What No One Tells You About Driving Iceland’s Ring Road

09-01-2026

Iceland’s Ring Road is 1,332 km long. That’s 828 miles of sealed road circling the entire country. It connects major towns, remote villages, black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls, and some very questionable gas station hot dogs. 

In this guide, you’ll get a full 14-day itinerary, day-by-day driving distances, what to see, where to sleep, and what to eat. We’ll cover the best direction to drive, the right car to rent, and how to adjust if you only have ten days. 

If you want the full Iceland experience without wasting time or money, this is where you start. Keep reading.

Your 14-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

When you rent a car in Iceland, going clockwise saves you the headache. You hit the busy south early in the trip, not when you're tired and ready to be done. 

Fuel stops are better spaced, the driving flows cleaner, and you’re not stuck winding through the east fjords on day thirteen, wondering why you didn’t turn left instead. 

Some swear by counterclockwise like it’s a secret hack. It’s not. It’s slower, clumsier, and usually ends in regret. Clockwise wins every time.

Day 1 - Keflavík to Vík

• Distance: 250 km (155 miles)
• Driving Time: 4 hours

Morning:

Pick up your rental car from our office at Keflavík Airport and make a quick stop in Reykjavík for snacks, water, and anything you won’t want to overpay for later. Don’t stock a pantry. Get just enough supplies to survive a late lunch in the middle of nowhere.

Midday Stops:

• Seljalandsfoss is the first major waterfall on the south coast. Easy access, small parking fee (8 USD). Walk behind it if you’re okay getting drenched before lunch.
• Skógafoss is ten minutes down the road. Bigger, louder, and you’ll feel it in your chest. Climb the 527 stairs if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Dyrhólaey is a quick detour near Vík. Great for photos and puffins (in season). Just be warned, it’s windy enough to rip a car door off.

Evening:

Arrive in Vík. Settle in. If the weather’s decent, head down to Reynisfjara black sand beach or Reynisdrangar cliffs before dinner.

Where to Sleep:

Vík or nearby guesthouses. Book early. The options are limited and fill fast.

What to Eat:

Try the lamb stew or arctic char. Local cafés keep it simple but fresh. Skip the burger joints unless desperation strikes.

Day 2 - Vík to Höfn

• Distance: 280 km (175 miles)
• Driving Time: 4.5 hours

Morning:

• Leave Vík and head east into emptier country
• Stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon if the road’s open. It’s a short hike with big payoff
• Quick photo stop at the Eldhraun lava field before pushing on

Midday Stops:

• Arrive at Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park
• Hike to Svartifoss or pick a glacier viewpoint if you're on a tight schedule
• This is one of the more reliable rest stops on your Iceland road trip map

Afternoon:

• Reach Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Kayak rentals are available here if you want 1.5 hours of paddling between icebergs
• Walk across to Diamond Beach for iceberg fragments glowing in the surf

Where to Sleep:

Overnight in Höfn. It’s a picturesque compact and walkable town that has some really good seafood restaurants

What to Eat:

Langoustine is the go-to. Grilled, stewed, or fried. It’s the highlight of this leg. Don’t settle for frozen ones

Day 3 - Höfn to Djúpivogur

• Distance: 128 km (80 miles)
• Driving Time: 2 hours

Morning:

• Leave Höfn and start tracing the East Fjords
• The road twists through narrow inlets with constant mountain and sea views
• If visibility is good, pull over near the Almannaskarð viewpoint just outside Höfn for a wide shot of the coastline

Midday Stops:

• Visit the Úlfljótur Memorial, a small roadside monument dedicated to one of Iceland’s earliest law-speakers. It’s a quick stop with sweeping views across the Eastfjords and the winding coastline ahead.
• Stop at Hvalnes Nature Reserve for wild surf, dramatic cliffs, and birdlife
• Pass through the fishing town of Djúpavogshreppur and take in the remote feel of Iceland’s southeastern edge

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Djúpivogur, known for its slow pace, working harbor, and local art scene
• Walk the docks and check out the Eggs of Merry Bay. It’s a row of oversized stone eggs lining the harbor, each one representing a local bird species. 
• Then stop at Langabúð, the oldest building in town. It houses a small cultural museum, rotating local art exhibitions, and a café that feels more like someone’s living room than a tourist stop.

Where to Sleep:

Stay in Djúpivogur. It’s peaceful, scenic, and just remote enough to feel earned.

What to Eat:

Locally caught cod, haddock, or langoustine. Most places serve it simply with potatoes and butter. It works. Skip anything with imported cheese or avocado.

Day 4 - Djúpivogur to Egilsstaðir

• Distance: 140 km (88 miles)
• Driving Time: 2.5 hours (plus optional detour)

Morning:

• Start the day with a quiet stroll along Djúpivogur’s harbor
• Grab a coffee and check out local crafts, or just walk the shoreline before heading out
• Make a short detour to Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður, a private museum packed with colorful minerals and local geology finds

Midday Stops:

• Arrive in Egilsstaðir, the biggest town in East Iceland
• Stop by the East Iceland Heritage Museum if you’re into regional history or folklore
• Take a quick detour down to Lagarfljót lake, supposedly home to a monster that locals pretend doesn’t exist. You'll spot it easily on any good Iceland ring road map with attractions.

Afternoon (Optional):

• If the weather’s good and you’ve got fuel, drive to Seyðisfjörður
• It’s 30 minutes each way and worth it for the setting alone. Here you’ll find waterfalls, wooden houses, and fewer tourists

Where to Sleep:

Egilsstaðir is central and practical. Seyðisfjörður is quieter and prettier. Pick your mood.

What to Eat:

Reindeer, if you find it. Local trout, lamb stew, and anything smoked. Don’t overthink it. If it’s fresh, order it.

Day 5 - Eastfjords Wilderness Day

• Distance: Minimal driving, based around the Laugarfell area
• Driving Time: Depends on detours, max 1.5 hours total 

Morning:

• Start early with the Waterfall Circle hike near Laugarfell
• The 8 km loop includes five waterfalls and ends with a soak in natural hot springs
• Pools are stone-lined, naturally fed, and known for their healing minerals

Midday Options:

• Hike to Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls (4.7 km/2.9 mi round trip, 2 hours)
• On the way, you’ll pass Litlanesfoss, with towering basalt columns and no crowds
• Prefer something calmer? Head to Hallormsstaðaskógur, Iceland’s largest forest. Trails, art installations, and lake views make for a quiet few hours

Afternoon:

• Return to the Laugarfell area or find a quiet spot nearby
• Short local walks, more photography, or just another soak if your legs allow it
• The wilderness here is like nowhere else. Low noise, low traffic, just space. It's one of the quietest pockets off Iceland’s ring road, and it’s easy to miss if you’re rushing the route.

Where to Sleep:

Laugarfell or nearby guesthouses. Remote, quiet, and close to the springs.

What to Eat:

Fish soup, roasted lamb, and reindeer if it’s in season. Look for Kleinur pastries and glacier-brewed Vatnajökull beer. Try local guesthouses for cod or langoustine if they’ve got it on.

Day 6 - Egilsstaðir to Mývatn

• Distance: +- 240 km (149 miles)
• Driving Time: 3 hours 

Morning:

• Your first stop is Möðrudalur, Iceland’s highest inhabited farm at 469 meters (1,539 ft)
  
  
• Walk the marked trails, check out the small hand-built church, and take in views of Mount Herðubreið
• There's a quiet café, a small exhibit on volcanoes

Midday:

• Drive to Dettifoss, about 1.5 hours from Möðrudalur
• Park on the east side for the best face-to-face view of the waterfall’s 44-meter (144-feet) drop
• It’s loud, raw, and you’ll feel the spray. This one actually lives up to the hype

Afternoon:

• Continue to Hverir, just outside Mývatn
• The landscape looks cooked with steam vents, boiling mud, and stained orange earth
• Stick to the trails and breathe through your mouth. It smells exactly how you think it does (rotten egg)

Where to Sleep:

Mývatn or Reykjahlíð. Both give you easy access to the geothermal zones and lake trails.

What to Eat:

Pan-fried Arctic char, smoked lamb, and geysir-baked rye bread. Some restaurants cook it right in the ground. Pair it with cheese and blueberry jam if you're feeling bold.

Day 7 - Mývatn to Akureyri

• Distance: 75 km (47 miles)
• Driving Time: 1.5 hours 

Morning:

• Drive about 35 minutes to Godafoss, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’
• It’s 12 meters (39 ft) high, 30 meters (98 ft) wide, and shaped like a crescent
• Walk both sides of the falls for different angles. The paths are short and easy. The name comes from Iceland’s shift to Christianity around 1000 AD. One of the most iconic stops along any Iceland ring road map

Midday:

• Head into Akureyri, the unofficial capital of the north
• Start at Ráðhústorg Square, the heart of town, where you'll find shops, cafés, and a laid-back vibe. From there, wander into the old town, with its preserved 19th-century timber houses. Look for Nonni’s house, now part of the Akureyri Museum, where Iceland’s beloved children’s author grew up.
• Visit the Akureyri Botanical Gardens and take a quick detour across Rendezvous Bridge for harbor views and fresh air
• Stop by Brynja for the classic soft serve ice cream. It’s the law

Afternoon:

• Browse shops and galleries downtown. The wool sweaters will tempt you. Don’t say we didn’t warn you
• If you're up for more, book a whale watching tour from the harbor. Summer sightings are common, and it’s quieter here than in the north coast villages
• Grab a coffee, walk the harbor path, or just take in the slow northern pace

Where to Sleep:

Akureyri has options. Hotels, guesthouses, or something in town so you can walk to dinner

What to Eat:

Try smoked lamb with béchamel, plokkfiskur, or fresh Arctic char. Local fish and chips also hit the spot. Fermented shark? Only if you hate yourself

Day 8 - Akureyri to Siglufjörður

• Distance: 77 km (48 miles) direct, longer with detour
• Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 

Morning:

• Option to head out early for a whale watching tour in Dalvík (40 min drive) or Hjalteyri (15 min)
• Dalvík uses fast RIB boats with good odds of spotting humpbacks and minkes
• Hjalteyri offers a slower ride on an oak boat with hot chocolate and cinnamon buns
• Both run from April to October, weather willing

Midday:

• Drive the coast road to Siglufjörður, tucked deep in a northern fjord
• Walk the harbor, visit the Herring Era Museum, and stop in at the Folk Music Center
• The old Siglufjarðarkirkja church is worth a few quiet minutes

Afternoon:

• Hike local trails for fjord views or just explore town at a slower pace
• Swimming in the ocean is a thing here. You’ve been warned
• In winter, skiing is possible nearby

Where to Sleep:

Stay in Siglufjörður. Most places are within walking distance of everything

What to Eat:

Try Arctic char, local cod, or lamb stew. Reindeer, if it’s on the menu. Don’t skip Skyr or fresh-baked rye bread for dessert

Day 9 - Siglufjörður to Blönduós

• Distance: 200 km (124 miles)
• Driving Time: 3 hours

Morning:

• Leave Siglufjörður and drive west along the coast
• Pass through a series of coastal tunnels carved into steep rock faces
• Keep an eye out for photo stops with mountain views and crashing surf

Midday:

• Arrive in Skagafjörður, known as Iceland’s horse capital
• Book a short horseback riding tour if the weather and time allow. Icelandic horses have a unique gait called the tölt. You’ll feel it within seconds of getting on

Afternoon:

• Roll into Blönduós, a small town that usually shows up around page 3 of most Iceland ring road itinerary guides
• Walk the riverside, check out the turf-roofed houses, or pop into the modernist Blönduós Church
• The wind here isn’t a joke. Plan short walks unless you like chasing your hat down a fjord

Where to Sleep:

Stay in or just outside Blönduós. The place is quiet, basic, and easy to navigate

What to Eat:

Dried fish, lamb stew, or Arctic char if it’s fresh. Try skyr with rhubarb or berries. Restaurants here focus on simple, local, and warm

Day 10 - Blönduós to Hvammstangi

• Distance: 58 km (36 miles)
• Driving Time: 1 hour

Morning:

• Drive from Blönduós to Hvammstangi, an easy stretch with wide fjord views
• Optional detour to Vatnsnes Peninsula for seal watching at Ósar Beach or Illugastaðir
• The Icelandic Seal Center in town has exceptional info, exhibits, and occasional boat tours. Bring binoculars if you're serious about it

Midday:

• Hit the Hvammstangi swimming pool for a break
• There’s a 25-meter (82-ft) heated pool, jacuzzi, steam bath, and a decent kids' area. It’s a good spot to warm up and zone out before continuing the trip

Afternoon:

• Walk around Hvammstangi. It’s small, quiet, and friendly
• Visit the harbor or check out one of the local craft shops or cafés
• If you’re into maritime history, there are small exhibits tucked around town

Where to Sleep:

Stay in Hvammstangi or nearby guesthouses. Everything’s within five minutes anyway

What to Eat:

Try seafood pasta, Arctic char, or lobster pizza. The fish soup here actually tastes like fish. Round it off with Skyr or a local dessert if you're still standing.

Day 11 - Hvammstangi to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Distance: 344 km (214 miles)
• Driving Time: 4.5 hours

Morning:

• Drive southwest from Hvammstangi toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Cross valleys, fjords, and open plateaus. This stretch of Iceland’s ring road reminds you how fast the scenery can shift
• Stop at Kirkjufell, one of the country’s most photographed mountains
• Walk to Kirkjufellsfoss for the classic postcard shot. Early arrivals get softer light and fewer tripod battles

Midday:

• Head west along the peninsula and stretch your legs at Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach scattered with shipwreck debris
• If you prefer golden sand and gentler water, check out Skarðsvík Beach nearby
• Pack a lunch or find a local café before continuing west

Afternoon:

• Settle into either Grundarfjörður or Hellissandur for the night
• Both towns are quiet, scenic, and easy to explore on foot
• Visit a small gallery, take a coastal walk, or just find somewhere warm with cake

Where to Sleep:

Stay in Grundarfjörður for convenience, or Hellissandur if you want something quieter

What to Eat:

Seafood dominates here. Go for Arctic char, langoustine, or local lamb if it’s on. Casual spots do great fish and chips. Finish with skyr or pastries.

Day 12 - Snæfellsnes Loop

• Distance: 190 km (118 miles) round trip, depending on stops
• Driving Time: 3.5 hours 

Morning:

• Start your day inside Snæfellsjökull National Park
• Hike the Rauðhóll trail, which takes about 45 minutes to complete, or climb the Saxhóll crater for a volcanic summit with ocean views

Midday:

• Stop at Lóndrangar to see basalt sea stacks rising from the coast
• Consider a guided tour into Vatnshellir Lava Cave, an 8,000-year-old tube that feels more sci-fi than nature walk

Afternoon:

• Explore Arnarstapi and Hellnar, two fishing villages with cliffside trails and seabird cliffs
• End the loop at Ytri Tunga Beach, a quieter spot known for seals lounging on rocks in summer

Where to Sleep:

Return to Grundarfjörður or Hellissandur. Both keep you close to tomorrow’s route

What to Eat:

Again, seafood is still king. Try cod, Arctic char, or langoustine. Add rye bread and creamy Skyr for the full local effect. 

Day 13 - Snæfellsnes to Reykjavík

• Distance: 245 km (152 miles)
• Driving Time: 3.5 hours with stops

Morning:

• Drive from Snæfellsnes Peninsula toward Borgarnes (about 1 hour)
• Stop in town for coffee and a quick walk
• The Settlement Center is worth a look if you want Viking backstory without too much reading

Midday:

• Head to Krauma geothermal spa, just 30 minutes from Borgarnes
• The pools are fed by Deildartunguhver, Europe’s hottest hot spring
• Soak in water between 37°C and 41°C (98°F to 106°F), or brave the cold plunge. You’ll feel it in your bones

Afternoon:

• Continue on to Reykjavík, about 1.5 hours from Krauma
• Once in the city, walk the old harbor, climb Hallgrímskirkja Chuch tower, or wander Laugavegur Street for coffee, books, or something warm

Where to Sleep:

Anywhere central. Reykjavík is walkable and packed with options

What to Eat:

Get a hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu. Try smoked lamb, plokkfiskur, or fresh Arctic char. Skyr for dessert. Then rest up. Last day’s coming

Day 14 - Reykjavík to Keflavík

• Distance: ~50 km (31 miles)
• Driving Time: ~45 minutes

Morning:

• Sleep in or grab a slow breakfast in Reykjavík. This is your last real moment to enjoy the city
• Pick up last-minute souvenirs or stock up on Icelandic chocolate and licorice
• If you missed Hallgrímskirkja or the harbor walk, now’s the time

Midday:

• Drive to Keflavík and make a stop at the Reykjanes Peninsula if you’ve got buffer time
• Optional detour to the Bridge Between Continents or the bubbling mud pools at Gunnuhver
• Return the car at Keflavík Airport. Don’t leave it running while you check in. Happens more often than you’d think

Afternoon:

• Settle into the airport, repack your suitcase, and prepare for the pricing on food past security
• If you’re early, browse Icelandic design shops or grab a table with a decent view of the runway

Where to Eat:

Options are limited but not hopeless. Try lamb stew, smoked trout, or open-faced sandwiches if available. Icelandic hot dogs are often your safest bet. Bring snacks from Reykjavík if you’re picky or smart

What to Know:

This is the end of the line for your Iceland ring road trip. Whether it rained or snowed or blew your car door off, you made it. Time to fly out and let someone else chase the next storm

Only Got 10 Days? Here’s How to Cut It

If you’re short on time and can’t tour around Iceland in 14 days, good news: you can still make it work in 10. Here’s how to adjust the route without butchering the experience.

Option 1 - Cut the West

• Skip Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Days 11 to 13 entirely
• After Akureyri, loop south via Hraunfossar and head straight to Reykjavík
• Still scenic, still satisfying. Just fewer coastal stops

Option 2 - Skip the Eastfjords

• After Höfn, drive directly to Egilsstaðir
• Combine Days 3 and 4 into a single travel day
• You’ll miss some fjord drama, but the core highlights stay intact

How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Iceland Properly

If you actually want to enjoy Iceland, give yourself 14 days. That’s enough time to see what matters, take a few detours, and not panic when the weather changes. Eight days is doable if you like skipping things and staring at your fuel gauge. 

Anything less? You’re just burning petrol and calling it culture. The best time to go is May to early October. July brings good weather and even better traffic. Shoulder season is smarter. And yes, driving the whole thing takes about 17 to 24 hours. But if that’s your plan, don’t bother packing a camera. 

What’s the Best Car for Iceland’s Ring Road?

Choosing the right car can make or break your trip, so here’s what actually works for driving Iceland’s Ring Road without overthinking it.

For This Itinerary (14 Days, Summer or Shoulder Season)

Front-wheel drive is more than enough if you’re sticking to Route 1. You don’t need a 4x4 unless you’re planning F-road detours.

Best Option from Us

We’ve got quite a large fleet, so if none of these sound right, scroll through the rest. We’ve probably got exactly what you need and five other versions of it. But here are three proven picks for this itinerary:

• Hyundai i10 - Compact, automatic, and fuel-efficient. Great for couples or solo travelers who want to keep it simple and cheap without sacrificing comfort.
• Dacia Duster 4x4 - Manual transmission with diesel and high clearance. A top pick for anyone flirting with F-roads but still sticking to the ring road most of the time.
• Kia Ceed Sportswagon - Automatic, roomy enough for families, and perfect if you’re packing extra gear but not ready for a full SUV.

Didn’t see what you need? Browse our full fleet. It’s ridiculous how many cars we have.

What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)

• Layers. Think wool base, fleece middle, waterproof shell. Iceland doesn’t do consistent weather.
• Sturdy boots. Wet feet ruin everything. Don’t bring fashionable shoes.
• Swimsuit and towel. You’ll be amazed at how popular hot springs are, even in winter.
• Offline maps. The signal dies often. So will your confidence without backup.
• Power bank. Cold weather drains batteries fast.
• Daypack. For snacks, gloves, and whatever you overpacked.
• Leave the umbrella. Iceland just laughs at them.
• No need for formal wear. You’re not going anywhere that requires it.

Before You Hit the Road

• Fuel up early. Don’t wait for the warning light. Some stations close for no reason.
• Check Umferdin.is for road conditions every morning. It’s not optional.
• Check Vedur.is too. The weather changes fast and without warning.
• Add 20% to every drive time. Google Maps is lying to you.
• Watch your car door. The wind will rip it off. It’s not a metaphor.
• Keep snacks in the car, for morale.
• Don’t wing it. Iceland punishes overconfidence.
• Tell someone your route. Just in case you end up in a snowdrift.

Before You Commit to Iceland’s Ring Road, Read This

Iceland’s ring road isn’t just a scenic drive. It’s 1,320 km of weather, weird snacks, empty stretches, and the kind of views that make you pull over every ten minutes. If you’ve got the time, take the full 14 days. 

If not, cut smart. This isn’t the kind of country you rush through. Stick to Route 1, plan for the unexpected, and don’t believe the travel blogs that make it look easy. Iceland’s ring road rewards the prepared and punishes the clueless. 

Bring layers, leave your ego, and check the forecast. Every single day. It changes. You’ve been warned.