Ring Road
Iceland
Iceland's Route 1 loops the entire island, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and the Northern Lights. No other road delivers this much raw nature in one loop.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Reykjavík
Northern Lights in winter, midnight sun in summer, geothermal pools year-round.
- Þingvellir
Snorkel between two tectonic plates in Silfra, the clearest freshwater on Earth.
- Geysir
The original geyser. Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting 30m into the sky.
- Seljalandsfoss
Walk behind this 60m waterfall. Bring a waterproof jacket, you will get soaked.
- Vík
Iceland's southernmost village. Basalt columns rise above a jet-black volcanic sand beach.
- Jökulsárlón
A glacier lagoon filled with ancient blue icebergs. Seals play in the freezing water.
- Diamond Beach
Ice chunks wash onto black sand, sparkling like scattered diamonds in the low Arctic light.
- Höfn
The langoustine capital of Iceland. Best meal on the entire Ring Road, do not skip this.
- Mývatn
Volcanic craters, boiling mud pots, lava fields, and the soothing Mývatn Nature Baths.
- Húsavík
Europe's whale watching capital. Humpbacks and blue whales spotted on almost every trip.
- Akureyri
Iceland's northern capital. Good restaurants, a botanical garden, and ski slopes nearby.
Where to Eat
- FiskmarkaðurinnSeafood
Renowned for its fresh Icelandic seafood dishes in a modern setting.
- FriðheimarFarm-to-Table
Unique greenhouse restaurant specializing in tomato-based dishes.
- Gamla FjósiðLocal Cuisine
Cozy eatery offering traditional Icelandic meals in a rustic atmosphere.
- Pakkhús RestaurantSeafood
Harbor-side restaurant known for its langoustine and fresh fish.
- Kaffi IlmurCafé
Charming café serving homemade cakes and light meals in a historic house.
Things to Do
- Silfra Fissure SnorkelingAdventure
Snorkel between tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacial water.
- Skógafoss WaterfallNature
Majestic 60-meter waterfall with a staircase leading to panoramic views.
- Vatnajökull Glacier HikeAdventure
Guided hikes on Europe's largest glacier with stunning ice formations.
- Mývatn Nature BathsHot Springs
Geothermal lagoon offering relaxing baths with scenic views.
- Whale Watching ToursWildlife
Excursions to observe humpback and minke whales in their natural habitat.
Travel advisory
Winter driving on Route 1 can be hazardous due to ice, snow, and sudden storms; a 4WD or AWD vehicle is strongly advised outside summer months. Check road conditions at road.is before each day's drive. Some highland F-road shortcuts are strictly 4WD-only and illegal for standard cars.