Iceland’s Ring Road, also known as Route 1, is a scenic and accessible route that loops around the entire island. It connects all of the country’s most iconic natural wonders covering roughly 828 miles (1,332 kilometres).
It starts and ends in the capital of Reykjavik and is the best way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, major towns, villages, and attractions. Along the Ring Road, you will see everything from glaciers and waterfalls to volcanic craters and black-sand beaches.
If you want more of a guided tour of Iceland, Ice Guardians Iceland offers tailor-made tours with a personal guide service. Iceland’s spectacular Vatnajökull National Park is a must-see while in Iceland and we offer custom Vatnajökull tours to see the glaciers, ice caves, and so much more!
Best Time to Drive Iceland’s Ring Road
The best time to drive the Ring Road is during the summer months from June to August. The weather is milder, the days are longer (with up to 24 hours of daylight in June), and most roads and attractions are accessible and safe.
May and September — otherwise known as the ‘shoulder seasons’ — can also be a great time to travel as the crowds are smaller and you can still experience some pleasant weather. However, some higher-altitude roads can close early in September for safety reasons.
In the winter season, which runs from October to April, driving can be hazardous due to snow, ice, and the unpredictability of the Icelandic climate. Many highland roads are closed, but the main Ring Road is usually well maintained. Although Iceland is less accessible at this time of year, this season is truly stunning to see!
Keep an eye on road conditions in Iceland by visiting the traffic centre, and see what the weather is up to through the Icelandic Met Office.
How Long Does It Take to Drive the Ring Road?
Driving the entire Ring Road would take around 16–20 hours, but who would want to miss all the incredible stops along the way? Most travellers take about 7–10 days to drive the Ring Road, stopping at plenty of scenic spots to see the best of Iceland, even adding extra days to explore the highlands and remote fjords.
One of those scenic spots could be a swimming pool! Read the Ice Guardians Iceland blog on the top 10 swimming pools on the south coast of Iceland. This list includes the island’s oldest swimming pool, Gamla Laugin (commonly known as the Secret Lagoon), constructed in 1891 and fed by warm water from surrounding hot springs.
While Iceland is packed with things to see, do, and explore, it can be overwhelming to know where to start with planning your trip to Iceland. We’ve put together some must-see places to squeeze into your itinerary while driving the Ring Road.
Notable stops along Iceland’s Ring Road
The Ring Road makes travelling around Iceland so much easier, as most of the spots that you will have on your visiting wishlist can be accessed just off it. Here are just some of the cool places to make a pitstop:
Reykjavík
At the start and end of the Ring Road is Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. It has a vibrant arts and culture scene, historic sites, and impressive architecture like the Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrimskirkja Church. Just outside the city, you can enjoy a relaxing geothermal spa experience in the Blue Lagoon.
Gullfoss & Geysir in the Golden Circle
One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Gullfoss (which translates to ‘Golden Falls’) is found in the Hvitá River canyon in Southwest Iceland. While in this area, you would be remiss to not visit Geysir – the original ‘geyser’ – where the active Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes. Both Gullfoss and Geysir are part of Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle. Looking for more waterfalls to admire? Check out our guide to the most scenic waterfalls in Iceland.
Vatnajökull National Park
A big draw of visiting this park is because of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. This area offers incredible hiking, glacier walks, ice caves, and the beautiful Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, you can see icebergs floating in the lagoon. Nearby, Diamond Beach is the perfect place to get some surreal photographs of icebergs washed up on the shore!
Within the National Park, you can also see Skaftafell Nature Preserve renowned for its unique combination of rich flora, cascading waterfalls, vast black sand deserts, and great glaciers. Find out more about the amazing Vatnajökull National Park at Ice Guardians Iceland.
Reynisfjara Beach and Dyrhólaey
Reynisfjara feels otherworldly with its black sand beach with striking basalt columns and towering sea stacks. It is arguably the most famous of Iceland’s black sand beaches, featuring at number one in our blog: 5 magical black sand beaches in Iceland and how to find them. Dyrhólaey is a promontory offering panoramic views of the coastline. Nearby, the town of Vík is a great place for an overnight stay or a spot of lunch.
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls
Located on the south coast of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is a beautiful waterfall that offers a unique photo opportunity as you can walk behind it! Skogafoss is a large waterfall with a staircase leading you upwards to excellent views. It is a great place for hiking too. Both waterfalls are easily accessible off Route 1.
Lake Mývatn and Húsavík
Things heat up in Lake Mývatn, with bubbling mud pots, lava fields, and geothermal hot springs. The volcanic lake area also has nature baths for a relaxing soak. Húsavík is a small town famous for whale watching, especially in the summer months. Close by, you can visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
Where to Stay When Travelling Iceland’s Ring Road
While you take your time exploring all the amazing sights of Iceland, you’ll need a place to rest your head. There are several options for accommodation on the island, including camping, hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. Iceland has many campgrounds along the Ring Road, often with a pretty impressive backdrop. These can be a budget-friendly option if you have camping gear.
Conde Nast Traveller has put together a selection of the best hotels to stay in Iceland, including a hotel that sits inside the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, an isolated (but luxurious) farmhouse, and an artsy, design-led boutique in Reykjavik.
There are many options depending on your preference. You could spend some nights camping, check out a rural lodge, then enjoy a couple of nights in a high-end boutique with stunning views of Iceland’s natural landscapes. Mix and match to craft the perfect Icelandic getaway!
Important tip: make sure to book well in advance for accommodation – especially in the summer months – as it gets very busy in Iceland and you want to make sure your trip is exactly how you want it. With any of our trips we always recommend staying within two hours of driving, as weather changes can often affect our guests ability to be on time and affect the tour.
There’s so much to see in Iceland, whether you are trying to pack in as much as possible for your first trip, or if you are back for a second/third/fourth visit and looking for some hidden gems to explore. Please contact us with any questions about your upcoming trip and be sure to check out the awesome Iceland activities we offer!
