Taking on Iceland’s legendary Ring Road is a rite of passage for any road-tripper. Stretching over 800 miles around the entire perimeter of the island, Route 1 takes you through every imaginable landscape—from roaring waterfalls and mossy lava fields to icy fjords and dramatic volcanic coasts.

Starting the Loop

Packing light isn't really an option when you're preparing for Iceland's notoriously unpredictable weather. With layers packed, cameras charged, and our rental car ready, we hit the highway. Driving here feels less like a normal road trip and more like navigating a different planet. One minute you're driving past towering green mountains, and the next you're surrounded by endless black sand plains.

Waterfalls and Glacial Wonders

Following the Ring Road counter-clockwise gives you front-row access to some of the country’s most iconic natural wonders. Stopping along the southern coast, we explored massive waterfalls where the mist hits you long before you reach the base, and walked along dramatic black sand beaches where Atlantic waves crash against volcanic columns.

As we pushed further east, the scenery shifted into huge glacial landscapes. Passing by icebergs floating in glacier lagoons and massive ice caps sitting right alongside the highway is something you never quite get used to.