Iceland's Ring Road

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Iceland's Ring Road — officially Route 1 — is one of the world's great road trips: a single highway that loops the entire island, linking glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and remote fishing villages in roughly 1,332 km of well-maintained tarmac. Most drivers complete it in 7–14 days, and almost every kilometre earns its place.

What the Ring Road is

Route 1 is Iceland's main highway, maintained year-round and paved for its entire length. It runs clockwise or anticlockwise from Reykjavík, passing through the main regional towns — Vík, Höfn, Egilsstaðir, Akureyri, Blönduós — before returning to the capital. Most of the road is single-lane in each direction; a handful of bridges on the east coast are single-lane total, so yield to oncoming traffic.

Side roads, known as F-roads, branch off into the highlands and require a proper 4WD with high clearance. Most rental agreements prohibit driving F-roads in a standard car, and some are impassable even in summer. The Ring Road itself is manageable in a regular compact car outside winter, though a larger vehicle gives extra comfort and storage.

How long to allow

Seven days is the absolute minimum if you drive long days and skip the major detours. Ten to fourteen days lets you slow down, explore side routes and actually sit with the landscape instead of chasing it. A popular split:

• 7–8 days: Ring Road only, roughly 150–200 km per day, one or two stops each day.
• 10–12 days: Ring Road plus the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and a detour or two into the Westfjords.
• 14+ days: Everything above, plus proper hikes, the Westfjords and time to wait out bad weather.

Iceland's weather changes fast. Build slack into your schedule — if you need to be on a flight in nine days, plan as if you have seven.

Highlights by region

The road divides naturally into four broad sections, each with a different character:

South coast (Reykjavík to Höfn)

This is the busiest stretch and the one most day-trippers from Reykjavík already know: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand beach at Reynisfjara near Vík, Vatnajökull National Park, and Jökulsárlón — the glacier lagoon where icebergs drift to a black diamond beach. It is spectacular, and it is crowded in summer. Leave early or stay overnight nearby to get ahead of the tour buses.

East Fjords (Höfn to Egilsstaðir)

The east is quieter than the south, carved into deep fjords with small fishing villages tucked at the end of each one. The road dips and climbs repeatedly; distances between petrol stations are longer here, so top up at every opportunity. Egilsstaðir, the largest town in the east, makes a comfortable base for an overnight stop.

North Iceland (Egilsstaðir to Akureyri and beyond)

The north opens up dramatically on the Mývatn lake district — geothermal vents, lava fields, pseudo-craters and a geothermal bath more relaxed than the Blue Lagoon. Goðafoss waterfall is a short detour off the road. Akureyri, Iceland's second city, has good restaurants and is a natural place to rest for a night or two. Further west, Hvammstangi and the Vatnsnes Peninsula offer easy seal watching.

West (Borgarnes back to Reykjavík)

The final leg tends to feel anticlimactic after the drama of the east and north, but the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — technically a detour — is worth every extra kilometre: a glacier-capped volcano, sea cliffs, lava tubes and the westernmost point of mainland Iceland.

When to go

The Ring Road is driveable in all seasons, but conditions vary enormously:

• June–August: Long daylight hours (nearly 24 hours at midsummer), warm enough for camping, F-roads open. Also the busiest and most expensive season.
• September–October: Crowds thin, autumn colours add warmth to the landscape, and the northern lights begin to appear. Some highland roads start closing.
• November–March: Short days, icy roads, some bridges and mountain passes temporarily closed. Northern lights at their best if skies clear. Requires an experienced winter driver and appropriate tyres — rental companies supply them.
• April–May: Days lengthen quickly, prices are lower than summer, and the landscape is still dramatic. Some F-roads begin to open in late May.

Practical driving notes

Headlights are required at all times in Iceland, day and night, by law. Speed limits are 90 km/h on paved roads outside towns and 80 km/h on unsealed roads (many tourists get this wrong). Fines for speeding are steep and speed cameras are common.

Petrol stations are spread along the route but gaps exist, particularly in the east and north. A useful rule: fill up whenever you drop below half a tank. Most stations accept international cards but a few rural ones are card-only with no attendant, so check your card works before you head somewhere remote.

River crossings are normal on F-roads; you will not find unbridged river crossings on Route 1 itself. If a sudden bridge appears single-lane, pull over on the correct side and wait for the light or clear sight line.

Getting a car

Reykjavík's Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is the main gateway, and all major rental companies have desks there. Book early — especially for the summer season — and read the insurance excess carefully. Gravel damage and sand/ash damage cover are separate add-ons worth considering in Iceland's conditions. Camper vans and 4WDs cost more than a compact car but give access to more terrain.

If you prefer not to drive, organised small-group Ring Road tours run from Reykjavík year-round, though you lose the freedom to set your own pace. The best European road trips guide has context on planning multi-day drives across the continent.

Budgeting for the trip

Iceland is one of Europe's more expensive destinations. Fuel costs are higher than most of mainland Europe, campsite fees add up over ten days, and eating at restaurants in tourist areas is costly. Self-catering from supermarkets (Bonus and Krónan are the budget chains) keeps costs manageable. Accommodation ranges from campsites and guesthouses to upscale country hotels — book well ahead in July and August.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive the Ring Road in a normal car?

Yes, Route 1 is fully paved and manageable in a standard compact car outside winter. Winter driving requires winter tyres and more caution; rental companies supply appropriate tyres for the season. F-roads require a 4WD and are outside the scope of the Ring Road itself.

How many days do you need for the Ring Road?

Seven days is the bare minimum at a fast pace; ten to twelve gives a more comfortable trip with room for detours and weather delays. Fourteen days or more lets you explore the Westfjords and take proper hikes.

Which direction should you drive the Ring Road?

Both directions work equally well. Clockwise (east along the south coast first) is slightly more common, partly because the dramatic south coast makes an impressive opening act. Anticlockwise has the advantage of doing the quieter east and north early before crowds build.

Is the Ring Road open in winter?

Route 1 is maintained year-round but winter conditions — ice, snow and short daylight hours — require care and appropriate experience. Some short sections close temporarily after severe weather. Always check road.is for current conditions before setting out.