Reasons to Hit Iceland’s Ring Road

Have you ever imagined driving through landscapes straight out of a fairy tale? Well, it’s time to turn those dreams into reality. Pack your bags, fasten your seatbelt, and set off for Iceland’s Ring Road. This is the ultimate adventure, and yes, it is calling your name.

Setting the Scene

Known locally as Route 1, the Ring Road is an 828-mile loop that offers a thrilling drive around the whole of Iceland, linking together the country’s most mesmerizing spots. From dramatic coastlines and ethereal craters to glaciers that seem to touch the sky and waterfalls that take your breath away—this road has it all.

Landscapes That Legends Are Made Of

The truth really is that the scenery here is like stepping into a saga of ancient Norse gods. You’ll cruise by basalt columns that are so geometric they feel crafted by hand, hot springs bubbling as if by magic, and waterfalls that look like gateways to another realm. It’s like the Icelandic myths left the pages of books and settled into the land.

Freedom to Roam: Your Trip, Your Rules

The best part? The sheer flexibility. Whether you start your journey clockwise or counterclockwise, there’s no wrong way to do it. Feel like taking a detour? No problem. Want to spend an extra day basking in the beauty of a secluded fjord? Go for it.

To really drink in that freedom, consider an RV rental. It turns the whole island into your personal backyard. Imagine waking up to the sound of a waterfall or the silence of a deep fjord. Iceland is dotted with campsites, so feel free to stop and set up camp wherever the road takes you.

You Could Start in Reykjavík

Consider kicking off your journey in Reykjavík, Iceland’s buzzing capitol. Overflowing with culture and art, it’s a perfect starting point. Treat yourself to a hotdog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, marvel at the towering Hallgrímskirkja church, or take a leisurely stroll around Harpa concert Hall. Once you’ve soaked in the urban charm, it’s time to hit the road.

Discovering South Iceland

Head south towards Vík, and prepare to have your jaw drop. Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach, is otherworldly, with mystical basalt columns standing guard. Don’t miss Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. They’re stunning, and you can actually walk behindSeljalandsfoss. Be prepared to get a bit wet!

Exploring the East Fjords

Next, venture into the East Fjords. This place is a dreamscape of narrow roads winding through towering mountains and quaint villages like Seyðisfjörður, a haven for artists with its iconic blue church. The tranquility here is so profound it feels like the rest of the world just melts away.

Northward Bound

As you roll into the North, Akureyri welcomes you with open arms. Dubbed the Capital of the North, it’s a vibrant town with a botanical garden and cozy cafes. Don’t stop for too long, though; just outside Akureyri, you’ll find Lake Mývatn and its incredible geothermal landscape. Wander through the eerie lava fields of Dimmuborgir and unwind in the Mývatn Nature Baths, Iceland’s northern answer to the Blue Lagoon.

The West’s Grand Finale

West Iceland offers a dramatic climax to your Ring Road odyssey. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature,” packs a bit of everything into one small area. Towering cliffs, volcanic craters, and the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier immortalized in Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth” all vying for your attention.

The Spectacular Wrap-Up

Driving Iceland’s Ring Road is an adventure into one of the most captivating natural landscapes on the planet. The freedom, the raw beauty, the mythic allure; it’s all there waiting for you. By the time you circle back to Reykjavík, you’ll have a tapestry of memories woven from the threads of this incredible land.