Iceland’s Ring Road: Everything you need to know

Iceland is a country unlike any other. Its unique geography keeps travellers like myself coming back again and again, to see as much of the country as possible. Without a doubt, the best way to explore this amazing country is via Iceland’s ring road which (as you may have guessed) circles all the way around this incredible European island.

This guide will cover everything you need to know to help you enjoy your adventure around Iceland’s ring road! Tips are based on my own personal experiences from camping the route across Iceland, as well as speaking with fellow travellers on the road.

About Iceland’s ring road

Iceland’s ring road is a circular route around the country following its primary national motorway, known as ‘Route 1’. It links the main towns and cities of Iceland including Reykjavik, Akureyri, Selfoss, Vik, Hofn, and Egilsstadir.

With much of Iceland composed of desolate and uninhabited landscapes, the road predominantly sticks within a few miles of the coast, circling past many of Iceland’s most famous sights. This makes Iceland’s ring road a popular route for tourists looking to explore the country. If you’ve ever been to Iceland, you’ve likely spent at least a few miles on this legendary road!

In the south, the ring road is mostly tarmac, while in more remote areas it turns to gravel.

Map of Iceland’s ring road

This map of Iceland’s ring road shows some of Iceland’s most popular sights. As you can see, the vast majority are a short distance from Route 1.

How long is Iceland’s ring road?

Iceland’s ring road covers a total distance of 1322km (822 miles). This doesn’t include any detours which could significantly increase the total mileage over the course of your trip.

My total mileage by the end of my 10-day Iceland ring road trip was nearer 1500 miles. But I did a LOT of exploring!

How long does it take to drive around Iceland’s ring road?

In theory, you could drive all 1322 kilometers of Iceland’s ring road in less than 24 hours. With speed limits in Iceland of 90km per hour for the majority of the route, it would take around 15 hours without stops. But doing this wouldn’t get you the Icelandic experience that you’re probably looking for. Plus, who wants to sit in a car for that long in one go anyway?!

Most people spend a minimum of 7 days to complete Iceland’s ring road. I would recommend 10 days to have an enjoyable and less rushed adventure around Iceland, including many of the well-known sights. More days would be even better, as this will mean you can relax, explore more places and make up for any days lost to poor weather.

How to travel Iceland’s ring road

Hiring a vehicle for Iceland’s ring road

If you want to do the ring road, you’ll need a vehicle. Your options are either hiring a car, a 4×4, or a camper. I would highly recommend a campervan due to the flexibility that it provides with accommodation.

Also with the variable conditions in Iceland, having a campervan that you can park up and sleep in easily will make life a lot easier than trying to battle against the wind while putting up a tent!

We used GoCampers to rent our campervan. They were very helpful, competitively priced, and we had no issues with the vehicle itself.

…as long as you don’t count me smacking my head on the roof every morning!

Many campers offer offroad or 4×4 capabilities which are preferable for tackling rougher conditions. This is a good option if completing the ring road during the winter.

When is the best time to take Iceland’s ring road?

Officially, there is no ‘best’ time to visit Iceland.

In the summer months, you can reach certain areas you wouldn’t be able to in the winter (e.g. Landmannalaugar). Plus the increased daylight hours give you more time to explore! The winter months provide a picturesque Icelandic experience with beautiful snowy scenery and more dark hours to search for the Northern Lights.

That being said, autumn is a great time to explore Iceland’s ring road. Autumn in Iceland provides a good balance of daylight hours for exploring, with plenty of nighttime hours for northern lights opportunities. Plus, the later sunrise means you’re not woken up too early when camping! I recommend going before the clocks change at the end of October.

As autumn is shoulder season and the school holidays are over, many campsites begin to close and crowds are much smaller. You can take advantage of this with cheaper prices for vans and accommodation. Some of the campsites that do stay open even start to lower their prices!

The weather remains reasonable in autumn. It’s slightly cooler and wetter but not significantly worse than the summer months. You will get to experience the changing of the leaves as everything transitions from greens to more red and orangey tones!

Should you follow Iceland’s ring road clockwise or anticlockwise?

It’s tough deciding which way to travel Iceland’s ring road. My answer to this question is: follow the weather. By camping, you have the freedom to go wherever you want. So use this to your advantage!

The weather in Iceland can be very changeable so pick a direction based on this. Use the Vedur app to give you up-to-date weather forecasts.

If there is bad weather in both directions, I would suggest going anticlockwise from the start point in Reykjavik. The south has shorter and easier distances to drive and there are more campsite options if you need to pull in for the night. If the weather is good, I would recommend getting the gravel roads out of the way first and driving toward the north where clear skies are more likely to yield the northern lights.

Where to camp on Iceland’s ring road? (Summer and Winter)

Wild camping is not allowed in Iceland. This means that you can only stop overnight in designated camping spots. Thankfully, there are campsites across the whole ring road, even during winter!

Campsites during the summer months are generally busy and slightly more expensive. Most campsites then begin to close towards the end of September.

During the winter months in Iceland, there are a select few campsites that remain open with amenities available. However, the number of campsites that stay open over the winter period is increasing year after year. There are definitely enough campsites open to evenly space out a trip around Iceland’s ring road during the winter.

Check out this 10-day Iceland itinerary containing suggestions for campsites in each location.

Practical tips for surviving Iceland’s ring road

Food and Drink: Stock up in advance

The more remote regions of Iceland (around the north of the ring road) have very few shops. Therefore, stock up on supplies whenever possible. Ideally, do as much of your food and drink shopping before you leave Reykjavik.

You will struggle to buy spirits in Iceland as most shops don’t stock them. If you know you will want a holiday drink, make sure you pack it in your checked baggage or buy it duty-free at the airport.

Or you can go alcohol-free for your trip! This is what I was planning to do until I bought a very (very) expensive beer…

Cooking on Iceland’s ring road

We rented a gas stove and bought all our ingredients at the beginning of the trip.

What we didn’t realise was how many campsites have facilities indoors including kitchens, toilets, and a social area! These are great for cooking, washing up, and having a warm and spacious place to get away from your van. Some travellers also donate non-perishable items (e.g. oil or pasta) that they no longer need for their trip!

Note: Be prepared to wait during peak dinner times as the kitchens are often small and basic.

If you want the full outdoor camping experience, by all means, use your stove and be prepared to wrap up warm! In cold weather, water can take a long time to boil, but once it’s all done you get a great sense of achievement from cooking for yourself and being self-reliant!

Credit and debit cards in Iceland

Believe it or not, I’ve still never seen Icelandic Krona. Throughout my trip, I didn’t need to withdraw or use cash once. Card payment is used everywhere from campsites to petrol stations to restaurants.

I use a Starling Bank account for my travels which doesn’t charge international spending fees. Nowadays there are more and more banks offering no-fee international spending.

What campervan extras to get?

Many campervan companies offer optional extras to deck out your van ready for your trip. These include power converters, WiFi routers, heaters, speakers, camping chairs, and more. Depending on how prepared you are (and how big your bags are), some of what’s on offer won’t be needed.

However, there are a couple of things like GPS and heaters that you won’t know if you’ll need until you’re there… Unless someone like myself writes about it in a blog post!

No need to spend money on a car GPS. Phone coverage can be varied across Iceland, but generally, it is pretty good and enough to get by. Couple your data with maps.me (one of my favourite travel apps) or save an offline version of Google Maps and you should be covered for any navigation around Iceland’s ring road.

Plus, Iceland’s ring road is just a big loop anyway – what could go wrong?! Actually, don’t answer that…

One extra that I would recommend is a heater. Even during the summer months, nighttime can get pretty chilly in the elements. Especially when you’re in a van! Having a heater to keep you warm at night is really helpful.

Note: Everything you request will need to fit in your camper for the duration of your trip, taking up valuable space. Think carefully before bringing large items like camping chairs, tables, or massive speakers.

Get a power pack

If like me, you have a multitude of electronic equipment such as cameras, phones, drones, speakers, and so on, you will want something that you can charge everything up with quickly. Or have lots of spare batteries!

A battery pack with multiple ports, that can support multiple charges, is really useful. You should definitely bring one, particularly if you are relying on your phone for directions.

I also recommend a power pack that connects directly to your vehicle. This will charge your items quickly when the engine is on instead of relying solely on battery packs. You can usually hire these as extras from your camper rental company.

Practical tips for driving Iceland’s ring road

How old do you have to be to drive in Iceland?

The legal driving age in Iceland is 17 years old. However, to hire a vehicle you must be 20 years or older.

Do I need to be an experienced driver to do Iceland’s ring road?

Most rental companies ask that you have held your driving license for at least one year when hiring a car.

In terms of driving experience, you should be confident behind the wheel. The roads are generally quiet and straight which is easy on a pleasant day. What makes driving tough in Iceland are the changeable conditions and any unfamiliarity with the vehicle, so you need to be comfortable dealing with this.

Do I need insurance?

Simply – yes. Please get insurance for your tour of Iceland’s ring road.

There are plenty of options for car insurance or campervan insurance for your tour of Iceland’s ring road.

I’d recommend getting additional cover for at least gravel protection since it’s impossible to avoid any stones or gravel flicking up from the road surface and damaging your vehicle.

Note: Take photos and videos of your rental vehicle before you set off as proof of condition so you don’t get billed for any pre-existing damage.

What side do they drive in Iceland?

In Iceland, they drive on the right-hand side of the road. Meaning that the driver sits on the left-hand side of the vehicle. This is the opposite of driving in the UK.

Before you set off, take the time to familiarise yourself with your new vehicle and prepare yourself for driving on the right-hand side. If you’re uncertain about anything, ask your rental company when they hand over the keys.

Toll roads on Iceland’s ring road

Though there are no toll roads in Iceland, there is a toll tunnel. Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel, which opened in 2020, is just northeast of Akureyri and makes up part of Route 1. The tunnel is not well-signposted, so you may end up going through it by accident (which is fine as this will continue your journey around Iceland’s ring road).

A single journey through the Vaðlaheiðargöng toll tunnel costs 1500ISK which is equivalent to roughly £9 (10 euros or $10.50). You can register in advance of going through the tunnel, or you can pay via the official tunnel website within 24 hours.

Don’t try to avoid payment as there are cameras that check registration plates. After the 24-hour window, the vehicle owner will be charged an additional collection fee on top of the original payment. If you have a rental vehicle, this will be traced back to you.

If you don’t want to pay the 1500ISK for the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel, there is an alternative route via Route 83 and Route 84 which adds an extra 16km to your journey.

Parking around Iceland’s ring road

Be careful of parking charges at particular sights. Though some attractions may be free, parking your vehicle may not be.

Parking in northern Iceland is often cheaper (or free altogether), as well as far less busy.

Some National Parks charge an entrance fee (e.g. Thingvellir and Skaftafell National Park), often around 750ISK. When I visited, the ticket machines at Skaftafell had long queues so factor in waiting time if you’re booked onto a tour.

Speeding in Iceland

Even though there aren’t many speed cameras nor a large police presence in Iceland, you should still be careful with your speed.

Not only can you receive hefty fines if you’re caught, but driving a vehicle that you’re not used to, particularly in high winds, can be harder to control.

Cameras in Iceland are in 24-hour operation and your registration plates can be traced back to you via your rental company.

Speed limits are 90km/h (56mph) on tarmacked roads in rural areas, 80km/h (50mph) on gravel roads in rural areas, and 50km/h (31mph) or slower in built-up, urban areas. If conditions are poor, these numbers are limits, not targets, so you can go slower!

Road Closures

Road closures are common in Iceland. In the winter, many routes towards the center of the country close for winter service. While other roads may be closed off due to conditions or poor road surfaces.

Though the ring road rarely has closures, some of the detours you were planning to make may not be possible from one day to the next. Therefore, be prepared to adapt your plans when driving the ring road.

Before you set off, check road conditions and closures. Use a website that is updated on a daily basis.

Dealing with conditions on Iceland’s ring road

Gravel Roads and Offroading

When driving along any road (particularly gravel), avoid getting too close to the car in front. Loose stones, gravel, and dirt are easily flicked onto your windscreen which could cause damage.

Also, this may sound like an obvious one, but vehicles that aren’t 4x4s don’t belong away from solid ground, so don’t try any offroading. This includes parking anywhere where your van could sink in (e.g. muddy car parks). We found out the hard way…

Wind

When you’re driving in high winds, slow down. If the wind is perpendicular to the direction you’re travelling in, you may be able to feel the wind pushing your vehicle. This is particularly noticeable in larger vehicles like campervans or motorhomes.

Close your doors when you are parked. No, that’s not so you don’t get robbed… The wind in Iceland can get so strong that it pulls doors right off the hinges if they are left open.

Snow

Snow can impact both your visibility and your vehicle’s grip on the road.

When dealing with low visibility conditions slow down to a more comfortable speed. If you feel you can’t continue, find a safe place to pull in away from the road.

To help with grip in snowy and icy conditions, once again slow your speed. Vehicles should be fitted with winter tires (including snow chains or studs) during the winter season, however, these can be used throughout the year for extra grip.

Find a safe space to pull over

Whether you’re stopping because of bad conditions, because you need the toilet, or because you want a snack that you left in the boot, find an appropriate and safe place to pull in. Even if you haven’t seen another vehicle in 20 minutes, there could be one that appears at just the wrong moment.

Equally, no matter how quiet the roads are, don’t stop in the middle of the road to take photos.

What gear to pack for Iceland’s ring road

My top five things to pack are:

Warm and waterproof clothing

I haven’t spoken to anyone who’s visited Iceland and didn’t say this. At some point in your trip, you’re likely to get some rain. And if you don’t, I’m sure at some point around the ring road, you’ll be checking out some waterfalls with some serious spray.

Having a waterproof jacket is the minimum. Wearing this over the top of all my warm layers worked a treat. If you don’t have a waterproof jacket, a ski jacket will work fine.

Hiking boots (ideally waterproof)

They may be big and bulky, but they don’t take up space in your bag if you wear them every day! A good pair of hiking boots will protect you from the elements and help you walk through all conditions.

Flip-flops or sandals

You may be surprised that flip-flops are on the same list as waterproofs and hiking boots. But around a campsite or after a geothermal pool, it’s handy to have something you can slip on very quickly (even if it is a bit chilly).

Camera

Need I say more – bring your camera. There are so many incredible photography locations in Iceland, it would be foolish not to bring your camera!

Make sure you have enough space on your SD cards; remember your charger and spare batteries, and bring something to keep your equipment protected.

Swimming trunks and towel

Easy to forget when you’re going somewhere so cold. But bringing a couple of swimsuits/trunks for the geothermal baths is a must!

Bring your own towel, not only because rentals can be EXPENSIVE, but it’s handy to have around to dry off quickly in the car.

A second swimsuit is useful, but not essential, as drying off the first pair can be tricky when doing van life.

Iceland’s ring road itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavik

You will likely arrive in Iceland at Keflavik International airport located just south of the capital, Reykjavik.

Conveniently, the airport is located not far from Iceland’s most famous thermal bath, the Blue Lagoon.

Use your first day in the country to familiarise yourself with your vehicle; relax in the Blue Lagoon, and explore the small capital city of Reykjavik.

Day 2: Snaefellsness Peninsula

Ironically, the first stop along Iceland’s ring road is a slight detour to explore the beautiful Snaefellsness Peninsula.

There’s plenty to see in the northwest peninsula including waterfalls, cliffs, coastal villages, and mountains – including the famous Kirkjufell.

Day 3: Northwest Iceland

Today you will leave the Snaefellsness Peninsula to rejoin the ring road and head north. Along the way, there are plenty of potential stop-off points including Vatnsdalshólar mounds, Skagafjörður valley, Kolugljúfur canyon, and Hvítserkur Black Sand Beach.

Day 4: Godafoss and Husavik

There is plenty to explore in the far north of Iceland. Akureyri is considered the capital of northern Iceland and is worth exploring.

Take a visit to the waterfall of the Gods. Though not the tallest or most powerful waterfall in Iceland, Godafoss is one of the most famous. Its basin shape allows you to see the waterfall from all angles and it truly is a sight to behold!

Further north, the coastal town of Husavik is the best place to see whales in Iceland. There are half-day and full-day excursions on offer with the opportunity to see humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, dolphins, and even blue whales!

The northern lights are more frequently seen in the north of Iceland, so if you’re keen to see the lights you may want to spend more time up here and hope for a clear night.

Day 5: Lake Myvatn

You could easily spend 2 or 3 days exploring the Myvatn region. But for the sake of this whistlestop ring road tour of Iceland, you’ve got one jam-packed day instead!

This volcanic area has plenty to explore all a short drive away from each other. Ásburgi – a glacial canyon with hiking trails and incredible views. Dimmuborgir – a large area of unique lava and rock formations. Hverfjall – a 396m volcano crater that you can climb up and walk around.

Day 6: East Coast of Iceland

As you begin heading south along the east side of Iceland, make sure to stop at Dettifoss, Iceland’s most powerful waterfall.

As you drive down the east coast you may want. stop off at Vok thermal baths or any other hidden baths that you can find.

Alternatively, you could save time and continue the beautiful drive through Eastfjords. This is one of the most stunning sections of Iceland’s ring road, making the coastal roads an activity in themselves.

Spend the rest of the day visiting Hofn and the Stokknes peninsula.

Day 7: Southern Iceland

Some people spend a whole week just exploring the south of Iceland, so there are a lot of options!

One sight not to be missed is Jökulsárlón, a pristine glacial lake with floating icebergs and seals. Broken glacial ice flows into the sea and settles on a black sand beach, creating Diamond Beach.

Continue the ring road towards Skaftafell – home to Svartifoss a unique waterfall surrounded by dark lava columns. Skaftafell is also the starting point for several tours of the Vatnajokull glacier. For this itinerary, I would do a half-day tour, but full-day tours are on offer for certain activities if you have time.

You can camp in Skaftafell, or you can continue the drive and spend the evening in the small town of Vik. If light is on your side, stop off at Fjaðrárgljúfur, a snaking river canyon located halfway between Vik and Skaftafell.

Day 8: Southern Iceland

If you’re feeling brave, start day 8 with a sunrise visit to the Sólheimasandur plane wreck to beat the crowds.

Return to Vik, the starting point for tours of Katla Ice cave.

After this, it’s time to explore Reynisfjara black sand beach and Dyrholaey.

Day 9: Southern Iceland

Continue west for the last stretch of your journey around the ring road.

In the morning visit Iceland’s most photographed waterfall, Skogafoss. Followed by Seljalandsfoss, a unique waterfall that you can walk behind!

Depending on how you’re doing for time, you can spend a day exploring the Golden Circle which includes Geysir, Gulfoss, Kelid crater, and Thingvellir National Park.

Drive back to Reyjkavik. The capital at night is a completely different vibe to the daytime. Have a nice dinner in the city as there are some amazing restaurants. Make sure to book in advance as it can be difficult. to get a walk-in table anywhere!

Day 10: Reykjavik and leave

Spend your last day in Iceland exploring any parts of Reyjkavik you didn’t catch the first time! Drop your rental vehicle off and then head to the airport!

Note: this route can be followed in either direction.

You can check out my full 10-day Iceland itinerary here.

What can be dropped if we have less time?

Most Iceland itineraries include the Golden Circle which includes Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gulfoss Waterfall. Though popular, I would cut out the Golden Circle to save time if needed.

Thingvellir National Park was mildly underwhelming. Maybe because it marked the end of an incredible route, or maybe because it’s not quite as dramatic as other aspects of Iceland. Good for exploring with the family, but not as exciting as other parts.

Many people think of geysers when they think of Iceland. And they’re certainly a unique sight. One thing that detracted from this was the number of tourists flocking on coaches. Though impressive, I found that waiting for 7 or 8 minutes at a time for Geysir to erupt surrounded by other tourists stagnated the experience.

Gulfoss waterfall is very impressive, but you will see plenty of other waterfalls throughout the ring road route.

Enjoy yourself

The best thing about camping around Iceland’s ring road is the freedom that it gives you. Try not to stress about squeezing in every single sight because you’ll never be able to see it all. Just enjoy what it has to offer and the unique adventures that exploring Iceland’s ring road will give you.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my tips on everything you need to know about Iceland’s ring road. If guides and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy travelling!