Exploring Iceland’s Ring Road: A 5-Day Adventure of a Lifetime

Can you do Iceland Ring Road in 5 days?

If you’re planning on visiting Iceland, one of the most popular ways to explore the country is by driving the Ring Road – a 1,332 km (828-mile) route that circles the entire island. It’s an incredibly scenic journey that takes you through diverse landscapes, ranging from volcanic fields and glaciers to waterfalls and black sand beaches.

But with so much to see, can you do Iceland Ring Road in just five days? The answer is yes, but it will require careful planning and some trade-offs along the way. In this guide, we’ll give you a breakdown of how to tackle the route in five days, as well as some tips and suggestions for things to see and do along the way.

Day 1: Reykjavik to Vik

Your first day will be a long stretch from Reykjavik to the town of Vik, about 187 km (116 miles) away.

On your way out of Reykjavik, make sure to stop by some of the city’s top attractions, such as the Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrimskirkja Church, and the famous Sun Voyager sculpture. As you head east, your first stop will likely be Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique geology and history. From there, continue on to the Geysir Hot Springs and Gullfoss Waterfall, two of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders.

If you have time, you can also detour to the Kerið volcanic crater and/or the Hveragerði hot springs. But keep in mind that the more you add to your itinerary, the less time you’ll have to spend at each stop.

End your day in Vik, a charming coastal town known for its black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs. If it’s summertime, catch a sunset at Reynisfjara or Dyrhólaey, two of the most scenic spots in the area.

Day 2: Vik to Hofn

The second day of your Iceland Ring Road itinerary will take you from Vik to the town of Hofn, covering about 269 km (167 miles).

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks, such as the Reynisfjara beach, the Skaftafell National Park, and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. These sites are spread out along the southern coast, and you’ll need to budget your time accordingly if you want to see them all.

If you’re interested in hiking or glacier climbing, Skaftafell is a great place to stop and explore. There are several trails of varying difficulty, as well as guided tours of the surrounding glaciers.

End your day in Hofn, a small fishing town famous for its langoustine (Norway lobster) and scenic views of the Vatnajökull glacier.

Day 3: Hofn to Akureyri

On the third day, you’ll be heading north from Hofn to Akureyri, a distance of about 443 km (275 miles).

This leg of the journey will take you through some of Iceland’s most remote and rugged landscapes, including the vast emptiness of the eastern fjords. Make sure to stop in the town of Egilsstaðir for a break and some refreshments.

As you head further north, you’ll pass through some beautiful mountain ranges, as well as the glacial river of Jökulsá á Fjöllum. Finally, you’ll arrive in Akureyri, the second-largest city in Iceland and a hub of culture and activity in the north. Take some time to explore the city center, visit the botanical gardens, or check out some of the surrounding museums and galleries.

Day 4: Akureyri to Varmahlid

Your fourth day will take you from Akureyri to Varmahlid, a distance of about 185 km (115 miles).

Along the way, you can stop at several of the smaller towns and attractions in the area, such as the Glaumbær Museum and the Vatnsnes Peninsula. One of the highlights of this leg of the journey is the Goðafoss waterfall, which is said to have been named by a powerful Icelandic chieftain who converted to Christianity in the year 1000.

End your day in Varmahlid, a small town known for its horseback riding tours and easy access to the surrounding countryside.

Day 5: Varmahlid to Reykjavik

The final day of your Iceland Ring Road itinerary will take you back to Reykjavik, a distance of about 233 km (144 miles).

Along the way, you can stop by the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which is known for its dramatic coastline and unique geological formations. Some of the most popular sights in the area include the Djúpalónssandur black sand beach, the Arnarstapi cliffs, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.

As you get closer to Reykjavik, you can also make stops at some of the attractions you missed on the first day, such as the Blue Lagoon or the Reykjanes Peninsula. Or, if you want to get some last-minute shopping or sightseeing done, head back to the city center.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it is possible to do Iceland Ring Road in 5 days, it will require some careful planning and prioritization. You’ll need to be willing to make some trade-offs in order to see everything you want to see, and you’ll likely be spending a lot of time on the road. But if you’re up for the challenge, driving the Ring Road is an incredible way to experience the beauty and diversity of Iceland.