Ring Road (Route 1)

Iceland

About Ring Road (Route 1)

Route 1 circles the whole island, linking geothermal fields, glaciers, and some of the world's most photographed waterfalls into a single loop that's drivable in a normal rental car most of the year. Iceland is also one of the most expensive destinations tested — on par with Switzerland — and its real hazards aren't crime (among the safest countries anywhere) but nature itself: sudden weather changes, dangerous currents at black-sand beaches, and highland F-roads that require a 4x4.

Food & drink

Fresh fishFood

Icelandic lambFood

SkyrFood

Traditional Icelandic cultured dairy product, similar to yogurt.

Icelandic hot dog (Bæjarins Beztu)Food

Reykjavik's famous hot dog stand, a local institution.

HákarlFood

Fermented shark — an extreme delicacy, optional for the curious.

Things to do

Circuit stages

1

Reykjavik

12 nights

Orientation, Hallgrímskirkja church, city exploration.

2

Golden Circle

11 nights

Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss (can also be done as a day trip from Reykjavik).

3

South Coast (Vík)

22 nights

Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black-sand beach, Sólheimajökull glacier hike.

4

Jökulsárlón / Höfn

12 nights

Glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, ice cave (winter).

5

East Fjords

12 nights

Fjord scenery, small fishing villages.

6

North (Mývatn / Akureyri)

22 nights

Lake Mývatn, Hverir geothermal area, Dettifoss.

7

Snæfellsnes

12 nights

Kirkjufell, beaches, Snæfellsjökull volcano, on the way back to Reykjavik.

8

Reykjavik (final)

11 nights

Blue Lagoon (often the last evening, near the airport).