The long way there
Iceland's Route 1 circumnavigates the entire island in 1,332 kilometers, passing glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. This is one of the world's most otherworldly road trips, where you can witness the Northern Lights in winter or experience the midnight sun in summer.
Where to pull over
Golden Circle
Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park
Jökulsárlón
Glacier lagoon with floating icebergs
Reynisfjara
Dramatic black sand beach with basalt columns
Mývatn
Geothermal wonderland with hot springs and lava formations
Skógafoss
Iconic 60-meter waterfall you can walk behind
Traveler tips
- 1
Book a 4x4 if visiting F-roads or interior highlands
- 2
Weather changes rapidly - pack for all seasons
- 3
Gas stations can be far apart - keep tank above half
- 4
Book accommodations months in advance for summer
- 5
Check road.is for current conditions before driving