Route: Iceland's Ring Road (2016) Iceland's Ring Road (road number 1) is a populair travel route when exploring Iceland. With just two gravel sections it is the best road to go around Iceland. Don't expect much of the road though, its still a one lane road. The best part of the Ring Road is that it goes along many of Iceland's highlights, a lot of which you will find in this travel route. This route can be used by different kind of travellers, it doesn't matter if you are staying in hotels, B&B's, hostels or if you go camping. For ease of use the route starts and finishes at the Keflavik International Airport.
63.99783168813981, -22.625141143798828 Höfði House Höfði House, built in 1909, is considered to be one of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in the Reykjavík area. It s best known as the location for the 1986 summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov, a historical event that effectively marked the end of the Cold War. Fjörutún, Austurbær Reykjavík, Iceland 64.146360096715, -21.905761957169 The Höfði House is unfortunately not open to the public. Its location on the shore makes up for that with a a great view over Reykjavík. Akureyri Akureyri is Icelands second biggest city (32.000 inhabitants). Its located at the countries longest fjord and popular in summer. The city has a vibrant art scene and a lively history. Because its close to the pole circle its the ideal place to watch to midnight sun. Glerárgata, Akureyri, Iceland 65.683777999974, -18.089010715485 Goðafoss waterfall This epic waterfall isn't the biggest, 12 meters high and 30 meters wide, but what a sight. Translated as waterfall of the gods the Goðafoss waterfall is a must stop for those driving the ring road. It's practically on the 1 and hard to mis. There are car parks on either side of the river, which finds its spring on the Vatnajökull glacier. Goðafoss Sightseeing, Iceland 65.684361148077, -17.548298835754 Goðafoss is accesible on both sides, on the right side it is possible to hump some rocks over the stream to get closer. On the left side a small stairways goes down for probably the most epic view on the Goðafoss waterfall. Why not more people go down here I don't know.. Lake Mývatn Lake Myvatn translates into more musquito. It is the third largest lake in Iceland and is heated by thermal activity, therefore it never freezes over. However, the lake is not deep the deepest point is 4.5 meters. 848, Iceland 65.569608696196, -17.0485496521 Make sure you bring mosquito repellent if bringing a visit. Grjótagjá cave Grjótagjá is a cave with a hot water spring inside, making it one of the most epic sights in Iceland. GoT fans: this is where Jon Snow laid with Ygritte. The Grjótagjá cave is in reality much bigger then GoT made us believe, making it even more impressive. The only downside is that the water is to hot to be used as a hot pool. So unlike Jon and Ygritte we have to sit on the side and enjoy the views. Back in the days it was used as a hot pool, but an earthquake increased the heat of the water. Making it to hot to bathe. Grjótagjárvegur, Iceland 65.6271251, -16.8815664 There are three entrances into the Grjótagjá cave, al have different views but in all its forbidden to swim (even if you could bare the heat). The Grjótagjá cave is on private property so do treat it nice for it to remain freely accessible.
Námafjall Hverir geothermal area Námafjall Hverir is an awesome geothermal area with a range of spectacular phenomenons; fumaroles, mud pools and steam areas. Easy acces along the 1 make this the ideal stop to explore a geothermal area. Don't worry, the smell is all part of the experience. Its hydrogen sulfide. Areas like these used to be sulphur mines, used for gunpowder. 65.640972520594, -16.809937301514 More information: http://www.northiceland.is/en/other/place/namafjall Make sure to keep to the paths, temperatures of the mud pools can get up to 200 C. You could get some nasty burns.. Fardagafoss waterfall The Fardagafoss waterfall has a beautiful location looking out along the ravine and over the Fljótsdalur region. There is a small cave behind the waterfall where you can make a wish and sign a guestbook. Seyðisfjarðarvegur, Iceland 65.266066408857, -14.331390623438 Located around 5 kilometers from Egilsstadir, on or from the way to Seydisfjördur, you'll find a parking lot from qhich you can hike up to Fardagafoss within half an hour. Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon the a glacial lake from the biggest glacier of Europe, Vatnajökull. Ice blocks are floating year round on Jökulsárlón. Walk along the shores, the west side has most floating icebergs near the shore, while the east side has the best views. If possible spend the night on the parking lot, its a spectacular sight with the sunset and at night. The beach (known as diamond beach) is also worth a quick visit. 64.045258325745, -16.182145091699 More information: http://icelagoon.is/ Seals are swimming in between the ice blocks making the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon even more fun to visit. O yeah, don't be stupid and climb on the icebergs.. Pebble beach with Swans Amazing spot to put the car along side the road and walk over the pebble beach. In summer season the 'lake' houses thousands of swans. The views are great, even without the swans. Would love to come back again and see and hear thousands of swans doing there thing. Þjóðvegur, Iceland 64.406245881988, -14.549331665039 Be careful for (small) plants growing on the shores of the lake. These are very fragile and take a long time to grow. It would be a shame to trampel them. Skaftafell National Park Skaftafell National Park is miniature Iceland. It is the summary of what can be found all around the island. Green forests, black mountains and a huge white glacier. And to top it of views on the highest mountain: Hvannadalshnjukur. But wait, there is more. Skaftafell National Park is home to one of Icelands most beautiful waterfalls: Svartifoss. Only a 1,8km hike from the visitor center. 64.016337623103, -16.966796910034 Ideal spot when you don't have much time for Iceland but want to wonder at its mystical nature. Stjórnarfoss waterfall Stjórnarfoss is a nice little waterfall (compared to all those big tumbling things) close to the 1. Great basic campground just a few hundred meters away. Looks like a great place to cool in summer (if you should need it). It looked like a path going up the hill from where Stjórnarfoss flows, we didn't go up due to time shortage. 63.799752, -18.0613013 On the road towards Stjórnarfoss is Kirkjugólf, some geometric and regular shape basalt columns.
Fjadrárgljúfur canyon A hidden gem along the 1. A canyon formed by crystal clear blue water. The combination with the green moss make it look lake a LotR decor. Golem just need to pop out of a hidden cave somewhere.. It is possible to walk on top of the Fjadrárgljúfur canyon, as most people do, but if you are not afraid of wet feet go down and follow the stream up for even better views. 63.771279, -18.1718159 More information: http://www.south.is/en/moya/toy/index/place/fjadrargljufur The gravel road up to the Fjadrárgljúfur canyon is not well maintained to say the least. But it is just a few km and definitely worth it. Just drive slowly. Dyrhólaey headland A headland rising 120 meters out of the sea with a huge natural arch. The name literally means "door-hole". The headland is thought to have been made in an underwater volcanic eruption late in the glacial period. 63.3995936, -19.126339 More information: http://www.south.is/en/what-to-see-do/nature/dyrholaey Unfortunately it is no longer allowed to walk over Dyrhólaey, luckily the views from the lighthouse are still stunning. You should not miss (when it is allowed) going down to the black beach to see some of the incredible stone fissures there. The rip tides and currents are devious and one should never attempt to go into the water! Sólheimasandur plane wrack Maybe one of Icelands most iconic sites, the Sólheimasandur plane wrack. On the 24th of November 1973 this American DC-3 plain crasht and remained untouched. It is no longer possible to drive (with a 4x4) to this site, you have to walk 4km up to the plain wrack on the black beach and back. Don't think you will be the only one there, we where here in low season but still tens of people on the track and at the plane wrack. This makes the sight less memorable. 63.4590918, -19.3647122 More information: http://expertvagabond.com/airplane-crash-wreckage-iceland/ It is only allowed to go by foot to the Sólheimasandur plane wrack. As it attracts loads of people early morning or sunset seem to be the best times to visit. Seljavellir hot pool One of the best pools ever, a free, heated pool in an amazing setting. Seljavellir was built in 1923 to teach Icelanders to swim. Now everyone can enjoy it! Seljavellir is heated by a natural spring, and is built against a slope of a mountain. So one side is rocky and a hot water stream even comes down here. The deeper part (right) is warmer as the spring fills the pool on that side. 63.566229215927, -19.607795464404 More information: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3077992/come-water-s-lovely-incredible-hidden-pool-icelandic-mountains-filled-hot-spring-s-changing-room-feeling-modest.html Its a short walk (20 min) to the pool from where the road stops and you can park your car. There are changing rooms and places to keep your cloths dry. Wel worth a visit as not many people know about it! Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui Waterfalls Seljalandsfoss is just over 60 metres high in a lovely location, surrounded by cliffs and green slopes. A footpath leads behind the waterfall. A little further to the west there are several other falls, among them the interesting Gljúfrabúi which is partially masked by its own canyon. Þórsmerkurvegur, Iceland 63.6154947, -19.9900532 More information: http://www.south.is/en/what-to-see-do/nature/seljalandsfoss-and-gljufrabui-waterfalls It is a shame, and logical at the same time (it is an awesome waterfall), that it is so crowded at the Seljalandsfoss. Why not all people walk the 200 meters to the Gljúfrabúi I don't know. But its a great waterfall as well, which you can enjoy in peace.
Urridafoss Waterfall Urriðafoss is a waterfall in Þjórsá River. Þjórsá is Iceland's longest river, 230 km, and Urriðafoss is the most voluminous waterfall in the country. This mighty river drops down (360 m3/sec) by the edge of Þjórsárhraun lava field in beautiful and serene surroundings. Þjórsárhraun lava field is the result of the greatest lava flow on earth since the Ice Age. Urriðafossvegur, Iceland 63.9246142, -20.6721926 Located right off highway 1. Reykjadalur hiking trail Reykjadalur is a beautiful valley with a hot river running through it where you can bathe year round. There are no facilities so you need to be ready to change in front of people and such. When you are oké with that you just follow the marked path for 45 minutes or so and find a good spot to bathe in. be aware, the river is hotter in some places than other so make sure you check the water before you dive in. It is possible to walk a bit to the left or right of the 'main area'. 64.022787126165, -21.211681365967 More information: http://www.iheartreykjavik.net/2014/12/drive-it-yourself-the-golden-circle/ Be very careful if you go here and follow the marked paths as there have been bad accidents here in the recent years where people get badly burned when they go off the paths (there is hot water everywhere and the ground is sometimes unstable).