There truly is no better way to explore the Land of Fire and Ice than by hitting the road and taking on some of our most popular road trip routes. Each Iceland road trip offers different scenic views, exciting activities, and incredible sights, promising the trip of a lifetime.
But planning a trip with a rental car in Iceland without any inside knowledge of the country can be challenging. That’s why we decided to create this handy guide. After reading this article, you’ll be able to plan the perfect road trip adventure to this remarkable country. Here’s how you can make your Iceland road trip extraordinary!
Why a Road Trip is the Best Way to Explore Iceland
While there are various (extremely) tempting tour packages available here on the island, there are many reasons why renting a car in Iceland and hitting the road is the way to go:
Stay in Charge of Your Schedule
What often happens when booking a spot on a guided tour traveling around a country is that you inevitably end up stopping at various sites you really don’t have much interest in, as well as skipping some you would’ve loved to have seen (especially those in the remote areas). With your own transport, you can decide what you’d like to experience and what you’d rather not spend time on.
Stay in Charge of Your Time
This is yet another very annoying aspect of tour packages. You are tightly bound and restricted to someone else’s timeline. If you would’ve liked to have spent 10 more minutes waiting for the geyser to erupt, half the tour group is already being herded onto the bus. And, while you might feel you’ve seen enough of the waterfall, you might have to linger around for another half an hour waiting for the tour’s itinerary clock to run out.
You Can Be Your Authentic Self
You may feel like you are yourself wherever you go, but there’s something deeper when you’re in your own space and have some privacy. When cruising around the island by yourself or with your nearest and dearest, you can just relax and take in the majestic scenery without ever having to be aware of or consider a group of strangers surrounding you.
You Can Adhere to Nature’s Call (Literally)
Nature doesn’t run on a schedule, and whenever Mother Nature throws an impromptu show while on a guided tour, you’ll just have to suck it up, call it “bad timing,” and stick to the tour itinerary.
When you have your own transport, you can answer whenever nature calls! Whether it’s the Northern Lights dancing across the sky right outside the city, whales spotted at a Harbour, or a migrant bird species having landed nearby – you can jump in the car and head out immediately if you wish to.
It’s Usually More Cost Effective
Tour costs can add up very quickly, and so can transport, especially if you’re planning on traveling long distances around the country. While $100 may look feasible for a day trip to a famous attraction, it starts piling up, considering we have hundreds of must-visit spots. The same goes for transport.
You may even have bought yourself the Reykjavik Card, saving you a ton on transport fees in the capital. But the moment you start booking bus seats to another town, rent taxis to surrounding attractions, have to take shuttles to and from airports, etc. you might as well have just rented a car (it would’ve definitely been more comfortable and much faster on top of your piling transport costs).
Some of Iceland’s Most Famous Road Trip Routes
The following are some of our most famous road trip routes here on the island and what their claim to fame is:
Ring Road
The Ring Road is actually not just a famous road trip route but an incredibly important piece of logistical infrastructure here in Iceland. This road, also known as Route 1, is 1332 kilometers (821 miles) long and wraps around the entire island in a circle (or ring, if you will). It connects most cities, towns, and regions with each other, making it the go-to route for delivering products or services across the country.
When it comes to visitors, the added benefit is that it runs along some of the most impressive sights on the island, and you can get a taste of every region and contrasting terrain in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is another circular route, jam-packed with all sorts of interesting sights and activities. However, it’s not nearly as big as the Ring Road and can easily be started from the capital city (from where most will kickstart their Iceland adventure after landing at Keflavik Airport). This makes these 300 kilometers (190 miles) the perfect option for those with limited time on the island.
Westfjords Way
This is yet another loop road, but cannot be compared to the previous two routes. This route is 1100 kilometers (683 miles) long and ventures through one of the most remote regions on the island in the northwest. If you’re looking for “the road less traveled” and to experience things that very few ever will – this is the route for you. But remember that traveling through the untouched wilderness also comes with its challenges, and you’ll need to come prepared.
There will be many unpaved roads, including our famous F-roads, which will require a 4x4 vehicle. You should also take care not to get yourself in trouble here since it might take some time for people to reach you. But, as long as you come prepared, this rugged region is incredibly rewarding.
Diamond Circle
This route is for those wanting to explore the northern parts of Iceland. This 250-kilometer (155-mile) loop road comes with its fair share of famous attractions, but you’ll need to take special consideration when it comes to the weather and the seasons here. The north is notoriously colder than the rest of the island, with winter appearing quicker and taking longer to leave. Since this impacts roads and driving conditions, it will definitely impact a road trip.
South Coast Way
As the name suggests, this 401-kilometer (249-mile) back-and-forth will take you along our breathtaking coastline. The route starts and ends in the capital city of Reykjavik, with a number of famous attractions and iconic landmarks along the way.
Since the south is notorious for its milder weather conditions, the route is definitely a favorite throughout the year. But keep in mind that our legendary winds enjoy playing along the coastline just as much as you do.
When is the Best Time to Take on Iceland’s Road Trip Routes?
The perfect time to head out on your Iceland road trip will depend on the following:
Your Budget
If you’re a bit strapped for cash, there are certain times throughout the year you should probably not be planning a trip to Iceland. This includes our summer season (considered our peak season) and the period over the festive season and New Year. These times are notorious for their price hikes.
The Items on Your Trip Itinerary
Some things in Iceland can only be experienced during certain times of the year. For example, most of our ice caves are kept closed throughout the warmer months, the Puffins only call the island their home from May to August, and the Midnight Sun can only be experienced for a few days mid-summer. So, if you have any such “seasonal” items on your trip itinerary, they will dictate when you need to visit the island.
The Specific Roads on Your Route
Our weather conditions have a pretty extreme impact on our road conditions (especially our unpaved, rougher roads). So, if you’re planning on road-tripping through some of our more remote regions and taking on those rough-and-tough roads, you might have to avoid the colder months of the year.
This is not just because of potential sudden road closures but also because of scheduled annual road closures, such as with the F-roads. Needless to say, these road closures can completely derail a perfectly planned Iceland road trip route.
Your Comfortability
In the same vein, even if roads have not been closed, the road conditions can become pretty challenging during the colder months (October to March), especially if you’re not used to these conditions back home. So, if you’re feeling too comfortable about driving in snow, ice, and winds that can reach up to 35+ kilometers an hour mid-winter, we suggest you rather plan your trip for the warmer months.
Your Personal Preferences
Of course, your personal preferences will also play a part. If you’re not one for the cold, you might have to opt for a summer holiday in Iceland. But if you’re not someone who enjoys crowds, summer won’t be the best option for you. Whatever your personal preferences, this will also dictate the best time for you to visit Iceland.
Some of the Best Road Trips in Iceland: Find Your Perfect Itinerary
Below, you’ll find a few of the best road trip itineraries for Iceland. Even if you don’t use our itineraries as is, they make great starting blocks for customizing your own. Check which of these will suit you best:
1-Day Iceland Road Trip: Short & Scenic Adventure
24 hours will never be enough to truly immerse yourself in all that Iceland has to offer. But if your time is limited on the island, or you’ve come on a business trip with just one leisure day, this 1-day itinerary is the best way to experience some of our must-visit sites:
Morning
- Arrive at Keflavik International Airport.
- Drive roughly 15 minutes to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak. (Just double-check opening hours since the volcano has caused some trouble at the venue in recent years. Nothing dangerous; just disruptive).
Lunchtime
- Drive roughly 45 minutes to the capital city of Reykjavik.
- Book into your accommodation.
- Explore the city, check out famous sites like the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall, and don’t forget to grab lunch somewhere along the way.
Afternoon
- Take a 4-hour road trip along the Golden Circle, and ensure you stop at Thingvellir National Park, where you’ll find many attractions such as Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Evening
- You can grab dinner somewhere along the road on your way back or wait till you get back to the city.
- Here, you can take in some of the vibrant city nightlife (but don’t stay up too late).
- You can drop off the rental car the same evening or before your flight home the next morning.
Overnight in: Reykjavik or near Keflavik Airport.
Next Morning
- Catch a flight home.
Route | Estimated Driving Time | Distance |
---|---|---|
Keflavik International Airport → Blue Lagoon | 15 minutes | Approx. 20 km (12 mi) |
Blue Lagoon → Reykjavik | 45 minutes | Approx. 50 km (31 mi) |
Reykjavik → Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park) | 45 minutes | Approx. 50 km (31 mi) |
Thingvellir National Park → Geysir | 50 minutes | Approx. 60 km (37 mi) |
Geysir → Gullfoss Waterfall | 10 minutes | Approx. 10 km (6 mi) |
Gullfoss Waterfall → Reykjavik | 1 hour 45 minutes | Approx. 125 km (78 mi) |
Reykjavik → Keflavik Airport (if staying near airport) | 45 minutes | Approx. 50 km (31 mi) |
2-Day Iceland Road Trip: The Perfect Quick Stopover
This is essentially an extended itinerary of the 1-day Iceland road trip itinerary, adding the South Coast to your island adventure repertoire:
Day 1: Reykjavik & the Golden Circle
- After arriving at Keflavik Airport, head out to the Blue Lagoon for that relaxing soak.
- After that, head to the capital city and explore some of the local landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja.
- But don’t dawdle in the city too long since you’ll still need enough time in the afternoon to explore a few Golden Circle highlights, such as Geysir and Kerid Crater.
Overnight in: Somewhere along the Golden Circle, such as Ljosaosskoli Hostel.
Day 2: The South Coast
- Time to take Route 1 down along the south coast where the following are some of the must-stops along the way:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Vik i Myrdal
- Reynisdrangar Rock Formation
Overnight in: If you’ve stayed at Ljosaosskoli Hostel the previous night, it’s possible to do the same on the second night to ensure the drive isn’t too long the next day.
Day 3: Keflavik Airport
- The next morning will be a straight shot back to the airport, where you’ll drop the rental vehicle and grab your flight back home.
Route | Estimated Driving Time | Distance |
---|---|---|
Keflavik International Airport → Blue Lagoon | 15 minutes | Approx. 20 km (12 mi) |
Blue Lagoon → Reykjavik | 45 minutes | Approx. 50 km (31 mi) |
Reykjavik → Thingvellir National Park | 45 minutes | Approx. 50 km (31 mi) |
Thingvellir National Park → Geysir | 50 minutes | Approx. 60 km (37 mi) |
Geysir → Kerid Crater | 30 minutes | Approx. 40 km (25 mi) |
Kerid Crater → Ljosaosskoli Hostel | 30 minutes | Approx. 30 km (19 mi) |
Ljosaosskoli Hostel → Seljalandsfoss Waterfall | 1 hour 10 minutes | Approx. 85 km (53 mi) |
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall → Skogafoss Waterfall | 25 minutes | Approx. 30 km (19 mi) |
Skogafoss Waterfall → Vik i Myrdal | 40 minutes | Approx. 40 km (25 mi) |
Vik i Myrdal → Reynisdrangar Rock Formation | 10 minutes | Approx. 10 km (6 mi) |
Reynisdrangar Rock Formation → Ljosaosskoli Hostel | 2 hours | Approx. 140 km (87 mi) |
Ljosaosskoli Hostel → Keflavik Airport | 1 hour 30 minutes | Approx. 110 km (68 mi) |
5-Day Iceland Road Trip: Our Epic Ring Road
5 Days may not be a long time for an in-depth road trip, but it allows you to begin exploring our famous Ring Road:
Day 1: Heading South
- After arriving at Keflavik International Airport, pick up your rental car and start on a southern trajectory along Route 1.
- Some of your stops should include:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Dyrholaey Rock Formation
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Make your way to Vik I Myrdal & end your day exploring the town.
Overnight in: Vik
Day 2: Icy Adventures
- Your first stretch of the day will be an hour’s drive to Fjadrargljufur Canyon, where you can take a short hike to explore its beauty.
- Driving roughly another hour to Svinafellsjokull Glacier Viewpoint will get you to various trails and vantage points showcasing the best of the icy mountains.
- After another hour’s drive, you’ll continue the icy theme at Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. If you have enough time, you can consider one of the boat tours.
- Right after, you’ll move to the neighboring beach, Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice scattered all across the beach glisten like Diamonds in the sunlight.
- Drive to Hofn and end your day by exploring the town.
Overnight in: Hofn
Day 3: Cruising the Eastfjords
- Today will be an early morning as you catch the sunrise on Stokksnes Beach. Here, it’s also a good idea to grab a coffee and snack at the café.
- Start your drive along the Eastfjords with its winding roads and breathtaking views. This drive will be between 3 and 4 hours if you add a few additional stops along the way.
- Your next stop is at Hengifoss Waterfall (hike up on the left and down on the right for the best views).
- Check out Seydisfjordur (a quaint and colorful little fishing village).
- Drive to Egilsstadir (the so-called capital city of the East) and end your day by exploring the city.
Overnight in: Egilsstadir
Day 4: Exploring the North
- Explore Studlagil Canyon with its black basal column cliffs and bright blue water (roughly 1.5 hours from Egilsstadir, so plan accordingly).
- Your next stop will be Godafoss Waterfall.
- Start your exploration of Northern Iceland (a 4+ hour drive) and stop at Akureyri (the capital of the north) for lunch.
- Continue the drive till you’ve reached Borgarnes, making stops as you wish along the way.
Overnight in: Borgarnes
Day 5: Heading Home
- Today you’ll be cruising back to the capital city.
- Ensure you reach Reykjavik by lunchtime to grab a hot dog from our famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand.
- Use the next couple of hours to explore the capital city and its many interesting sights, museums, and architectural gems.
- Start heading out to Keflavik Airport, but make a pitstop at the Blue Lagoon to get those muscles relaxed for the long flight home.
- Drop off your rental car and catch your flight.
Route | Estimated Driving Time | Distance |
---|---|---|
Keflavik International Airport → Seljalandsfoss Waterfall | 2 hours | Approx. 155 km (96 mi) |
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall → Skogafoss Waterfall | 25 minutes | Approx. 30 km (19 mi) |
Skogafoss Waterfall → Dyrholaey Rock Formation | 20 minutes | Approx. 18 km (11 mi) |
Dyrholaey Rock Formation → Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach | 15 minutes | Approx. 12 km (7 mi) |
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach → Vik I Myrdal | 15 minutes | Approx. 15 km (9 mi) |
Vik I Myrdal → Fjadrargljufur Canyon | 1 hour | Approx. 70 km (43 mi) |
Fjadrargljufur Canyon → Svinafellsjokull Glacier Viewpoint | 1 hour | Approx. 75 km (47 mi) |
Svinafellsjokull Glacier → Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon | 1 hour | Approx. 55 km (34 mi) |
Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon → Diamond Beach | 5 minutes | Approx. 1 km (0.6 mi) |
Diamond Beach → Hofn | 1 hour | Approx. 80 km (50 mi) |
Hofn → Stokksnes Beach | 20 minutes | Approx. 15 km (9 mi) |
Stokksnes Beach → Hengifoss Waterfall | 3 hours | Approx. 220 km (137 mi) |
Hengifoss Waterfall → Seydisfjordur | 1 hour | Approx. 75 km (47 mi) |
Seydisfjordur → Egilsstadir | 30 minutes | Approx. 27 km (17 mi) |
Egilsstadir → Studlagil Canyon | 1.5 hours | Approx. 70 km (43 mi) |
Studlagil Canyon → Godafoss Waterfall |
7-Day Iceland Road Trip: Iceland in a Nutshell
Now we’re talking! 7 days is when you start having enough time to do a bit more than just getting a taste of all Iceland has to offer. While 7 days is still not nearly enough to do an in-depth exploration of the island, it’s enough to experience plenty of the once-in-a-lifetime things to see and do here. Here’s what your 7-day adventure will look like:
Day 1: Heading Down South
- Get on Route 1 and head down the coastline. Ensure you have enough time for the following stops along the way:
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Reynisdrangar Rock Formation and basalt columns
- Dyrholaey Rock Formation
- Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Overnight in: Vik i Myrdal
Day 2: Frosty Moments
- Head out for a day filled with icy adventures:
- Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (ensure you reach this point by at least lunchtime if you want to stay on schedule). If you have enough time, take one of the boat tours that’ll get you up close to the glacier.
- Diamond Beach
- Gigjagja Cave (also known as the Yoda Cave because of its shape)
- Eldhraun Lava Field
Overnight in: Hofn
Day 3: Towering Mountains & Black Sand Beaches
- As you head to the capital city of the east, make at least the following stops along the way:
- Vestrahorn Mountain
- Stokksnes Black Sand Beach
Overnight in: Egilsstadir
Day 4: A Taste of the Diamond Circle
- Today, you’ll explore parts of the famous Diamond Circle route while heading to the capital of the north. These are some of the stops you can look forward to:
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Asbyrgi Canyon
- Husavik (referred to as the whale capital of Iceland, so if you want to sacrifice some of the other stops, you can go on a whale-watching boat tour here, especially during our whale season from April to September).
- Godafoss Waterfall
- Myvatn (check out the lake or have a quick soak at the Myvatn Nature Baths if you have enough time)
- Dimmuborgir Lava Field
Overnight in: Akureyri
Day 5: Heading to the Capital City
- Head on down to Reykjavik and hit the following stops on your way:
- Borgarnes (and be sure to try their famous ice cream!)
- Hvitserkur Rock Formation
- Benefoss Waterfall
- Grabrok Crater
- Glanni Waterfall
- End your day exploring the capital city and its vibrant nightlife (just not till too late since you’ve still got a big day ahead of you).
Overnight in: Reykjavik
Day 6: The Golden Circle
- As the heading suggests, today will be dedicated to a Golden Circle road trip and all the wonders you’ll find along the way:
- Thingvellir National Park
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gjabakkahellir Cave
- Secret Lagoon
- Kerid Crater
- Solheimar Eco-village
- Reykjadalur Geothermal River
Overnight in: Reykjavik (again)
Day 7: The Blue Lagoon Before Saying Goodbye
- Your last day on the island will be focused on relaxing before your flight back, so head out to the Blue Lagoon for a dip in its warm, healing waters.
- From there, head back to Keflavik Airport, where you drop off the rental before boarding the plane.
Day | Main Destinations | Total Driving Time | Total Distance |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Reykjavik → South Coast (Reynisfjara, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Dyrholaey, Solheimasandur) | 4 hours | Approx. 250 km (155 mi) |
Day 2 | Vik → Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Yoda Cave, Eldhraun Lava Field | 4 hours | Approx. 270 km (168 mi) |
Day 3 | Hofn → Vestrahorn, Stokksnes Beach, Egilsstadir | 3.5 hours | Approx. 260 km (162 mi) |
Day 4 | Egilsstadir → Diamond Circle (Dettifoss, Asbyrgi, Husavik, Godafoss, Myvatn) | 5.5 hours | Approx. 350 km (217 mi) |
Day 5 | Akureyri → Reykjavik (via Borgarnes, Hvitserkur, Grabrok Crater, Glanni Waterfall) | 5 hours | Approx. 400 km (248 mi) |
Day 6 | Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, Secret Lagoon, Kerid Crater) | 4 hours | Approx. 250 km (155 mi) |
Day 7 | Reykjavik → Blue Lagoon → Keflavik Airport | 1 hour | Approx. 70 km (44 mi) |
10-Day Iceland Ring Road Trip: The Ultimate Full-Island Adventure
You’ve finally reached a reasonable number of days to do a proper Ring Road road trip (which, ironically, includes a few other circle routes). Here’s what you can expect:
Day 1: Arrival in the Capital City
- After landing at Keflavik Airport, pick up your rental car and head out to Reykjavik.
- Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, take the day to explore this incredible city. Some of the recommended stops include:
- Hallgrimskirkja
- Sun Voyager
- Perlan
- The Icelandic Phallological Museum
- Laugavegur (Our famous shopping street)
Overnight in: Reykjavik
Day 2: The Golden Circle
- Time to tackle the Golden Circle and all its treasured sites:
- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir & Strokkur
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Kerid Crater
Overnight in: Hvolsvöllur
Day 3: A Day Filled with H2O: Waterfalls & Beaches
- Today, you’ll be heading south on the Ring Road with some of the following on your to-do list:
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- The town of Vik i Myrdal
- Dyrholaey Rock Formation
- Reynisdrangar Rock Formation
- Fjadragljufur Canyon
Overnight in: Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Skaftafell
Day 4: National Parks & Icy Adventures
- Start your day off by exploring the Skaftafell Area (part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park). Take a hike if time allows, but be sure not to miss Svartifoss Waterfall.
- Head to Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where you should go on one of the boat tours if time allows.
Overnight in: Höfn or Djupivogur
Day 5: The Eastfjords
- Head out on the windy roads cruising along the Eastfjords.
- Once you hit northern Iceland, explore some of the Diamond Circle’s must-visit attractions:
- Dettifoss Waterfall
- Lake Myvatn
- Myvatn Nature Baths (if time allows)
- Dimmuborgir Lava Field
- Skutustadagigar Pseudocraters
Overnight in: Myvatn
Day 6: Exploring the Rest of Northern Iceland
- Today, you’ll explore Northern Iceland further, starting with cruising through Jökulsargljufur (also part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park).
- Other highlights of the day include:
- Asbyrgi Canyon
- Husavik (remember to go on a whale-watching boat tour if you have time).
Overnight in: Same accommodation in Myvatn
Day 7: The Finale of Your Northern Iceland Exploration
- Today, you’ll be taking in the last of the famous Northern Iceland sights, including:
- Godafoss Waterfall
- Akureyri
- Tröllaskagi (the “Peninsula of the Trolls”)
- Siglufjördur
- Hofso’s Thermal Pool
Overnight in: Skagafjördur (famous for its Icelandic Horses, so keep your eyes peeled!)
Day 8: En route to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Head out to explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula (also known as mini Iceland since it showcases all the contrasting terrain and landscapes you can find here in the Land of Fire and Ice). On the way, you should add the following to your trip itinerary:
- Thingeyrakirkja
- The Living Museum at Eiriksstadir (once the home of our famous Viking, Erik the Red)
- Gudrunarlaug Hot Spring
- The Fishing Village of Stykkisholmur
Overnight in: Snæfellsnes Peninsula or Borgarfjördur
Day 9: Snæfellsjökull - The National Park and the Glacier
- Explore the magic of the Snæfellsjökull National Park with incredible sights such as:
- Dritvik Cove
- The Londrangar Cliffs (famous for its birdwatching, especially during our Puffin season between May and August)
- Arnarstapi
- Djupalonssandur Black Sand Beach
Overnight in: Reykjavik
Day 10: Some R&R Before Leaving the Island
- This last day will be dedicated to some last-minute R&R at the Blue Lagoon before dropping off the rental car and catching your flight home.
Day | Main Destinations | Total Driving Time | Total Distance |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Reykjavik City Exploration (Hallgrimskirkja, Sun Voyager, Perlan, Museums) | Minimal | Within city |
Day 2 | Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerid Crater) | 3.5 hours | Approx. 250 km (155 mi) |
Day 3 | South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Vik, Reynisdrangar, Fjadrargljufur Canyon) | 4.5 hours | Approx. 300 km (186 mi) |
Day 4 | Skaftafell National Park, Svartifoss, Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon | 3.5 hours | Approx. 250 km (155 mi) |
Day 5 | Eastfjords & Diamond Circle (Dettifoss, Lake Myvatn, Dimmuborgir, Pseudocraters) | 5.5 hours | Approx. 350 km (217 mi) |
Day 6 | Jökulsargljufur National Park, Asbyrgi Canyon, Husavik | 4 hours | Approx. 280 km (174 mi) |
Day 7 | Godafoss, Akureyri, Tröllaskagi Peninsula, Hofso’s Thermal Pool | 4.5 hours | Approx. 320 km (199 mi) |
Day 8 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Thingeyrakirkja, Eiriksstadir, Gudrunarlaug, Stykkisholmur) | 5 hours | Approx. 360 km (224 mi) |
Day 9 | Snæfellsjökull National Park (Dritvik Cove, Londrangar Cliffs, Arnarstapi) | 3.5 hours | Approx. 270 km (168 mi) |
Day 10 | Reykjavik → Blue Lagoon → Keflavik Airport | 1 hour | Approx. 70 km (44 mi) |
The Game of Thrones Road Trip Route: Iceland’s Lesser Known Road Trip Routes
We’ve mentioned some of the most famous road trip routes in Iceland and even provided you with multiple trip itinerary examples. But there is a lesser-known road trip route here in Iceland that’s pretty extraordinary if you’re a Game of Thrones series fan. This road trip itinerary includes incredible local spots, which played a pivotal part in the series. This includes:
The Trail Leading to Oxararfoss Waterfall in the Almannagja Gorge
You might struggle to recognize the Bloody Gate, where the Stark Sisters both found themselves at some point in the series. That’s because a lot of CGI and FX were used to “revamp” the Oxararfoss Trail into the Bloody Gate.
The Nesjavellir Area
The epic battle between Brienne and the hound, where the hound ultimately loses his life, was shot at Nesjavellir. While the series made it seem like the battle occurred in one location, it was actually shot in multiple locations throughout the Nesjavellir Area. So, can you point them out?
Thorufoss Waterfall
Thorufoss Waterfall is the location for one of GOT’s most memorable moments. This is portrayed as the countryside of Meereen, and the waterfall is where a shepherd boy is seen throwing stones into the water before Daenery’s dragon flies across and completely incinerates his flock.
Myrdalsjökull Glacier
At one point, the Night’s Watch is trekking through and preparing to attack the Fist of the First Men. Unfortunately, they are blindsided by another enemy; the White Walkers. This surprise attack was shot on Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier, Myrdalsjökull.
Gigjökull Glacier (Not Quite a Real Glacier)
What we call Gigjökull Glacier is actually an outlet of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. This icy outlet, with a little help from a Hollywood studio set, became the scenes of Jon Snow’s march north in an effort to bring back a Wight to Queen Cersei as proof of the undead.
Svinafellsjökull Glacier
Svinafellsjökull Glacier features a lot throughout the second and third seasons of Game of Thrones since it became the representation of “beyond the wall.” It’s no surprise that this glacier was scouted for such impressive scenes with its deep blue tint, sharp ridges, and black streaks of ash from past eruptions.
Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss sets the scene of one of the most romantic moments in GOT history, although its context is a little less so. You see, Jon Snow and his lover’s magical moment is really one between himself and his aunt *gags.
Thjodveldisbaerinn Stong
Olly was a tragic figure in the Night’s Watch with a very traumatic past in which Ygritte and the wildlings raided and massacred his settlement along with his parents. This traumatic scene was shot at Thjodveldisbaerinn Stong, a reconstructed Viking farmstead.
Stakkaholtsgja Gully
Some scenes “beyond the wall” in the mission to catch a Wight were shot at Stakkaholtsgja Gully. Most will visit Stakkaholtsgja during the warmer months. This is because Stakkaholtsgja is found in the Highlands of Iceland, where access is restricted during the winter due to extremely harsh weather conditions.
This should tell you everything you need to know about your favorite GOT actors’ work ethic since most of these “catching a Wight” scenes were shot during the winter season!
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara, one of Iceland’s best black sand beaches, was the scene of dramatic events both on and off-screen. On-screen, it portrayed the coast around Eastwatch-by-the-sea as the army of the dead descends on the castle of the Night’s Watch. Off-screen, the filming caused a lot of unhappiness among locals.
Driving on the beach is illegal and requires special permission from the Environmental Agency of Iceland. However, no applications or requests were ever received, and no permissions were granted. Yet many vehicles were spotted transporting cast, crew, and equipment across the beach.
Grjotagja Cave
Grjotagja is the scene of yet another romantic Jon Snow moment, but this time, no family members were involved. In the scene, Jon Snow and Ygritte “become close” while taking a soak in the hot spring inside the cave. But there’s something that many fans don’t know: you actually can’t swim in the hot spring at Grjotagja Cave!
The temperature of the water has simply become too unstable to risk having a potential Kentucky Fried Human. So, while inspired by the cave, the scene was actually shot in a Hollywood studio! Still, many fans flocked to the site (whether they believed it to be the actual site or the muse), causing a lot of damage to the surroundings and even going as far as to take a dip in the volatile waters!
To try and stop any further damage and to keep people safe, the site was finally closed to the public in 2018. But just because you can no longer walk around the hot spring inside the cave doesn’t mean you can’t still tick off taking a snapshot of it from the outside.
Dimmuborgir Lava Field
Dimmuborgir doesn’t need the help of Hollywood to look impressively dramatic with its huge, dark rock formations. This impressive site set the scene for the King Beyond the Wall’s base camp when Jon Snow tried to convince the Wildlings that he had switched sides.
Hverir Geothermal Area
This GOT scene once again proves that a location can be completely transformed with the help of FX and CGI. In real life, Hverir is an area with natural hot springs (not the kind you can swim in!), a colorful landscape due to various minerals and steam vents constantly letting off steam. In the GOT scene where Samwell Tarly is fleeing the army of the dead, the landscape is covered in a thick blanket of snow, and the steam comes across as a blizzard.
Mt. Kirkjufell
Mt. Kirkjufell has been one of the island’s most photographed mountains long before GOT ever saw the light of day. That’s because of its odd-looking cone shape. GOT latched onto that idea, and it became the “Mountain Shaped Like an Arrowhead” all throughout the series.
But even though the mountain features throughout, the scenes were not shot throughout. The mountain was just taken from various angles during winter and summer and then the image was superimposed into the scenes as and when needed.
A Few Helpful Tips for Your Iceland Road Trip
If this is going to be your first time road-tripping in Iceland, the below can be handy:
- Ensure you rent the right car for your specific road trip route. As mentioned earlier, some roads can be rougher than others, and our F-roads is a legal no-go if you don’t have a 4x4. If you’re not sure exactly what roads your route consists of, have a chat with your rental agent – they’ll be happy to assist.
- Similarly, you need to choose your rental agent wisely. Check out online reviews and ensure they’re a company of locals. This way, you’ll get the best tips and the most perks with local third-party agreements.
- Ensure you have the right rental car insurance coverage for your specific road trip route. For example, if you’re planning on cruising along the South Coast, Sand and Ash Insurance is a must, and there’s no way you can take on the F-roads without Tire Insurance. But, once again, if you’re feeling unsure, have a chat with your rental agent.
- Since the weather in Iceland is fickle and impacts our road conditions, always keep a close eye on the weather forecast on Vedur and the road conditions on Umferdin.
- Icelanders are sticklers for rules and regulations, so please abide by our road laws. These laws were not just made to protect yourself and others but also our incredible yet sensitive environment. So, please abide by things such as our speed limits (which may differ from what you’re used to) and don’t park next to the road or anywhere else that’s not a designated parking spot.
- While you should always have a GPS or navigation app on a road trip, we also recommend you download a few offline maps and bring a couple hard copies with you. Remember, phones break, signals can drop, and tech can fail you. On a road trip, this could mean precious time lost trying to “figure things out” or actively becoming lost.
FAQs About Iceland Road Trips
Below, you will find a few answers to frequently asked questions about Iceland road trips:
How Long Do I Need for a Road Trip Around Iceland?
For any chance at exploring the island somewhat in-depth, we recommend allocating at least 7 days to a road trip in Iceland, although 10 to 14 days would be ideal.
Is Iceland Expensive for Road Trips?
Iceland can be an expensive country to travel to for foreigners since our life costs (but also our salaries!) are pretty high here. But an Iceland road trip doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg, and there are plenty of tips and tricks to cut down on costs and have a budget-friendly road trip adventure.
Do I Need a 4x4 Vehicle When Road-Tripping Through Iceland?
While it’s not always mandatory to drive a 4x4 vehicle when road-tripping in Iceland, we highly recommend you get one if you’re planning on driving unpaved roads or will be traveling to some of our remote regions. If you’re planning on driving our F-roads, you will have to rent a 4x4 since it’s a legal requirement.
Is It Safe to Drive Solo in Iceland?
Driving solo in Iceland is extremely safe crime-wise since we are officially named the safest country in the world for the umpteenth time. However, just because the country is safe doesn’t mean you should make dumb decisions. So, we won’t recommend traveling the more remote areas alone or without someone keeping tabs on you. If something should happen, such as getting stranded next to the road, it might take quite a while for anyone to find you.
Time to R&R in Iceland!
Yes, R&R may stand for Rest and Relaxation, and you’ll be doing more than your fair share of it throughout your trip. But R&R here means Rent your car in Iceland and let the Road trip begin! After reading our guide, you’ll be properly informed and ready to take on whichever road trip route you choose. But ultimately, all roads lead to once-in-a-lifetime experiences here in Iceland!