A land of beauty, adventure, and escape, Iceland is a spectacle of breathtaking natural wonders, quaint little villages, and heart-stopping views. The magic of Iceland is its ability to amaze in every season, from natural attractions buffeted by dazzling northern lights to stunning landmarks seen under an endless midnight sun. If a trip to Iceland isn’t already part of your future plans, let this photo collection of the best places along the Ring Road convince you that a trip to Iceland isn’t a want; it’s a need.
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Table of Contents
- An Epic Iceland Road Trip: 22 Must-See Spots Along the Ring Road
- Bonus Detours: Regions to Add to Your Iceland Ring Road Trip
- Ready to Take on the Iceland Ring Road? Start Planning Your Next Trip with Next Vacay
An Epic Iceland Road Trip: 22 Must-See Spots Along the Ring Road
Ready for the road trip of a lifetime? From towering waterfalls to black sand beaches and so much more, Iceland is a dream destination, and the beauty of its iconic Ring Road can’t be beat. For the perfect trip itinerary, be sure to add these 22 must-see stops along the way.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Cascading nearly 200 feet, Seljandsfoss is visible from the Ring Road. But it’s the view from the waterfall that’s truly magnificent. Seljalandsfoss is the only waterfall in Iceland that visitors can walk behind, offering a unique and jaw-dropping view of Iceland’s landscape through a misty curtain.
Gljúfrafoss Waterfall
Steps away from the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrafoss is more hidden and less populated but perhaps even more enchanting than Seljalandsfoss. Tucked away inside a cliff, visitors can only see the top of the waterfall from the road, but stepping through a narrow passage and over a burbling stream reveals an enchantment of fairytale proportions, with Gljúfrafoss cascading in rivulets and a powerful plunge down the cliff wall.
Skógafoss Waterfall
Walk right up to this towering behemoth of a waterfall. At 82 feet wide and 196 feet tall, Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, with a raw power that’s nearly overwhelming up close. Juxtapose the powerful spray against the delicate rainbows that appear on sunny days, and this becomes one of the first of many magical stops on your trip along the Iceland Ring Road.
Dyrhólaey
Once an island, this peninsula now forms a nearly 400-foot promenade jutting from the mainland into the sea. On gloomy days, the clouds add a touch of mystery and intrigue to this lonely peninsula, while sunny days promise spectacular views in every direction. Dyrhólaey’s highlights are many, from the scenic lighthouse standing atop the cliff to the stone arch from which the cliffs take their name. You can even see the beautiful Reynisfjara from atop the cliffs!
Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara can be seen from Dyrhólaey, but this scene deserves its own stop on your trip around the Iceland Ring Road. Black sands. Basalt columns. Atlantic Ocean waves. Standing on this majestic shore, it’s not hard to understand how this became one of the most famous beaches in Iceland. And the dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks just offshore only add to the charm and spectacle.
Vik
One hundred and ten miles from the capital of Reykjavik and just down the road from the sandy black shore of Reynisfjara sits the picturesque town of Vik. Set inside the Myrdal Valley, the town is overlooked by the white-walled, red-roofed church featured in so many pictures of Vik. But make no mistake, the entirety of Vik is photo-worthy, from the dramatic black shore and blue waves at its back to the towering cliffs and fields full of wildflowers ensconcing it. From shooting photos in town to riding horseback along the beach, Vik is a slice of paradise.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Cutting through the Icelandic landscape like a serpent of earth and water, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a unique spot that feels like magic. The canyon stretches over a mile long, with sheer walls speckled by waterfalls. The drama with this canyon is very much the draw, as verdant moss, granite rocks, and gently foaming waters compete for attention. Add in the allure of the midnight sun or the northern lights, and this canyon becomes an otherworldly place of beauty.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
The first thing you’ll notice about this charming little village is that it sits at the base of a bewitching waterfall. And without a doubt, that’s the perfect introduction to this natural landscape. Framed by blue lakes and green pastoral fields, Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a small town but a mighty crossroads, leading to rarely explored wonders, including the Laki Craters, the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, and even the intriguing Kirkjugólfið, or Church Floor, composed of flat basalt columns.
Skaftafell
This nature reserve packs so much of Iceland’s unique beauty and splendor within its boundaries that you’ll have a hard time leaving it to resume your trip around the Ring Road. The contrast in scenery, from massive glaciers to black sand deserts and lush green valleys, is breathtaking. Whether you decide to go glacier hiking and explore ice formations or stroll along idyllic trails to see beauties such as Svartifoss Waterfall, the vast wilderness of Skaftafell delights at every turn.
Diamond Beach
All that glitters isn’t gold, and all that shines isn’t diamond, but strolling up to Diamond Beach may have you thinking you’ve stumbled upon a wealth of riches. Diamond Beach gets its name from the hefty blocks of ice that wash ashore from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. Set against the black sand of the beach, these pieces of ice, ranging in size from small speckles to hefty giants, look just like diamonds glittering in the light. And with a golden winter sunset in the background, this beach looks like a gold mine of precious minerals.
Vestrahorn
Once you’ve laid eyes on Vestrahorn, it’s a sight you never forget. Jagged peaks piercing the sky, black sand dunes buffeted by frothing ocean waves, and breathtaking reflections cast in the tidal flats—Vestrahorn is a spot of unspoiled beauty. Wildflowers in spring compete with northern lights shots in winter; the beauty of this place changes with the seasons, but it never dims, least of all during the soft hues of golden hour.
Egilsstaðir
Situated on the banks of the Lagarfljót River, Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland and a perfect stop along the Ring Road to rest and recharge. But more than a mere stop along the way, it’s a hub for exploration into stunning landscapes and attractions, from remote fjords to the largest forest in Iceland and the mysterious Lake Lagarfljót, which is said to house a monster in its depths.
Seyðisfjörður
Set inside a fjord of the same name, the little town of Seyðisfjörður is a splash of vibrant color and quirky character, from colorful homes to a rainbow path leading to the town’s church. And surrounding the town lies a trove of scenic landscapes to explore. Snowcapped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking sea views make this a must-stop for nature lovers, and that’s before adding in the allure of reindeer sightings and other wildlife.
Studlagil Canyon
It’s not every day you stumble upon one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world, but that’s exactly how Studlagil Canyon was unearthed. The construction of a hydro plant is to thank for revealing this breathtaking canyon. Once submerged below the water, these hexagonal basalt columns tower over the glacial river below, creating a striking contrast. The color of the river changes from season to season, with spring providing the vibrant, turquoise hues often captured in pictures of the canyon. If you’re planning a trip to East Iceland, it’s practically a requirement of all Ring Road trips to stop and see this one-of-a-kind wonder.
Dettifoss Waterfall
Arguably the largest waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss is a powerhouse of nature that thunders into view as powerfully as it thunders in your ears. At 330 feet wide, the falls span almost the length of a football field, with a drop that plunges 145 feet. It’s no surprise that such a cascade produces some stunning rainbows. Add in the rugged backdrop of volcanic rock and basalt columns, and it becomes a photographer’s paradise.
Grjótagjá Hot Spring
This striking gem will likely be familiar to fans of Game of Thrones, as it featured in a famously romantic scene between the characters Jon Snow and Ygritte. As far as romantic settings go, Grjótagjá doesn’t disappoint. While bathing in the hot spring is off-limits due to the water’s high temperatures, the cave and beautiful blue hot spring possess an ethereal beauty that deserves to be admired in person.
Dimmuborgir Lava Field
The name Dimmuborgir translates to “Dark Fortress,” and upon seeing this mesmerizing field of towering rocks, hidden caves, and rugged arches, the name will appear a perfect fit. Dimmuborgir looks like a medieval castle forged by nature, so it’s no surprise that this stunning landscape has some fascinating myths attached to it. Icelandic folklore tells of it being the home of the thirteen troll sons known as the Yule Lads, who terrorize Icelanders on the thirteen days leading up to Christmas. In contrast, Christian tales claim it as the entrance to the catacombs of Hell and where Satan landed when cast from Heaven.
Lake Mývatn
Just a stone’s throw from Grjotagja Hot Spring and Dimmuborgir Lava Field sits Lake Mývatn. Speckled with a myriad of small islands, the lake appears a perfect picture of serenity and beauty. But that prettily placid face hides untold wonders. Formed from a basaltic lava eruption, the geothermal activity surrounding this shallow lake makes it home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. With its geothermal activity and fascinating geology, Lake Mývatn is a must-see natural attraction.
Husavik
The whale-watching capital of Iceland, Husavik is a must-do stop along your Ring Road trip, largely because you’ll need a place to stop and refuel. But Husavik is much more than just a waystation between attractions. This vibrant harbor town boasts wildly successful whale-watching tours, breathtakingly beautiful views across Skjálfandi Bay, and a slew of other activities, from touring the Eurovision Museum to relaxing in saltwater baths at GeoSea under the northern lights.
Godafoss Waterfall
It seems fitting that one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls would have a name that translates to “waterfall of the gods.” The majestic splendor of this waterfall is hard to put into words, but the otherworldly beauty is clear as soon as you see it. Set among a landscape of rugged rock, green plains, and distant hills, the beauty of the falls is near unmatched. And with two viewing platforms on either side, you can view it from all angles to ensure a perfect shot.
Hvitserkur Rock
Known as the Troll of North-West Iceland, the Hvítserkur Sea Stack towers offshore the Vatnsnes peninsula. The hulking figure resembles an animal or some mythical three-legged beast. And when adorned with nesting fulmars in summer, it appears to move, giving an eerie sense of life to this frozen silhouette.
Hraunfossar
Lava falls aren’t an everyday phenomenon, and the sight of these might just take your breath away. The series of waterfalls making up Hraunfossar are so unearthly beautiful that they seem to have been plucked straight out of a fairytale. Moreover, the lava field that Hraunfossar cascades from is home to many hidden caves, adding another touch of magic and mystery to this dreamy destination.
Bonus Detours: Regions to Add to Your Iceland Ring Road Trip
Looking to travel off the beaten path? Luckily, the story doesn’t have to end with the Ring Road. If you have more time on your schedule and more adventure in your heart than the Ring Road can cover, here are six more stunning destinations to fit into your Iceland road trip.
The Westfjords
Remote and beautiful, the Westfjords sit largely undisturbed by the throngs of crowds that visit Iceland and the more easily accessible attractions along the Ring Road. But that makes it the perfect place to leave behind the masses and explore Iceland’s undisturbed, pristine western beauties.
Dynjandi
Many people have heard of Gulfoss. Far fewer have heard of Dynjandi. Known as the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi is a breathtaking natural spectacle resembling a bride’s cascading veil. Even seeing it from afar is impressive, but much better is hiking to its base. It’s a short but enchanting walk that passes by six smaller waterfalls before arriving at the mighty Dynjandi.
Látrabjarg
The largest seabird cliff in Iceland, Látrabjarg’s impressive size is the first thing you’ll notice, but only the start of the magnificence. The sheer number of birds that nest here is even more breathtaking than the view. The cliffs are home to razorbill, fulmar, guillemots, and many other sea birds, but the adorable puffins often steal the show. If you want a picture of them to take home, Látrabjarg is one of the best places to snap a photo.
Rauðasandur
Contrary to popular belief, not all beaches in Iceland sport the classic black sand of Reynisfjara or Diamond Beach. Instead, the beaches in the Westfjords are all golden or pink. Rauðasandur is one such beach that stands out for its reddish/pink sand. Set against the dark cliffs rising behind it, it’s a surreal and magical sight.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Welcome to the mini Iceland. Snaefellsnes Peninsula sits nestled between Reykjavík and the Westfjords and boasts the same rugged landscapes and dramatic beauty as the rest of Iceland. And, best of all, it’s all contained within a small area that you can explore within a day. Here are a few highlights you can’t miss along the way.
Kirkjufell Mountain
Kirkjufell Mountain stands out physically and figuratively as the most iconic landmark on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Named for its resemblance to a church steeple, the mountain towers above the surrounding coastal landscape, creating quite a striking image in the process. Though skilled hikers can explore the mountain, its unique appearance makes it more of a favorite spot for photos, with a nearby waterfall adding to the enchantment.
Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi’s natural harbor once made it a bustling fishing hub. Nowadays, the small village serves as a refueling stop for travelers entering the Snæfellsjökull National Park. But a waystation can still have gems to explore. Between the charming houses, a black sand shore with a beautiful stone arch, and spectacular cliff views, it’s worth taking some time to explore this little town’s big gems.
Budakirkja Church
Like a watcher on a hill, this centuries-old church sits apart. Called the Black Church of Budir, the church’s distinct black exterior stands out among a spectacular landscape of earth, sea, and sky. On a photo tour of Iceland, the black church is a must-see.
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