Minimalist map of Iceland.

Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1)

Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) is the island's main highway, circling 1,332 km (828 miles) and linking most of the country's top attractions: waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, volcanoes, geothermal areas and small towns.

Ring Road Itineraries

The amount of time you have will make a big difference in what you can see around Iceland's Ring Road. If you're short on time, you can focus on the country's most famous sights. With a longer trip, you'll have more time to explore, take scenic detours, and enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Below, you'll find our recommended 5, 7, 10, and 14-day Ring Road itineraries, so you can choose the one that best matches your schedule and travel style.

Person in a red jacket stands by a vibrant turquoise river flowing through a canyon flanked by towering columnar basalt rock formations.

5-Day Itinerary

Expert Guide

A road leads through dry fields towards mountains under a vibrant sunset sky.

7-Day Itinerary

Expert Guide

Aerial view of a long road through a vast golden landscape with a winding river and cliffs under a blue sky.

10-Day Itinerary

Expert Guide

A tall waterfall descends into a lush green valley, with a steep rocky cliff on the left and a bird soaring.

14-Day Itinerary

Expert Guide

Clockwise or Counterclockwise?

Which direction should you drive Iceland's Ring Road? Both cover the same sights, but the order changes your trip. Clockwise starts in North Iceland and saves the South Coast for last, while counterclockwise puts the famous waterfalls, black sand beaches and glaciers first. The right choice depends on your itinerary and the season, so here are the pros and cons of each.

South & East Iceland Ring Road Attractions

South and East Iceland are packed with some of the country's best sights. As you follow the Ring Road, you'll pass waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, mountain peaks, and quiet fishing villages. Whether you're driving the full route or just exploring this part of the country, these are some of the top places worth stopping for.

A waterfall cascades down a cliff into a lush green valley with a winding river under a bright sky.
South Iceland

Seljalandsfoss

Walk behind the waterfall

A powerful waterfall plunges between green hills into a rocky riverbed.
South Iceland

Skógafoss

Powerful waterfall with views

Black sand beach with white waves crashing around a prominent sea stack, cliffs, and a distant person under a cloudy sky.
South Iceland

Reynisfjara

Basalt columns and sea stacks

Aerial view of a winding river flowing through a deep, mossy green canyon.
Soutn Iceland

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Dramatic moss-covered river canyon

People walk along the snowy shore of a glacial lagoon filled with blue icebergs.
South Iceland

Jökulsárlón

Floating icebergs and seals

A person in a yellow jacket walks on a black sand beach scattered with ice chunks, with an ocean and snowy mountains in the background.
South Iceland

Diamond Beach

Icebergs scattered on black sand

Jagged mountains meet a dramatic coastline and calm bay under a vibrant orange sunset.
East Iceland

Vestrahorn

Iconic mountain and black beach

Colorful waterfront village with autumn trees and snow-capped mountains reflecting in the water.
East Iceland

Seyðisfjörður

Colorful town in a fjord

A vibrant turquoise river flows through a canyon with dark, vertical basalt column walls.
East Iceland

Stuðlagil Canyon

Basalt columns and blue river

A waterfall cascades down a cliff face revealing prominent red and multicolored geological layers.

Hengifoss

Waterfall framed by red cliffs

The Best Waterfalls Along Iceland's Ring Road

One of the best things about driving Iceland's Ring Road is how many incredible waterfalls you'll find along the way. Some are just a short walk from the parking lot, while others require a quick hike, but all are worth adding to your itinerary. From famous waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Dettifoss to lesser-known spots with fewer crowds, there's something to see in every region of the country.

The guide in the link bellow highlights the best waterfalls along the Ring Road, with practical information on what makes each one special, how to get there, and when to visit.

See the 17 best waterfalls

North & West Iceland Ring Road Attractions

As you continue along the Ring Road, North and West Iceland offer a different side of the country. Here, you'll find powerful waterfalls, geothermal areas, lava fields, scenic valleys, and charming towns, with plenty of great stops just off the main route. Whether you're driving the full Ring Road or exploring these regions on their own, these are some of the top attractions worth adding to your itinerary.

A powerful waterfall with bright blue water and a rainbow arching through its mist, surrounded by rocky, green-brown land.
North Iceland

Goðafoss

Waterfall of the Gods

Aerial view of a green volcanic crater island with a land bridge in a turquoise lake.
North Iceland

Lake Mývatn

Volcanic landscapes and pseudocraters

Vibrant orange and grey geothermal landscape with steaming pools and a still pond under a blue sky.
North Iceland

Hverir

Bubbling mud pools and steam

Powerful waterfall in a rocky gorge under a vibrant pink and orange sunset sky.
North Iceland

Dettifoss

Europe's most powerful waterfall

A natural cave with a clear blue pool of water surrounded by rocky walls.
North Iceland

Grjótagjá Cave

Lava cave with hot spring

A waterfall cascades over dark rocks into a blue river, with green hills under a clear blue sky.
West Iceland

Glanni Waterfall

Small waterfall in Húsafell area

A sunlit, misty river landscape with a pipe bridge crossing in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
West Iceland

Deildartunguhver

Europe's highest-flow hot spring.

Multiple waterfalls cascade from a rocky, vegetated bank into a vivid turquoise river under a blue sky.
West Iceland

Hraunfossar

Waterfalls flowing through lava

A vibrant blue river flows through a rocky canyon, spanned by a footbridge, surrounded by sparse reddish-brown autumn vegetation.
West Iceland

Barnafoss

Fast-flowing glacial waterfall

An open road extends past a towering cliff, a vast plain, and distant snow-capped mountains under a blue sky.

Best Time to Drive Iceland's Ring Road

For many travelers, summer is the best time to drive Iceland's Ring Road. The long daylight hours, milder weather, and generally good road conditions make it easier to explore the country and fit more into each day. It's also a great time for hiking, camping, and visiting attractions all around the island.

If you're thinking about driving the Ring Road in summer, the guide in the link bellow covers what to expect, what to pack, and tips for planning your trip.

Guide to Iceland in Summer

Ring Road Hidden Gems

The Ring Road is known for its famous attractions, but there are plenty of lesser-known places worth stopping for too. Along the route, you'll find hidden waterfalls, quiet canyons, natural pools, and scenic spots that many travelers miss. If you're looking to add a few unique stops to your itinerary, these hidden gems are a great place to start.

A person stands on a mossy rock inside a cave, looking up at a powerful waterfall illuminated from above.
South Iceland

Gljúfrabúi

Hidden waterfall inside a canyon

A rocky stream flows through a narrow gorge with steep, moss-covered walls.
South Iceland

Nauthúsagil Ravine

Narrow canyon with waterfalls

White building with a pool next to a turquoise river in a steep, grassy mountain valley with cloudy peaks.
South Iceland

Seljavallalaug

Historic geothermal pool in nature

A person in a red jacket views a powerful waterfall from inside a mossy cave.
South Iceland

Kvernufoss

Waterfall hidden behind Skógafoss

A river flows through a deep, mossy canyon with vibrant red and green plants in the foreground.
North Iceland

Kolugljúfur Canyon

Dramatic canyon and waterfalls.

Moss-covered volcanic rocks and a cave entrance in a rugged landscape with distant snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky.
West Iceland

Berserkjahraun Lava

Moss-covered volcanic landscape

An open suitcase filled with neatly packed warm-toned clothing and sage green rain boots.

What to Pack for Iceland's Ring Road

The weather in Iceland can change quickly, so it's important to pack for all kinds of conditions. Whether you're driving the Ring Road in summer or winter, having the right clothing and a few travel essentials will make your trip more comfortable and help you get the most out of your time on the road.

Our Iceland packing list covers everything you need to bring, from waterproof layers and hiking shoes to the everyday essentials you'll be glad you packed.

Read our complete packing list

Where to Stay Along the Ring Road

Planning where to stay is one of the most important parts of a Ring Road trip. Staying in places like Vík, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, Lake Mývatn, Akureyri, and Borgarnes makes it easier to break up the drive and spend more time exploring instead of driving. These are some of the best places to stay as you make your way around Iceland.

Aerial view of a town with a river and bridge, a sports track, a roundabout, houses, and distant mountains.
South Iceland

Hella

Great base for South Iceland

A white church with a red roof stands in a snowy mountain landscape under a starry sky with green aurora borealis.
South Iceland

Vík í Mýrdal

South Coast's most popular base

Fishing boats docked in a harbor with snow-capped mountains and reflections in the water.
Southeast Iceland

Höfn

Gateway to glaciers and icebergs

Aerial view of a town by a large lake, surrounded by green fields and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
East Iceland

Egilsstaðir

East Iceland's main service town

Volcanic landscape with a lake, green pseudo-craters, a large dark mountain, and distant snowy peaks.
North Iceland

Mývatn area

Volcanic landscapes

A coastal town with a snow-capped mountain under a golden hour sky.
North Iceland

Akureyri

North Iceland's largest town

Panoramic aerial view of a coastal town on a dark bay with mountains under a cloudy sky.
West Iceland

Borgarnes

Convenient stop before Reykjavík

A coastal town with colorful houses by a rocky beach, backed by a snow-capped mountain under a cloudy sky.
West Iceland

Akranes

Coastal town near Reykjavík

FAQs About the Ring Road

Yes. The entire Ring Road (Route 1) is paved, so you don't need a special vehicle to drive it. Some attractions along the route are reached by short gravel roads, and you'll also come across single-lane bridges and mountain passes. Before setting off each day, it's always a good idea to check the latest road conditions.

Yes. A 2WD car is suitable for the Ring Road for most of the year, especially from late spring to early autumn. If you're visiting in winter or planning to drive on Iceland's F-roads, a 4x4 is the better option. Whatever you drive, always check the weather and road conditions before you leave.

Your budget will mostly depend on your rental car, accommodation, fuel, and food. Camping and cooking your own meals are the cheapest options, while hotels and restaurants will increase the cost. Booking your rental car and accommodation early can also help you save money, especially in summer.

Yes. There are gas stations in most towns along the Ring Road, so running out of fuel isn't usually a problem. Even so, it's a good habit to fill up when your tank gets below half, especially in East Iceland where towns are farther apart.

Yes, but winter driving can be challenging. Snow, ice, strong winds, and fewer daylight hours can affect road conditions, especially in the north and east. Renting a 4x4, checking the forecast every day, and allowing extra time for your drive will make your trip much safer.

If you're visiting in summer, yes. Hotels, guesthouses, and campsites can fill up quickly, particularly in smaller towns along the Ring Road. During the rest of the year, you'll have more flexibility, but booking ahead is still recommended if you have a fixed itinerary.

Yes. The Ring Road passes through many areas with very little light pollution, making it a great place to see the Northern Lights. Your best chance is between September and April on a clear night away from towns.