Embarking on a trip around Iceland's legendary Ring Road is not just about sightseeing; it's an immersive experience in a land where nature's raw beauty takes center stage. As a travel advisor and lover of unique adventures, I recently explored this breathtaking country in October. I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of our journey, plus some practical tips to enhance your Icelandic adventure.
The Ring Road Route: Unveiling Nature's Masterpiece
We started our journey from the airport along Route 1 or the Ring Road, spanning approximately 1,332 kilometers (approximately 828 miles). This route covers many of Iceland’s natural landmarks: thundering waterfalls, steaming geysers, volcanic craters, and serene fjords.
Driving allowed us the flexibility to bask in the serenity of the landscape, stopping spontaneously wherever nature beckoned. However, if you know where you want to stop, it is good to have it loaded into your GPS or map system ahead of time. If you're planning a self-drive tour, renting a reliable vehicle is key to navigating the diverse terrains comfortably and safely. Also, if traveling with friends, make sure you know how much you are all packing and what the vehicle you rented can comfortably hold with you in it! (We ended up with a little too much luggage, but it just added to our fun. Traveling with the right type of friends on a trip like this is very important, and we are very lucky to have the easiest-going friends ever!)
(pictures from top left to right: getting ready for Whale watching in Husavik, Vestrahorn Mountain, a seal on our glacier tour, the glacier at Glacier Lagoon, a piece of glacier from the water, the ice cave on Katla, a rainbow out the window as we drove the F road, the Blue Lagoon, and us suited up for our Glacier Lagoon tour)
Travel Tips: Keys to a Smooth Journey
Traveling along the Ring Road is a remarkable experience, yet it comes with a few logistical considerations to ensure a seamless journey. Here are some tips based on our firsthand experiences:
1. Rental Car: Car rentals can be found at the airport or off the airport grounds. You need transportation to the off-site car rental locations, so make sure you know where your rental car company is located before you book. You will have to walk outside to get to your car, even at the onsite locations. Also, make sure you look over what insurance you want and need. Most people take the highest insurance to cover gravel, volcanic ash, sand, and even tire protection (which you may wish to have with studded tires in the fall and winter). Ensure you do your due diligence to get the correct protection for you.
2. Credit Card PINs: Iceland is largely a cashless society, but a PIN is needed at gas stations. Typically, unmanned fuel pumps require this, but we ran into it more than once. You cannot use a debit card with a PIN. It must be a credit card.
3. Luggage Coordination: Discuss luggage limits and preferences beforehand if traveling with friends. Compact cars are more economical and easier for Ring Road travel, but space is limited, so packing smartly is crucial. Even in a Toyota Rav 4, we had just enough room.
4. Weather Preparedness: Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Dressing in layers and having waterproof clothing on hand will keep you comfortable, whether it's sunny, windy, or rainy. A good rule of thumb for fall & winter is a base layer, another layer, and then, depending on the weather, you can put on snow pants or windproof pants at your location. (Driving all day in bulky snow pants wasn’t always comfortable).
5. Packing: There are not a lot of places to do laundry on The Ring Road, and if you are traveling and stopping at different hotels every day, you might not have time. By packing layers, you can eliminate or re-wear a lot of clothes. Also, some hotels have heated towel racks. I washed clothes in the sink if needed, and my clothes quickly dried on a towel rack in a few hours (including a pair of jeans in 4 hours). The rooms are warm, so that helps!
6. Plan Your Fuel Stops: Gas stations can be sparse in certain areas, so it's wise to fill up whenever you come across one, especially in more remote locations of the Ring Road. If you are traveling the East side heading North, always fill up if you get to half a tank would be my recommendation.
7. Embrace the Midnight Sun: During summer months, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight. This extends your sightseeing hours but can interrupt your sleep schedule. Packing an eye mask can be helpful. I know some people who take binder clips or use hair clips to keep shades closed, too!
8. Chasing the Northern Lights in Winter: If witnessing the northern lights is on your bucket list, be mindful of the limited daylight hours in winter. Plan your activities to maximize the precious daylight, ensuring that you can also sample Iceland’s daytime scenery. Around the middle of October, we were losing 4 minutes from sunrise and 4 minutes from sunset per day. Check the timetables to be ready to go in the morning to maximize your daylight hours and see all there is! Nothing is worse than driving all day and being unable to see something because it is too dark out!
9. Road Signs: Look up the road signs in Iceland and be aware of what they mean before you go. Depending on where you drive, you will encounter many roundabouts, one-lane bridges, and even some one-lane tunnels. In roundabouts in Iceland, the cars on the inner lane have the right of way. If you see a round yellow sign with a red circle around it, this means the road is closed. Do not proceed on those roads as they are often closed due to weather. There is one toll road in Iceland in the north a few km east of Akureyri. Before driving through, register your vehicle at www.veggjald.is. For more information, see visiticeland.com. They also have an excellent course on visiting Iceland and what to know. For road closures, visit safetravel.is. And for more general information about the different places to visit, road signs, etc., look at Around Iceland.
Highlights of Our Journey
It is impossible to encapsulate entirely, as in every place we stopped, the geography was different! There is just so much to see and not enough time. To drive the ring road, I recommend having at least 10 days. But if you want to go at an even slower pace, 12-14 would be even better. Some standout moments include hiking a glacier, the giant vehicle we took out to see the Ice Cave, the zodiac boat tour of Glacier Lagoon, the ethereal beauty of Grjótagjá, and the steam rising from the earth. Or being surprised by the Northern lights on a night we weren’t expecting to see them as the cloud cover cleared for just a short time only to be shrouded in mist again after the show.
We were lucky enough to experience three different thermal hot springs. The first was a natural spring located at a campground off the beaten path. We experienced many different roads on our travels. The Ring Road is very well-kept and pristine. From that, you quickly realize why you are told to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle, as all other roads tend to be gravel. We took an F road that was very bumpy, and driving some of the hills on the east side was not for the faint of heart! You also have to know that in the Fall and Winter, you must check road conditions before and during your travels. Road conditions and weather conditions can change rapidly!
For the geothermal lagoons, you can stop at any along the road. These are often marked on highway signs and are free of charge. The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, and the other is the Sky Lagoon. Both are private spas that have entrance fees and need to be booked in advance. At the Sky Lagoon, we did their 7-step ritual, which included the sauna, steam room, salt scrub, and a refreshing juice shot. The view from the sauna is one of the most stunning things! The Blue Lagoon is more touristy but still spectacular. It’s also much larger, so I felt we could find some quiet spots to get away. I recommend getting the package with the robe and the extra face masks! There is an age limit at the Sky Lagoon of 12+. The Blue Lagoon has an age limit of 2+.
(pictures from top left to right: Hverfjall Crater in Mývatn, sunset at Grótagjá, chasing the northern lights outside of Reykjavic, enjoying a drink at the Blue Lagoon, Goðafoss Waterfall, the sauna at the Sky Lagoon).
Final Thoughts
Our journey around Iceland’s Ring Road was an enchanting expedition through landscapes sculpted by ice and fire. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, marveling at glaciers, or mesmerized by northern lights, the essence of Iceland's allure is its stark yet inviting natural beauty.
A trip to Iceland isn't just a getaway; it's a reconnection with the wonder of the earth. If you’re inspired to plan a trip around Iceland, don’t hesitate to contact Hammock Hideaways Travel for personalized tips and itineraries designed to make your journey unforgettable.
Safe travels and happy exploring!
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