Iceland's Ring Road

Roughly the size of Kentucky, diminutive Iceland nevertheless captivates with its lunar-like surface, volcanic landscape, glaciers, waterfalls and hot springs. Treasures abound everywhere you look, provided you have the gusto to rent a car and venture outside of the country’s admittedly charming capital city Reykjavik. The best way to take in all the sights is via a circular loop that connects most of the inhabited parts of the island. Here is the best of Iceland’s Ring Road. Hint: Get a 4WD vehicle.

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Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
If you’re circumnavigating the island counter clockwise, the first detour-worthy sight is this magnificent cascading chute just an hour and a half southeast of Reykjavik. The falls crash into a pool below from an impressive 200 feet above what is now Iceland’s former coastline. You can also hike behind the falls.

Skogafoss Waterfall

Another waterfall? Yup, and like Seljalandsfoss you’ll want to have your selfie stick ready. This one is a mere 30 minutes past Seljalandsfoss and she’s a mighty impressive one given her width of 82 feet. Climb the nearby stairs and treat yourself to a view from the top.

Photo: Ryan Bakerink

Solheimasandur Plane Crash
A mere 10 minutes down the road from Skogafoss, swerve your vehicle onto the dirt access road to Solheimjokull glacier and make the trek toward the coast to see the remains of this fascinating 1973 crash. The crew survived, but the site of the abandoned craft on a remote black sand beach is a haunting one.

Photo: Ryan Bakerink

Vik
This tiny hamlet claims a population of just under 300 people, but consider stopping at a local restaurant called Halldorskaffi which serves up a justly famous and delicious lamb sandwich. Also, check out the black sand beach featuring Reynisdrangur—basalt sea stacks situated under the mountain Reynisfjall.

Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

One of Iceland’s most famous attractions, this photogenic stop on Ring Road brings visitors face to face with a gorgeous glacial lagoon which covers an impressive area of nearly 7 miles (and is expanding as the glaciers melt). The lagoon is visible from the road, but get up close and personal by taking a boat tour.

Photo: Iceland

Seydisfjordur
Toto, we’re not in Reykjavik anymore. A full day’s drive from the capital city brings you to this charming fishing village located on a fjord (hence the name). Simply detour off Ring Road at Egilsstadir and you’ll come to this oh-so-picturesque hamlet surrounded by mountains. The fjord even includes a puffin colony.

Photo: Ryan Bakerink

Lake Myvatn

The entire country of Iceland offers volcanic activity in action and Myvatn is a perfect example given that it was created more than 2,000 years ago by a balsaltic lava eruption. The wetlands are a paradise for ducks and waterbirds, and the Myvatn Nature Baths are Northern Iceland’s answer to Reykjavik’s famed blue lagoon.

Akureryri
You’ll be glad to encounter people again at this real charmer of a town. It’s the fourth largest city in Iceland, with a population of just under 20,000 and includes a lovely downtown area. Pay attention to the traffic lights: When they turn red, they’re in the shape of a heart.

Blue Lagoon
After the exhausting return drive to Reykjavik where you’ll want to spend a couple days shopping, bar hopping and enjoying the city’s excellent eateries, spend an afternoon at the sublime and relaxing Blue Lagoon. It’s not on Ring Road, but it’s close to the airport where you’ll drop your car off anyway.

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Jason Heidemann

Jason is a Lead Content Specialist for Expedia Group, and manages content initiatives across numerous Expedia-owned brands. His work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Time Out, the Huffington Post, Chicago Magazine, Passport and many others.