Iceland Ring Road: 19 places to see along 751 km

This 751.4 km Ring Road route circles Iceland's entire perimeter, connecting the country's most significant natural and cultural attractions. The route passes through diverse landscapes including geothermal areas, volcanic regions, and dramatic waterfalls that showcase Iceland's geological diversity.

Mode
Places
Start
Vehicle Options & Driving Laws
End
Eastern Iceland & Vestrahorn
Stops
19
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Vehicle Options & Driving Laws — Essential information about renting vehicles and understanding Iceland's traffic regulations, road conditions, and safety requirements for Ring Road travel.
  2. Keflavík International Airport — Iceland's main international airport located near Reykjavik, the gateway for most visitors arriving in the country.
  3. Þingvellir National Park — UNESCO World Heritage Site located between two tectonic plates, marking the birth of Iceland's national parliament and offering unique natural landscapes.
  4. Kerið Crater — A striking volcanic crater lake featuring red cliffs and aquamarine water, colored by minerals and rocks from its relatively young geological formation.
  5. Geysir Hot Spring Area — Historic geothermal area where the famous Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes, attracting thousands of visitors to the Golden Circle.
  6. Gullfoss Waterfall — The majestic Golden Waterfall and namesake of the Golden Circle, one of Iceland's most iconic and impressive natural attractions.
  7. Hrunalaug Hot Spring — A secluded geothermal hot spring nestled between hills, offering a charming and intimate bathing experience away from tourist crowds.
  8. Friðheimar Tomato Farm — A geothermal greenhouse farm with tomato-themed dining and educational tours demonstrating Iceland's innovative geothermal agriculture.
  9. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall — An iconic 60-meter waterfall on the Seljalands River originating from a volcano glacier, uniquely accessible by walking behind the cascading water.
  10. Gljúfrabui Waterfall — A hidden waterfall within a cave near Seljalandsfoss, offering a shorter alternative trek with stunning geological features.
  11. Skógafoss Waterfall — One of Iceland's biggest waterfalls with a 25-meter width and 60-meter drop, known for legendary Viking treasure reportedly hidden behind it.
  12. Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck — The abandoned wreck of a US Navy plane that crash-landed in 1973, accessible via a scenic walk across Iceland's black sand plains.
  13. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach — Iceland's most famous black sand beach formed by lava-ocean interactions, featuring iconic basalt columns and mythical sea stacks once said to be trolls.
  14. Dyrhólaey Lighthouse — A picturesque lighthouse atop an island with rock formations, offering fantastic views of Iceland's southern coastline from its free-to-visit summit.
  15. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon — A beautiful canyon believed to be formed at the end of the last ice age, featuring dramatic geological formations and scenic hiking opportunities.
  16. Skaftafell Glacier — An outlet glacier of Europe's largest Vatnajökull ice cap, offering close views of glacial landscapes and visible evidence of climate change's impact.
  17. Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon — Another outlet glacier where visitors can take boat tours to experience icebergs and glacial formations up close in a stunning ice-filled lagoon.
  18. Diamond Beach — A striking black sand beach strewn with washed-up glacial ice chunks creating a sparkling contrast against dark volcanic shores.
  19. Eastern Iceland & Vestrahorn — Dramatic coastal region featuring the iconic Vestrahorn mountain, a striking black-sand peak rising from the southeastern shoreline with striking photographic appeal.

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit during shoulder months (spring/autumn) for lower prices and fewer crowds, though highlands and major hiking trails will be unavailable.
Timing
Summer is high season with best weather for hiking and highlands access, but expect inflated prices and many tourists.
Timing
Winter offers Northern Lights viewing and ice cave access, but weather is unpredictable and may not be ideal for Ring Road trips.
Transport
Rent a campervan for mid-range pricing that combines accommodation and transportation; includes heating and gas stove.
Transport
General speed limit is 50 km/h in cities, 70 km/h on gravel roads, and 90 km/h on Ring Road. Numerous speed cameras throughout Iceland.
Where to stay
Campgrounds cost 1,500-3,000 krona per person per night. You can arrive anytime and pay the next morning if reception is closed.
Save money
Gas stations are easily found in each major town around Iceland.
Tip
Arrive at Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach early to avoid crowds; 30+ minute walks required.
Tip
Hrunalaug Hot Spring is secluded and requires searching to find, but show respect and pack out trash to help preserve it.
Food
Friðheimar is a geothermal tomato farm with tomato-themed menu and greenhouse tours explaining how geothermal energy grows crops.
Tip
Vestrahorn has reflective shores for landscape photography; small entry fee includes access to nearby Viking village film set.
Tip
Car headlights must be on at all times in Iceland; off-roading is illegal.

Video on this route

Iceland Travel Guide - A Ring Road trip around Iceland

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