Everyone knows the best way to explore a country and really immerse yourself in its landscapes and cultures is by going on a road trip. Even more so if you’re visiting a country called the Land of Fire and Ice, famous for its contrasting landscapes and weird and wonderful natural wonders. So, it’s no surprise you’ll find many road trip routes here on the island. However, none will offer such a comprehensive exploration as Iceland’s Ring Road.
As the main transport route connecting the various regions, towns, and cities with each other, it allows you to experience every single part of Iceland, its breathtaking scenery, and incredible sights. So, if you want to go on a discovery of Iceland and have the time to properly do so, then the Ring Road should be your road trip go-to. This article will serve as a guide to everything about the Ring Road and help you prep and plan for your upcoming trip.
What is the Ring Road in Iceland?
The Ring Road, also known as Route 1 in Iceland, is a loop round wrapping right around the island. It is both an essential piece of infrastructure when it comes to logistics here on the island as well as a popular road trip route.
It is a main road that connects many regions, cities, towns, and other interesting sights and attractions, and while crucial for the transportation of goods and delivery of public services to all parts of Iceland, it also gives visitors the chance to experience at least a little bit of everything the island has to offer. Because it is a main road, it’s also a paved road, and it gets a little extra maintenance since it’s so crucial to keep everything around the island running smoothly.
How Long is the Ring Road in Iceland?
The answer to this question is two-fold. If you’re looking to gauge how many miles long the Ring Road in Iceland is, it’s about 820 miles (+/- 1322 kilometers). But if you’re trying to figure out how long it will take you to drive the Ring Road, the answer is roughly 17 hours (if you drive without making any stops along the way).
This should give you a good idea of what to work with when planning your trip, although most will recommend you plan a Ring Road road trip of at least 7 to 10 days long.
The Best Time to Drive the Ring Road in Iceland
Because the Ring Road is paved and well-maintained, there really isn’t a lot holding you back from traveling this way all year round. The only things you’ll need to keep an eye out for are unforeseen circumstances or extreme weather conditions leading to sudden road closures, as well as the situation in the north during the colder months of the year (the north tends to be colder quicker with harsher weather conditions). You can use Vedur for all weather forecasts and Umferdin for all road conditions. Just remember to arrange to rent a campervan in Iceland well ahead of time if you plan on visiting during our peak season times.
A Few Ring Road Highlights
As we already mentioned, the Ring Road wraps around the island and is credited with having some of our most famous attractions and most impressive sights just a short detour off it (if not directly alongside it!). Some of the highlights you can look forward to on the route include the following:
Reykjadalur Thermal River
What’s better than a natural hot spring in Iceland? An entire hot river, of course! The Reykjadalur Thermal River is an incredibly interesting place that’s just an 8-kilometer (5-mile) detour out and back off the Ring Road.
From there, you’ll need to take a short walk via a clearly marked trail to the river, where you can either lounge around in the flowing water or hang out in one of the rock pools on its banks. What makes Reykjadalur so interesting is that you can “set” your own temperature! Since the spot where the warm natural hot spring water meets the cold river water is upstream, the further up the river you choose to lounge, the hotter the water will be.
Geysir
Geysir is found in a geothermal area (but not the kind you can go swimming in). Here, you will find bubbling mud pits and geysers, which are essentially little water volcanoes, erupting every once in a while and launching liters of boiling hot water meters up into the air.
Geysir is actually the OG of all geysers and the reason we call them that in the first place. Although Geysir has become pretty much dormant, its sister geyser, Stokkur, is still erupting every 10 minutes or so. Just ensure that you keep a safe distance and are standing on the right side of the wind – while impressive geyser eruptions will be a highlight of your trip, third-degree burns won’t be.
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
If you’re looking for a dramatic scene without any actual drama, Solheimasandur will be your perfect photo opp. Although a US Navy plane, it wasn’t a casualty of war. Due to some technical difficulties, the transport plane was forced to make an emergency landing on the beach. All of the crew lived to tell the tale of their untimely beach stop, and the US simply couldn’t be bothered to retrieve the plane, so it was left to the slow decay of time to get rid of it.
On the bright side, it has made a great (and guilt-free) dramatic stop for many a visitor. Just keep in mind that time has indeed taken its toll, and you are no longer to climb in or on top of the plane for photos due to safety concerns, so you’ll have to settle for a dramatic wreck in the background. To get to the plane, you’ll need to turn into the Solheimasandur Parking Lot just off the Ring Road and then take an 8-kilometer (5-mile) stroll on the beach.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is also famously known as “the waterfall you can walk behind.” That’s because this impressive waterfall, standing at a staggering 60 meters high, has a little trail leading you behind its veil of falling water, giving you spectacular views across the Icelandic landscape.
Skógafoss Waterfall
This is yet another famous waterfall here in Iceland but with entirely different characteristics from Seljalandsfoss. Skogafoss is known for its incredible magnitude, not only standing 60 meters high but also spreading 25 meters wide! This thundering waterfall makes quite the impression, and that’s why it’s even been featured in a few Hollywood favorites, such as Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, as well as the acclaimed series Game of Thrones.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
One of the distinct characteristics of Iceland is our black sand beaches. Reynisfjara is by far the most famous. The beach stretches out for almost 3 kilometers (+/-0.7 miles), making it perfect for that long, leisurely stroll. On the one side, you have the ocean, and on the other, you have dramatic basalt cliffs (another remnant of past volcanic eruptions).
But this beautiful beach also has a bit of a bite, and visitors are advised never to turn their back on the ocean. Reynisfjara is also famous for its sneaker waves. As the name suggests, these waves sneak up on you and, quite literally, sweep you off your feet and pull you into the ocean.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
These two sit right next to each other. In fact, the one is the very reason for the other’s unique features. You will find one of Iceland’s largest glaciers, Breidamerkurjökull, at the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Every now and again, chunks of the glacier will break loose and become bobbing icebergs or sheets of ice in the lagoon. This is also where you’ll often find a lazy seal taking a nap while drifting his way across the waters.
The lagoon offers two types of boat tours to get you as close as possible to all of the above. At the same time, all these broken pieces of ice have to end up somewhere, and while many drift out to sea or melt to become part of the lagoon, some drift ashore at what is known as Diamond Beach. The name stems from the fact that all these pieces of ice start glittering in sunlight, making them look like diamonds scattered all across the beach – quite a breathtaking sight!
Stokksnes Beach
Stokksnes gives you an entirely different black sand beach experience. Compared to the waves at Reynisfjara, the small waves seem to merely lapse against the shore here, and instead of the towering cliffs, the beach is nestled against one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, Vestrahorn.
Vestrahorn Mountain is believed to be about 10 million years old and is also known as “the Batman Mountain” because of its oddly pointy mountain peaks (like bat ears and just as dramatic and impressive as the mountain hiding Batman’s lair).
Mývatn
We’ll just reference the entire area since Myvatn is a fairly small part of Iceland, but it’s jam-packed with some of our most famous sights. Here, you will find Lake Myvatn. It is the fourth-largest lake in Iceland, and with its picturesque setting and vibrant ecosystem, it’s a favorite spot among hikers, fishermen (as long as you have a permit), and birdwatchers.
Then, there’s the Myvatn Nature Baths, where you can relax in the warm and healing waters of Iceland’s natural hot springs. You will also find steam baths using the steam from the hot water, and if your tummy starts to growl, you’ll also be able to buy a snack and grab a drink.
Dettifoss
We have yet another impressive waterfall on the list. But this one can probably count as King among the falls here in Iceland. Dettifoss is the largest waterfall in Iceland, standing 45 meters high with a majestic expanse of 100 meters! It’s also claimed second place when it comes to the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with massive amounts of water rushing over its cliffs every second!
If you visit and it feels like you’ve already been there somehow, you might be right. Well, at least in spirit. This is where the memorable opening scene of the movie Prometheus was shot, revealing the origin story of the Alien franchise.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest city in the north of Iceland and, therefore, also referred to as the “capital city of the north.” Nestled against a fjord, it offers beautiful views as well as plenty of exciting things to see and do in true capital city fashion. This includes places and things such as the Akureyri Botanical Garden, Akureyrarkirkja, The Icelandic Aviation Museum, and whale watching.
A Few Helpful Tips for Driving the Ring Road in Iceland in a Campervan
If this is your first time road-tripping around Iceland or just the first time you’ll be driving the Ring Road, the following tips and advice may come in handy:
Don’t Just Park Anywhere
It doesn’t matter if you have a campervan; it is illegal to park outside of a designated camping spot if you don’t have the explicit permission of the landowner. The same goes for just “quickly” parking on the side of the road to take a photo or have a break. If it’s not a designated parking area, you’re breaking the law. And if there’s one thing you should know about Icelanders, it’s that we don’t look kindly on rulebreakers.
So, if you find yourself on the wrong side of these parking laws, you might need to face off with a furious landowner or remortgage your house to pay the fine. These laws weren’t instituted to be spiteful; they came after tourism increased rapidly on the island, and the number of visitors road-tripping with campervans increased drastically, causing a lot of damage to the landscapes we love and the ecosystems we value so much.
For example, did you know that you can find a rare type of moss in Iceland that can take up to a decade to recover from any damage, if at all?!
Here's a map with the best campsites in iceland so you have plenty of options to choose from!
Take Speed Limits Seriously
The same strict law enforcement applies to our speed limits. The one thing you’ll need to keep in mind is that our speed limits are likely to differ from what you’re used to back home, so keep your eyes peeled for those signs. Since the Ring Road is a paved main road, you’ll mostly need to stick to a maximum of 90 km/h (55 mph). Just don’t miss a speed limit sign that could potentially get you into trouble.
Fueling Up will Require Some Planning (Especially on a Tight Budget)
Gas stations are not all equal here in Iceland, and prices can vary based on a variety of factors:
The brand of gas station in question.
The location of the gas station.
Whether you get discounted rates based on coupons/cards such as the Camping Card or a Costco Membership Card or whether your rental company is in a partnership with certain gas stations.
Inevitably, this means that you’ll need to do a bit of research and planning if you want to make sure you get the most bang for your holiday budget buck.
Ensure You’re On the Right Side of the Road (Literally!)
In Iceland, we drive on the right side of the road. Now, you may think it’s fairly obvious advice once you hop into that camper and need to start driving along with the rest of the cars on the right. But many have learned the hard way how strong the power of a habit can be. Once you stop paying attention or let your mind wander, it’s pretty easy to go into autopilot mode and find yourself on the wrong side of oncoming traffic.
Speak to Your Vehicle Rental Agent About Your Planned Route
You may do so out of pure excitement anyway, but chatting about your trip itinerary with your rental agent can be invaluable. They will be able to give you some local insights, provide you with a few discounts from partners, and advise you on taking out the right insurance, which can be impacted by the seasons as well as the conditions of certain locations. For example, if you’re planning on visiting various beaches, you’ll be better off taking sand insurance.
How Much to Budget for a Ring Road Road Trip
Below, you will find the general ballpark figures to help plan a 10-day Ring Road road trip:
Transport (Campervan Rental) = +/-$1000 (but this greatly depends on the model you choose and whether you’re visiting during peak season).
Transport (Gas) = +/-700 (depending on where you fuel up and whether you’ll be sticking only to the Ring Road or taking other little detours).
Accommodation = Between $150 and $250 (depending on which campsites you choose and whether you have a Camping Card).
Food = +/-$250 per person (excluding any takeaway or dining experiences)
Attractions & Activities = Starting at $50. This item will heavily depend on you, and although there are plenty of free things to do and see here in Iceland, there are also plenty that will cost you a pretty penny. So, be sure to plan ahead if you want to include any excursions such as whale watching boat tours, etc.
Souvenirs & Gifts = Starting from $50. Once again, this will very much depend on you. If you budget at least $50, you might get away with at least a couple of fridge magnets.
Campsites Along the Ring Road
A myriad of campsites can be found all along the Ring Road route. Some campsites are open all year round, while others are only open during the summertime. Then there are also those who form part of the Camping Card discounted rates. To see which is which and plan your detailed trip itinerary, refer to this Ring Road Campsites Map.
A Detailed 10-Day Ring Road Road Trip Trip Itinerary (a Real Mouthful, but the Trip of a Lifetime!)
If you’re feeling a bit lazy, we’ve got a tried-and-tested 10-day Ring Road itinerary for you, ready to hit the road with:
Day 1: Reykjavík to Golden Circle to Vík
Distance: 270 km (~168 miles, approx. 4-hour drive)
A Few Highlights to Look Forward to Along the Way:
Thingvellir National Park – Iceland’s first parliament site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geysir Geothermal Area – Home to Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes.
Gullfoss Waterfall – One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.
Kerið Crater – A volcanic crater lake with striking red rock walls.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – A stunning waterfall you can walk behind.
Skógafoss Waterfall – A breathtaking 60-meter waterfall.
Overnight Spot: Vík Campground
Day 2: Vík to Höfn
Distance: 271 km (~168 miles, approx. 3.5-hour drive)
A Few Highlights to Look Forward to Along the Way:
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Dramatic basalt columns and powerful waves.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – A stunning, moss-covered canyon with winding river views.
Svartifoss Waterfall – A beautiful cascade surrounded by basalt columns.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – A breathtaking lagoon filled with floating icebergs.
Diamond Beach – Icebergs from Jökulsárlón wash up on this black sand beach.
Overnight Spot: Höfn Campground
Day 3: Höfn to Eastfjords to Mývatn
Distance: 295 km (~183 miles, approx. 4.5-hour drive)
A Few Highlights to Look Forward to Along the Way:
Hallormsstaðaskógur National Forest – Iceland’s largest forest, perfect for a scenic break.
Hengifoss Waterfall – A unique waterfall with striking red rock layers.
Djúpivogur Village – A charming Eastfjords fishing village.
Seyðisfjörður – A colorful, picturesque town nestled in the fjords.
Overnight Spot: Mývatn Campsite
Day 4: Around Mývatn
This day is all about exploring the Mývatn area or simply relaxing.
A Few Highlights to Look Forward to:
Hverir Geothermal Area – Bubbling mud pools and steaming vents.
Mývatn Nature Baths – A relaxing, less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
Dimmuborgir Lava Fields – A mystical lava field with unique rock formations.
Hike around Lake Mývatn – A paradise for birdwatchers.
Overnight Spot: Continue Your Stay at the Mývatn Campsite
Day 5: Akureyri
Distance: 90 km (~56 miles, approx. 1-hour drive)
A Few Highlights to Look Forward to Along the Way:
Dettifoss Waterfall – One of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.
Goðafoss Waterfall – A stunning horseshoe-shaped waterfall.
Húsavík – Iceland’s whale-watching capital, ideal for a boat tour.
Explore Akureyri – The "Capital of the North," with charming cafés and botanical gardens.
Overnight Spot: Hamrar Campground in Akureyri
Day 6: Akureyri to Hofsós to Stykkishólmur
Distance: 280 km (~174 miles, approx. 4.5-hour drive)
A Few Highlights to Look Forward to Along the Way:
Hofsós – A small coastal village with one of Iceland’s most scenic swimming pools.
Hólar in Hjaltadalur – A historical site with a beautiful red-brick church.
Vatnsnes Peninsula – Known for its seal colonies and the iconic Hvítserkur rock formation.
Overnight Spot: Stykkishólmur Campground
Day 7: Stykkishólmur to Borgarnes
Distance: 150 km (~93 miles, approx. 2.5-hour drive)
A Few Highlights to Look Forward to Along the Way:
Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss – Iceland’s most photographed mountain.
Snæfellsjökull National Park – Explore lava caves and coastal cliffs.
Búðir Black Church – A picturesque black wooden church set against stunning scenery.
Overnight Spot: Borgarnes Campground
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Day 8: Borgarnes to Reykjavík
Distance: 75 km (~47 miles, approx. 1-hour drive)
A Few Highlights to Look Forward to Along the Way:
Deildartunguhver – The most powerful hot spring in Europe.
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls – A series of waterfalls flowing through lava fields.
Into the Glacier Tour – Experience a man-made ice tunnel inside Langjökull Glacier.
Overnight Spot: Reykjavík city
Days 9-10: Enjoy Reykjavík!
Spend the last two days exploring Iceland’s capital before heading home.
A Few Highlights to Look Forward to:
Hallgrímskirkja Church – The tallest church in Iceland, offering panoramic city views.
Harpa Concert Hall – A stunning glass building on the waterfront.
Perlan Museum – An interactive museum with a 360-degree observation deck.
Relax in the Blue Lagoon – A perfect way to unwind before your flight.
Final Stop: If leaving on Day 10, head to Keflavík Airport for departure.
FAQs About Iceland’s Ring Road and Road Tripping
Below, you will find a few answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get about traveling the Ring Road in Iceland:
Is It Possible to Drive On the Iceland Ring Road During the Winter Months?
Yes. Because it’s a paved road and well-maintained as a main route, it’s possible to drive the Ring Road during the winter months. Just keep in mind that road conditions may still be a bit challenging if you’re not used to driving in ice and snow, the northern part of the Ring Road will definitely be worse than the south, and you’ll need to keep an eye on the weather and road conditions for any sudden changes.
Do I Need to Rent a 4x4 Vehicle for Driving the Iceland Ring Road?
Since the Ring Road is paved and well-maintained, you don’t need to rent a 4x4. But please consider your planned route properly. If you’re going to be taking a few gravel road offramps, it may be worth it, and you’ll definitely need to consider a 4x4 campervan with snow tires and all the rest of the gadgets during the colder months of the year.
When Driving the Ring Road, Should I Travel Clockwise or Counterclockwise?
Whether you drive the Ring Road clockwise or counterclockwise is entirely up to you and which spots on the island you’d like to hit first.
On Which Side of the Road Do Vehicles Drive in Iceland?
Which side to drive on in Iceland is pretty easy to remember: the right side to drive on is on the right.
Is 7 Days Enough for Exploring Iceland’s Ring Road?
7 Days would be the recommended minimum for exploring Iceland’s Ring Road. If you would like to thoroughly explore the route and all its interesting sights and exciting activities along the way, you should try to plan a 10-day trip.
Is an International Driving Permit Necessary for Driving in Iceland with a Campervan Rental?
You don’t need an international driving permit to rent a campervan in Iceland. A valid driver’s license from your home country will suffice. The only time you may want to start considering an international driving permit is if you’re planning on a long-term stay here on the island.
What is the Difference Between the Golden Circle and the Ring Road in Iceland?
While both are popular road trip routes that go around in a loop and have many famous attractions and landmarks along the way, there are a few key differences:
The Golden Circle mainly focuses on the southwestern part of Iceland around the capital city of Reykjavik, while the Ring Road is a big loop all along the outskirts of the island and provides some insight into most regions of Iceland.
The Golden Circle is also much shorter than the Ring Road, which is why it’s a great option if your time is limited on the island. If you’re really pressed for time, it’s possible to do the Golden Circle in just one day, even though it might not be the most relaxing of experiences then.
While both have many famous attractions along their routes, they differ, so which you’ll choose will also depend on which you’d like to see while here. Some of the most famous sights and attractions include:
Golden Circle
Thingvellir National Park
Gullfoss Waterfall
Geysir Geothermal Area
Kerid Crater
The Secret Lagoon
Fridheimar Farm
Ring Road
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Skogafoss Waterfall
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Eldhraun Lava Field
Skaftafell Glacier
Is It Possible to Drive Across Iceland?
Of course, it’s possible to drive across Iceland. But, as with any other country, you will be restricted to the available roads and how they wind their way through valleys and mountains (so you might not be able to shoot across in a straight arrow type of way). The Ring Road is actually a great option to move across the country between the south and the north.
Is the Ring Road in Iceland Really Worth It?
The Ring Road is the best way to get a taste of all the different regions and what they have to offer here in Iceland. The fact that most of our famous sights and landmarks are just a quick detour off this main route is just a bonus. If you take on this incredible route in a campervan, you’re in for the most convenient, comfortable, and budget-friendly getaway of your life (especially if you make use of the various discount options on the island).
So, is the Ring Road in Iceland really worth it? Well, if you’re serious about exploring Iceland, it’s not just worth it but an absolute must that will leave you with incredible memories that will last a lifetime!