Last Updated on April 7, 2024 by Travelationship
Iceland has been in the news and all the talk of travelers these days. All the good stuff you have heard about it is true. Iceland is utterly fantastic. The diversity in landscape and the sheer beauty of it all will capture your heart in no time.
If you have at least five days, renting a car and getting going is the best way to see Iceland. We had six days, and we didn’t feel rushed, but we had just scratched the surface of this beautiful island. We stuck close to the N1 (Ring Road) and didn’t venture too far off. Next time, we will venture further into the fjords and spend more time off the N1.
Ring Road Road Trip
Several travel resources break the island down into multiple different sections. This seemed overly complicated for our short stay, and we simplified it using North, East, South, West, and Reykjavik as our primary points. We didn’t do much research before arriving, which slowed us down. We had booked our lodgings but figured we would ask the locals to recommend choices for our daily itineraries. Although we received some great tips, we could have saved time by knowing about the most popular places.
The North
Farm Stay
We loved the North because of our farm stay. I firmly believe we would have missed the charm and overall feel of the North had we stayed in a hotel. The views of the surrounding treeless mountains and acres of horse and sheep farms are gorgeous. But it wasn’t until we reached our farm stay and our host explained the area’s history that we realized how special this place is. Give yourself at least 24 hours or more at your location. We left right after breakfast, and now we wish we would have stayed and helped in the barn or taken a hike around the area.
Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls
These neighboring waterfalls offer a display of raw power and beauty. Dettifoss, reputed as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, cascades dramatically, while the more serene Selfoss complements it with its elegance. Both falls provide unique vantage points for experiencing the might of Iceland’s rivers.
Lake Mývatn
Lake Mývatn is a geothermal marvel with attractions like the Mývatn Nature Baths, resembling the famous Blue Lagoon but with fewer crowds. The area is also known for its dramatic landscapes, including the Námafjall Hverir geothermal area and the Grjótagjá cave.
Námafjall Hverir
Námafjall, located near Lake Mývatn in North Iceland, is a high-temperature geothermal area with boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. The area resembles an alien landscape, with its bright yellow and red sulfur deposits, bubbling mud pools, and hissing steam vents. The stark, otherworldly scenery of Námafjall offers a vivid glimpse into the volcanic activity that has shaped much of Iceland’s terrain. Visitors are advised to stick to the paths, as the ground can be dangerously hot.
The East
Höfn
The East is about tender, delicious Atlantic lobster and rickety old fishing boats. Stop and stay in Höfn. We did it at Hotel Edda, located on the shorelines. Eat at Pakkhus and ask what the lobster special is for the day. Don’t like lobster? It’s ok; their menu includes lamb, duck, goose, chicken, fish, and horse. Yes, the horse was a bit of a shocker, but we tried to remember to be open to others’ cultural tastes. That being said, neither of us will ever eat a horse.
Stuðlagil Canyon
Known for its extensive collection of basalt columns, Stuðlagil Canyon features a vivid river carving through the rock formations. Recently popularized by social media, this canyon remains a breathtaking natural phenomenon, showcasing the stunning geology of Iceland’s landscape.
Jökulsárlón Lagoon
Right off the N1 in the Southeast of Iceland, stop at Jökulsárlón Lagoon. Visit both the North and the South side of the road. The lagoon is located on the north side of N1, where the icebergs break off from the Vatnajökull glacier. Boat tours are offered at the lake, and the operators have all-weather gear if needed. We didn’t do a boat tour, but we were still lucky enough to see lots of ice chunks and even a seal playing on the ice.
The south side of N1 leads to Diamond Beach, with icebergs quickly launched out of a narrow channel. Then they either bob and twist as they are carried out into the Atlantic Ocean, or if the tide is correct, the ice chunks lodge themselves all over the black sand beach. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit this area; the ice sparkles in the light, making the best photos.
The South
Stop in Vik at the N1 restaurant and walk to the black sand beach and the hexagonal basalt columns. We didn’t make it to the columns because when we stopped, we didn’t realize where they were located – duh! We did make it to the beach, and it was beautiful. The N1 restaurant does get quite busy in the high season. We recommend arriving early. The Eyjafjallajökull volcano is located in the south and can easily be viewed from the N1.
Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara, near Vík in southern Iceland, is famed for its stunning black sand, towering basalt columns, and the formidable sea stacks of Reynisdrangar. The powerful Atlantic waves crashing onto the shore make it a beautiful yet cautionary spot, as the beach is known for its potentially dangerous “sneaker waves.” The striking contrast of the black sand against the foam of the waves and the geometric patterns of the basalt make it a don’t miss.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic and beloved waterfalls on the Skógá River in the country’s south. This breathtaking waterfall stands 60 meters (197 feet) tall and 25 meters (82 feet) wide, and it’s known for the possibility of producing single or double rainbows on sunny days due to the vast spray the waterfall consistently produces. Visitors can walk up to the waterfall and climb the top stairs for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including lush greenery and the coastline.
The West
The Golden Circle is probably the most popular tourist location outside of Reykjavik. The circle includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysers at Haukadalur, Gullfoss waterfall, and Kerið Crater Lake. We did not make it to the lake but did see the others. If you are a diver, please don’t make the mistake we did and miss diving the tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park. We wimped out because of the cold and now regret it. The Golden Circle is an easy day trip from the city, but give yourself two days if possible. Þingvellir National Park may deserve an entire day to itself. After all, it could take a day or longer to locate a white walker.
Gullfoss Waterfall
This iconic waterfall is a staple of the Golden Circle, showcasing the power and beauty of Iceland’s natural watercourses. Gullfoss falls in two major steps into a rugged canyon, with rainbows frequently adorning its mists, making it a picturesque and memorable sight for any visitor.
Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)
Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance and one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations. It is the site of the Althing, the world’s oldest existing parliament, established in 930 AD. This area is also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a rift valley visible on the Earth’s surface. Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its cultural values and unique geological features. The park’s landscape is marked by fissures, lava fields, and waterfalls, offering numerous hiking trails and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Reykjavik
If you only have a day or 2 in Iceland, Reykjavik & Golden Circle may be your most straightforward bets. The city has a small-town feel and is safe, quiet, and comfortable to walk. We may have cut ourselves short on Reykjavik, but we liked what we saw. The street art is colorful and abundant throughout the city. The best bird’s eye view is from the Hallgrímskirkja church in the town’s center. We stayed outside the city and did not make it back in to test the infamous nightlife in Reykjavik.
Know Before You Go
- All the N1 gas stations have restaurants attached. The prices are reasonable, and the food ranges from good to good. Each location has a varied menu, but fish & chips and burgers are generally the standard.
- The majority of the bridges are one lane, so traffic has to take turns crossing the bridges. I can only imagine it takes some time in the busy season.
- If the road says closed, it means closed! Don’t try to go off-road or get around it. The locals told us a few stories of tourists getting stuck or lost for hours because they didn’t heed the road warning signs.
- Most gas stations open around 7 am and close between 8-12 pm-ish; Plan accordingly.
We left a lot to do on our next trip to Iceland. There are tons of hiking, lesser-known thermal baths, ice caves, boating, more waterfalls, and finding a Puffin. We did not see a single live Puffin on our entire trip. We saw several stuffed Puffins at Petra’s Stone Collection.
Logistics
Vehicle – We chose to rent a car and drive around the island. At the time, we checked Budget, which had the best price, and booked through Expedia.
Ring Road – You can find additional information regarding the Ring Road here. Also, get up-to-date road and weather conditions here.
Travelationship Rating:
5 out of 5 Travelationship High Fives. We love, love, love Iceland and can not wait to go back to see and experience even more of this majestic place!!!
Great for travelers looking for adventure, romance with loved ones, relaxation, nightlife, unique foods, history, or a bucket lister.
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