First Things First … What is the Iceland Ring Road?
The Iceland Ring Road, also known as Route 1, is the only national roadway in Iceland and is popular among traveler’s as it loops the entire island, connecting to less populated areas in the country. Many of the most popular tourist stops and attractions you will find along this road. This Iceland Ring Road itinerary will include some of the best stops for your trip.
For most of the drive, the roads are paved with one lane of traffic each way. There are a few times that you will find yourself on a gravel road, or a one lane bridge passing. The drive is fairly easy, however if you do plan to venture off the main road, you can expect gravel roads, steep inclines and curvy areas.
How Long is the Ring Road in Iceland?
The Ring Road spans approximately 828 miles or 1332 kilometers. If you were to drive the road non-stop, it would take approximately 24-hours. If you want to see everything the Iceland Ring Road has to offer, I would recommend giving yourself 8-10 days. However, if you are short on time, it can be completed in 5 days and you will still be able to see plenty of the main attractions and beauty of Iceland.
What Direction Should you Travel The Ring Road?
The simple answer is, do whatever way you want! It will make no difference if you head north or south first. However, if you do not plan on completing the entire ring road, I would recommend heading to south Iceland where many of the beautiful waterfalls and landscapes are closer to each other as things tend to be more spread out in the north.
The Best Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Day 1:
Visit the Capital City Reykjavik and Sky Lagoon
Iceland’s Beautiful Capital City – Reykjavik
On the first day, you will land at Keflavik Airport, pick up your rental car and then start the 45 minutes drive to Reykjavik. In Reykjavik you can pay for a guided tour throughout the city or walk the city yourself (which is what I did), stop for a bite to eat and see the Hallgrimskirkja church. In my opinion, you do not need a lot of time in Reykjavik.
Sky Lagoon
Head to the oceanside hot springs at the Sky Lagoon. This lagoon offers 3 packages: pure lite, pure and sky pass. To get the most out of your experience, you will want to purchase either the pure or sky pass as it includes access to the seven-step ritual – which is what makes this place worth the stop. The 7-step ritual will give you access to the most beautiful sauna overlooking the ocean, a steam room, cold mist room and a body scrub area with showers. If you are trying to decide between the Sky Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon, I think the Sky Lagoon is a clear winner.
Book your Sky Lagoon tickets here: https://www.skylagoon.com/
Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Day 2:
The Popular Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Kirkjufell Mounatin
The main attraction here is Kirkjufell mountain. Kirkjufell is known as the most photographed mountain in Iceland. At this location there is no entrance fee, however you will have pay a small parking fee (500ISK or $5).
Note: If you would like to go to the Westfjords (which I HIGHLY recommend), there is a ferry on the peninsula that will take you across and will save you time. However, I would recommend at least 4 additional days to complete this.
Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Day 3:
The UnworldlyMyvatn Geothermal Area and Hverfjall
This is the big driving day, where you will travel approximately 5 hours from Snaefellsness peninsula to Myvatn. There are plenty of stops along the way to break up the trip. If you choose to forgo the Snaefellsness Peninsula to shorten the trip length, the drive time will still be the same from Reykjavik.
Hverir Geothermal Area
Hverir Geothermal Area has an unworldly, martian-like appearance, featuring boiling mud pots, vibrant sulfur deposits and ground steam. There are marked areas for the public to venture, allowing you to walk through the geothermal field and get close up to the boiling mud pots. There are many other attractions close by such as the Grjotogja Cave, Godafoss waterfall and Myvatn Nature Baths.
Hverfjall Volanco Hike
If you’re up for a hike with amazing views, you may want to consider visiting Hverfjall when you are Myvatn area. It is an inactive volcano that last erupted in 2500BC that you can climb. Photos do not do this place justice, you will have to visit to truly understand the massive size of this place.
Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Day 4:
The Studlagil Canyon and Seydisfjordur Town
Studlagil Canyon
Visit the famous basalt column formations at Studlagil Canyon. To get to the famously photographed area you have to climb down few rocks where there is a rope to help guide you. After visiting Studlagil Canyon, head to the little town of Seydisfjordur. There is a charming rainbow road to walk down, quaint restaurants to grab a bite to eat and accommodations.
Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Day 5:
The Picturesque Vestrahorn, Jokularlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Vestrahorn
This place is a MUST SEE on this Iceland Ring Road itinerary (in my opinion). This was one of my favorite stops. To get to the spot pictured, you will need to head to the viking cafe where you can get tickets to visit Vestrahorn, these tickets will also give you access to visit a replica viking village as well.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
After seeing Vestrahorn you will travel 1 hour to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Although this area is quite populated, it did not take away from it’s beauty. You do not need a lot of time at these places and depending on what time of year you are visiting it can become very cold so make sure to wear your layers!
Diamond Beach
Only 5 minutes from the glacier Lagoon you will find the picturesque Diamond beach. This beach is scattered with massive ice rocks along the shore that give the appearance of diamonds on the beach. Make sure to layer up here as it can get very cold!
Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Day 6:
Svinafellsjokull Glacier and Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Svinafellsjokull Glacier
If the glacier lagoon was not enough for you (which it wasn’t for me), visit Svinafellsjokull glacier in the morning. This glacier it is a short 45 minute drive from Jokulsarlon and then a short hike to the glacier from the parking area. The hike is fairly easy and the average person can easily complete it. This place allows you to see the glaciers up close and get right up to the water, however do not enter as it is freezing and dangerous. You will see signs posted along the way warning travellers not to enter the water. I would highly recommend adding this to your trip.
Fjadrargljufur Canyon
From the Glacier, it is a 1 hour drive to the next destination, Fjadrargljufur Canyon. This canyon was featured in one of Justin Beiber’s musics videos in 2015. Anyways, it is well worth the trip to this place and again is one of my favorite stops. This place was heavily populated and it was difficult to find parking so either arrive early or prepare for the crowds. As you walk along the canyon there are lookout areas until you get to the end. The hike is short and easy.
Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Day 7:
Dyrholaey Peninsula, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Dyrholaey Peninsula
Start your day by driving to Dyrholaey Peninsula. Here you will find amazing views overlooking a black sand beach, a stone arch in the ocean and a picturesque lighthouse. The lookout area is a short 5 minute loop that you can easily walk from the parking lot.
Skogafoss and Seljalandfoss
After Dryholaey Peninsula head over to Skogafoss and Seljalandfoss waterfalls. These waterfalls are some of the most incredible ones I have ever seen. Additonally, you can walk behind Seljalandfoss! Bring your rain coat and rain pants out for this one as you will be sure to get wet. If you had only one day in Iceland I would recommend making a trip out here (its that good!).
Day 8: Blue Lagoon and Head Home.
To complete this Iceland Ring Road itinerary, take at the Blue Lagoon to see what all the social media hype is about. The Blue Lagoon is located in close proximity to the Airport. After visiting the Blue Lagoon, return your rental car and jump on your flight home!
Book your Blue Lagoon ticket here: https://www.bluelagoon.com/