Ring Road Iceland: A 10-Day Overland Adventure Around the Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) offers one of the most awe-inspiring overland adventures in Europe. This 1,322 km loop circles the entire island, delivering an ever-changing landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and geothermal wonders. Ideal for campervans, SUVs, and adventurous travelers, this 10-day itinerary mixes nature, history, and Icelandic culture in an unforgettable journey.

Quick Facts

• Total Distance: ~1,322 km

• Duration: 10 days

• Start/End Point: Reykjavik

• Best Time to Go: June to September

• Road Conditions: Paved main roads, occasional gravel side roads

• Ideal For: Nature photographers, adventure lovers, geology enthusiasts, road trippers

Day 1: Reykjavik to Hveragerði (45 km)

• Highlights: Reykjadalur Hot Spring River, geothermal greenhouses

• Experience: Begin your journey with a relaxing hike to the Reykjadalur hot spring river. Explore the charming town of Hveragerði, known for its geothermal greenhouses and bubbling hot pots.

• Tip: Bring hiking sandals for crossing shallow rivers on the trail. Shop trail footwear

• Camping/Stay: Hveragerði Campsite or nearby guesthouses

Day 2: Hveragerði to Vik (141 km)

• Highlights: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Beach

• Experience: Continue southeast along the coast. Stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, then end at Reynisfjara’s dramatic black sand beach.

• Tip: Pack a rainproof jacket and camera protection — waterfalls and coastal spray are intense! Shop waterproof gear

• Camping/Stay: Vik Camping

Day 3: Vik to Höfn (270 km)

• Highlights: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Vatnajökull Glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

• Experience: Visit the canyon and explore Vatnajökull National Park. Take a boat among icebergs at Jökulsárlón and stroll along Diamond Beach.

• Tip: A telephoto lens is great for capturing glacier details. Browse lenses

• Camping/Stay: Höfn Camping

Day 4: Höfn to Djúpivogur (105 km)

• Highlights: Vestrahorn Mountain, Papey Island

• Experience: Visit the dramatic Vestrahorn and continue north to Djúpivogur, a tranquil harbor village. Optional boat trip to Papey Island for birdwatching.

• Tip: A compact drone captures aerial fjord shots. Explore drone cameras

• Camping/Stay: Djúpivogur Campsite

Day 5: Djúpivogur to Egilsstaðir (150 km)

• Highlights: East Fjords, Petra’s Stone Collection

• Experience: Drive through winding coastal roads of the East Fjords. Visit Petra’s quirky rock and mineral museum before reaching Egilsstaðir.

• Tip: A travel kettle is handy for tea on the go. Explore travel appliances

• Camping/Stay: Egilsstaðir Campsite

Day 6: Egilsstaðir to Lake Mývatn (165 km)

• Highlights: Dettifoss, Hverir Geothermal Area, Mývatn Nature Baths

• Experience: Explore Dettifoss, Hverir’s geothermal vents, and bathe in the Mývatn Nature Baths.

• Tip: Bring a microfiber towel and swim shoes for hot springs. Check travel accessories

• Camping/Stay: Bjarg Campsite

Day 7: Lake Mývatn to Akureyri (100 km)

• Highlights: Goðafoss, whale-watching, Akureyri town

• Experience: See Goðafoss, then explore Akureyri’s botanical gardens and harbor. Book an optional whale-watching tour.

• Tip: A compact binocular set enhances wildlife sightings. Shop optics

• Camping/Stay: Hamrar Campsite

Day 8: Akureyri to Hvammstangi (220 km)

• Highlights: Hvitserkur, Icelandic Seal Center

• Experience: Travel the Skagafjörður valley and visit the coastal rock formation Hvitserkur. Learn about Iceland’s seals at the Hvammstangi center.

• Tip: A car fridge keeps snacks fresh. See portable coolers

• Camping/Stay: Hvammstangi Campsite

Day 9: Hvammstangi to Borgarnes (190 km)

• Highlights: Kolugljúfur Canyon, scenic river drives

• Experience: Drive to the impressive Kolugljúfur waterfall canyon, then follow quiet roads south to Borgarnes.

• Tip: A stabilized phone gimbal helps film smooth videos on bumpy roads. Find camera accessories

• Camping/Stay: Borgarnes Camping Ground

Day 10: Borgarnes to Reykjavik via Golden Circle (160 km)

• Highlights: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss

• Experience: Finish with Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Stand between tectonic plates at Thingvellir, see the erupting Strokkur geyser, and admire Gullfoss waterfall before returning to Reykjavik.

• Tip: Don’t forget a universal power adapter for charging on the go. View travel adapters

• Camping/Stay: Reykjavik campsites or hotels

Tips for Overlanding the Ring Road

• Weather Ready: Icelandic weather changes fast. Layers, waterproofs, and extra blankets are essential.

• Fuel and Food: Fuel stations are sparse in remote areas. Keep snacks and water stocked.

• Respect Nature: Stick to marked trails and camp responsibly.

• Connectivity: Download offline maps and bring a portable hotspot. Check best travel Wi-Fi options

Conclusion

Overlanding Iceland’s Ring Road is a bucket-list experience full of raw beauty and unique encounters. From glacial lagoons to volcanic deserts, it offers nonstop wonder across 10 carefully planned days.

Before you go, make sure to check out our Overlanding Gear Guide for essential tools, accessories, and camping equipment to elevate your journey.

Also, don’t forget to explore other adventures in our Best Overlanding Routes in Europe collection!