Plan the ultimate 7-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary. Explore waterfalls, glaciers, black-sand beaches, volcanoes, and hidden gems with our complete Route 1 travel guide.
The Iceland Ring Road (Route 1) circles the entire country in about 1,322 km (820 mi). Driving it in one week means averaging around 200 km per day through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Along this loop, you’ll encounter waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black-sand beaches, geothermal areas, and charming villages.
This 7-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Iceland’s highlights without rushing too much, striking a balance between driving and exploration.
Quick Overview: 7-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
| Day | Route & Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss |
| Day 2 | South Coast: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Vík |
| Day 3 | Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach |
| Day 4 | East Fjords, Stuðlagil Canyon, Dettifoss, Lake Mývatn |
| Day 5 | Goðafoss, Akureyri, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, Skagafjörður |
| Day 6 | West Iceland: Grábrók Crater, Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar, Reykholt |
| Day 7 | Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon, Departure |
Best Time to Drive the Ring Road
- Summer (June–August): Long days, mild temperatures, and easier driving. Perfect for a full Ring Road trip.
- Spring & Fall: Beautiful colors, fewer tourists, but unpredictable weather.
- Winter (November–March): Magical snowy landscapes and Northern Lights. However, icy roads, shorter daylight, and potential closures make it more challenging.
Day 1: Golden Circle – Geology, Geysers & Waterfalls
Begin your journey with Iceland’s most famous loop: the Golden Circle.
- Þingvellir National Park: Walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, explore rift valleys, and admire Öxarárfoss waterfall.
- Geysir Geothermal Area: Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every 5–10 minutes, reaching up to 20 m high.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: A two-tiered powerhouse plunging into a canyon, offering multiple viewpoints and a thunderous roar.
Optional activity: Snorkeling in the Silfra fissure at Þingvellir – a surreal experience between tectonic plates with crystal-clear glacial water.
Day 2: South Coast – Iconic Waterfalls & Black Sands
The Ring Road leads into Iceland’s lush southern landscapes.
- Seljalandsfoss: A 60 m waterfall you can walk behind for a unique perspective.
- Skógafoss: Another 60 m giant, famous for rainbows that often appear in its mist. A staircase leads to stunning views from above.
- Reynisfjara Beach: Black sand, basalt columns, and dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Beware of powerful sneaker waves.
- Vík: A charming village with cozy stays, making it an ideal stop for the night.
Day 3: Vatnajökull – Glaciers & Ice Lagoons
Enter Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier.
- Skaftafell & Svartifoss: A hike to a 20 m waterfall framed by striking basalt columns.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Watch giant icebergs float on a serene lagoon, sometimes with seals playing nearby.
- Diamond Beach: Just across the road, ice chunks from the lagoon glitter on black sand like jewels.
Overnight near Höfn, a fishing town famous for its lobster dishes.
Day 4: East Fjords to North – Canyons & Powerful Falls
Today’s journey is long but packed with natural wonders.
- Stuðlagil Canyon: Towering basalt walls along a turquoise glacial river.
- Dettifoss Waterfall: Often called Europe’s most powerful waterfall, a 44 m drop of raw energy.
- Lake Mývatn: Geothermal hotspots, pseudocraters, lava fields, and otherworldly formations at Dimmuborgir.
Stay overnight around Lake Mývatn.
Day 5: North Iceland – Waterfalls & Fjords
Continue westward through North Iceland.
- Goðafoss: The “Waterfall of the Gods,” a semi-circular cascade with legendary ties to Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.
- Akureyri: The lively “Capital of the North,” with shops, cafes, and a striking hilltop church.
- Tröllaskagi Peninsula (optional detour): Scenic fjords and fishing villages like Siglufjörður.
- Hofsós: Famous infinity pool overlooking the fjord – a perfect evening soak.
Day 6: West Iceland – History, Lava, and Hot Springs
Explore the Borgarfjörður region on your return toward Reykjavík.
- Grábrók Crater: Hike to the top for sweeping lava field views.
- Deildartunguhver: Europe’s most powerful hot spring, gushing boiling water.
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss: A pair of neighboring waterfalls – one wide and gentle, the other narrow and fierce.
- Reykholt: Historical village tied to medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson, with saga history and cultural sites.
Drive onward to Reykjavík for the night.
Day 7: Reykjavík & Blue Lagoon
Spend your final day exploring Iceland’s capital or relaxing in hot springs.
- Reykjavík Highlights: Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa concert hall, and the Old Harbor area.
- Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon: Geothermal spas are perfect for soaking before your flight.
- Keflavík Airport: About 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Allow extra time for car rental return.
Essential Travel Tips for the Ring Road
- Car Rental: A 4×4 is recommended in winter. In summer, a regular car is usually fine.
- Fuel & Food: Fill up when you can – remote stretches may have no stations. Stock snacks and water.
- Weather & Roads: Always check the road. Is and vedur.is before driving. Conditions change quickly.
- Accommodation: Book in advance during the summer. Options range from guesthouses to farm stays.
- Packing: Layers, waterproof gear, hiking shoes, and a swimsuit for hot springs.
Final Thoughts
A 7-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary offers an unforgettable blend of landscapes: thundering waterfalls, volcanic craters, icy lagoons, and charming villages. While this schedule is packed, it balances driving with meaningful stops. With proper planning, you’ll leave Iceland with memories of one of the world’s greatest road trips.
