5 Best Road Trips in Iceland
Iceland is a road-tripper’s dream come true. The rolling landscapes and distance 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 car on their very own road trip every year.
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, whether it’s a well-known classic or a brand-new adventure!
1. 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 time-poor visitors to Iceland 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 fast, the Golden Circle encompasses 3 popular sites; Thingvellir National Park, Skógafoss Waterfall, and the Geysers. What’s more, this iconic route is easy to reach after exploring Reykjavík for a day or two.
2. 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. Blue Diamond
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds while sticking close to Reykjavík, the Blue Diamond is an up-and-coming alternative tourist 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.
4. 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, the capital of the north. 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 charming village. The Westfjords Way is an easy loop, making for an incredible two or three days on the road.
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, our range of rental cars makes it easy to find the right vehicle for your road trip. Start your journey today!