Iceland is a country that is best explored behind the wheel. With volcanic craters, glacial lagoons, and dramatic fjord coastlines, nearly every highway turn reveals a new viewpoint. Whether you are planning a weekend trip from Reykjavík or a two-week loop around the island, here are the 10 most scenic drives in Iceland—along with the recommended vehicle class and best season for each route.
1. The Golden Circle (Route 36, 37 & 35 — 230 km)
The Golden Circle is Iceland's classic introductory loop. Starting from Reykjavík, this fully paved route connects three world-famous geological landmarks: Þingvellir National Park (where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart), the Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur (home to Strokkur, which erupts every 6–10 minutes), and the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall. Add detours to Kerið volcanic crater and the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir for a full 8-hour day trip.
- Best Season: Year-round
- Recommended Vehicle: 2WD in summer; AWD/4x4 SUV from October to April
2. The Ring Road (Route 1 — 1,322 km)
Circling the entire island, Route 1 (Þjóðvegur 1) is the ultimate Icelandic road trip. Over 7 to 14 days, the Ring Road carries you across the South Coast's glacial outwash plains, through the narrow fishing fjords of the East, past the boiling mud pots of Lake Mývatn in the North, and across the agricultural valleys of West Iceland. Read our complete 7, 10 & 14-Day Road Trip Itineraries to plan your daily overnight stops.
- Best Season: May – September for full loop (Year-round with winter preparation)
- Recommended Vehicle: Mid-size SUV or heated campervan
3. Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Route 54 & 574 — 250 km Loop)
Often called "Iceland in Miniature," the Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretches 90 kilometers west into the Atlantic between Reykjavík and the Westfjords. Along the coast you will pass the seal colony at Ytri Tunga, the black wooden church at Búðir, the basalt sea arches of Arnarstapi, Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach, and arrow-shaped Kirkjufell mountain beside Kirkjufellsfoss—all crowned by the glacier-capped stratovolcano Snæfellsjökull.
- Best Season: Year-round
- Recommended Vehicle: 2WD (Summer) or 4x4 SUV (Winter)
4. The Remote Westfjords (Routes 60, 61 & 62 — 900+ km)
Visited by fewer than 15% of travelers to Iceland, the Westfjords offer towering table mountains, quiet hot pots, and winding coastal roads. Highlights include thunderous Dynjandi waterfall, the red sands of Rauðisandur, and the 440-meter-high bird cliffs of Látrabjarg (the westernmost point of Iceland and prime Atlantic puffin habitat from May to mid-August).
- Best Season: Late May – September
- Recommended Vehicle: High-clearance 4x4 SUV (long unpaved gravel stretches)
5. The South Coast (Reykjavík to Höfn — 455 km)
Following the southern stretch of Route 1 between Selfoss, Vík, and Höfn, the South Coast delivers Iceland’s highest density of waterfalls and glaciers. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss, climb above Skógafoss, admire the sea stacks of Reynisfjara, hike beside Skaftafell glacier tongues, and watch blue icebergs calve into Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon before washing onto Diamond Beach.
- Best Season: Year-round (watch for high wind advisories near Vík and Öræfi)
- Recommended Vehicle: 2WD or 4x4 with Gravel and Sand & Ash insurance (see our Car Rental Insurance Guide)
6. Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord — Route 47 — 62 km)
Most drivers bypass Hvalfjörður via the undersea tunnel on Route 1 north of Reykjavík, leaving Route 47 wonderfully peaceful. Winding around the shoreline of the fjord, this 45-minute detour leads to the trailhead for Glymur (Iceland's second-highest waterfall at 198 meters) and the oceanfront geothermal pools of Hvammsvík Hot Springs.
- Best Season: May – October (Glymur log bridge is in place from late May to September)
- Recommended Vehicle: Any 2WD or 4x4
7. Tröllaskagi Peninsula (The Troll Peninsula — Route 76 & 82 — 160 km)
Looping north of Akureyri through Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður, Siglufjörður, and Hofsós, the Tröllaskagi Peninsula bores through single-lane mountain tunnels carved straight into coastal cliffs overlooking the Greenland Sea. Stop in Siglufjörður for the award-winning Herring Era Museum and soak in the infinity-edge geothermal pool at Hofsós.
- Best Season: May – October
- Recommended Vehicle: 2WD or 4x4
8. The Diamond Circle (North Iceland — Route 85, 862 & 1 — 250 km)
North Iceland’s answer to the Golden Circle links the geothermal wonders of Lake Mývatn, the crescent-shaped Goðafoss ("Waterfall of the Gods"), the whale-watching port of Húsavík, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, and Dettifoss—Europe’s most powerful waterfall by volume.
- Best Season: Mid-May – October (Route 862 is now paved from Route 1 to Dettifoss West Bank)
- Recommended Vehicle: 2WD or 4x4
9. The Arctic Coast Way (Norðurstrandarleið — 900 km)
Spanning six northern peninsulas from Hvammstangi in the west to Bakkafjörður in the east, the Arctic Coast Way hugs the edge of the Arctic Circle at 66°N. Expect driftwood beaches, basalt stacks (such as Hvítserkur), turf churches, and remote lighthouses far removed from tour buses.
- Best Season: June – September
- Recommended Vehicle: 4x4 SUV recommended for unpaved peninsula tips
10. Fjallabak & Landmannalaugar (F208 — Highland Mountain Track)
For drivers who rent an F-road-certified 4x4 SUV in summer, Route F208 into the Fjallabak Nature Reserve is unforgettable. Entering from the north via F208 (Sigalda route) avoids deep river crossings until the final campsite parking lot, while the southern F208 route towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur crosses black volcanic ash deserts, emerald moss mountains, and over a dozen unbridged rivers.
- Best Season: Late June – Mid-September only (check road.is daily)
- Recommended Vehicle: F-road approved 4x4 SUV (compare 4x4 categories in our Car Rental Guide)
