Driving the Ring Road in Iceland feels less like following a highway and more like crossing through a living landscape of fire and ice. One moment, you’re winding beneath glacier-covered mountains while Arctic terns circle overhead. The next, you’re standing beside a waterfall listening to the sound of meltwater crashing into black volcanic rock.
From geothermal valleys in the north to glacier lagoons in the southeast, driving this route offers a constantly changing landscape. Days spent hiking across glacier ice or winding through remote fjords are balanced by evenings in boutique countryside hotels, geothermal baths hidden beneath mountainsides, and long dinners overlooking Iceland’s wild landscapes.
Here, our local travel experts share how we recommend experiencing Iceland’s Ring Road, including how long to allow, where to begin, and the places we believe are worth lingering in.
What is the Ring Road in Iceland?
The Ring Road in Iceland, formally known as Route 1, is the main highway that circles the entire country. As a tourist trail, it is often lovingly referred to as the ‘Grand Circle’, not to be mistaken with the Golden Circle or Diamond Circle. It connects many of Iceland’s most famous landscapes in one journey, including:
- Waterfalls, such as Skógafoss and Detifoss
- Volcanic deserts, including the Möðrudalur highland plateau
- Glacier lagoons, like the iconic Jökulsárlón
- Black sand beaches, including Reynisfjara
- Remote fishing villages, like Djúpivogur on the East Fjords
For many travellers, driving this route is the ultimate way to experience the country. Rather than staying in one place, the route allows you to experience Iceland’s constantly changing scenery day by day, from the geothermal landscapes of the north to the glacier-covered mountains of the southeast.
Most travellers complete the Ring Road in 7–14 days, depending on how slowly they want to travel and how many detours they make along the way. While it’s technically possible to drive the route in less than a week, Iceland is best experienced at a slower pace.
How long is the Ring Road in Iceland?
The full Ring Road covers approximately 1,322 kilometres (821 miles) around Iceland. Without stopping, driving the entire route would take around 16–20 hours. However, very few travellers choose to experience Iceland that way, and we would advise against doing the drive in one go.
The real beauty of the route comes from the stops between destinations. One hour, you might be standing beside a glacier lagoon watching icebergs drift silently toward the ocean. The next, you’re pulling over beside a waterfall because the landscape is impossible to ignore.
We recommend most travellers spend at least 7 days driving the Ring Road, but for those seeking a slower pace of exploration, we can tailor your trip to your specifications. Hidden Iceland will always push for at least 10–12 days to really allow you to spend time in some of the most iconic spots. The more, the better.
Recommended Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Lengths
- 7 days: Fast-paced trip focused on Iceland’s highlights (you will need to change hotels most nights)
- 10 days: Comfortable pace with time for activities and hidden gems (with extra time in iconic areas)
- 14 days or more: Ideal for luxury travel, slower exploration, and West Fjords detours (with 2 to 3 days in multiple regions, allowing you to really immerse yourself)
If you want a more comfortable pace with time for glacier hikes, geothermal spas, whale watching, fine dining, and hidden stops along the way, 10–14 days is ideal.
Iceland constantly pulls your attention away from the road, whether it’s to a herd of Icelandic horses standing beneath a mountain ridge, or sunlight catching fresh snow on a glacier. Giving yourself time to embrace detours is an essential part of Iceland, and the Ring Road gives wonderful opportunities to do so.
Where do you start from?
Most Ring Road adventures begin in Reykjavík or at Keflavík International Airport. From there, travellers usually choose to drive either clockwise or counterclockwise around the country.
Many visitors traditionally travelled counterclockwise, beginning with the Golden Circle and South Iceland before continuing east.
But for a more unique experience, we suggest driving clockwise instead, beginning with West Iceland and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula before heading north. Starting this way often means quieter roads and fewer crowds early on, while also giving travellers more flexibility if weather impacts the south coast later in the journey.
Benefits of Driving Counterclockwise
- Best in spring and early summer with wildlife arriving earlier in the south
- You see Iceland’s waterfalls and black sand beaches immediately
- Ideal for shorter itineraries focused on South Iceland
- Great for first-time visitors wanting iconic sights early
- Often dictated by accommodation availability in the south
- Adventurous activities often come first, early in your journey when you have the most energy
Benefits of Driving Clockwise
- Best in late summer and autumn (fall) to catch the last of the warmth and wildlife in the north before it departs
- The longer, and necessary, driving days are completed early on as you travel north
- Begin in quieter regions before reaching more popular spots
- More flexibility if weather impacts the south coast last in the trip, later in the season
- Allows you to build towards Iceland’s glacier landscapes and black sand beaches
Weather and road conditions always play a major role when you drive the Ring Road, especially during winter. Summer brings easier driving conditions and long daylight hours, while winter offers snow-covered landscapes and chances to see the northern lights.
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the regions you’ll discover along the Ring Road, with each offering its character, scenery, and reasons to linger.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Snæfellsnes is one of the regions we recommend most often to travellers wanting to experience Iceland beyond its busiest routes. Often called “Iceland in Miniature” due to its variety and size, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula combines glaciers, lava fields, black sand beaches, and fishing villages into one compact region.
Found west of Reykjavik, it’s one of the best introductions to the landscapes travellers encounter while driving the Ring Road in Iceland. At the heart of the peninsula is Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to the glacier-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
A few of our favourite stops around Snæfellsnes include:
- Kirkjufell mountain and nearby waterfalls
- The coastal cliffs between Arnarstapi and Hellnar
- Djúpalónssandur black sand beach
- Seal watching at Ytri Tunga
For more inspiration and detailed stops, explore our guide to the best things to do in West Iceland or our private Snæfellsnes Peninsula day tour.
West Iceland
West Iceland combines geothermal landscapes, waterfalls, and lava fields with quieter roads and fewer crowds than the south coast.
Hraunfossar is one of the region’s most unique sights, with glacial water flowing through ancient lava rock before spilling into the river below.
Some of the experiences our team recommends most often include:
- Visiting Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
- Exploring Víðgelmir lava tunnel
- Relaxing in geothermal baths near Húsafell village
- Seeing Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring
West Iceland is also home to some exceptional luxury stays tucked into remote landscapes. After a day of driving through rugged scenery, there’s something unforgettable about soaking in a geothermal bath while watching mist drift across the mountains.
For more detailed recommendations, read our guide to the best things to do in West Iceland.
North Iceland
North Iceland captures the volcanic and remote charm of Iceland, with geothermal valleys, lava fields, and fishing villages spread across wide open landscapes.
Lake Mývatn is one of the region’s highlights, surrounded by pseudocraters, steaming geothermal areas, and dramatic lava formations.
A few highlights in North Iceland include:
- Lake Mývatn geothermal area
- Whale watching in Húsavík
- Goðafoss waterfall
- Volcanic craters and lava fields
One insider tip we often share with travellers is to spend a little extra time in the north rather than simply passing through. The pace is slower here, and many visitors find it becomes one of their favourite parts of the country. We often encourage our guests to base themselves for 3 nights or more in Mývatn or Akureyri, which are great vantage points for exploration in all directions in the north.
Explore more in our guide to the best things to see in North Iceland.
Westfjords
The Westfjords are one of Iceland’s most remote regions, defined by dramatic fjords, coastal roads, and towering sea cliffs. Although outside the main Ring Road route, they’re well worth the detour for travellers with extra time.
Dynjandi waterfall is the region’s standout sight, cascading down the mountainside in wide, veil-like layers.
Additional highlights in the West Fjords include:
- Látrabjarg sea cliffs
- Puffin watching during summer
- Remote coastal drives
- Quiet fishing villages
The Westfjords are also one of the best places in Iceland to escape crowds. Even during peak summer, it’s possible to drive for long stretches without seeing another car. Some statistics claim less than 8% of all travellers make it here each year. We can believe it.
Explore our self drive tour Westfjords Wonders guide to explore your options for this region.
South East Iceland and Vatnajökull National Park
South East Iceland is dominated by glaciers, black sand plains, and vast volcanic landscapes. The region is home to Vatnajökull National Park and Europe’s largest glacier. A minimum of two nights here is a must, to take in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most memorable sights, where icebergs drift slowly toward nearby Diamond Beach.
A few must-see sights in the region include:
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Vatnajökull Glacier (ice cap)
- Guided glacier hikes and ice caves
For more on the region, see our guide to Vatnajökull National Park and glaciers in Iceland.
East Iceland
East Iceland is known for its winding fjords, quiet fishing villages, and calm pace. The roads here curve beneath steep mountains while reindeer roam the hillsides above the coastline.
Seyðisfjörður is one of the region’s standout towns, surrounded by waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery.
A few highlights in East Iceland include:
- Seyðisfjörður, a tiny town
- Scenic fjord drives
- Local fishing villages
- Reindeer spotting
East Iceland is also where many travellers finally slow down. The long scenic drives encourage you to stop more often, whether for homemade cakes in a small village café or simply to watch low clouds drift through the fjords.
Explore more in our guide to the best things to see in East Iceland.
South Iceland
South Iceland combines waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches along one of the most scenic stretches of the Ring Road in Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara are among the region’s most iconic sights, each showcasing a different side of Iceland’s dramatic landscape.
Despite its popularity, South Iceland still has quieter moments if you know where to look. Visiting major sights early in the morning or later in the evening makes an enormous difference, especially in summer.
For more ideas, read our guide to the best things to see in South Iceland.
The Golden Circle
Although the Golden Circle isn’t technically part of the Ring Road, its proximity to Reykjavík makes it an effortless addition to a luxury Ring Road itinerary.
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular driving routes, connecting waterfalls, geothermal areas, and historic sites within easy reach of the capital.
The route follows three main stops:
- Þingvellir National Park, where you can stand between two tectonic plates
- Gullfoss waterfall
- Geysir geothermal area
Due to its proximity to Reykjavík, it can become crowded during peak hours. One of our favourite ways to experience it is outside the busiest times, especially during early mornings in winter. There are plenty of exceptional accommodations in the area to make these quieter moments possible.
For a full breakdown of the route, explore our guide to the Golden Circle in Iceland.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík combines colourful streets, geothermal pools and excellent restaurants with views across the Atlantic Ocean. For many travellers, it’s the starting and finishing point of a Ring Road journey.
After days spent driving through remote landscapes, the city offers a chance to unwind before heading home.
Our recommendations for Reykjavík include:
- Explore Icelandic restaurants and cafés
- Visit Hallgrímskirkja church
- Relax in geothermal spas
- Discover Reykjavík nightlife and culture
Many of our guides recommend staying an extra day in Reykjavík rather than immediately flying home. After the scale and intensity of the Ring Road, the city offers a softer final chapter to the adventure.
For more ideas, see our complete guide to Reykjavík.
FAQ | RING ROAD ICELAND
Ready to explore the Ring Road in Iceland?
Whether you want to spend your days exploring glacier caves, soaking in hidden geothermal pools, or discovering quiet fjord-side villages far from the crowds, we’ll help shape a bespoke Iceland Ring Road itinerary that feels entirely your own.
Get in touch today by calling us at +354-770-5733 or by emailing info@hiddeniceland.is, and we’ll begin planning your adventure.
If you want to get inspired, explore our private Iceland tours page with example itineraries.
