Iceland at a glance
Iceland is an island of about 103,000 km² in the North Atlantic, just south of the Arctic Circle. Around two thirds of its roughly 390,000 people live in and around Reykjavík; the rest of the country is a ring of small towns and farms around an empty interior of glaciers, lava fields and highland deserts. That geography shapes every trip: almost everything visitors come to see lies on or near Route 1, the Ring Road, a 1,322 km loop around the island.
Use the map above to see where each region sits, then open a region or theme for a detailed interactive map with driving times, opening seasons and links to tours and places to stay.
How many days do you need?
| Trip length | What fits | Start with |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 days | Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and a lagoon | Reykjavík map, Golden Circle map |
| 4–5 days | Add the South Coast to Vík, or as far as Jökulsárlón | South Coast map |
| 6–7 days | South Coast and glacier lagoon, or the Ring Road at a fast pace | Vatnajökull map |
| 8–10 days | The full Ring Road with Snæfellsnes or Mývatn detours | Ring Road map |
| 2 weeks | Ring Road plus the Westfjords or the Highlands (summer) | Westfjords map |
When to go
June to August brings the midnight sun, open mountain roads, puffins and the mildest weather, along with the highest prices. September to March is northern lights season, and from roughly November to March guided tours visit natural ice caves under Vatnajökull. Winter days are short (about four hours of daylight in late December) and roads can close for storms, so build slack into a winter itinerary. April, May and September are good compromises.
Getting around
Most visitors fly into Keflavík Airport, 50 km from Reykjavík, and either hire a car or base themselves in the capital and join day tours. Iceland has no railway. Public buses exist but are infrequent outside the capital area, so a rental car or campervan gives by far the most freedom. Read our Iceland driving guide for speed limits, F-roads and winter driving.
Not driving? Day tours from Reykjavík cover the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes and the northern lights.
See day tours ↗Accommodation outside Reykjavík is limited and books out months ahead in summer. Reserve early, especially along the South Coast.
Find places to stay ↗Plan your trip
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive around Iceland?
The Ring Road (Route 1) is 1,322 km long. Driving it non-stop would take about 17 hours, but to see the main sights you need at least 7 days and ideally 10 or more.
Do I need a 4x4 in Iceland?
Not for the Ring Road or the Golden Circle in summer; a normal car is fine. A 4x4 is legally required on F-roads in the Highlands and is strongly recommended between October and April.
When can you see the northern lights in Iceland?
From roughly late August to mid-April, on dark, clear nights with solar activity. September to March gives the most hours of darkness.
Is Iceland expensive?
Yes. Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, especially for eating out and accommodation. Self-catering, supermarkets such as Bónus and Krónan, and booking accommodation early help keep costs down.
What is the best area to stay in for a short trip?
Reykjavík is the most practical base for 2–4 days. Day tours to the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes and the Reykjanes Peninsula all start there.