Driving the Ring Road in Iceland: Our 12-Day Route & Tips
Driving the Ring Road in Iceland is a bucket list trip, and its the best way to explore the stunning country of Iceland. From epic waterfalls and ancient lava fields to charming coastal villages and relaxing hot springs, Iceland has it all.
After spending 12 days exploring Iceland by car and driving 1,651 km (1,025 miles), we found that 12 days was the perfect amount of time to drive Iceland’s Route 1 (popularly known as the Ring Road).
This wasn’t our first visit to Iceland, and it definitely won’t be our last. We originally visited for our honeymoon and spent most of our time exploring the South Coast, but we left wishing we had seen more. So, this year we decided to come back for our 5 year wedding anniversary and explore all of Iceland by driving the Ring Road. We’ve been on many road trips, and this one is hands down the best.
⭐ The #1 Thing We’d Book Again in Iceland
After driving the Ring Road in Iceland, choosing a reliable rental car was one of the best decisions we made. We rented a 4WD Suzuki Vitara from Lava Car Rental and would book with them again in a heartbeat.
👉 Check Lava Car Rental Rates Here
Our route included overnight stays in Selfoss, Vík, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, Húsavík, Akureyri, and Reykjavík. In this guide, we’ll share our exact 12-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary, including where we stayed, what we loved, what we’d change, and our best tips for planning your Iceland Ring Road Trip!
🚗 Driving the Ring Road at a Glance
Get Lost in Wanderlust contains affiliate links to things like tours and hotels. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust. Read our disclaimer for more information.
Is 12 Days Enough for Driving the Ring Road in Iceland?
12 days is the perfect amount of time to drive Iceland’s Ring Road. The Ring Road is a 1,322 km (821-mile) circuit around the country, but there are so many stops and small detours to take along the way.
In our experience, 12 days was the perfect pace for breaking up the drive and allowed us to fit in hikes, scenic detours, and go at a comfortable pace. Additionally, it gave us flexibility for the Icelandic weather, which can be unpredictable at times.
Do You Need a 4×4 for the Ring Road in Iceland?
No, a 4×4 isn’t required to drive Iceland’s Ring Road during the summer. The Ring Road (Route 1) is fully paved and can be driven with a standard vehicle.
That said, I would still recommend renting a 4×4 SUV if you plan to drive the entire Ring Road, not just the South Coast and Golden Circle areas. During our trip, we took some detours on a few gravel roads and mountain passes, and having a 4×4 was more comfortable for us. I also want to note that if you plan to travel on any F-roads, a 4×4 is required in Iceland.
For our 12-day Ring Road trip, we rented a 4WD Suzuki Vitara from Lava Car Rental and were extremely happy with our choice. The vehicle was practically brand new, fuel-efficient, and the perfect size for two people plus luggage.
If you’re traveling with four or more people, then I’d consider upgrading to a larger SUV for additional space.
Choosing the right car rental can really make or break your trip. We had a really great experience with our car rental (you can see my full review here).
👉 Check Rates and Book your Car with Lava Car Rental
Driving the Ring Road in Iceland: Our 12-Day Ring Road Route
Days 1-2: Golden Circle
Where We Stayed: Eyvik Cottages in Selfoss (2 nights)
For the first two nights of our Iceland Ring Road itinerary, we stayed in a cozy cabin with a private hot tub near Selfoss and the Golden Circle. This area is home to some of Iceland’s most famous attractions, but there are also plenty of lesser-known spots worth exploring.
I recommend spending at least two nights here. Not only is there more than enough to fill a couple of days, but it also gives you time to adjust to any jet lag and get comfortable driving in Iceland before heading to more remote parts of the country.
Most roads in this area are paved and easy to navigate, making it the perfect place to ease into your Iceland road trip. Also, if you arrive early, I recommend a stop at the famous Blue Lagoon. Its near the airport and great for relaxing after a flight.
Must-Visit Stops in the Golden Circle
📍 Þingvellir National Park
One of Iceland’s most important historical and geological sites, Þingvellir National Park sits between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This is also where you can go snorkeling between continents at Silfra.
📍 Geysir Geothermal Area
Home to Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every few minutes.
📍 Gullfoss Waterfall
One of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls and a Golden Circle highlight. The lower viewing platform offers the best views.
📍 Brúarfoss
Known as Iceland’s bluest waterfall, Brúarfoss is worth a visit. It used to only be accessible by hiking but now there is a parking area and you can access it with a short walk.
📍Kerið Crater
A colorful volcanic crater lake that’s easy to visit. It doesn’t require much time and you can walk around the top and enjoy the views.
📍Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Rye Bread Tour
Made famous by Zac Efron’s visit on Down to Earth, this unique tour lets you watch traditional Icelandic rye bread being dug from the geothermal sands where it bakes underground for 24 hours. It ends with a tasting of warm rye bread and Icelandic butter.
📍 Secret Lagoon
An affordable and fun alternative to Iceland’s more expensive lagoons, plus it is the oldest lagoon spa in Iceland. Debating between the Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon? Read my comparison of Secret Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon.
📍 Friðheimar
Known for its famous tomato greenhouse restaurant, Friðheimar is one of the most unique places to eat in Iceland.
The restaurant requires advanced reservations, but you can visit the wine & bistro without reservations and still try some of the famous dishes like their tomato soup or tomato beer.
📍 Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant
For a fun dinner, Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant offers a traditional Viking longhouse atmosphere and hearty Icelandic dishes. Yes it’s a bit of a touristy experience, but its a fun one!
📍 Hjálparfoss
Located not far from the Golden Circle in the Þjórsárdalur Valley, is a hidden gem waterfall: Hjálparfoss. This is the perfect place to escape the crowds, when we went there was literally no one else here.
Tips for Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle
- Expect to pay for parking at any of the major sites. You can download the Parka app for this.
- Stock up on groceries at the Bonus in Selfoss before continuing east.
- For an affordable, yet surprisingly good meal, check out the gas station cafes throughout Iceland!
Day 3: South Coast
Where We Stayed: Black Beach Suites in Vik (1 night)
The South Coast is one of the most popular regions to visit in Iceland, and for good reason. The scenery is dramatic and beautiful, and there is something for everyone, from hiking on a glacier to seeing iconic South Coast waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
I recommend staying a night in Vik, which is located in the middle of the south coast. There are many things to do around Vik, including seeing the famous Black Sand Beach. Staying a night here essentially gives you 2 days in the South Coast.
Must Visit Stops in Iceland’s South Coast
📍 Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi
One of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is known for the path that lets you walk behind the falls. Don’t miss nearby Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall tucked inside a canyon.
📍 Skógafoss
A massive waterfall that is every bit as impressive as the photos. Be sure to climb the staircase to the top for incredible views and access to the scenic Waterfall Way trail, which passes several additional waterfalls.
Most visitors hike 1–2 miles before turning around, as the trail continues all the way to Þórsmörk via the Fimmvörðuháls Trail (a difficult multi-day hike).
📍 Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Famous for its black sand, basalt columns, and crashing Atlantic waves, Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions. Be sure to respect the warning signs and stay away from the water.
📍 Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
This stunning moss-covered canyon looks like something straight out of a fantasy movie. A short walk along the rim rewards visitors with spectacular views of the winding river below.
📍 Skaftafell & Svartifoss
Located within Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is home to one of Iceland’s most famous hikes. The trail to Svartifoss takes about 45 minutes each way and leads to a striking waterfall framed by black basalt columns. It’s a relatively easy hike and one of the most rewarding waterfall walks in South Iceland.
📍Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon) is filled with floating icebergs that drift toward the ocean. One of the coolest experiences (and a must-do) in South Iceland is taking a boat tour in the lagoon! Just across the road, Diamond Beach is where chunks of ice wash ashore and sparkle against the black sand.
For a hidden gem is similar to Glacier Lagoon (but less crowded), you can also visit Fjallsárlón nearby.
Tips for Driving Iceland’s South Coast
- The South Coast can get very windy (especially near Vik). In high winds, park your car facing into the wind and hold the car door while getting out quickly.
- Be especially careful not to go near the water at the Black Sand Beach. This area is known for “sneaker waves” which come up quickly and the strong currents can drag you out to sea. So while it may look safe, stay away from the water.
Days 4-7: East Iceland
Where We Stayed: Hrafnavellir Guest House in Höfn (1 night) and Kaldá Lyngholt Cabin in Egilsstaðir (3 nights).
While many Ring Road itineraries spend just a day or two rushing through East Iceland, we stayed in East Iceland for 4 days and discovered some of our favorite places of the entire trip.
On the first night, we stayed near Höfn, so that we could visit the famous Vestrahorn Mountain and take our time driving the coastal route through the Eastfjords, stopping at the coastal villages along the way. We had incredible sunny weather on our drive, so we were constantly stopping for short hikes to waterfalls and to enjoy the dramatic scenery here.
We then spent 3 nights at a cozy cabin near Egilsstaðir. Most people only spend a night here, but spending 3 nights gave us time to simply relax and enjoy this beautiful area. We made several day trips to places like Seyðisfjörður and Borgarfjörður Eystri, and also had time for some hiking. We did have one day with bad weather (so we relaxed at the Vök Baths) and it was great having the extra time for flexibility.
Overall, East Iceland was incredible and was our favorite region. It’s the perfect place for exploring and feeling like you’ve escaped the major tourist hot spots.
Must-Visit Stops in East Iceland
📍 Vestrahorn & the Viking Village
One of the most photographed mountains in Iceland, Vestrahorn is known for its dramatic peaks, black sand dunes, and reflections. Arrive early or late in the day for the best light and fewer crowds.
There is also a cool viking village located here, it was originally built as a film set and is a unique spot to walk around.
📍 Driving the Eastfjords of Iceland
The drive through the Eastfjords was one of the highlights of our entire Ring Road trip. Expect winding coastal roads, lots of waterfalls, fishing villages, dramatic mountain scenery, and so many places to stop for photos. The drive is an experience itself.
One important note is that Google Maps will direct you to get off Route 1 and take a mountain pass 939 and 95 to get to Egilsstaðir because its slightly “faster.” However, I recommend ignoring it and staying on Route 1. Part of that route includes gravel roads and we heard from others that it was a bit rough. Additionally, staying on Route 1 took us around the coast, passing dramatic mountains, fishing villages, and coastal scenery. It was a beautiful drive!
📍 Djúpivogur
While there are several coastal fishing villages along the drive through the Eastfjords, Djúpivogur was easily our favorite. It’s super cute and a great place to stop for lunch while making our way through the Eastfjords towards Egilsstaðir.
📍 Seyðisfjörður
Famous for its rainbow street and colorful wooden buildings, Seyðisfjörður is known as Iceland’s prettiest town. It’s incredibly picturesque and truly a must-visit in East Iceland.
Seydisfjordur is located about 26km east of Egilsstaðir. You do have to drive over a paved mountain pass (road 93) to get here which is an experience in itself.
It is also where the skateboard scene was filmed in the Secret Life of Walter Mitty movie. While on the mountain pass, make sure to stop at the Bílastæði parking area and do the short walk to Háifoss. Shortly after, you can drive further down the mountain and stop at Gufu Waterfall.
📍 Borgarfjörður Eystri
This was one of the many highlights of our trip, and a must-do IF you are visiting during puffin season (Mid-May to early August).
This unique spot is one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins up close. Unlike many other places where you see Puffins on far away cliffs, in Borgarfjörður Eystri you will find a boardwalk platform which takes you very close to where the birds nest on the cliff. It is incredible!
The best time to visit is early morning (before 10am) or after 6pm. Just be careful to be keep quiet and not do anything to disturb the puffins. 🐧ྀིྀི
📍 Vök Baths
Located just outside Egilsstaðir, Vök Baths was one of our favorite lagoons in Iceland. The floating geothermal pools overlook Lake Urriðavatn and are the perfect place to relax after exploring East Iceland! We had a really rainy day while visiting and so we spent the afternoon here and had a great time (even in the not so great weather).
📍 Hengifoss
Hengifoss is reached via a scenic hike that rewards visitors with views of striking red clay layers in the surrounding cliffs. We really enjoyed this hike, it took us around 3 hours total. The waterfall is pretty, but also the view going back down is stunning too!
📍 Stuðlagil Canyon
Known for its towering basalt columns and vibrant blue water, Stuðlagil Canyon has become one of Iceland’s most popular natural attractions. You can visit on the east side or west side.
The west side has parking and viewing platforms from above, while the east side requires a drive on gravel road + a hike, but you get the famous view of the canyon from this side.
Tips for Driving East Iceland
- Keep an eye on your gas tank because gas stations are limited in the East. I recommend filling up before heading east from Höfn.
- Always check the weather before heading out for the day. This is a tip for anywhere in Iceland, but especially important with mountain roads in the East. You can check road conditions on Road.IS or on Safetravel.IS.
Not only will these local sites give you weather conditions, but they also let you know the road conditions and anything to be aware of (construction or weather related).
Days 8-11: North Iceland
Where we stayed: Guesthouse Brúnahlíð near Húsavík (1 night) and Björg Hörgárdalur near Akureyri (2 nights).
North Iceland offers some of the most diverse landscapes in the country, from powerful waterfalls and geothermal areas to coastal towns and scenic mountain drives. I recommend spending at least three to four days here to experience highlights like the Diamond Circle, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík, Akureyri, and the Tröllaskagi Peninsula.
During our trip, we based ourselves in Húsavík and Akureyri. This gave us enough time to visit some of the iconic waterfalls in the Diamond Circle, explore Lake Mývatn (quickly), relax at GeoSea and Forest Lagoon, go whale watching, and drive one of Iceland’s most scenic routes around the Tröllaskagi Peninsula.
Must-Visit Stops in North Iceland
📍 Dettifoss
Known as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, Dettifoss is an absolute must-see, and one of the main sites on the Diamond Circle route.
To visit Dettifoss, you can either go on the West Side (Route 862) or the East Side (Route 864). The East Side is a gravel road that requires a 4×4 to drive. We did the West Side which is a paved road and thought it was a perfectly good view. You can also do a short walk to antoher waterfall, Selfoss.
📍 Lake Mývatn
Lake Mývatn is one of the highlights of North Iceland, known for its unique volcanic landscapes, geothermal areas, lava fields, and pseudocraters. It is also home to a lagoon called Earth Lagoon Mývatn.
📍 Hverir Geothermal Area
An otherworldly landscape filled with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and colorful mineral deposits. It feels like walking on another planet.
📍 Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
A maze of unique lava formations and walking trails, it’s a unique and easy stop to add while exploring the Lake Mývatn area.
📍 Grjótagjá Cave
This small lava cave contains a stunning geothermal hot spring and was featured as a filming location in Game of Thrones.
📍 Húsavík
Often called the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík is a charming coastal town. It was also made famous in the Will Ferrell movie Eurovision, and if you’ve seen the movie there is a Jaja Ding Dong bar in the town you can visit. I loved Húsavík, and personally I’m glad we chose to stay closer to here than the Lake Mývatn area.
📍 GeoSea
Perched above the ocean in Húsavík, GeoSea offers some of the best views from any lagoon in Iceland. Watching the midnight sun and seeing whales swim in the distance was an absolute highlight of our trip.
📍 Goðafoss
Known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” Goðafoss is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, known for its horseshoe shape. It’s an easy stop between Lake Mývatn and Akureyri.
📍 Akureyri
Often called the “Capital of North Iceland,” Akureyri is a charming town filled with colorful streets, cozy cafés, local restaurants & bars, and beautiful views of Eyjafjörður. It also makes for perfect base for exploring North Iceland.
📍 Whale Watching Tours
North Iceland is the best place to take a whale watching tour. While many people take tours from Húsavík, I recommend taking a tour just north of Akureyri in Hauganes. This is the whale watching tour we did, and it was a great experience. It is less crowded than the ones in Húsavík and we saw plenty of whales! There is also a great fish & chips restaurant near the harbor called Baccalá Bar.
📍 Forest Lagoon
Located just outside Akureyri, Forest Lagoon offers a relaxing geothermal experience surrounded by trees and views of Eyjafjörður fjord. Forest Lagoon was quite large compared to other lagoons, and also had a sauna, cold plunge, and swim up bars.
📍 Tröllaskagi Peninsula
One of the most underrated drives in Iceland, the Tröllaskagi Peninsula (nicknamed the Troll Peninsula) features dramatic mountains, quiet fishing villages, and stunning coastal scenery.
If you have an extra day in North Iceland, don’t miss it. The gem of the Tröllaskagi is the charming fishing village of Siglufjörður. This colorful fishing village is also home to the Herring Era Museum which is the largest maritime museum in Iceland.
Tips for Driving in North Iceland
- If you plan to make stops while driving around Lake Mývatn, I recommend getting an inexpensive, mesh mosquito head net. I had heard this before but didn’t think we’d need it, but wow these little bugs really swarm and they love to go for your face. Definitely will bring a mosquito net next time!
- One lane tunnels in Tröllaskagi: If you take a detour to explore the Troll Peninsula (north of Akureyri) you need to know that there are two one lane tunnels.
- When going through a one lane tunnel, if you have the passing area on your right then you must pull over and let oncoming cars through. In the tunnel we went through there is a sign that had an “M” indicating where the passing area was so that you could time it. If you are coming the other direction, you have the right away and do not stop.
Day 12: Reykjavik
Where we stayed: Hotel Skuggi in Central Reykjavík
On day 11, we woke up early to make the 4.5 hour drive from Akureyri to Reykjavík. We explored the Tröllaskagi (Troll Peninsula) the day before and had already been to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on our previous trip. So, we made the drive with minimal stops. That being said, the drive was still enjoyable as its an incredibly scenic drive!
If you’ve never been to Reykjavík, I’d highly recommend spending at least 2 nights here because it truly is a great city. However, since we had been previously during our honeymoon we decided to do just a short visit at the end of our trip this time.
Must-Visit Places in Reykjavík
📍 Hallgrímskirkja
Reykjavík’s most iconic landmark, the Hallgrímskirkja offers panoramic views of the city from the top of its tower. It’s a must-visit.
📍 Rainbow Street
One of the most photographed spots in Reykjavík, Rainbow Street is lined with colorful buildings, shops, cafés, and views of Hallgrímskirkja at the end of the street.
📍 Sky Lagoon
Just outside the city, Sky Lagoon was one of our favorite experiences near Reykjavík. The ocean views and seven-step ritual make it a relaxing way to end an Iceland Ring Road trip. Sky Lagoon is one of my all time favorite lagoons, especially the sauna overlooking the sea.
📍 Harpa Concert Hall
Known for its striking glass architecture, the Harpa is another must-see. You can see it from the outside and its a great place for a walk around the waterfront. Just a few minutes away you can also see the waterfront Sun Voyager Statue.
📍 Perlan Museum
Part museum, part observation deck, Perlan offers excellent views of Reykjavík along with exhibits about Iceland’s natural wonders. We actually visited this on our first trip to Iceland, and thought it was well worth the visit!
📍 Explore Reykjavík’s Food Scene
Reykjavík has so many great restaurants, cafes, and bars. It is such a walkable city and a fun place to grab some food and drinks. A few of our favorites from this trip were the Hús máls og menningar (a bookshop turned bar/music venue), the Lebowski Bar, Kaffibrennslan for coffee, and Íslenski Barinn for dinner.
Tips for Reykjavík
- Most bars and restaurants in Reykjavík offer great happy hour deals. Deals and times vary based on each place, but most happy hours include several drink specials from 16:00-18:00 (4pm to 6pm).
FAQs on Driving the Ring Road in Iceland
Driving Iceland’s 821-mile Ring Road (Route 1) non-stop would take about 18 to 20 hours. To comfortably drive the Ring Road while making stops, you will need a minimum of 7-10 days. However, in my experience I would highly recommend planning for 12-14 days to drive the Ring Road.
Its best to drive the Ring Road counterclockwise, starting with the Golden Circle and South Coast. These areas have so much to do, and you’ll have the most energy at the beginning of your trip. These are also the most crowded areas, so it will feel so nice once you travel on to the east and north and escape the crowds!
The Ring Road is completely paved and is a well-kept road. We’ve driven in many different countries around the world, and had no difficulties with driving the Ring Road in Iceland. However, there are winding roads, one lane bridges, lots of sheep, and potentially challenging weather to be aware of when driving in Iceland.
H2: Final Thoughts on Driving the Ring Road in Iceland
Driving the Ring Road in Iceland was easily one of the best road trips we’ve ever taken. After 12 days and 1,651 km (1,025 miles) on the road, we felt that 12 days was the ideal amount of time to experience Iceland’s highlights without feeling rushed.
If you’re planning your own Iceland Ring Road itinerary, our biggest recommendation is to allow time for scenic detours, especially in regions like East Iceland. While famous attractions such as Jökulsárlón, Skógafoss, and Lake Mývatn are absolutely worth visiting, some of our favorite memories came from the quieter places we discovered along the way.
Whether you are coming back to Iceland (like we did) or first-time visitors, driving the Ring Road is hands down the best way to experience Iceland.
