Ultimate Iceland Itinerary: Clockwise Ring Road & South Coast Guide

Planning your Iceland road trip? Our first big decision was which direction to drive the famous Ring Road. While most guides point us counter-clockwise, we felt a clockwise Iceland Ring Road adventure suited us better.

We chose this path for two reasons. First, after finishing the demanding Laugavegur Trail, we wanted to avoid the hike-filled Iceland South Coast until our legs had recovered. Second, we wanted to save Iceland’s most iconic landscapes for last, building our road trip to an incredible finale.

This guide details our complete Ring Road itinerary over 7 full days, perfect for a summer road trip. If you have less time, we also provide a focused plan for the Golden Circle and South Coast. Consider this your ultimate Iceland road trip planner, designed to help you make the most of every moment in the Land of Ice and Fire.

Why Drive Iceland's Ring Road Clockwise?

Our introduction mentioned our personal reasons, but the benefits of a clockwise itinerary are more than that! It’s about crafting a better travel experience by controlling two key factors - crowds and long driving days.

You Get a Gentler Start and Avoid the Initial Rush

Most Iceland itineraries throw you straight into the deep end of the crowded Golden Circle and South Coast. A clockwise Iceland Ring Road starts in the quieter North, driving and experiencing Iceland’s raw beauty without the immediate stress of packed parking lots and crowded trails. This allows you to ease into your road trip. By the time you reach the bustling South Coast, you're a seasoned Icelandic driver, ready to tackle the crowds like a pro.

You Front-Load the Longest Driving Days

The stretches of road in North and East Iceland are beautiful but long, with fewer major stops compared to the south. We found it much better to tackle longer driving days at the beginning of our trip when our energy and excitement were at their peak. This leaves the shorter, more attraction-dense drives along the South Coast for the end of your trip. It’s a smarter way to pace your energy for the entire road trip.

Your Interactive Iceland Itinerary: Our Complete Google Map

We’ve loaded our entire clockwise Iceland Ring Road itinerary into a custom Google Map to make your planning easier.

This is our step-by-step travel plan that you can save directly to your phone and customize. Inside, you’ll find:

• Every waterfall, viewpoint, and hidden gem we discovered.

• Personal notes with insider tips for the best photos and parking.

• Our top recommendations for accommodation and food along the route.

We’ve also included direct booking links to the places we stayed and loved. Booking through them gets you fantastic rates and sends a small commission our way at no extra cost to you. It's the perfect way to support ourwander.com and help us create more guides for your future adventures.

Our 5 Best Things to Do on Iceland's Ring Road

Iceland's Ring Road is a constant stream of incredible sights, but some moments are simply next level. While our Google map contains the full itinerary and important notes, we highlight five experiences you absolutely cannot miss.

1. Walk Among Giants at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Witness huge, ancient icebergs break off a glacier and float silently towards the ocean is a breathtaking experience. The shades of blue in the ice are unreal. And right cross the road is Diamond Beach, where glittering chunks of ice wash up on the black sand.

2. Hike on a Glacier in Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Watching a glacier is one thing, walking on one is another. Strapping on crampons and hiking across the ancient ice of Svínafellsjökull Glacier is an unforgettable adventure. Our wonderful guide, Kiera, lead us safely through a surreal world of deep crevasses and stunning ice formations. This is not something you can do alone, so booking a guided tour is essential.

3. Explore the Alien World of the Mývatn Area

The area around Lake Mývatn in North Iceland feels like you’ve landed on another planet. You can walk through the steaming mud pots of the Hverir geothermal area and witness the “craters” at Skútustaðagígar. The landscape is a canvas of volcanic craters, vast lava fields, and eerie rock formations. It’s a powerful reminder of how active Iceland truly is. Make sure to visit Mývatn Visitor Center to learn about this nature marvel.

4. Witness the Raw Power of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

There are many black sand beaches in Iceland, but Reynisfjara is the most dramatic. With towering basalt columns, cavernous caves, and the powerful roar of the Atlantic waves, it feels both beautiful and menacing. A word of caution: be extremely mindful of the infamous "sneaker waves." A 9-year old girl died after being swept away by the waves a day before we visited. Never turn your back on the ocean and always keep a safe distance from the water's edge!

Do not miss out the drive to Dyrhólaey for a panoramic view of Reynisfjara beach accompanied by Puffins! You can see puffins at both Háey (upper) and Lágey (lower) parking lots.

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5. Walk Behind a Waterfall (and Find a Hidden One)

At Seljalandsfoss, you can do something truly unique - follow the path that takes you directly behind the massive curtain of water. Feeling the spray and hearing the thunderous roar is a thrilling, immersive experience. But don't stop there. Just a short walk away is Gljúfrabúi. Wade through ankle-deep stream (bring sandals) into a narrow opening and you'll find this magical waterfall cascading into a cavern. It’s a wet and unforgettable two-for-one stop. Even our phones got soaked here. A waterproof jacket and pants are essential!

With countless water cascades across the country, it's hard to pick favourites. But after much debate, here is our official list of the top 5 waterfalls from our trip:

1. Seljalandsfoss: The iconic waterfall you can walk behind.

2. Gullfoss: The mighty two-tiered cascade on the Golden Circle.

3. Gljúfrabúi: The closest we could physically be to a waterfall.

4. Dettifoss: The raw, thundering power of the second most powerful waterfall in Europe.

5. Goðafoss: The elegant "Waterfall of the Gods" in the North.

The Perfect 3-Day Iceland Itinerary: Driving the Golden Circle & South Coast

Don't have a full week? No problem. You can still experience Iceland’s most iconic landscapes with this fast-paced 3-day itinerary. This plan covers the absolute must-sees of the Golden Circle and the famous South Coast, and it's essentially the final three days of our full clockwise Ring Road trip.

Day 1: Iceland’s Golden Circle

Begin your adventure at Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Next, head to the Geysir Centre to watch the Strokkur geyser erupt high into the air every few minutes. Finish the loop at the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, a powerful two-tiered cascade.

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Don’t drive back to Reykjavík, book your accommodation further East at Hvolsvöllur. This gives you a crucial head start for day two.

Day 2: Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches

This is the heart of the South Coast. Your first stops are the famous duo - Seljalandsfoss (the one you can walk behind) and the hidden gem Gljúfrabúi, then continue east to the mighty Skógafoss. Dyrhólaey is next for puffin watching before the final stop of the day to the dramatic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Overnight: Check out Hótel Kría at Vík.

Day 3: Glaciers and the Drive Back

Get an early start for the grand finale: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Watching icebergs calve from a glacier and float out to sea is an unforgettable sight. This will be the furthest point of your journey. From here, it’s a long but scenic 4.5-hour drive back to Reykjavík. Plan to leave the lagoon by early afternoon to ensure you get back at a reasonable time.

What to Know Before You Go: Essential Iceland Ring Road Tips

Beyond the itinerary, here are the essential travel tips we learned on our Ring Road journey.

1. “There is no bad weather in Iceland, only bad clothing.”

You will hear this phrase a lot, and it is 100% true. Iceland’s weather changes in an instant. The key is layering, and your outer layer must be waterproof. We mean everything - waterproof shoes, waterproof pants, and a waterproof jacket are non-negotiable. An umbrella or cap can be useful on a calm day, but most of the time the wind makes them impractical.

2. Secure your belongings

Iceland’s wind is notorious. We saw people lose beanies, gloves, lens caps, even slippers! Always secure your items and do a quick double-check before you walk away from a spot. The same goes for car doors! Always hold them firmly when opening and closing to prevent the wind from damaging the hinges.

3. Hiking poles are not essential for most Ring Road stops

For the main attractions along the Golden Circle and South Coast, the paths are generally well-paved and easy to navigate. While some trails in the North and East are more rugged, we never found ourselves needing hiking poles. But feel free to bring hiking poles for better support when you hike.

4. File your travel plan with SafeTravel.is

Submit your trip itinerary on the official SafeTravel Iceland website. This service, run by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue, allows authorities to know your general route in case of an emergency. It takes just a few minutes and provides immense peace of mind, especially when driving through remote areas.

5. Plan your grocery stops like an attraction.

In North and East Iceland, cheaper grocery stores can be few and far between. You do not want to end a long day of exploring only to drive an extra hour to the nearest town for food. Always look ahead and stock up in larger towns. Crucially, check the store hours on Google Maps. Many grocery stores in smaller villages close early, and arriving late can leave you without dinner plans.

6. Plan your drive and your budget

Driving in Iceland has its own unique rules, from navigating gravel roads to understanding the one-lane bridges. Make sure to read our City Driver Guide to Driving in Iceland. Likewise, Iceland can be expensive but it doesn't have to break the bank. We found ways to save on food and even save over 20% on attraction tickets, all without sacrificing our experience.

So pack your bags, save our map, and get ready for your own incredible Iceland adventure!

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