Iceland’s Ring Road — officially Route 1, or Hringvegur in Icelandic — is a 1,332 km (828-mile) loop that traces the entire coastline of the island. Ten days is the sweet spot for driving it properly: long enough to linger at the places that earn it, short enough to keep the itinerary tight. You will cross two tectonic plates that are pulling apart at 2 cm every year, walk behind a waterfall curtain, stand on a black beach where the Atlantic erupts against basalt columns, float beside icebergs the size of vans, and drive through a volcanic landscape so alien that NASA used it to train Apollo astronauts.
This guide runs the route counterclockwise from Reykjavík — the direction recommended by most experienced Ring Road drivers because it places the highest-density attractions (Golden Circle, South Coast) at the start, when you are freshest, and builds to the quieter east and north as the trip matures. Every day includes precise driving distances, fuel warnings, what to book in advance, and a hidden gem that rarely makes the mainstream lists.
Route 1 at a Glance
- Total distance: 1,332 km (828 miles) — plus roughly 200–300 km (125–185 miles) in detours over 10 days
- Direction: Counterclockwise (Reykjavík → South Coast → East → North → West → Reykjavík)
- Speed limit: 90 km/h (56 mph) on paved open roads; 80 km/h (50 mph) on gravel; 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns
- Car type: Standard 2WD is fine in summer (June–September). A 4WD is strongly recommended October–April.
- Road conditions: Check road.is every morning before driving — closures happen suddenly
- Safety alerts: Register your trip at safetravel.is before departure
Before You Go: The Decisions That Shape Your Trip
Which season?
June–August is peak season: roads are fully open, puffins are nesting, the midnight sun gives you 22+ hours of usable daylight, and every attraction is accessible. It is also the most expensive and most crowded period. September–October is the sweet spot for many travellers — Northern Lights season begins, the autumn colours are spectacular, crowds thin out, and prices drop. November–March offers winter landscapes, ice caves in Vatnajökull, and the best Northern Lights, but some mountain roads close and driving requires extra experience and a 4WD.
What car do you need?
Route 1 itself is paved and accessible year-round in a standard car — summer through autumn. The moment you turn onto an F-road (any road prefixed with F on Icelandic maps), Icelandic law requires a 4WD vehicle. F-roads access the Highlands and some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. Driving a 2WD on an F-road voids your rental insurance entirely, and the fines are steep. If you plan any Highland detours, book a 4WD from the start.
⚠ Fuel warning: Iceland has three critical fuel gaps. Fill up to a full tank at (1) Vík before heading toward Kirkjubæjarklaustur, (2) Kirkjubæjarklaustur before the 150 km (93-mile) stretch to Höfn — there are no stations between them — and (3) Höfn before entering the Eastfjords. Never let your tank drop below half between these points.
Budget overview
Iceland is one of Europe’s most expensive countries. A realistic daily budget for two people sharing a mid-range guesthouse, eating one restaurant meal and self-catering the other, and doing one paid activity is approximately £200–280 / $250–350. Budget travellers in hostels, self-catering fully, can bring this down to £100–130 / $125–165 per person. Fuel for the full ring road in a standard car costs approximately $280–320 USD.
Fuel (full loop)
~$300
Standard petrol car
Budget stay
~$60–90
Hostel bed per night
Mid-range stay
~$120–200
Guesthouse per night
Daily food
~$50–90
Per person, mix of self-catering
Blue Lagoon
~$60–85
Entry, must pre-book
What to book before you arrive
- Blue Lagoon — book 2–4 weeks in advance in summer; it sells out
- Glacier hikes at Skaftafell / Sólheimajökull — book 48–72 hours ahead minimum
- Jökulsárlón boat tours — book a week or more ahead in July/August
- Whale watching (Húsavík or Akureyri) — 24–48 hours ahead is usually sufficient
- Northern Lights tours (September–March) — flexible booking, but popular operators fill up
- Car rental — book as early as possible; quality vehicles (especially 4WD) sell out months ahead in peak season
10-Day Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Route | Drive distance | Drive time* | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reykjavík → Golden Circle | 225 km (140 mi) | ~3 hrs | Selfoss |
| 2 | Selfoss → South Coast → Vík | 160 km (99 mi) | ~2 hrs | Vík |
| 3 | Vík → Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón → Höfn | 255 km (158 mi) | ~3.5 hrs | Höfn |
| 4 | Höfn → Eastfjords → Egilsstaðir | 265 km (165 mi) | ~4 hrs | Egilsstaðir |
| 5 | Egilsstaðir detour → Dettifoss → Mývatn | 200 km (124 mi) | ~3 hrs | Mývatn area |
| 6 | Mývatn loop + Goðafoss → Akureyri | 110 km (68 mi) | ~1.5 hrs | Akureyri |
| 7 | Akureyri → Whale watching → rest day | ~30 km (19 mi) | Minimal | Akureyri |
| 8 | Akureyri → West Iceland (Glaumbær, Deildartunguhver) | 360 km (224 mi) | ~5 hrs | Snæfellsnes / Borgarnes |
| 9 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula loop + Glymur | 200 km (124 mi) | ~3.5 hrs | Near Reykjavík |
| 10 | Blue Lagoon → Reykjavík | 50 km (31 mi) | ~45 min | Reykjavík / depart |
*Pure driving time, no stops. Real day totals will be 2–3× longer once you add sightseeing.
Day 1The Golden Circle225 km (140 mi) · ~3 hrs driving · Overnight: Selfoss
Leave Reykjavík early — ideally by 8 am — to get ahead of the tour-bus convoys that clog the Golden Circle by mid-morning. The loop covers three of the most geologically significant sites in Iceland, all within 90 minutes of the capital.
Þingvellir National Park
Your first stop is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where two tectonic plates — the Eurasian and North American — are pulling apart at roughly 2 cm per year. You can literally stand in the rift valley between two continents. In 930 AD, Norse settlers chose this dramatic fissure as the site of the Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliamentary assembly. Walk the Almannagjá gorge along the original assembly trail. In summer, snorkelling or dry-suit diving in the glacially clear waters of Silfra, the fissure that fills the space between the plates, is one of the most surreal activities in Iceland — visibility reaches 100 metres. Book Silfra dives in advance through operators like Dive.is.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The original geyser that gave all others their English name is Geysir itself — now mostly dormant after being killed by soap-throwing tourists in the early 20th century. Its overachieving neighbour Strokkur erupts every 4–8 minutes, shooting a column of boiling water 15–20 metres into the air. The sulphurous mud pools and coloured fumaroles surrounding the field are worth a slow 30-minute wander.
Gullfoss
The “Golden Waterfall” drops in two stages over a combined height of 32 metres (105 ft) before vanishing into a narrow canyon. What the photos cannot convey is the sound and spray — in strong wind, the mist drenches you from 50 metres away. A small plaque near the viewpoint commemorates Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the farmer’s daughter who threatened to throw herself into the falls in 1907 to stop a hydroelectric development that would have destroyed them.
Kerið Crater
An easy 20-minute stop on the drive south to Selfoss. Unlike most craters in Iceland, Kerið’s vivid red and ochre walls contrast with the turquoise lake below — it’s one of the most photogenic stops on the Golden Circle. A small admission fee applies (around 400 ISK / £2.50). Walk the full rim for the best perspectives.
Hidden gem: On the drive between Geysir and Gullfoss, the waterfall Brúarfoss sits 2 km (1.2 miles) off the main road via an unsigned track. Its water runs an extraordinary cobalt blue — a colour caused by the purity and mineral content of the glacial meltwater. Most Golden Circle visitors drive straight past it. Hidden Gem
Where to stay: The town of Selfoss (50 km / 31 mi south of Geysir) is well-stocked for guesthouses, supermarkets, and restaurants. Hotel Selfoss (mid-range, with spa) or the Gesthús Selfoss guesthouse offer comfortable bases for the night.
Day 2The South Coast160 km (99 mi) · ~2 hrs driving · Overnight: Vík
The South Coast is the most photographed stretch of the ring road, and for good reason. Waterfalls, black beaches, and basalt sea stacks arrive in rapid succession. Start driving by 8 am to reach Seljalandsfoss before the tour buses arrive.
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi
Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres (197 ft) from a moss-draped cliff, and uniquely, a path runs behind the curtain — the mist will soak you, so waterproofs are not optional. Note that the path behind the falls is closed in winter (October–April) due to ice. Ten minutes’ walk north along the cliff face brings you to Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall hidden inside a narrow rock canyon. You climb through a shallow stream to reach it. Most visitors skip it and walk straight back to the car park — don’t be most visitors.
Skógafoss
One of Iceland’s widest waterfalls at 25 metres (82 ft) across, falling 60 metres into a broad pool. Climb the 500+ steps up the right side for a view over the entire south coast from the top. The trail continues from the top into the Fimmvörðuháls highland pass — a multi-day trek that ends at Þórsmörk, for those who want more. At the base of the falls, look for the rainbow that forms in the spray on sunny mornings.
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
A US Navy DC-3 crash-landed on this black sand plain in November 1973. The skeleton of the aircraft has been rusting on the beach ever since. It is a 4 km (2.5-mile) flat walk each way from the car park on Route 1 — approximately 90 minutes round trip. The walk itself across the volcanic plain is part of the experience.
Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara
Dyrhólaey is a rocky promontory with a 120-metre arch carved by the Atlantic — in summer, Atlantic puffins nest in the cliffs. Reynisfjara, 12 km (7.5 miles) east, is Iceland’s most dramatic black sand beach: hexagonal basalt columns stack like a natural organ pipe against the cliff, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the surf offshore. The undertow at Reynisfjara is genuinely dangerous — rogue waves have killed visitors who stood too close to the waterline. Stay well back from the water.
⚠ Reynisfjara wave warning: Sleeper waves here strike without warning and can sweep adults off their feet. The safe zone is at least 30 metres back from the water’s edge. The sea looks calm right up until it isn’t.
Where to stay: The village of Vík í Mýrdal sits beneath the enormous Mýrdalsjökull glacier and has a good range of guesthouses, a well-stocked supermarket, and the excellent Halldórskaffi restaurant serving Icelandic lamb soup.
Day 3Vatnajökull, Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón255 km (158 mi) · ~3.5 hrs driving · Overnight: Höfn
Today covers the glacial heart of Iceland. Vatnajökull — at 8,100 km² (3,130 sq miles) — is the largest glacier in Europe, covering roughly 8% of Iceland’s total landmass. Much of today’s route runs along its southern edge.
Fuel reminder: Fill up completely in Vík before leaving. The next reliable station is Kirkjubæjarklaustur, 75 km (47 miles) east. After Kirkjubæjarklaustur, it is 150 km (93 miles) to Höfn with very limited options in between. Keep the tank above half at all times today.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
This narrow, serpentine canyon — 100 metres deep and 2 km long — is 68 km (42 miles) east of Vík. An easy 20-minute walk runs along the rim above the Fjaðrá River. The canyon gained internet fame after a music video appearance but is genuinely spectacular even accounting for the social media hype.
Skaftafell — Vatnajökull National Park
Skaftafell is a nature reserve within Vatnajökull National Park where hiking trails lead directly onto the Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue. The most popular hike is to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by geometric black basalt columns — the same architectural inspiration, it is said, as Iceland’s National Theatre in Reykjavík. A glacier hike with a certified guide across the ice is one of the most compelling activities on the entire ring road. The guides supply crampons and ice axes; expect 2–3 hours on the glacier. Book through operators like Icelandic Mountain Guides at least 48 hours in advance.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Icebergs calve off the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift slowly through the lagoon before eventually floating out to sea. The oldest icebergs have been compressing for 1,000 years; their intense blue colour comes from the density of the ice, which absorbs red light and reflects blue. Amphibious boat tours (around 5,000 ISK / ~£28) take you among the bergs — book ahead in summer. Seals regularly haul out on the ice. After the lagoon, drive 200 metres east to Diamond Beach: the same icebergs, stranded on the black sand after washing back in from the sea, glittering in the light. It is one of the most visually arresting places in Iceland and takes about 20 minutes to experience properly.
Where to stay: The small town of Höfn is Iceland’s langoustine (lobster) capital. Try Pakkhús restaurant for the freshest langoustine you will likely ever eat. Hotels include the Fosshotel Vatnajökull (good views, mid-range) and several guesthouses in town.
Day 4The Eastfjords265 km (165 mi) · ~4 hrs driving · Overnight: Egilsstaðir
The Eastfjords are the least-visited section of the ring road and arguably the most underrated. The road weaves in and out of fjord after fjord, alternating between cliff-edge coastal driving and quiet fishing villages that rarely see more than a handful of tourists at a time.
Stokksnes and Vestrahorn
Just 15 km (9 miles) east of Höfn, a gravel track (small access fee applies) leads to the base of Vestrahorn, a jagged 454-metre peak rising from black sand dunes. The mountain’s reflection in the tidal pools at low tide is one of the most photographed images in Iceland. Allow 60–90 minutes here.
Djúpivogur and Petra’s Stone Collection
The small harbour town of Djúpivogur is worth a coffee stop, and the harbour installation of 34 giant stone eggs — one for each species of breeding bird in Iceland — is a striking piece of public art. In nearby Stöðvarfjörður, Petra’s Stone and Mineral Collection is exactly what it sounds like: a retired local woman’s lifelong collection of Icelandic minerals, filling every surface of her house and garden. It is one of the quirkiest stops in the country. Hidden Gem
Seyðisfjörður
A 27 km (17-mile) detour off Route 1 (add about an hour return), Seyðisfjörður is worth every extra kilometre. The drive down a switchback mountain road into the fjord is dramatic; the village at the bottom has a famous Rainbow Street leading to the blue wooden church, one of the most distinctive pieces of architecture in Iceland. The village has an unusually strong arts scene for a town of 700 people, and the restaurant Skaftfell Bistro serves excellent food with fjord views. Hidden Gem
Wildlife note: The Eastfjords are the only region of Iceland where you can see reindeer. They are not native — Norwegian farmers imported them in the 18th century for herding, and they have roamed wild in the east ever since. In summer they graze at altitude; in autumn and winter they descend toward the coast. Keep your eyes on the hillsides and be alert for herds crossing the road.
Lagarfljót Lake
Route 1 skirts the shore of Lagarfljót, a 25 km long glacial lake south of Egilsstaðir. According to Icelandic legend, a creature called Lagarfljótsormurinn — the Worm — lives in its depths. An alleged video of the creature surfaced in 2012 and remains officially unexplained. The lake is also bordered by Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest forest in Iceland — not quite the Black Forest, but a rarity in a nearly tree-free country.
Where to stay: Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland and the natural overnight stop. Vök Baths — geothermal floating pools on the edge of the lake — is an exceptional alternative to the Blue Lagoon, with none of the crowds. Book a late evening slot for stargazing over the water in autumn. Hidden Gem
Day 5Dettifoss & Lake Mývatn200 km (124 mi) · ~3 hrs driving · Overnight: Mývatn area
Today shifts from coastal fjords to volcanic interior. The landscape around Lake Mývatn is what most people imagine when they picture an alien planet: craters, lava fields, boiling mud, and steam rising from fissures in the earth. NASA genuinely did send Apollo astronauts here in 1965 and 1967 to prepare them for the lunar surface.
Optional Morning: Borgarfjörður Eystri
If you leave Egilsstaðir early, the 70 km (43-mile) round-trip detour to Borgarfjörður Eystri is worth the time. In summer (late May–August), this remote village has one of the highest concentrations of nesting Atlantic puffins in Iceland, viewable at close range from a specially built walkway above their burrows. The Stórurð hike (4–5 hours return, moderate difficulty) passes through a surreal boulder field with glittering blue-green pools. Very few mainstream itineraries include this detour. Hidden Gem
Dettifoss
Europe’s most powerful waterfall by discharge — up to 500 cubic metres of water per second churning over a 44-metre (144-ft) drop into Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon. The raw scale of it is genuinely humbling. You can visit from the east side via Road 864 (gravel, 4WD recommended) or the west side via Road 862 (paved). The western viewpoint is more accessible; the eastern view is rawer and typically less crowded. Allow 60–90 minutes for the 1.5 km (1-mile) walk from the car park.
Ásbyrgi Canyon
A horseshoe-shaped canyon 3.5 km (2.2 miles) long and 1.5 km (1 mile) wide, with 100-metre vertical walls. Norse mythology holds it to be the hoofprint left by Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. Geologically, it was formed by a catastrophic glacial flood from Vatnajökull. A short walk from the car park reaches an enclosed bowl at the canyon’s northern end — an extraordinarily peaceful spot. Hidden Gem
Lake Mývatn
Mývatn (whose name means “Midge Lake” — bring insect repellent, particularly in June and July) is surrounded by eight distinct natural attractions, each distinctly different from the others:
- Hverir (Námaskarð): Bubbling ochre mud pots and sulphur steam vents on the lunar surface of a geothermal ridge. The smell of hydrogen sulphide is intense.
- Krafla volcano: Active caldera with two lava fields from eruptions in 1975–1984. The most recent Icelandic eruption to significantly reshape the landscape.
- Dimmuborgir: A field of contorted lava pillars and arches formed when lava drained from beneath a hardened crust. The name means “Dark Castles.” A short loop trail takes you through the formations.
- Grjótagjá Cave: A lava cave with a geothermal pool inside, at a constant 43–46°C — too hot to swim in comfortably since an eruption in the 1970s raised its temperature. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognise it as the cave where Jon Snow and Ygritte sheltered in Series 3. Hidden Gem
- Skútustaðir Pseudocraters: Formed not by volcanic eruption but by steam explosions when lava flowed over a lake. The hollow craters are unique to this region.
- Mývatn Nature Baths: Geothermal bathing pools with spectacular views, a fraction of the size and price of the Blue Lagoon, and far less crowded.
Where to stay: Fosshotel Mývatn sits directly on the lake. For better value, the Sel-Hótel Mývatn is comfortable and well-positioned. Book well ahead in summer.
Day 6Goðafoss & Akureyri110 km (68 mi) · ~1.5 hrs driving · Overnight: Akureyri
Goðafoss — the Waterfall of the Gods
The 30-metre-wide, 12-metre-high cascade of Goðafoss earns its name from a specific historical moment. In the year 1000 AD, the Lawspeaker of Iceland’s parliament — a man named Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði — was tasked with resolving a conflict between Iceland’s growing Christian population and its pagan Norse traditions. He meditated for a day and a night under a fur cloak before announcing that Iceland would officially adopt Christianity. On his ride home past this waterfall, he threw his carved statues of the Norse gods into the water. The name has meant “Waterfall of the Gods” ever since. Views from both banks are excellent; the eastern bank is less visited.
Akureyri
Iceland’s second city sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland, surrounded by mountains. With a population of around 20,000, it feels surprisingly cosmopolitan for a city this far north — Akureyri sits only 100 km (62 miles) from the Arctic Circle. The town centre is compact and walkable: the stepped Akureyrarkirkja church looks out over the fjord from the hillside; the Arctic Botanical Garden (free entry) maintains the world’s northernmost botanical garden. The traffic lights in central Akureyri are shaped like hearts — a detail introduced during a recession to cheer people up that somehow became iconic.
Evening food and drink options are genuinely good. Rub23 serves excellent sushi and Icelandic fish; Bryggjan microbrewery does local craft beers in a harbourside setting.
Day 7Whale Watching from Húsavík or AkureyriMinimal driving · Overnight: Akureyri
Dedicate Day 7 to whale watching — this is an activity that genuinely deserves a full day and a base you are not rushing from. Iceland has two main whale-watching centres: Húsavík, 90 km (56 miles) north-east of Akureyri, and Akureyri itself.
Húsavík is Iceland’s dedicated whale-watching capital and has the highest sighting rates — primarily humpback whales and minke whales, with blue whales occasionally spotted in deeper water. The Gentle Giants and North Sailing operators are highly regarded. Tours run 3–4 hours and operators provide full-body waterproof suits (Eyjafjörður is cold even in July).
Whale season runs April through October, with peak sightings June–August. Sighting rates in Húsavík exceed 95% in peak summer.
Local insider: The old Hvalfjörður route north of Reykjavík — bypassed by an undersea tunnel in 1998 — is now a quiet scenic drive that most tourists skip entirely. If you are driving back from the north through this area, the 30-minute detour into the fjord shows Iceland’s most dramatic inland landscape. The spa at Hvammsvík Hot Springs on the fjord’s shore is extraordinary. Hidden Gem
Day 8Across the North — Glaumbær, Deildartunguhver & West Iceland360 km (224 mi) · ~5 hrs driving · Overnight: Snæfellsnes / Borgarnes
Today is the longest driving day of the itinerary. Start early and treat it as a journey with layered stops rather than a single destination.
Glaumbær Turf Farm
About 180 km (112 miles) west of Akureyri, Glaumbær is one of Iceland’s best-preserved turf farmsteads. The interconnected turf houses — with their thick sod roofs and timber gables — were the standard dwelling in Iceland until well into the 20th century. A small café in the attached wooden house serves traditional skyr with cream and homemade bread. Allow 45–60 minutes.
Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
The most powerful hot spring in Europe by flow rate: 180 litres (40 gallons) of boiling water per second emerge from the earth here, at 100°C. The water is piped to supply hot water to the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes, 65 km away. You can walk up to the edge of the vents (carefully — the steam can scald). The nearby Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls are an easy 20-minute drive south: Hraunfossar is a series of springs seeping through a lava field directly into the Hvítá River, and Barnafoss (“Children’s Falls”) sits in the same ravine with a natural rock bridge overhead.
Grabrok Crater
A well-preserved volcanic crater with a wooden staircase to the rim. The 360-degree view from the top shows the Norðurárdalur valley. 20–30 minutes, well worth the stop.
Where to stay: Aim to overnight somewhere on or near the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to position yourself for Day 9. Hótel Búðir — a remote, small hotel next to an isolated black church on the south shore of Snæfellsnes — is one of the most atmospherically situated hotels in Iceland, though it commands corresponding prices. Grundarfjörður and Stykkishólmur both offer solid guesthouses at lower price points.
Day 9Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Glymur Waterfall200 km (124 mi) · ~3.5 hrs driving · Overnight: Near Reykjavík
Snæfellsnes is called “Iceland in miniature” because its 90 km (56-mile) length compresses almost every landscape type on the island into a single peninsula. It is not technically part of the Ring Road, but any 10-day itinerary that skips it is leaving something significant on the table.
Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
The isolated arrow-shaped mountain rising above the village of Grundarfjörður is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. The small waterfall in the foreground — Kirkjufellsfoss — is one of those compositions where reality genuinely matches the expectation. Visit at dawn or dusk when the light is low. Game of Thrones viewers will recognise it as the “Arrowhead Mountain” that appears in multiple seasons.
Djúpalónssandur Pebble Beach
A black pebble beach at the foot of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Near the car park, four lifting stones of different weights were historically used to test the strength of prospective fishermen: Fullsterkur (full strong, 155 kg), Hálfsterkur (half strong, 100 kg), Hálfdrættingur (weakling, 54 kg), and Amlóði (useless, 23 kg). Only the top two weights qualified you to crew a fishing boat. Lifting the Amlóði and placing it on the waist-high rock is achievable for most adults; the Fullsterkur is not. Hidden Gem
Snæfellsjökull National Park
The glacier-capped volcano at the tip of the peninsula is the setting for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1864) — the fictional entrance to the underworld is a volcanic vent near the summit. The glacier covers an active volcano that last erupted approximately 1,900 years ago. Guided glacier snowmobile and snowcat tours operate in summer. The Vatnshellir lava tube — an 8,000-year-old underground lava tunnel — offers guided tours descending 35 metres into the earth. Book at the National Park visitor centre. Hidden Gem
Glymur Waterfall
At 198 metres (650 ft), Glymur was Iceland’s tallest waterfall until 2011, when glacial retreat revealed that the newly uncovered Morsárfoss — at 240 metres (787 ft) — surpasses it. Glymur is still the most accessible tall waterfall in Iceland. The hike (3–4 hours round trip, moderate difficulty) involves crossing a river on a log bridge and ascending a gorge with rewarding views at the top. The trail is best done May–September when the log bridge is in place.
Where to stay: Drive back to the Reykjavík area tonight to position yourself for the Blue Lagoon on Day 10. Reykjavík has excellent accommodation across all budgets; Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel in the centre has free parking.
Day 10Blue Lagoon & Reykjavík50 km (31 mi) · ~45 min driving
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is not a natural hot spring — it is a geothermal spa built on the outflow water from the Svartsengi power station, which has been running since 1976. That does not make it any less extraordinary. The water sits at a constant 37–39°C, coloured milky blue by silica and algae, and the complex on the lava field is one of the most architecturally considered spas in the world. Book your entry slot at least two to three weeks in advance in summer — it frequently sells out. The lagoon is 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport, making it a logical last stop before departure. Shower facilities are excellent; the silica mud masks are included with entry.
Reykjavík: Final Hours
If your flight allows, spend your remaining hours in central Reykjavík. Hallgrímskirkja church — its tower inspired by basalt columns — has a lift to the top for panoramic views over the city. The harbourfront Harpa Concert Hall, with its geometric glass façade, is worth seeing from outside. The Sun Voyager sculpture on the seafront was designed as a dreamboat, a symbol of promise and undiscovered territory — a fitting image to end a ring road journey on.
Final meal: Reykjavík’s restaurant scene punches well above its size. Grillmarkaðurinn (lava-grilled Icelandic beef and Arctic char), Snaps (excellent Icelandic-French bistro on Þórsgata), or the always-reliable Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand on the harbour — serving lamb-and-pork pylsur since 1937, reputedly Bill Clinton’s favourite.
Driving in Iceland: What No One Tells You
- Paved-to-gravel transitions are one of Iceland’s leading causes of road accidents. When the tarmac ends abruptly, grip drops dramatically. Slow down well before the transition and hold the wheel firmly.
- Single-lane bridges appear frequently, particularly in the east. Give way to the vehicle already on the bridge; there is no formal right-of-way rule beyond the courtesy of whoever is closest.
- Sheep and horses roam freely on summer roads and have no survival instincts around cars. Slow to 30 km/h when you see livestock near the roadside.
- Speed cameras are common and not always signed. The fines are steep — exceeding the limit by more than 30 km/h (19 mph) costs around 150,000 ISK (~£900 / $1,070).
- Arctic wind gusts can open car doors so forcefully they bend the hinges — a repair bill that standard rental insurance does not cover. Park nose-into-wind and brace the door with your whole arm when opening.
- Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, year-round. This is Icelandic law, not a recommendation.
- Check road.is every morning. Yellow alert means caution; orange means difficult conditions; red means do not drive unless essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10 days enough for the Iceland Ring Road?
Ten days is the comfortable minimum for the full loop, averaging 2–3 hours of driving per day with time for sightseeing. Seven days is possible but leaves little margin for weather delays or spontaneous detours. Twelve to fourteen days allows you to add the Westfjords and spend more time in the east.
Can I drive the Ring Road without a 4WD?
Yes — in summer (June–September), a standard 2WD car is perfectly sufficient for Route 1. You cannot legally drive F-roads (highland tracks) in a 2WD. In winter or if you plan Highland detours, rent a 4WD.
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
June–August for the midnight sun, maximum daylight, and open roads. September–October for Northern Lights combined with autumn colours and fewer crowds. Winter (November–March) for guaranteed Northern Lights, ice caves, and snow landscapes — but expect 4–6 hours of daylight and more challenging driving conditions.
Can I see the Northern Lights on this itinerary?
The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are visible from late August through April when skies are dark and clear. The best conditions are away from town lights with a KP index of 2 or higher — check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast nightly. The remote east and north of the ring road — particularly around Mývatn and the Eastfjords — offer the darkest skies.
Clockwise or counterclockwise?
Counterclockwise is recommended by most experienced drivers: it puts the Golden Circle and South Coast — Iceland’s most popular attractions — at the start, when you are freshest, and allows the more remote east and north to build gradually.
How much does the Iceland Ring Road trip cost?
A realistic 10-day budget for two people sharing accommodation, including car hire, fuel, mid-range guesthouses, food, and a handful of activities, runs approximately £3,500–£5,000 ($4,500–$6,500 USD). Budget travellers self-catering and staying in hostels can bring this to around £1,800–£2,200 ($2,300–$2,800 USD).
Ready to Drive Route 1?
The Ring Road rewards those who prepare properly and stop often. The itinerary above balances Iceland’s unmissable landmarks with stops that most blogs overlook entirely — the Eastfjords’ mineral museum, the hidden Seyðisfjörður rainbow village, the Apollo astronaut training ground at Mývatn. Whatever the weather throws at you — and Iceland will test your contingency planning — the route remains one of the finest road trips on earth.
Before you go: register your trip at safetravel.is, bookmark road.is on your phone, and book the Blue Lagoon, glacier hike, and whale-watching tour before you leave home. Everything else can be figured out on the road.