ES 
EN 
ICELAND RING ROAD ITINTERARY: 7, 10 & 14-Day Self-Drive Guide
Explore Iceland’s legendary Ring Road (Route 1)—a 1,332 km loop around the island that reveals volcanic landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, fjords, and remote fishing villages. Whether you have a week or two, this guide offers flexible road-trip itineraries, daily distances, key stops, maps, and essential travel tips to help you plan a smooth and unforgettable self-drive adventure.
Suggested Itineraries: Daily Highlights & Map
-
Days Route Summary Highlights 7-Day Loop Reykjavik → South Coast → Vatnajökull → East Fjords → North Iceland → West and return Seljalandsfoss, Jökulsárlón, Dettifoss, Akureyri, Snæfellsnes Peninsula 10-Day Loop Adds more local time around major stops Glacier hikes, whale watching in Húsavík, relaxation at Mývatn Nature Baths 12-Day Loop Slow-paced version with deeper exploration Extra nights in charming towns, highland detours, ice cave adventures Each option blends breathtaking scenery with manageable driving—from roughly 150 km to 300 km per day. See map below for a visual route overview.
Why the Ring Road Is So Special
-
Landscape Variety – Traverse waterfalls, volcanic fields, glaciers, coastal cliffs, and black beaches—often all in one day.
-
Cultural Encounters – Visit turf-roofed farms, meet Icelandic horses, and enjoy local life in small seaside villages.
-
Flexible Adventure – Stop at hidden gems or extend time at favorites—no rigid schedules.
-
Seasonal Wonders – Tailor your trip: midnight sun in summer, aurora chases in winter, or dramatic autumn colors.
-
Access to Activities – Easy access to glacier hikes, whale watching, geothermal baths, and ice caves—all along the route.
Practical Tips for Driving the Ring Road-
Fuel & Parking: Fill up in towns outside Reykjavík; stations are scarce in remote areas. Parking at scenic spots may be paid—card accepted.
-
Road Conditions & Weather: Check road.is regularly—conditions shift rapidly, especially in winter. Consider a 4x4 during winter months.
-
Timing & Distance: Avoid overlong driving days. Plan 2–3 key stops per day to balance driving and sightseeing.
-
Seasonal Differences: Summer brings mild weather and long daylight; winter offers auroras and unique ice experiences. Spring/fall are less crowded and beautifully atmospheric.
-
Navigation Aids: Use both GPS and paper maps, especially in areas with limited cell signal.
Snap It All TogetherThis Iceland Ring Road itinerary guide is your roadmap to crafting the perfect self-drive journey—whether you're looking for a quick 7-day highlights tour or an immersive 14-day exploration. Let Iceland’s dramatic landscapes set your pace and your route, with flexibility, culture, and adventure built into every kilometer.
-
Note: Some of the packages and tours offered are operated by ISLANDICA s.r.o. and others by our collaborating agencies. We act as an operator and as an intermediary agent between travel agencies and clients. If the trips are operated by our partner agencies, the reservation and payment are made directly with the provider in order to secure the best price for your trip to Iceland. ID1099
