Iceland
Road Trips

Where to explore on a road trip around Iceland?

As the most sparsely populated country in Europe, while exploring the wilderness on four wheels you’ll feel as though you have Iceland all to yourself, and it’s this solitude which has allowed the scenery to take on a life of its own. Uninterrupted by urbanisation, natural forces have carved some of the most exquisitely arresting surroundings in the world, and with over 8,000 miles of roads snaking their way through the cinematic landscapes, this is the place for intrepid drivers and avid adventurers. On your Iceland road trip, head along the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest of the island for vistas so epic that they almost defy description. Stop off at the bridge that quite literally bridges two continents for an iconic photo opportunity, or head to the Krýsuvík & Seltún geothermal areas which are hard to miss – you’ll smell them before you see them. Make a pitstop in Hveragerði – the ‘hot springs capital of the world’ – and take advantage of the country’s famed geothermal activity with a visit to the Blue Lagoon’s mineral-rich geothermal spa. It wouldn’t be an Iceland road trip without trying out the skin-soothing silica face scrubs and floating over to the in-water bar for a cool drink.

Iceland road trips wouldn’t be complete without time spent travelling the ‘Golden Circle’, the country’s most popular sightseeing route. Covering 155 miles, the loop includes some iconic Icelandic attractions, including Þingvellir National Park (where the world’s first parliament took place in 930 AD), Gullfoss Waterfall (meaning ‘the golden falls’) and Geysir (the namesake of geysers). For the more adventurous travellers, the Westfjords Way is Iceland’s newest touring route, travelled to by less than 10% of the country’s visitors (ideal for those wanting a more ‘off the beaten track’ experience); the archaic landscapes are natural backdrops for the myths and legends which percolate the region’s past. If you fancy taking a break from the road, you can set sail from the Snæfellsnes coast and discover the collection of islands around Breiðafjörður, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample fresh seafood, straight from the source. Keep your eyes peeled for a distant dorsal fin or a fluke flying above the waves as whales are often seen along the Icelandic coast during the summer.

When is the best time to embark on a road trip in Iceland?

This really depends on what kind of adventure you are looking for. If you want to bask in the land of the midnight sun, when the sun never truly sets, then summertime is your go-to. Between June and August the roads are clear, the weather is mild and you'll have plenty of time to explore the vast Icelandic wilderness. On the other hand, if you're seeking an otherworldly winter wonderland, then consider hitting the road during the winter months. Sure, the temperatures may drop and the roads may be snowy, but there's nothing quite like the surreal, snow-drenched landscapes of Iceland in the winter. Plus, you'll have a good chance of seeing the mesmerizing Northern Lights dance across the night sky. But, if you're looking for a little bit of both, then an Icelandic road trip during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn is ideal. You'll face fewer crowds, you can take in the beautiful colours of autumn foliage or blooming flowers, and you’ll get the chance to catch glimpses of both the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. For more information on the best time to visit Iceland, head to our guide page.

What kind of car is best for an Iceland Road Trip?

Given the diversity of the terrain, Iceland road trips often involve an array of vehicles. For traversing Grindavík’s volcanic topography, trade your hire car for an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) and take a mountain-top safari with breath-taking views of the Blue Lagoon. Switch to a snowmobile for a tour of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, where the astonishingly surreal landscapes once again take centre stage. For an exploration of Þórsmörk, the dramatic mountain range named after the Norse god Thor, our expert guide will take you on a Super Jeep tour of the area. En route from Vík – the nation’s southernmost village – to the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull volcanoes, you’ll pass the stunning Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, with the road taking you from dreamlike snowscapes to lava-layered landscapes to black sand beaches all in the same day.