Iceland Road Trip

In Iceland, the island of fire and ice, incredible natural spectacles, endless expanses, and thrilling adventures await. So what could be better than exploring the island on a road trip? To ensure you don't miss any highlights, we have put together the perfect Iceland road trip itinerary.

Volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, and much more come to mind when we think of Iceland, the largest volcanic island on our planet. Iceland has long become one of the most popular vacation destinations for adventurous travelers. Some stay for just a few days, while others linger for weeks, but they all share one common goal: to see as much of the island as possible in the shortest time. To help you make the most of your trip, we present the ultimate Iceland road trip, guiding you to the most beautiful spots. Additionally, we'll share valuable tips on car rentals, show you how to find cheap flights to Iceland, and which towns on your journey you should consider for hotel stays.

When is the best time to visit Iceland? It depends on what you want to see. During the summer months from June to early September, which are considered peak travel time, you can expect pleasant temperatures and many hours of sunshine. However, in the colder months from October to March, you not only have the chance to witness the spectacular Northern Lights, but you also avoid the large tourist crowds. Keep in mind that some roads may be closed during the winter months, which could complicate your Iceland road trip. The following table shows the advantages of each travel season. For more detailed information, take a look at our travel calendar, where you can learn more about the best time to visit Iceland.

Flights to Iceland are often not as expensive as you might think. In the off-season, you can book a flight to Reykjavik for under $150 with a bit of luck. It's best to check the flight search on Icelandair. During our visits to Iceland, we flew several times with the airline and can definitely recommend it. On the airline's website, you can find not only affordable flight tickets but also exciting vacation packages that include flights and hotels, as well as a variety of offers for activities in Iceland.

You may have heard that there are a few things to consider when renting a car in Iceland. Is a 4WD - a rental car with all-wheel drive - necessary? What insurance should I take out, and what special traffic rules should I be aware of? Below, we answer the most important questions that arise when planning an Iceland road trip.

First of all, we can tell you that renting a car in Iceland is not exactly cheap. Particularly, renting a vehicle with all-wheel drive can be very expensive, so you should carefully consider your road trip route in advance to determine if you need a Jeep or something similar. On average, the cost of a rental car without all-wheel drive is around $65 per day, including fuel. The minimum age for renting is at least 20 years.

If you're planning to drive the Ring Road - where you can explore the entire island - and do not plan to venture into the highlands, a regular rental car will suffice for your Iceland road trip. Read further down to find out which attractions are located along the Ring Road and which ones require you to head into the highlands.

The highland tracks in Iceland are referred to as F-roads, making them easy to identify. Not every all-wheel-drive vehicle is suited for the highlands. Many smaller SUVs, like a Suzuki Jimny, often struggle despite 4WD on the rough terrain. If you intend to take tours into the highlands, a Jeep with larger tires is recommended.

In our rental car search, you'll quickly find various types of vehicles with suitable offers after entering your travel dates, so you won't have to search long or compare prices. This provides you with a good overview of the costs you should budget for a rental car during your Iceland road trip. It's not only practical but also gives you a consistent point of reference for your planning.

Once you're on the road with your rental car, you should only drive on paved roads - off-road driving is prohibited and is punishable by high fines for environmental protection reasons. You must adhere to the respective speed limits of 50-90 km/h, as many roads have speed cameras. Also, keep in mind that in Iceland, you should always drive with your lights on - both at night and during the day. Daytime running lights are mandatory!

General speed limit rules in Iceland:

Comprehensive insurance is usually already included in the rental price; if you want to be on the safe side, it makes sense to choose the slightly more expensive option without a deductible. This way, you won't incur any costs in the event of damage. It's also important to have thorough insurance against stone chips and coverage for damage caused by ash storms, which occur particularly in the highlands and southern Iceland. It may sound intense, but with these insurances, you will be well prepared for your Iceland road trip. By the way, undercarriage insurance is not available in Iceland. Also, tire and glass insurance are not included in rental car insurances on the island and, if you want to add these, they are often very expensive.

Before we introduce some of our absolute favorite routes in Iceland, here are tips from our Job of Your Life winner Eyleen. In February 2023, she tested a road trip in Iceland and brought her impressions from the land of fire and ice. Make sure to check it out and find out which places Eyleen believes are truly worth a visit. We can reveal to you that the country made it to the list of her favorite countries at the end of her world tour.

No matter how long you plan to vacation in Iceland, you should definitely drive beyond the borders of Reykjavik. Are you perhaps planning to stay on the island for just three to four days to see the Northern Lights? Are you planning a week-long vacation? Or do you have a bit more time to explore every corner of Iceland? We have put together appropriate routes for each of you and will introduce the stops in more detail. Of course, you can also simply let yourself be inspired and plan your road trip based on what you absolutely want to see.

If you are planning a short stay of three to five days on the island, there are some activities around Reykjavik that are ideal. Here's what a possible Iceland road trip itinerary could look like in that time:

If you are spending a whole week in Iceland, you'll have enough time to cover many of the island's highlights. It's best to grab a rental car right at the airport and set off. We have provided you with a sample itinerary for a 7-day road trip in Iceland:

For a relaxed Iceland road trip, where you circle the island on Route 1, we recommend a duration of 10-15 days. This way, you can space out the stops and have enough time to see the natural spectacles and attractions while participating in exciting excursions.

Stops on the Grand Iceland Road Trip

The Iceland road trip begins in Reykjavík, the capital of the country. After your arrival at Iceland's international airport, Keflavík Airport, you are just 30 miles away from Reykjavík, which is not only Iceland's largest city but also the northernmost capital in the world. Tip: When booking your rental car, make sure you can pick it up directly at the airport, thus saving you the bus transfer into the city, which costs about $20 each way.

Around 120,000 of Iceland's 340,000 residents live in the smoke bay, as Reykjavík is translated. Museums, universities, shopping streets, impressive churches like Hallgrímskirkja, as well as political institutions such as the parliament are located here, making Reykjavík a vibrant city that you should definitely get to know! The nightlife around Laugavegur street is also worth experiencing.

Before your Iceland road trip starts in Reykjavík, you should definitely explore the city with our detailed tips; there is plenty to discover. From the capital of Iceland, you can also embark on an exciting volcano tour to the lava fields and craters located just outside the city, or (after a night out) relax a bit in the famous Blue Lagoon, not far from Keflavík Airport.

Reykjavík Bucket List

✓ Take a photo with Hallgrímskirkja

✓ Enjoy a bath at the geothermal beach Nauthólsvík

✓ Treat yourself to a hot dog

✓ Explore the city by city bike

✓ Take advantage of happy hour in the numerous bars on Laugavegur

The Golden Circle is probably the most famous route in Iceland. It is quickly accessible from Reykjavík and is the next destination on our Iceland road trip.

On the Golden Circle, you can admire several well-known natural spectacles in Iceland all within one day. Perfect for those who are visiting the island for just a few days. No matter how long you have, you should definitely visit the three main attractions: Þingvellir National Park, the geothermal area Haukadalur with the Great Geysir and Strokkur, as well as the Gullfoss waterfall. If you're not pressed for time and have a few extra days, we also recommend stopping at other smaller natural spectacles like the crater lake Kerið.

Prepare for the fact that the attractions on the Golden Circle are particularly popular in the summer months and can sometimes be a bit crowded. To avoid large tourist crowds, you should start your drive to the Golden Circle's attractions early in the morning. From 9 AM onward, the first attraction, Þingvellir National Park, can get quite busy. Please note that while the highlights of the Golden Circle are free of charge, you will need to pay for parking at Þingvellir National Park. 750 kronur, about $5, will be charged per vehicle and can be paid at a machine directly at the park entrance.

This part of the Iceland road trip from Reykjavík to Kerið covers about 106 miles and can easily be completed in one day. Vacation Guru Tip: Have you ever heard of the Silfra Fissure? This is the place where the continental plates of Europe and America meet, allowing you to dive and snorkel between two continents, located in Þingvellir National Park.

You should look for a hotel in the town of Selfoss (be careful not to confuse it with the waterfall in the north). In the largest town in southern Iceland, you have a number of hotels and vacation apartments available. Alternatively, you can also head to the small coastal town of Eyrarbakki.

Golden Circle Bucket List

✓ Visit the Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir National Park

✓ Watch Strokkur erupt

✓ Take a photo in front of Gullfoss

✓ Walk along the crater rim of Kerið

The next destination on the Iceland road trip is the south of the island, where impressive waterfalls, Iceland's most famous volcano, and the renowned black sand beach Reynisfjara await you. The first kilometers of the road trip lead to Seljalandsfoss, one of the island's most famous waterfalls. The unique feature is that you can walk behind the waterfall and take stunning pictures. Again, the early bird avoids the tourist crowds. Note: There is a parking fee of about $5 at the parking lot directly in front of Seljalandsfoss. Near Seljalandsfoss is also the famous volcano Eyjafjallajökull, which caused chaos in air traffic with its eruption in 2010. A name that has not left our minds since then.

During your Iceland road trip in the south of the island, you will also pass by Skógafoss waterfall, celebrated for its enormous width of 82 feet. In addition to the waterfall, you can climb an observation platform which provides a great view of the edge of Skógafoss.

From the waterfall, you can also embark on hikes into the highlands, to the Fimmvörðuháls plateau, and Landmannalaugar. The hike encompasses up to 50 miles and is a true favorite among those keen on hiking in Iceland. Small hostels like the Baldvinsskáli offer good and affordable overnight accommodations on the way to the highlands. If you want to hike the entire route, it will take you several days. During such a hike, you'll pass the 'Rainbow Mountains,' which, as their name implies, shine in splendid, vibrant colors. If you're only planning a day trip to Landmannalaugar, you can drive there from Vík í Mýrdal but note that you'll need an all-wheel-drive vehicle for this part of the route, as you can only access Landmannalaugar via the highland tracks (F-roads).

About 7 miles from Skógafoss waterfall, there is a parking lot where you can park if you want to hike to the Solheimasandur plane wreck. The walk of about four miles is worth it, and the photo you'll take here is almost a must! If you arrive before 9 AM, you likely find the site quite empty in the summer months, allowing you to take your photos undisturbed.

The last stop of the day is the Reynisfjara beach, which captivates us with its black sand and has even been nominated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If the famous black beach gets too crowded, you can alternatively head to Kirkjufjara Beach, which is only a few miles away. Although the beach should not be accessed due to the danger posed by strong tides, you can enjoy great views of the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, the Reynisfjara beach, and the Reynisdrangar cliffs that rise out of the sea.

After one night in Vik, you will finally head to the 95 kilometers distant Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon near the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The two-hundred meter long and up to one hundred meter deep canyon is particularly protected and definitely worth a visit. It slightly resembles a Lord of the Rings shooting location, what do you think?

From Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the Iceland road trip continues along the southeast coastline to Vatnajökull National Park. Here, specifically in Skaftafell National Park, there awaits another breathtaking waterfall in Iceland, the Svartifoss, which is also known as the Black Waterfall due to its black basalt columns. The Svartifoss is located in the national park, at the foot of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe.

Tip: Take one of the well-marked hiking trails and make sure to familiarize yourself with Skaftafell National Park away from its most famous attraction, the Svartifoss. Here, even during the busy summer season, you can hike for hours through the Icelandic nature without encountering a soul. Simply wonderful! Additionally, guided glacier tours over the impressive ice plateau of Vatnajökull start from the visitor center in the national park. During a tour that usually lasts 3-4 hours, you might discover Morsárfoss, the highest waterfall in Iceland at 745 feet.

On your way to Höfn, a relatively larger town in the southeast by Icelandic standards, you will also pass the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, which is not only the deepest lake on the island but also one of the most beautiful. The play of colors, especially at sunset, is magical. The deep blue of the ice mixes with the black of the ash and the reddish tones of the sun. We especially recommend a guided kayak tour over Jökulsárlón, where you can paddle up close to the lagoon's icebergs and, with a bit of luck, watch the seals that live here. If you're not brave enough for that, you can also join a boat tour across the glacial lagoon.

Also, make sure to take a detour to Diamond Beach! At the beach where the icy water of Jökulsárlón meets the rough ocean, you can find clear ice chunks on the pitch-black sand even in summer. A fantastic contrast!

The eastern part of Iceland is one of the less touristy areas of the island, which does not make it any less worth visiting. Thanks to the many rugged fjords, a drive along the east coast from Höfn to Egilsstaðir, the largest city in eastern Iceland, is a feast for the eyes.

On this section of the Iceland road trip, you can expect to drive for miles without encountering another vehicle or village. So be sure to fill up your gas tank before heading east! With a bit of luck, during the winter months in eastern Iceland, you also have good chances of seeing the impressive Northern Lights. Since the distance from Höfn to Egilsstaðir can be quite long, we recommend booking a hotel in one of the small towns by the East Fjords, such as Austurbyggð or Reyðarfjörður. Here you will also find gas stations and supermarkets to replenish your supplies.

Once you arrive in Egilsstaðir, you should visit Lake Lagarfljót and get to the bottom of the legend of the monster living in the lake. Myths and legends like this will crop up repeatedly during your stay in Iceland. Did you know that many Icelanders believe that small, elfin-like beings live on the island, whose powers even influence construction projects? While this might seem odd at first, it makes a certain amount of sense when you look at the magical landscapes, doesn't it? By the way, Lake Lagarfljót is home to not only Iceland's largest forest but also the waterfalls Litlanesfoss and Hengifoss, which are definitely worth a visit - even if it requires a longer hike to reach them.

The next kilometers of the Iceland road trip take you from Egilsstaðir in the east to Akureyri in the north of Iceland. However, before you reach Iceland's fourth-largest city, you can stop at other popular attractions along the island. After about 100 miles of road trip, you'll reach Dettifoss, one of Europe's strongest waterfalls.

The mighty waterfall is fed by the Vatnajökull glacier, with its meltwater first cascading down the Selfoss, then Dettifoss, and finally Hafragilsfoss, before flowing into the Arctic Ocean. The great thing is: Unlike at the more touristy waterfalls in Iceland, there are no fences separating you from the roaring waters at Dettifoss, so you can walk right along the rocky riverbank and the edge of the waterfall. A visit to the three waterfalls is particularly magical at sunset!

Lake Mývatn is the next destination on the Iceland road trip. On the way there, make sure to make a stop at the high-temperature field Hverarönd in the Námaskarð Pass, which offers numerous hot springs and steaming craters thanks to the activity of the Krafla volcano. If this place weren't so uniquely beautiful, one might almost say it looks like how it would appear in the underworld. However, let it be said: Hverarönd is not for those sensitive to odors!

The scenery around Mývatn is idyllic, characterized by volcanic activity. A hike through the world-renowned lava field Dimmuborgir, which transports you to another world with its bizarre tuff formations; a bath in the geothermal pool Jarðböð (also called Mývatn Nature Baths); or a visit to the Grjótagjá cave, which attracted Jon Snow and Ygritte in Game of Thrones, are all experiences available at Lake Mývatn, before this section of the Iceland road trip finally concludes in the town of Akureyri.

On the northern and western coasts of Iceland, you may encounter some of the most fascinating sea creatures: whales. If you've always wanted to see mink, humpback, sperm, and with a bit of luck, blue and orca whales, the towns of Húsavík and Akureyri are the places to be. Whale watching tours, which typically cost between $80 and $200, are usually offered daily, and at the whale museum in Húsavík, you can inform yourself in advance about the history and occurrence of whales along Iceland's coast.

If your thirst for adventure is not yet satisfied, you should next head to the far west, a real hidden gem of Iceland. Like the eastern part of the island, the landscape is composed of hundreds of fjords where tiny villages and magnificent natural wonders hide. While most tourists stick to the Ring Road or the Golden Circle, those of you who are explorers should definitely take a detour to the Vestfirðir Peninsula. You absolutely must see the Dynjandi waterfall, which consists of several waterfalls and cascades down 330 feet.

In summer, you can spend the night at a small campsite here or continue to Ísafjörður, the northernmost town, and book a hotel there. The landscapes in the west offer an ideal backdrop for discovering them on the back of a genuine Icelandic horse. Trade your rental car for a short while for one of the shaggy ponies and enjoy the scenery in tölt and pace.

The last stop of our Iceland road trip is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which translates to 'Snow Mountain Peninsula.' Even if you might not have heard of this island yet, you should definitely pay a visit to Snæfellsnes. The peninsula is referred to as 'Iceland in Miniature.' This means that you'll find the scenic beauty of the volcanic island concentrated here, which is why the entire western part of the island has been designated as a national park.

Countless hiking trails lead you to the most beautiful spots on the peninsula, such as the black beach Djúpalónssandur, the Malarrif fjord, or atop Kirkjufell mountain, which is the most photographed mountain in Iceland and looks magical in both summer and winter. You can find a hotel in Snæfellsnes in Ólafsvík, Grundarfjörður, or Stykkishólmur.

Snæfellsnes Bucket List

✓ Photograph the Kirkjufell mountain

✓ Explore the Rauðfeldargjá gorge

✓ Visit the beach Djúpalónssandur

✓ Go on an orca watching tour

✓ Bathe in the Landbrotalaug hot pot

Snæfellsnes is only about 125 miles from Keflavik Airport, making the peninsula the perfect final stop and a fitting conclusion to your Iceland road trip. For the suggested itinerary, we would recommend a 10-15 day trip across the island, depending on which stops of the road trip you wish to explore in detail or skip.

However, you can also cover some of the described stops in seven or eight days and see many of Iceland's sights. But amidst all that driving, don't forget to stop and enjoy the views! Even though it might be challenging to do so after some time: At the airport, you can easily return your rental car after your Iceland road trip and catch your flight directly back to the United States. Until next time, because once you've been to Iceland, you'll always want to return!