Experience Iceland on the Ring Road
The Ring Road (Road No. 1) runs 1.332 kilometers around the island, passing volcanic craters, lava fields, fjords, and natural wonders. The infrastructure and campsites are excellent. No reservations are required; check-in is convenient by credit card.
There are only two options: either to go clockwise or counterclockwise.
Since you are flexible with a camper, you can look at the weather forecast and decide on the spot.
Weather apps for on the go
- Vedur (official weather service): precise wind and weather warnings
- Windy: ideal for campers, hikers and drone pilots
Highlights along the Ringstrasse (clockwise)
Seydisfjördur
The small fishing village on the East Fjords with its rainbow street, colorful houses, and various waterfalls is simply picturesque.
Stokksnes and Vestrahorn
Stokksnes and Vestrahorn Mountain are among Iceland's most beautiful sights. The black sand contrasts sharply with the vivid green grassy hills growing on it—a photographer's paradise.
Accommodation tip: Vestrahorn Campsite
Spectacular location right at the foot of the Vestrahorn massif with views of the black sand beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón-icebergs
It's one of the most fantastic impressions of the trip: approaching the glacier lagoon and seeing the blue icebergs shimmering in the water from afar. You rarely, if ever, see something so impressive. Floating on the lagoon are countless icebergs that have broken off from the glacier there, creating a constantly changing landscape of incredible beauty.
At Diamond Beach, the icebergs that fill the glacial lagoon wash ashore, forming a stark contrast to the black volcanic sand. This unique sight leaves one speechless.
Svartifoss
Its name translates as "black waterfall"—and although it's not tall and very narrow, it makes for a truly wonderful photo opportunity: Nestled between dark basalt columns of volcanic origin, it plunges idyllically into a green-flecked pool. Svartifoss is located in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of the vast Vatnajökull National Park. It can be reached after a roughly two-hour hike through stunning scenery.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
A 2km-long canyon, famous from a Justin Bieber video, is a natural wonder with delicate vegetation. The dramatic cliffs are covered in lush greenery, while crystal-clear glacial water winds its way through the tuff. You'll immediately fall in love with the canyon; this landscape is considered one of the most beautiful in Iceland.
Reynisfjara & Vik in Myrdalur
Reynisfjara is a magnificent and famous black sand beach on Iceland's south coast, right next to the small fishing village of Vik. With its enormous basalt cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves, and breathtaking panoramas, this hotspot is considered one of Iceland's highlights.
Incidentally, in 1991, National Geographic chose Reynisfjara among the top 10 non-tropical beaches to visit in the world.
Vik is the southernmost village in Iceland and is located about 110 km from Reykjavík, directly south of the Katla volcano, which lies beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
ToweróLaey – the southernmost cape of Iceland with the rock arch
There are places in this world that captivate you from the very first visit. Cape Dyrhólaey is one such place. Here, you quickly realize the power of wind and water. The mighty cliffs are 120 meters high.
The name Dyrhólaey comes from the massive rocky cliff that juts out from the steep walls into the sea. It has a large opening at the bottom, formed over the course of thousands of years. It is said to look like a doorway. Hence the name "Doorway Island."
The plane wreck on the lava beach of Sóworld sand
This wreck is a non-natural landmark on the round trip. The path to the plane leads 4 kilometers through an area reminiscent of a stone desert: no trees, no bushes, no elevation, just black rock and the yellow wooden markers that point the way. After about 45 minutes, you finally reach the plane wreck.
On November 21, 1973, the US Navy aircraft fell victim to the Icelandic weather in freezing cold, storms, and fog. It did not crash, however; instead, the pilot was able to make an emergency landing without any crew members being injured.
Skógawaterfall
Skógafoss is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, with an astonishing width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters.
Accommodation tip: Skóga campsite
The site is located right next to the impressive waterfall.
seljalandsfoss
The most striking feature is a path that wraps around the waterfall. In the cliffs behind the veil of water is a large cave where you can walk around the waterfall—and you might get quite wet!
Accommodation tip: Seljalandsfoss / Hamragarðar campsite
Wonderfully located spot at the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss, with the sound of the water making it easy to sleep.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is the most famous route in Iceland. It combines breathtaking landscapes with historically significant sites on a circular sightseeing route. It consists of three equally breathtaking locations in southwest Iceland over a distance of approximately 250 kilometers:
- Thingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss waterfall
The Gullfoss
In summer, Gullfoss Waterfall captivates an average of more than 2.000 people per day. The popularity and appeal of the "Golden Waterfall" lies in its unusual cascading shape and the fact that it is extremely photogenic from every angle and in every season.
On average, 100.000 liters of glacial water from the Hvítá River plunge 31 meters into the Gullfossgljúfur gorge every second. Since the cold spray doesn't stop at tourists, you should wear a rain jacket.
Thingvellir National Park
This national park is a beauty, with its solidified lava fields covered in Icelandic moss and its glacial springs surrounded by ancient mountain peaks. Its greatest attractions are the exposed tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia; the park is one of the few regions in the world where you can see geology like this on land.
Reykjadalur
Translated as "smoking valley," it is famous for its hot spring, where you can bathe surrounded by breathtaking nature. The approximately three-hour hike to the hot spring begins from the parking lot (it's 3 kilometers to Reykjadalur). Snacks and hot drinks are available for purchase there, and restrooms are available. For the hike, you should bring sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing, and a towel and swimsuit if you plan to bathe in the spring.
Shortly after starting, you'll reach the first steamy spots along the trail, from where the path climbs steadily. Passing the Djúpagilsfoss waterfall, you'll soon reach the hot river.
The further you follow the wooden path along the river, the warmer the water becomes. There are screens you can use to change. Now all you have to do is choose the right spot for a relaxing dip!
Snaefellsnes
To explore the true west and the Westfjords as well as the Snæfellsnes peninsula, you have to leave Road No. 1.
This beautiful peninsula with the Snæfellsjökull National Park is Iceland in miniature.
Lóndrangar are two impressive rocky peaks on the coast of Snæfellsjökull National Park. The larger is 75 meters high, and the smaller is 61 meters. Sometimes they are shrouded in mist, creating a mystical atmosphere.
The area also offers rich birdlife and good views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Overnight tip: Campsite in Hellsingsandur
A small fishing village where the inhabitants have decorated their houses with murals.
Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell is a picturesque mountain rising high above the town of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It is known as Iceland's most beautiful mountain and is therefore often photographed. Its stance and narrow peak make it very unique and fascinating.
Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufell Mountain is also home to the immensely beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. These three waterfalls originate from the same river, but for some reason they all share a name. They form the Kirkjufellsá River. The waterfall is very easy to reach; there's a small parking lot and a path to the falls.
Styckishówall
Stykkishólmur is one of Iceland's most picturesque towns. A stroll through the streets, along the harbor, and to the lighthouse is definitely recommended.
The Þórnes peninsula, on which Stykkishólmur lies, extends far into the archipelago of Breiðafjörður and forms a well-protected natural harbor with the Stykkið skerry and the island of Súgandisey, with its small lighthouse. Stykkishólmur is the largest town on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, where fishing remains its main source of income, alongside tourism.
Break in Hofsós. Hofsós is a charming little town on Skagafjörður and one of Iceland's oldest trading centers, dating back to the 15th century. Situated on the banks of the Hófsá River, the town boasts many interesting historic houses.
Godafoss – the waterfall of the GöTtter
Goðafoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in the country. With a width of about 30 meters and a drop of around 12 meters, it impresses with its semicircular shape and the emerald green color of its water.
Myvatn-See
In northeastern Iceland, you'll find Lake Myvatn, the country's fourth-largest lake. This shallow lake is teeming with fish and boasts interesting flora and a rich birdlife. The lake and its surroundings are designated a nature reserve and are a popular destination for both locals and Icelandic tourists.
No wonder! This exceptionally diverse region boasts impressive waterfalls, wonderful lake views, hot springs, steaming geothermal fields, caves, and craters.
Overnight tip: Campingplatz Hlíð tourism
To the north with a fantastic view over the lake.
Hverir
Hverir (hot springs) or Hverarond (line of hot springs) is located in Namaskard (Mine Pass) on Namafjall (Mine Mountain). The entire Namaskard geothermal area offers a breathtaking view: There's probably no other place on Earth that so closely resembles a Martian landscape. Bubbling and smoking are everywhere, and the pungent stench of rotten eggs from the hot sulfur springs fills the air.
Myvatn Nature Bath, the natural hotand those
These natural baths are a must-visit. The water flowing in the lagoon comes directly from the Bjarnarflag spring, owned by the Icelandic national energy company Landsvirkjun. The water has a temperature of approximately 130°C, but by the time it reaches the beautiful lagoon, the temperature is a wonderfully pleasant 36-40°C—perfect for a wonderful bathing experience in this natural hot spring. The Myvatn Natural Baths are often referred to as the Blue Lagoon of North Iceland. It is simply incredibly relaxing to bathe in this Icelandic hot spring.
The Myvatn Nature Baths were created by human hands. To keep them as natural as possible, their bottom is covered with sand and gravel. The properties of the water are unique in many ways. The water contains a large amount of minerals and is ideal for bathing. Due to its chemical composition, unwanted bacteria and plant growth cannot thrive in the lagoon, making the addition of chlorine or other disinfectants unnecessary.
Husavik – whalewatching
In the charming coastal town of Húsavík in northern Iceland, one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trip awaits you: whale watching in one of Europe's most whale-rich bays. The chances of seeing humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins—and with a bit of luck, even blue whales—are extremely high, especially between May and October.
Boat tours depart directly from the small harbor, usually on traditional wooden boats or modern RIBs. As you glide across the tranquil Skjálfandi Bay, you'll not only see these gentle giants but also gain fascinating insights into the marine ecosystem.
A real highlight for nature lovers – and a moment you won't soon forget!
Overnight tip: Camping 66.12 nort
A place with a view on your trip. There are pitches right on a hill by the beach with a view of the sea.
Dettifoss
This is the most powerful waterfall in Europe; the spray can be seen from a kilometer away.
Dettifoss is fed by the mighty Jökulsá á Fjöllum glacial river, which flows from Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The roaring waterfall has an average water flow of 193 m³ per second. It is 100 meters wide and plunges 45 meters into the Jökulsárgljúfur gorge.
Also in this canyon, which is fed by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, are two other impressive waterfalls, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss.
Stuðlagil Canyon
Hidden in the remote east of Iceland lies one of the country's most impressive canyons: Stuðlagil, a spectacular natural wonder with meter-high, symmetrical basalt columns towering along a turquoise-blue glacial river. Long hidden by glacial waters, the canyon only became visible after the diversion of the Jökla River – today it's a must-see, off the beaten track. The view from the east side is particularly rewarding after a short hike, which takes you directly to the water and allows you to experience the canyon up close.
Port of BorgafjöEystri's words. Another highlight of the Iceland tour. Just outside of Borgafjörður Eystri, a fjord in northeastern Iceland, in one of the most remote areas of the island, lies the small harbor with the Hafnarholmi bird cliff. This small bird cliff is easily accessible via wooden stairs and viewing platforms; approximately 10.000 pairs of puffins breed here. You can't stop watching the birds; you'll immediately fall in love with these cute puffins.
Puffins can be observed here from the beginning of May to mid-August.
Icelandic horses. Icelandic horses are as native to this volcanic land as the Icelandic people themselves. There are approximately 300.000 Icelanders and 80.000 Icelandic horses. They arrived on the first ships and have remained loyal friends ever since. They have thus captured a very special place in the hearts and souls of the people – one is immediately captivated by these magnificent and peace-loving horses. They have two unique gaits, making them easy to ride even for inexperienced riders.
By the way, once Icelandic horses leave the country, they are never allowed to return!
Iceland remains in our hearts – even long after we return.
