Iceland Ring Road Guide
Driving Route 1 around Iceland: about 1,300 km (about 810 miles) of glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and coastline. Plan 7–10 days; the road is paved all the way and open year-round.
What the Ring Road is
about 1,300 km
Route 1, the Ring Road
7–10 days
Plan for the full circuit
1974
Completed
2019
Fully paved
Route 1, Iceland's Ring Road, is a circular highway of about 1,300 km that connects most of Iceland's inhabited areas and spectacular natural attractions. It's one of the world's most scenic drives, passing glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines.
The Ring Road passes through some of the most diverse terrain on Earth. From the lush green valleys of Skaftafell to barren volcanic deserts, each section of Route 1 reveals a completely different face of Iceland.
Route 1 circles Iceland in a near-perfect loop. Built over decades, completed in 1974 and only fully paved in 2019, it remains the backbone of any Iceland road trip. The road passes through every major landscape type: black sand deserts, glacial river plains, ancient lava fields, fishing villages, and mountain passes that close under winter snow.
Driven counter-clockwise from Reykjavík, the road heads east over Hellisheiði and along the south coast first, then returns via the East Fjords, the Mývatn area and the north. Clockwise works just as well.
The Ring Road refers specifically to Route 1, the main paved highway. F-roads (mountain roads starting with "F") are not part of it and require 4WD vehicles with special insurance.
Planning your trip
The Ring Road is driveable year-round, but the experience differs dramatically by season. Summer brings the midnight sun and easy access to highland detours like Landmannalaugar; winter offers aurora hunting and snow-draped volcanoes, but some mountain roads close entirely.
Budget roughly $120–$200 per person per day covering accommodation, petrol, and food — more if you add guided glacier walks or whale watching tours. Booking accommodation 2–3 months in advance is essential in June through August. Shoulder season (May and September) offers a balance of access, weather, and value.
Renting a 4WD campervan is the most flexible option for couples and small groups. It eliminates accommodation booking stress and lets you sleep under the midnight sun or pull over for an impromptu glacier walk. Make sure your rental includes gravel protection insurance — Iceland's highland tracks will throw rocks.
The route, region by region
A counter-clockwise tour starting from Reykjavík, covering all major regions and stops.
Safety essentials
112- Weather: Always check vedur.is and umferdin.is before travel.
- Emergency: Dial 112. Download the 112 Iceland app.
- Winter driving: Studded tires are allowed Nov 1 – Apr 14. Check conditions frequently.
- Fuel: Fill the tank at every opportunity — distances between stations can be long.
- Breakdowns: For towing, a flat tire or a dead battery, call Iceland Road Assistance on +354 853 7704, 24/7.
Southwest & Golden Circle
The most accessible region with Iceland's three most famous attractions. Perfect introduction to Icelandic nature.
- Þingvellir National Park: UNESCO site where you can walk between tectonic plates
- Geysir Geothermal Area: Strokkur geyser erupts every 5–10 minutes
- Gullfoss Waterfall: Powerful two-tiered waterfall, creates beautiful rainbows
South Coast (Vík to Höfn)
Iceland's most photographed region with dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and massive glaciers.
- Seljalandsfoss: Walk behind the 60 m waterfall
- Skógafoss: 60 m tall waterfall with rainbow potential
- Reynisfjara: Black sand beach with basalt columns
- Jökulsárlón: Glacier lagoon with floating icebergs
- Diamond Beach: Ice chunks scattered on black sand
Safety: Dangerous sneaker waves at beaches — never turn your back to the ocean. Weather changes extremely quickly. Very strong winds near the south coast.
East Fjords (Höfn to Egilsstaðir)
Quiet fishing villages and dramatic fjords. The most peaceful section with authentic local culture.
- Stokksnes Peninsula: Dramatic black sand dunes with mountain backdrop
- Djúpivogur: Charming fishing village, excellent bird watching
- Seyðisfjörður: Colorful houses, ferry to Denmark, artistic community
Safety: Limited gas stations and restaurant hours in winter. Some remote services may close entirely during severe weather. Plan fuel stops carefully.
North Iceland — Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
Geothermal wonders, whale watching, and Akureyri — the Capital of the North.
- Lake Mývatn Area: Pseudo-craters, lava formations, Nature Baths
- Húsavík: Whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay
- Dettifoss: Europe's most powerful waterfall
- Akureyri: North Iceland's largest town, with a botanical garden
West Iceland & Snæfellsnes
Known as 'Iceland in miniature' — contains all types of Icelandic landscapes in one peninsula.
- Snæfellsjökull: Glacier-covered volcano from Jules Verne's novel
- Kirkjufell: Most photographed mountain in Iceland
- Arnarstapi: Dramatic coastal rock formations
Stops worth the time
Four stops that each show a different side of Iceland's geology and history.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Southeast Iceland
Luminous blue icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull drift silently across this tidal lagoon before floating out to the black sand beach. A quintessential Iceland moment.
Skógafoss Waterfall
South Iceland
One of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls, dropping 60 metres in a single curtain of white water. Climb 527 steps to a ridge trail stretching deep into the highlands.
Húsavík Whale Watching
North Iceland
Humpbacks and minke whales feed in Skjálfandi Bay in summer, and blue whales are sometimes seen. Tours leave from the harbour in town.
Þingvellir National Park
Southwest Iceland
Walk the rift between two tectonic plates and stand on the site of the world's first parliament. UNESCO listed and geologically unmissable — the first stop leaving Reykjavík.
Vatnajökull
Iceland's largest glacier, above the southeast stretch of Route 1
Lake Mývatn
Geothermal wonderland in North Iceland
Driving by season
For driving, the year splits into two seasons by road conditions.
Summer (May–September)
Advantages
- All paved sections open and accessible
- Generally stable with mild temperatures
- About 21 hours of daylight in Reykjavík in late June, with no darkness
- All gas stations and restaurants open
Challenges
- Popular spots very busy, especially July–August
- Accommodation at peak rates
- Must reserve accommodations weeks ahead
Winter (October–April)
Challenges
- As little as 4 hours of daylight in December
- Storms can close roads without warning
- Black ice common, especially mornings
- Some remote gas stations close
Rewards
- Northern Lights visible on clear nights
- Natural ice caves become accessible
- Popular spots virtually to yourself
- Snow-covered scenery
Season by season
- Winter Nov – Feb
- Aurora season. Shorter daylight but raw, dramatic light.
- Spring Mar – May
- Lowland roads clear, longer days, puffins arrive in April and May.
- Summer Jun – Aug
- Midnight sun, warmest temperatures; highland roads open between June and early July.
- Autumn Sep – Oct
- First auroras return, highland colours, fewer crowds.
Driving tips
Sudden weather changes, river flood plain roads and loose gravel catch visitors off guard. These five rules will keep you safe.
- 1Check umferdin.is before every drive — F-roads and highland tracks require 4WD and can close without notice.
- 2Fill your tank whenever you reach a petrol station. Gaps of 200+ km exist in the east and highlands.
- 3Speed limits are 90 km/h on paved roads and 80 km/h on gravel — traffic cameras are everywhere.
- 4Wind can physically move your car on the Westfjords and Reykjanes. Open doors carefully and brace yourself.
- 5Sheep own the road in summer — they will step out without warning. Slow down in rural areas.
Time, cars, tolls and costs
How long does it take?
- With basic stops: 3–4 days (very rushed)
- Recommended: 7 days for the full circuit (about 190 km a day), 10 days to add Snæfellsnes and more stops
- Daily driving: 150–250 km comfortable, 300 km maximum
Which car
- Summer: an economy car is sufficient for the Ring Road only; a small SUV adds comfort; a campervan covers accommodation and transport.
- Winter: 4WD strongly recommended; winter tires are standard on rental cars; higher clearance helps with snow drifts.
Road tolls
The Ring Road has two tolls. Vaðlaheiðargöng, the tunnel near Akureyri, costs 2,216 ISK for a car; pay at veggjald.is within 24 hours before or after you drive through. Since 1 September 2026 the new Ring Road section at Hornafjörður costs 1,500 ISK a trip for a car. Prices as of October 2026.
Saving money
- Fuel: €200–300 for the full Ring Road
- Cheapest fuel: Orkan stations (widely available)
- Groceries: Bónus is the cheapest supermarket chain (pig logo)
- Meals: cook your own; restaurant prices are very high
- Camping: organised campgrounds €20–40 a night
- Municipal pools: €5–8 for a geothermal pool