Ring Road (Route 1)
Iceland, europe
1,322 km
470 m
moderate
June to August
Iceland's Route 1, known as the Ring Road, is a 1,322-kilometer national highway that circumnavigates the entire island, connecting virtually all the inhabited parts of the country. Completed in 1974 when the last bridge over the Skogar River was finished, the road passes through some of the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth: vast lava fields, glacial lagoons, volcanic deserts, geothermal areas, and dramatic fjords.
The route passes near many of Iceland's most famous natural attractions including Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the Myvatn geothermal area, and the Eastfjords. Most of the road is now paved, though some sections in the north and east remain gravel. The Ring Road is the backbone of Icelandic tourism, with most visitors spending 7 to 10 days completing the full circuit. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and winter driving requires serious preparation including studded tires and awareness of road closures.
Where is it?
Ring Road (Route 1) is located in Nationwide, Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.0000, -18.0000
Driving Tips
Allow at least 7 days for the full loop. Check road.is for real-time conditions. Fill up fuel whenever you can as stations are sparse in the east and north. A 4x4 is recommended but not required in summer.
Road Surface
Mostly paved, some gravel sections
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Nationwide
- Length
- 1,322 km
- Max Elevation
- 470 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Mostly paved, some gravel sections
- Best Season
- June to August
- Coordinates
- 65.0000, -18.0000
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