This 7 day Iceland Ring Road map lays out a simple loop with daily stops, distances, and safety checks so you can plan a calm self drive.
Iceland’s Ring Road, Route 1, circles the island for about 1,332 kilometres and links most of the country’s towns and headline sights. With a clear plan, you can drive the full loop in seven days without racing from place to place or guessing where to stop next.
This guide gives you a ready made 7 day iceland ring road map, split into daily chunks with drive times, main stops, and practical tips. Treat it as a base: you can swap a day, add a side trip, or slow the pace while still keeping the loop tidy.
7 Day Iceland Ring Road Map Itinerary Overview
The outline below starts and ends in Reykjavík and runs counterclockwise, putting the famous south coast first and quieter north and east stretches later in the week.
| Day | Main Stretch | Main Stops On The Map |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Reykjavík To Vík | Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach |
| Day 2 | Vík To Höfn | Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach |
| Day 3 | Höfn To Egilsstaðir | Eastfjords Villages, Scenic Coastal Pullouts |
| Day 4 | Egilsstaðir To Lake Mývatn | Dettifoss, Selfoss Waterfall, Hverir, Mývatn Nature Baths |
| Day 5 | Lake Mývatn To Akureyri | Dimmuborgir, Goðafoss, Akureyri Old Town |
| Day 6 | Akureyri To Borgarnes | Skagafjörður Valley, Turf Houses, Coastal Views |
| Day 7 | Borgarnes To Reykjavík | Hraunfossar, Deildartunguhver, Golden Circle Or Blue Lagoon |
This plan keeps most drive days in the three to five hour range. That leaves space for short hikes, photos near the road, and the odd slow section when wind or snow shows up.
Basics Of Driving Iceland’s Ring Road In A Week
Route 1 Distance And Pace For Seven Days
Route 1 runs for about 1,332 kilometres around Iceland, and you add extra distance with side trips to canyons, lagoons, and hot springs. Over seven days you usually drive 200 to 300 kilometres daily, which means three to five hours behind the wheel and the rest of the time out of the car. Actual speed is lower than the 90 kilometre per hour rural limit once you factor in curves, single lane bridges, and steady photo stops.
Clockwise Or Counterclockwise Loop
You can run this seven day Ring Road plan in either direction. Starting with the south coast gets you quickly to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara, with strong views from day one. Starting north takes you toward Akureyri first, where traffic is lighter and days feel quieter, so pick the version that fits your arrival time and energy.
Weather, Daylight, And Road Checks
Summer brings long days and easier driving; winter can add ice, snow, and strong wind to the same roads. In spring and autumn conditions can change several times in one day, so you need a habit of checking the forecast and road status each morning.
Use the live road condition map from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration along with the official SafeTravel driving advice before you set off. If either source shows closed roads, strong wind, or ice on your next stretch, shorten the day or delay your start instead of forcing the plan.
Seven Day Ring Road Daily Breakdown
The next sections turn that overview map into daily route notes with suggested stops and rough drive times. Distances are averages, not targets, and you can trim or add stops based on your interest and daylight.
Day 1: Reykjavík To Vík On The South Coast
Pick up your car near Keflavík Airport or in Reykjavík, stock up on snacks, then follow Route 1 toward Selfoss and the south coast. The usual first stops are Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall spray, and Skógafoss, with an easy path to viewpoints above the falls. Late in the day, head toward Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara for sea stacks and black sand, then sleep in or near Vík so you begin day two close to the glacial plains that lead toward Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.
Day 2: Vík To Höfn With Glacier Lagoons
From Vík, the Ring Road crosses long stretches of lava and wide outwash plains. When conditions allow, detour toward Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon near Kirkjubæjarklaustur for a short walk above mossy cliffs, then carry on to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park for glacier views and easy trails. Later you reach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach, where ice sits on the black sand, before driving the last leg to Höfn for the night.
Day 3: Höfn To Egilsstaðir Through The Eastfjords
Day three along this seven day Ring Road route hugs the Eastfjords. The road winds between steep slopes and the sea, with frequent pullouts for safe photo stops, and small towns such as Djúpivogur and Breiðdalsvík that offer cafés, petrol, and short harbour strolls. Curves and passes slow the pace, so fuel up in Höfn, take your time through the fjords, and plan to reach Egilsstaðir, the main hub in the east, by evening.
Day 4: Egilsstaðir To Lake Mývatn With Dettifoss
From Egilsstaðir, Route 1 climbs over high ground before dropping toward the north. When roads are open, a side road leads toward Dettifoss and Selfoss, a pair of powerful waterfalls set in a rocky gorge, so check conditions first. Later you reach the geothermal region near Lake Mývatn, where Hverir has steam vents and mud pools and the Mývatn Nature Baths offer warm blue water with wide views.
Day 5: Lake Mývatn To Akureyri And The North
Spend your morning around Mývatn, walking through Dimmuborgir lava formations or climbing the rim of Hverfjall for a wide view over the lake, then drive west toward Goðafoss, a curved waterfall with paths along both banks. From there, continue to Akureyri, park near the centre, and stroll between the harbour, church, and hillside streets; if you have spare time, add whale watching from either Akureyri or nearby Húsavík.
Day 6: Akureyri To Borgarnes Across The Northwest
Leaving Akureyri, Route 1 runs through valleys toward the Skagafjörður region, where horse farms and wide plains line the road, and short stops at turf house museums or small local pools give you time away from the driver’s seat. Past Blönduós, the Ring Road follows the coast before turning inland toward Borgarnes, a small town on a peninsula with gas, shops, and several guesthouses that works well as a base for your final night.
Day 7: Borgarnes To Reykjavík With Extra Sights
The direct drive from Borgarnes to Reykjavík takes about ninety minutes, so you can either roll straight to the city or add one last side trip. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss sit within reach, and many travellers fit a compact take on the Golden Circle or a soak near the airport into this final day before dropping the car and enjoying a last evening on foot.
Driving Distances And Time Estimates By Day
These rough distances show how this seven day Ring Road plan spreads driving across the week. Treat the numbers as a ceiling and keep spare time for weather, road works, or a spur of the moment stop.
| Day | Approximate Distance | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 190 km | 2.5–3.5 hours |
| Day 2 | 270 km | 3.5–4.5 hours |
| Day 3 | 260 km | 3.5–4.5 hours |
| Day 4 | 220 km | 3–4 hours |
| Day 5 | 120 km | 1.5–2 hours |
| Day 6 | 380 km | 4.5–5.5 hours |
| Day 7 | 200–250 km | 3–4 hours |
Practical Tips For Your Seven Day Ring Road Trip
Choosing And Protecting Your Rental Car
A compact two wheel drive car suits most summer Ring Road trips, as the main highway is paved and well marked. In winter, or if you plan to use highland F roads, rent a four wheel drive vehicle with good tyres and check that your insurance includes gravel and wind damage.
Fuel, Food, And Rest Stops
Gas stations cluster near towns, then thin out in rural areas, so fill up when your tank drops below half. Many pumps are self service and accept credit cards at all hours; in smaller places the station might double as a café or small shop.
Staying Safe In Changing Conditions
Wind, rain, fog, and bright sun can all show up on a single day around Route 1. Keep both hands on the wheel, slow down when gusts pick up, and open car doors carefully so they do not swing wide; on gravel, ease off the accelerator before the surface changes.
Watch for single lane bridges and blind hills, which are clearly marked by road signs. Approach slowly, yield to traffic already on the bridge, and avoid hard braking on icy patches. If driving starts to feel tense, pull into a lay-by or parking area and take a short break.
Quick Planning Checklist For Your Ring Road Week
Core Route And Timing
- Choose clockwise or counterclockwise and stick with one plan.
- Keep most drive days under five hours in the car.
- Book the first and last night near Reykjavík or the airport.
Bookings And Budget
- Reserve a rental car that matches your season and route.
- Secure lodging ahead of time for busy summer and holiday dates.
- Set a daily budget for fuel, food, and one paid activity.
Safety And Gear
- Check road.is and SafeTravel each morning before driving.
- Pack warm layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy footwear.
- Carry a small first aid kit, phone charger, and printed map.
With a clear 7 day iceland ring road map, regular road checks, and modest daily distances, a week on Route 1 turns into a relaxed loop that blends waterfalls, small towns, and hot pools without leaving you drained by the drive.