Iceland’s Ring Road: A Complete 7-Day Itinerary for an Epic Road Trip

Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, is a dream come true for adventurous travelers. This 1,332-kilometer (828-mile) road loops around the entire island, offering access to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders in the country. From majestic waterfalls and glaciers to black sand beaches and volcanic craters, the Ring Road provides a comprehensive tour of Iceland’s diverse geography. If you’re ready for an unforgettable road trip, this 7-day itinerary will guide you through the best stops along the Ring Road, ensuring you experience the highlights and hidden gems of this extraordinary country.

Day 1: Reykjavík to Vík

Start your adventure in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, where you can spend some time exploring the city’s vibrant culture, colorful streets, and historic sites like Hallgrímskirkja church and the Harpa Concert Hall. Once you’re ready to hit the road, head south toward the village of Vík.

Along the way, make your first stop at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. What makes this waterfall unique is that you can walk behind it, offering a one-of-a-kind perspective of the cascading water. Just a short drive away is Skógafoss, another majestic waterfall, known for its wide, powerful flow and the rainbows that often form in its mist.

Before reaching Vík, take a detour to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, a hauntingly beautiful site where a US Navy plane crash-landed in 1973. The wreck sits on a black sand beach and makes for an eerie yet captivating photo stop. Finish your day in Vík, where you can visit the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach and its dramatic basalt columns, as well as the towering sea stacks of Reynisdrangar.

Day 2: Vík to Höfn

On day two, continue east along the South Coast, a region known for its dramatic landscapes. First, stop at the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a stunning moss-covered canyon with sheer cliffs and winding rivers that looks like something out of a fantasy film. You can hike along the top of the canyon for breathtaking views of the landscape below.

Next, head toward Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, where you can hike to Svartifoss, a waterfall surrounded by unique basalt columns. Skaftafell offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty, so you can choose one that suits your pace and fitness level.

One of the highlights of this leg of the trip is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This surreal lagoon is filled with massive icebergs that have broken off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float serenely through the water. You can take a boat tour through the lagoon for an up-close look at the icebergs, or simply enjoy the view from the shore. Nearby, the Diamond Beach is where icebergs wash up on the black sand, creating a dazzling contrast between ice and volcanic sand.

End the day in the fishing town of Höfn, known for its delicious langoustine (Norwegian lobster). This small town is a great place to relax after a full day of sightseeing.

Day 3: Höfn to Egilsstaðir

As you continue your journey around Iceland, you’ll leave the South Coast and head into the less-traveled region of East Iceland. The drive from Höfn to Egilsstaðir takes you through the stunning Eastfjords, where towering mountains meet the sea. The fjords are dotted with picturesque fishing villages, and the lack of crowds makes this region feel particularly peaceful.

On your way, consider stopping in the charming town of Djúpivogur, where you can explore the local art installations, such as the Eggin í Gleðivík, a collection of large, egg-shaped sculptures representing the bird species of the area. The Eastfjords are also a great place to spot wildlife, including reindeer, which are often seen grazing in the fields.

In the afternoon, arrive in Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland, located on the banks of the Lagarfljót River. You can take a stroll along the river or visit the nearby Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest, Iceland’s largest forest, for a peaceful nature walk. If you’re interested in folklore, stop by Lagarfljót, a lake that is said to be home to a mythical serpent-like creature, similar to the Loch Ness Monster.

Day 4: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn

On day four, head north toward Lake Mývatn, a geothermal wonderland known for its unusual landscapes. Along the way, make a stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The sheer force of the water cascading into the canyon is a jaw-dropping sight. Dettifoss is part of the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, which is worth exploring if you have time.

As you approach Lake Mývatn, you’ll notice the landscape becoming increasingly volcanic. The lake itself is surrounded by unique lava formations, craters, and geothermal areas. One of the must-see attractions here is the Hverir Geothermal Area, where you can walk among boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulfur vents that create an almost alien landscape.

Another highlight of the Mývatn area is the Krafla Volcano, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic systems. You can hike to the Viti Crater, which is filled with a vivid blue lake, or explore the nearby Leirhnjúkur Lava Fields, where steaming fissures and cracks in the earth are a reminder of the ongoing volcanic activity.

End your day with a relaxing soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a quieter and more affordable alternative to the Blue Lagoon, offering geothermal waters and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Day 5: Mývatn to Akureyri

On day five, make your way toward Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland. Before you leave the Mývatn area, stop at the Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, a labyrinth of bizarre lava formations that resemble ancient castles and fortresses. Nearby, you can visit Grjótagjá, a small lava cave with a geothermal hot spring inside. While bathing in the cave is no longer allowed, it’s still a fascinating place to visit, especially for fans of the TV series Game of Thrones, which filmed scenes here.

As you approach Akureyri, stop at Goðafoss, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” This wide, horseshoe-shaped waterfall is one of the most beautiful in Iceland and is steeped in history and legend. According to the sagas, the chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into the falls after Iceland converted to Christianity in the year 1000.

Once you reach Akureyri, take some time to explore this charming town, known for its vibrant arts scene, cozy cafés, and beautiful botanical gardens. The town is also a great base for whale-watching tours in the nearby Eyjafjörður Fjord.

Day 6: Akureyri to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

On day six, head west toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” due to the diversity of its landscapes. On the way, you’ll pass through the Skagafjörður region, known for its horse farms and historical significance. If you’re interested in Icelandic history, consider stopping at the Glaumbær Turf Farm, a well-preserved traditional Icelandic farm that offers a glimpse into the country’s past.

Once you reach Snæfellsnes, you’ll be greeted by a landscape of volcanic craters, lava fields, black sand beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs. One of the highlights of the peninsula is Kirkjufell, a uniquely shaped mountain that is often referred to as the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Be sure to visit the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall for a picture-perfect view of the mountain with the waterfall in the foreground.

The peninsula is also home to Snæfellsjökull National Park, where you can see the famous Snæfellsjökull Glacier, which sits atop a dormant volcano. This glacier is featured in Jules Verne’s classic novel Journey to the Center of the Earth and offers spectacular hiking and sightseeing opportunities.

Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjavík

On your final day, make your way back to Reykjavík, but not before exploring more of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Visit Arnarstapi, a small fishing village known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and birdlife, and walk along the scenic trail to Hellnar for stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes.

Further along the coast, you’ll find the Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs, where towering rock formations rise out of the sea, creating a striking scene against the backdrop of the wild Atlantic.

As you continue your drive back to Reykjavík, take a detour to the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls, located near the town of Borgarnes. Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls that flow out of a lava field, while Barnafoss is a more turbulent waterfall with a tragic legend attached to it.

Finally, return to Reykjavík to complete your Ring Road adventure. You’ll leave Iceland with memories of breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable experiences, and a deeper appreciation for