Iceland Ring Road Itinerary & Guide

After nearly 60 countries, Iceland is still in my top three favorite places on Earth. I've been three times, and I'd go back in a heartbeat.

I'm a lover of vast landscapes, overpowering terrain, and endless expanses of arctic tundra. Iceland is tough, wild, and untamed in all the right ways. And somehow, it still manages to be all of this while still being one of the easiest "wild" places you'll ever travel.

One main road wraps the entire island, the infrastructure is excellent, and you can pay for a hot dog at a gas station twenty minutes after standing somewhere that looks like the edge of the world.

I even got to take my dad & brother here on their first trip abroad in 2019. It's a truly special place for so many reasons.

If you're planning an upcoming trip to Iceland, here is everything you need to know about the Ring Road and where to stop along the way.

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary & Guide

Things to Know Before You Travel Iceland's Ring Road

Iceland's Ring Road is 820 miles and takes an average of 7-10 days to complete. Here are some important things to know before hitting the road:

• Most tourists to Iceland don't travel beyond the Golden Circle. Once you get away from the closest attractions to Reykjavik and the airport, the crowds disperse and the true adventure begins.
• Bring a debit card with a four-digit PIN. Some petrol stations may not accept a credit card.
• Rent a 4x4 car. This is coming from a girl who tried to make it to Landmannalaugar in a low-rise Prius because she was cheap in 2014 like an IDIOT.
• N1 Gas Stations are a budget traveler's best friend! They have hot dogs, ice cream, and sometimes smoothies. And as unappetizing as gas station hot dogs might sound...you have to trust me. I have to get at least a few every time I go!
• Budget for meals. An average meal out will cost $25-$40 per person. I have a list of some of my favorite food stops later on in this blog.
• Iceland is nearly cash-free. You should be able to pay for everything by card, even parking.
• Expect entrance and parking fees. Popular waterfalls, hiking areas, and sights often have paid parking or entrance fees that were implemented between 2023 & 2024.
• Public restrooms typically cost about $0.50 per use.
• Buy alcohol at the duty-free when you land. It will be MUCH cheaper than anywhere else in the country.
• Watch your speed. There are cameras on the Ring Road, and you may get a ticket in the mail months after your trip if you're not careful.

What to See Along Iceland's Ring Road

The Southwest & Golden Circle

Bridge Between Continents: Miðlína, or Leif the Lucky Bridge, is a walkway linking the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. A quick and worthwhile stop near Keflavik.

Active Volcano: The Reykjanes Peninsula is home to Iceland's most recent volcanic activity, with occasional eruptions still happening. Check current conditions before you go.

Reykjadalur Thermal River: A 4-mile round-trip hike leads to a thermal river you can actually soak in. There are changing stations and boardwalks built along the river. Access can be uncertain in the winter months, so plan accordingly.

Geysir: A geothermal area full of geysers, hot pots, and other thermal attractions. Strokkur erupts every few minutes, so you won't wait long for a show.

Gullfoss: The largest waterfall in Iceland, cascading down multiple tiers. It's genuinely impressive.

Sky Lagoon: One of Iceland's newest hot spring spas. It's a little more expensive than some local pools, but it's worth the price and still cheaper than the Blue Lagoon.

Glymur: The second-highest waterfall in Iceland and one of my absolute favorites. The hike is about 4.5 miles with 1,000 feet of gain. Access may be limited in late fall and winter.

The South Coast

Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui: Seljalandsfoss is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland, and you can walk behind it. Don't miss walking a little farther to visit my favorite hidden waterfall, Gljufrabui, tucked inside a mossy canyon.

Skogafoss: Another one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland! It's a fantastic photo spot, so visit early morning or around sunset for low crowds.

Stakkholtsgja: One of my favorite beautiful and scenic canyons in Iceland. Well worth the detour into the Thorsmork area.

Solheimafjara: The remnants of a plane wreck sit on this black sand beach, creating one of Iceland's most surreal photo locations.

Arnardrangur: A stunning lookout high above the black sand beach, with lots of puffins in season.

Vik Black Sand Beach: If you're in Vik and the northern lights come out, head to this beach to watch them. The dark sand and sea stacks make an unforgettable backdrop.

Vik i Myrdal Church: Walk up the hill above the church for one of my favorite views in all of Iceland.

Fjadrargljufur: An iconic canyon in southern Iceland. It shot to fame after Justin Bieber filmed a music video here, but it earned the attention.

The Southeast & East

Jokulsarlon: A massive glacier lagoon fed by an active glacier. Boat tours are available if you want to get out on the water among the icebergs.

Vestrahorn: A stunning beach area beneath jagged, high cliffs. There's now a fee to access it, but I'd say it's worth it as long as clouds aren't covering the mountains.

Vok Baths: Very nice seaside hot springs in East Iceland. A true hidden gem compared to the more famous lagoons.

Rjukandi: A towering East Iceland waterfall with very low crowds. An easy stop right off the Ring Road.

The North

Dettifoss: A series of powerful waterfalls framed by lava basalt columns. Depending on water flow, you can walk right up to the edge.

Earth Lagoon Myvatn: Commercial hot springs with great views over the Myvatn thermal area. A relaxing alternative to the crowds down south.

Fosslaug: A waterfall with natural hot springs nearby, so you can soak with a view.

Hvitserkur: A unique seaside rock formation that requires a slight detour off the Ring Road. If road conditions aren't great, I'd skip it, but on a clear day it's worth the drive.

The West

Kirkjufellsfoss: One of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland, set against the famous Kirkjufell mountain. A slight detour from the Ring Road, but probably worth it!

West Fjords: More off-the-beaten path and only doable with additional days, but a remote section of Iceland that is true adventure!

Where to Stay

Iceland's Ring Road makes it easy to break your trip into regional bases. Here's how I'd structure it:

• Reykjavik: The capital and your natural starting point. Great food scene and an easy launch pad for the Golden Circle and south coast.
• Moses Cottage (near Selfoss): Clean, convenient retreat that has a hot tub and a full kitchen.
• Vik: The iconic seaside village on the south coast, surrounded by black sand beaches and dramatic sea stacks.
• Guesthouse Asgardur (East Iceland): A small rental run by a couple in remote Eastern Iceland that is the best place I've stayed! A cozy cottage on their farm. Better yet, they run a small homemade souvenir shop in the shed next to the rental.
• Akureyri: Iceland's "Capital of the North" and the perfect hub for the Myvatn area and Dettifoss.

Where to Eat

• Skuli Craft Bar (Brewery) - Reykjavik
• Crepes.IS - Vik
• Olverk Pizza & Brewery - Hveragerdi
• Messinn (cozy seafood) - Reykjavik
• Kaffi Ilmur (Pastries, coffee, baked goods) - Akureyri
• Eldur og is (Ice cream & crepes) - Reykjavik
• Braud & Co (Pastries, cinnamon rolls) - Reykjavik
• Tommi's Burger Joint - Selfoss
• Old Iceland - Reykjavik

The empty stretches of Ring Road, the weather that changes its mind every twenty minutes, the moments you pull over for no reason other than the view demanded it, that is what Iceland is all about. Give yourself more time than you think you need, keep your plans loose, and let the island set the pace. Three trips in, it still hasn't let me down. I have a feeling it never will.