Iceland is a country that seems to belong to another planet. Within a landmass smaller than England, you’ll find glaciers, active volcanoes, geysers, black sand beaches, hot springs, and the ethereal Northern Lights. The best way to experience it all? A road trip along Route 1 — the Ring Road.
Route 1: The Ring Road Overview
The Ring Road (Route 1) encircles the entire island — approximately 1,322 km. While technically drivable in 2 days non-stop, you’ll want 7-10 days minimum to enjoy the highlights without rushing.
Recommended Itinerary: 10 Days
| Day | Region | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reykjavik | — | City exploration, Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa |
| 2 | Golden Circle | 230 km loop | Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss |
| 3 | South Coast | 190 km | Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara |
| 4 | Glacier Lagoon | 270 km | Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach, glacier hike |
| 5 | East Fjords | 260 km | Scenic fjords, reindeer, fishing villages |
| 6 | Lake Mývatn | 300 km | Volcanic landscapes, Dimmuborgir, hot baths |
| 7 | Akureyri | 100 km | Whale watching from Húsavík, Goðafoss |
| 8 | Westfjords/Snæfellsnes | 300 km | Kirkjufell, Stykkishólmur, lava fields |
| 9 | Snæfellsnes | 150 km | Snæfellsjökull glacier, Arnarstapi |
| 10 | Reykjavik | 200 km | Blue Lagoon, departure |
Top Experiences
Northern Lights (September–March)
The aurora borealis is Iceland’s most magical spectacle. Best conditions: clear skies, minimal light pollution, and high solar activity (check vedur.is for forecasts).
Tips:
- Get away from Reykjavik’s light pollution
- The northern coast near Akureyri often has clearer skies
- Be patient — they can appear any time between 9 PM and 2 AM
- Camera settings: Manual mode, ISO 1600-3200, f/2.8, 10-15 second exposure
Glacier Hiking
Walk on top of Europe’s largest ice cap (Vatnajökull). Guided tours depart from Skaftafell and the Jökulsárlón area. Crampons and ice axes provided — no experience necessary for beginner tours.
Hot Springs
- Blue Lagoon: The famous geothermal spa (book weeks ahead, from $70)
- Sky Lagoon: Newer, less crowded infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean ($55)
- Mývatn Nature Baths: “The North’s Blue Lagoon” — cheaper and quieter ($40)
- Secret Lagoon: The oldest natural hot pool in Iceland ($25)
- Free wild hot springs: Reykjadalur hot river (45-min hike), Seljavallalaug (hidden pool)
Waterfalls
Iceland has hundreds of waterfalls. The must-sees:
- Gullfoss: The “Golden Falls” — the most powerful waterfall on the Golden Circle
- Seljalandsfoss: Walk behind the curtain of water
- Skógafoss: 60m drop with a staircase to the top for panoramic views
- Goðafoss: The “Waterfall of the Gods” — stunningly symmetrical
- Dettifoss: Europe’s most powerful waterfall (raw, remote, dramatic)
Practical Information
Budget
Iceland is expensive. Budget per person per day:
| Style | Accommodation | Food | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Campsite/hostel $30-50 | Self-catering $25-35 | $80-120 |
| Mid-range | Guesthouse $100-180 | Mix dining $50-70 | $200-350 |
| Comfort | Hotel $200-400 | Restaurant $80-120 | $400-700 |
Money-saving tips:
- Rent a campervan (combines transport + accommodation)
- Cook your own meals — grocery stores are 50% cheaper than restaurants
- Bring a reusable water bottle — Iceland’s tap water is pristine glacier water
- Skip the Blue Lagoon for free natural hot springs
Driving
- 4WD recommended October–April; essential for F-roads (highland tracks)
- Speed limit: 90 km/h on paved roads, 80 km/h on gravel
- No off-road driving: Strictly illegal and damages fragile ecosystems
- Single-lane bridges: First car to arrive has right of way
- Weather changes fast: Check road.is and safetravel.is daily
When to Go
| Season | Daylight | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 20-24 hrs | 10-15°C | Midnight sun, hiking, full Ring Road |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | 12-16 hrs | 2-10°C | Northern Lights begin, fall colors |
| Winter (Nov-Feb) | 4-7 hrs | -5-3°C | Northern Lights peak, ice caves |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 12-18 hrs | 0-8°C | Fewer tourists, puffins arriving |
Final Thoughts
Iceland rewards the curious traveler with landscapes that redefine what you thought Earth could look like. Every turn on the Ring Road reveals something otherworldly — a glacier spilling into a lake, a volcano steaming on the horizon, or a sky painted with dancing green light. It’s not cheap, but it’s absolutely worth every króna.
