Iceland is one of the hottest destinations to visit and for good reason! Whether you go in the winter to see the wonder of the Northern Lights or head there in the summer and experience the midnight sun, you will surely fall in love with this country. Taking a road trip on the Iceland Ring Road will blow you away and make you want to go back for more.
If you want to see the breadth of what Iceland has to offer, the best way is to drive around the country. I love taking a road trip and having the flexibility to change my plans or get off of the beaten path.
Luckily, the Ring Road takes you around the entire island and it is only 828 miles long, so you can easily complete this trip in a week. There are so many things to see and do, so you can truly choose your own adventure!
I‘ve now been to Iceland twice and both trips were so amazing, that I’m constantly thinking about when I can return. Below you will find the ultimate Iceland Ring Road itinerary to make your road trip unforgettable. It includes the best time to go, where to stay and Iceland travel tips!
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Iceland Ring Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik
Day 2: Reykjavik to Akureyri
Day 3: Akureyri to Goðafoss to Lake Myvatn and Husavik
Day 4: Husavik to Dettifoss and East Fjords
Day 5: East Fjords to Skaftafell
Day 6: Skaftafell to South Iceland
Day 7: South Iceland to Golden Circle to Reykjavik
Day 1: Reykjavik
You will most likely fly directly into Reykjavik, Iceland’s sophisticated capital. Here you will find a cultural center, a pulsing nightlife, and a distinct charm.
Spend your day walking through the city, walking through museums, or hanging by the harbor. There are so many things you can choose to do, but some highlights are listed below!
Things to Do in Reykjavik:
Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
You can’t visit Iceland without visiting one of the amazing geothermal lagoons. Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are the two premiere lagoons in the Reykjavik area. Choosing between them may be the hardest part. 😩
Both Sky Lagoon & Blue Lagoon require reservations ahead of time!
Blue Lagoon is known for its milky blue waters, while Sky Lagoon has an amazing 7 Step Ritual. Either way, you’ll want to soak for hours. If you choose to visit the Blue Lagoon I recommend going right after your flight, because it’s close to the airport!
Hot Dog Stand (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur)
Stop in to try what many say is the world’s best hot dog. It’s located right next to the Radisson hotel. Order a dog with all the fixings and sit outside by the harbor to enjoy the view.
Hallgrimskirkja
The church is over 70 meters high and you can see it from most places in the city as it rises on the hilltop. If you climb to the top you will get an amazing view of the city below and the church itself is a beautiful sight to behold
The Perlan
A gorgeous building that offers a panoramic view of Reykjavik 🤩 and is a must for any tourist. Inside you will find a fine dining restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a delicious ice cream spot. Don’t leave the city without a stop here!
National Museum of Iceland
If you want to learn more about the culture, then this is the perfect spot. There are plenty of great museums in Iceland, but this one will answer your questions about Iceland’s heritage and its history.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik:
Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland and has about a third of the population fo the country. So, there are plenty of spots to choose from including hotels and airbnbs. Y
You can find a number of great hotels in the city that are walkable to things like the Exeter Hotel. But, if you want more unique or adventurous places a bit further from downtown try stays like the ION Adventure Hotel or a Glass Lodge.
Best Hotels in Reykjavik:
Day 2: Akureyri (387 km)
Wake up early and head West to the town of Akureyri. Akureyri is the largest town in Iceland outside of Reykjavik and sits near the Eyjafjörður Fjord. It takes about 4 hours to drive there without stopping, so make sure that you have enough time!
Along the way, you can explore both the Borgarfjordur and Skagafjordur valleys. Here are some suggestions for stops along the way and for your time in Akureyri.
Things to See On the Ring Road:
Borgarnes
You can choose to skip this fjord by taking the tunnel under it or you can take in the scenery and drive 26 miles along its shore. When we went it was very grey, but it was still breathtaking. Glymur Falls sit 4 km off this road and is a great spot to get out and walk around.
Hvalfjorour Fjord
This is the main town in the Borgarfjordur area. Stop here for a quick bite to eat and a coffee or stop into the Saga Settlement center. There are two different exhibitions here that talk about the vikings and the settlement of Iceland.
Grabrok Crater
In the Borgarfjordur valley, you can climb up the Grabrok Crater. This crater was created thousands of years ago. 😮
It’s a short but a steep walk up to views into the crater and the landscape beyond.
Vatnsnes Peninsula
If you decide to make this stop it will take an additional 65 km to your trip, but I believe it was worth it.
Drive to the Northern point of Hindsvik to see the seals that call this area home. They love to bask on the shores and swim in the waters. You may see other spots to stop and get out to see these cute creatures.
Turf Church of Viðmiryi
This church dates all the way back to 1834. It is known as one of the purest forms of architecture from its original design. So, stop here for a quick photo and keep on driving to Akureyri!
Things to Do in Akureyri:
Akureyrarkirkja
This church was designed by the same architect as Hallgrimskirkja. You will have to climb up a few steps to get there (I ran up and was a bit winded), but once you do you’ll get a lovely view of the city and the fjords. If you go into the church you will find a 3200 pipe organ and intricate stained glass windows.
Botanical Gardens
If you go down the road from the church, you will get to these gardens. 🌸 They have a variety of plants from Iceland and abroad. One area showcases the majority of the flowers that are native to the country.
Where to Stay in Akureyri
Like I said before, Akureyri is considered the “capital of the North”. That means you can find plenty of options to stay from campsites to nice hotels. You’ll even find that many hotels are walking distance to the gardens or church. But, you can also stay at peaceful hotels surrounded by stunning scnery.
Best Hotels Akureyri:
Day 3: Akureyri, Goðafoss, Lake Myvatn, and Husavik (75 km)
Today, you will drive less and it was my favorite day of the entire trip. I was blown away by the extraordinary sights.
Start driving out of the city and stop at the panoramic view of Akureyri and the Eyjafjörður Fjord, one of the most scenic in the country. Continue along the Ring Road taking longer stops at Goðafoss and Lake Myvatn before reaching Husavik, the whale capital of Iceland. Set up a whale watching tour for the following day. 🐳
Things to See on the Ring Road:
Goðafoss
Otherwise known as the “waterfall of the Gods” this waterfall will take your breath away.
Park on the West side of the bridge and walk along the path where you will see a small waterfall before reaching the horseshoe shaped falls. These falls made me feel as if I was transported to a mystical land.✨ It was easily the most incredible waterfall on the whole trip.
Lake Myvatn
The Myvatn area is often known as one of the most naturally beautiful regions in Iceland. Here you can take in abundant bird life, walk along hiking paths, and explore volcanic features.
We did a couple of short hikes where we saw large craters and crazy rock formations. Some popular hikes include:
- Skutustadir(3 km)
- Kalfastrond area (2.5 km)
- Dimmuborgir (2.5 km) (3 km)
- Mt. Leirhnjukur (1.5 hours)
Mt. Leirhnjukur
Perched by the Husavik harbor is this gorgeous church. The white walls contrast the bright green hills that roll behind it. Make sure to walk to the harbor to view the church and take in a captivating sunset.
Where to Stay in Husavik:
Husavik sits on the coast of the bay and is an adorable town. However, there are only 2400 people who live there. So, it’s much smaller than your first two stops. You’ll find smaller hotels that are quainter here.
Lodging in Husavik:
Day 4: Husavik, Dettifoss & East Fjords (235 km)
Start your day with a whale watching cruise before heading out on the Iceland Ring Road once again!
First, make a detour at the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss, and Jokulsargljufur canyon, before heading further East. Finally, end the night in either the Egilsstadir or Hallormsstadur areas that sit near the serene East Fjords.
Things to See Near Husavik:
Whale Watching
Hopefully you took a time to arrange a cruise in the whale watching capital of the world. 🌍 There are a variety of tours to choose from in Husavik. Some even include stops to see Puffins.
Most tours take about three hours and you will get the chance to try and spot humpback whales, mike whales, and dolphins. We did a tour with Gentle Giants and even had some dolphins play with us by swimming alongside the boat. It’s always a unique experience!
Dettifoss
Notably, you can only access the falls from June to September when the road is safe to travel. Once you go, you enter Vatnajokull National Park to access the Jokulsargljufur canyon and falls.
The Jokulsa Fjollum river comes from under the Vatnajokull Glacier and has wound its way through the surrounding landscape for thousands of years. The water has carved out a magnificent canyon and eventually forms the large waterfall of Dettifoss. 200-700 tons of water fall from this ledge per second. You will be taken away by the strength of these strong falls.
Lagarfliot
Iceland’s third largest lake and home to the largest forest in the country, this is a beautiful stop.
You can travel around the entire 85 km lake, hike forest trails, or visit the Hengifoss waterfall. Similar to the folklore of Nessie, locals believe there is a large creature in the lake named Lagarfljótsormurinn.
Where to Stay Near the East Fjords:
Find yourself along the water on the peaceful Eastern Fjords. The towns around here are very small and quiet, but you can choose to stay in Egilsstadir or Hallormsstadur areas.
Hotels Near East Fjords:
Day 5: East Fjords to Skaftafell (248 km)
When you start today you should drive over the fjord landscape to reach Vatnajokull National Park. This is geologically one of the oldest parts of Iceland and is home to Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in the country. 🧊
Large volcanic eruptions formed the foundations of basalt, before the Ice Age covered the land and glaciers cut through the walls of rock. Ultimately, end your day exploring the Skaftafell region of the national park.
Things to See in Skaftafell & Vatnjokull
Hvalnes
When you arrive, park near the lighthouse and walk along the black pebble beaches to take in the rolling surf. You can find hundreds of whooper swans here in the late spring and summer and you might spot a reindeer.
Boat in Jokulsarlon
The Jokulsarlon lagoon sits at the mouth of the Vatnajokull Glacier on the west side. Book a boat ride through one of Iceland’s deepest lakes and you will get to watch as large icebergs float around you.
Because of the icebergs piercing blue color, they almost look fake. If you’re lucky you may spot a seal or lovely birds.
Diamond Beach
After you head out on the water, it’s time to see the gorgeous shores of the area. Diamond Beach is a black sand beach where pieces of the glacier wash ashore. So, you can see mesmerizing pieces of ice that almost appear like “diamonds.” It’s mesmerizing.
Glacier Walk or Ice Cave Tour
Get close and personal with the glacier by doing a walk along it. You will get to put on crampons and carry an ice pick as you walk along the smooth surface of the glacier. As you walk, the guides will explain about the geological formations and will take you on a nice walk along a scenic route.
Or, if you are looking for something even more adventurous than you can do an Ice Cave Tour. This is one of the coolest options as you descend into a glittering cave. We did the tour in Vik and it was incredible.
Svartifoss
Venture into Skaftafell National Park to go on a moderate hike to an incredible waterfall. My brother and I completed a moderate hike to the falls(4 km). When we went a few years ago, we had the hike to ourselves, which was so lovely!
Where to Stay in Skaftafell Area:
There are less towns around this area, which makes it a wonderful time to go camping or look for airbnbs. However, there a few great hotels in the area that you can stay for a quiet night!
Day 6: Skaftafell to South Iceland (280 km)
First, you can explore any areas of the Glacier Lagoon that you didn’t or do a tour, before heading out! Then, drive across the Laki Lava and past natural wonders as you make your way South.
Take plenty of time to pull over and stop at different points to take in the beauty that surrounds you. Finally, end the day in one of the towns that sits along the Southern shores like Selfoss or Vik!
South Coast Ring Road Iceland Sights:
Dverghamrar Dwarf Cliffs
According to the locals, dwarfs live in these cliff structures. The horseshoe shaped structure features columns or rock that you can climb over to explore. It’s a unique geological formation and is worth a quick stop.
Fjadrargljufur
A 100 meter deep gorge sits amongst cliffs that feature sharp edges and thin ledges. Walk along the Eastern edge to get stunning views and stare at the gorge below. Perched on top of the ledge, I felt as if I was on top of the world. It was one of the most astounding places we saw on our trip around the Iceland Ring Road.
Reynisfjara Beach
Visit the most iconic black sand beach in all of Iceland. This beach is blanketed with volcanic rock and features a large caves, pounding waves 🌊, and basalt columns. You might be able to spot puffins by the cliffs.
I went in both the winter and the summer and both times I was freezing. So make sure to pack a jacket for your visit!
Skogafoss & Seljalandsfoss
One of the best parts of the South Coast is the various cascades you can find. Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss are both remarkable waterfalls that are worth visiting. They are also two of the most popular on the route.
But, if you have even more time you can visit the various other falls on the way or complete the longer hike above Skogafoss. Other Falls:
- Kvernufoss
- Gljufrabrai
- Gluggafoss
Where to Stay in Vik & the South Coast:
Vik is a small town right on the coastline, next to Reynisfjara Beach. It’s a wonderful place to stay for a night. There are a handful of quaint hotels there.
But, if you want to get a little further towards Reykjavik you can find lodging in the adorable town of Selfoss. They have some incredibly unique stays like geodomes and glass hotels. Both are great options!
Hotels on the South Coast:
Day 7: South Iceland, Golden Circle, Reykjavik (50 km)
On your last full day, you will visit the largest tourist attraction in Iceland, the Golden Circle. Plenty of people fly into Iceland, spend a couple days in Reykjavik and make a day trip around the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle is the road between three major attractions in the country: Thingvellir National Park, Geyser Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
While these attractions are stunning, the crowds of tourists are a bit of a turnoff. I am glad that we stopped here, but I think that if you only see this part of Iceland you will be missing out. Finally, stay in Reykjavik for your last night and hit up some last minute sights.
Golden Circle Sights:
Kerid Volcano Crater
Walk for a minute from the parking lot to see this massive crater. The crater was created from volcanic activity that occurred 5,000-6,000 years ago. The deep blue of the water is mesmerizing as it contrasts the red dirt surrounding it.
Geysir Geothermal fields
Explore a geothermal area that’s known for the erupting geysers and bubbling springs. You’ll follow a pathway along the geyser area to see a number of these features up close.
Just remember not to get too close. ⚠️
Even though there were plenty of tourists exploring this part of the circle, I really enjoyed staring at the bubbling geothermal waters and bursting geysers. The Strokkur geysir erupts regularly every 10-15 minutes and is a fun show to watch.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Drive 10 minutes from the geysir field and you’ll arrive at the “golden falls.” Gulfoss is the most iconic waterfall in Iceland. These two falls fall 105 feet down into the deep gorge below. A mist surrounds the falls as they thunder down.
There are a variety of walkways to meander along so you can get various perspectives of the falls. It’s the best way to really see the entire 800 foot wide falls.
Iceland Riverjet
Jet boats were originally invented in New Zealand and they skim through bodies of water at a fast speed. Make sure to hold on to the handrails as you careen across the Hvita river through the canyon.
Even though I had to hold tight to make sure that my brother (who is a bit more timid) didn’t slide too much, I smiled the entire ride. It’s a great way to get your blood pumping and to end your trip on a high note.
Hotels to Stay in Reykjavik:
Planning Your Iceland Ring Road Trip
Tips for Driving the Ring Road
🌅 Daylight in winter is short with the shortest days just having 4 hours of sunlight. While, summer days are incredibly long, so you can stay out all day long!
📲 Although we found there was good service in a lot of Iceland, I recommend downloading maps before you go. That way you’ll never get lost.
🤩 Allow room for flexibility in your road trip. There are so many amazing things along the road that you may want to stop by and explore!
🥶 Iceland weather can change drastically in one day. It can go from sunny to rainy or even snowy in just a matter of minutes. Prepare for all the weather!
🪨 Watch out and slow down on the gravel roads. Otherwise, you run the risk of cracking your windshields!
🚙 The Ring road is the one main highway around Iceland, so on snowy or crowded days it can take a while to get to places. Add more time into your schedule for slow downs.
💳 Most places accept credit cards in Iceland, but it’s always good to have a little cash on hand.
Renting a Car or Campervan
Iceland is one of the best countries to take a road trip in, because there’s so much to see and do along the way. However, driving can be tough with gravel roads at times and harsh weather.
If you drive in the winter, you’ll want to get a 4WD car with insurance, so that you are covered. ❄️
If you want even more of an adventure, consider doing the Iceland Ring Road by campervan! 🚐 There are a number of great campervan companies that you can drive around and camp along the way. We lived in a van for three years and we’ve been dying to see Iceland by campervan!
How to Get to Iceland
Iceland has become so popular in recent years because it’s easy to get there! IcelandAir offers tons of flights to North America and Europe from Reykjavik. ✈️
Also, IcelandAir allows you to stopover in Iceland for up to 7 days at no extra charge. So, you can add another fun destination to your trip!
Flights to Reykjavik are just 5.5 hours from the East Coast in the US and 3.5 hours from the UK. So, it’s a great destination to explore!
Best Time to Road Trip Iceland
Iceland is a fantastic destination year round, but you will have vastly different experiences. So, it’s really a matter of preference and priorities! I’ve gone in both Summer and Winter and I can’t even decide which I liked more. They were both so special. 🥰
Summer
Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Iceland with gorgeous lupines blanketing the landscape, warmer temperatures, and the midnight sun! ☀️
All of the sights are open and there are no closures, which means you can explroe to your heart’s content. But, if you visit in summer you’ll also be dealing with crowds. But, luckily there are tons of hours in the day, so you can go to sights early or late to avoid some of the people.
Fall
Fall in Iceland begins in late August and continues through October. As the sun begins to fade in the sky, colors start to blanket the landscape and the Northern Lights start to dance. Vibrant shades of yellows, oranges, and reds cover the rugged scenery. It’s a gorgeous time to visit!
Winter
Head to Iceland in the winter and you’ll experience an arctic wonderland. ☃️ Northern Lights play in the sky, snow covers the land, and golden hues light of the sky.
During the shortest days of the year, there are only four hours of sunshine. So, you’ll have to take advantage, but it’s one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. We fell in love with the frozen waterfalls, the constant sunset skies, and the vibrant Northern Lights.
Spring
Spring is a more volatile time of year to visit with unpredictable weather and things starting to come to life again. Flowers start to bloom 🌺 and snow begins to fade. It’s one of the quietest times to visit, so you can easily avoid crowds.
Packing for Your Trip to Iceland
No matter what time of year you visit Iceland, you will want waterproof clothing and layers! Weather is truly unpredictable with days quickly changing from sunshine to rain showers.
You can read more about summer packing here.
Final Tips on Road Tripping the Iceland Ring Road
Going on a road trip through Iceland was amazing and one of the best trips I’ve been on. I will always remember the stunning scenery that surrounded us as we drove down the serene Ring Road.
Then, I visited in winter and I fell even more in love with the country. My biggest tips are to allow for flexibility in your schedule and stop along the way! That way you can truly enjoy everything there is to offer.
Let me know if you found this itinerary helpful in the comments!
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