Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Guide
The Ring Road (Route 1) circles Iceland for approximately 1,332 kilometers, connecting most of the country's major attractions. Here's everything you need to plan your ultimate road trip.
What is the Ring Road?
Iceland's Ring Road, or Route 1, is the country's main highway that circles the entire island. Completed in 1974, this well-maintained road connects the capital Reykjavik with all major towns and many of Iceland's most famous attractions.
How Many Days Do You Need?
While it's physically possible to drive the Ring Road in 2-3 days, we strongly recommend:
**Minimum**: 7-8 days for a relaxed trip**Ideal**: 10-14 days to explore properly**Extended**: 3+ weeks if including detours and hikesBest Ring Road Itinerary (10 Days)
Day 1: Reykjavik to Vík (180 km)
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfallsReynisfjara Black Sand BeachOptional: Glacier hike on SólheimajökullDay 2: Vík to Höfn (270 km)
Fjaðrárgljúfur CanyonSkaftafell National ParkJökulsárlón Glacier LagoonDiamond BeachDay 3: Höfn to Egilsstaðir (250 km)
East Fjords scenic driveDjúpivogur villageHengifoss waterfallDay 4: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn (170 km)
Dettifoss waterfallÁsbyrgi canyonMývatn Nature BathsDay 5: Mývatn Area
Explore geothermal areasGrjótagjá caveKrafla volcanoDimmuborgir lava formationsDay 6: Mývatn to Akureyri (100 km)
Goðafoss waterfallAkureyri town explorationWhale watching (optional)Day 7: Akureyri to Blönduós (145 km)
Hvítserkur rock formationNorthern coastline driveDay 8: Blönduós to Snæfellsnes (200 km)
Drive to Snæfellsnes PeninsulaKirkjufell mountainDay 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Snæfellsjökull National ParkArnarstapi coastal walkDjúpalónssandur beachDay 10: Snæfellsnes to Reykjavik (180 km)
Return via BorgarfjörðurHraunfossar waterfallsArrive ReykjavikEssential Driving Tips
Vehicle Choice
Summer: 2WD is sufficient for Ring RoadWinter: 4WD strongly recommendedHighlands (F-roads): 4WD required year-roundRoad Conditions
Check road.is before every driveWeather can close roads unexpectedlyGravel sections exist, especially in the EastSpeed Limits
50 km/h in urban areas80 km/h on gravel roads90 km/h on paved rural roadsFuel Stations
Fill up whenever below half tankSome stretches have 200+ km between stationsCredit card with PIN required at automated stationsWhat to Pack
Layers (weather changes rapidly)Waterproof jacket and pantsSturdy hiking bootsSunglasses (summer midnight sun)Snacks and waterCash for small purchasesOffline mapsBudget Considerations
Daily costs for 2 people:
Budget: $150-200 (camping, cooking)Mid-range: $300-400 (guesthouses, some dining)Comfortable: $500+ (hotels, restaurants)**Car rental:** $50-150/day depending on vehicle type and season
The Ring Road is one of the world's great road trips. Take your time, be prepared for changing conditions, and enjoy every moment of Iceland's diverse landscapes.
