Iceland: the land of ice and fire where otherworldly landscapes and unreal scenes await those who venture around its long but continually enthralling ring road. The country’s famous Route 1 is the highway that will take you from Reykjavik and around the entire circumference of the nation, with a few detours along the way too, of course. From powerful waterfalls to steaming hot springs, unnatural glacial lagoons to surreal fields of lava, there are more than a few excellent destinations to visit on a journey around Iceland. To inspire you on your trip, here are 10 of the most epic stops on Iceland’s Ring Road.
- The Waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss
Drive south along Route 1 from Reykjavik and before long you’ll find yourself in the shadow of crashing waterfalls. These waterfalls are quite literally found on the side of the road, and the first you’ll encounter is the mighty Seljalandsfoss. As the water torrents over the edge of a high cliff, you can venture around the waterfall and into the enormous cavern that opens up behind it, for an almost unnatural view of Seljalandsfoss.
Carry on along Route 1, past the towering peak of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, and you’ll soon be escaping the spray from powerful Skogafoss, as the waterfall plummets over a precipice from a height of at least 60 metres. It’s a humbling sight that might just leave you in awe, while you remember that this is just the start of your journey around Iceland.
- Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
From the waterfalls of southwest Iceland, continue your journey past black sand beaches and along the windswept coastline until you reach the completely surreal sight of the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. It’s an ephemeral sight, as sunlight glints off the hundreds, if not thousands, of pieces of ice that have broken off from the nearby Vatnajokull Volcano, and have floated along to rest in the lagoon, before being forced out into the open ocean.
- Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull is the largest ice cap in Iceland, covering an area of thousands of square kilometres in the southeast of the country. Underneath the ice cap lie volcanoes, and Vatnajökull National Park has, therefore, come to be a true representation of the Land of Ice and Fire. Within this vast national park, you can explore ice caves, hike across glaciers and be immersed in otherworldly landscapes.
- Explore the Untamed Beauty of the Eastfjords
On the far eastern coast of Iceland, the untamed natural beauty of the Eastfjords awaits travellers. Take a detour from Route 1 and drive the long winding roads traversing the complex network of fjords that make the shoreline in the east so spectacular. Pass through small fishing villages, look out for puffins along the beaches, and be prepared to run into herds of wild reindeer.
- Hot Springs and Lava Fields at Lake Myvatn
Join the Icelandic ring road once again after exploring the Eastfjords and continue to the icy, northern regions of the country. Call in at the scenic Lake Myvatn, where a huge diversity of wildlife can be found in this unique ecosystem. The lake has its origins in the volcanic activity taking place under the surface of the earth here, and the edge of the water is dominated by the crater of the Hverfjall Volcano. There are extensive lava fields seemingly frozen in time that can be explored on foot, before spending an evening under the stars in the warm geothermal waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths.
- Godafoss: The Waterfall of the Gods
In the far north of Iceland is Godafoss, a name that translates as ‘The Waterfall of the Gods’. Not only is Godafoss a truly majestic waterfall, but it’s a waterfall that’s steeped in local legend. Stories have it that this is the site where a Norse King, renouncing his Pagan beliefs for Christianity, threw the idols of his old Gods into the tumultuous spray of the crashing water to begin a new era of Icelandic history.
- Whale Watching in Husavik
From Godafoss, take a journey directly north to the cold shores of the town of Husavik, one of the best locations in Iceland to take a whale watching trip. The small town is home to a detailed museum that charts the history of the settlement of this northern region and its long association with whales. Throughout much of the year, excluding the coldest, darkest winter months, a huge variety of whale species can be found in the nearby waters, from blue whales to orcas.
- Visit Akureyri, the Capital of the North
Akureyri is the largest settlement in Iceland outside of Reykjavik. This is the capital of the north and, although it’s a small town, it’s a vibrant, cultural and fun place to stopover on your way around the ring road. Use charming Akureyri as a base to explore the region, visit hot springs, go hiking in summer, and visit the local museums and heritage houses to learn more about the sometimes harsh lives of the settlers who founded this very northern town.
- Snaefellesness Peninsula
On the western coast of Iceland, ensure that a visit to the Snaefellesness Peninsula is firmly secured on your travel itinerary. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and is home to some of Iceland’s most iconic natural attractions. Marvel at the distinctive shape of the enormous Kirkjufell Mountain, explore the dramatic and legendary Snæfellsjökull Glacier and admire the unusual basalt rock formations along the coast. The peninsula is one of the most inspiring places in Iceland, so make sure you take the time to truly travel the area.
- Borgarnes
If you have time for one last stop on the Icelandic Ring Road before travelling back to Reykjavik, call in at the town of Borgarnes. Although it might not be quite as spectacular a location as the wild Snaefellesness Peninsula, it’s an intriguing destination for different reasons. Borgarnes is one of the most historic towns in Iceland, and here you can visit the Settlement Museum, an informative exhibition that tells the tale of Nordic colonisation of this part of Iceland and relates it to the infamous and bloodthirsty Egil’s Saga, one of the most well-known works of old Icelandic literature.
To find out more about Iceland why don’t you plan your next family holiday in Iceland? Explore this mesmerising country for yourself, view our Iceland holidays or contact us to discuss your dream Iceland adventure.
Written by Baltic Travel Company.