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
moderatePont sobre el riu Segre: a concrete bridge
🇪🇸 Spain
# A Heart-Pounding Crossing Over the Segre River Tucked away in the Lleida province of northeastern Catalonia, Spain, you'll find one of the world's most jaw-dropping bridges spanning the Segre River—a tributary that feeds into the mighty Ebro. This single-lane beauty stretches just 140 meters across, with a straightforward concrete surface. Sounds simple enough, right? Here's the catch: there are absolutely no guardrails. Yeah, you read that correctly. The bridge has weathered quite a bit throughout its existence, including several intense flood events that have tested its resilience over the years. If you're the type who gets a thrill from driving roads that demand respect and attention, this crossing delivers in spades. The exposed concrete, the narrow single lane, and that lack of protective barriers mean you'll want to take this one slowly and deliberately—especially if you're meeting traffic coming the opposite direction. The stunning river scenery below makes it all worthwhile, though. This isn't just a crossing; it's an unforgettable experience that'll have your hands gripping the wheel and your heart racing just a little bit faster.
moderatePalovit Falls
🇹🇷 Turkey
Palovit Selalesi is a waterfall located in Rize Province, in northeast Turkey, on the eastern Black Sea coast. The road is narrow and steep. The exhausting road is mostly paved (in bad conditions) and very narrow. It shouldn’t be attempted by those who don't know how to reverse. It’s pretty steep, and drivable in an ordinary car in dry weather in summer by confident, careful drivers. Located in Kaçkar Mountains National Park, this famous waterfall in a lush forest, falls from about 15 m high, in one of Turkey's most beautiful valleys, the Firtina (Storm) Valley. Pic: Валентина Копчева The Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Mount Davraz Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardA roller coaster road to Cristo Redentore di Maratea
🇮🇹 Italy
# The Wild Ride to Christ the Redeemer of Maratea Perched on the Tyrrhenian coast in southern Italy, the hilltop town of Maratea is home to one of Europe's most impressive Jesus statues—Cristo Redentore di Maratea. This stunning marble creation, sculpted by Florentine artist Bruno Innocenti in 1965, ranks third among Europe's largest Christ figures, trailing only Poland's Christ the King and Lisbon's Cristo-Rei. Getting to the top of Monte San Biágio is half the adventure. The fully paved route climbs 6.8 km (4.22 miles) from town with a relentless average gradient of 5.82%—and yes, it hits a brutal 11% in some sections. You're gaining 396 meters (1,942 feet) of elevation, ending at 592 meters above sea level. But here's the real thrill: the road is basically a roller coaster in asphalt form. Eighteen hairpin turns snake up the mountainside in a dizzying pattern that'll make your knuckles white if you're not comfortable with tight curves. The last few hundred meters are particularly intense, running along concrete columns that feel genuinely precarious—especially if you're unfortunate enough to be driving a tour bus up here. It's legitimately unnerving. That said, this isn't a road to tackle in bad weather. Low clouds will completely rob you of the spectacular views that make the white-knuckle drive worthwhile. Pick a clear day, embrace the adrenaline rush, and reward yourself with those panoramic vistas and the awe-inspiring statue waiting at the top.
hardHow To Travel The Road From Soğuksu to Cevizlibelen
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to eastern Turkey for a wild ride from Soğuksu to Cevizlibelen, straddling the Bitlis and Van provinces. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget the pavement – we're talking 36.5 km (22 miles) of pure, unadulterated, unpaved road! But don't worry, you don't need a monster truck; any car can handle it. Just be prepared for some serious curves and hairpin turns as you wind your way from west to east, Soğuksu to Cevizlibelen. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery as you climb to a whopping 2,475m (8,120ft) above sea level! This route is steep, with gradients hitting a maximum of 18% in some spots. But the views? Totally worth it. Think unparalleled freedom and lungs full of fresh air. This road trip is an experience you won't soon forget!