Driving the Ring Road Iceland: 2026 Complete Guide & Itinerary

Affiliate Disclosure: This Ring Road Iceland guide contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions are entirely my own.

ICELAND RING ROAD TRIP – INTRODUCTION

Driving the Ring Road in Iceland had always been a dream for my husband and me. Yet this dream had remained elusive, as our previous visits to this remote Nordic nation had only been fleeting stopovers en route to or from other European destinations. Taking on the Iceland Ring Road requires a greater commitment.

We wanted to experience this grander adventure because we have always truly loved Iceland’s captivating landscapes, rich Nordic culture, and stunning scenery. (This was our 4th trip!) We also wanted to escape the crowds. Iceland is an exceptionally popular travel destination, but most tourists stay in or within a few hours’ drive of the capital city of Reykjavík.

In this post, I want to share what we learned on our Iceland Ring Road drive, answer some common questions about the experience, and offer a few tips to help you plan your own trip.

In a hurry? Please use the following menu to find what you need quickly.

ICELAND RING ROAD VIDEO (1 MIN.)

I don’t think anything could better demonstrate why you should drive Iceland’s Ring Road than some enticing visuals. Before we delve into the finer details, just take a 60-second peek at some of the amazing sights to behold on this epic journey!

RING ROAD VS GOLDEN CIRCLE

The Iceland Ring Road Drive is not to be confused with the Golden Circle Drive. The Iceland Golden Circle Drive is a day trip that can easily be done from Reykjavik. Many people do the Golden Circle on the first day of an Iceland Ring Road itinerary before heading south.

WHAT IS THE ICELAND RING ROAD?

The Iceland Ring Road follows Route 1, a highway that circumnavigates the entire island. It typically involves stops in the South Iceland, East Iceland (Austurland) and North Iceland. Depending on how much time a person has, an Iceland Ring Road trip may also include the Westfjords (Northwest), and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (West).

Disclaimer: The Google Maps on this page are provided for general reference only; while I have done my best to ensure accuracy, TheBetterBeyond.com assumes no responsibility for errors, route changes, incorrect pins, or any navigation decisions made using these maps.

The map above roughly shows the most basic Ring Road itinerary Iceland route. It diverges slightly from Route 1 in places because you need to get off the highway to see some of the most interesting attractions and Icelandic coastal towns.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE THE ICELAND RING ROAD?

How long does it take to drive the Ring Road in Iceland? Well, it depends. If you drive it quickly, sticking to Route 1, it can be accomplished in as few as 7 or 8 days. Personally, I don’t recommend a 7 or 8-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary though. It is so rushed, and you would have a series of one-night stays (hardly enough time to unpack).

In a perfect world, a 10-14 day itinerary is great. This can potentially include a night or two on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the west. To also include the more remote Westfjords, 12-14 days or more is ideal.

Note: We completed our entire Ring Road Iceland itinerary, which included the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords, in 10 nights. Although this was rushed, it was possible for us because we were able to skip some stops, having had 3 previous trips to Iceland under our belts.

WHAT IS THE ICELAND RING ROAD DISTANCE?

How long is the Ring Road in Iceland? The official Iceland Ring Road length is just over 1320km (820mi). The route is mostly paved, with well maintained gravel roads leading to some of the major attractions.

It is likely, however, that your Iceland Ring Road driving route will extend a bit further. This is because part of the charm of the north and the east of Iceland lies in visiting some of the small towns just off Route One. For example, Húsavik (to the north on #85 or #87) will add an extra 100km, and Seydisfjordur (to the east on #93) will add an additional 50km.

If you include the western Snæfellsnes Peninsula as part of your itinerary, you can expect to add 300 km or more to the overall Ring Road Iceland length. If you also include the Westfjords, this will add an extra 600-900km. (You can reduce this distance by about 250km by taking the Ferry Baldur between Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords.)

Note: In Iceland, the speed limit on gravel roads is typically 80km/hr. Due to the nature of these roads in the Westfjords (cliffs etc.), 50km/hr is much more sensible. (Even my husband, who has a lead foot, agreed.) It is important to account for this slower speed when calculating your Iceland Ring Road driving time.

CLOCKWISE OR COUNTERCLOCKWISE?

Should you drive the Iceland Ring Road clockwise or counterclockwise? Well, it’s a loop, so in theory it shouldn’t make that much difference. That said, if you start with the star-studded attractions of the Golden Circle right out of Reykjavík (or Keflavík Airport), it makes the most sense to drop down to the south and then continue east, which means traveling counterclockwise.

There is another big reason I recommend driving the Ring Road in a counterclockwise direction. From personal experience, it’s nice to go from the extremely crowded attractions in the south to the far less visited regions in the east, north, and west. Once you’ve had a geothermal pool or waterfall all to yourself, it’s hard to go back. In practice, I strongly recommend driving counterclockwise.

CAN YOU DRIVE ACROSS ICELAND?

You might be wondering if you can skip some sections of the Ring Road, saving time by driving across the middle of Iceland. For the majority of people, the answer would be a definitive “no.”

Inside Iceland’s Ring Road is an expansive region known as The Highlands. The unpaved roads that criss-cross the Highlands, called the F-Roads, are only minimally maintained (filled with giant holes, streams, and more). A 4×4 is mandatory to drive on them, and they are only open during the summer months. (Roughly late June–early July to early September, depending on snow conditions.) You can see them marked on my attached Google Maps with a dotted line.

Note: Part of the reason that we rented a 4×4 for the Ring Road in Iceland was because we wanted to have the experience of driving on the F-Roads. After seeing one, I quickly changed my mind. Both the incline and the depth of the tire ruts made me think that it was not something we wanted to do in a rental vehicle (unless we wanted to own it after).

ICELAND RING ROAD MAPS

I’ve created the following Google Maps to give you an idea of what both a shorter 7–8 night and a longer (up to 14 night) Ring Road itinerary might look like. I’ve tried to include all the major Ring Road attractions on these maps, colour-coded by region. On the shorter itinerary, however, quite a few will need to be skipped.

I hope these maps can provide a helpful framework as you plan your own Ring Road trip, whether you have 8 days, 12 days, or even a month.

TIP: If you are activity planning your Ring Road Iceland itinerary, you may want to save this guide for later so you can easily find it again while planning. You can tap the heart in the corner, bookmark this page, or pin it on Pinterest.

RING ROAD ROUTE 7 NIGHTS (8 DAYS)

This 7 night itinerary starts and finishes in Reykjavik and covers approximately 1,350 km (about 20 hours of driving without stops). It does not include the Golden Circle just east of Reykjavik (purple dots), the more remote Westfjords (brown) or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (yellow).

Please feel free to click on the map or this link for the interactive version.

Disclaimer: The Google Maps on this page are provided for general reference only; while I have done my best to ensure accuracy, TheBetterBeyond.com assumes no responsibility for errors, route changes, incorrect pins, or any navigation decisions made using these maps.

RING ROAD ROUTE 8 NIGHTS (+ GOLDEN CIRCLE)

This 8 night itinerary is exactly the same as the one above, but it includes the Golden Circle (clockwise) on day one. The day would end with you dropping down to the South Coast and spending the night somewhere between the towns of Selfoss and Vík. This would allow you to continue on along the Ring Road in a counterclockwise direction on day two. This route covers about 1,450 km.

Please feel free to click on the Ring Road Iceland map below or this link for the interactive version.

RING ROAD ROUTE 10-14 DAYS

To compare, this is the route we did on our 10 day Iceland Ring Road itinerary (that does not include the Golden Circle). I would highly recommend a 12–14 night itinerary for this journey as we were able to skip many attractions in the south that we had visited on previous trips. The route runs about 2,100 km and roughly 30 hours of driving, non-stop.

It should also be noted that we took the car ferry between the Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula rather than driving around. It did not save us any time, but it was a nice change of scenery.

Please feel free to click on the map or this link for the interactive version.

RING ROAD ROUTE 10-14 DAYS (+ GOLDEN CIRCLE)

I have modified the map above to show what the route might look like if you start day one by driving the Golden Circle (clockwise) and then drop down to the South Coast. You would end the day by staying somewhere between Selfoss and Vík, ready to continue on the Iceland Ring Road in a counterclockwise direction on day two.

Once again, you can click on this link or the map if you want to view an interactive version.

THE MAJOR ICELAND RING ROAD ITINERARY STOPS

There are hundreds of incredible sights along Iceland’s Ring Road, but the following are the major stops most travelers include on their itinerary. You won’t have time to see all of these stops on a short trip, but this list will help you understand what each region offers.

MAIN ICELAND RING ROAD ATTRACTIONS

• GOLDEN CIRCLE – Þingvellir National Park, Secret Lagoon, Laugarás Lagoon, Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, Kerid Crater (optional).

• SOUTH ICELAND – Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls, Dyrholaey, Reynisfjara Beach, Vik (Town), Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Vatnajökull Glacier, Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

• EAST ICELAND – Stokksnes Beach,Vestrahorn Mountains, Djupivogur (Town), Hengifoss Waterfall, Seyðisfjörður & Egilsstaðir (Towns), Vök Baths, Stuðlagil Canyon.

• NORTH ICELAND – Bjorgarfjörður Eystri (puffins), Earth Lagoon Mývatn, Hverir Geothermal Area, Dettifoss Waterfall, Akureyri & Húsavík (Towns), Grímsey Island, GeoSea Pool, Forest Lagoon, Hvítserkur Sea Stack, Goðafoss Waterfall, Kolugljúfur Canyon.

• WESTFJORDS (Optional +1-2 days) – Dynjandi Waterfall, Látrabjarg Cliffs (Puffins), Rauðasandur Beach, Towns of Ísafjörður & Flatyri (The Old Bookstore), Drangsnes Hot Pots.

• SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA & BORGANES – Snæfellsjökull National Park, Kirkjufell Mountain, Kirkjufellsfoss, Svöðufoss, Búðakirkja Church, Arnarstapi Cliffs, Djúpalónssandur Beach, Hvammsvík Geothermal Pool, Grábrók Crater.

• REYKJAVIK – Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, Sun Voyager Sculpture, Perlan Museum, Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

I’ve also arranged these attractions in a Pinterest Pin format below if you’d like to save this list for later.

UPDATES (MARCH 2026)

I want to bring to your attention a few updates for 2026 that you may not have come across yet in your research.

• REYNISFJARA BEACH (South Iceland) – The famous black sand beach at Reynisfjara experienced significant erosion over the winter. Much of the sand has been washed away and access to the cave has been restricted. You can still see the impressive basalt columns, but from a little farther back. Please respect posted warnings about sneaker waves, as they can be extremely dangerous.

• LAUGARÁS LAGOON (Golden Circle) – Opened in late 2025, this new riverside lagoon features tiered hot pools, saunas, and cold plunges. It offers a nice alternative to the Secret Lagoon, which can become quite crowded. While not technically on the Ring Road, many travelers visit the Golden Circle before or after their drive.

• EARTH LAGOON MÝVATN (North Iceland) – The former Mývatn Nature Baths are being refreshed and are scheduled to reopen in April 2026 with upgraded facilities.

Here also is my itinerary map from above with the major Ring Road attractions shown. They are colour-coded by region (no driving instructions). While technically not part of the Ring Road, the Golden Circle attractions are shown in purple.

Please feel free to click on the map or this link for the interactive version.

BEST TOWNS TO STAY IN ON THE ICELAND RING ROAD

This is quite possibly the question I get asked most often when people reach out about a Ring Road self-drive itinerary. With the exception of Reykjavík and the busier South Coast, there actually aren’t that many towns to choose from. It becomes less about picking between places and more about proximity to the attractions you’re most interested in, and how you want to space your driving days.

For example, if you’re planning a morning glacier walk on the South Coast, you’ll want to stay near the departure point the night before so you’re not facing a two-hour drive before your tour even begins.

Before we get into the details, there are a few things I think you should know:

1. MOST TOWNS ARE VERY SMALL

It’s important to understand that most towns along the Ring Road, outside of Reykjavík, are very small. The largest, by far, is Akureyri in North Iceland, with a population of roughly 20,000. Many others are more like villages, with populations ranging from a few hundred to a couple of thousand people.

For example, Vík, one of the most popular overnight stops on the South Coast, has fewer than 800 residents. Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a common base for Skaftafell glacier tours, is little more than a handful of small hotels, a gas station, and a small grocery store.

You are not choosing between big, bustling towns. You are choosing strategic overnight bases.

2. THE PRETTIEST TOWNS INVOLVE A DETOUR

A few of Iceland’s most charming towns sit slightly off Route 1.

Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland is a good example. It is definitely more picturesque than the more conveniently located Egilsstaðir. That said, it requires a winding 26 km mountain drive off the Ring Road to reach it.

Siglufjörður in North Iceland is another. Most travellers stay in Akureyri, which sits directly on Route 1. Siglufjörður, however, is about 75 km north of Akureyri along a dramatic fjord road. It’s beautiful and far more quaint, but it adds roughly an hour of extra driving compared to simply overnighting in Akureyri.

3. PACE MATTERS

How many days you have will strongly influence where you stay.

If you’re doing the Ring Road in 7–8 days, you’ll likely be moving almost every night and won’t have time for many (or any) detours.

With 10–12 days, you can stay in some towns slightly off the Ring Road and build in a few two-night stays. Alternatively, you could add the Westfjords, though you will still likely be moving most nights.

With more than 12 days, you can include the remote Westfjords and enjoy a few more relaxed two-night stays along the way.

4. THE SPACES IN-BETWEEN

Not all of the best Ring Road hotels and inns are located in towns. This is especially true on the popular South Coast. You’ll be driving along what feels like a rather desolate stretch of road and then suddenly spot a beautiful property standing on its own that’s may absolutely be worth a stay.

In my own research, I usually start by looking in the main towns on Booking.com, then use the map feature to zoom out. Looking in-between the towns, I can sometimes find something special that I might otherwise overlook.

This can also be a smart strategy in the busy summer months, when many Ring Road town hotels have sky-high prices and are often fully booked well in advance. A much better property choice (at a much better price!) may be just a 10 minute drive away!

5. TWO-NIGHTS STAYS ON THE RING ROAD

If your itinerary allows, consider staying two nights in one or two places along the Ring Road. Moving every night can make the trip feel rushed, and Iceland is a country where it’s nice to slow down when you can.

Two common places to base yourself for a couple of nights are Vík (South Iceland) and the Lake Mývatn area in North Iceland. Both regions have numerous attractions nearby, making them good bases for day trips.

Some travelers also choose Akureyri instead of Lake Mývatn for their two-night stay in the north. Akureyri is Iceland’s second-largest town and has more restaurants, shops, and accommodation options, though it is a bit farther from some of the major sights around Lake Mývatn.

If you are visiting the Westfjords, a two-night stay in one place can be a little harder (unless you have plenty of time), as the attractions are more spread out and driving distances are longer. In this region, many visitors instead choose to spend one night in the north (Ísafjörður) and one night in the south (Patreksfjörður).

RECOMMENDED TOWNS FOR OVERNIGHT STAYS

This is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning an Iceland Ring Road itinerary. Because driving the Ring Road in Iceland involves covering long distances each day, choosing the right towns for overnight stays can make your trip much more enjoyable.

I’ll list the towns below with a brief description of the nearby attractions. They’re presented in a counterclockwise route from Reykjavík. (As I mentioned earlier, the South Coast attractions are very crowded in the summer months. I would much rather you experience them at the beginning of your trip, than at the end, after enjoying the tranquility of the north.)

REYKJAVÍK

Reykjavík is great for arrival and departure nights, museums, restaurants, and culture. It’s also a convenient base if you plan to do the Golden Circle on your first full day before starting the Ring Road.

Otherwise, you may prefer to leave Reykjavík until the end of your trip and begin the Ring Road directly from Keflavík International Airport. (Especially if this is not your first trip to Iceland and you have already done the Golden Circle.)

→ Check current hotel availability in Reykjavík

SELFOSS

I recommend Selfoss as an overnight stay only if you plan to complete the Golden Circle (clockwise) before starting the Ring Road in a counterclockwise direction. Doing the full Golden Circle and then continuing all the way to Vík makes for a much longer travel day than most people can comfortably enjoy.

→ Check current hotel availability in Selfoss

HVOLSVÖLLUR

Hvolsvöllur is a small but convenient town along Iceland’s South Coast, popular as a first-night stop on a Ring Road itinerary, especially for those starting with the Golden Circle and then heading east.

While it is not a major sightseeing destination itself, the town has several comfortable guesthouses and hotels, a few restaurants, grocery stores, fuel stations, and the excellent Lava Centre, which offers interactive exhibits about Iceland’s volcanic landscapes. Its central location also makes it a practical base for nearby highlights such as Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss, and the Eyjafjallajökull volcano region.

Note: One of my favourite Ring Road hotels is in Hvolsvöllur. The Hotel Umi is a stylish boutique hotel with beautiful views of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano and walking trails that lead down to a nearby black sand beach.

→ Check current hotel availability in Hvolsvöllur

VESTMANNÆJAR – HEIMAEY ISLAND (DETOUR)

I just want to give this island a quick mention. Realistically, 95% of you won’t have time to add it to a typical Ring Road itinerary. But between Selfoss and Vík, just off the south coast, lies Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands).

In summer, this is one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins up close. It’s also home to the excellent Eldheimar Volcano Museum, which tells the story of the dramatic 1973 eruption, and the island itself is incredibly picturesque, with sea cliffs, lava fields, and sweeping coastal views.

It can be done as a day trip via ferry from Landeyjahöfn, but ideally you would stay overnight to make it worthwhile.

If you’re interested, see my full post on visiting Heimaey for all the details.

→ Check current hotel availability on Heimæy

VÍK

Vík is the most efficient and popular base after visiting Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, as well as Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey, and the Sólheimasandur plane wreck along the South Coast. It also has an interesting Lava Show attraction and a small church perched above town with beautiful views.

Alternatively, if you’d like to travel a little further east, you could stay in Kirkjubæjarklaustur to be closer to Skaftafell Glacier, which is important if you’re doing a morning glacier hike departing from that area, though it is more of a hamlet than a town.

→ Check current hotel availability in Vík

KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR

Kirkjubæjarklaustur can be a good place to stay if you’re planning to hike around Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, which is only about a 10 to 15 minute drive away. It’s also a smart base if you want to be a little closer to the glacier attractions, including Skaftafell and Breiðamerkurjökull glacier hikes, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach (all within a 60-90 min. drive, but without having to push all the way to Höfn that same day.

This small hamlet is about a one hour drive east of Vík and consists of a cluster of small inns and hotels, plus little more than a gas station and a small grocery store.

Another benefit is that accommodations here can be more affordable, or have better availability in the busy summer months, than in Vík. Most properties also serve both breakfast and dinner, as there aren’t many other dining options nearby.

Note: I’ve twice stayed at the Magma Hotel in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and really enjoyed it. (This property also offers family rooms which can be hard to find in Iceland!)

→ Check current hotel availability in Kirkjubæjarklaustur

HÖFN

Höfn isn’t the prettiest town in Iceland. It’s more functional than charming, with a working harbour feel rather than dramatic cliffs or colorful houses. But what it lacks in atmosphere, it more than makes up for in location.

Höfn sits close to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and several Vatnajökull glacier tour departure points. Most travellers end up spending a significant amount of time in this region, whether hiking on the glacier, kayaking in the lagoon, or waiting for the perfect ice crystals to wash up on Diamond Beach.

It’s also just 15 minutes west of Vestrahorn at Stokksnes, one of the most dramatic black sand beach and mountain landscapes in Iceland, making it easy to visit while staying in Höfn or as a first stop as you continue heading east.

→ Check current hotel availability in Höfn

EGILSSTAÐIR

Egilsstaðir is more practical than picturesque, but its location makes it one of the most convenient overnight stops on the Ring Road. It sits directly on Route 1 and functions as the main service hub for East Iceland, with grocery stores, fuel, restaurants, and reliable accommodation.

Because of this, almost every Ring Road itinerary — long or short — includes a night here. It naturally breaks up the long stretch between Höfn and North Iceland and keeps your driving days manageable.

There are also worthwhile stops nearby. The Vök Baths sit just outside town on Lake Urriðavatn and are a lovely place for an evening soak. Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, is about 30 minutes away and known for its red clay and basalt layers. Studlagil Canyon, the striking basalt column river gorge, is also within reach with a bit of planning.

→ Check current hotel availability in Egilsstaðir

SEYÐISFJÖRÐUR

Seyðisfjörður is one of the prettiest towns in East Iceland, with colourful houses, a small artsy feel, and a beautiful harbour surrounded by steep mountains. It is the prettier alternative to Egilsstaðir, but requires a bit more time and effort. You’ll need to drive in-and-back from Route 1 along a 26 km winding mountain pass.

For this reason, Seyðisfjörður is usually only added when travellers have 10+ days and a little more flexibility. If you’re short on time, Egilsstaðir is easier.

Note: I absolutely loved our stay in this little town, but Egilsstaðir was originally my first choice. I simply couldn’t find anywhere decent to stay there, so I ended up booking the Vid Lonid Guesthouse in Seyðisfjörðurthis instead — and I’m so glad it worked out this way.

→ Check current hotel availability in Seyðisfjörður

LAKE MÝVATN AREA

The Lake Mývatn area is one of the most unique regions in Iceland and an excellent base for exploring Hverir geothermal area, Dimmuborgir lava fields, Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, Krafla crater, and the Mývatn Earth Lagoon (formerly Mývatn Nature Baths).

Dettifoss waterfall is also within reach. The scenery here feels completely different from the South Coast and is well worth slowing down for.

If you plan on visiting Mývatn Earth Lagoon, you should definitely stay overnight in this area. On longer itineraries, you may even want to stay two nights. Shorter 8-day itineraries often skip an overnight at Lake Mývatn and push on to Akureyri instead.

I also want to mention that there is a really nice farm-to-table restaurant in this area at Vogafoss Farm Resort that’s worthy of a little splurge. The guesthouse itself also gets great reviews for overnight stays. If you’re traveling with kids, it can be especially fun, as they can visit the farm animals in the attached barn.

Note: On our 10-night trip, we chose to stay two nights in Seyðisfjörður (previous stop), skip staying in Lake Mývatn, and push north the same day. We weren’t planning to visit the geothermal baths there and felt we didn’t need as much time. The day before, we had visited both Stuðlagil Canyon and Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir. Stuðlagil is a little off the main Ring Road route, and doing both made for a very full day, so it was easier for us to stay in the same area that evening. (I also really dislike one-night stays and would rather drive a bit farther in a day than change hotels more frequently.)

→ Check current hotel availability in Lake Mývatn

HÚSAVÍK

Húsavík is a small harbour town best known for whale watching, widely considered some of the best in Iceland. It’s also home to the GeoSea Baths, which sit in a dramatic clifftop location high above the ocean. Ásbyrgi Canyon and Dettifoss are also accessible from this area.

That said, it does require a bit of a detour off the Ring Road (about 45 km). Travellers on a tight schedule often visit for the day to go whale watching and then continue on to Akureyri rather than spending the night. If you prefer more hotel and dining options, Akureyri is the easier choice.

Note: One of my regrets on our Ring Road itinerary was rushing the north a little. I wish we had spent one night in Húsavík. I will also say that GeoSea geothermal pool was one of my favourites in Iceland (along with Vök Baths in the east and Hvammsvík in the west).

→ Check current hotel availability in Húsavík

AKUREYRI

Akureyri is North Iceland’s largest town (pop: ~20K) and offers the widest selection of restaurants, cafés, and accommodation options in the region. In fact, it’s the largest urban centre along the Ring Road outside of the Reykjavík area.

Because of its size and amenities, Akureyri is a popular overnight stop on both shorter and longer Ring Road itineraries. Travellers on tighter 7–8 day schedules often skip staying in Lake Mývatn and base themselves here instead. On longer itineraries, some travellers do overnight stays in both Lake Mývatn, Akureyri, and even add a night in Húsavík.

Note: As I prefer small villages over larger towns, we chose to spend an afternoon in Akureyri and based ourselves for two nights in Siglufjörður instead (next section).

→ Check current hotel availability in Akureyri

SIGLUFJÖRÐUR

Siglufjörður (pop: 1.2K) sits on a fjord and feels quiet and removed from the main Ring Road flow. It’s about 75 km northwest of Akureyri and roughly 60 km off Route 1, so staying here does add driving time compared to simply overnighting in Akureyri.

It’s known for its harbour setting, mountain backdrop, and the excellent Herring Era Museum. Beyond the museum and some nice walking paths, there isn’t a long list of major attractions.

The reason to stay is the setting. It’s calm, scenic, and far less busy than most Ring Road stops. After several fast-moving days, it makes a good place to slow down. We actually chose to spend two nights here for that reason.

→ Check current hotel availability in Siglufjörður

If not visiting the remote Westfjords, skip ahead to Stykkishólmur.

WESTFJORDS – ÍSAFJÖRÐUR

Ísafjörður is the main hub of the northern Westfjords and the most common place to base yourself in this region. It’s the largest town in the Westfjords, with restaurants, cafés, a small harbour, and the most reliable hotel options.

From here, you can explore Dynjandi waterfall, scenic fjord drives, small fishing villages like Flateyri and Suðureyri, and access hiking trails and hot springs.

Note: Distances in the Westfjords are long and the roads are winding. What looks close on a map can take far longer than expected. Some stretches include gravel sections, and even paved roads are slow with tight curves and mountain passes. You don’t want to base yourself too far away and spend your entire time backtracking.

→ Check current hotel availability in Ísafjörður

WESTFJORDS – (PATREKSFJÖRÐUR / FLÓKALUNDUR)

If you’re including the Westfjords properly, it often makes sense to overnight in a second location in the southern fjords rather than driving back north.

The Patreksfjörður or Flókalundur area gives better access to Látrabjarg cliffs (puffins in season), Rauðisandur beach, and more remote coastal landscapes.

Staying here prevents a long return drive to Ísafjörður and reduces unnecessary backtracking. Again, the roads in this region are slow. Expect gravel stretches and significant driving time between fjords, even if the distances look short.

Note: When traveling from the Westfjords to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you have two main options: drive around or take the Baldur ferry across Breiðafjörður. The total travel time is roughly similar.

There is a third option, however, which I think is quite interesting. You can take the ferry and spend the night on the small island stop in the middle, Flatey. I haven’t done this yet, but it is definitely in my future plans.

→ Check current hotel availability in Patreksfjörður

STYKKISHÓLMUR

Stykkishólmur is a pretty harbour town on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and one of the most common overnight bases in the region. It has a charming waterfront, solid restaurant options, and a calm atmosphere. It’s especially convenient if you’re arriving from the Westfjords via ferry or driving in from Borgarnes. From here, you can explore Kirkjufell, the north coast, and then circle the peninsula. It’s slightly less central than Grundarfjörður for the classic highlights, but it’s often the most logistically convenient choice.

→ Check current hotel availability in Stykkishólmur

GRUNDARFJÖRÐUR

Grundarfjörður is the most efficient base for the iconic Snæfellsnes stops, particularly Kirkjufell, which sits just outside town. Its central position makes it easy to access both the north and south sides of the peninsula without excessive driving.

It also makes excellent sense if you are coming directly from Akureyri and skipping the Westfjords. In that case, it’s a very natural stopping point before returning to Reykjavík. It’s not the most charming town architecturally, but the mountain backdrop is dramatic and the location is hard to beat. If you only have one night on Snæfellsnes and want to see the main sights efficiently, this is usually the best option.

→ Check current hotel availability in Grundarfjörður

BORGARNES

Borgarnes is a practical stop directly on Route 1 and is most commonly chosen on shorter 7–8 day Ring Road itineraries when travellers are prioritizing efficiency. It works well to break up the long drive between North Iceland and Reykjavík without adding a detour. It’s not really a destination in itself, but it makes logistical sense if you’re short on time or not planning to properly explore Snæfellsnes. From here, you can still access Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, and the entrance to the peninsula, but those with extra time usually choose to stay further out.

→ Check current hotel availability in Borgarnes

MAP OF ICELAND RING ROAD TOWNS

To give you a better sense of where each of the aforementioned Iceland Ring Road towns are located, I’ve plotted them on the map below. You can zoom out to see the entire country. You’ll notice that the towns are less concentrated in the northwest, as this region is more sparsely populated.

WHICH SIDE OF THE ROAD DOES ICELAND DRIVE ON?

In Iceland, they drive on the right side of the road, so don’t worry, unless you’re from one of the 70 countries that drive on the left. However, even if you’re from the U.K. or Australia, Iceland would be a great place to practice driving on the other side, since you’ll rarely encounter heavy traffic.

DO YOU NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S PERMIT FOR ICELAND?

If you have a valid driver’s license from Canada, The U.S., The E.U., the U.K. or Australia, you do not need an international driver’s license for Iceland. (Please note, Google or ChatGPT may give you a different answer to this query as there is a whole business built around selling International Driver’s Permits.)

DO YOU NEED A 4×4 TO DRIVE THE RING ROAD ICELAND?

If you’re driving the Iceland Ring Road in summer (mid-June to mid-September), plan to stay on the main Route 1, and are skipping the more rugged and remote Westfjords, a 4×4 is not strictly necessary. A 2WD vehicle will generally suffice.

When the road turns to gravel, it is typically for a short stretch leading to a specific attraction. For the most part, the drive is smooth and straightforward, much like the section pictured below in the Eastfjords.

Note: According to my favourite Iceland vehicle rental company, Lava Car Rentals, about 65% of travelers still choose to rent a 4×4 when driving the Ring Road in Iceland in summer. They attribute this partly to the fact that many visitors simply want to experience the adventure in a more rugged vehicle.

Outside of summer, particularly in the shoulder seasons (mid-May to mid-June and mid-September to mid-October), I would strongly re renting a 4×4. Iceland has been experiencing increasingly erratic weather patterns in recent years, and conditions can change quickly outside of peak summer.

Strong wind events, sudden storms, and even early-season snow can occur, particularly in the north. On September 1st of our most recent trip, we experienced a freak storm that shut down the airport shortly after we took off. That kind of volatility is not the norm in summer, but it is something to be prepared for in the shoulder months.

I do not recommend driving the Ring Road in winter, but if for some reason you do, rent the biggest, heaviest 4×4 you can afford.

DO YOU NEED A 4WD FOR THE WESTFJORDS?

There is a common misconception that you need a 4×4 vehicle to drive in Iceland’s Westfjords. In theory, you do not, as it is possible to plan a route that avoids Iceland’s F-roads. In practice, however, I would strongly recommend renting a 4×4 for the Westfjords, even in the summer. Let me show you why.

I took the following video snippet on the way to Raudasandur Beach, a must-see attraction in the Westfjords. This road (#614) is not an F-Road and 2WD vehicles are permitted. That said…look at the terrain.

During our time on this stretch of road, we saw only one vehicle that was not a 4×4. We had such a laugh at it because it seemed ridiculous!

Note: Rental car companies only recommend traveling to the Westfjords during the summer season for safety reasons. This region experiences quite a punishing winter, with the snow starting early and melting late. Outside of the summer months, if someone really wants to visit, a 4WD vehicle for the Westfjords is strongly recommended.

WHY NOT RENT A 4X4 ANYWAY?

When I would dream about driving Iceland’s epic Ring Road, we were always in a 4×4. I’ll admit, however, that I had a moment of pause when I realized how much a 4WD rental in Iceland was going to cost us.

All car rentals in Iceland are expensive, but a decent Iceland 4X4 rental (with insurance) is going to set you back roughly $200-$300 USD/day. Every tank of fuel is going to cost you an additional $100-$150 USD.

Note: Our complete bill for renting a mid-range 4×4, plus fuel (diesel) and insurance, for 10 days driving Iceland’s Ring Road was about $2500 USD or $250 USD/day.

For comparison’s sake, renting a 2WD car, plus insurance and fuel cost us about $160USD/day on an earlier Iceland road trip exploring the South Coast in the summer. In short, your Iceland vehicle rental is going to cost you at least 50% more if you choose to rent a 4×4.

See also: Renting a 4×4 in Iceland.

Now for my shameless plug for locally owned Lava Car Rentals. I have consistently had excellent service from them, and they are exceptionally transparent about Iceland’s unique and sometimes confusing insurance requirements.

They have also won multiple awards for customer service, including recognition from the World Travel Awards, beating out international giants like Hertz and Avis. That is almost unheard of for a small, local car rental company.

This company is also one of the only rental car companies in Iceland that allows you to pay for your rental with a debit card (when you choose the prepaid option with the full insurance package).

Disclosure: The Lava link above is partner link, which means I may earn a small commission if you book—at no additional cost to you. I only recommend brands I know and trust.

See also recent Lava Car Rental Iceland reviews on Trustpilot.

THE NEW ICELAND ROAD TAX (2026)

On January 1, 2026, Iceland introduced a new road tax. It replaced the tax that was previously built into fuel prices. Because rental companies had little notice, most now charge it separately as a daily fee (typically $10–$14 USD per day).

The good news? For most people driving the Ring Road, the drop in fuel prices more than offsets this new daily fee.

SO WHAT DOES THIS ACTUALLY MEAN?

On our Ring Road trip, fuel prices at the time brought our total diesel cost to about $700 USD.

With today’s lower fuel prices (around 218 ISK per litre), that same trip would cost roughly $180 USD less in fuel.

Even after adding the new road tax (about $140 USD for a 10-day rental), we still would have paid about $40 USD less overall than under the old system.

Bottom line: Despite the new daily fee, most Ring Road travelers will likely pay slightly less overall than before.

SHOULD YOU RENT AN EV IN ICELAND?

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common in Iceland, and charging infrastructure around the Ring Road has improved significantly in recent years. Most towns along the route now have charging stations, and many hotels offer overnight charging for guests.

That said, charging still takes longer than filling a gas tank. If you are trying to cover long distances in a short amount of time, those stops can add up.

For that reason, unless you are specifically interested in driving an EV or have extra time built into your itinerary, a traditional gasoline or hybrid vehicle may still be the more convenient option for a Ring Road self-drive trip.

BEST TIME TO DRIVE THE RING ROAD ICELAND?

Summer is the best time of year to drive the Iceland Ring Road. It is also the most popular time, but the crowds really do thin out once you get a couple of hours from Reykjavík. The weather is generally cooperative (warm might be a bit of a stretch), and the wide-open roads are typically in very good condition. In summer, you also benefit from incredibly long daylight hours for sightseeing. During the height of the midnight sun, you can get up to 21 hours of daylight. In winter, that can shrink to as few as four.

Shoulder season (mid-May to mid-June and mid-September to mid-October) can be a nice compromise. You’ll encounter fewer people and slightly lower prices, but you do need to be prepared for more unpredictable weather. Wind, heavy rain, and sudden storm systems are not uncommon, and conditions can change quickly. It’s very doable, just plan with a little more flexibility and keep a close eye on the forecast and road conditions.

CAN YOU DRIVE THE ICELAND RING ROAD IN WINTER?

Technically, yes. The Ring Road in Iceland (Hwy 1) is the main transportation route for the country and it can be done. Would I personally choose to drive the Iceland Ring Road during the winter? Absolutely not – and I am from Canada where we are no strangers to bad weather and icy road conditions.

I have done a road trip along the South Coast of Iceland in January, where the roads are very well maintained. While it was an exceptional adventure, it was also rather harrowing at times. The strong winds are what really makes it challenging. These winds can push small vehicles off the road and rip vehicle doors right off their hinges! Furthermore, road closures due to dangerous conditions can delay plans.

Let me show you what I mean with the little video from that trip.

To be clear, Iceland in winter is brilliant if you stay in, or within a few hours’ drive of, Reykjavík. There are some unique experiences to be had that you simply won’t find in summer, such as ice cave tours and Northern Lights viewing. I’m just saying that driving the Ring Road in Iceland in winter is not a good idea.

If you absolutely must, an alternative could be to join a guided Ring Road tour with an experienced local driver. Several companies operate these tours year-round.

See also: The Best Things to do in Iceland in Winter

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS?

By world standards, Iceland is a pretty nice country to drive in. Icelandic drivers are quite considerate and the roads are generally well taken care of. That said, the geography and weather of Iceland makes the experience a bit unique. Here are some important safety tips for driving the Iceland Ring Road.

1. CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS

Iceland has unpredictable weather, sometimes even during the summer. Always check road and weather conditions ahead of time. Vedur.is is where you will find daily weather updates and weather warnings. Road.is is where you will find road condition updates (including closures).

2. CHARGING

Keep phones charged in the unlikely event of an emergency along the road. If you take a ton of photos like I do, you may wish to have both a USB charging cable and a backup battery with you. (I had a hard time keeping my iPhone charged with the cable alone.) If you have portable hotspot wifi, remember to charge that device up in your hotel room at night.

3. DON’T STOP ON THE ROAD

While it is tempting to screech to a halt when you see some of those gorgeous Icelandic horses, look for a safe place to pull over. It is illegal to stop on the shoulder as there is rarely much room and this makes it unsafe for other drivers. Look for a side road instead.

4. WATCH YOUR SPEED

The speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 70km/h approaching towns, 80 km/h on gravel roads and 90 km/h on paved highways and rural roads. There are speed cameras around the country – primarily in the major cities and in the Hvalfjörður tunnel (just north of Reykjavik).

5. SINGLE LAND BRIDGES

You will find single lane bridges all along the Ring Road. The vehicle that arrives to the bridge first has the right of way and you must yield to them.

6. TUNNELS

There are some single lane tunnels in Iceland (ex. Strákagöng in the northwest). These tunnels have pullout areas within them that you can tuck your vehicle into until the oncoming traffic has passed. (If the pullouts are on your right, you are obliged to pull over.)

Note: There is a fee to use the Vadlaheidargong Tunnel in northern Iceland (just east of Akureyri). Register online with your license plate and credit card information ahead of time at Veggjald.is (there is no toll booth).

7. WATCH FOR ANIMALS

While driving the Ring Road in Iceland, be sure to slow down around farm animals and wildlife. You will most definitely encounter sheep on the road at some point during your drive. We even had to wait for sheep to exit a tunnel in the north!

8. WATCH YOUR FUEL

The stretch of Highway 1 between Vík and Mývatn (East Iceland) does not have a ton of fuel stops. Avoid letting your tank run low. You may also want to check on your window washer levels.

Note: Our vehicle windows got so filthy on our trip that we ended up buying a spray bottle and a sponge so we could clean them off periodically.

9. FOR DIESEL VEHICLES

In Iceland, the anti-pollutant fuel additive AdBlue is mandatory for all vehicles that run on diesel. (This is similar to DEF in the U.S.). If your vehicle runs low, a warning light should appear on the dashboard. Don’t ignore it as your vehicle will eventually shut down unless you top the fluid back up. This is unlikely to be an issue for you as most vehicles run for 8K-10K between fill ups. All the same, it’s handy to know that AdBlue, like washer fluid, is available at all gas stations.

10. WHERE TO GET HELP

Keep the roadside assistance number provided by your rental car provider handy in the event of a breakdown. In the event of an actually emergency, the number 112 is the equivalent to 911 in the U.S. and Canada.

ARE THERE REST STOPS ON THE RING ROAD?

Most gas stations along the Ring Road also include washrooms, a small store and some kind of restaurant. Some of these restaurants, like the “Food Coop” shown above in Seyðisfjörður are actually quite good! In some of the smallest hamlets, the gas station is the neighborhood gathering spot.

In addition to snacks and basic grocery items, most gas station stores sell any essentials that you may need for your road trip (washer fluid etc.) and sometimes hiking and outdoor gear too!

Dotted all along the Ring Road you will also find scenic picnic table stops.

Traveling with kids? Almost every town in Iceland has a jumping pillow. Their respective locations can be found on the Aerslabelgir Map. It’s in Icelandic but it’s pretty straight forward.

WHAT ABOUT AN ICELAND RING ROAD SELF DRIVE TOUR?

For this trip, I briefly considered booking a self-drive Ring Road tour. In the end, I chose to do the planning myself, but if you are short on time, this can be a very smart decision. This trip has a lot of moving parts and can be quite a lot of work.

There are a few ways to approach it. You can purchase a standalone Iceland self drive itinerary, which I have seen priced between $50 and $100. I cannot personally speak to how detailed or useful these are, but they may provide a helpful framework.

You can also book a complete self-drive Ring Road package through a tour company. These typically include your accommodations and rental car, and sometimes meals and activities, depending on the level of package you choose. This can be an excellent option if you do not have the time, or interest, to research and coordinate everything yourself. Packages range from fairly simple, budget-friendly options to full 5-star luxury Ring Road experiences

If you are in the market for a luxury Iceland self drive tour, I am a big fan of a local company called Hidden Iceland. I first toured with them in 2018 and have worked with them ever since. The company was founded in 2016 by a group of former guides who were committed to creating a higher-end Iceland experience for their guests. Today, they specialize in luxury private tours and premium self-drive itineraries, including full Ring Road options.

See the full list of Hidden Iceland’s Premium Self-Drive Tours.

WHEN SHOULD YOU BOOK?

If possible, book well in advance to secure your desired rental vehicle, hotels and activities. Not only are you competing with other travelers during high season, but also with Iceland Ring Road tour companies that book up blocks of rooms and whole time slots for activities.

Note: For our hotels, I reserved 100% refundable rooms on Booking.com to make sure we had something in place, and then made some changes later as our plans evolved. I was lucky enough to catch a sale on Booking.com, making our rooms cheaper than booking with the hotels directly (saving us hundreds of dollars throughout our trip).

SHOULD YOU BOOK ACTIVITIES IN ADVANCE?

Many of the sights along the Ring Road are in national parks and do not require any kind of booking (waterfalls etc.) Just please remember to pay for parking when required.

There are, however, a few activities that typically will sell out in advance during July and August. This is especially true along the Golden Circle and along the busy South Coast. (The majority of travelers to Iceland tend to visit Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast attractions.)

BOOK AHEAD TOURS

In the peak of summer, the experiences most likely to sell out in advance along the Golden Circle and South Coast are Silfra snorkeling tours on the Golden Circle and, on the South Coast, Skaftafell and Vatnajökull glacier tours, as well as Glacier Lagoon kayaking and boat tours. Horseback riding tours along both the Golden Circle and the South Coast also frequently sell out ahead of time. (Most companies do offer some flexibility if your plans change.)

See these top rated tours that may sell out:

• Silfra Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates (2.5hrs)
• Katla Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour from Vik (3hrs)
• Skaftafell Glacier Small Group Hike (3hrs)
• Black Sand Horseback Riding from Vik (1hr)
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Tour (1.5hrs)

BOOK AHEAD GEOTHERMAL POOLS

The other experiences you may want to book ahead are geothermal pool visits in and around Reykjavík, including the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon and the newer Laugarás Lagoon on the Golden Circle. Prime time slots, especially between 11 am and 3 pm, can sell out well in advance.

The newly reimagined Earth Lagoon Mývatn in North Iceland, formerly Mývatn Nature Baths, will reopen in late spring 2026. It will likely also require advance booking, as it has long been a popular stop for tour buses.

See pool pre-booking options here:

• Tickets for the Blue Lagoon, Iceland (Reykjavik)
• Tickets for the Sky Lagoon, Iceland (Reykjavik)
• Tickets for Laugarás Lagoon (Golden Circle)

Other pools such as Hvammsvík Hot Springs in West Iceland, GeoSea in North Iceland and Vök Baths in East Iceland are typically less busy, especially outside peak midday hours. (These quieter pools were actually our favourites along the Ring Road.)

ICELAND THE RING ROAD NEED-TO-KNOWS

There are a few practical things I do not want to forget to mention so you can avoid unnecessary pitfalls on your Ring Road self-drive adventure.

PARKING

You will regularly encounter paid parking in Reykjavík and at many major attractions around the country. Most lots have cameras that record your license plate, so do not be tempted to skip paying. It will catch up with you.

CREDIT CARDS

If you do not have a PIN for your credit card, request one from your bank before you leave. Many gas stations are tap or PIN only.

If you absolutely cannot get a PIN, another option is to purchase prepaid gas cards inside the station store and use those at the pump.

Also make sure you have sufficient available credit. At many pumps, you must pre-authorize a set amount, and any unused balance is refunded afterward.

DIESEL AND GAS PUMPS

In North America, diesel pumps are often green. In Iceland, gasoline pumps are often green. You can see the issue. I mention this because I do not want you to accidentally fill your diesel vehicle with gasoline!

I would love to say this mix-up never happens, but it does. A jet-lagged friend of mine once filled his diesel 4×4 with gasoline and had to have it towed and the tank drained. Not exactly how you want to lighten your wallet in Iceland. To my knowledge, this is not covered by any rental car insurance plans.

RENTAL CAR INSURANCE

On the topic of insurance, I highly recommend choosing the most complete rental car insurance coverage in Iceland. Weather, wind and loose gravel can cause expensive damage very quickly. And this is coming from someone who is generally skeptical of add-on insurance.

Basic policies often exclude gravel, sand and ash damage, and repairs or towing in remote areas can be extremely costly. I have linked my full guide to renting a vehicle at the end of this post.

RECOMMENDED APPS & WEBSITES

I like to be prepared, and nothing annoys me more than trying to download an app in the middle of nowhere. Here are the most important apps and websites for driving Icelands Ring Road.

FOR PARKING – Download Parka for street parking, primarily in Reykjavik and Akureyri, and national parks around Iceland. EasyPark is also useful for street parking in Reykjavík and Akureyri, in addition to parking garages.

FOR WEATHER – It is highly advisable to check the weather before heading out each day. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly. For the most reliable forecast, use Vedur.is. There is an app available for this as well.

FOR ROAD CONDITIONS – For up-to-date road conditions, including closures, construction and live webcams use safetravel.is (has an app) and road.is.

FOR THE TUNNEL FEE  – There is only one toll tunnel in Iceland: the Vadlaheidi Tunnel in North Iceland, just east of Akureyri. There are no toll booths. You must pay online at tunnel.is either before you drive through or within 24 hours after passing.

IS THE ICELAND RING ROAD WORTH IT?

If you are wondering whether driving the Ring Road in Iceland is worth it, I can assure you that it absolutely is. Even after completing this epic journey once, I would do a Ring Road Iceland road trip again in a heartbeat.

This scenic route takes you through an astonishing variety of landscapes, from towering waterfalls and rugged coastlines to volcanic fields, fjords, and glacier-capped mountains. Few road trips in the world offer such dramatic scenery around nearly every bend.

FURTHER READING

I’ve been writing about Iceland since my first trip in 2016 and have published a number of detailed guides to help travelers plan their own adventure. If you are planning a Ring Road Iceland road trip, you may also find the posts below helpful. These are some of my most popular Iceland guides and should help you continue planning your Iceland Ring Road itinerary.

• The Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland
• Iceland Blue Ice Cave Guide
• 20 Things to do in Reykjavik with Kids
• The 10 Best South Coast Iceland Hotels
• The Best Things to do in East Iceland
• Self Driving the Golden Circle, Iceland
• 10 Best Things to do in Iceland in Winter
• 15 Tips for Self Driving Iceland in the Winter