| Option | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| From Reykjavík: 7-Day Around Iceland Ring Road and Snæfellsnes tour | Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 84 reviews on 8 November 2026; the price depends on the date and the group | Travellers who do not want to drive or plan |
| Self-drive | Route 1, 1,322 km, at least 7 days (Visit Iceland) | Your own pace and detours |
| Shorter trips | The South Coast and a day trip to the lagoon | 4 or 5 days, no full loop |
Guided tour or self-drive
A guided Ring Road tour removes the driving and the lodging search. That matters in the south: accommodation between Selfoss and Höfn is often hard to find in peak summer, so Visit Iceland advises booking ahead. The guided 7-day tour is rated 4.8 out of 5 from 84 reviews, a small number compared with the day tours, so read the itinerary on the GetYourGuide page for the stops and the group size before you decide. In the east, see the Vök Baths.
Driving yourself gives control over the direction, the stops and the weather days. The road is paved, a 4x4 is not required, and you can go east or north out of Reykjavík: Visit Iceland says there is no right or wrong way, and that the southern stretch from Reykjavík to Egilsstaðir is often considered the more scenic. For cars and insurance, see Iceland car rental and how to get around Iceland.
What the loop covers
South. The flattest part of the country, with the road along the coast. The stops are Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, the Dyrhólaey cliffs, Vatnajökull National Park, and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
East. From Höfn to Egilsstaðir the road zig-zags through the Eastfjords. In summer the Öxi pass (Route 939) is a gravel shortcut that saves 68 km between Djúpivogur and Egilsstaðir; it is steep and winding, so it takes extra caution.
North. The geothermal hot springs at Mývatn, Akureyri, the largest town on the Ring Road, the Arctic Coast Way and the Diamond Circle. Visit Iceland recommends a multi-day trip here.
West. The Ring Road takes an inland route through Borgarfjörður and bypasses the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords; Borgarnes, Hvammstangi and Blönduós lie on the way. Traffic between Reykjavík and Akureyri can be heavy, especially in July. Snæfellsnes needs its own day, see Kirkjufell.
Winter and weather
From September to May, the passes at Holtavörðuheiði, Öxnadalsheiði and Möðrudalsöræfi need close attention, as they are prone to closures in storms or high winds, sometimes even in summer. SafeTravel (safetravel.is) publishes a map of road closures, snow and wind conditions and volcanic and weather alerts. Public transport runs all year, but schedules can be unpredictable outside summer. A guided tour carries that decision for you; if you drive in the cold months, read Iceland in winter and the best time to visit Iceland.
How many days
Seven days is the minimum Visit Iceland gives for the full loop. Plan the days with 7 days in Iceland or, if you have more time, 10 days in Iceland. With 4 or 5 days, skip the east and north and keep to the south coast, as in South Coast tours.
Mistakes to avoid
- Planning less than 7 days for the full loop.
- Not booking beds between Selfoss and Höfn in peak summer.
- Taking the Öxi gravel shortcut without checking that it is open and suits your car.
- Driving the high passes from September to May without checking SafeTravel.
- Expecting the Ring Road to include Snæfellsnes or the Westfjords: it does not.
FAQ
How long is the Ring Road?
Route 1 is 1,322 km (820 miles), according to Visit Iceland.
How many days do I need?
At least 7 days.
Do I need a 4x4?
No, the Ring Road does not require one.
Is it open in winter?
Yes, but outside summer the high passes can close in storms or wind, so check safetravel.is.
Which direction should I drive?
Either; Visit Iceland says there is no right or wrong way.
The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
