Iceland Ring Road: 7 Places to See from Golden Circle to
Explore Iceland's 838.8 km Ring Road circuit, connecting diverse landscapes from geothermal hot springs and dramatic waterfalls to volcanic craters and black sand beaches. This classic Icelandic route passes through regions ranging from the Golden Circle in the south to remote northern territories, showcasing the country's varied terrain across approximately 10 days of travel.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Golden Circle
- End
- Kirkjufell Mountain
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Golden Circle — Iceland's most popular tourist route featuring geysers, waterfalls, and rift valleys in the southwestern region.
- Strokkur Geyser — Famous active geyser erupting every 5-10 minutes in the Haukadalur geothermal area, major Golden Circle attraction.
- Camping West of Gullfoss — Campground positioned near Iceland's most powerful waterfall, offering convenient access to the Golden Circle's dramatic cascade and surrounding geothermal landscapes.
- Skógafoss Waterfall — Thundering 60-meter waterfall cascading from glacial meltwater, creating a misty veil and accessible hiking trails through Iceland's lush southern coast.
- Waterfall Circle Hike — Scenic hiking loop route featuring multiple waterfalls and natural pools in Iceland's interior regions.
- Akrafjara Church and Húsavík — Coastal settlement featuring a turf-roofed church and renowned whale-watching departure point on Iceland's north coast, where Arctic waters teem with marine wildlife.
- Kirkjufell Mountain — Iconic 463-meter cone-shaped peak in northern Iceland, recognizable from countless angles and framed by cascading waterfalls in its surrounding valley.
Useful for your trip
- Where to stay
- Camp west of Gullfoss for a convenient base to explore the Golden Circle area and nearby attractions.
- Timing
- Visit during spring or summer season when it never gets completely dark, allowing extended daylight hours for activities (potentially 12-15 hours of activity per day).
- Timing
- Wake up early to visit popular spots like secret hot springs to avoid crowds.
- Tip
- Strokkur Geyser erupts approximately every 5-10 minutes, making it a reliable geyser to visit.
- Transport
- The plane wreck site has a paid round-trip bus option starting around 10:00 AM (approximately 9-10 hours duration) if you prefer not to walk or have physical limitations.
- Tip
- Plan a Ring Road trip to see multiple distinct landscapes from south to east to north to west, rather than focusing on single regions.
- Timing
- Visit Kirkjufell Mountain and Akrafjara Church during golden hour (sunset) for the best lighting and scenery.
- Avoid
- Be prepared for cold weather even during sunny days, especially at campsites and at higher elevations.
- Where to stay
- Northern Iceland campsites offer beautiful natural settings but can be cold; ensure heating systems work in rental camper vans.
- Tip
- There are numerous waterfalls throughout Iceland; prioritize visiting main attractions rather than attempting to visit all of them.
- Transport
- Book a camper van rental in advance for a 10-day Ring Road trip.
Video on this route
10 Days on the Ring Road in Iceland