There’s a road that circles an entire country. It hugs volcanic coastlines, dips into glacial valleys, passes beneath towering waterfalls, and cuts through lava fields so ancient they feel like another world. That road is Route 1 — Iceland’s Ring Road — and driving it is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have behind a wheel.
What Is the Ring Road?
The Ring Road (Þjóðvegur 1, or simply “Route 1”) is a 1,332-kilometre highway that loops around Iceland’s entire perimeter. It connects Reykjavík in the west to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords access points, the rugged North, the remote East Fjords, and the dramatic South Coast — before returning you to the capital. Every kilometre tells a different story.
How Long Does It Take?
Most travellers complete the Ring Road in 7–14 days, depending on how many detours, hikes, and spontaneous pull-offs they allow themselves. We recommend at least 10 days if you want to breathe it in rather than rush through it. The road itself is well-paved for the most part, but Iceland doesn’t reward speed — it rewards attention.
The Best Stops Along the Way
South Coast (Day 1–3): Start in Reykjavík and head east. The South Coast is arguably Iceland’s most dramatic stretch — Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, the eerie beauty of Vík, and the glacier tongues of Vatnajökull all lie within reach.
East Fjords (Day 4–5): Often overlooked, the East Fjords are wild and quiet. Narrow roads wind between mountain and sea, fishing villages dot the shore, and you may go hours without seeing another car. This is Iceland at its most unhurried.
North Iceland (Day 6–8): Mývatn’s geothermal lakes, the roaring Goðafoss waterfall (“Waterfall of the Gods”), and the vibrant town of Akureyri — Iceland’s second city — make the North a highlight of any Ring Road trip.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Day 9–10): Technically a detour off the Ring Road, but one you shouldn’t skip. The Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano sits at the tip of this otherworldly peninsula — Jules Verne used it as the entrance to the centre of the earth. He had a point.
Practical Tips
- Fill up your tank often. Petrol stations can be 100+ km apart in rural areas. Never pass a station on empty.
- Check road.is daily. Iceland’s weather can change roads from open to closed in hours. The website vedur.is and the app 112 Iceland are essential tools.
- Drive to the conditions, not the speed limit. Gravel roads, sudden crosswinds, and sheep wandering onto the tarmac are all real. The speed limit is a ceiling, not a target.
- Book accommodation in advance in summer. The Ring Road is popular from June to August. Hostels, guesthouses, and camping spots fill up fast.
At Esja Car Rental, we can set you up with the right vehicle for your Ring Road adventure — whether that’s a comfortable compact for the paved main road or a 4×4 if you’re planning highland detours. Get in touch and we’ll help you plan the drive of a lifetime.
Ready to drive the Ring Road? Esja Car Rental offers reliable cars for every stretch of Route 1 — from city compacts to rugged 4x4s. See our cars and book directly →