mt. Herdubreid viewpoint – the queen of Icelandic mountains
• Kafra geothermal center
• Godafoss waterfall
• Grjótagjá hot spring lava cave
• Husavik, Iceland’s capital of whale watching
• Hvitserkur sea stack
• The town of Siglufjordur
• Glaumbaer turf house and open air museum
• Borgarvirki natural fortress
• Kolugljúfur canyon waterfall

West Iceland

• Grábrók volcanic crater
• Glanni waterfall
• Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
• Deildartunguhver hot springs
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Gerduberg Basalt Columns

Many Ring Road tours begin with Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, featuring stops at Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal fields, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall.

What to Do Along the Ring Road of Iceland

When it comes to adventures, Iceland’s Ring Road offers a diverse array of experiences. As you travel along this route, you can enjoy everything from glacier hiking and ice caving to horseback riding and waterfall hiking, each providing a unique taste of Iceland’s natural beauty.

Glacier Hiking Tours

Iceland’s southern region is home to several stunning glaciers, all easily accessible by driving along the Ring Road from Reykjavik. One of the most popular destinations for glacier hiking is the Sólheimajökull glacier. Its convenient location, with a parking area just a 30-minute walk from the glacier’s edge, makes it an ideal choice for visitors. 

The glacier hiking tours on Sólheimajökull are typically easy, suitable for most fitness levels, ensuring that almost everyone can enjoy this adventure. The views from the glacier are simply breathtaking, with the cerulean blue ice sparkling in the sunlight and offering a panoramic vista of the newly formed lagoon and surrounding landscapes.

As you travel further east, you’ll arrive at Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier and the most voluminous in Europe. This remarkable glacier is protected within the Vatnajökull National Park, home to some of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders, including the stunning Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers are perfect for exploring on a glacier hiking adventure. 

Due to its immense size, these tours tend to be more extensive and physically demanding. The experience is set against a dramatic backdrop of massive glacier tongues, jagged ice formations, and a seemingly endless expanse of glacial blue hues.

For those ready for the challenge, a 4-hour glacier hiking experience is highly recommended. This journey allows you to explore the glaciers in depth, guided by a professional who will share insights into the crucial role these ice formations have played in shaping Iceland’s landscapes over millennia. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the glacier’s history and its significance to the country’s natural environment.

Ice Caving Tours

Another standout feature of the massive glaciers in South Iceland is the mesmerizing blue ice caves that form each year. These natural wonders are ever-changing, their structures constantly evolving, making each visit a unique experience. Their mysterious beauty adds an extra layer of enchantment to the already breathtaking landscape.

The closest glacier to Reykjavik is Sólheimajökull, where small ice caves occasionally form during the winter. However, these caves tend to change or even disappear quickly due to their temporary nature. In contrast, the most renowned destination for ice caving in Iceland is the Vatnajökull glacier. Its vast size and ideal location make it far more suitable for the formation of these stunning natural ice structures, providing a more engaging and impressive ice caving experience.

Over the years, the Katla ice cave has gained considerable popularity due to its year-round accessibility and its stunningly unique appearance. The glacier’s ice is interwoven with layers of volcanic ash, creating mesmerizing patterns that make this cave truly one-of-a-kind. 

The ice caves that form beneath the Vatnajökull glacier are often called “crystal ice caves,” renowned for their dynamic beauty, with wavy ice walls, striking glacial blue colors, and a mesmerizing ambiance. These caves are primarily shaped during the warmer months when melting glacier ice and glacial meltwater carve tunnels within the glacier’s body. 

Wind plays a crucial role in this process, helping to sculpt the caves into their final form. Although this formation process continues year-round, it slows during the winter months as the freezing temperatures stabilize the structure of the ice caves, preserving their unique shapes.

It’s important to know that Ice caves are not permanent structures. Their shape and size constantly change from year to year as the melting and freezing cycle repeats. This dynamic nature makes every ice cave unique and unpredictable, with new formations appearing each winter and existing ones evolving or collapsing.

Horseback Riding Adventures

Icelandic horses are truly a symbol of the country’s wild beauty, with their sturdy build, flowing manes, and unique spirit perfectly reflecting the rugged landscapes they call home. These remarkable animals have a history that dates back to the time of the Vikings, and they’ve remained purebred for over a thousand years, making them one of the oldest horse breeds in the world. 

Known for their gentle nature and resilience, Icelandic horses offer a riding experience that is both comfortable and exhilarating, thanks in part to their special gait called the “tölt,” which provides an exceptionally smooth ride.

As you journey along the Ring Road, you’ll often spot these beautiful horses pacing, grazing, or simply resting by the roadside. For many travelers, getting up close to these friendly creatures is a dream come true, as they truly embody the welcoming spirit and natural beauty of Iceland.

That’s why you need to experience a horseback riding tour in Iceland. It is like stepping into a storybook, where you can explore sweeping valleys, lava fields, and rolling hills, all while feeling a deep connection to the landscape beneath you. 

The tours often guide you through trails that lead to hidden gems, such as secluded waterfalls and volcanic terrains, immersing you in the raw beauty of Iceland’s countryside. One of the most unforgettable experiences is riding an Icelandic horse along a black sand beach, where the rhythmic crash of the Atlantic waves accompanies your every step, and the horse’s hooves make soft landings on the volcanic sands. 

All around you, glaciers and mountains create a dramatic backdrop, adding to the sense of awe and wonder. This adventure beautifully blends moments of serenity with the thrill of exploration, offering you an authentic taste of what Iceland truly represents.

Waterfall Hiking Trips

There are more than 10000 waterfalls in Iceland, and many of the most impressive ones can be found along Iceland’s Ring Road. Some of them are right off the road with parking places, some of them take you a short but scenic walk to reach. 

Seljalandsfoss is often the first waterfall visitors encounter when heading south from Iceland’s capital. Its stunning cascade is visible from afar, set against the dramatic backdrop of towering cliffs that rise above the southern lowlands. 

One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss draws visitors with its unique panoramic views. A natural concave within the cliff allows for a rare experience—walking behind the waterfall to witness its majestic plunge into the tranquil pond below. 

Many enjoy a short hike to visit its nearby attractions, including Gljúfrabúi waterfall, a hidden gem that’s about 700 meters away, and partially concealed behind a cliff. This lesser-known spot offers a more adventurous experience, as you traverse stepping stones through a narrow crevice in the cliff. Once inside, you’re greeted by the sight of an enormous rock and the waterfall cascading down from a skylight above, creating a magical and secluded atmosphere that rewards those willing to explore.

The hike to Gljúfrabúi takes only about 15 minutes one way, leading you through resilient Icelandic flora that thrive in the region’s harsh climate. The area features a recently renovated, spacious parking lot, and there’s a convenient shop nearby offering food, drinks, and a selection of souvenirs.

Next on your journey is Skógafoss, a majestic waterfall that also marks the starting point of the renowned Laugavegur hiking trail. This famous route leads hikers through stunning landscapes, including the Landmannalaugar highlands and the Þórsmörk valley. The hike is challenging, often taking several days to complete, and has gained international recognition with the annual Laugavegur Ultra Marathon—a 55 km mountain race that attracts participants from around the world.

It’s recommended to join a guided hiking tour to traverse the Laugavegur trail. With a knowledgeable guide and pre-arranged lodges along the route, you can relax and fully enjoy the challenging yet rewarding trek.

As you continue southeast along the Ring Road, you’ll arrive at Svartifoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic sights. Svartifoss is renowned for its unique, dramatic appearance, with its cascading water framed by striking black basalt columns that resemble organ pipes. The contrast between the dark rock and the bright, tumbling water creates an awe-inspiring sight. 

The hike to Svartifoss, located in Vatnajökull National Park, is a scenic and moderately challenging trail, about 1.5 kilometers (roughly 45 minutes) each way. The trail winds through Iceland’s striking landscape, offering views of other smaller waterfalls and lush greenery along the way. 

Along the hike to Svartifoss, you’ll encounter a few smaller yet beautiful waterfalls that add to the journey’s charm. Two notable ones are Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss. Hundafoss is the first waterfall you’ll come across, set against a rocky landscape with a more tranquil flow. Magnúsarfoss comes next, offering a picturesque cascade over jagged rocks, surrounded by Iceland’s rugged greenery. 

These waterfalls, while not as famous as Svartifoss, are worth pausing for as they add to the scenic beauty and anticipation of reaching the iconic black basalt-columned Svartifoss at the trail’s end.

Studlagil Glacial Canyon may not have a significant waterfall, but it features small cascades, and the canyon itself is well worth visiting, especially if you take the 5-km walk to see the striking basalt columns that create its iconic scene. 

There are two main viewpoints. The westside viewing platform is easily accessible, requiring only a walk down steel staircases, with a parking lot, campground, and paid restroom nearby. Most sightseeing tours stop here, as it’s less challenging, though it doesn’t offer the iconic basalt column view seen in many photos.

For that iconic view, you’ll need to take the hiking trail on the east side of Studlagil Canyon. This 9.7-km round-trip hike, with a 184-meter elevation gain, is moderately challenging. The best time to enjoy it is from May to September, when the weather is favorable, and the canyon’s unique basalt columns and vibrant river are at their most impressive. Along the marked trail, you’ll also encounter Stuðlafoss Waterfall, a stunning cascade that tumbles over a basalt cliff, adding to the canyon’s unique beauty.

About a 30-minute drive off the Ring Road from Egilsstadir  in East Iceland, there are two waterfalls of unique appearances on one hike: Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls. 

The hike to Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls from the parking lot is about 2.5 km each way, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. The trail climbs steadily, offering breathtaking views of Lagarfljót lake and the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll encounter Litlanesfoss, framed by stunning basalt columns that add to its beauty. Continuing uphill, you’ll reach Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, with striking red clay layers embedded in the cliffs behind it. 

The hike is moderately challenging but rewarding, as both waterfalls are set against dramatic geological formations, making it a memorable experience for nature lovers.

After you reach the Northern Region of Iceland, a wealth of waterfalls are found amidst diverse landscapes. I recommend the hike to Dettifoss waterfall.

There is one hiking trail on each side of the canyon. The hike from the parking lot on the west side is a relatively short but rugged 1-km trail, taking about 10-15 minutes each way. The path is rocky and uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended. As you approach, the thunderous roar of Dettifoss—the most powerful waterfall in Europe—grows louder, adding to the anticipation. 

The waterfall’s sheer force and the dramatic surrounding landscape make the hike worthwhile. The viewing area provides a close-up view of the massive cascade, with mist rising from the falls and often rainbows when it’s sunny.

The hike to Dettifoss from the east side is slightly longer, around 1.5 km each way, and takes about 20-30 minutes. The trail is more developed, providing easier access, but the terrain can still be rocky in places. From this side, you get a closer view of the waterfall’s immense power and can see the water plunging down from a more dramatic angle. 

The east side also offers views of Selfoss, another beautiful waterfall upstream. This side is less crowded than the west, offering a quieter experience while still showcasing the raw beauty of Dettifoss and the surrounding landscape.

In West Iceland, the most popular waterfall hike off the Rind Road is Hraunafosar and Barnafoss waterfalls hike. 

This easy, scenic trail is around 1 km, taking you through a beautiful lava field. Hraunfossar is a series of unique waterfalls streaming from beneath the lava, while nearby Barnafoss has a more powerful, narrow cascade. The two waterfalls offer a striking contrast—Hraunfossar with its gentle, wide flow and Barnafoss with its forceful torrent through a rocky gorge. The trail is short and accessible, making it a perfect stop for visitors to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty.

There is a cozy wooden restaurant near the parking lot offering a country-style buffet and fresh coffee, making it an ideal spot for a quick lunch during a long day of exploring.

Close to Reykjavik, and only a 30-minute drive off the Ring Road, you will find the parking lot and starting point for the hike to the second-highest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur waterfall.

Glymur Waterfall, now Iceland’s second-highest at 198 meters, once held the title of the tallest waterfall in the country. However, a recently discovered Morsárfoss waterfall hidden deep within a glacier in South Iceland has claimed first place. Glymur still offers an adventurous and rewarding hike, located just off the Ring Road in West Iceland. The trail is about 7 km round trip and is considered moderately challenging, with a mix of river crossings, steep sections, and a cave to pass through. 

As you ascend, the views become increasingly dramatic, with the deep canyon and Glymur’s powerful cascade creating a stunning sight. The hike typically takes 3-4 hours to complete and is best tackled between May and September when the trail is clear of snow. It’s an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure and incredible scenery.

Along Iceland’s Ring Road, countless lesser-known waterfalls await discovery, each offering its own unique beauty and adventure.

The Best Ring Road Tours in Iceland

The long drive along Iceland’s Ring Road offers a journey that is both breathtaking and immersive. And it dramatically varies in different seasons.

Traveling around Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, is one of the most scenic and rewarding journeys you can take. The entire loop covers approximately 1,332 kilometers (828 miles) and typically takes about 6 to 10 days to complete, depending on your pace and how much you want to explore.

The best Ring Road tour is a 6-day itinerary around Iceland, featuring main highlights for a true Icelandic experience. The 6-day Iceland trip allows for quick stops at major attractions like waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches, while a longer trip provides more time to immerse yourself in lesser-known spots and hidden gems along the way.

You can easily extend your Iceland adventure on the Ring Road to 10 days, as I did several years ago. This pace allowed me to explore many hidden gems in the remote part of Iceland, often beyond the main Ring Road, offering a more intimate experience of the country’s lesser-known beauty. If you’re not focused on hitting all the famous spots in a short timeframe, this relaxed journey is ideal.

However, if you’re looking to balance popular sights with a bit of exploration, consider extending your trip to Iceland to 7 or 8 days. This gives you extra time after a 6-day Ring Road tour to discover more of Iceland’s diverse regions. For instance, you could spend a day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—often called “Iceland in miniature”—or, in the summer, venture into Iceland’s Highlands to witness its strikingly colorful landscapes and unique scenery.

The Blue Lagoon isn’t located along the Ring Road, but it’s conveniently close to Keflavik International Airport. This makes it an ideal final stop on the 6-day Ring Road with Blue Lagoon admission tour, allowing you to relax before catching a transfer to the airport for a flight later that evening or early the next morning.

If you have fewer than five days in Iceland, don’t worry—you can still experience much of Iceland’s iconic Ring Road. By focusing your journey on two regions, the South and the North, you can explore Iceland’s diverse landscapes extensively, even with limited time.

Starting in Reykjavik as your base, consider a 2-day tour along Iceland’s stunning southern coast. This tour typically includes a visit to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, with stops at famous waterfalls, black sand beaches, and often an ice cave exploration. Adding the Golden Circle Route transforms this into a 3-day classic tour, showcasing some of Iceland’s most famous sites—all easily accessible from Reykjavik.

These 2-, 3- or other multi-day tours often include accommodation in South Iceland, offering a chance to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the southern shore. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to return to Reykjavik each evening to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, there are discounted packages of day tours departing from Reykjavik. These tours cover highlights like the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

For those interested in exploring North Iceland, Akureyri is a great starting point. From there, various tours offer opportunities to see the region’s top attractions, although most North Iceland tours run only from May to September.

Whether you have a few days or a few weeks, exploring Iceland’s Ring Road offers endless discoveries and awe-inspiring sights at every turn.

Embrace the adventure, and let the journey through Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes create memories to last a lifetime.