Iceland Ring Road guide: a 10-day drive from glacier lagoons to puffin cliffs

Driving Iceland’s Ring Road? Here’s what you need to know when planning your road trip.

There’s a tiny country in the middle of the ocean that’s unlike anywhere else in the world.

Iceland, although small, has managed to captivate visitors with its eerie landscapes and small-town charm. Home to descendants of the Vikings and mythological creatures, Iceland is a strange and fascinating place.

And, with the abundance of cheap flight deals from the US and other countries, Iceland is a lovely place to explore.

Fancy seeing Iceland without the craze of tourists? Hop in a car and drive the Ring Road.

As Iceland’s central highway, the Ring Road (Route 1) loops for about 1,320 km through volcanic areas, glacier lagoons, beaches, and mountains. When I drove it, I’d be in a blizzard one minute and on a sunny beach the next.

With its temperamental weather, its rugged desolation, and its unique landscapes, there’s no better way to travel in Iceland than by driving around the Ring Road.

A 10-day Ring Road itinerary

The beauty of Iceland’s Ring Road is that there are endless landmarks to see, and several guesthouses and small towns to spend the night in along the way. There are also tons of beautiful waterfalls in Iceland to explore!

In this guide, I’ve outlined the 10-day itinerary that I took around the Ring Road. Feel free to modify it as needed for your own preferences and timeline.

Day 1: Keflavík to Reykjavik

When you land at Iceland’s airport, you’ll actually land in Keflavík, which is about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik. Once you get your rental car, go for a dip in the Blue Lagoon (Comfort tickets from ISK 11,990), which is just 20 minutes from the airport. Tickets are sold for timed slots, so book your Blue Lagoon tickets before you fly.

Although it gets crowded, it is worth it for the relaxation and the unique milky blue water. If you snag the first time slot in the morning, you may even get the place to yourself for a few minutes.

Check the volcano before you go, though. The lagoon sits in the lava fields near Grindavík, next to the Sundhnúkur crater row, which has erupted repeatedly since December 2023. When the alert level rises, the lagoon closes and evacuates at short notice, sometimes for days or weeks at a time. Check the lagoon’s own website and safetravel.is before you set off that day, and if it’s shut, Sky Lagoon on the edge of Reykjavik makes a good swap.

After spending the morning at the Blue Lagoon, head to Reykjavik and spend a day in the city. There are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik for the day: you can go for a hike nearby, take a short day trip, or simply hang around in the city.

There’s plenty to do inside of Reykjavik, including a visit to the Harpa concert hall, walking around the city centre, or tasting a brennivín and some pungent hákarl at a nearby pub. Be sure to taste one of the best hot dogs in the world at the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand.

Stay: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum Eat: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Day 2: Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss (via the Golden Circle)

Wake up early and get ready for a long day of driving! One of the staples of a trip to Iceland is the Golden Circle, which has some beautiful sights, including a geyser, a waterfall, and a national park.

However, it is extremely touristy and, in my opinion, not as great as some of the other sights later in the trip. My recommendation is to hit these sights (Geysir, Gullfoss, and Þingvellir National Park) quickly, and then move on to your journey around the Ring Road.

Once you’ve finished driving the Golden Circle, stop for tomato soup at Friðheimar (book a table ahead: lunch is served from 12:00 to 16:00), then drive towards Seljalandsfoss. This is the second waterfall you’ll see today, but you can get more up-close and personal with this one by walking behind the falls. If you decide to do this, don’t forget a good rain jacket! The path behind the falls can close when it’s icy, and parking costs ISK 1,000 a day.

Around midnight in the summer, the waterfall turns vibrant yellow and orange in the reflection of the sunlight.

Next door to Seljalandsfoss, a short walk north along the cliffs, Gljúfrabúi is another hidden waterfall, tucked inside a narrow gorge, and well worth a visit as well.

Stay: Boutique Hotel Anna Eat: Friðheimar Tomato Farm

Day 3: Seljalandsfoss to Vík

The drive from Seljalandsfoss isn’t long, but there’s a lot to do in between. In the morning, head to Skógafoss, another waterfall around the corner from Seljalandsfoss.

Here you can take the steep stairway (roughly 500 steps) up the right side of the waterfall for a bird’s eye view, or get close enough to feel the chilly spray at the bottom. Parking costs ISK 1,000, paid through the Parka app. There are a few restaurants at Skógar, so be sure to grab food here while you’re around.

Once you’ve had your waterfall fix, drive to Seljavallalaug, where you can take a dip in this picturesque mountain hot spring. Unlike the Blue Lagoon, this secluded pool is surrounded by mountains and is free to use (there’s a donation box for its upkeep). The pool is a short walk (about 20 minutes) from where you park, and there’s only a basic changing hut. Be sure to get there early to avoid the crowds!

There are also a few areas past the pool where you can hike and explore the surrounding landscape.

Next, you can head to the famous plane wreck on Sólheimasandur. The plane was a US Navy DC-3 that crash-landed on this black sand beach in November 1973. No one died in the crash, but the plane’s shell remains abandoned in the black sands.

It takes a while to walk there (it’s roughly 4 km across the sand in each direction, so allow around two hours there and back), though a shuttle bus also runs from the car park. It’s a destination that showcases Iceland’s fascinating beauty and desolation.

If you’re feeling adventurous, or have some extra time, pay a visit to Sólheimajökull glacier. This glacier is a magnificent sight, but also a close-up look into the effects of climate change. Here you can hike around or even register for a glacier walk tour. Don’t head onto the ice without a guide: the tours provide the crampons.

In the late afternoon, head to Reynisfjara and Vík beaches to see some towering basalt columns, black sand, and stunning volcanic rock formations like the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. You can go for a walk around these areas or drive to one of the nearby cliffs for a spectacular view of Eyjafjallajökull volcano and the ocean below. Take the warning signs at Reynisfjara seriously: sneaker waves have swept people off this beach, so look at the coloured warning light by the path down and keep a good distance from the surf.

Stay: Volcano Hotel Eat: There are a few casual eateries in Vík to choose from

Day 4: Vík to Höfn

In my opinion, Day 4 showcases some of Iceland’s prettiest locations. First, you’ll head to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon for one of the most beautiful and picturesque scenes in Southern Iceland.

This dramatic landscape was shaped by glacial meltwater as the last ice age ended, which left behind a stark canyon that is now covered in green moss. It looks like something out of a storybook. The main car park charges ISK 1,000 (pay with the Parka app), and the rim path sometimes closes in spring (roughly March to May) to protect the thawing ground.

Next, head to Svartifoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, about an hour further east in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park. This one is a thinner stream surrounded by incredible basalt formations, much like the ones you saw earlier in Reynisfjara.

It’s about a 45-minute walk uphill from the Skaftafell visitor centre to the falls. Parking at Skaftafell and at Jökulsárlón costs ISK 1,110 a day at each, but once you’ve paid at one, the other is half price on the same day.

Hang out here and enjoy a snack on the nearby rocks, or walk around to capture some different angles of this amazing natural landmark.

Then you’ll make your way to Jökulsárlón, about 45 minutes further east: the glacier lagoon you’ve probably seen in photographs.

You can take an amphibian boat tour around the lagoon for ISK 7,100 (May to November), where you’ll have the chance to eat ice from 1,000 years ago. Taking this boat ride enables you to get “up close and personal” with the icebergs, which were once pieces of mighty glaciers.

If you’re there between October and April, it’s worth a trip to the Vatnajökull ice caves, one of Iceland’s marvellous natural spectacles. You can take a guided tour through these stunning natural ice tunnels. These tours can be booked through Guide to Iceland and cost from around ISK 23,500 for about three hours, leaving from Jökulsárlón.

After your afternoon adventure around Jökulsárlón, it’s about an hour’s drive east to Höfn.

At the end of the day, treat yourself to some langoustine dishes in Höfn, your final destination for the night. You can watch the sunset from the docks and enjoy this local crustacean speciality.

A hybrid between a lobster and a crayfish, the langoustine is caught fresh off the shore of Höfn. If cooked well and served with lemon butter, it is very soft and delicious.

If a lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweater) is something you’re looking to buy, my favourite lopapeysa shop in Iceland is located in Höfn. I found a beautiful Icelandic sweater the same colours as the landscape around me, and I’ve kept it with me since my trip. These sweaters are expensive, but they last forever and they sure are beautiful.

Spend the night in Höfn, either in a campsite or in a local guesthouse.

Stay: Milk Factory

Eat: Z Bistro

Day 5: Höfn to Seyðisfjörður

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This is an intentionally shorter day of driving so that you can relax for a bit. Wake up a little later, take your time on the road, and make your way to Seyðisfjörður.

If you’ve ever seen The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, get ready to drive down the same winding road as his famous longboarding scene. This road is on the way to Seyðisfjörður, on the descent from the mountaintop you have to cross to get there.

Although this is one of the most scenic roads you’ll take on your entire ride, don’t get distracted! It’s a pretty dangerous stretch of road with sharp switchbacks and no guardrails.

In my opinion, Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s cutest towns. It’s the port for the ferry to Denmark (via the Faroe Islands), so there are a few cute cafés and streets with coloured homes to hang out in. I especially liked the Skaftfell Bistro as a casual dinner and hangout spot.

Spend the rest of your evening roaming around this charming little town and savouring the fresh air of Iceland’s eastern coast.

Stay: Hótel Aldan Eat: Skaftfell Bistro

Day 6: Seyðisfjörður to Mývatn

You might be wondering why you got a “take it easy” day yesterday… and it’s because you have a long and exciting day ahead of you!

First, head to Borgarfjörður Eystri to see some of Iceland’s most beloved wildlife: puffins. This is a pretty long drive, but it leads you to a cute harbour town and a viewpoint to get up close and personal with the puffins, which nest here from about mid-April to mid-August.

Next, you can spend the rest of the day in Mývatn, where several Game of Thrones scenes were filmed. In fact, you can even take a Game of Thrones tour there! Mývatn is the Icelandic name for “midge lake,” and you’ll see why when you get there…

Mývatn is a giant playground. Check out Víti, a large crater and hiking trail in the Krafla area, and the Dimmuborgir lava fields. There’s also Námafjall, a geothermal hotspot where the ground is literally smoking under your feet.

In addition, there are many wonderful hiking trails and caves to explore around the region. A lovely way to see many parts of this beautiful area is on horseback, with riding tours offered all around the lake.

To wrap up your day, spend the evening soaking up the geothermal waters at Earth Lagoon Mývatn, the old Mývatn Nature Baths, which reopened in a new building in 2026 (from ISK 7,900). These are beautiful hot springs in a rock pool that tend to be much less crowded than the Blue Lagoon. They are definitely worth visiting to unwind from several days of driving.

Stay: Dimmuborgir Guesthouse

Eat: Daddi’s Pizza

Day 7: Mývatn to Ásbyrgi and Húsavík

In the morning, head to Ásbyrgi Canyon, a perfectly carved horseshoe-shaped canyon north of Mývatn. Here, there are many hiking trails to enjoy. You’ll see people setting up camp, as overnight backpacking is quite popular here.

If you like the outdoors, you can spend most of your day at the canyon. If you’d rather be on the water, take the morning to hike around, then head to Húsavík.

Next, stop by Húsavík to explore this seaside town. If you love wildlife, consider signing up for a whale-watching tour. Húsavík is one of the most famous places in Iceland for this, and tour operators offering boat rides of varying lengths are everywhere here. Whale-watching trips run from March to November and cost from about ISK 12,990 per person.

Stay: Fosshotel Húsavík Eat: Gamli Baukur

Day 8: Húsavík to Hvammstangi

After Húsavík, head to Goðafoss, or “Waterfall of the Gods.” This incredible fall is one of Iceland’s most powerful, and also one of the most popular for tourists.

In the main area by the car park, there are usually a bunch of photographers with their tripods all set up. However, you can explore around the area and take a walk to get a few different perspectives of this powerful cascade.

Next, eat lunch in Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city. Here you can find a pretty waterfront, a large central church, and a few cute alleyways to explore.

Stop here for lunch and a quick coffee, or simply pass through on your way to your next overnight stop. In early summer, Akureyri’s outskirts are home to many pockets of lupins, which are worth a stop to see the beautiful purple flowers which dot the roadsides.

Afterwards, head to Hvammstangi, a lovely town where you can see seals on the coastline. There’s a seal museum at the Icelandic Seal Center where you can learn more about these beautiful beasts.

Stay: Hvammstangi campsite or Albert Guesthouse (formerly Hotel Hvammstangi) Eat: Hlaðan Kaffihús

Day 9: Hvammstangi to Stykkishólmur

Spend the morning exploring some of the beach areas around Hvammstangi. These rocky beaches are wide and expansive, and if you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot some of Iceland’s seals off in the distance.

The rest of the day is a driving day, which you can take at your own leisurely pace. The Icelandic countryside here is absolutely stunning, and despite the fact that there is not a lot to do, it’s a nice way to unwind from a few pretty intense days on the road.

Once you arrive in Stykkishólmur, hike up Súgandisey, the big rock at the mouth of the harbour, to visit a pretty red lighthouse and get beautiful views of the town and the sea. There are a few ledges out here to stare off into the distance and reflect on your journey around Iceland.

The town itself is quite charming, and is a nice, quiet place to walk around in the evening.

Stay: Harbour Hostel or Hótel Egilsen Eat: Sjávarpakkhúsið

Day 10: Stykkishólmur to Snæfellsnes to Reykjavik

Is it really the last day of this Ring Road itinerary? I thought we were just getting started… Luckily, we’ve saved the best for last, and you’ll be in for a real treat on Day 10.

First, stop by Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most famous photography spots. This strange-shaped mountain takes its name from its likeness to a church steeple, and is surrounded by a few babbling streams and mini-waterfalls. Park nearby and take a walk around the area to try and catch some amazing views of this unique formation.

Next, head towards the final stretch of your trip: the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Snæfellsnes is one of the most stunning areas in all of Iceland. With vast stretches of nature, the volcanic shipwrecked beaches of Djúpalónssandur, as well as other amazing hiking trails, it’s a fantastic way to end your drive around the Ring Road.

Finally, after exploring the peninsula and its beautiful nature areas, drive about two and a half hours back to Reykjavik to end your road trip.

Practical tips for the drive

Renting a car

In order to do a road trip around Iceland, you’ll obviously need to rent a car. For most people, you won’t need to pay the premium for a 4WD rental. If you’re planning on visiting the Westfjords or the Highlands, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive: the mountain F-roads legally require one.

For all other Ring Road itineraries, you can rent a normal, non-4WD car. The cheapest prices are for manual transmission cars. Automatic cars are a bit more expensive. You can look online and find prices for a small car running from about ISK 9,000 a day in winter to ISK 22,000 in summer. Budget too for Iceland’s per-kilometre road charge (ISK 6.95 a km since January 2026), which the hire firms add to your bill.

Most of the main car rental chains, including Sixt, Avis, and Hertz, have operations in Iceland. There are also a few local Icelandic car rental companies that offer very competitive rates. I have used Sixt and Avis in the past and liked them, but would also compare car rental prices to make sure you get the best deal.

If you’re interested in camping but don’t want to bear the cold nights in a tent, you can rent a campervan. These run from about ISK 18,000 to ISK 45,000 per day in summer, and a few companies that do this are Happy Campers and Go Campers.

Keep in mind that you’ll still have to pay a fee at each campsite for the use of the facilities (more on this later), and that you can only spend the night in a campervan on a campsite, unless the landowner gives you permission.

When to go

The best time to drive Iceland’s Ring Road is during the summer months, June to August. Some of the roads close during other times of year and are impossible for tourists to drive. If you are not planning on getting a 4WD car, plan your trip during the summer to ensure your safety.

Another wonderful time of year (and less crowded) is during the spring and autumn. Although there’s no midnight sun during this time, you do have the possibility of catching the Northern Lights on clear nights. For a season-by-season picture, read when to visit Iceland.

Where to stay

Iceland is unique because outside of Reykjavik and Akureyri, there are only small towns with few traditional hotels. Moreover, Iceland isn’t a cheap place to stay to begin with. There are four main options for places to stay in Iceland:

• The first is campsites: this is the most budget-friendly way to travel here. At roughly ISK 1,500 to 4,000 a head each night, it’s a steal to camp outdoors compared to hotels or guesthouses. At most campsites, you have access to a parking space, a tent space, bathroom and shower amenities, and occasionally an indoor seating area. Some even have wifi! Plenty of them close outside the summer season, so check dates.
• Then, there are farmhouses and guesthouses. Located in most areas of Iceland’s Ring Road, these typically take phone-ahead or walk-in reservations and offer breakfast. Some of these also offer “sleeping bag accommodation,” which basically means that linens aren’t provided and you can use your own sleeping bag for a reduced rate.
• Hotels also exist around the Ring Road, though you should definitely book these in advance during the summer, as they are fewer and farther between. Expect to pay from about ISK 25,000 a night for a double, and more in Reykjavik, where the average is over ISK 30,000. There’s also an accommodation tax of ISK 800 a room on every night’s bill.
• Lastly, Airbnb is becoming more and more popular in Iceland.

What to eat

I won’t sugarcoat it: Iceland’s food is expensive. A main course in a mid-range restaurant costs around ISK 3,500 to ISK 6,000, while a hot dog from a stand is about ISK 800. For more on costs, see is Iceland expensive?

For travellers on a budget, your best bet on the drive is to eat most of your meals in the small restaurants attached to petrol stations. Otherwise, you can make your own sandwiches from supermarket purchases. Often, there aren’t many restaurants for long stretches of road, so be sure to stop when you see one.

In terms of dishes to try, Iceland’s staple foods are hot dogs and lamb stew. You can find both of these dishes nearly everywhere that sells hot food items.

The world-famous Icelandic delicacy is called hákarl, which is fermented shark meat. It’s worth trying but I personally would never eat it again after trying it once. Pungent + ammonia aftertaste really isn’t my thing… but luckily, hákarl is almost always served with a shot of brennivín to wash it down/take away the pain.

Safety tips

Iceland is a very safe country, but nonetheless, it’s important to stay alert at all times. The greatest danger you’ll face is the long hours of driving and potentially extreme weather.

Be sure your car is prepared with the appropriate equipment for ice and snow, and that you remain very awake for the entirety of your drive. Because of the gravel roads and sandy areas, you may want to invest in gravel and sand-and-ash insurance. Before each day’s drive, check the forecast at vedur.is, road closures on umferdin.is and any warnings on safetravel.is.

Additionally, we purchase travel insurance every time we travel. We don’t believe in risking your life while travelling, and having a good insurance policy can help you stay safe and healthy in case of an emergency. For our travel insurance, we use and recommend World Nomads.

The bottom line

Iceland’s Ring Road is the trip of a lifetime. If you get the chance to take this incredible adventure, I highly recommend doing so. In your circumnavigation of the country, you’ll get to experience the delightful desolation of a country that has a fascinating story.

Read next

• The best time to visit Iceland
• Iceland’s Golden Circle guide
• Is Iceland expensive?
• 7 day Iceland itinerary
• Iceland travel tips
• The best things to do in Iceland

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