The Most Scenic Road Trips in Iceland You Need to Take!

Ready to explore Iceland’s amazing views on a road trip? Iceland’s gorgeous landscapes are best seen by driving. There are many trips to take, like the Ring Road or the wild Westfjords. You will find stunning views and natural sites everywhere you go¹.

First, you need a good car for your adventure in Iceland. For the Ring Road in summer with good weather, a small car is fine. But, for tough roads in the winter, or to go off-road, you need a 4×4¹.

Key Takeaways

• Iceland is a premier destination for scenic road trips, offering a diverse array of breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.
• The classic Golden Circle route is a must-do, featuring Þingvellir, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir in a convenient 3.5-hour drive.
• Exploring the remote and rugged Westfjords requires more time but rewards travelers with stunning fjord scenery, charming villages, and hiking opportunities.
• The Ring Road is a popular circumnavigation of Iceland that can be completed in under 10 days, covering various regions and attractions.
• Confident and experienced drivers are recommended for winter driving in Iceland, with shorter daylight hours and potentially challenging road conditions.

The Golden Circle: A Classic Icelandic Road Trip

Going on the Golden Circle road is super Icelandic. It’s about 230 kilometers long. This trip takes a little over 3 hours². Most tours take a whole day. This gives you lots of time to see the amazing natural sites².

The first place to visit is Þingvellir National Park. It’s a short 45-minute drive from Reykjavik³. Here, you can see where two big tectonic plates meet. It’s really cool to see the land pulling apart here³.

Next, you’ll find the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. It falls over two steps, dropping 32 meters in all². Not far away is Geysir. It has a geyser that shoots hot water into the sky every few minutes².

The Golden Circle has more than Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir. Kerið Volcano Crater, Skálholt Cathedral, and Hveragerði are cool too. They add to the fun of the trip³.

It’s easy to do the Golden Circle with a car or a campervan³. This lets you go at your own speed. You can do it all in one day or take more time. The Golden Circle is a great way to see Iceland’s beauty³²⁴.

Iceland scenic road trips: Exploring the Remote West Fjords

If you’re seeking to escape and see Iceland’s most beautiful places, go to the West Fjords region⁵. It has winding fjords, tall cliffs, and small villages by the sea⁵. This makes for a special road trip away from the usual places⁵.

Látrabjarg cliffs is a top spot in West Fjords to see puffins⁵. You can watch these cute birds on the high cliffs, which is amazing⁵. Nearby, Rauðisandur beach has red sand and clear blue water, it’s truly stunning⁵.

Don’t miss Dynjandi waterfall in the West Fjords⁵. It’s big, at 100 meters, and looks like a steps of water⁵. You can also visit Flatey island by ferry, known for many birds and old buildings⁵.

Plan for 3-4 days to see the West Fjords well⁶. The area is rough with slow roads, but the views make it a great trip⁵. You can watch puffins, hike, or just enjoy the beauty away from crowds⁶⁷⁵.

Conclusion

Iceland has many beautiful places, like volcanoes and waterfalls⁸. You can take the “Iceland ring road,” which is 1,322 kilometers long. It makes a loop around the island⁸.

Many travelers suggest spending 10-14 days to really see Iceland’s beauty⁸. But, you can get a good idea in just 7 days⁸. For the best experience, plan for 11-14 days to enjoy everything the country has to offer⁹.

On your trip, you can choose well-known places like the Golden Circle or explore the quieter West Fjords¹⁰. Many airlines fly to Iceland, making it easy to visit. The best times to go are from May to June then September to October¹⁰.

With a rented car, you can see Iceland’s beauty at your own speed⁹. Stop to hike, take pictures, and explore. You’ll see amazing places like the Fjadrargljufur Canyon and the Great Geysir¹⁰.

Planning is key for a great road trip in Iceland. With the right plans, your trip will be full of memories⁹. You’ll see Iceland’s many faces, from unique landscapes to incredible geology¹⁰.