Iceland’s Ring Road has earned its place on many traveler’s bucket lists for good reason. Spanning over 800 miles, this scenic loop winds through some of the most incredible landscapes imaginable, from black sand beaches and glaciers to waterfalls and picturesque villages. Along the route, iconic stops like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon never disappoint, but quieter, lesser-known spots like the Eastfjords and Lake Myvatn are equally worthy of praise. Whether it’s ticking off famous landmarks or uncovering something new, the Ring Road has something for every type of adventurer. Keep reading to learn how to plan this Arctic road trip without missing a thing.
Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is the perfect starting point for the road trip, packed with must-see spots just a short drive from Reykjavik. It covers three iconic destinations: Þingvellir National Park, where you can literally stand between two continents, Gullfoss, a massive waterfall, and Geysir, where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Next up is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. What makes it so special is the trail that lets visitors walk behind the falls. Located along the southern coast, it’s an easily accessible spot, perfect for capturing some great pictures, especially when the sun creates rainbows in the mist. The waterfall is part of the Seljalandsá River, and during the summer months, the area bursts with flowers, greenery, and plants of all kinds. For those venturing behind the falls, it’s a bit wet, but the view from that vantage point is well worth it.
Skógafoss Waterfall
The next waterfall on the list is Skógafos–another favorite along Iceland’s southern coast. Standing 196 feet tall and 82 feet wide, it’s one of the country’s biggest waterfalls. Visitors can get up close to the base, or if they’re up for a bit of a climb, there’s a staircase leading to the top. Plus, this spot is steeped in Icelandic folklore, with stories of hidden treasure associated with the waterfall.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Ready to experience Iceland’s lagoon life? Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the country’s most beautiful spots, where huge icebergs drift aimlessly along. Located at the edge of the Vatnajökull Glacier, it’s filled with pieces of ice that break off from the glacier and float toward the sea. The lagoon is also home to some local wildlife, including seals, which can often be seen swimming around the icebergs.
Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is one of the largest national parks in Europe and an absolute must-see. It’s home to Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, and the park covers about 14 percent of Iceland’s total land area. (Read: it’s massive.) Expect to see icy glaciers and towering ice caps, volcanic craters, waterfalls, and rugged mountains. The park also has stunning spots like Svartifoss, a waterfall surrounded by dark basalt columns, and Skaftafell, a nature reserve that’s perfect for outdoor adventures.
The Eastfjords
Head to the Eastfjords next–a much quieter, more remote experience compared to other parts of the country. This region is known for its steep fjords, tall mountains, and old-school coastal villages. Visitors can explore charming towns like Seydisfjordur, known for its colorful houses and artsy vibe, or hike along the coastline for views of the fjords and the North Atlantic Ocean. The Eastfjords have a wide variety of wildlife, including puffins, seals, and reindeer.
Lake Myvatn
From there, the next stop is Lake Myvatn, located in the north of Iceland. Known for its jaw-dropping landscapes, the lake is surrounded by volcanic craters, bubbling mud pools, and geothermal areas. Visitors can take a dip in the Myvatn Nature Baths or explore the Hverir geothermal area, where steam rises up. Don’t miss the Dimmuborgir lava fields, famous for their unusual rock formations.
Dettifoss Waterfall
Ending at Dettifoss Waterfall is the perfect way to wrap up a road trip through Iceland. It’s Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and standing in front of it, you’ll feel why. At more than 300 feet wide and 144 feet high, it’s hard to believe how massive it is until you’re there. The surrounding land is rugged and almost otherworldly, giving off that true Icelandic wild vibe. Without a doubt, Dettifoss is a pretty incredible spot to finish off the adventure.
