Best Spots for a Road Trip Around Iceland

Best Spots for a Road Trip Around Iceland

Iceland boasts some of the most iconic sights in the world, from its waterfalls and natural geothermal lakes, right through to its mountains, valleys, fields and villages. One of the best ways to travel the country is in a vehicle, and as time goes by, more and more visitors are realizing just how enjoyable an Icelandic road trip can be - with many considering it a type of vacation all on its own. In this article, we’ll be getting to know a few of the best spots for road trips around the country and what it is that makes them so appealing.

Choosing Your Mode of Transport

One of the most efficient ways to travel across Iceland is by car, especially if you plan on renting one. Car rental in Iceland is affordable and easy to book directly from Keflavik Airport, with a multitude of options to choose from including 4-wheel drive vehicles, off-road models, family cars and many more.

Visiting Reykjavik

As the largest city in Iceland, not to mention being the country’s capital - Reykjavik has everything that you might expect, including amenities, stores, activities and much more in between. For anyone planning a road trip either to or through Reykjavik, it’s a good idea to stop off and stock up on everything you’ll need.

If you’re planning an extended road trip, then you could always start in the north from Akureyri and then head south to Reykjavik, or vice versa. Many visitors plan a trip around the Golden Circle, which could be completed in a single day - or two if you plan on stopping to see all of the sights along the way.

Traveling to Mývatn

Mývatn is one of the last existing volcanic lakes in the world and could be the ideal destination to travel to by car. There’s a ring road that will direct you towards Lake Mývatn and on the journey, you’ll also pass by a huge canyon known locally as Jokulsargljufur, which the locals won’t blame you for mispronouncing.

Stopping Off at Jokulsargljufur

On your way to Mývatn, the aforementioned great canyon is unmissable. With steep, sheer drops, it’s best viewed by car, or by approaching very cautiously on-foot, but once you’re there, your road trip will undoubtedly begin to feel like something out of a dream, with sights going on for what seems like miles.

Booking Into a Hotel

If you don’t fancy the idea of sleeping in your vehicle, especially if you have kids, then you’ll be pleased to hear that there are hotels dotted around, many of which can be booked online, in advance, or on the day - as long as they have the necessary space to accommodate.

Your road trip will surely be as memorable as it is adventurous and although we’ve made a few good suggestions, you’ll only get to grips with the possibilities once you are actually visiting Iceland and seeing for yourself why so many people travel here each and every year.