The Ring Road – Route Number One

The best way to explore the Ring Road

Renting a car is the easiest and most flexible way to explore the Ring Road at your own pace. While public transport operates year-round, schedules can be unpredictable outside the summer months. Alternatively, joining a guided tour is a great option, often lasting at least seven days and offering valuable insights—and some entertaining sagas along the way.  

Officially marked as Route 1 on maps, the Ring Road requires close monitoring of road conditions, especially outside the summer season. SafeTravel provides an up-to-date map with information on road closures, snow and wind conditions, and volcanic and weather alerts. Driving in Iceland can be extreme and challenging, so be prepared and check out our tips on driving in Iceland.

Clockwise or counterclockwise? 

Travelers hitting the Ring Road can leave Reykjavík heading east or north. There is no right or wrong way!

The southern route from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir is often considered the more scenic stretch, with breathtaking waterfalls, glacial lagoons, and iconic sights visible right from the road. However, this doesn’t mean the rest of Iceland deserves less attention—detours to the Eastfjords or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula reveal equally stunning landscapes and hidden gems. For those with more time and flexibility, consider exploring Iceland by car or campervan, and add the Arctic Coast Way and the Westfjords Way (Vestfjarðaleiðin) scenic routes.

Locals often start their Ring Road trips by checking the weather and heading straight for the sunniest region of the island—a smart strategy, especially for travelers camping or using campervans. After all, good weather can make Iceland’s already extraordinary scenery even more magical!

What to expect - by the region

South

The southern part of Iceland is the flattest part of the country: the road hugs the coastline, with few reasons to turn. The area is best known for its waterfalls and glacial scenery, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Dyrhólaey cliffs, Vatnajökull National Park, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Glacial tongues extend from ice-capped volcanoes down into valleys and can be visited up close in the region of Skaftafell. Finding available accommodation between Selfoss and Höfn during the peak summer months is often challenging, so we recommend booking well in advance.

East

The drive from Höfn to Egilsstaðir takes you on a zig-zag journey through the breathtaking Eastfjords, where each turn reveals dazzling fjord views and quaint coastal villages. During summer, travelers can opt for the Öxi mountain pass (Route 939), a scenic gravel shortcut that saves 68 km between Djúpivogur and Egilsstaðir. However, this route requires extra caution due to its steep, winding roads. Not for the faint of heart! Many visitors miss out by sticking only to the main Ring Road here—be sure to explore the atmospheric Eastfjords, where you’ll find picturesque towns and authentic Icelandic fishing villages.

North

The northern stretch of the Ring Road offers a rich mix of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Highlights include the bubbling geothermal hot springs at Mývatn, the vibrant city of Akureyri, and coastal adventures along the Arctic Coast Way and the famous Diamond Circle. This region is perfect for a multi-day road trip packed with unforgettable sights.

If traveling between September and May, pay close attention to road conditions, particularly on the high mountain passes of Holtavörðuheiði, Öxnadalsheiði, and Möðrudalsöræfum. These routes are prone to closures during storms or high winds, sometimes even during the summer.

West

The Ring Road takes an inland route through Borgarfjörður, skipping much of West Iceland’s gorgeous landscapes, including the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the ruggedly beautiful Westfjords and the Westfjords Way. However, don’t let this fool you—this region offers much more than gas station coffee and hot dogs.

Roadside towns like Borgarnes, Hvammstangi, and Blönduós are worth a visit. Each features charming museums, inviting geothermally heated local swimming pools, and excellent restaurants. Remember that traffic can get busy on the Reykjavík to Akureyri stretch, especially in July, when seemingly all Icelanders hit the road for their summer vacation.