Iceland Ring Road: 7-Day Itinerary (2026)

Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) loops 1,322 kilometres around the entire island. Seven days is enough to drive it comfortably, with time to stop at the highlights rather than racing past them. This itinerary follows the route clockwise, starting and ending in Reykjavik. Each day covers a manageable amount of driving so you still have energy to actually enjoy what you came to see. Distances and driving times are approximate and assume summer conditions (June through August). In shoulder season (May or September), add extra buffer for weather and shorter daylight.

Quick overview: You will need a rental car (a standard 2WD works fine for Route 1 in summer, but a 4x4 gives more flexibility). Book accommodation in advance for summer, especially in smaller towns like Vik and Hofn where options fill up fast. Before you set off, read through our driving guide to familiarise yourself with Icelandic road rules, speed limits, and the quirks of single-lane bridges.

Day 1: Reykjavik to Vik (South Coast Waterfalls and Black Sand)

Distance: approximately 290 km. Driving time: 3.5 to 4 hours without stops.

Leave Reykjavik early. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, about 2 hours from the city. This is the waterfall you can walk behind (bring a waterproof jacket, you will get wet). Just 30 minutes further along Route 1 is Skogafoss, a thundering 60-metre drop. Climb the staircase beside it for a view down the coast that makes the leg burn worthwhile. Our Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss guide covers both waterfalls in more detail, including parking and the best time of day to visit.

Continue to Vik. Before checking in, drive to Reynisfjara black sand beach. The basalt columns and crashing waves are spectacular, but take the warning signs about sneaker waves seriously. People have died here. Stay well back from the waterline. We have written a dedicated piece on Vik's black sand beaches if you want to plan your time at Reynisfjara and the surrounding area.

Where to stay: Vik has guesthouses, hotels, and a campsite. Book early in summer since it is the most popular South Coast overnight stop.

Day 2: Vik to Hofn (Glaciers, Lagoons, and Diamonds)

Distance: approximately 265 km. Driving time: 3.5 hours without stops.

Start with a short detour to Fjadrargljufur canyon if the road is open (it closes periodically to protect the vegetation, check road.is before you go). Then continue east toward Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier.

Stop at Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park for the Svartifoss hike (about 1.5 hours return). The basalt-column waterfall is unique and the trail is well maintained.

The highlight of the day is Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Icebergs calve from the glacier and drift across the lagoon toward the sea. It is one of those places that looks too dramatic to be real. Walk across the road to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash up on black sand. Our Jokulsarlon guide has everything you need to know about boat tours, visiting in different seasons, and the best photography spots.

Where to stay: Hofn is a small fishing town with good lobster restaurants. Accommodation is limited, so book ahead.

Day 3: Hofn to Egilsstadir (The East Fjords)

Distance: approximately 245 km. Driving time: 3.5 to 4 hours without stops.

This is the day most itineraries rush through, but the East Fjords deserve your attention. The scenery shifts from glacial plains to narrow fjords with steep mountains dropping into the sea.

Before leaving Hofn, consider a morning detour to Stokksnes and Vestrahorn mountain. The Viking Village film set in front of the mountain makes for dramatic photos (there is a small access fee).

The drive through the East Fjords is winding and slow in the best way. Small fishing villages, waterfalls pouring off cliffs, and very few other tourists. Stop in Djupivogur for coffee or continue to Faskrudsfjordur, which has a surprisingly French history.

If you have time, the hike to Hengifoss near Egilsstadir is worth it. At 128 metres, it is Iceland's third tallest waterfall, with distinctive red clay stripes in the cliff face.

Where to stay: Egilsstadir is the largest town in the east and your best base for the night.

Day 4: Egilsstadir to Akureyri (Waterfalls, Moonscapes, and the North)

Distance: approximately 265 km (via Dettifoss). Driving time: 4 to 5 hours with detours.

This is a big day with some of Iceland's most powerful scenery. Head north from Egilsstadir and detour to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The sheer volume of water thundering into the canyon is humbling. The west side (Route 862, paved) is easier to access. The east side (Route 864, gravel) is rougher but less crowded.

Continue to the Myvatn area, which is essentially a geothermal wonderland. Must-see stops: Namaskard (bubbling mud pots and steam vents that look like another planet), Dimmuborgir (dramatic lava formations you can walk through), and Grjotagja cave (a small lava cave with a hot spring inside, made famous by a certain TV show).

End the day by stopping at Godafoss, the "waterfall of the gods." According to Icelandic lore, a chieftain threw his Norse god statues into this waterfall when Iceland converted to Christianity around 1000 AD.

Where to stay: Akureyri, the capital of the north and Iceland's second city (though "city" is generous with a population around 19,000). It has good restaurants, a lovely botanical garden, and a charming downtown. Read our Akureyri guide for restaurant recommendations and things to do if you have an extra evening.

Day 5: Akureyri to Blondous (The Quiet North)

Distance: approximately 245 km. Driving time: 3 to 3.5 hours without stops.

Take the morning to explore Akureyri. Walk along the harbour, visit the Akureyri Church (designed by the same architect as Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik), and stop by the botanical garden, which is free and surprisingly lush for a town this far north.

Then head west along the north coast. This stretch of the Ring Road is the least touristed section, which is part of its charm. Relatively flat farmland with mountains in the distance, horse farms, and the occasional small town.

Detour to the Vatnsnes peninsula to see Hvitserkur, a 15-metre basalt rock formation in the sea that looks like a drinking dragon (or rhinoceros, depending on your imagination). Seals often rest on the nearby beach.

Where to stay: Blondous, Hvammstangi, or one of the guesthouses along the Vatnsnes peninsula. Options are limited, so book ahead.

Day 6: Blondous to Snaefellsnes Peninsula (Kirkjufell and Coastal Magic)

Distance: approximately 230 km. Driving time: 3 hours without stops.

Drive south toward the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called "Iceland in miniature" because it packs glaciers, lava fields, beaches, mountains, and fishing villages into one compact area.

Your first stop should be Kirkjufell mountain near Grundarfjordur. It is the most photographed mountain in Iceland, and for good reason, especially with the small waterfall in the foreground. Our Snaefellsnes towns guide covers Grundarfjordur, Stykkisholmur, and the other villages worth visiting along the peninsula.

Explore the southern coast of the peninsula: Arnarstapi has a beautiful coastal walk with sea stacks and basalt cliffs. Nearby Hellnar offers a quiet cave and cafe. Budir has a famous little black church against a backdrop of lava fields. If the weather cooperates, you might spot the Snaefellsjokull glacier-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne's "Journey to the Centre of the Earth."

Where to stay: Stykkisholmur is the largest town on the peninsula and has a lovely harbour. Grundarfjordur and Arnarstapi also have good options.

Day 7: Snaefellsnes to Reykjavik (The Home Stretch)

Distance: approximately 200 km. Driving time: 2.5 to 3 hours without stops.

If you missed anything on the peninsula yesterday, use the morning to catch it. Stykkisholmur is worth a walk for its colourful houses and harbour.

The drive back to Reykjavik follows Route 1 through Borgarfjordur. Consider a stop at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, two very different waterfalls right next to each other. Hraunfossar is a series of small cascades seeping out of a lava field into a turquoise river, unlike any other waterfall in Iceland.

If your flight is the same day, factor in time for a final soak. Our Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon comparison can help you decide: the Blue Lagoon is near the airport, while Sky Lagoon on the outskirts of Reykjavik is closer to the city and feels a bit more local.

Practical Tips for Your Ring Road Trip

Best time to drive the Ring Road: June through August gives you the longest days, mildest weather, and all roads open. May and September are quieter but some highland roads may be closed and weather is less predictable. Our guide on the best time to visit Iceland breaks down each month so you can pick the right window.

Rental car: A standard 2WD car handles Route 1 perfectly in summer. Only get a 4x4 if you plan to take F-road detours. Book through reputable Icelandic rental companies and always get gravel protection insurance.

Fuel: Gas stations are spaced every 50 to 100 km along most of the Ring Road, but gaps are longer in the east and north. Top up whenever you see a station rather than gambling on the next one. Almost all stations accept credit cards at unmanned pumps (you need a PIN).

Budget: Expect to spend roughly 30,000 to 50,000 ISK per day for two people including fuel, food, and mid-range accommodation. Camping reduces costs significantly.

Speed cameras: Iceland has fixed speed cameras on Route 1, and they will find you. The speed limit is 90 km/h on paved roads outside towns and 50 km/h in towns. Fines start around 30,000 ISK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive the Ring Road in 7 days?

Yes. Seven days gives you enough time to see the major highlights without feeling rushed. You will average 3 to 4 hours of driving per day, leaving plenty of time for stops. If you prefer a slower pace or want to add detours like the Westfjords, consider 10 days.

What is the best time of year to drive the Ring Road?

Summer (June to August) is ideal. All roads are open, daylight lasts 20 or more hours, and weather is the mildest. May and September work too, but expect shorter days and more variable conditions. Winter Ring Road trips are possible but much more challenging, with icy roads and limited daylight in the north and east.

Do I need a 4x4 for the Ring Road?

Not in summer. Route 1 is fully paved and a standard 2WD car handles it fine. A 4x4 is only necessary if you plan to take F-roads (highland tracks) or drive in winter. That said, a small SUV offers more comfort on gravel detour roads.

How much does a 7-day Ring Road trip cost?

For two people in summer, budget roughly 350,000 to 500,000 ISK total (approximately 2,500 to 3,600 USD). That covers a rental car, fuel, mid-range accommodation, and meals. Camping and cooking your own food can bring costs down to around 200,000 ISK.

Is the Ring Road safe to drive?

Yes, with common sense. Route 1 is well maintained. The main hazards are wind (can push your car sideways), single-lane bridges (slow down, the first car through has right of way), and gravel shoulders (do not pull off the road suddenly). Check road.is and vedur.is daily for conditions.