The Very Best of Iceland’s Ring Road

Iceland is a place of extreme, raw nature which makes it an epic wonderland for road trips. Ring Road is the main highway around this island, and it’s possible to drive it in 15-16 hours. We recommend taking at least a week or two in spring, summer or autumn so you can experience wild landscapes featuring glaciers and volcanic springs.

Pick up your motorhome rental in Keflavik, and drive 50 minutes to Reykjavik. From here, traverse the land of fire and ice for an unforgettable Ring Road journey.

Handy hints:

• The speed limit on most of the ring road is 90 km/h (55 m/h).

• If you’re freedom camping, make sure you’re clued up on the best practice.

• Road conditions vary widely between summer and winter; it's not recommended to drive around Iceland in winter.

• To make the most of the drive, take at least a week to drive it in summer.

• If you plan on cruising the Ring Road, then a four-wheel drive isn't necessary. But if you want to get off the beaten path and explore more than the roadside attractions, you'll need a vehicle approved for driving on the gravel roads.

 

Reykjavík

You’ll begin your motorhome trip in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. Stroll around one of the Viking museums, relax your muscles in a thermal pool or enjoy a scenic round of golf. There is plenty to do here before you set off on your Icelandic roadie.
 

Thingvellir National Park

Approximately 45 minutes driving from Reykjavík

This part of Iceland is magnificent, and the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Iceland (which we find hard to comprehend). Thingvellir National Park sits on two tectonic plates which are drifting apart. These raw geological changes are evident as you wander through the rocky valley. Did you know the HBO series Game of Thrones used this national park for filming? This area was the Wildling camping site.

 

Hraunfossar

Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes driving from Thingvellir National Park

You’ll witness a collection of cascading waterfalls running out of solidified lava fields. Could Hraunfossar get more amazing? The answer is yes. These glacial fed waters are so blue you’ll think your eyes are deceiving you. There are lots of separate waterfalls, you’ll have trouble getting them all in one photo - but try you must!

 

Myvatn Geothermal Area

Approximately 5 hours 10 minutes driving from Hraunfossar

This enchanting area is part of the Diamond Circle, and it covers a lot! Wander past geothermal mud pools, craters, lava pillars, the Mývatn Naturebaths and a lake inside a volcanic crater. Oh, did we mention the craggy Dimmuborgir Dark Fortress? These attractions are just a few exciting places to visit in Myvatn. The Hlid camping ground is on the north side of Lake Mývatn for those wanting to stay overnight.

 

Dettifoss

Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes driving from Myvatn Geothermal Area

We know it’s another waterfall, but Dettifoss is worth a look as the most powerful waterfall in Europe. You’ll have to park up and walk a little further to view Dettifoss, but its beauty is more than worth it. Keep an ear out: you’ll hear the surging waters before you see them.

 

Diamond Beach

Approximately 6 hours driving from Dettifoss

Head to Diamond Beach if you want to witness more of this island’s unique beauty. There’s something quite otherworldly about inky black volcanic sand and large chunks of ice sitting on the beach. The ice drifts ashore from the glacier lagoon, creating a contrast between the sand and ice. You may even see Atlantic puffins if you’re visiting during late spring or summer.

 

Crystal Caves

Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes driving from Seydisfjordur

If you are braving Iceland during the winter months, then the Crystal Ice Cave tour in Vatnajokull Glacier is an extreme must-do. You’ll visit a natural blue ice cave winding between two icebergs and wonder how this incredible piece of natural architecture came to be. Allow 2-3 hours for this exciting adventure; tours leave from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

 

Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk

Approximately 2 hours 50 minutes driving from Crystal Caves

An ice cave tour and a glacier walk? That’s right! For a real adventure, don’t skip the Sólheimajökull Glacier. Allow 3 hours for this easy trek (suitable for beginners) and get ready to gaze upon more amazing ice formations during this exhilarating hike.

 

Blue Lagoon

Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes driving from Sólheimajökull Glacier

The creamy blue waters of this geothermal spa are in a lava field in southwestern Iceland, also known as the Golden Circle. The waters are warm and inviting, and soaking your muscles is the perfect way to end your Iceland road trip before heading back to Reykjavík.

Leave some room for spontaneity while you’re exploring Iceland’s beautiful Ring Road. There’s something magical about stumbling upon unique landscapes and never knowing what’s waiting around the corner for you. Book your Iceland motorhome rental and see this breathtaking northern destination for yourself.