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Exploring Iceland’s Ring Road: A Detailed 7-Day Itinerary
By Elena Moretti
Driving Iceland’s Ring Road — Route 1 — is one of the most breathtaking travel experiences you can have. This 1,332 km loop circles the entire country, offering an ever-changing panorama of volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, fjords, and charming fishing villages. In this 7-day itinerary, I’ll share exactly how I planned my trip, where I stopped, what I did each day, and my personal tips for making the most of this epic road trip.
This isn’t just a list of places — it’s a lived experience. I drove every mile, stopped for every puffin sighting, and drank more hot chocolate than I care to admit. So, buckle up — here’s your ultimate guide.
Preparing for the Ring Road Adventure
Before you hit the road, a little preparation goes a long way.
Best Time to Go: Late May to early September offers milder weather, long daylight hours, and better road conditions.
Vehicle Choice: You can do the Ring Road in a regular car during summer, but I recommend a 4×4 for flexibility, especially if you plan detours on gravel roads.
Budget Tip: Gas in Iceland is expensive. Expect to spend a significant portion of your budget here. Use apps like N1 to locate stations.
Driving Conditions: Roads are generally well-maintained, but be prepared for single-lane bridges and sudden weather changes.
💡 Image suggestion: A photo of a rental SUV parked along the Ring Road with mountains in the background.
Day 1: Reykjavík to Vík – Waterfalls & Black Sand
Distance: ~186 km | Drive time: 2.5–3 hours (without stops)
Leaving Reykjavík, I started early to maximize daylight.
Stops to Make:
Seljalandsfoss – This is the waterfall you can walk behind. Bring a rain jacket!
Gljúfrabúi – A hidden waterfall just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss.
Skógafoss – A 60-meter-high beauty with an optional steep climb to the top.
Reynisfjara Beach – The famous black sand beach with basalt columns and roaring Atlantic waves.
💡 Image suggestion: Panoramic shot of Skógafoss waterfall with a rainbow on a sunny day.
Where I Stayed: Vík is a great first-night stop. I booked a cozy guesthouse with views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Day 2: Vík to Höfn – Glaciers & Icebergs
Distance: ~271 km | Drive time: 4–5 hours
This stretch was where Iceland started showing off its more surreal side.
Highlights:
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – A winding green canyon that feels like something from a fantasy film.
Skaftafell – Part of Vatnajökull National Park; perfect for short hikes to glaciers.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Icebergs floating in a serene glacial lake.
Diamond Beach – Across from the lagoon, ice chunks wash up on the black sand like sparkling gems.
💡 Image suggestion: A wide-angle shot of icebergs on Diamond Beach at sunset.
Where I Stayed: Höfn, known for its lobster dishes — don’t skip the langoustine soup.
Day 3: Höfn to Egilsstaðir – Eastern Fjords
Distance: ~255 km | Drive time: 4.5–5 hours
The East Fjords are less visited, but they’re my personal favorite part of Iceland.
Don’t Miss:
Djúpivogur – A picturesque fishing village.
Stöðvarfjörður – Known for Petra’s Stone Collection, a quirky and charming stop.
Fáskrúðsfjörður – A French-influenced town with a rich fishing history.
💡 Image suggestion: A drone shot of a winding fjord road with mountains on both sides.
Tip: Roads here are narrower and wind through mountains, so take your time.
Day 4: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn – Geothermal Wonders
Distance: ~165 km | Drive time: 2.5–3 hours
Today was a short drive, which meant more time to explore.
Stops:
Dettifoss – Europe’s most powerful waterfall; feel the ground shake as it roars.
Hverir – A geothermal area with bubbling mud pots and sulfur vents.
Mývatn Nature Baths – The less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
💡 Image suggestion: Close-up of bubbling mud pools at Hverir with steam rising.
Day 5: Mývatn to Akureyri – Northern Charm
Distance: ~90 km | Drive time: 1.5 hours
Morning:
Goðafoss – The “Waterfall of the Gods” is a must-see.
Akureyri – Iceland’s second-largest city, known for its botanical garden and vibrant cafés.
Afternoon Option: Whale watching in nearby Húsavík — I spotted humpbacks and minke whales here.
💡 Image suggestion: Whale tail splashing in the Arctic waters.
Day 6: Akureyri to Borgarnes – West Iceland
Distance: ~370 km | Drive time: 5–6 hours
The longest driving day, but packed with surprises.
Highlights:
Hvítserkur – A rock formation shaped like a dragon drinking from the sea.
Kolugljúfur Canyon – A lesser-known but beautiful canyon with waterfalls.
Deildartunguhver – Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
💡 Image suggestion: Aerial view of Hvítserkur rock formation during low tide.
Day 7: Borgarnes to Reykjavík – Final Stretch
Distance: ~77 km | Drive time: 1 hour
Morning: Stop at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two unique waterfalls fed by underground springs.
Back in Reykjavík: Celebrate with an Icelandic hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.
💡 Image suggestion: A shot of Reykjavík’s colorful rooftops with Hallgrímskirkja church in the background.
Budget Breakdown for 7 Days
Car rental: $600–$900 (depends on season and type)
Fuel: $300–$400
Accommodation: $120–$200 per night (guesthouses/hotels)
Food: $50–$100 per day
Activities: Whale watching, nature baths, guided glacier walks can add $50–$150 each
Final Tips for the Ring Road
Pack layers – Weather changes quickly.
Stock up on snacks – In remote areas, shops are scarce.
Don’t rush – The best moments happen when you pull over spontaneously.
Respect nature – Stay on marked trails to protect Iceland’s fragile environment.
💡 Image suggestion: A closing shot of the Ring Road disappearing into the horizon with mountains ahead.