Should we drive around Iceland or not?

Hi there,

We’re a group of 4 heading out at the end of June for 11 days. I’m just starting my research. We’ll be renting a regular car, not a 4x4. I’m not finding a ton of info on the North. Would love your take on all those kilometers—is there a route that lets us cut out a section? Thanks

Hi there,

Northern Iceland has some amazing spots like the Silver Circle and many others, but Iceland is best visited based on the weather. With 11 days, I think you’re better off checking the forecast and exploring the region with the best weather.

If you’re looking for more info on Iceland, I’m happy to help! !

Hello, We live in the North... Just a tip: go where you can't find any info. Happy exploring! JM

11 days is perfect, especially since it won’t get dark. It doesn’t leave much time to really soak in the places, but you’ll be amazed every day. The north is quite overlooked compared to the south, which is packed with tourists. So settle in, explore, and go on an adventure.

Weather’s a whole other topic, though—pack windproof and waterproof jackets, shorts, hiking shoes, a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.

The North is stunning, just like pretty much everywhere in Iceland..... However, 11 days to do the whole ring road feels a bit rushed to me, with a lot of time spent on the road. It’s up to you, though. We did the loop in 16 days (without the Westfjords), and I still felt like we were moving too quickly everywhere.

Hello Kickibar, I don’t know where you’re at with your planning, but here are a few tips: As Samfan said, I think 11 days is way too short to do a full loop—you’ll miss out on so many amazing spots without really enjoying them! We went for 15 days in 2024, so if it helps, here’s our itinerary: 1 - arrival - walk around Seltun hot spring - Krýsuvíkurkirkja - Eldborg night in Eyrarbakki 2 - Kerið - hike in Reykjadalur Valley with a nice soak in the river night in Eyrarbakki 3 - Seljalandsfoss - Gljúfrabúi - hike to Skógafoss night in Vík 4 - Dyrhólaey (puffins around) - Reynisdrangar - hike above the cliffs night in Vík 5 - Sólheimajökull - Kvernufoss - Seljavallalaug - Ægissíðufoss night in Langahlíð 6 - day in Landmannalaugar night in Langahlíð 7 - Háifoss - Gjáin - Hjálparfoss - Gullfoss - Strokkur night at Uthlíð cottages 8 - Brúará trail - Þingvellir night at Uthlíð cottages 9 - day in Reykjavík (changed plans because it was freezing that day) - Borgarnes night in Borgarnes 10 - Bifröst - Glanni - Hraunfossar - Barnafoss night in Borgarnes 11 - Eldborg - Gerðuberg - Selvallafoss - Stykkishólmur night in Grundarfjörður 12 - Bæjarfoss - Ingjaldshólskirkja - Svörtuloft - Saxhóll - Djúpalón - Lóndrangar night in Grundarfjörður 13 - Arnarstapi - Hellnar - Búðakirkja - Ytri Tunga night in Skrautahlið (in a bus) 14 - Glymur hike - Þórufoss - Grotta lighthouse - volcano eruption night in Sandgerði 15 - Garður old lighthouse - Hvalneskirkja - Gunnuhver - Valahnúkamöl