Itineraries Around Iceland

The Ring Road (Route 1) is Iceland’s main highway, covering about 1,322 km (821 miles) and looping around the entire country. It connects most of Iceland’s major cities, towns, and attractions, making it the best route for a complete road trip around Iceland.

Key Things to Know About the Ring Road:

• The Ring Road is paved and well-maintained. You can drive it in a regular car (no 4x4 is needed).

• Driving nonstop takes about 16-20 Hours, but most people take 7-10+ days to see everything.

• The Ring Road passes through Iceland’s iconic sights, including waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, and hot springs.

• The Ring Road is open all year round, but winter driving can be tricky due to weather conditions.

What the Ring Road Does Not Cover:

• The Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) is not on the ring road and is best done as a side trip from Reykjavik.

• Westfjords and Highlands are remote and not covered on the Ring Road. You need detours and 4x4 vehicles to reach these destinations.

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula is another remote destination and requires a separate 1-2 day loop west of Reykjavik.

To explore all regions including Snæfellsnes or the Westfjords,  you need at least 11-12 days. This will allow plenty of time to explore all regions.

If you’re short on time, a 4-5 day trip can cover the highlights, but it’ll be a fast-paced journey with long driving days. Below is a suggested route for a 5-day express self-drive tour of Iceland. You will have to skip the East Fjords and Snæfellsnes on this itinerary:

5-Day Express Drive

Day 1: Reykjavik → Vik (driving time is 2.5 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi (waterfalls)
• Skógafoss (waterfall)
• Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Day 2: Vik → Höfn (driving time is 3.5 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Skaftafell National Park (hiking)
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

Day 3: Höfn → Mývatn (driving time is 5.5 hours, not counting stops)

• Dettifoss (Europe’s most powerful waterfall)
• Ásbyrgi Canyon (horseshoe-shaped canyon)
• Mývatn Geothermal Area (lava fields, hot springs, bubbling mud pools)

Day 4: Mývatn → Akureyri (driving time is 1.5 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Hraunfossar & Barnafoss (lava waterfalls)
• Deildartunguhver (Europe’s most powerful hot spring)
• Optional: Kirkjufell (if going to Snæfellsnes)

Day 5: Akureyri → Reykjavik (driving time is 6 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Some areas of the Golden Circle

If you have more time, a 7-8 day journey will allow you to see all major sights around the Ring Road with half-day driving and half-day sightseeing. Here is a suggestion for an 8-day self-drive itinerary around Iceland.

7-Day Moderate Drive

Day 1: Reykjavik → Vik (driving time is 2.5 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi (waterfalls)
• Skógafoss (waterfall)
• Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Day 2: Vik → Höfn (driving time is 3.5 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Skaftafell National Park (hiking)
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

Day 3: Höfn → Egilsstadir (driving time is 4 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Scenic fjord views along the coast
• Djúpivogur (cute fishing village)
• Seyðisfjörður (colorful town with a rainbow street)

Day 4: Egilsstadir → Mývatn (driving time is 2.5 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Dettifoss (Europe’s most powerful waterfall)
• Ásbyrgi Canyon (horseshoe-shaped canyon)
• Mývatn Geothermal Area (lava fields, hot springs, bubbling mud pools)
• Húsavík (whale-watching option)

Day 5: Mývatn → Akureyri (driving time is 1.5 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Hraunfossar & Barnafoss (lava waterfalls)
• Deildartunguhver (Europe’s most powerful hot spring)
• Optional: Kirkjufell (if going to Snæfellsnes)
• Goðafoss (waterfall with Viking history)
• Akureyri (Iceland’s second-largest city, with cute cafes and good food)

Day 6: Akureyri → Snæfellsnes Peninsula (driving time is 5 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss (famous mountain & waterfall)
• Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach
• Arnarstapi cliffs

Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula → Reykjavik (driving time is 2 hours, not counting stops)

Highlights:

• Hraunfossar & Barnafoss waterfalls
• Deildartunguhver (geothermal hot spring)
• Krauma Spa (relaxing hot baths)

We have several detailed itineraries for 7-9-11 day trips. Please visit our self-drives pages to explore several options.