The Ring Road (Route 1) is Iceland's most famous road, connecting the country's most spectacular landscapes in a 1,322 km loop. 7 days is the ideal timeframe to see the major highlights without rushing. Here's your day-by-day plan.
Day 1: Reykjavik → South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss)
Start early from Reykjavik and drive along the South Coast. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind. Wear waterproof clothes! Just 30 minutes further, Skogafoss awaits, one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls with a 60-meter drop. If you're up for it, climb the 527 steps to the top for a breathtaking view over the coastline.
Hidden gem: Visit Gljufrabui right next to Seljalandsfoss. This hidden waterfall inside a rock crevice is far less crowded.
Where to stay: Vik or surroundings. Hotel Kria offers fantastic views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
Day 2: Vik → Glacier Lagoon (Reynisfjara, Fjadrargljufur, Jokulsarlon)
Start the day at Reynisfjara black sand beach. Warning: the sneaker waves are notorious here, always keep your distance from the water! Continue to Fjadrargljufur Canyon (short walk along the rim) and then to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the absolute highlight of the South Coast.
Tip: Visit Diamond Beach across from the lagoon, where icebergs rest like diamonds on the black sand. Most beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Drive: ~265 km. Allow plenty of time, there's so much to see along the way.
Day 3: Glacier Lagoon → East Fjords (Vestrahorn, Djupivogur)
Today gets quieter. The East Fjords are Iceland's least visited region, and that's exactly what makes them special. Stop at Vestrahorn, one of Iceland's most photogenic mountains, with its reflection in the black lagoon. In Djupivogur, you'll find the charming egg sculpture row at the harbor and a peaceful fishing village.
Hidden gem: Hvalnes Nature Reserve between Vestrahorn and Djupivogur. Black pebble beach with a lighthouse and mountain silhouettes.
Day 4: East Fjords → Myvatn (Seydisfjordur, Studlagil, Dettifoss)
A long but incredibly varied day. If you have time, detour to Seydisfjordur, Iceland's most colorful town with its famous rainbow street. Studlagil Canyon with its perfect basalt columns is a must (1.5 hour hike). End the day with Europe's most powerful waterfall: Dettifoss.
Drive: ~350 km. Start early! Studlagil alone needs 2-3 hours including the hike.
Where to stay: Myvatn region. Fosshotel Myvatn is centrally located for all of tomorrow's highlights.
Day 5: Myvatn Region (Namaskard, Dimmuborgir, Godafoss)
Today you stay in the Myvatn region, one of Iceland's most volcanically active areas. Start at Namaskard (Hverir), where boiling mud pots and fumaroles create a Mars-like landscape. Hike through the bizarre lava formations of Dimmuborgir and relax at Myvatn Nature Baths (much quieter and cheaper than the Blue Lagoon). In the afternoon, drive to Godafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods".
Hidden gem: Grjotagja, the small lava cave with a hot spring (look only, bathing forbidden!). Game of Thrones fans will recognize it.
Day 6: Akureyri → Northwest (Akureyri, Kolugljufur, Borgarnes)
Akureyri, the "Capital of the North", deserves a morning stroll. Try the heart-shaped traffic lights and visit Kaffi Ilmur for the best cake in town. Then drive westward along the north coast. Stop at Kolugljufur Canyon, where two waterfalls plunge into a dramatic gorge. Continue to Borgarnes for the night.
Drive: ~300 km. A relaxed driving day with beautiful coastal scenery.
Day 7: Borgarnes → Reykjavik (Hraunfossar, Deildartunguhver)
Your final day starts with two unique natural wonders. Hraunfossar (Lava Waterfalls) spring directly from a lava field into the river, a surreal sight. Right next to it is Barnafoss with a tragic Icelandic saga. Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring (180 liters per second!). From here, it's only 90 minutes back to Reykjavik.
Tip: If you still have energy on your last evening, visit Hallgrimskirkja at sunset for the best view over Reykjavik.
Practical Tips for the Ring Road
Fuel: Gas stations are sparse, especially in the east and north. Fill up whenever you drop below half a tank.
Rental car: A regular car is fine for the Ring Road (fully paved). For highland detours (F-roads), you need a 4x4.
Weather: Iceland weather changes every 15 minutes. Layering and a waterproof outer shell are essential. Check vedur.is daily.
Best time: June to August for midnight sun and the longest days. September for autumn colors and first northern lights. Winter only for experienced drivers.
Plan your Ring Road trip with Iceland Explorer
The complete Ring Road route with all 24 stops, driving times, accommodation suggestions, and navigation is available in the Iceland Explorer app. The interactive map shows you all attractions along the route, and the companion mode guides you step by step.