The Ultimate Guide to Scenic Coastal Drives in Iceland
Iceland! It is a land of ice and fire, with incredibly striking coastlines. A drive through charming Iceland will fill you with joy and enthusiasm. However, even if Iceland is a beauty, a drive through this natural wonder can be a disaster without proper planning. You may miss the most scenic attractions or get tired without appropriate plans. We have curated this guide to help you plan a stunning trip to Iceland to enjoy the panoramic coast. We have briefed you on the routes and the attractions you can see on these routes. You can include day tours from Reykjavik to explore the beauty of these routes.
So plan it and make the best out of it.
The South Iceland Route
The south coast of Iceland is beckoning! You can enjoy the view without driving long. It also includes all the must-see sights, including waterfalls, glaciers, and possibly even a sighting of the Northern Lights!
Consider this your secret to the awesomeness of Iceland. Start your journey from Reykjavik to experience the lifestyle before hitting the road. Brace yourself as Route 1 takes you on a mesmerizing ride past the Glacier Lagoon, the iconic Golden Circle, and the enchanting Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
Prepare for a haul; this southern expedition covers 900 kilometers (560 miles).
To reach Waterfall Country, head along the southern coast. Explore behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can catch glimpses of dancing rainbows. Then, venture to the Gljúfrabúi. Spend thirty minutes marveling at the impressive 60-meter Skógafoss waterfall.
Stop by Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park for a glimpse of icebergs and the majestic Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Close by is Diamond Beach, whose sands are adorned with sparkling ice fragments.
Your next stop on this escapade is the Golden Circle! This extraordinary route treats you to three awe-inspiring sights: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and a geothermal wonderland.
Before returning to Reykjavik unwind at the Blue Lagoon—a spa surrounded by black lava rock.
Enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, treat yourself to a spa session, and unwind in the milky blue waters. The perfect spot to unwind after an adventure along the coast is the Blue Lagoon. Rest assured that your visit to Iceland will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The Express Route
This quick tour takes you on a whirlwind trip, along the Ring Road to make the most of your visit to Icelands sights, such, as springs, glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic black sand beaches, and other highlights.
The Ring Road circles the country’s central Highlands, hence its name. This itinerary can lead you past some of Iceland’s most impressive sights. Consider the southern coast’s waterfalls and the Golden Circle’s geothermal riches. Icebergs and glaciers are to the east, and towns, lakes, and hot springs are up north.
Reykjavik is the starting point of all roads, or rather, all roads lead to it. Take some time to explore this energetic and entertaining city, and remember to stop by the Settlement Exhibition Museum to discover more about its early history. Travel inland toward the Golden Circle to see the historically significant Þingvellir National Park, active geysers, tiered waterfalls, and ancient craters.
Head south along the coast in the morning to see the amazing sea stacks of Reynisfjara and the beached remnants of icebergs that were once churning on the dark shores of Diamond Beach. You can reach its eastern side by following the coast, dotted with charming fishing villages and sculpted into small fjords. Here, the volcanic terrain is particularly striking, with the red-hued Námaskarð featuring geothermal mud pools and rainbow sands.
Visit Lake Múvatn in the morning, a sizable marsh that is home to a variety of bird species, and then learn about Akureyri, known as the “northern capital” of Iceland.
Returning to Reykjavik will allow you to witness the lava falls, also known as Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, which have a tropical appearance due to their underground spring source.
The Winter Ring Road Route
Winter season is perfect for exploring the ice caves of Vatnajökull, watching massive icebergs float by in Jökulsárlón, and dog sledding along the banks of Lake Mývatn, beyond the legendary charms of the Aurora Borealis. It is advised that only seasoned and confident drivers drive in Iceland during the winter. There are roughly three to four hours of daylight in the middle of winter. This route covers a total driving distance of 1800 km / 1118 mi, but it is broken up into 10 days so that your driving sessions last about 3.5 hours at a safe pace for the winter weather.
Examine its eateries, boutiques, galleries, museums, pubs, and—above all—its proximity to the Blue Lagoon. To complete the Golden Circle, head inland. See the geothermal Haukadalur after visiting the UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, and culminate the day by seeing Gullfoss, Iceland’s first waterfall.
Return to the coast and drive along its southern belly, feeling the mists from the waterfalls at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and then see the Reynisdrangar rock formations close to the village of Vík. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also embark on an ice cave adventure from here.
Wear warm clothing and explore Jökulsárlón’s floating icebergs and bizarre glassy landscape, or stop by Diamond Beach to take in the glittering icy pieces that wash up there. Next, have dinner in Höfn, the “Lobster Capital of Iceland.”
Enjoy the scenery of Iceland’s fjords on the fifth day of this route. This area’s towering mountains support tiny fishing communities that operate in the mirrored inlets. For viewing the Aurora Borealis, this part of the nation is particularly excellent.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide help you have the best road trip experience in Iceland. Remember that you can experience this stunning nation at your own pace on road trips. Though you want to enjoy your trip worry-free, always prioritize safety and follow the law when driving to avoid trouble. Most people are welcoming and friendly, so you’ll have a great time traveling. When the time comes for you to take your first or fifth road trip through Iceland, remember to share your experience with us.
