Covering almost 3,000 kilometres of glorious natural scenery, Iceland’s Ring Road makes for one of the world’s most enchanting road trips.
(Photo: tofoli.douglas via Flickr / PDM 1.0)
Despite being just over two hours’ flight time from central and southern Europe, the volcanic island in the continent’s northern reaches has the look and feel of another world owing to its frosty climate and ice-capped landscapes. It’s also notoriously pricey, putting many travellers off, but those who do make the trip rarely disappoint. And for those who like the idea of exploring the country by car, then the road trip commonly known as Route 1 is perhaps the glistening jewel in Iceland’s already decorated crown.
The nation’s primary highway takes in some of the most mesmerising and diverse scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world. From bucolic fields and quaint towns to dramatic fjords, glaciers and volcanoes, adventure-seekers who traverse Iceland’s Ring Road are treated to sublime views every which way they turn. The only challenge is finding a spot to stop quick enough to capture the endless picture-postcard vistas on your camera.
And be in no doubt, the photo opportunities on this epic loop that spans every corner of the island will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Pull over to take snaps of cascading waterfalls and get close enough to feel specks of water on your face; take a stroll around a charming mountain village or wrap up warm for a bracing walk on a beach along one of Iceland’s rugged coastline where you might spot seals playing on the rocks. The country is truly yours to explore.
The Þríhyrningur mountain seen through the clouds (Photo: Bernd Thaller via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Where to rent a car
Public transport runs throughout the year along the Ring Road, but the schedule is irregular outside of peak season. And while joining an organised tour is another option, you can’t quite beat the freedom and flexibility that having your own car affords, allowing you to stop off as many or as few times as you please. But it’s always worth doing your research when it comes to which car to hire, and where to hire it from. Located at Keflavík International Airport in southeastern Iceland, Reykjavik Cars are a reputable family-run company with a diverse fleet of cars to suit every budget and taste, including economy and city cars such as the Hyundai i10 or Toyots Aygo, and 4x4s and SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage, as well as a range of luxury cars that let you travel in style. They also have several minivans which might appeal to those who want to save money on accommodation by sleeping in their vehicle. Reykjavik Cars only work with local companies based in Iceland in order to get the best deals and provide 24/7 assistance, both online and by telephone. Their cancellation policy is generous too, letting you cancel anytime up to 15 days before your pick-up date and still providing a full refund.
Main Attractions on the Ring Road
There are so many landmarks and places of interest along the Ring Road, it’s almost impossible to know where to start. But if we take things geographically, then the southern stretch of the route – and the most popular for where to start for those driving anti-clockwise – is notable for its flat terrain that makes driving a doddle, but also its picture-postcard waterfalls and glaciers jutting out from ice caps. For such visual treats, many visitors head to the region for Skaftafell where this mind-blowing glacial scenery is in abundance. Don’t miss Seljalandsfoss, either, where there’s a beautiful waterfall that visitors can walk behind to make for a jealousy-inducing photo to send home to family and friends.
Heading east, you’ll be treated to a network of fjords, in particular between Höfn to Egilsstaðir. This stretch serves up an atmospheric taste of small-town Iceland, with the fjords interspersed with quaint villages that are perfect for afternoon strolls. Intrepid types can also navigate the Öxi mountain pass on Route 939, a rough, gravelly road between Djúpivogur and Egilsstaðir where your efforts are rewarded by panoramic views in every direction.
(Photo: John William Hammond via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Characterised by its snow-capped peaks, the northern part of the Ring Road has the perfect excuse for stopping off and indulging in some well-earned rest and relaxation courtesy of the enticing hot springs of Mývatn. Once suitably re-energised by these naturally warm waters, many then move on to cosmopolitan Akureyri on the coast, before tackling the imposingly named Arctic Coast Way and Diamon Circle, both of which require some planning due to road conditions being prone to deterioration during colder times of year.
Last but not least, we come to the rugged coastlines of the Ring Road’s western reaches. Sprinkled with alluring roadside towns such as Borgarnes, Hvammstangi, and Blönduós, this final piece of the Ring Road jigsaw provides plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch those weary legs. There are museums, municipal swimming pools and endless eateries to pick from in the above towns. Just beware the traffic between the well-travelled Reykjavík to Akureyri route, which can get particularly snarled up during busier periods. Other westerly attractions worth looking out for include the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier and the distinctively shaped Kirkjufell mountain
(Photo: Ben & Gab via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Practical information
With the Ring Road normally taking around 7 days to navigate for those wishing to complete the whole loop, most travellers require somewhere to get their head down after a long day on the road. There are a wide number of accommodation options dotted along the Ring Road route, ranging from campsites to budget-friendly guest houses through to high-end hotels. Since food is notoriously expensive in Iceland you can save money by booking a place to stay that includes free breakfast as part of your stay. Other perks that can appeal to those keen to recuperate from all that driving are hotels with spas and hot tubs. Finally, it’s advised to check the accessibility of your hotel, as the roads to get to some of the more off-the-beaten-track properties can often get covered in snow or ice.
Check road conditions at the Ring Road’s official website. You can also hire 4×4 car rentals that make it easier to drive across difficult terrain at Reykjavikcars.com.
Another crucial decision for travellers who have decided to hit the Ring Road is whether to tackle the route clockwise or anticlockwise. While both routes offer stunningly picturesque scenery – just from the opposite angle – many visitors base their decision on the vagaries of the weather forecast. This is because the weather can vary significantly from one corner of the Ring Road to the other, which is particularly relevant to those sleeping in their own transport or tents. There are plenty of increasingly reliable reliable weather apps available online and it’s advised to download one before you set off on your adventure.
A screenshot of the official Ring Road site with detailed map and road notifications (Photo: Umferdin.is)