The Perfect 7-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
Are you planning on driving Iceland’s Ring Road? Here’s the perfect 7-day Iceland ring road itinerary including the best stops, hotels, and our top tips.
Of all the itineraries in Iceland, this one is probably our favourite. The Ring Road is a classic road trip drive that we think everyone should do at least once in their life.
The scenery is stunning. You can see such a huge range of sites, from incredible waterfalls to glaciers, volcanic craters, geothermal pools, and huge lava fields.
We’ve recently returned from driving the Ring Road in 7 days, and it’s one of our favourite trips to Iceland to date. We saw so much, and it was honestly incredible. However, it definitely involves a little more planning than your average holiday.
There is a lot of driving involved, a lot of different stops, and a lot to consider when it comes to weather. Plus, you’ll need to think about where to stay, and arrange this in advance – especially if you’re travelling in the summer months.
So, if you’re considering driving the Ring Road in Iceland, here’s everything you need to know and our exact itinerary.
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Iceland Must-Do’s!
Short on time? These are 4 bucket-list things you NEED to do when driving the Ring Road! ❤️
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Day 1: Golden Circle
For your first day in Iceland, you’ll start by picking up the hire car. We booked a 4X4 for this trip as it allowed us to drive into the highlands.
If you’re following this exact itinerary, you’ll need a 4-wheel drive as well!
Once you’ve collected your car, head to the Golden Circle. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Iceland, but, if we’re being completely honest, the scenery isn’t as good as the rest of the country.
Sure, the Geysir is cool, but there are other places we seriously prefer. Plus, this place can get extremely crowded, especially in peak season.
Nonetheless, you can’t come to Iceland and not see the Golden Circle, so, in our opinion, it makes a perfect first day.
🚗 This is the company we use to hire a car in Iceland, and we LOVE them!
Thingvellir National Park
For your first stop, head to Thingvellir National Park. This is one of the most famous parks in Iceland, mostly known for its geological formations and tectonic plates. It’s one of the places in the country where you can walk between two plates.
The scenery here is beautiful. We’ve visited many times, and love the fact that you can walk through the tectonic plates, plus we love the views over the lakes.
If you’re heading to Thingvellir, we recommend this hike, which encompasses all the best sights in the park. It should take you around an hour, but maybe more, depending on how long you stop for pictures!
Geysir
Your next stop will be Geysir, the famous geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley.
Although the Great Geysir is dormant, the main attraction of the area is Strokkur, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air.
It’s personally my favourite spot on the Golden Circle, despite the crowds you often get here.
As well as the Geysir itself, be sure to explore the rest of the area, as there are some more dormant geysers and some great views.
Gullffoss
After that, drive 10 minutes down the road to Gullfoss, the famous waterfall on the Golden Circle.
This multi-tiered waterfall plunges into a gorge and is nicknamed Golden Falls because of how the light glitters off the water in the sun. This is also how the Golden Circle gets its name.
There are several viewpoints here.
The top platform will give you a fantastic overview, whereas the path down to the water’s edge will allow you to see the waterfall up close. This is only open in the summer months, however, as it’s too dangerous and icy in winter.
TOP TIP: This is also a great place to grab some food. They have a large visitor centre with a cafe, toilets, and a shop on site.
Kerid Crater
Your final stop of the day is Kerid Crater. To get here, drive south about 45 minutes from Gullfoss. You’ll pass Fludir and, if you have time, you might want to consider a dip in the Secret Lagoon along the way.
This is the only attraction on the Golden Circle that you have to pay to enter. The fee is only 600 ISK, which is around $4.50 or £3.65, and parking is free.
The crater is estimated to be about 3,000 years old. But what makes Kerid unique is its vivid red slopes and the bright blue lake that rests at the bottom.
You can walk around the crater, giving panoramic views from above. Then, head down the steps to the water’s edge for a closer look. However, be careful on a windy day, as it can get very blustery at the top.
TOP TIP: If you fancy adding another spot to your itinerary, this hotel isn’t too far from Reykjadalur thermal river, which is a beautiful hike.
Stay at Hotel Selfoss
For your first night, we recommend staying in Selfoss. Hotel Selfoss is a great little hotel which is also reasonably affordable.
This is one of the best hotels along the south coast and we loved our stay here.
The hotel has an on-site spa and is within walking distance of our favourite food hall in Iceland, which sells a delicious selection of street food.
Also, if you’re visiting in the winter months or in September, they also offer a northern lights wake-up call if you can see the lights above the hotel.
🏨 We stayed at Hotel Selfoss, and it was the perfect place to rest after a long day of exploring. Highly recommend!
Day 2: South Coast to Kirkjubæjarklaustur
On your second day, we’re going to start heading down the south coast of Iceland, towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a small village past Vik.
There are some fantastic things to do on this drive, including some of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls.
Also, check out our guide to driving from Reykjavik to Vik for more inspiration.
Seljalandsfoss
This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland – and for good reason!
You can walk all the way around the falls, and they offer spectacular views over the countryside. Plus, if you visit at sunset, you’ll get an incredible orange glow behind the water.
This is a stop that all of the south coast tours will stop at, so it might be a little busy. However, it’s worth it.
TOP TIP: Be sure to wear waterproof clothing, as the spray from the falls will definitely get you wet!
Gljúfrabúi
This waterfall is just a short 10-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss; however, it’s much less visited and a bit of a hidden gem.
Tucked away inside a cave, Gljufrabui is more challenging to get to as you have to walk through a stream to see it. However, we actually preferred it to Seljalandsfoss, and it ended up being one of our favourite waterfalls on our trip.
You’ll definitely need waterproofs for this one, and it’s a pretty magical setting!
Skogafoss
Iceland’s most famous waterfall, despite its popularity, you’re going to love Skogafoss! Located just 20 minutes by car from Seljalandsfoss, this huge 60-meter-tall cascade is incredibly impressive.
There are several ways to see it – either you can view the falls from the bottom, or walk up the steps to see them from above.
This is actually the start of one of Iceland’s most famous hikes as well, but since you’re doing this Iceland Ring Road itinerary in 7 days, you unfortunately won’t have time for that on this trip!
We personally prefer the views of Skogafoss from the bottom; however, it’s still worth climbing to the top.
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
After you leave Skogafoss, prepare yourself for one of the most bucket-list adventures you can do on any trip to Iceland: a glacier hike!
We did a hike here on our very first trip to Iceland, and after many trips back, it still remains one of our favourite memories.
You’ll need to book this in advance as spots sell out quickly, especially in the summer. You’ll meet the guides on location and, in total, spend around an hour on the ice, including exploring deep crevices in the glacier and even drinking the glacier water.
It’s honestly so much fun!
❤️ We highly recommend booking a glacier hike in Iceland – it’s one of the most enjoyable things we’ve ever done!
Reynisfjara Beach
Next, head to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This is the most famous beach in Iceland and a must-see on any south coast itinerary. The beach can get quite crowded, but since you’re visiting in the afternoon, you should miss many of the larger tour groups.
On the beach, you can admire the basalt columns, see the dramatic rock formations, and explore some huge caves.
But be sure to be careful of the waves here and check the signs before you step onto the beach. Reynisfjara is known for its deadly sneaker waves, which can drag people out to sea, so never turn your back to the water.
TOP TIP: If you have time, you can also squeeze in a visit to Gígjagjá here!
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
For our final stop of the day, head further along the south coast to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This used to be much more of a hidden gem until a Justin Bieber music video made it famous. These days, it’s one of the most popular canyons in Iceland.
The trail is an easy 15-20 minute walk from the car park, and the views at the end are quite magnificent. You’ll reach a viewing platform where you can see back into the canyon and several waterfalls as well.
Stay at Hótel Klaustur
Tonight, stay in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, at Hotel Klaustur. This puts you in a great location to start your journey tomorrow morning, plus it’s more affordable than staying in Vik, which can be quite expensive.
The hotel is a comfy 4* hotel with an on-site restaurant and, if you visit in the darker months, you can see the northern lights from the hotel on a clear night.
🏨 Located right along the Ring Road, Hotel Klaustur is a convenient and cosy spot to spend the night.
Day 3: Skaftafel and Glacier Lagoon
Today, we’re heading further east, past the largest glacier in Europe and through part of the Eastfjords. In our opinion, this section of the Ring Road is home to some of the most incredible drives in all of Iceland. The scenery is just incredible.
However, this is also one of the most remote parts of Iceland. There aren’t many shops or fuel stations, so be sure to fill up your car whenever you can.
Svartifoss
Your first stop will be Svartifoss waterfall. This impressive cascade is located in Skaftafell National Park and will take around an hour to drive to from the hotel.
It’s a bit of a hike and will take around an hour from the car park to reach the waterfall. However, you can see another waterfall along the way, plus the views over the surroundings are pretty beautiful.
At the waterfall itself, there are several areas where you can view it. From the bridge, you can walk down and see Svartifoss up close. This is a really unique waterfall and one of the inspirations for the design of Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Next, continue along the Ring Road to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
This is another incredibly popular spot in Iceland and also one of the most unique, with hundreds of icebergs that break off one of the glacier tongues floating in the lagoon.
These are eventually washed out to sea, but, while they’re in the lagoon, you can also go on a boat tour out to see the iceberg up close. We highly recommend this as it’s truly one of the best things to do in Iceland.
You might also spot seals swimming among the icebergs.
❤️ Book a boat tour onto the Glacier Lagoon to see the icerbegs up close!
Diamond Beach
Right next to Jokulsarlon, you’ll find Diamond Beach. This is another of Iceland’s black sand beaches, but this one is quite unique. All the icebergs that float out of the lagoon end up here before they are washed out to sea.
The beach is often littered with hundreds of icebergs that glitter in the sun and create an incredibly picturesque landscape.
TOP TIP: You can walk from Jokulsarlon to Diamond Beach and back again; however, you’ll have to cross a single-lane bridge. If you did drive across, you’ll need to pay to park twice.
Vestrahorn
For your final stop of the day before your accommodation, head to Vestrahorn. This is another incredible black sand beach further east in Iceland, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Jokulsarlon.
This place is much less crowded than the glacier lagoon and, in a way, more beautiful with dark mountains framing the beach and, if you visit at low tide, you’ll see a beautiful reflection in the water.
Don’t forget to visit the nearby Viking Village too, a replica of a former Icelandic settlement.
TOP TIP: The next part of Iceland is very remote, so we recommend grabbing any food you’ll need for breakfast and lunch and filling up the car in Hofn before setting off.
Stay in Bragdavellir Cottages
On day 3, we recommend staying in the Eastfjords. Many people would stay in Hofn today, and you could definitely do this; however, this’ll make tomorrow’s drive very long, so we suggest driving a little further today.
Bragdavellir Cottages are a family-owned business, and their cute wooden cottages have everything you’ll need for a cosy night in. They also have a restaurant on site called the Barn Restaurant, which serves dinner until 9pm.
🏨 We highly recommend Bragdavellir Cottages – it’s a perfect base for exploring the East Fjords.
Day 4: Eastfjords
Today is a long driving day as we’ll be heading up the entire east side to the north. However, it’s broken up by some of the coolest stops in eastern Iceland.
You’ll be visiting one of the coolest waterfalls in the country, and an incredible canyon with some of the bluest water we’ve ever seen.
Hengifoss
Hengifoss is another of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. The drive there will take you up into the mountains of the Eastfjords – it’s quite a rough road and can get cloudy there even in the summer months, so be careful.
The drive will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes from your cottages from the night before. Once you reach the car park, you’ll find another hiking trail ahead of you.
This is also a pretty steep one and will take around an hour each way, depending on your speed. The views of the waterfall are just incredible, and the deep red stripes in the rocks are what make Hengifoss so unique.
TOP TIP: You’ll also find toilets here, a cafe, and a small food truck in the car park, which sells the most delicious waffles – perfect if you need a little sugar after the hike!
Studlagil Canyon
Once you’ve left Hengifoss, head further north to Studlagil Canyon.
This place is quite close to Hengifoss, but due to the mountains, you almost have to drive back on yourself and around – so it’s a little annoying! This drive will take another hour and 20 minutes.
Once you arrive at Studlagil, you’ll find two car parks: the east side and the west.
The east is located furthest from the canyon and will take around 30-40 minutes each way on foot to reach it. However, this will allow you to get closest to the canyon, and you can get right down to the water.
The west side has a visitor centre, a cafe, and a tall viewing platform with around 200 steps to get down. You can’t actually go into the canyon itself from here, and you can only get to a metal viewpoint above.
Both are good ways to view the canyon, but we personally preferred the view from the east. Just be aware that this will take a lot longer.
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Dettifoss
Next, head another hour and a half to the north of Iceland to the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is pretty impressive, and the 100-meter-wide cascade is one of the coolest waterfalls in Iceland.
To reach it, it is just a short 10-15 minute walk from the car park. There are signs which you can follow which will take you to several viewpoints.
While you’re there, be sure to walk further down the river to Selfoss as well. It’s not as large or powerful, but it is another beautiful waterfall in the area, surrounded by basalt columns.
Stay at Fosshotel Myvatn
From there, drive 44 minutes down to your hotel for the night. We recommend staying at Fosshotel Myvatn, a 4* hotel located in the popular Lake Myvatn area. We definitely recommend booking this in advance as it will likely sell out quickly.
The hotel has stylish rooms, an on-site restaurant and a sauna and is in the perfect location for tomorrow’s activities!
🏨 We recommend booking Fosshotel Mývatn; it’s stylish, comfortable, and perfectly located for tomorrow’s activities!
Day 5: North Iceland
On day 5, we’re exploring the north of Iceland. This part of the country is mainly known for its volcanic landscapes, and you’ll once again be seeing some truly incredible drives today.
The scenery is full of colourful mountains and volcanic craters, and you’ll be exploring geothermal areas, lava fields, soaking in thermal spas.
Plus, you’ll also be crossing something else off your Iceland bucket list – another of the most magical experiences we’ve ever had in the country.
Hverir Geothermal Area
This is north Iceland’s most impressive geothermal area. You’ll find boardwalks over bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and some huge sulfur deposits.
There’s also very little vegetation, but the colours are also pretty epic here with vibrant shades of yellow, red, and orange.
As with many of the geothermal areas in Iceland, the air is a little pongy, but the scenery is worth it, trust us!
Myvatn Nature Baths
Can you really visit Iceland and not go for a dip in a thermal spa? Myvatn Nature Baths is North Iceland’s answer to the famous Blue Lagoon.
You can soak in the milky blue waters, grab a drink at the swim-up bar, and admire the stunning views over black volcanic scenery.
❤️ Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance, as slots can fill up fast!
Dimmuborgir Lava Field
This is a truly curious place and home to some of the most unique scenery in Iceland.
Dimmuborgir is a huge lava field. It’s also full of Icelandic myth and legend and is said to be home to the famous Yule Lads. During the festive season, you’ll find a lot of people dressed as Yule Lads in the park – it’s a bit of a Christmas tradition!
There are several easy walking routes around the area, including several unique rock formations. The ‘two trolls kissing’ is one of the formations, and the famous archway is another great place to see.
Godafoss
With its name meaning “Waterfall of the Gods”, this is the perfect stop to break up the drive between Lake Myvatn and Akureyri.
Godafoss is one of the most impressive waterfalls in North Iceland. There are several ways to view the falls, and two sides with different viewing platforms.
We personally preferred the left-hand viewing platform as it allowed you to get closer to the water. Plus, there was a section there where you could walk down the water’s edge.
Nonetheless, we thought both sides were worth going to, if you want to see the falls from all angles.
Akureyri
Next, head into the city of Akureyri. This is the largest city in the north and the second largest city in the entire country.
There are a few notable things to see here, including the church, the iconic heart-shaped traffic lights, the photo signs, the museum, and the botanical garden.
We spent a few days in Akureyri in winter and absolutely loved it there.
It’s also home to the Forest Lagoon, a beautiful geothermal pool surrounded by trees and with views over the fjords.
We recommend going for a little wander around the city centre, and perhaps grabbing a hot dog from the stand near the church!
Whale Watching
This is another of the best experiences we’ve ever had in Iceland. Whale watching is just incredible, and seeing these magnificent creatures in the wild should be on everyone’s bucket list.
North Iceland is famous for its whale watching, particularly around Akureyri and Husavik. We went from Akureyri as the fjord you sail through is much more sheltered, and I get a little sea sick.
However, Husavik is also a fantastic option. It’s located around an hour from Akureyri, though, so you’ll need to consider the time factor if you choose this option.
You can see whales here all year round. Summer is the most popular season, and you’re more likely to see more whales in the summer months; however, we sailed in mid-January and saw a humpback whale.
This is definitely one of the best things to do in North Iceland, so don’t miss!
🐋 We highly recommend whale watching in Akureyri as it was one of the highlights of our trip to Iceland!
TOP TIP: Pick up some food for the night before you leave Akureyri. Your accommodation is self-catering, but there are no restaurants nearby.
Stay in Bólstaðarhlíð Guesthouse
Finally, head to your accommodation for the night. Tomorrow is a another long drive, so we’ve picked this option to get you as close to your starting point as possible.
This guesthouse is right around the corner from the turn-off into the highlands. They have several options, including rooms and a small self-catering cottage.
We stayed in the cottage and it was cosy and very comfortable and had everything we needed for a relaxing night.
🏨 We stayed at Bólstaðarhlíð Guesthouse and it was the perfect place to break up the drive.
Day 6: The Highlands
Day 6 was one of our favourite days in our entire Iceland road trip!
We spent the day driving into the Highlands and hiking through one of the most impressive landscapes we’ve ever seen. Honestly, if you thought Iceland was magical before, wait until you see this place!
Drive to Kerlingefjoll
The day started with a long drive to the highand base. From Bólstaðarhlíð Guesthouse, it’s about 2 hours and 40 minutes until you reach the area.
Almost all of this drive is down an unpaved dirt road that’s incredibly bumpy – you’ll definitely be glad you have the 4×4 for this one!
For the most part, it’s along the 35, but the final 20 minutes or so are on F35, which you need a 4-wheel drive to drive down.
To be honest, we didn’t notice a huge difference between the two roads. There are no river crossings, so this is definitely one of the easier highland drives. The only difference we noticed was a few more potholes and bumps on the F-road.
Hike Hveradalir Geothermal Area
Once you arrive at the highland base, you can get out and stretch your legs a little. There are also toilets here. Then, continue on for another 10 minutes or so to the Hveradalir Geothermal Area.
This is one of the most insane landscapes we’ve ever seen in Iceland. The rolling rhyolite mountains in stunning shades of yellow and orange, the snow on the peaks even in mid-summer, the steaming vents and bubbling hot rivers – it’s just incredible.
There are lots of different hiking routes you can do here, but we chose a simple loop around the area. This took us around 2 hours to actually hike, but in reality, it took longer because we were taking a LOT of photos!
The views are insane, and it’s one of our favourite hikes in Iceland.
Once you’ve made it back to the car, you’ll have around a 2-hour drive back out of the highlands. The road takes you near the Golden Circle, so you’ll be almost back where you started.
Stay at Hotel Geysir
Tonight, stay at Hotel Geysir. This is a 4* hotel located right next to the famous Geysir on the Golden Circle. It’s very comfortable and stylishly designed.
Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of being able to head back to the Geysir in the evening without the crowds.
🏨 Hotel Geysir books out fast, especially in summer – be sure to book your room in advance!
TOP TIP: For a cheaper hotel option, we also love Bjork Guesthouse. It’s located near Thingvellir and is simple, but affordable.
Day 7: Glymur Waterfall and Reykjavik
For your final day on this 7-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary, we’re going to explore a little bit of Western Iceland that we skipped by driving through the highlands.
Then, we’ll be heading back to the capital for some much-needed relaxation time before you head home.
Bruarfoss
For your first stop of the day, head to Bruarfoss. Located just 20 minutes from your hotel, this is a bit of a hidden gem on the Golden Circle, but well worth adding to your itinerary if you’re self-driving the loop.
It’s mostly famous for its insanely blue water and has been nicknamed the bluest waterfall in Iceland. It’s just a short walk from the car park and a bridge which allows you to see it from both sides.
The contrast between the icy blue water and the dark volcanic rock is truly beautiful and will give you some amazing photo opportunities.
TOP TIP: The trail can be muddy depending on the season, so wear sturdy, waterproof footwear.
Glymur Waterfall Hike
Next, head to Glymur Waterfall. Located in the Hvalfjörður region just north of Reykjavik, this magnificent waterfall is one of the tallest in Iceland.
It actually used to be considered the tallest before another waterfall was discovered high up in the highlands.
Glymur plunges over 200 meters into a rocky canyon, and the scenery here is once again pretty stunning. Unlike many waterfalls in Iceland, which you can view from the roadside, Glymur involves a fairly challenging 3-4 hour hike to reach.
The hike, however, is part of the adventure!
It’s such a fun hike, with two river crossings – one where you have to balance on a log suspended above the water – a cave which you can climb through, and several steep climbs where you can pull yourself up with a rope.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the canyon, the lush green valley, and the river below. This is another of our favourite hikes in Iceland.
Explore Reykjavik City Centre
Finally, we’re heading back to Reykjavik. The capital of Iceland is a vibrant place with a lot going on.
You could spend a few days in Reykjavik, but we recommend spending a few hours here at least, wandering the streets, soaking in the vibes, and perhaps buying an Icelandic sweater from one of the little shops!
Be sure to visit Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church, and climb to the top of the tower for beautiful views over the city. Then, take a stroll down Laugavegur, the main shopping street and grab yourself a souvenir.
This is also a great time to grab some dinner before the evening’s activities and refuel after a day’s hiking. A few of our favourite restaurants include Icelandic Street Food, Old Iceland, Messinn, and 101 Reykjavik Street Food.
Sky Lagoon
Finally, head to the Sky Lagoon. Located just 20 minutes outside the city centre, this fantastic geothermal spa is such a relaxing way to end your trip.
The Lagoon has an infinity-style heated pool with views over the ocean, but our favourite part was the 7-step ritual. This included a cold plunge, sauna with incredible views, cold mist, steam room, and more.
It was our favourite part of our visit, and we would return to the Sky Lagoon for the ritual alone! As with most of the geothermal spas, we recommend booking this in advance.
👉 Don’t forget to book your tickets for the Sky Lagoon in advance!
Stay in Reykjavik
If you’re spending one final night in the city before you fly home, we recommend staying in the centre of Reykjavik. You’ll be within easy distance of many of the top attractions and restaurants in the city, and this will give you a lot of choice.
If you’re choosing to stay in the city, we recommend Centre Hotels Plaza. We stayed here on our very first trip to Iceland, and it was perfect.
Alternatively, if you’d rather not stay in the centre, you could get an airport hotel for the night. We’ve done this twice on two separate trips, and it definitely makes it easier if you have an early morning flight.
Our airport hotel of choice is the Courtyard by Marriott.
🏨 Our top hotels for your final day are Center Hotels Plaza in the city or Courtyard by Marriott Keflavik near the airport.
Bonus: Day 8: Before you Fly Home
If you don’t have an early morning flight, this is the ideal time to head to one of Iceland’s most famous attractions before you head home.
The Blue Lagoon is best visited either on the day you arrive or the day you leave. It’s only 20 minutes from Keflavik, so it’s a pretty convenient stopping point.
Soaking in the milky blue waters is both a lovely way to start the day and the perfect way to prepare yourself for a long flight home.
However, if you’re planning to do this, we recommend booking WAY in advance. Tickets to the lagoon sell out months before, especially in the summer and at popular times of day.
After that, head back to the airport, drop off your hire car, and fly home after a fantastic road trip around Iceland.
❤️ Grab the best prices for the Blue Lagoon here!
What to pack for a 7-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary?
Honestly, this is something we get asked a LOT, and it’s easy to see why. Icelandic weather is fickle and changes almost constantly.
During our trip, we had days where we had all 4 seasons. The morning we hiked Glymur, it was pouring when we woke up, and we almost changed our plans.
By mid-afternoon, the skies had cleared, and we ended up taking off all our layers because we got too hot. Then, by the evening, it was cloudy and windy again!
The most important thing to remember when packing for a trip to Iceland is layers. It’s easier to take things off if you get too warm than not to have them at all.
Even in summer, Iceland typically hovers between 12 and 15 degrees (54 to 59 Fahrenheit), but it can reach up to 20 degrees if you get a warm spell. It will almost definitely be wet at some point and windy, and the wind makes it so much colder.
So, we suggest bringing t-shirts, but also fleece jackets, a waterproof coat, gloves, a hat, waterproof over trousers, and a thermal top. You’ll also need sturdy hiking shoes.
🧤 Check out this list for our full summer packing guide.
What car do you need for this road trip?
Because you’ll be driving into the highlands, you’ll need a 4×4 for this trip.
It’s illegal to drive on an F-road without a 4-wheel drive, and all insurance companies in Iceland will not cover you if you damage the car while doing this.
The drives aren’t challenging – and trust us, we’ve had some challenges driving in Iceland in the past – but the road surfaces are pretty bumpy.
If you decided to adapt this itinerary, skipped the highland day and stuck to the Ring Road entirely, you’d be fine with a 2-wheel drive. However, the highlands day was one of our favourites on this trip, so we recommend getting the 4×4.
🚗 This is the company we use to hire a car in Iceland, and we LOVE them!
What’s the best time of year to drive the Ring Road?
You can technically drive the Ring Road all year round. The roads become much more challenging in Iceland in winter, and you’ll likely have a lot of trouble getting around the more remote regions, like the Eastfjords; however, technically, it’s possible.
Nonetheless, if you want to follow this itinerary exactly and head into the highlands, you’ll need to visit in summer.
The F-roads are only open from mid-June until mid-September, as there’s too much snow on the roads during the colder months. Plus, the weather is much more unpredictable.
However, July and early August can get incredibly crowded in Iceland, and prices are much more expensive.
And, while you may find slightly more challenging weather conditions in September and October, it’s dark enough during this time to see the northern lights.
In our opinion, the best time to drive the Ring Road is either May (if you aren’t bothered by going into the highlands), June (if you are), or between mid-August and October.
TOP TIP: If you just want ot stick to the south coast or are travelling in winter, we recommend this itinerary.
Is 7 days enough to drive the Ring Road?
Technically, yes, it is. You can get around the road in just 7 days and see most of Iceland’s most impressive sights. However, you may end up feeling a little rushed in places, and some of the drives are going to be long ones.
If you wanted to relax a little more or go a bit more off the beaten path, we recommend spending between 10 days and two weeks driving the Ring Road.
But, if you only have a week in Iceland, this itinerary is a fantastic way to explore the country. This is almost exactly what we did on our recent road trip, and it’s our favourite trip to date.
The key is to plan your days well, start early, and prioritise the sights that matter most to you. So if seven days is all you’ve got, don’t worry – you can still have an epic adventure on the Ring Road.
👉 If you have any questions about your Iceland road trip, drop us a message in our Facebook Group.
🛏️ Need Help Booking Stays Along the Ring Road?
We put together a list of our favourite accommodations in south Iceland, from cosy guesthouses to glacier-view cabins.
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