Ring Road (Route 1)
Iceland, europe
1,322 km
470 m
moderate
June to August
# Iceland's Ring Road: The Ultimate Icelandic Road Trip
Ready for an epic 1,322-kilometer adventure? Iceland's Ring Road is basically the country's greatest hits tour on asphalt and gravel, looping around the entire island and hitting pretty much every corner where people actually live. The road got its final piece in 1974 when they finished the Skogar River bridge, and honestly, it's been the ultimate bucket-list drive ever since.
What makes this route absolutely mind-blowing is the sheer variety of scenery you'll encounter. Imagine cruising past massive lava fields that look like alien terrain, then rolling up to impossibly blue glacial lagoons, volcanic wastelands, and geothermal hotspots where the earth itself seems alive. The fjords on the east coast? Dramatic doesn't even cover it.
You'll pass right by some of Iceland's most Instagram-famous spots—think thundering waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the otherworldly Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and the otherworldly geothermal wonderland of Myvatn. Most of the route is paved these days, though some stretches in the northern and eastern sections still stick to gravel, adding a bit of adventure to the mix.
Plan on spending 7 to 10 days to really do it justice. One heads-up: Iceland's weather is moody and unpredictable, changing faster than your mood on a road trip. If you're going in winter, come prepared with studded tires and keep tabs on road closures—it's not something to mess around with.
Where is it?
Ring Road (Route 1) is located in Nationwide, Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.0000, -18.0000
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips for Iceland's Ring Road
Hey, if you're planning to do the full loop, give yourself at least a week—seven days is really the minimum to actually enjoy it without feeling rushed.
Before you head out, definitely check the road conditions online. Things can change fast in Iceland, especially in winter or bad weather, so it's smart to know what you're getting into.
One thing that'll save you some stress: fill up your gas tank whenever you see a station. Seriously, don't wait until you're running low. The east and north sections especially have huge gaps between fuel stops, and the last thing you want is to be frantically searching for a gas station in the middle of nowhere.
As for your vehicle, a 4x4 is nice to have but don't stress if you don't have one—summer driving is pretty manageable in a regular car. Just be realistic about your route and conditions if you're not in a higher-clearance vehicle.
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
Related Roads in europe
hardThe old military road to Col de l’Infernet in the Hautes-Alpes
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Infernet: A Wild Alpine Adventure Ready for a seriously intense mountain drive? Col de l'Infernet sits pretty at 2,355m (7,726ft) in France's Hautes-Alpes, just outside the charming town of Briançon in the southeastern Alps. This isn't your typical scenic byway—it's a full-on adventure. The real star here is Fort de l'Infernet, a jaw-dropping 19th-century fortress perched even higher at 2,380m. Built between 1876-1878, this beauty was the last French fort constructed with traditional cut stone masonry and was designed to keep potential Italian invaders at bay. During WWII, this place actually saw action, trading fire with Italian forces across the valley. The fort housed 210 soldiers and packed some serious firepower—think 138mm, 155mm, and 220mm guns. Pretty cool, right? Now, about that drive. Fair warning: this ain't for the faint of heart. Starting from the paved D902, you're looking at roughly 9km (5.5 miles) of pure unpaved military trail. You'll climb nearly 1,000 meters with an average gradient of 10.45%—steep doesn't even begin to describe it. The road is narrow, exposed, and features sketchy slippery sections with some seriously gnarly drops. You'll absolutely need a 4x4, no exceptions. But here's the payoff: stunning panoramic views across the Clarée, Guisane valleys, and beyond. Plus, you'll pass scattered old military installations, gun emplacements, and barracks dotting the landscape. Winter? Basically forget about it. Snow can close this route anytime, typically making it impassable from late autumn through spring. Plan accordingly and you've got yourself an unforgettable mountain experience.
moderateDriving the remote Henningsværveien (Road 816)
🇳🇴 Norway
# Henningsværveien (Road 816): Norway's Hidden Island Gem Want to drive one of the most spectacular roads in the world? Head to Henningsvaer, a charming fishing village tucked away in Nordland county, Norway – and the only way to get there is via Road 816, which is absolutely worth the trip. This 7.7 km stretch of asphalt is pure magic. Starting from the E10, the narrow road hugs the mountainside as it winds along the water, connecting a string of tiny islands that seem almost impossibly placed in the middle of the ocean. You're driving through the Lofoten archipelago, just off the coast of Austvågøya, and honestly, the views are unreal. Henningsvaer itself has earned the nickname "Venice of Lofoten" – and once you arrive, you'll understand why. The drive features everything a scenery-lover could want: dramatic mountains rising up beside you, crystal-clear water with pristine sandy beaches, and elegant bridges connecting the islands like something out of a postcard. Every turn offers another photo opportunity, so definitely bring your camera (you'll want to capture this). This isn't a long drive, but it's the kind of road that stays with you. It's the perfect example of how sometimes the journey is just as incredible as the destination itself.
hardCol du Chaussy: Conquer 17 Breathtaking Alpine Hairpins on This Scenic French Pass
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Chaussy: A Hairpin Love Letter in the French Alps If you're hunting for one of the most jaw-dropping drives in Europe, Col du Chaussy in the Savoie department should absolutely be on your radar. Sitting at 1,533m (5,029ft), this mountain pass isn't just another Alpine route—it's a masterclass in audacious road engineering. The real magic happens right at the start with the legendary "Lacets de Montvernier." Picture this: 17 hairpins stacked so tightly together that you'll encounter a bend roughly every 150 meters over just 3km. The road literally clings to a 400-meter cliff face, making you feel like you're driving on the side of a vertical wall. Built between 1928 and 1934, this section is genuinely one of the most spectacular stretches of asphalt in the Alps. But there's more after those initial hairpins! The climb continues winding through alpine meadows and charming villages like Le Noirey, Montbrunal, and Montpascal, eventually revealing panoramic views of the Belledonne Mountains. The upper sections get a bit rough around the edges—literally, with some patchy pavement—but the scenery makes up for it. You'll even spot ruins of an old castle if you glance away from the road. Getting there? From La Chambre, expect a 14.4km ascent gaining 1,062 meters at a steady 7.4% average grade. From Pontamafrey, it's roughly the same challenge at 14km. Fair warning: this isn't a drive for acrophobics. The southern route is narrow and carved right into the mountainside. Proper technique matters—think 3rd or 4th gear going up, engine braking on the way down. And before you go, absolutely check your brakes. This is the last place you want mechanical drama. Ready to test your nerves on one of Europe's most thrilling roads?
moderatePas de l'Âne
🇫🇷 France
# Pas de l'Âne: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Pas de l'Âne sits pretty at 2,091 meters (6,860 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass cuts through the stunning Beaufortain Massif, and let me tell you—it's not for the faint of heart. The road up to the summit is pure gravel and rocky terrain, with sections that'll test your nerve. Expect a bumpy, tippy ride that'll have you gripping the wheel tight. Winter? Forget about it—this pass becomes impassable when snow rolls in, making it a summer-only adventure. Here's the real talk: this is a trail for seasoned drivers who actually *know* how to handle unpaved mountain roads. If loose gravel and exposed mountain passes aren't in your wheelhouse, skip this one. But if you're an experienced wheeler looking for an exhilarating high-altitude challenge with some seriously dramatic Alpine scenery, Pas de l'Âne is calling your name.