Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice,” is one of the most captivating and otherworldly destinations on the planet. From towering glaciers to steaming volcanoes, from rugged coastlines to lush valleys, the island offers some of the most dramatic and varied landscapes you can find. The best way to experience Iceland’s raw beauty is on a road trip, where you can take your time exploring its diverse regions, from bustling Reykjavik to remote, untouched areas that seem straight out of a fairytale. Here’s a guide to the must-see stops on an Icelandic road trip—perfect for anyone looking to discover this unique and awe-inspiring country.
The Golden Circle: Iceland’s Classic Route
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous driving route and a perfect introduction to the country’s natural wonders. Located just a short drive from Reykjavik, it connects some of Iceland’s top attractions in a loop that can be completed in a single day.
Þingvellir National Park
Start your journey at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Iceland’s most important historical landmarks. This is where the first Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was established in 930 AD. The park sits on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and you can actually walk between them at Almannagjá Gorge. The geological features here, including the crystal-clear Silfra Fissure, where divers can swim between the continents, are simply awe-inspiring.
Tip: Make sure to visit Öxarárfoss, a beautiful waterfall within the park, and take a moment to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Next, head to the Geysir Geothermal Area in the Haukadalur Valley. While the Great Geysir itself is largely dormant now, the area is home to Strokkur, a more active geyser that erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending water up to 30 meters into the air. The geothermal activity in the area is incredible, with steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and fumaroles dotting the landscape.
Tip: Be cautious near the boiling springs, and enjoy watching the geyser eruptions from a safe distance.
Gullfoss Waterfall
End your Golden Circle adventure at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Known as the “Golden Waterfall,” it features two tiers that drop into a deep canyon, creating a thunderous roar as the water crashes down. On a sunny day, the mist often creates beautiful rainbows, making it a photographer’s paradise.
Tip: If you want to get close to the falls, take the walking path that leads right up to the edge for dramatic views.
The South Coast: Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches, and Glaciers
From the Golden Circle, continue driving south to explore the stunning sights of Iceland’s South Coast. This area is rich in natural beauty and is home to some of the country’s most famous landmarks.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
One of the most unique waterfalls in Iceland is Seljalandsfoss, a 60-meter waterfall that you can walk behind. The path leads you behind the falls, giving you an incredible perspective of the water cascading down in front of you. Be prepared to get wet, especially if the wind is blowing, but it’s well worth the experience.
Tip: Visit at sunset for magical lighting behind the waterfall.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Just a short drive from Seljalandsfoss, you’ll find Skógafoss, one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Iceland. The waterfall plunges 60 meters into a pool below, creating a mist that often produces rainbows on sunny days. You can climb a staircase to the top for a panoramic view of the falls and the surrounding countryside.
Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the Skógarfoss trail that leads along the river upstream, where you’ll encounter even more waterfalls.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
No visit to the South Coast is complete without a trip to Reynisfjara, a striking black sand beach near the village of Vík. The beach is famous for its towering basalt columns, jagged sea stacks known as Reynisdrangar, and crashing Atlantic waves. The beach has a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere and is a popular spot for photography.
Tip: Be careful of the powerful waves known as “sneaker waves”—they can be dangerous and catch visitors off guard.
Vatnajökull National Park
As you continue east along the South Coast, you’ll eventually reach Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The park offers a range of activities, from ice hiking and glacier walks to ice cave tours during the winter months. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is another must-see, where massive chunks of ice calve off the glacier and float serenely in the lagoon before drifting out to sea.
Tip: Don’t miss the nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on the black sand shore, creating a surreal scene that looks like something from another planet.
The Highlands: Iceland’s Untouched Wilderness
Iceland’s interior, known as the Highlands, is a vast and rugged wilderness that is only accessible during the summer months. It’s less crowded and more remote than the coastal areas, but it offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country.
Landmannalaugar
Located in the heart of the Highlands, Landmannalaugar is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains, vast lava fields, and hot springs. This area is a hiker’s paradise, offering a variety of trails that wind through stunning landscapes, including the famous Laugavegur Trail. After a day of hiking, you can relax in the natural hot springs that give Landmannalaugar its name.
Tip: The Laugavegur Trail is a multi-day trek that takes you through some of Iceland’s most beautiful and varied landscapes, including volcanic deserts and lush valleys.
Hekla Volcano
One of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, Hekla, is another incredible stop in the Highlands. The volcano, known as the “Gateway to Hell” in medieval times, has erupted over 20 times since the 9th century. Hiking to the summit offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape, including glaciers, volcanic craters, and lava fields.
Tip: If you plan to hike to the summit, be prepared for challenging terrain and sudden weather changes. It’s always advisable to check conditions before setting out.
The North: Remote Villages and Volcanic Lakes
The north of Iceland is often overlooked by travelers, but it’s home to some of the country’s most tranquil and scenic landscapes.
Akureyri
Known as the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri is a charming town surrounded by mountains and fjords. It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding region, including Lake Mývatn, which is famous for its geothermal activity and unique volcanic formations. Nearby, you’ll find Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and Húsavík, where you can go whale watching.
Tip: If you’re visiting in the winter, Akureyri is a great place to experience Iceland’s northern lights, thanks to its location just below the Arctic Circle.
Lake Mývatn
The area around Lake Mývatn is a geothermal wonderland, with hot springs, mud pools, and volcanic craters. The lake itself is teeming with birdlife, and its surroundings offer some of Iceland’s most surreal landscapes, such as the Dimmuborgir lava fields, which resemble a haunted forest of rock formations.
Tip: Relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths, which offer a more serene experience than the Blue Lagoon.
Final Thoughts: A Road Trip You’ll Never Forget
An Icelandic road trip offers the opportunity to experience the raw beauty of a land shaped by fire and ice. From the surreal landscapes of Landmannalaugar to the dramatic waterfalls of the South Coast, every mile reveals a new adventure. Whether you’re exploring the well-trodden Golden Circle, hiking the glaciers in the Highlands, or discovering remote villages in the north, Iceland’s natural wonders will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, rent a car, and get ready to embark on the ultimate road trip across the land of fire and ice!
