A country magnificently crafted by its raw, rugged, and wild natural landscapes, Iceland has become the ultimate exploration destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The most magical parts of Iceland are often the most remote which is why it's best explored on a self-drive vacation. There are a number of mapped driving routes throughout Iceland, each of which are packed with natural wonders that cannot be found elsewhere in the country, or even in the world.
While the South Coast Way glistens with the icebergs calved from glaciers, the Arctic Coast Way charms us with remote fishing villages and Icelandic folklore. And while the Wesfjords Way immerses us Iceland's dramatic fjordlands, the northeast's Diamond Circle surprises us with volcanic craters and lakes. Ranging from 260 km to 1,320 km, there's a route for every budget and time frame. In this article, we highlight the very best of Iceland's driving routes to help you find one that suits you best.
The Golden Circle (300km)
Loop around central Iceland
The Golden Circle is probably the most well-known and popular driving route through Iceland. Likely because at 300km (190 miles) it is also the shortest and most doable. However, this route's shorter length has no correlation to its grandeur. The Golden Circle encompasses just as much magic as Iceland's longer and more action-packed routes.
Beginning in Reykjavik, The Golden Circle heads 40 km inland towards Thingvellir National Park. It's here that the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, causing a breathtaking rift valley through the earth. There's no better way to admire the extraordinary power of this phenomenon than by hiking, climbing, or horseback riding along them.
From here, the route continues 60 km east to the mist-ifying Geysir hot springs. Few places in the world can you witness the earth spout boiling water so forcefully from the ground that it reaches up to 40 metres into the sky.
The route then loops back towards the capital, stopping for pictures at the volcanic Kerid Crater, Gulfoss Waterfall, and for a soak in the Reykjadalur Valley hot springs along the way.
Map of the Golden Circle
The Westfjords Way (1,100km)
Weave your way around Iceland's remote fjordlands
The Westfjords Way traverses the winding roads of the Westfjords peninsula, home to some of Iceland's most dramatic coastlines. As its name suggests, this region is formed by majestic fjords which thread from the sea deep into the rugged land. Up until 1960, the Westfjords had no road system at all and it remains Iceland's most remote region today. This loop is, therefore, ideal for those looking to escape the tourist trail and immerse in the ?real' Iceland. Think vast spaces, sparse landscapes, and minute fishing communities.
This driving route's highlights might not be as popularised as the likes of Gulfoss and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, but they are certainly just as impressive. Since the region has been defined by the interaction of land and water, the Westfjord Way is paved by thundering waterfalls (like Dynjandi), natural hotsprings, meandering rivers, peaceful coves, and towering cliffs where you can spot puffins and white-tailed eagles.
Map of the Westfjords Way
The Arctic Coast Way (900km)
Drive along Iceland's remote north coast
From towering white-tipped mountains to moody black sand beaches, the Arctic Coast Way is a drive of dramatic beauty and vast contrasts. The route meanders 900 km (560 miles) along the north coast's nine peninsulas east from Hvamnstangi to Bakkafjordur. Along the way, you'll get to delve into Icelandic folklore and mythology, visit its northernmost remote fishing towns, and behold some of its most unearthly landscapes. As the coastline's fingers stretch to the outer reaches of the Arctic Circle, you're likely to get a few lucky sightings of the elusive Aurora too.
There's so much to see and do on the north coast, it's easy to spend a week or more getting lost in culture, history, and nature as you drive along it. Among its highlights are the Arctic Henge monument, Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), the basalt rocks of Hvitserkur, the herring fishing village of Siglufjordur, and the whale-watching capital Husavik. Best of all, however, is the drive itself as the diverse landscapes exceed even the highest expectations of Iceland.
Map of the Arctic Coast Way
The South Coast Way (450km)
Drive along Iceland's scenic south coast
Out of all of Iceland's driving routes, the South Coast Way is best known for being packed with some of the country's most iconic landmarks. The epic route is 450km (280 miles) road trip along the Ring Road from Reykjavik to Hofn which is easily doable in just a few days. The combination of its drivability and rewarding scenery make the South Coast Way one of Iceland's more appealing and popular routes.
The first port of call on the South Coast Way itinerary is the Reykjadalur hot spring river, a more nature-oriented and less touristic version of the Blue Lagoon, followed by the famous Reynisfjara black-sand beach. Next up is the 100-metre-deep and two-kilometre-long green carpeted Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon which makes for one of Iceland's most majestic hikes. Then, heading further east, the route reaches Iceland's greatest glacier; an incredible icy playground for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
After hiking and climbing along glacier ridges and through ice caves, find yourself entranced at the base of Skaftafell, a tall spiney waterfall flanked with basalt rocks. The route finishes at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach where icebergs calved from the glacier glisten blindingly as they float out to sea.
Map of the South Coast Way
The Diamond Circle (260km)
Circle the Northern Volcanic Rift Zone
The Diamond Circle captures the very best of Northern Iceland in a compact and captivating route. It circles 260km (160 miles) from the northeast section of Iceland's Ring Road to Hallbjarnarstaðir on the tip of the region's smallest peninsula and back again. The landscapes of northeast Iceland are defined by the divergence of the Eurasian and North American plates known as the Northern Volcanic Rift Zone. From the icy blue Krafla Crater lake to the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, the strange rock formations of Dimmuborgir, and the wetlands surrounding Lake Mývatn, this rift has created beautiful unearthly landscapes.
Passing the Ásbyrgi Canyon, the route leads towards the charming fishing villages of the northern coast including Húsavík, the whale-watching capital. After being mesmerised by the majesty of the sea's biggest creatures and sampling the world's most delicious herring dishes, you'll finish the drive in Iceland's second-largest city, Akureyri, stopping at the powerful Goðafoss waterfall along the way.
Equal parts coastal driving and inland driving, the route provides the perfect snapshot of two very different sides to the island. This drive can take up to 4 hours non-stop.
Map of the Diamond Circle
The Ring Road (1,320k)
Circle the entire circumference of Iceland on Route 1
Iceland is encompassed by a single ring road known as Route 1 that traces 1320 km (820 miles) around the entire island. In other words, it is the largest, most well-connected, and monumental road in the country. When it comes to road trips, it doesn't get much better than this. Starting in Reykjavik, the road heads east, touching on the Golden Circle's highlights Gullfoss, Thingvellir, and Geysir. Then, it continues along the South Coast Way route which is known for its waterfalls, black-sand beaches, rock formations, glaciers, and lagoons.
As the Ring Road curves around to the east coast, you are met by charming fishing villages like the artistic Seyðisfjörður and French-influenced Fáskrúðsfjörður, passing the 1000-metre-tall Búlandstindur mountain along the way. Cutting across the northeast peninsulas, the road reaches the otherworldly landscapes of Lake Mývatn and meets the northern coast at Húsavík where you are sure to spot humpback whales.
From the wild and wistful Peninsula of the Trolls (Skagafjörður), the road curves down the west coast back towards Reykjavik passing more iconic Icelandic vistas and villages along the way. Just one recommendation, make sure to hire a 4x4 vehicle if you want the full Ring Road experience.
Map of The Ring Road
10 Tips for Driving in Iceland
Driving in a new territory can be overwhelming so we though you might want some tips on driving in Iceland.
Tip 1 - Lights On
In Iceland you are instructed by law to have your headlights on at all times, year round, and even during daylight. Some cars need you to physically turn your headlights on by turning the light knob from "Auto" to "Lights" signal. We recommend you ask your supplier about the lights on your car since some vehicles have the lights on at all times automatically.
Tip 2 - Drive Fully Rested
It's important that you drive fully rested when on a road trip in Iceland. The Ring Road on Route 1 has gravel roads like many other roads in Iceland and the tires can lose grip when transitioning onto gravel from paved if you are going to fast.
If you are ever tired we recommend parking your vehicle for a short while, take a 10-15 minute nap and then drive on. This can be a life saver.
Tip 3 - Drive With your Seat Belts Fastened
This is usually goes without saying but in Iceland we also have a seat belt safety law which states that you need to wear your seat belt at all times while driving. The police in Iceland will stop you and give you a big fine, which just isn't nice when you are on vacation. Oh, and seat belts also save lives, so that's also nice.
If you have children under 12 they are not allowed to sit in the front seat and make sure you have the correct child / infant seat for your rental period. You can ask to add one as an extra for your rental period.
Tip 4 - No Surfing while Driving
Law also states that you cannot surf the Internet, scroll TikTok or text while driving. Since you are in a new territory it is vital that you have your eyes on the road and you are fully focused on your surroundings. Vehicles today usually have hands-free bluetooth connection if you need to make or answer a call.
Eyes on the road please, for your and others driving.
Tip 5 - Don't Stop in the Middle of the Road
Never stop your car in the middle of the road
While driving you might notice that roads are just abandoned and nobody is driving, they are just single lane and you might not expect anyone coming behind you. It's snowing outside and conditions aren't favoring drivers. You see something beautiful, so you decide to stop and take some photographs and you notice that there is no shoulder to park your car, so you just stop in the middle of the road. Behind you is someone driving the speed limit but since road conditions are harsh he is unable to stop in time and crashes into you.
This is something that happens quite often in Iceland. Accidents usually happen because one is not driving as should or following the rules of the road.
The Ring Road is very popular and there might be someone just around the corner that might not expect your car stopped on the middle of road, just as well as you might not expect on parked either.
Never stop your car in the middle of the road
Tip 6 - Off-Road driving is Forbidden and Illegal
Never drive off the beaten path in Iceland. We are in with love our beautiful nature and we want to make sure that others can enjoy it as well. It is very fragile and can be difficult to preserve. Even though you have rented a 4x4 vehicle you are still not allowed to drive off road.
Now, that being said, you can still drive roads that are marked F-##. Roads such as F26, F35 or F223 are roads that are specially made to be driven off the paved roads. They are marked and prepared for vehicles, so that no damage is done to nature. Just understand that some of these F-roads have river crossings and you are not covered by insurance if damages are made by water.
Tip 7 - There are Roundabouts, One-Way streets and Complex Junctions in Iceland
Iceland generally has only one or two lanes, depending on where you are driving. We have plenty of one-way streets inside our capital or other cities / small towns around Iceland. It can get frustrating to navigate but by using Google / Apple Maps you should get around just fine.
There are also some single lane bridge crossings or tunnels. There is an "mutual understanding" that the first car to get there always goes first. You can also flash your headlights once to let them know they can cross ahead of you. Just remember to drive slowly and watch for signs that tell you about the right of way, as some are marked.
There are plenty of roundabouts in Iceland as we use them to keep the flow of traffic going. You will meet one roundabout just as you leave Keflavik Airport. The inside lane always has the right of way so if he is turning out of the roundabout you will have to stop and let them out, look for them having a turn signal on. You only need to indicate with your turn signal when you are leaving the roundabout, but not when entering. As a rule, if you are leaving on the first turn out of the roundabout you use the outer lane, but if you are leaving the roundabout in the second, third or fourth turn you will need to use the inside lane.
Tip 8 - Recommended Vehicle for Most Road-Trips in Iceland
You will need to make sure you hire the right vehicle for your travels in Iceland as you don't to miss out on the sweet spots that are hidden of the paved road.
Two Wheel Drive
2WD are the most affordable and are perfect for a regular ol' road trip in Reykjavik as well as just driving to the regular tourist spots. This is a perfect choice for two people that leaves plenty of space in the back. Great rental for Golden Circle or just a regular drive around the Ring Road. In the winter time you will get studded tires to help with traction on ice and snow.
Four Wheel Drive
4x4, or 4WD, vehicles are more expensive but you can still get a good deal for a Suzuki Jimny or the more popular Dacia Duster. They are allowed on F-Roads but not for river crossing. They are perfect for longer road trips as you have more flexibility to make a turn when ever you see some magic. So if you plan on driving on some of them great back roads, a 4x4 is THE best choice.
Campervan
A Campervan has it all; accommodation, transportation and a working kitchen. It's just a no brainer, if you have the funds. You can also choose a 4WD Motorhome which is just such an awesome way of driving around Iceland. You are able to seek out the awe and amazement of Iceland, and then just park your car, fire up the grill and enjoy everything that Icelandic nature has to offer.
Tip 9 - Extreme Weather
Iceland has some extreme weather. We have saying; If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes..
You might see 70mph winds so when opening the door the wind can grab it and damage your car leaving you with a bill. When you are unsure, just crack the window and slowly open the door with two hands.
You can be driving through all the weather forces in one day; hail, snow, rain, sun and wind. Just always expect that the weather can change with short notice and leave you stranded.
Check out Road.is or SafeTravel for information about weather or driving conditions.
Tip 10 - F-Road Driving Tips
Even though F-Roads are not off roads you should still consider them as off road driving. You will be driving through mud, gravel and trails that can have harsh conditions. The roads aren't always well maintained and there might not be a gas station for a while.
Some cars are not equipped to cross rivers, and if you intent to do so make sure you ask your supplier first before hand.
Crossing Rivers:
- Be aware of your vehicles maximum depth.
- Flow is lower in the morning at glacial rivers.
- Drive slow and steady through the current. No splashing as it could kill the engine.
- Make sure you drive along with the current (when possible) so that the current helps your cross.
- Always make sure you stick with marked crossing points and don't assume safety. Be careful at all times!
Here are just a few recommendations we have for you while driving on F-Roads:
- Here you can find openings and conditions of mountain roads.
- Pack some meals and drinks with you, as well as warm and waterproof clothing in case you need to step outside in harsh weather conditions.
- There can be animals crossing so always have your eyes on the road.
- Roads can be uneven or get worse so just slow down when you need and drive carefully.
- Always let the most experience driver drive on F-Roads.
- Stay on the marked path and don't drive Off-Road.
- Make sure you check the weather.
Hire Your Dream Icelandic Road Trip Vehicle
Get one step closer to your dream road trip across Iceland by securing your car hire with us at CarsIceland.is. From spacious SUVs to swanky sports cars, our range of hire cars are selected to suit all kinds of driving needs.
Search here for the best prices available
FAQ
Is Fuel Expensive in Iceland?
Yes, certainly, like in other countries fuel prices have been soaring. Highest price in Iceland is $2.38 and the lowest to be found is $2.08
Many are now renting a Hybrid or an Electric Vehicle to keep the cost down as there are charging stations located all around the island. Just drive the speed limit, don't have lead foot and be fuel conscious to save your wallet.
Is Driving in Iceland Dangerous?
I wouldn't say dangerous, but I would say that it can be hazardous due to weather conditions, such as wind, ice, snow and rain . Roads in Iceland can also change abruptly from paved to gravel which can lead to losing control of your vehicle.
There are also animals crossing, such as sheep or lamb, so you will always need to have an eye on the road when driving in the country side.
Which Side of the Road do you Drive in Iceland?
You drive on the right side of the road in Iceland, which is the right side. You are also seated on the right side of the vehicle.
If you are only used to driving on the left, just remember that you should always be seated further away from the sidewalk (the driver) and seated next to the middle of the road while driving in Iceland.
Can you Turn Right on a Red Light in Iceland?
No. We do not have a turn on red law in Iceland, so you will always have to wait for it to turn green. You can turn right when there is a yield sign and you have the right of passage, as well as there are no other cars driving passed.
Are Icelandic Roads Heated?
No, they are not heated, sadly. That would be wonderful, but they can get very icy in harsh weather conditions so remember to take good care and drive carefully.
How Long Would you Recommend a Stay in Iceland?
I'd say that it depends. If you want the full Ring Road experience then I would say at least seven days. But you can achieve a lot in 3-5 days if you are willing to drive and not spend a lot of time at each destinations. Which ever duration length you choose, just remember to plan everything well ahead and come prepared.
"Fail to plan is planning to fail."
What is the Emergency Number in Iceland?
The emergency number in Iceland is 112.
Remember to always contact us, or your supplier, when you have a flat tire or land in any car troubles. We are always here to help if you need anything or can direct you in the right direction.
If you are stuck somewhere we have a Search and Rescue team that can respond to emergency situations in the highlands if you are in dire need.
Just don't leave your car unattended and start walking a long the road as the weather might turn from nice to horrible in a matter of minutes and then that leaves you with another emergency situation. Just stay calm, contact us or your supplier (or 112 in emergencies) and see where things go from there.