Ring Road tours in Iceland

The Ring Road, also known as Route 1, is the main highway around the country. Like the name suggests, the road is circular in shape. It hugs the coast for most of its length, taking you past lava fields, black sand beaches, and hot springs.

Because it’s the main highway around the country, it’s also well served by gas stations and roadside cafés.

Tons of Iceland’s most famous attractions are easily accessed from Route 1. This means you can see the magical Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, jaw-dropping Lake Mývatn, and spectacular Seljalandsfoss waterfall all on the same route!

Whilst not technically part of the Ring Road, the popular Golden Circle route is easy to access from it and is covered by most itineraries. The Golden Circle includes the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, as well as Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park.

Get more ideas for your trip with this ultimate guide to driving Iceland’s Ring Road.

The Ring Road is drivable in both summer and winter. In summer, you’ll get longer days, meaning you can go further and fit more into your trip. In winter, the days are shorter, but you have the chance to hunt down the Northern Lights!

A summer Ring Road trip lets you see Iceland in its green glory. Driving conditions are also better. And there’s no beating the yellow-orange skies created by the midnight sun.

In the depths of winter, driving conditions can be a bit tricky due to snow and wind. If you’re after a winter Ring Road trip, the weather is better in late fall (October or November), or early spring (March or April).

Still undecided? Find out more about the best times to go to Iceland.

The total length of the Ring Road is 1,321 km (820 mi), which is about the same distance as Venice to Barcelona as the crow flies.

The Ring Road takes you through most regions of Iceland, including the south coast, East Iceland, North Iceland, and West Iceland. This makes it an excellent route to base your trip around!

You can technically drive the whole of Route 1 in around 2 days if you go non-stop. But driving the Ring Road isn’t just about covering the distance.

A 7-day itinerary gives you enough time to see the main sights. In a week, you can soak up the best of what each region has to offer and enjoy staying at different places in the countryside.

An 8-day or 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary is perfect for exploring North Iceland in depth. This part of Iceland is home to Lake Mývatn and magical hot springs.

Or you could add a detour to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, with its very own glacier and epic mountain hiking trails.

For sure, you’ve got a few options if you prefer not to drive the Ring Road.

You could go for a guided tour in a group, where you’ll see Iceland by bus with like-minded travelers. You’ll stop at the most popular attractions, learn all about them from your guide, and have the chance to make new buddies!

If you’re after something more tailored, a privately guided tour is for you. Your very own driver-guide will take you to see the top sights, as well as share stories and show you their personal favorite spots.

Another option is a multi-day tour from Reykjavík. This won’t allow you to see the whole Ring Road, but you’ll be able to visit some of its popular attractions like Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Vík.

With Iceland Tours, booking your getaway is a piece of cake. Start by picking one of the Iceland Ring Road itineraries above. On the trip page, enter your dates and the number of people in your group.

Next you have the option to customize your trip. Choose your accommodation level and, if you’ve chosen a self-drive or camping tour, your rental car.

If you like, you can add extra days in Reykjavík to the start or end of your vacation. And you’ll be able to fill these days with extra activities at checkout. That way, you’ll get even more out of your time in Iceland.

We take care of making all the arrangements and bookings for you. This means you can stay in different places around the Ring Road every night without the hassle of booking individual hotels by yourself. Auðvelt, er það ekki? (Easy right?)

Yes, you can customize your trip when you book online with Iceland Tours. Choose your accommodation level and, if you’re driving, your rental car.

You can also add extra days in Reykjavík at the start or end of your trip. That way you can spend time checking out the city’s restaurants, bars, museums, and galleries. Or you could add in extra activities like a dip in the Blue Lagoon or a whale-watching boat tour.

It’s a good idea to look through the Ring Road vacation packages before booking flights. Check whether your chosen trip is available on the dates you want to travel.

With Iceland Tours, you can pick any start date for self-drive trips or multi-day tours by bus. Guided group tours do have fixed dates though.

When you’re ready to go ahead, book your package with us online. Once you’ve received confirmation, you’re all set to buy your flights!

On a trip around the whole Ring Road, there’s a lot for you to see and do. So it pays to be prepared and pack:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Thermal fleeces and sweaters
• Warm underlayers
• Winter coat with waterproof outer layer
• Gloves and scarf
• Wool hat
• Swimming gear
• Sunglasses

In winter, it’s a good idea to pick up some moisturizer and lip balm to help protect your skin from the dry air.

In summer, make sure you bring sun protection, including a hat or cap and sun lotion. You might also want to pack an eye mask as it doesn’t get dark at night.

For all the info on what to expect, see our guide to Iceland’s weather and climate. And check out this Iceland packing list for more helpful tips on what to bring with you.