Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 7-Day Road Trip Guide Around the Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) loops around the island for about 1,332 km (828 miles), taking you through nearly all of the country’s dramatic regions — from volcanic landscapes to coastal cliffs and iceberg lagoons.

A 7-day Ring Road itinerary is doable, but you'll be on the move every day. If you prefer slower travel, stretch this to 10 days. This guide helps you cover the best sights efficiently, with realistic drive times, daily stops, and local insights.

Is 7 Days Enough for the Ring Road?

Yes — 7 days is the minimum needed to drive the Ring Road without feeling rushed. You'll drive 2–5 hours per day and see most of Iceland’s iconic landscapes.

Best travel months:

• Summer (May–September): Long daylight, dry roads, all regions accessible
• Winter (October–April): Expect icy roads, shorter days, and possible weather delays — 4x4 required

Day-by-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavík to Vik – South Coast Wonders

Drive time: ~2.5 hours (no stops)

Top Stops:

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (walk behind it)
• Skógafoss Waterfall
• Sólheimajökull Glacier
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Dyrhólaey Viewpoint

Overnight: Vik or nearby countryside

Day 2: Vik to Höfn – Icebergs & Glacier Views

Drive time: ~3.5 hours

Top Stops:

• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Skaftafell National Park (short glacier hike)
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Diamond Beach

Overnight: Höfn

Day 3: Höfn to Egilsstaðir – Fjords & Quiet Roads

Drive time: ~4.5 hours (longest drive day)

Top Stops:

• Eastfjords scenic route
• Djúpivogur fishing village
• Hengifoss Waterfall (1-hour hike)

Overnight: Egilsstaðir or nearby cabin stay

Day 4: Egilsstaðir to Lake Mývatn – Geothermal Wonderland

Drive time: ~2.5 hours

Top Stops:

• Dettifoss Waterfall (Europe’s most powerful)
• Hverir geothermal area
• Námafjall hot springs
• Mývatn Nature Baths (great Blue Lagoon alternative)

Overnight: Lake Mývatn or Reykjahlíð

Day 5: Mývatn to Akureyri – North Iceland’s Charm

Drive time: ~1.5 hours

Top Stops:

• Goðafoss Waterfall
• Akureyri town – shops, art, cozy cafes
• Optional: Whale watching in nearby Dalvík

Overnight: Akureyri

Day 6: Akureyri to Borgarnes – Inland Valleys & Lava Fields

Drive time: ~4–5 hours

Top Stops:

• Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
• Deildartunguhver (Europe’s most powerful hot spring)
• Grab a geothermal bath in Krauma Spa

Overnight: Borgarnes or Hvalfjörður area

Day 7: Borgarnes to Reykjavík – Golden Circle or Direct

Drive time: ~1.5 hours (or 4–5 hours with Golden Circle)

Option 1: Direct to Reykjavík
Relax, explore museums, enjoy Icelandic cuisine.

Option 2: Golden Circle Detour

• Þingvellir National Park
• Geysir geothermal area
• Gullfoss Waterfall

Return Rental Car: In Reykjavík or at Keflavík Airport

Driving Tips for the Ring Road

• 🕓 Start early – daylight hours are short in winter
• ⛽ Fuel up often – especially in East Iceland
• 🧭 Use offline maps – GPS and cell signal can drop
• 🚨 Check road.is & vedur.is daily in winter
• 📷 Pull over safely – never stop in the road for photos
• ❄️ Rent a 4x4 in winter – for safety and access

Ring Road Car Rental Recommendations

Make sure to include:

• Gravel protection
• Collision damage waiver (CDW)
• Studded winter tires (if visiting Oct–April)

Can You Add Detours?

Yes! If you have more than 7 days, consider:

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula – dramatic cliffs, lava fields
• Westfjords – raw, remote beauty (best in summer)
• Kerlingarfjöll Highlands – only accessible by 4x4 in summer

Final Thoughts – Is the Ring Road Worth It?

Absolutely. It’s the ultimate way to see Iceland on your own schedule. From glacier lagoons to puffin cliffs, thermal baths to black sand beaches — every curve of the Ring Road offers something unforgettable.

You’ll leave with a deeper connection to the land, the elements, and Icelandic culture.