Iceland's Extraordinary Ring Road Journey: A Comprehensive Guide
An Unforgettable, Unhinged Iceland Road Trip!
If you're yearning for an eyeball-popping, mind-blowing adventure, then buckle up, buttercup! An Iceland road trip on the Ring Road is just the wild ride you need. Pack your bags, lube up your eyeballs, and prepare yourself for stupendous landscapes that make your jaw drop to the floor.
This ain't no snooze fest, it's a lessons-from-Mother-Nature smorgasbord.
The Icelandic wilderness is visually captivating in a way you've seldom seen before. With every twist and turn of the road, a brand-new, breathtaking Icelandic landscape unfolds before your eyes. You'll be leaving a piece of yourself behind on every damn bend.
Rent yourself a set of wheels - be it a whip, a steed, or a jalopy - and hit the open fucking road. You'll be cruising past:
- Volcanoes bubblin' like a witches' cauldron
- Icebergs glowin' in every color under the northern lights
- Waterfalls so massive they make your cockles flutter
- Magical northern lights dancin' in the sky
If luck's on your side, you'll stumble upon an ice cave or an erupting volcano, and your eyeballs will finally understand what it's like to witness pure, unadulterated magic. But trust us, girlfriend, you gotta fucking experience this catnip paradise for yourself to fully comprehend its glory.
In this travel guide, we'll help you get the most out of your self-drive Ring Road adventure. Learn how to prepare, where to stay, and what wondrous sights to see.
Need a map that'll light your way through Iceland's Ring Road? You got it, brother! Here's a map of our itinerary to help you find attractions like a boss. Click on the top left of the map, and voila! You'll find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. Click icons on the map to see the names of places we mention in this travel guide. You want to save this dreamy map to your Google Maps? Easy-peasy! Just click "star" the map, or open it in a new window for a larger version. Happy trails!
Iceland Ring Road Guide 2025
If you're still in the dark about what the fuck I'm talking about, feast your eyes on this surefire roadmap: Iceland's Ring Road encircles the entire country on Route 1.
You could theoretically cover the whole thing in less than 24 hours, but let's not be fucking stupid, darlin'. The reality is, you'll need at least a week to stop and take in all the photo ops along the way.
So don't even bother asking Siri how fast you can do it; she's about as dumb as a bag of rocks.
The unbelievable photography opportunities in Iceland will have you pulling over for picture-perfect moments every five minutes. I gave myself 10 days in Iceland, with 7 full days to drive the Ring Road itself. Looking back, I wish I'd added an extra few days to my Ring Road escapade.
While a 7-day Iceland ring road itinerary is possible, you'll be moving non-stop and might miss a few holiday spots, especially if the fucking weather doesn't play nice. Damn that fickle mother nature! Weather can be a real badass in Iceland, with sudden snowstorms common during spring, fall, and winter.
Rent a Car or Campervan?
When it comes to hiring a gutter-rattlin' nest on wheels, you have two options: renting a car or splashing out on a campervan.
The best site to book your rental car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible fucking price. This is the smartest move if you want to hire a vehicle for your wild Icelandic adventure.
Now, if you're not down for sleepin' in a freezing cold tent, a campervan is the way to go. I drove the Ring Road in a bloody Happy Campers van and lived like a king. My Happy Campers van housed a fold-down bed, sink with runnin' water, electric cooler, gas grill, battery-powered heatin' system, and a large solar panel. What more could a man ask for, am I right?
Don't be a fucking fool, bub! Iceland has strict laws about where you can spend the night in a campervan. You can no longer pull over and sleep anywhere like you might in the States. You've got to park your campervan at designated camppings, yo.
Planning an Iceland Road Trip
Where to Start From
Most travelers start their Ring Road odyssey from Keflavik International Airport, while others prefer to cut their fucking teeth on Reykjavik from a swanky boudoir. You can drive the route in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, but I reckon counterclockwise is the best fuckin' option. It'll let you hit the most touristy areas first, saving the best for last, you goddamn genius!
Gas Stations
Gas in Iceland is ridiculously expensive. You'll pay $2.25 USD per litre, which is $8.54 a gallon. Gas stations are easy to find near towns, but in the wilds, they're few and far between. Foreign credit cards may require you to pay inside rather than at the pump.
Fill up whenever the fuck you can, especially in winter, just in case you get stuck in a goddamn snowstorm overnight. You'll need about $300 USD for gas to fuel up your Ring Road expedition.
Groceries in Iceland
Iceland ain't just askin', it's motherfuckin' demanding: stock up on groceries before your road trip. The crowd-pleasing budget supermarket called Bónus has your piggy bank thanking its stars. The supermarket's logo is a scatterbrained-looking piggy bank. Many gas stations along the road sell pre-made sandwiches, hot soup, and basic fucking groceries too. So you can buy some general feeding stuff along the way.
GPS & Mobile Phone
If your cellphone is unlocked, you can buy a local prepaid Icelandic SIM card from the Vodafone Store at Kringlan Shopping Mall in Reykjavik. This gift from the gods will grant you access to GPS maps, internet data, emergency services, and local weather reports.
What Should You See?
I'd recommend pickin' a few must-see highlights and loosely planning your journey around 'em. Below you'll find my suggested 7-10-day itinerary with top-notch sights, primo lodgings for the night, and a few madcap activities to book in advance.
DAY 1: The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a short 'n' sweet one-day road trip that kicks off in Reykjavik, which I covered in a separate article. This 300 km (190 mi) route runs through a few beautiful Icelandic landmarks in a whirlwind fashion, making it perfect for those with only a long layover to burn. It's also a good place to start a longer Ring Road voyage, as the attractions are major fuckin' attractions in Iceland.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is the birthplace of Iceland's first Parliament, and it's where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly but surely driftin' apart. You can wander around the trails, feeling like you're in the middle of science fiction movie. This is also where you can swim between the tectonic plates, if you're up for some cold-ass aquatic fun.
Geysers At Haukadalur
An impressive geothermal zone featuring two natural geysers that erupt like popcorn on the regular. Churnin', boilin', and smellin' like eggs, these geysers are guaranteed to keep your attention. You won't have to wait long to see 'em explode.
Gullfoss Waterfall
This rockin', river-turned-waterfall drops a fuckin' hundred feet into a colossal cascade, kickin' up thick sprays and frequent rainbows. From here, most people turn around and head back to the Ring Road, or to Reykjavik.
➜ Read My Golden Circle Travel Guide Here****
WHERE TO STAY ON THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
Luxury
Frost & Fire Hotel
Midrange
Hótel Eldhestar
Budget
Selfoss Hostel
DAY 2: Iceland's South Coast
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Your wake-up call will be a drop-dead-gorgeous sunrise (if you're not a night owl), so set your alarm £shits for crack-a-lackin' o' day. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall rises some 200 feet in the air, with a shorty trail takin' you behind the waterfall itself. Photographin' behind the waterfall at sunrise can be challenging with all the spray though. Another notch-worthy photo spot is from a hill on the right, but watch your step, it's slippery as a greased pig.
Skogafoss Waterfall
After that, hop in your vehicle and head to Skogafoss, another massive and turbo-powered waterfall that's only feet away from Seljalandsfoss. The height of Skogafoss is about the same, but it's way wider and mistakin' ferocious. Colorful rainbows are a regular fuckin' occurrence here. A wooden stairway leads to a viewin' platform on the top.
Vatnajokull Glacier (Skaftafell National Park)
One activity you shouldn't give the big one on your own is hikin' on Iceland's famous glaciers. If you've never hiked on a glacier before, I strongly advise joining a glacier hikin' adventure. There are a few different glaciers in Iceland, but probably the most popular 'un for tourists is Vatnajokull Glacier in Skaftafell National Park. It's multi-storey, and there are several spots where you can get up close and personal with the motherfuckin' ice.
One well-liked photo location is Sólheimajökull Viewpoint. You can spot the glacier from a safe distance, without actually strippin' ya shoes on the slippery ice itself (which requires special gear).
Sólheimasandur Plane Crash
The abandoned wreckage of a plane on Sólheimer's Sand Beach is one of Iceland's most iconic photographic locales. In 1973, a United States Navy DC-3 crashed on the beach here, and it's since been featured in various music videos. You can park your ride and hike out for some close-up examination of the rusty metal skeleton. Check out my detailed instructions if you'd like to see this legendary landmark with your own eyes.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Often referred to as the world's most beautiful black sand beach, Reynisfjara Coastal Beaches offers mind-blowin' vistas from start to finish. This desolate shoreline was created by lava mixin' with ocean water. I wouldn't recommend sunbathin' on this beach, but you'll get some incredible photo ops here - from the black beach itself to the cliffs, caves, and weird rock formations known as basalt columns. Reynisfjara Beach is very fuckin' impressive.
WHERE TO STAY AROUND VIK
Luxury
Hotel Kría
Midrange
The Barn
Budget
Puffin Hostel
DAY 3: Iceberg Lagoons & Ice Caves
Fjárdargljufur Canyon
This jaw-droppin' gorge came to life approximately 9,000 years ago thanks to erosion. I was fucking spellbound by the opportunity to traipse inside this narrow, winding freakshow. To avoid hikin' through water, I suggest savourin' the gorge's natural beauty from the walkin' path above Fjárdargljufur Canyon. But watch your step - the path can get pretty steep.
Svartifoss Waterfall
The dark basalt columns that flank the narrow, effervescent flow of water from Svartifoss (aka the "Black Waterfall") will make ya feel like you've set foot on another fuckin' planet. Depending on whether you want to take the direct route or the more circuitous route, you can expect to walk at least 2 miles to reach this motherfucker. You can't enter the actual waterfall area, but you'll get up close enough for great photos.
Jókulsarlon Iceberg Lagoon
Waves of massive blue-tinged icebergs float in this massive motherfucker called Jókulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. The ice collects on its shores, while some pieces drift out to sea. This rad spot is such a popular hangout that you could easily spend a whole day here. Don't forget to visit the ocean beach nearby, where some icebergs get shoved on shore by the fucking waves. Participatin' in a lagoon tour by boat is a motherfuckin' adventure!
Explore Magical Crystal Ice Caves
For photographers, the beautiful, crystal ice caves beneath Vatnajokull glacier can't be missed. Melty water creates these intricate natural ice passages, with sunlight filterin' through the ice, givin' 'em a pretty goddamn blue tint.
Iceland's ice caves can be difficult and dangerous to reach, so you'll need to hire a fuckin' gude. For safety reasons, you can only visit 'em during the winter (startin' from November) when the ice has hardened up and the risk of collapse is low.
Crystal Ice Cave Tour
Take your precious camera on a trip inside the biggest glacier in Europe as you gawk at unearthly shades of blue. Guided by a fuckin' glacier guide.
Book Now------------------------------
WHERE TO STAY AROUND HOF
Luxury
Aurora Cabins
Midrange
Hotel Hófn
Budget
Lilja Guesthouse
DAY 4: Egilsstádir & The Eastern Fjords
Driving The Coastline
Ok, you're officially in the fuckin' boonies. Eastern Iceland is a raw, untamed wilderness of rocky mountain peaks, wind-swept shores, and rapidly changin' weather. There's not much in terms of towns or fuckin' people. You'll be perfectin' yer zen by drivin' in and out of fjords all day. Crank up the tunes and enjoy the breathtakin' Icelandic panoramas. Most of the action happens in the town of Egilsstádir.
Sheep & Reindeer Spotting
This part of Iceland is home to more than just a couple of sheep and reindeer. Keep yer eyes peeled as ya drive, especially at night or in bad weather. In the winter, the sheep will be penned up, but in the summer and fall, they roam free across the fuckin' countryside.
Hunting Northern Lights
If you've taken it upon yourself to search for the fuckin' Northern Lights every night, you'll be happy to know that the Eastern coast is a great place to spot 'em. During my 7-day Ring Road adventure, I was fuckin' lucky enough to see the Aurora dance 3 nights in a row with clear skies.
Tips for Findin' and Photographin' the Northern Lights in Iceland
WHERE TO STAY IN EAST ICELAND
Luxury
Vinland Cottage
Midrange
Hotel Valaskjálf
Budget
Laufás Guesthouse
DAY 5: Myvatn & More Waterfalls
Icelandic Mountain Passes
Faśkrúðsfjarðargöng tunnel is almost 4 miles long and seems like it'll never fucking end. When it does, you'll eventually be in the Highlands of Iceland, a desolate, barren stretch of a high plateau. In the winter, it's covered in snow, and Route 1 is the only fuckin' safe road to drive on. In the summer, you can explore more with a 4x4.
Dettifoss Waterfall
Dettifoss is the largest fuckin' waterfall in Iceland (and Europe) by water volume. Imagine the visual and auditory impact of over 132,000 liquid gallons rushin' past ya every second! It's equally beautiful and fuckin' overwhelming.
Most tourists go to the waterfall's west side, but the east side is even better for photos. If you've got the time and energy, it's worth a stop. But be careful - it's fuckin' dangerous if you get too close to the edge. Especially if the rocks are wet. Watch yer step, mate!
Godafoss Waterfall
Godafoss Waterfall is famous for several reasons, including its impressive width of almost 100 feet. More importantly, if you visit at the right time of year, you can take pho-tay-graphs of the Northern Lights over the water, which is a truly rare spectacle.
It doesn't take much of a fall to earn the title "Godafoss," which means "Waterfall of the Gods" in Icelandic. The waterfall is known locally for an Icelandic legend involving Norse statues and the area's conversion to Christianity.
Námafjall Hverir
Hop back in your vehicle and continue on to Lake Myvatn, where Volcanic activity runs rampant. The Hell's Kitchen-esque Námafjall Hverir geothermal zone features boiling blue mud pits, steamin' fumaroles, and shit left and right.
WHERE TO STAY AROUND MYVATN
Luxury
Hlíd Cottages
Midrange
Hotel Laxá
Budget
Eldá Guesthouse
DAY 6: Akureyri & North Iceland
Fly Over an Active Volcano!
Akureyri is chock-full of activities to keep ya entertained, but one experience was really fuckin' special. Flying over Iceland's eruption at Bárðarbunga Volcano (aka the Holuhrán eruption). Back in 2014, lava broke through the earth's surface there and was spewin' rivers of molten rock.
Flyin' over an eruptin' volcano had been on my bucket list for years, and I'm over the fuckin' moon that I got to witness the power and fury of Mother Nature up close and personal. For scenic flights over the volcano, I used MyFlug.is. Booking a small plane is much cheaper than a helicopter.
The Holuhrán Eruption that I witnessed ended a long time ago, but Iceland has eruptions every few years. Currently, the Svartsengi volcano is erupting in the Reykjanes Peninsula area.
Whale Watching in Iceland
'Cause I was waitin' for the weather to clear up for my volcano flight, I didn't get a chance to go whale watchin' in Iceland. But it's a super popular thing to do at the fjords around Akureyri. Whale season runs from June to October, and you can spot humpback, fin, and minke whales.
Learn More About Whale Watching in Akureyri
WHERE TO STAY AROUND AKUREYRI
Luxury
Hotel Kjarnalundur
Midrange
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
Budget
Town Square Guesthouse
DAY 7: Snajafellsnes Peninsula
Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall
Depending on how much time ya got left, you'll either wanna head straight for Reykjavik or drive around the Snäfellsnes Peninsula (also known as "Little Iceland"). I drove all fuckin' night to make time for the peninsula.
Snäfellsnes offers up Kirkjufellsfoss, the most photographed waterfall in fuckin' Iceland just west of the town of Grundarfjörður.
Bú́ðakirkja Black Church
Bú́ðir is a goddamn ghost-fucker town, with only two structures: a church and a hotel. The tiny church named Bú́ðakirkja sits inside a lava field, and it also has a lot of greenery behind it. Ya gotta watch your step around here - there are plenty of fuckin' holes in the grassy landscape.
WHERE TO STAY ON SNÆFELLSNES
Luxury
Fell Holiday Home
Midrange
Arnarstapi Hotel
Budget
North Star Guesthouse
DAY 8-10: Explore Reykjavik
Hallgrimskirkja Church
Iceland's Hallgrimskirkja Church towers over Reykjavik and is the highest fuckin' church in the whole country. The spire is kinda fuckin' phallic in appearance. The most noteworthy aspects of the church are the impressive statue of Leif Eriksson and the huge, mechanical pipe organ. Take the elevator to the top for some cool views of the city.
Harpa Concert Hall
The glass facade of this modern Icelandic building is really fuckin' impressive. Harpa Concert Hall is worth tourin' even if there are no performances during your visit. But if ya lucky, ya might catch one of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra's weekly concerts there. At night, the whole building glows with colored lights, puttin' on a fuckin' show.
Tjórnin Pond
This natural geothermal pond in the center of Reykjavik attracts geese, swans, and ducks year-round. Locals call the pond the fuckin' "Biggest Bread Soup in the World" due to the shit-tons of bread that's tossed to the fuckin' birds. An environmental tip is to offer seeds, which are healthier for 'em than bread.
The Blue Lagoon
While not technically in Reykjavik, you can't visit Iceland without dippin' in the famous geothermal Blue Lagoon. It's located about an hour away from the city center, closer to the international airport. Don't forget to pack a fresh changin' room, 'cause you ain't gonna wanna wear ye' clothes in the lava-heated water. The Blue Lagoon is expensive, but it's fuckin' worth it.
➜ Read My Reykjavik Travel Guide Here ➜
WHERE TO STAY IN REYKJAVIK
Luxury
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
Midrange
Rey Apartments
Budget
Loft Hostel
*The Iceland Ring Road offers an adventure travel lifestyle, blending travel and sightseeing with landscapes that will leave you stunned.* With a road trip along the Ring Road, you'll see volcanoes, icebergs, waterfalls, and the magical northern lights, each offering unexpected and breathtaking adventures.
