Plan your perfect 14-day Iceland Ring Road trip: day-by-day route, driving times, best stops, packing list, maps, and money-saving tips.
Why 14 days is the perfect Ring Road pace
Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) circles much of the island and stitches together dramatic waterfalls, black-sand beaches, glacier lagoons, volcanic plains, and remote fjords. Take it too fast and you’ll miss the light, the hikes, and all the side streets worth exploring; take it too slow and you won’t see everything. A 14-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary strikes the balance: you cover the loop with margin for detours, boat trips, a few guided glacier hikes, and relaxed evenings in towns like Höfn or Akureyri. This guide gives a practical, day-by-day plan with driving times, must-see stops, safety notes, and SEO-friendly on-page elements so you can publish it as a high-value article on your site.
Quick facts at a glance
- Loop length: ~1,300–1,400 km depending on detours.
- Best seasons: Summer (June–Aug) for long daylight; Sept–Mar for Northern Lights (shorter days).
- Car recommendation: Standard car for Route 1 in summer; 4×4 if you plan F-roads or winter travel.
- Pace: Average 3–4 hours driving per day with time for hikes and sights.
Safety — Quick Essentials for the Ring Road (short)
Keep this one-page safety cheat-sheet handy for your 14-day Iceland self-drive:
- Check conditions daily: consult the road.is and vedur.is before you leave.
- Right vehicle: use a 4×4 for F-roads or winter; read rental rules (no river crossings unless allowed).
- Drive to conditions: headlights on, slow down for wind, gravel, single-lane bridges, and animals.
- Fuel & supplies: refuel in towns, carry snacks, water, and a phone power bank.
- No off-road driving: it’s illegal and damages fragile moss/landscape.
- Beach safety: stay well back from the water — sneaker waves are deadly.
- Glaciers & rivers: only with certified guides; never attempt river crossings.
- Emergency prep: pack a basic kit, download offline maps, share your route, and call 112 for emergencies.
How to use this itinerary
This is a clockwise loop starting/ending in Reykjavík. Each day lists driving times and optional detours. If you prefer counter-clockwise, swap directions — the stops work both ways.
Day 1 — Arrival, Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon option
Drive time: Keflavík → Reykjavík: ~45–60 min.
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport, pick up your rental, and decide: relax at the Blue Lagoon (near the airport) or head straight to Reykjavík. Spend the afternoon exploring Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and Laugavegur shopping street. Dinner ideas: try local seafood or a casual lamb stew for authenticity.
Day 2 — Golden Circle deep dive
Drive time: Reykjavík → Golden Circle loop: ~2–3 hours total driving.
Stops: Þingvellir National Park (walk the tectonic rift), Geysir geothermal field (Strokkur erupts often), Gullfoss waterfall. Add Kerið crater if you want a short, colorful volcano crater stop. End the day near Hella or Selfoss.
Day 3 — Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss & Vík
Drive time: Reykjavík → Vík: ~2.5–3.5 hours with stops.
Highlight: walk behind Seljalandsfoss, climb Skógafoss viewing stairs, visit Sólheimasandur plane wreck (optional 45–60 min hike), and finish at Reynisfjara black-sand beach and Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Overnight in Vík.
Day 4 — Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach
Drive time: Vík → Höfn area: ~3.5–4.5 hours with stops.
Morning: Skaftafell (short glacier viewpoints and hikes). Afternoon: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with zodiac/boat tours (seasonal) and Diamond Beach across the road — spectacular at sunrise or sunset when ice glitters on black sand. Stay in Höfn (known for langoustine).
Local tip: Book zodiac tours ahead for summer; include links to reputable operators (affiliateable).
Day 5 — East Fjords & quiet coastal drives
Drive time: Höfn → Egilsstaðir: ~3–4 hours with scenic stops.
Drive the fjord-lined eastern coastline, visit small villages like Djúpivogur, and enjoy quiet hikes or photography stops. The East is less crowded — great for local food and fjord views.
Day 6 — Dettifoss & into Mývatn
Drive time: Egilsstaðir → Mývatn: ~2.5–3.5 hours.
Must-stop: Dettifoss — Europe’s most powerful waterfall (stunning and loud). Continue to Mývatn: explore Hverir geothermal area and the pseudo-craters. Overnight in the Mývatn area.
Day 7 — Mývatn: lava fields, baths, and crater hikes
Relaxed day: walk Dimmuborgir lava formations, hike (or view) Hverfjall crater, and soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths (less busy than Blue Lagoon). Great photography and birdlife opportunities.
Day 8 — Húsavík whale watching & Ásbyrgi canyon
Húsavík is Iceland’s whale-watching hub — morning tours (May–Sept) regularly see whales. Later, head to Ásbyrgi Canyon for a gentle forested hike. Overnight in Húsavík or nearby Akureyri.
Day 9 — Akureyri, Goðafoss & westbound
Stroll Akureyri (cafés, botanic garden), then visit Goðafoss (“Waterfall of the Gods”). Head west toward the West/Northwest — consider an overnight around Blönduós or Hvammstangi.
Day 10 — Westfjords option or head to Snæfellsnes
Two choices:
- Westfjords (adventurous): Dynjandi waterfall and dramatic fjord drives. Roads take longer — add days if possible.
- Snæfellsnes (classic): Drive to the Snæfellsnes peninsula for Kirkjufell mountain and coastal lava formations.
Day 11 — Snæfellsnes highlights
Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Djúpalónssandur beach, and small fishing towns like Stykkishólmur. Overnight in Grundarfjörður/Stykkishólmur.
Day 12 — Borgarfjörður waterfalls & hot springs
Drive to Borgarfjörður: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are unusual lava waterfalls worth a short hike and photo stop. Deildartunguhver hot spring is nearby. Overnight near Borgarnes.
Day 13 — Back to Reykjavík & last experiences
Return to Reykjavík: visit museums, local markets, or squeeze in a Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. Use this day to prepare for departure — pack, charge batteries, and drop off the car.
Day 14 — Departure or extra Reykjavík day
Return your rental at Keflavík. If time allows, stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to the terminal (book early). Final breakfast: try Icelandic skyr and rye bread.
Practical planning: driving, accommodation, budget & safety
How much driving per day?
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Average daily driving on this 14-day plan is 3–4 hours, including scenic stops. Days vary: a few long driving days (East Fjords) and several short exploration days (Mývatn, Snæfellsnes).
Car and fuel
- Vehicle: In summer, a standard 2WD is fine for most of Route 1. If you plan to take F-roads (highland gravel roads) or visit remote Westfjords in shoulder season, choose a 4×4.
- Fuel: Expect higher fuel costs than in many countries. Fuel stations are frequent along Route 1, but remote stretches (East Fjords and parts of north/northwest) have longer gaps — fill up when you can.
Accommodation
- Options: Hotels, guesthouses, farm stays, hostels, and campsites.
- Booking: Summer (June–Aug) sells out — book ahead. In shoulder season, you can be more flexible, especially outside major towns.
Budget Estimate (Per Person, 14 Days)
- Car rental: €700–€1,200 (varies by vehicle and season).
- Accommodation: €30–€150 per night (hostels to hotels).
- Food: €25–€60 per day if self-catering/fast food; restaurants are pricier.
- Activities (boat tours, spas): Budget €100–€300 depending on choices.
- Rough trip total (midrange): €1,500–€3,000 per person excluding flights.
Packing checklist & prep
- Warm, layered clothing — windproof and waterproof outer layer.
- Sturdy hiking shoes and warm socks.
- Swimwear (hot springs) + quick-dry towel.
- Camera, tripod, spare batteries (cold drains batteries faster).
- Power adapter (European/Type F).
- Basic first-aid kit, snacks, refillable water bottle.
- Offline maps or a local SIM card for navigation.
- Driving essentials: snow scraper (winter), spare phone charger, torch.
Safety & responsible travel
- Check road and weather updates daily: road.is and vedur. It provides live info.
- Respect signage at beaches and cliffs (sneaker waves are real).
- Leave no trace: take rubbish with you and stay on marked trails.
- Wildlife: Keep distance from nesting birds; do not disturb puffins.
- Emergency number: Call 112 for immediate help.
Statistics & seasonal notes
- Route 1 is ~1,322 km long, making it a manageable loop for a two-week plan. Wikipedia
- Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach are among the most photographed natural sites in Iceland — they draw high summer visitation, so early morning/late evening visits can reduce crowds. Guide to Iceland
- Dettifoss is renowned for its raw power and is a key stop on the Diamond Circle circuit. Wikipedia
Photography & best light
- Golden hour: Midnight sun in June offers long twilight lighting; in shoulder seasons, aim for early morning and late afternoon.
- Northern Lights: Visit between late September and early April for the best chance — track aurora forecasts and avoid bright city lights.
- Tripod must: For long exposures at waterfalls and night photography.
Hidden gems & crowd-skippers
Want to escape the crowds? Add one or two of these:
- Múlagljúfur Canyon: Dramatic, lesser-visited slot canyon in the south.
- Fagradalsfjall volcanic area: Newer lava fields (if safe and accessible).
- Remote East Fjord fjords: Tiny fishing villages with great local food and solitude.
- Westfjords cliffs (Látrabjarg): Bird cliffs and rare puffin sites — quieter and wilder.
The Daily Telegraph and other travel writers encourage side trips to less obvious places for a more personal Iceland experience. Daily Telegraph
Top experiences you shouldn’t miss
- Walk behind Seljalandsfoss.
- Boat among icebergs at Jökulsárlón (seasonal).
- Soak in a geothermal pool (Mývatn Baths, Blue Lagoon, or local hot pots).
- Hike a glacier (with a guide).
- Spot puffins on coastal cliffs (summer).
FAQ
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Is 14 days enough to drive Iceland’s Ring Road?
Yes — 14 days allows a comfortable loop with side trips and time for activities like glacier hikes and whale watching. -
Do I need a 4×4 for the Ring Road?
For the main Ring Road in summer, no; if you plan to explore F-roads, highlands, or winter travel, choose a 4×4. -
When is the best time to do this itinerary?
June–August for midnight sun and road access; Sept–Mar for aurora seekers, but allow more travel time for weather. -
How much driving per day?
Plan 2–5 hours most days; a few days require longer stretches, but you’ll have frequent scenic stops. -
Are hot springs included?
Yes — Blue Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths, and many local pools. Some are free or low-cost. -
Can I camp instead of staying in hotels?
Yes — camping is common (use official campsites and respect private land). -
How do I save money on a 14-day trip?
Self-cater, choose guesthouses, prebook tours, and travel in shoulder seasons. -
Where can I spot puffins and whales?
Puffins nest on cliffs like Látrabjarg in summer; whales are commonly seen near Húsavík. -
Is there mobile coverage?
Mostly yes around towns; remote stretches may have gaps — download offline maps. -
What are the must-book activities?
Zodiac at Jökulsárlón, glacier guided hikes, and Húsavík whale tours in summer.
Final thoughts & call to action
This 14-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary is built to give you sweeping landscapes without constant rush — long enough to dive deep into Icelandic nature, short enough to fit many travelers’ schedules. Whether you chase waterfalls, sleep under the midnight sun, or search for the aurora, this loop offers some of the best and most varied scenery anywhere on Earth.