If you’re in the mood for an adventure, then Iceland should be right up at the top of your bucket list. There is simply nowhere else on earth where you feel like you’re walking on the moon, witnessing the spectacular dancing Northern Lights, living part of a Hans Christian fairytale, and swimming in naturally heated waters, all in a matter of days. A self-drive road trip is the best way to see what Iceland has to offer as you have the flexibility to go at your own pace and plan exactly what you want to do.
And while that may seem a little daunting, the world’s largest volcanic island is actually perfectly set up for this due to it’s brilliant Ring Road or Route 1 – an 828-mile almost circular stretch which was built in the 1970s which cuts through the epic landscape.
If you’re feeling keen to see even more you can also veer off this route to the more secluded western fjords. Here we’ve put together two itineraries to help you plan the trip of a lifetime – starting off in the capital city of Reykjavik. Two weeks should allow time for you to see most of Iceland’s highlights at a more leisurely pace, however, we know not everyone has this kind of time so we’ve also curated a seven-day route.
Just be warned, it’s not going to be a relaxing trip!
Happy travels!
FAQ: Road trip Iceland
What is the Ring Road?
Route 1 is a mixture of perfectly-tarmacked highways and winding gravel lanes that circles the entire country. It is a hugely important road as it connects the majority of towns together and also attracts many tourists to the country.
The full circle is 828 miles which you can drive in either direction. The mileage between each stop off might not seem too steep but always allow more time for your journey due to the nature of the roads and mountains.
On the open road the maximum permitted speed is 55 miles/h and 50 miles/h on gravel roads. For up-to-date information on conditions on the various roads visit www.road.is.
How to get around?
If you want to do things at your own pace, then we suggest you hire a car and drive yourself. This way you have the flexibility and freedom to do what you want, when you want to. You can visit the attractions when they are less busy and generally more enjoyable than the peak guided tour slots.
If you’re keen to venture off the beaten track make sure you hire a 4×4 vehicle or one where 4×4 capabilities can be activated as that is a requirement for the F-roads.
Alternatively you can hire a camper van which can also double up as your accommodation. There are lots of campsites along the route to park up at.
Where to stay?
If you’re driving we recommend staying in a guest house or farm for the true Icelandic experience. The locals are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet and they are always willing to help you with directions or general advice for your journey.
What is the best time to visit Iceland?
Iceland is equally as beautiful in the summer, as in the winter. It depends purely on what you want to get out of your trip.
Price-wise Iceland is generally cheaper to visit in the winter when accommodation and flights are lowest. This is also the best time to see the Northern Lights as the skies are darkest and there is more time for star-gazing. The glaciers are also going to be at their fullest and the waterfalls frozen.
However if you visit in mid-summer you have the incredible opportunity to witness the Midnight Sun – a natural phenomenon where the sun is visible at midnight.
You’ll just have to make sure you return if you’re keen to do everything!
How often are gas stations?
Thankfully there are gas stations situated all along the ring road.
However, some are close together while others are separated by long winding roads so we strongly urge you to always fill up when you pass one if you are half full just in case. You really don’t want to be running out of fuel on the ring road!
7 day itinerary – 998 miles
Road trip in Iceland day 1 – Explore Reykjavik
(31 miles)
Time to explore the capital city of Reykjavik. Take a walk around the harbour, stroll around the quaint colourful streets and take in some of the city’s cultural highlights, including the Settlement exhibition, a show at Harpa Concert Hall or the Museum of Iceland. Enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks on the main street Laugavegur.
Road trip in Iceland day 2 – Experience the Golden Circle
(197 miles)
Start off your self-drive experience by embarking on the classic Golden Circle tour which is a 190 mile route which links three of Iceland’s popular attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Haukadalur valley Geysir geothermal area (and its neighbour Strokkur) and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Check out Almannagjá, an imposing 8-mile long gorge found in Thingvellir. While the Geysir is currently inactive, Strokkur is the most active fountain geyser on the island. Have your camera ready as you will see spectacular bursts of water shoot 40 metres out of the ground every ten minutes. Just be warned it’s a bit stinky!
In winter the Gullfoss waterfall is often frozen solid while in summer you can usually capture a constant rainbow in your photographs.
Then drive to Seljalandsfoss for another picture perfect opportunity and in overnight stay in the village of Vik.
Road trip in Iceland day 3 – Glacier hiking
(168 miles)
Head to the most beautiful black sand beach in the world – Reynisfjara – which you might recognise the beach from Game of Thrones, Star Trek, or Star Wars. Here you’ll see amazing column rock formations such as the Reynisdrangar pillars.
From here drive 55 minutes to Skaftafell, in the Vatnajökull National Park, for some glacier hiking and more spectacular views.
You’ll then be heading to Höfn for your overnight stay but you can stop off at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for a boat ride and Diamond beach, where chunks of ice shine on the black sand, if you wish
Road trip in Iceland day 4 – Discover Lake Mývatn
(261 miles)
A big day of driving today so leave early and have lots of snacks handy!
You’ll pass more stunning landscapes, fjords and small fishing villages as Route 1 takes you along the east coast of Iceland to Lake Mývatn, a vast wetland and home to many bird species. It’s also your base for your fourth evening.
From here you can check out the narrow geothermal pass of Námaskarð at the north-east of the island with its incredible rainbow sands and mud pools.
Also make time to discover the maze of lava formations at Dimmuborgir and the moon-like cratars at Skútustaðir.
Road trip in Iceland day 5 – Visit the ‘Northern capital’
(124 miles)
After a leisurely start to the day, drive 60 miles towards Akureyri, nicknamed Iceland’s ‘Northern capital’.
If you’re not driving try the amazing beer from the local brewery which available everywhere.
A 45 minute drive from here and you’ll find the Goðafoss Waterfall which is well worth a photograph stop from either side of the river. Then it’s time to head to Skagafjörður where you’ll spend your night. Don’t miss the historic turf house called Glaumbær farm while you’re there.
Road trip in Iceland day 6 – Admire Lava Falls
(171 miles)
As you return to Reykjavik for you final evening stop off at the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, known also as Lava Falls because the water seeps through the lava into the Hvita River. You may also wish to visit the Grabrok volcanic crater for a hike. It rises about 170 meters above the ground but steps have been built to make things easier.
Road trip in Iceland day 7 – Relax in the Blue Lagoon
(46 miles)
After all the driving you deserve a final treat! Spend the morning relaxing at the Blue Lagoon before you head to Keflavík airport for your journey home.
14 day itinerary – 1395 miles
This journey will cover everything on the 7 day itinerary but with some added extras such as the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the eastern fjords.
Iceland road trip day 1 – Explore Reykjavik
(31 miles)
After your arrival into Keflavík airport pick up your hire car and head to the wonderful capital city of Reykjavik for a day and night at your leisure.
Iceland road trip day 2 – Discover the Golden Circle
(187 miles)
Drive the classic Golden Circle route – Thingvellir National Park, Haukadalur valley Geysir geothermal area (and its neighbour Strokkur) and the Gullfoss waterfall. Drive to Selfoss for your a two-night stay.
Iceland road trip day 3 – Hiking in Selfoss
Put on your walking boots for a full day of hiking around Selfoss – that will be a familiar theme with the 14-day route!
You have several options such as Kerið Crater Lake, a trek to Reykjadalur Hot Springs or a trip to Raufarhólshellir to explore its famous Lava Tunnel.
If you’re feeling particularly brave you could head to the Silfra Fissure for some snorkeling. Located between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates you’ll be in probably the clearest water in the world with 100m visibility.
Road trip in Iceland day 4 – Wondrous waterfalls
(48 miles)
Head east towards Seljalandsfoss to see the spectacular waterfall which can be viewed from both sides. Park up and enjoy the 1.2 mile hike to the best viewing positions. Also take time to also go and see Gljúfrabúi waterfall, 2km away, which is considered a hidden gem. Get an early night at your base in Seljalandsfoss, ready for a big day of driving.
Iceland road trip day 5 – Amazing rock formations at Reynisfjara
(156 miles)
Wake up early and drive towards Vatnajökull National Park.
Enjoy stop off’s en route at the lovely village of Vik, discover natural rock formations at black volcanic sand beach Reynisfjara and also check out Fjaðrárgljúfur (Feather River Canyon).
Check into your accommodation at Skaftafell for two nights ahead of an early start for the glacier hike!
Iceland road trip day 6 – Glacier hiking
It’s time to embark on a glacier hike at the largest glacier in Europe. Make sure you join an organised tour for this one as it can be dangerous to navigate. Park up at Skaftafell and opt for the easier three-hour tour or the more intense and adventurous five-hour tour.
In the afternoon join a whale watching tour.
Iceland road trip day 7 – Float on the Glacier Lagoon
(259 mile)
Drive one hour to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for a morning boat trip. You can join an organised tour or go kayaking if you fancy. After lunch make the 214 mile drive towards the Hallormsstaðarskógur forest – stopping of at Hofn en route – where you will stay for two nights.
Iceland road trip day 8 – Say hello to the puffins
(60 miles)
Enjoy a morning walking at Hallormsstaður Forest, Iceland’s largest forest with 11 trails to choose from.
Afterwards make the short journey to the coastal village of Seyðisfjörður Here you can experience a vibrant cafe scene, see colourful wooden buildings and also visit Puffin Paradise Borgarfjordur Eystri, which is one of the best places in the world to see Puffins.
Iceland road trip day 9 – Discover Lake Mývatn
(151 miles)
You’ll pass more stunning landscapes, fjords, and small fishing villages as Route 1 takes you along the east coast of Iceland to Lake Mývatn, a vast wetland and home to many bird species. It’s also your base for tonight.
From here you can check out the narrow geothermal pass of Námaskarð at the north-east of the island with its incredible rainbow sands and mud pools.
Also, make time to discover the maze of lava formations at Dimmuborgir and the moon-like cratars at Skútustaðir.
Iceland road trip day 10 – Visit Iceland’s ‘Northern capital
After a leisurely start to the day, drive 60 miles towards Akureyri, nicknamed Iceland’s ‘Northern capital.
If you’re not driving try the amazing beer from the local brewery which is available everywhere.
A 45 minute drive from here and you’ll find the Goðafoss Waterfall which is well worth a photograph stop from either side of the river. Then it’s time to head to Skagafjörður where you’ll spend your night. Don’t miss the historic turf house called Glaumbær farm while you’re there.
Day 11 – Amazing natural basalt rock columns
(165 miles)
Make the three-hour journey to Blönduós village, which is one of the busiest stops on the ring road. You can have a rest, fill up your car and grab a good meal.
As you’ve got a fairly relaxed route back to Reykjavik we will stop here for the night to explore the Vatnsnes Peninsula and is a neighbour to some stunning natural wonders. Hvítserkur rock and the stunningly perfect Borgarvirki stone formation on the east side of Vatnsnes are great spots to check out. There are also many interesting natural wonders like Kálfhamarsvík basalt column cove and Kolugljúfu, which is a beautiful gorge of waterfalls.
Road trip in Iceland day 12 – The western fjords
(128 miles)
Head towards the western fjords and Snæfellsjökull National Park stopping off en route at the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, known also as lava falls because the water seeps through lava.
You may also wish to visit Stykkishólmur, the largest town on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, for a boat trip to the wide Breiðafjörður fjord. Also consider the Grabrok volcanic crater for a hike. It rises about 170 meters above the ground but steps have been built to make things easier.
Overnight stay at Snæfellsjökull.
Road trip in Iceland day 13 – Relax in the Blue Lagoon
(179 miles)
After an early start head to the Hvalfjörður fjord for a quick pit-stop and then continue on to the world famous Blue Lagoon. Relax in the naturally heated waters and coat yourself in clay with a cocktail in hand.
Afterward, you can head back to Reykjavik for your final evening.
Road trip in Iceland day 14 – Final morning in Reykjavik
(31 miles)
Spend your morning at leisure in Reykjavik before heading to the airport for your journey home.
KAYAK Travel Tips for Iceland
- How to get there: From the UK, various airlines to Iceland – Iceland Air, Wow Air, British Airways, Lufthansa and Easyjet. Iceland Air offers travellers to the USA the option of an up to a one-week stopover in Iceland without any surcharge. There are buses from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavik, the northern-most capital in the world.
- Vehicle: A large selection of car for hire options can be found here.
- Accommodation: You can find accommodation all across Iceland from as little as £15 p/night.
- Route: Ring Road 1 is 828 miles long with stretches in the north-east being gravel rather than tarmac. On the open road the maximum permitted speed is 55 miles/h and 50 miles/h on gravel roads. For up-to-date information on conditions on the various roads visit www.road.is.
- Information: visiticeland.com
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