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Icelandic Ring Road
What is the Ring Road?
The Ring Road, also known as Route 1, is a national road in Iceland that runs all around the country and connects the major towns and cities. The 1332 km road takes you past many great attractions or close to it. It is the longest road in Iceland that starts from Reykjavik and ends at Reykjavik. You can circle the island either clockwise or counterclockwise. The Ring Road is mostly two lanes wide, but there are also single-lane bridges. 98% of the entire road is paved.
Why a road trip on the Icelandic Ring Road?
A road trip on the Ring Road is one of Iceland’s best experiences. It allows you to maximize your stay and visit as much of the country’s treasures as possible. Most of the popular attractions in Iceland are easily accessible from the Ring Road as detours which allow you to explore the famous and the hidden gems. There is no better way to explore Iceland than a road trip on Route1. Amazingly it is one of the best road trips in the world!
What is the best time for a Route 1 Tour?
Route 1 is accessible all year round, though the best time to explore is in summer since the long daylight and midnight sun gives more time for sightseeing, and the weather is relatively warm. More services are also open along the route in the summer months. Winter trips are also possible and growing in popularity, but the daylight in winter is much shorter and roads can be icy and slippery. The Icelandic government strives to keep the road open throughout winter, but unpredictable weather conditions may force some sections to close.
Are there guided tours on the Icelandic Ring Road?
Route 1 is a popular road trip and GJ Travel in Reykjavik escorted roundtrips ranging from 8-12 days. A group tour handles everything for you from the accommodation, transportation, and activities. You only sit back and enjoy the trip! The tour should take at least one week to give you ample time for sightseeing. A round-the-island tour shows you highlights of Icelandic nature, geological wonders, historical and cultural sites. You discover life in the countryside where you learn about the Icelandic horse, visit museums, bathe in geothermal pools, experience the whole variety of Icelandic landscapes mixed up with unique and fun soft-adventures and outdoor activities.
What are the attractions on Route 1?
The road exposes you to bubbling geothermal springs, waterfalls, fjords, glaciers, rugged mountains, lava fields, and black beaches day after day. Every turn of the road reveals new landscapes that will keep your entire journey exciting. If you are lucky enough, you may witness an erupting volcano or catch the magic of the northern lights too. The road trip will also introduce you to lovely small towns and fishing villages.
The Best attractions on Ring Road
South Iceland Highlights
South Iceland is the most visited part of the country since it contains many of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country. It is also easy to access and experience all year round. The landscape along the south coast is incredibly fascinating. You will have an opportunity to witness the stunning mountains, giant waterfalls, big streams and rivers, lava fields, cliffs as well as many glaciers and glacier lagoons.
Most of the tours will take you first to the Golden Circle off the Ring Road to see the incredible sites of Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir Geothermal Area. They then join the Route 1 again by the town of Selfoss. The Golden Circle may also be the last part of your journey. In the southeast, you will witness the Vatnajökull glacier with its thrilling glacier outlets cascading from the ice caps. Vatnajokull National Park, the largest in Iceland, covers most of Southeast Iceland. Here are some of the highlights in South Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. Its water flows from Seljalands, a glacial river that originates from Eyjafjallajökull glacier. You can see the waterfall from the ring road, but it is 100 meters from the Ring Road. It is possible to walk around the waterfall if you don’t mind to get wet. The views and the sound of the waterfall are amazing!
Skógafoss Waterfall
The majestic waterfall is about 25 minutes from Seljalandsfoss. It is located in the village of Skógar along the Ring Road. You can climb to the top of the waterfall and marvel at the breathtaking view from above. Single or double rainbows are often seen on sunny days due to the large number of sprays it produces.
Solheimajökull
Solheimajökull, an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull, is impressive and quite accessible. It is just off the Ring Road, with a parking lot and where several glacier hike companies start their adventure tours. A 20-30 minutes’ walk will lead you to the jaw-dropping ice. Hiking on the glacier is possible, but with the help of a guide.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a fantastic attraction visible from the Ring Road but getting there will require a short drive on a gravel road. The cliffs by the sea give a spectacular view of long stretches of the black sand beach. It is an ideal spot for bird watching, especially the puffins.
Reynisfjara
It is a famous black beach which is a short detour from the Ring Road. It is known for its black sand and towering basalt columns. It is among the most impressive beaches in Iceland and was featured in the TV show, Games of Thrones. It is a perfect photo location.
Vík
Vik is a charming coastal town with gorgeous views that lies on the black sand beach. Though the village is small with about 300 inhabitants, there is plenty to enjoy. It is surrounded by beautiful valleys, black beaches, cliffs, and mountains. The cliffs around Vík are full of Puffins and other sea birds, mostly during summer.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a gorgeous canyon, lined up with vibrant green moss and blooming flowers in summer and spring. There are viewing points along the edge of the canyon, but you can walk down to the base if the water level is low enough. The canyon has featured in the Game of Throne series with dragons flying through the canyon.
Skaftafell
Though formerly a national park on its own, it is now part of the Vatnajökull National Park. Here, you can hike to the Svartifoss waterfall “Black Waterfall,” one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. It is surrounded by dark basaltic columns. The place is lush and beautiful though it is next to a glacier. Skaftafell is a great place for safe, guided glacier hikes.
Jökulsárlón
It is located in the eastern part of the south coast, a 45 minutes’ drive from Skaftafell. Jökulsárlón is a stunning lagoon filled with floating icebergs. During summer, you can take a boat tour through the lagoon to get an up-close view of the icebergs. It is also possible to see seals resting on the chunks of ice.
The Diamond beach is situated on the coastline right next to Jökulsárlón. Its name is due to the appearance of ice chunks on the black sand that makes them look like diamonds.
Attractions on East Iceland
East Iceland is beautiful, with rocky mountain peaks, winding black-sand coastlines, breathtaking fjords, lush forests, and is also rich in culture. The region is sparsely populated and very peaceful. East Iceland is the least frequented on the Ring Road by tourists since it is far from the capital city. The Eastfjords are also home to reindeers in Iceland. You will experience tranquillity with nature passing through the lush forests and endless green valleys.
Höfn
Höfn town is a small fishing town, an hour’s drive from Jökulsárlón. It is famed for the lobster festival in summer. Be sure to taste the incredible Icelandic lobster.
Vestrahorn
Vestrahorn, located at the shores of Stokksnes shores, is a breathtaking mountain and probably the most photographed location in East Iceland. The mountain steals the attention of many visitors who see it, although there are many mountains in the region. In the surrounding area is the beautiful Álftafjörður, where flocks of swans gather. Other mountains here include Eystrahorn and Brunnhorn.
Egilsstadir
Egilstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland and serves as the central hub with a regional airport. Lagarfljót Lake is also near this town. The lake is famed for its serpent monster that was caught in a film some years ago.
Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest
Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest forest in Iceland, a three-hour drive from Höfn, a short drive off the Ring Road. This spot is a half journey of your tour around Route1.
Hengifoss
Hengifoss is the third-highest fall in Iceland, located on the banks of Lake Lagarfljót. The beauty surrounded by basaltic columns requires a 2-hour hike to reach. You will also witness Litlanesfoss waterfall on the way to Hengifoss. It will be an opportunity to explore two waterfalls on a single tour.
Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is a colorful and artistic village situated in one of the most beautiful fjords. It is the heart of culture and heritage in East Iceland. The artists in the community have colored the place with unique sculptures and rainbow pathways.
Attractions in North Iceland
North Iceland is home to popular natural attractions. Coming from the east, you will pass through extraordinary rock formations, steaming geothermal fields, snow-capped peaks, vivid birdlife, and much more. Some attractions in the Northeast such as Dettifoss and Húsavík, the whale watching capital will need a detour from the Ring Road.
Mývatn
A 2-hour drive from Egilsstadir brings you to Mývatn, a beautiful lake in the North of Iceland. Its surrounding has many hot springs and caves. The Mývatn nature baths are a perfect stop at any time of the year.
Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir is situated just after Mývatn. It is an extensive area filled with dramatic lava formations, volcanic caves, and rocks. It is also known as the gateway to hell.
Hverfjall
Hverfjall is an impressive volcanic crater located east of Lake Mývatn. It is a popular location for hiking in the North of Iceland.
Dettifoss and Selfoss
Dettifoss is the largest waterfall and the most powerful in Europe. A half a mile from the waterfall, you will find the beautiful Selfoss waterfall. Though to reach here requires about two-hour drive detour from the Ring Road, it is worth the visit.
Húsavík
The whale watching capital of Iceland is 40 minutes’ from Mývatn. A whale watching tour will take 3 to four hours. It is an experience you should not miss. Ásbyrgi Canyon, which is 38 km from Húsavík is also a popular tourist attraction. The canyon is shaped like a horseshoe.
Goðafoss
Goðafoss waterfall is right by the Ring Road between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn. There are plenty of viewing points of the waterfall from either side.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the capital city of the north and lies next to the ring road. It is the second-largest urban area after Reykjavik. There are plenty of things to do and see in this vibrant town.
Attractions in West Iceland
West of Iceland is an extensive area characterized by volcanoes, craters, fjords, and valleys. The most famous attraction is the Snaæfellsnes Peninsula. West Iceland is mainly off the Ring Road and will need detours.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The peninsula features some of the main natural attractions that Iceland is famous for. These include an impressive glacier volcano, waterfall, vast lava fields, black sand beaches, caves, and much more. Most tours offer a detour to this place.
Reykholt
Reykholt was a home of Snorri Sturluson, a famous writer, and poet from the Viking age. To get here, you will need a short detour of a 20 minutes’ drive off the ring road.
Deidartunguhver
It is Europe’s most powerful hot spring that is 18 km of Route1. It produces 180 liters of water per second. This water provides heating and hot water for the local communities.
Hraunfossar Waterfalls
Hraunfossar is a unique waterfall in Iceland that originates from underneath a lava field and falls into a vibrant blue river. It is just 35 minutes from the Ring Road.
Borgarnes
Borganess is a picturesque little town near the capital city with plenty of things to see and do. On a clear day, you can see Snæfellsjökull and Eiriksjökull glaciers from here.
Mt Esja
The mountain range just outside of Reykjavik provides a breathtaking backdrop to the capital. It is a popular hiking area which takes less than 3 hours.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the Iceland capital city. It is home to many restaurants, art galleries, museums, shops, and much more.