5 Best Road Trips in Iceland

Iceland is a road-tripper’s dream come true. The rolling landscapes and distances between the stunning natural attractions lend themselves to traveling by car – not to mention the quality of the roads that connect the whole country. That’s why hundreds of people choose to explore Iceland by hiring a rental car for their very own road trip every year.

Road Tripping in Iceland

A road trip through Iceland’s scenic roads is something visitors to the island never forget. In fact, exploring Iceland in this manner has become a popular bucket list experience for travel enthusiasts across the globe. The freedom that comes with a road trip through Iceland means that visitors can travel at their own pace, make itinerary adjustments that suit them as they go, and see some off-the-beaten-track attractions that your typical tours may not include.

For people wanting to truly experience authentic Iceland, a road trip is the best way to go!

Iceland’s Best Road Trips

But Iceland, like many other vacation destinations, is different wherever you go, which means the car journeys are different too! No matter how much time you have in Iceland or where you’re flying to, there’s a road trip perfect for you waiting to be discovered. Each route has unique highlights, gorgeous views, and winding bends to enjoy. Find the right route for you, whether it’s a well-known classic or a brand-new adventure! Here’s our list of the best 5 road trips in Iceland.

1. The Golden Circle

If you haven’t heard of the Golden Circle in southwest Iceland, this must be your first time visiting! This famous road trip has been created to offer visitors with limited time a comprehensive taste of the natural attractions the country has to offer. Easy to complete in a day or even a few hours if you’re really short on time, the Golden Circle encompasses 3 popular sites; Thingvellir National Park, Skógafoss Waterfall, and Geyser Geothermal Area. What’s more, this iconic route is easy to reach after exploring Reykjavík for a day or two. There are ample campgrounds around the Golden Circle route too if you’re looking to make the most of the journey.

2. The Ring Road

If you’ve got the time, Iceland’s Ring Road is well worth exploring. The basics of the Ring Road are self-explanatory; a road traversing around the edges of the island nation from which you can hit as many or as few of Iceland’s most famous attractions as you want. Route 1, as it’s otherwise known, is fairly easy to drive when you know the basics about driving in Iceland. 

Whether you’re looking to relax on the open road while enjoying stunning rolling landscapes, or you’re eager to stop off at every opportunity, the Ring Road can be adapted to your road trip requirements. The minimum amount of time we’d recommend to spend exploring the Ring Road is a week, but you could quite easily spend longer going off the beaten track.

3. The Blue Diamond

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds while sticking close to Reykjavík, the Blue Diamond is an up-and-coming alternative road trip route to the Golden Circle. The route explores the lesser-ventured Reykjanes Peninsula. 

Typically famed for the international airport and Blue Lagoon, this area of Iceland has a lot of natural beauty waiting to be discovered by those who are curious. Geothermal curiosities lie in wait on just about every corner and there is a huge variety of things to see and do – all within a stone’s throw from the airport and capital city. This is an ideal road trip if you don’t have more than a day or two in Iceland.

4. The Diamond Circle

For a road trip a little further from Reykjavík, the Diamond Circle offers an in-depth exploration of Iceland’s more rugged north. This route encompasses 250km (155 mi) of stunning winding roads and mind-blowing natural highlights. There are 5 key destinations; Goðafoss Waterfall, Ásbyrgi Canyon, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss Waterfall, and Húsavík, a popular town for whale-watching. 

See sights well off the beaten track and make unforgettable memories, no matter how much time you have to spend on your adventure. 

5. The Westfjords Way

This is another driving route in Iceland that might have escaped your attention – until now! The Westfjords Way makes the beautiful and rugged Westfjords, nestled in the northwest of Iceland, more accessible to those looking for adventure. The unique geography of the area makes for a fascinating drive, meandering to and fro to reach the next stunning viewpoint or a charming village. The Westfjords Way is an easy loop, making for an incredible two or three days on the road.

Sights you’ll see along the way include the famous Látrabjarg sea cliffs, home to nesting puffins, as well as Dynjandi waterfall and Rauðisandur beach.

When you land in Keflavik, GO Iceland couldn’t make it easier to pick up your rental car and hit the open road. Whenever you choose to explore, we make it easy to find the right vehicle for your road trip. Start your journey today!