An Epic Road Trip: The Ring Road in Iceland
There is so much more to Iceland than Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. While these iconic destinations are well worth visiting, travelers with time to venture beyond Reykjavík’s popular day trips will discover an entirely different side of the country.
Iceland’s Ring Road, also known as Route 1, circles the island for approximately 830 miles. Along the way, the scenery shifts from waterfalls and black sand beaches to calving glaciers, volcanic mudpots, the peaceful East Fjords and otherworldly geological formations. You can complete the drive in about a week at a faster pace, changing hotels most nights, or allow two weeks to slow down and fully experience it. Either way, it is one of the world’s most unforgettable road trips.
Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle
Reykjavík is well worth spending a day or two at the beginning or end of your epic road trip. The city is charming, easy to explore on foot and filled with plenty to see and do.
The skyline is dominated by Hallgrímskirkja, the striking concrete Lutheran church inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava columns.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: Climb the church tower for a gorgeous panoramic view of Reykjavík.
The Harpa Concert Hall, located along the harbor, is an impressive example of geometric glass architecture that beautifully reflects the water and sky, especially at dusk.
Reykjavík’s food scene is excellent and has evolved far beyond the familiar puffin and fermented-fish clichés, although both are still available for curious travelers. Icelandic sheep graze on wild herbs such as thyme, which naturally flavors the meat and makes it especially delicious.
The famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa sits within a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where milky-blue water steams against volcanic rock. It can feel crowded and touristy, but it remains a quintessential Icelandic experience.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider one of the smaller geothermal spas found along the Ring Road.
The Golden Circle is a 190-mile loop from Reykjavík featuring three of Iceland’s most famous sights: Þingvellir National Park, where two tectonic plates meet; the Geysir geothermal area; and Gullfoss, a dramatic two-tiered waterfall.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: The Golden Circle is worthwhile, but travelers completing the entire Ring Road will encounter even more impressive waterfalls and geothermal landscapes. If your schedule is limited, this is one excursion you may choose to skip.
The South Coast
Heading east along the Ring Road, Iceland’s dramatic South Coast unfolds between massive ice-capped volcanoes and the sea.
Seljalandsfoss. Iceland has no shortage of waterfalls, but Seljalandsfoss was one of Michelle’s favorites. Located just off the Ring Road, this 200-foot waterfall is especially memorable because a path leads behind its thundering curtain of water.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: Bring a waterproof jacket and shoes with good traction. You will likely get wet walking behind the falls.
Skógafoss. A few kilometers farther east, Skógafoss is another powerful 200-foot waterfall. On sunny days, the mist often creates double rainbows. A staircase beside the falls leads to an impressive view from above and a trail that continues into the highlands.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: Climb the stairs for a completely different perspective of the waterfall and surrounding landscape.
Vík and the Black Sand Beach. The small village of Vík sits near the southernmost point of Iceland’s mainland. Nearby, the striking Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks rise from the Atlantic beyond a dramatic stretch of black sand.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: Admire the beach from a safe distance. Powerful sneaker waves can surge much farther onto the shore than expected, so never turn your back on the ocean.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. A short detour from the Ring Road leads to this spectacular canyon, carved over thousands of years by glacial meltwater. At approximately 330 feet deep and 1.2 miles long, its moss-covered walls and winding river make the hike to the overlooks well worth the effort.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Michelle’s absolute favorite stop along the Ring Road, Jökulsárlón sits at the edge of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Massive icebergs break away from the glacier and drift slowly through the lagoon toward the sea. You can watch them from shore, but seeing them up close is even more remarkable.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: Take a boat tour through the lagoon for an unforgettable view of the floating icebergs.
Across the road, smaller pieces of ice wash onto nearby Diamond Beach, creating a striking contrast against the black sand. With the right angle and safe positioning, you may even capture a photo that makes it look as though you are standing on an iceberg in the middle of the ocean.
The East Fjords
Beyond Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the East Fjords reveal a quieter, slower side of Iceland. While many visitors travel only as far as the South Coast, those who continue along the Ring Road are rewarded with peaceful landscapes and fewer crowds.
The road winds along the water’s edge and over mountain passes, offering sweeping views of dramatic fjords and colorful fishing villages below. It is one of the least-visited and most scenic stretches of the Ring Road.
Seyðisfjörður. Nestled at the end of a fjord, this charming town is known for its picturesque blue church, colorful buildings and surrounding mountains. Its ferry terminal also connects Iceland with the Faroe Islands.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: Spend the night in Seyðisfjörður to slow down, explore the village and experience the peaceful character of Iceland’s East Fjords.
Mývatn and the North
The Mývatn region in northern Iceland is one of the most volcanically active landscapes on Earth. Lake Mývatn lies within an area shaped by a massive lava eruption more than 2,000 years ago and is surrounded by remarkable geological formations.
Here, you can explore the pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar, the dramatic lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the impressive Hverfell crater. Just east of the lake, Námaskarð offers an otherworldly landscape of bubbling mud pools, sulfurous steam vents and vivid yellow and orange mineral deposits.
Mývatn Nature Baths (Earth Lagoon). Often described as northern Iceland’s answer to the Blue Lagoon, Earth Lagoon offers a smaller, less crowded experience in a setting that feels naturally connected to the surrounding volcanic landscape.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: If you prefer a quieter geothermal experience, consider Earth Lagoon instead of the Blue Lagoon. Michelle loved its intimate atmosphere and recommends relaxing in the warm water with a drink while taking in the volcanic scenery.
About an hour from Mývatn, two of northern Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls await.
Dettifoss. Considered Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss sends an immense volume of water over a rugged basalt ledge. You can hear its thunderous roar long before it comes into view.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, as the trails can be rocky, wet and slippery from the waterfall’s powerful spray.
Goðafoss. Known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” Goðafoss curves across the Skjálfandafljót River in a broad horseshoe shape, with twin cascades creating a strikingly beautiful scene.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: View Goðafoss from both sides of the river to appreciate its shape and power from different perspectives.
Húsavík is considered one of the world’s best destinations for whale watching. In season, traditional oak fishing boats take travelers into Skjálfandi Bay in search of humpback, minke and even blue whales, with sightings reported on approximately 90 percent of tours.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: Dress in warm, waterproof layers, even during summer. Conditions on the water can be much colder and windier than they are on land.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a worthwhile detour from the Ring Road along Iceland’s west coast. Often described as “Iceland in miniature,” it brings together many of the country’s most striking landscapes, including dramatic sea cliffs, black sand beaches, seal colonies, colorful fishing villages, lava fields and volcanic craters.
Kirkjufell. Located near Grundarfjörður, this distinctive arrowhead-shaped peak is one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains. Its dramatic shape and nearby waterfall make it an especially memorable stop.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: If your itinerary allows, add time for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The scenic drive and remarkable variety of landscapes make it well worth the detour.
What to Know About the Ring Road
Driving Iceland’s Ring Road requires thoughtful preparation. Accommodations can be limited in smaller towns, the weather can change quickly and planning each day around your preferred driving time is essential.
Runway Travel advisors have firsthand experience with the Ring Road and can help make this logistically complex journey feel seamless. If driving the route feels overwhelming, we can also recommend a guided tour that matches your interests, pace and preferred activity level.
With its extraordinary variety of landscapes, the Ring Road is truly a bucket-list journey. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable Iceland road trip.
💡 Michelle’s Recommendation: July and August generally offer the warmest weather and best driving conditions. While Northern Lights sightings are unlikely during these months, the long daylight hours give you more time to explore.
About the Author
Michelle Zlakowski is a Runway Travel advisor specializing in outdoor adventures and family travel experiences for every activity and adventure level. Follow Michelle on Gravatar.
