Iceland, a Nordic Island is a stone's throw away from Europe and North America.
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.
Iceland has only one main road encircling the entire island. It is known as Route 1 or the Ring Road, which is 828 miles long. Plan a 15 day trip to enjoy and experience Iceland.
Start from Reykjavík and end the journey at Reykjavík along Route 1, where you see Icelandic countryside, seafront villages, fjords, volcanoes and glaciers.
Southwest of Iceland is green farmlands with rivers and mountains. Go off the Ring Road to enjoy the Golden Circle and rejoin Route 1 again, near Hveragerdi.
Hveragerdi
A quaint town from where you can hike to Reykjadalur, here you can bath in the geothermal river.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the glaciers Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull from the Ring Road.
Seljalandsfoss
It is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland. In summers, you can walk under the water to stand on the cave's mouth.
Wish to take a dip in a warm mountainside pool? Take a detour to Seljadalur in Seljavallalaug.
Dyrholaey is known for the great view of the Reynisfjara black sand beach from the cliff. It is home to thousands of puffins.
Take a short detour from Route 1 to get a peek at the Reynisfjara beach. The sand is black and waves can rise up to 30 to 50 meters. Enjoy this scene from a safe distance.
Vik i Myrdal
A quaint southern village before you enter Kirkjubaejarklaustur. It has only 300 inhabitants and is known for its black beaches.
Kirkjubaejarklaustur
A tiny town that has a lovely camping site. There are many romantic hiking paths that can lead you to Systrafoss waterfall.
Skaftafell
A part of Vatnajokull National Park, this place is lush green even though it is close to a glacier. Here, enjoy the Black Waterfall Svartifoss, called so because of the dark Basalt columns.
Hofskirkja Church
Say a prayer at this late 19th century church. It is built of turf and is the last church in Iceland of this style.
How about a boat ride in a big glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon. It is possible only in summer. If lucky, you can see big chunks of ice, breaking away from glaciers and floating in the lagoon.
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video.
Diamond Beach
The ice flows from the lagoon in to the sea. Waves push the ice chunks on the black sand beach and this view resembles diamonds on a black velvet cloth.
Hofn
An hour's drive from Jokulsarlon is Hofn, a small fishing town. Taste some of the best lobsters here.
Vestrahorn
The beach is long and flat, and the water is placid, allowing photographers to capture reflections of the mountain in the water.
Egilsstadir
The town next to the forest where river Lagarfljot flows. As you drive further you come to the campsite by the lake known as Atlavik.
Hallormsstadaskogur Forest
Take a detour off the Ring Road to see the largest forest in Iceland. This forest marks the half way around the country.
Hengifoss
it is the third highest waterfall in Iceland, at 128 meters high surrounded by basalt rocks layered with red clay.
Seydisfjordur
A quaint village in a fjord. Here is the ferry docks that connects Iceland to the Faroe islands and Denmark.
Myvantn
A beautiful lake in North Iceland with stunning surroundings, hot springs and caves.
Dimmuborgir
Close to Lake Myvatn is Dimmuborgir. It has breathtaking rock formations and caves. It was featured in the Game of Thrones.
Grjótagjá
A hot spring inside a cave. You are not allowed to bath here as the water temperature is unpredictable.
Dettifoss
Detour off the Ring Road to visit the most amazing waterfall in Europe. It is a must visit waterfall.
Husavik
On the north coast of Iceland is this picturesque town where you can go whale watching.
Godafoss
"Waterfall of the Gods" can be seen from the Ring Road. It got its name when the statues of the Norse Gods were thrown into this waterfall.
Akureyri
Capital of North Iceland, nestles in a beautiful fjord. It has an amazing nightlife and ski resorts.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
An Iceland in Miniature. It has all the landscape features of the island nation in one location.
Westfjords
If you're driving in summer, add a few more days to your trip and visit this beautiful scenic location - red sand beach of Rauðisandur and Látrabjarg bird cliff, the western tip of Europe.
Deildartunguhver
Deildartunguhver has the hottest geothermal spring in Europe.
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
Stunning lava waterfalls that fall directly from underneath a lava field.
Borgarnes
A quaint town where you make a mandatory stopover to enjoy hot dogs or have a scoop of ice cream.
Mount Esja
Mountain range near Reykjavik where you go for a hike.
Reykjavik
Finally, you are back to the starting point. The capital city is known for its art galleries, restaurants, museums and shops.
Drive the Ring Road in winter only if you are a seasoned driver. There could be snowstorms at times which can make the journey slightly hectic. But in Winters you get to see the Northern lights.