Ring Road (Route 1)

Route 1 circles Iceland in 1322 km, shifting from lunar lava fields to green valleys within a single hour of driving. Seven days lets the ring breathe properly, the only toll along the way is the Vadlaheidargong tunnel at roughly ISK 1,500, and the drink-drive limit holds at 0.05.

Quick Facts

Top 5 Highlights

1. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Icebergs calve from Breidamerkurjokull glacier into a still lagoon

2. Myvatn

Volcanic lake surrounded by lava formations, hot springs, and pseudo-craters

3. Dettifoss

Europe’s most powerful waterfall — the earth literally shakes beneath your feet

4. Skogafoss

60-metre waterfall with a staircase to the top and a double rainbow on sunny mornings

5. Vik’s Black Sand Beach

Jet-black volcanic sand backed by basalt sea stacks called Reynisdrangar

Road Conditions & Terrain

Terrain: Paved two-lane highway circling the island through coastal lowlands, mountain passes, and lava fields

Road type: Route 1 is fully paved. Some side roads (numbered 3+ digits) are gravel. F-roads require 4WD and river crossings.

Best Time to Drive

Best months: June–August

24-hour daylight in June; highland roads (F-roads) only open mid-June to September

Key Driving Rules

Iceland’s speed limits: 90 km/h on paved rural roads, 80 km/h on gravel, 50 km/h in towns. Speed cameras and fines are steep. Single-lane bridges are common — the car closer to the bridge has right of way. Highland F-roads are illegal to drive without 4WD.

Speed Limits

Required Equipment

• Warning triangle
• Reflective vest
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Estimated Costs

Practical Tips

• Rent a vehicle with gravel/sand protection insurance — loose stone damage is not covered by standard CDW
• NEVER park on moss-covered lava fields — Icelandic moss takes decades to recover
• Wind can slam car doors hard enough to bend hinges — always grip the door firmly
• Fuel stations are 100+ km apart in the east; fill up at every opportunity
• Book accommodation months ahead for July — there are very few options in remote stretches

Related Guides

• Driving in Iceland — Complete Guide
• Iceland Tyre Laws
• EV Driving in Iceland
• Motorhome Guide: Iceland