Iceland's Ring Road: A 10-Day Self-Drive Itinerary

Route 1 — Iceland's Ring Road — is one of the world's great drives. A 1,332 km loop around the island passes glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, black sand beaches and waterfalls so powerful you feel them in your chest. Here is everything you need to know to drive it in 10 days.

Renting a Car

A 4WD is strongly recommended, especially if travelling between October and May when highland F-roads (impassable without a 4x4) may be open. Book through a reputable local company — Icelandic car hire has a reputation for aggressive add-on insurance; read the excess carefully.

Day-by-Day Outline

Days 1–2: Reykjavik

Start in the capital. Visit Hallgrímskirkja, walk the harbour, eat a hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Barack Obama approved), and soak in the Sky Lagoon.

Day 3: Golden Circle → South Coast

Drive the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), then continue east to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Camp or stay near Vík.

Days 4–5: Glacier Country

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, and a glacier hike on Vatnajökull (book with a guide). Stay in the Höfn area.

Days 6–7: East Fjords

Slow down through the dramatic fjords, stopping at tiny fishing villages. Stay in Egilsstaðir.

Days 8–9: North Iceland

Mývatn's volcanic landscape, Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), and Goðafoss. Akureyri — Iceland's second city — is worth a half-day stop.

Day 10: Snæfellsnes Peninsula (via Borgarnes)

The Snæfellsnes glacier and Snæfellsjökull National Park close the loop perfectly before returning to Reykjavik.

Best Time for Northern Lights

September to March offers the darkest skies. For aurora viewing, you need clear skies and a KP index of 3 or higher — check en.vedur.is. The further from Reykjavik's light pollution, the better.

Where to Stay Along the Route

In Reykjavik (Luxury): ION Adventure Hotel is a striking glass-and-steel hotel on a lava field near Þingvellir, perfect for aurora hunters.

Tower Suites Reykjavik occupies the top floors of Hallgrímskirkja's neighbouring tower — views are extraordinary.

South Coast (Mid-range): Hotel Rangá near Hella is the most celebrated northern lights hotel in Iceland, with an in-house aurora wake-up service.

Icelandair Hotel Vík sits right in Vík with views of the iconic black beach sea stacks.

North Iceland: Hótel KEA by Keahotels is the best central option in Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital.

Budget Breakdown (10 days)