The Best Road Trips in Iceland

Iceland is a land of breathtaking landscapes and dramatic contrasts, where every road leads to an unforgettable adventure. From volcanic craters and glaciers to black sand beaches and geothermal wonders, a road trip offers the ultimate freedom to experience Iceland’s wild beauty at your own pace. 

Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights or taking in the Midnight Sun, these epic Icelandic road trips promise to leave you awestruck. Buckle up and get ready to discover the island’s most iconic routes, where the journey is just as extraordinary as the destination.

1. The Golden Circle 

The most popular sightseeing route in Iceland, the Golden Circle is a must-do if you’re hitting the Icelandic roads for the first time. Besides the three main attractions - Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and the Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park - there are lots of hidden sights you can explore along the way. It’s one of the easiest road trips from Reykjavík and you don’t need a 4x4!

Learn more about driving the Golden Circle.

2. The Diamond Circle 

This 250 km/155 mi route in Iceland’s North is equally impressive as the Golden Circle. Covering some of the most iconic sights in this region such as Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Akureyri, Ásbyrgi, and Húsavík, a Diamond Circle road trip takes you across some of the most otherworldly landscapes that distinguish Iceland. The main route can be covered in 1 to 3 days, although you should rent a 4x4 if you intend to drive on Highland roads, which are only accessible during the summer months.

3. The Ring Road 

Route 1 Iceland isn’t hyped up for no reason. This 1320 km/820 mi circuit connects most towns and villages in Iceland, passing through varied landscapes across some of the most breathtaking regions in the country. Whether you go clockwise or counterclockwise from Reykjavík, driving the Ring Road is one of the best ways to experience all that Iceland has to offer. To make the most of this route, we’d suggest allowing 1-2 weeks. That being said, you can complete the circuit in under a week at a conservative pace, or you can stretch your road trip out even longer if you want to explore hidden gems off the route.

4. South Coast Iceland 

Iceland’s South Coast is dotted with waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches, making it the ideal road trip if you don’t want to spend too much time in the car. Start off in the Icelandic capital and continue along Route 1 to explore iconic sights like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss up close. Southern towns are a complete adventure in themselves and one packed with history and culture. Don’t forget to try out the delicious seafood, including lobster soup, take long walks on the beach, and try the amazing outdoor activities the South Coast has to offer.

5. Westfjords Way 

Journey through dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords on the 950 km/590 mi Westfjords Way. Full of twists and turns, this road trip will truly take you off the beaten track in some of Iceland’s most remote regions. But waiting to be discovered is a historical treasure trove owing to the Westfjords’s rich cultural heritage. Small seaside towns and villages allow you to experience quiet Nordic living and inner peace, so you’ll come back rejuvenated after your road trip.

6. The Eastfjords

If you truly want to venture into the heart of small-town Iceland, then the Eastfjords road trip is the one for you. With each town having its own detour and fjords connected by tunnels, this coastal drive will allow you to experience the beauty of Iceland’s eastern towns and villages. Breiðdalsvík, for instance, is a lively village with its own brewery. 18th-century trading hub Djúpivogur, on the other hand, has wooden houses overlooking the cove where vessels dock and offers a quieter escape.

Each of Iceland’s road trip routes offers a unique slice of the island’s natural beauty and rich culture. Whether you’ve ventured around the famous Golden Circle, explored the remote Westfjords, or uncovered the hidden gems of the Diamond Circle, Iceland’s landscapes are bound to leave an imprint on your soul. 

Road-tripping through Iceland isn’t just about the destinations—it’s about embracing the freedom to explore a world of endless wonder, where every twist and turn reveals something extraordinary. So, choose your rental car, pack your bags, hit the road, and let the adventure begin!

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