Embark on a road-tripping journey of a lifetime with our comprehensive guide to self-driving tours in Iceland. Tailored for the ardent traveler, this guide promises to transform your wanderlust into an epic adventure through Iceland's breathtaking landscapes. Prepare to create unforgettable memories with friends and family as you navigate through this mystical land.

Iceland’s Top Road Trips

Iceland is a country known for its stunning landscapes, with vast glaciers, hot springs, beautiful waterfalls, and active volcanoes. It's a place where you can witness the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun, depending on the season. Here are some of the best road trips you can take in Iceland:

The Epic Ring Road (Route 1)

Duration: Ideally 10-14 days
Highlights: The Golden Circle, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss Waterfall, the black sand beach near Vík (Reynisfjara), Diamond Beach, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Höfn, Seyðisfjörður, Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Akureyri, Hvítserkur, Hraunfossar
Best time to visit: Summer for midnight sun and puffins, winter for Northern Lights

This is the ultimate Icelandic road trip. Circling the entire island, the Ring Road is an 828-mile-long road that connects most of the inhabited parts of the country. The drive can be done in about a week, but it's recommended to take 10-14 days to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes and allow more time to enjoy each stop.

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The Classic Golden Circle

Duration: 1 day (300 kilometers / 190 miles)
Highlights: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, Strokkur spouting geyser, Gullfoss Waterfall, Faxi Waterfall, Friðheimar Tomato Farm, snorkeling in Silfra Fissure, Laugarvatnshellir cave, Brúarárfoss Waterfall, the Secret Lagoon, Kerið Crater, glacier activities

This popular tourist route covers about 190 miles, looping from Reykjavík into the southern uplands and back. It features three primary stops: the national park Þingvellir, the waterfall Gullfoss (meaning "golden falls"), and the geothermally active valley of Haukadalur, which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. There are many other stops to add along the way and you can also do the Golden Circle as part of your multi-day road trip around the country.

The Rugged Reykjanes Peninsula

Duration: 1 day
Highlights: the Blue Lagoon, Bridge Between Two Continents, Keilir, Gunnuhver hot spring, Kleifarvatn Lake, Reykjanes Lighthouse, Brimketill Lava Pool, the church at Hvalsnes, Seltún Geothermal area, Krýsuvík Cliffs

This trip can be done in a day from Reykjavík and includes hot springs, bird cliffs, and the famous Blue Lagoon. The Bridge between Two Continents, a small footbridge over a major fissure, is a symbolic bridge between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

The Wild and Wonderful Westfjords

Duration: 2-5 days
Highlights: Dynjandi Waterfall, tiny fishing villages, Hornstrandir Cliffs, Látrabjar Cliff, Valagil Canyon, Rauðasandur beach, Ísafjörður, seal spotting, unbeatable natural beauty, Hellulaug geothermal pool

This remote and rugged region of Iceland is perfect for a multi-day trip. It is less crowded than the Ring Road or Golden Circle and offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. Stops can include the Dynjandi waterfall, Látrabjarg bird cliffs, and the natural hot pools spread across the region. Add the Westfjords to your Ring Road tour and you will experience all of Iceland’s highlights.

The Mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Duration: 1-2 days
Highlights: Kirkjufell Mountain, Gerðuberg Cliffs, Saxhóll Crater, Berserkjahraun Lava Field, the black church at Búðir, Rauðfeldsgjá Canyon, Skarðsvík Beach, Stykkishólmur, Eldborg Crater, Gatklettur Arch, Snæfellsjökull Glacier

Known as "Iceland in Miniature," the peninsula is home to a national park, mountains, waterfalls, a lava field, a glacier, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and the waterfall right next to it. If you only have a few days in Iceland you can drive the south coast for waterfalls and volcanoes and the Snæfellsnes for everything else. This can be done as a long day trip from Reykjavík but we recommend staying one night at a cute accommodation in Snæfellsnes.

The Less-Explored Diamond Circle

Duration: 1-2 days (250 kilometers / 162 miles)
Highlights: Húsavík, Ásbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss Waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss Waterfall.

This is a magnificent circuit in North Iceland, which includes some of the most stunning sights and spots for unearthly landscapes. The Diamond Circle has five key destinations, which include the historical and picturesque Goðafoss, the unearthly blue and green landscapes of Lake Mývatn nature paradise, the uncontrollable white energy of Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, the crescent-shaped wonder of Ásbyrgi Canyon and Húsavík the buzzing whale watching capital of Iceland.

The Unique Arctic Coast Way

Duration: 8-9 days in its entirety
Highlights: FonturLighthouse, Grímsey Island, remote and quirky fishing villages, Húsavík, the Arctic Henge, Akureyri, Hrísey Island, Hvítserkur, Grettislaug Pool, stunning beaches and coastal roads, Hofsós Basalt Columns, Rauðanes Sea Stack, Stórikarl Sea Stack, Drangey Island, Flatey Island, Siglufjörður

Travelling the Arctic Coast Way means leaving the common routes behind and going off the beaten track to discover some of the most remote places in North Iceland. This is a unique adventure following 900 kilometers (560 miles) of coastal roads close to the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Coast Way covers the entire coastline of North Iceland from Hvammstangi in the west to Bakkafjörður in the east.

Things to Know Before an Iceland Road Trip

Weather Conditions

Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. Rain, snow, and wind can occur at any time, even during summer. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting out for the day.

Road Rules

Driving in Iceland can differ from what you're used to. Most of the roads are two-lane and in rural areas, you may encounter gravel roads. Sheep often wander freely, so stay alert. It's essential to familiarize yourself with local driving rules and etiquette.

Vehicle Choice

Choose your vehicle based on the routes you plan to explore. While most major roads are paved, a 4x4 vehicle might be necessary if you plan on venturing into Iceland's highlands or off the beaten path.

Practical Tips and Tricks for an Iceland Road Trip

Plan Your Itinerary and Stops

Given the sparse population and vast landscapes, planning your stops for food, fuel, and accommodations is essential. Also, consider the daylight hours. In winter, daylight is limited, while in summer, you can enjoy almost 24 hours of light.

Respect the Environment

Iceland is an ecological paradise. Follow the principle of leaving no trace. Stay on marked paths, don't litter, and respect wildlife. Sustainable tourism ensures that the beauty of Iceland can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Bring Essential Supplies

Pack a good map, GPS, warm clothes, rain gear, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Remember, Iceland is all about adventure, and being well-prepared will enhance your experience.

Iceland is an enchanting island nation brimming with natural beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes. With preparation and respect for the environment, your road trip in Iceland will undoubtedly be an adventure of a lifetime.

Hey Iceland is your local travel agent and we know everything there is to know about Iceland and how to make the most of your Iceland trip. Let us know what kind of road trip you want to do and we will put together the best itinerary for you.