Rent a car and drive around Iceland following the island’s Ring Road, and experience the most scenic road trip of your life.
The Ring Road is Iceland's main highway and most famous route. With a total distance of 1322 km (821 mi) it goes around the entire island. From the iconic south coast to east Iceland’s deep fjords as well as Akureyri in the North and the lush green valleys of the West.
Follow me as I guide you on a journey around Iceland for the greatest road adventure in the Land of Ice and Fire.
Day 1: Iceland’s South Coast
We’ll start our journey in Reykjavik, at Keflavík international Airport. There you will collect the most important part of your trip, your rental car in Iceland. This trip will be impossible without renting a car in Iceland.
With no time to waste we will begin our journey going east towards the southern coast of Iceland. This means we’ll be driving around Iceland counterclockwise.
As we pass the volcanic site of Reykjanes Peninsula and the white smokes of the Blue Lagoon we find ourselves on Road 1 heading for Vík. Passing through the town of Selfoss, which is ideal for our first Ring Road stop.
Selfoss has a beautiful town center, with a newly restored old town with great restaurants and cafes. I highly recommend taking some time to stop there, get some food at the Old Dairy Farm and prepare for the long drive ahead.
As we travel further east the spectacular mountain view of the volcanoes Helka and Eyjafjallajökull start to emerge from the land, with Vestmannaeyjar islands on the ocean side. This is not the only breathtaking scenery along the way.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is the next stop and far from it is Skógarfoss waterfall. These inspiring waterfalls are easily accessible and clearly visible from the road. Making them easy to spot and explore.
Just before we arrive at our final destination for this day two other natural wonders are waiting to be explored, Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Being the most southern part of Iceland, both have unique features, such as pillar rocks, sea stacks, rock arches and Icelandic wildlife, including puffins. It is a must-see in Iceland and a great way to end the first day on the Ring Road.
Day 2: Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón
As we say goodbye to the black sands and puffins at Vik we continue on our rental car adventure around Iceland. Now we are heading for the town Höfn, with of course a packed full plan of magical stops along the way.
First stop is Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, located just outside the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and its green-covered walls and unique features are sure to impress and inspire.
After a quick hike and a few unbelievable photos it’s time to move on. Next stop, Skaftafell National Park. Now this could be a great place to stop for the night as well. Skaftafell is one of Iceland’s most amazing places. It has some of the best hiking trails in Iceland, including the one to Svartifoss waterfall.
You could spend days admiring the scenery at Skaftafell but there is one more stop we need to make on this day, and it is a big one.
Jökulsárlón is probably the most famous of all sights in Iceland, at least on the top five list. This incredible glacier lagoon is simply out of this world beautiful. With giant icebergs floating in the lagoon only to be washed out to see where they form the almost as famous Diamond Beach.
Take time to explore Jökulsárlón, you won’t find anything like this elsewhere. I promise you that.
Day 3: East Iceland
From Höfn we leave behind the glaciers and black sands of the south and enter East Iceland. Home to deep fjords, misty mountains and reindeers.
Here the Ring Road takes us through an amazing scenery with towering mountains on one side and the calm waters of the fjords on the other. Passing charming fishing villages such as Djúpivogur, Breiðdalsvík, Stöðvarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður until we reach the town of Reyðarfjörður.
I recommend taking time to stop at these towns and villages. It is the perfect opportunity to experience Icelandic culture at its best. Finding hidden gems in local attractions and restaurants, with food made from East Iceland ingredients.
We keep driving on the Ring Road until reaching the city of Egilsstaðir. From there you take a detour off the Ring Road and visit the town of Seyðisfjörður or Kárahnjúkar dam, Iceland’s largest hydroelectric dam.
Day 4: Stuðlagil and Dettifoss
With a new day our journey around Iceland continues as we make our way to North Iceland. Our next destination is the city of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Along the way are some of Iceland's most spectacular natural wonders.
To include these stops we will need to take the day early and travel all day. Two of the four stops require going off road one. First stop is Stuðlagil canyon. Stuðlagil is perhaps the most stunning scenery in Iceland. The canyon is made from pillar rocks that glow in all colors as the blue glacier river flows between. It is the most photographed canyon in Iceland and you are sure to get impressive content for your social media there.
Our next stop is equally impressive. Dettifoss waterfall is Iceland’s, and Europe's most powerful waterfall. Just like Stuðlagil it’s a bit of a detour from the Ring Road and requires a small hike through a beautiful old lava field. Once there you will immediately feel the awesome power of Dettifoss waterfall as the muddy glacier river flows with its incredible force of the cliffs and into the gore below.
Next on our list of the best Ring Road stops is Lake Mývatn. A geothermal area in Northeast Iceland where you can find geysers, mud pools and even a small version of the Blue Lagoon, called the Natures baths. A great place to stop and relax on your round journey in Iceland.
The last place I recommend before getting to Akureyri is Goðafoss Waterfall. Just like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Goðafoss waterfall is also visible from road 1 and easily accessible. With little to no need for hiking from the parking area towards the beautiful waterfall.
Day 5: Akureyri North Iceland
Akureyri is called the capital of the North. It is one of Iceland’s biggest cities and a cultural hub for the region. It has a beautiful town center with a wide selection of restaurants. From fancy dining to street food, bistro and cozy cafes.
Akureyri also has a renowned nightlife, and is home to Iceland’s best music scene. With live music being played the main attraction at the bars like Græni hatturinn and Götubarinn.
Located in Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is a major hub for whale watching in Iceland. Boat trips are available throughout most of the year from the city harbor. Offering perhaps the best chance of seeing whales in Iceland.
The newly opened Skógarböð, geothermal lagoon and spa, is a great place to visit in Akureyri as well as the town’s public pool, located just above the city center.
Day 6: History of West Iceland
From Akureyri we enter our last day of the 6 day Ring Road adventure in Iceland. As we make our way back to Reykjavik, we pass the green hills of west Iceland. Driving through the historic area of Skagafjörður and Borgarfjörður, home to the Icelandic sagas.
Staðarskáli is by far the most famous gas station in Iceland and a must stop on the Ring Road. This roadside pit stop has been a part of Iceland’s driving culture for decades, offering travelers a place to rest, eat and refuel.
The last stop on our way is the town of Borgarnes. Sitting on a cliff above one of the island's longest bridges giving it a charming and adventurous look. Home to Iceland’s most feared viking, Egill Skallagrímsson, Borgarnes is not just pretty to look at but also has a deep historic value in Icelandic history. If you like vikings or history I recommend visiting the Settlement Center.
This includes our 6 day journey on the mighty Ring Road in Iceland. Ending at Reykjavik, from where you can enjoy the nation’s capital's long list of attractions such as Laugavegur, Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Music Hall, Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand and many more. It is also a great starting point for further explorations in Iceland. Going on day trips such as the Golden Circle route, Snæfellnes Peninsula before heading back to Keflavik Airport.
Renting a car in Iceland
As mentioned earlier, none of this is possible unless with a rental car in Iceland. When traveling in Iceland you need flexibility conditions might change or to simply have a change of heart to your travel plan.
The rental car is the only reliable travel option as well as offering the chance to travel at your own pace. While we covered the Ring Road in 6 days, it can be done both faster and slower. It is completely up to you to decide.
As far as weather predictions go, it is hard to say. Your Ring Road trip covers a large area and takes at least a few days to complete. However you can expect better weather and clear roads in summer. As in winter you can expect bad weather at any time, along with icy roads and limited daylight. That however opens up the chance to see the Northern lights.
Therefore I recommend renting a 4x4 when driving on the Ring Road during winter. In summer it depends on your travel plans, group size and luggage, as you can easily go around Iceland on Road 1 with a small city car.
No matter the car type or time of year there are two things I strongly recommend doing when renting a car in Iceland.
First is always getting full coverage insurance. Damages are extremely expensive and due to long distances so is rescue. It is better to have and not need it than the other way around.
Second is to check for road and weather conditions daily. As I said, the weather can be tricky and you do not want to spend your holiday stranded somewhere.
Conclusion
Driving the Ring Road in Iceland is perhaps the greatest road adventure you can have. This list of stops is only a fraction of the possibilities Iceland’s number one highway offers.
No matter how you choose to pace your adventure, Iceland’s Ring Road promises a journey through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Whether it's standing in front of a mighty waterfall, marveling at glaciers, or soaking in a geothermal bath, this road trip offers moments that will stay with you for a lifetime.
You learn more about Natural Wonders and Driving in Iceland in our blog.
Just remember the key elements to successfully conquering the Ring Road is having a rental car so BOOK NOW and start preparing your Ring Road adventure in Iceland!
DO NOT WALK TO THE ERUPTION: ICELAND VOLCANO GUIDE
