Explore Iceland by Region: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Iceland may be an island, but that doesn’t make the country small. We’re actually the largest volcanic island in the world, and the famous Ring Road that stretches all the way around Iceland, in a circle, is more than 1,300 kilometres long, or about 820 miles. 

While some visitors may try to see and do everything Iceland offers during a single visit, many others stick to just seeing one or maybe two regions of Iceland during a trip, making for a more in-depth, immersive experience. Those travellers know that they can always visit another time — and they likely will once they visit that first time and fall in love — giving them a chance to see other regions of Iceland at a later date.

So, if you want to take this approach and explore Iceland by region rather than as a whole, where do you start? What should you see? Which regions should you combine together into one trip? 

Here’s everything you need to know and some tips, like what kind of car will be best for your journey.

Quick Overview: The Main Areas of Iceland

We like to divide the map of Iceland into eight main regions. These Iceland regions include:

• The South Coast
• North Iceland
• East Iceland
• West Iceland
• The Westfjords
• The Highlands
• The Reykjanes Peninsula
• The Reykjavík Area

Some of these regions of Iceland are very easy to get to, right from the Keflavik Airport, while others require a bit more travel or are more remote. Some are even only open during certain times of the year.

For seeing all of these Iceland regions, we recommend renting a vehicle to drive yourself around Iceland, as you’ll only find limited public transit around Reykjavik, and tour guides only stop at select, limited spots throughout the country. In contrast, with a rental car, you can go where you want, when you want, and at whatever speed you want. In fact, renting a car in Iceland is such a popular option for travellers, that the Icelandic Tourism Board reports that 61% of all travellers to the destination rent a car for their trip. 

Here’s what you should know about each of these regions of Iceland so you can start planning your trip.

Regional Breakdown of a Map of Iceland: Where to Go & What to Know

The South Coast

Iceland’s South Coast is a great choice to visit any time of year. It’s especially a good option for first-time visitors, as the easily traversable area is packed with things to do and see. It’s also a good option if you’re visiting during the winter but want to travel a bit further around the country beyond just Reykjavik.

Some of the best things to see and do in the area include visiting the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, checking out the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach, driving around the Golden Circle, hiking some of the glaciers — with a guide, of course, for safety! — and taking a boat tour of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Do note that certain activities will be best or available only during summer versus winter.

For driving around the South Coast, you can rent an economy car in the summer and be just fine. If you’re visiting during the winter, a 4x4 vehicle is advisable, as the roads can get slippery under snow or ice, even though they’re very well-maintained in order to cater to the 80% of Iceland visitors who travel to the region, per the Icelandic Tourism Board.

North Iceland

North Iceland offers a lot to love, but it’s less crowded and tourist-centric than the South of Iceland, with only about 32% of visitors headed here, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board. It’s a bit more remote, and requires some driving through some rural areas of Iceland to get there. 

You’ll want to visit the capital of northern Iceland, Akureyri, with its cultural attractions, including museums. Husavik is a must-visit town if you’re interested in whale watching. Lake Myvatn is also a popular spot to see, and other top attractions include Dettifoss and Goðafoss waterfalls and Ásbyrgi Canyon.

Since this is the far northern reaches of the country, you’ll encounter snow and ice, and lots of them, if you travel here in the winter. While an economy vehicle will get you around fine in the summer, you’ll need a 4x4 rental with winter tires during a winter visit.

East Iceland

East Iceland is similarly very quiet and a bit more remote, with only 28% of all Iceland visitors going to East Iceland, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board. Here, you can find fishing villages, fjords, forests and wildlife watching opportunities.

Because the area is a bit more remote, you’ll find that the winter roads can be a little tricky. As such, we only recommend visiting this region of Iceland in winter if you’re an accomplished driver and renting a 4x4 for your Iceland trip. Regardless of season, consider renting a somewhat larger car, like an SUV, as driving around East Iceland can mean a lot of driving with fewer stops, so you’ll want to remain comfortable. 

West Iceland

West Iceland is sometimes called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a nice mix of Iceland’s best features, all in one compact area. You’ll be able to see waterfalls, lava fields, hot springs and more. Make sure to visit Snæfellsnes Peninsula in particular.

The roadways here are very well-maintained and you can get around with an economy car in the summer. In the winter, it’s still safest to rent a 4x4 vehicle, just in case you encounter snow or ice. You’ll be in good company here, as, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board, about 47% of Iceland travellers go to West iceland and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

The Westfjords

The Westfjords feature gorgeous, rugged landscapes. Their rugged nature keeps most of the crowds away, with only 13% of Iceland visitors headed to this region, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board. That same rugged nature also makes the Westfjords slightly treacherous for inexperienced drivers in the winter months. Accordingly, we suggest travellers only visit the Westfjords of Iceland in the summer.

During your summer trip, you can visit the famous puffin cliffs, take a trip to the picturesque beach or go waterfall watching.

The roads here are often gravel and can be quite remote, so we recommend always renting a 4x4 car for Westfjords trips.

The Highlands

The Highlands are another part of Iceland that are remote and, in fact, the roadways are so rugged here — all gravel and with river crossings, too — that the Highlands are completely closed off to vehicle traffic in the winter months, early September to mid-June. Additionally, Icelandic law requires anyone driving on Highland roads, known as F-roads, to have a 4x4 vehicle.

The Highlands are known for breathtaking mountains and outdoor adventure activities, making this Icelandic region a popular pick for avid hikers and nature photographers. Top spots to visit include Landmannalaugar and Hveravellir, but before you head out on a Highlands adventure, be sure to check the road and weather conditions via www.vedur.is and www.safetravel.is .

The Reykjanes Peninsula

The Reykjanes Peninsula is one of the easiest regions in Iceland to visit because it’s right near the Keflavik airport. In fact, about 66% of all Iceland visitors travel to the Reykjanes Peninsula during their trip, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board. It’s also near Reykjavik, so you can easily combine a trip to see Reykjavik with one to see the Reykjanes Peninsula. It’s also a good region to see during the first or last day of a larger Iceland trip, as the area is compact enough to fit into one day’s worth of exploring.

The peninsula is home to hot springs, geothermal fields and the internationally famous Blue Lagoon.

If you’re visiting the Peninsula, just about any car will work, but remember to consider a 4x4 vehicle rental if you’re travelling to Iceland in winter.

The Reykjavik Area

Lastly, the Reykjavik area is easily explored on its own or as an addition to exploring some other region of Iceland. It’s especially good to add to the beginning or end of a South Coast trip or a Reykjanes Peninsula trip.

As it’s the capital city of Iceland, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see here, from visiting the interesting museums to stopping in cafes and restaurants to seeing landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall. As you could expect, the majority of visitors to Iceland explore Reykjavik at some point, with 91% of all travellers to Iceland visiting the city, per the Icelandic Tourism Board. 

It’s very easy to get around Reykjavik with a rental car, and smaller cars are great for city driving and parking.

Fun Road Trips to Take in Iceland

As mentioned, the best way to explore the above regions of Iceland is via rental car. Here are some of the top Iceland road trips, along with full itineraries that you can take to see one or more regions of Iceland.

The Ring Road

A Ring Road driving itinerary will take you through most of the above regions, all in one trip, over a week or more. You’ll see a little bit of all of Iceland, and this is the road trip most travellers take if they want to see as much of Iceland as possible in one go.

Check out our Ring Road road trip itinerary for more.

The Golden Circle

The shortest popular Iceland road trip itinerary, the Golden Circle, is very busy and can be traversed in as little as a day or two. It features three main sites — Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall — and is near Reykjavik, so you could feasibly stay in Reykjavik and drive out to the Golden Circle from there.

Check out our Golden Circle itinerary for more.

The South Coast

A South Coast road trip is a great option either in winter or summer. It’s also a shorter road trip and can be done in a few days or up to a week if you have more time.

Check out our South Coast road trip itinerary for more.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Similarly, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is easily accessible and can be driven around during most times of year. It’s also a shorter road trip, in case you don’t have much time.

Check out our Snaefellsnes Peninsula road trip itinerary for more.

The Westfjords Loop

For a summer trip through the Westfjords, you’ll need more time, but it’ll be well worth it. You’ll see wildlife, rugged terrain, waterfalls and dramatic cliff sides.

Check out our Westfjords road trip itinerary for more.

The Highlands

Another summer road trip: rent a 4x4 vehicle and go see the Highlands over a week-long trip. It’s an outdoor adventure-lover’s paradise.

Check out our Highlands road trip itinerary for more.

Why Driving is the Best Way to Explore Iceland

Still wondering if an Iceland car rental is the best option for your trip? There are so many reasons why driving is the best way to explore Iceland.

• You can stop whenever you want to and adjust your itinerary as you go
• You can visit places around Iceland that tour guides won’t take you
• You can travel at your own pace, going as slowly or quickly as you’d like
• You can plan a more immersive trip that allows you to connect with the “real” Iceland away from the more touristic areas

If you decide that renting a car in Iceland is best for your journey, we’ll help make it all easy. We offer 24/7 rental car pick-up and drop-off, extensive insurance coverage for your rental car, and help on the road if you need it, all for one price.

What Kind of Car Should You Rent in Iceland?

🌍 Region	☀️ Best Car Type in Summer	❄️ Best Car Type in Winter
South Coast	🚗 2WD / Economy Car	🚙 4WD / 4X4 / SUV
North Iceland	🚗 2WD / Economy Car	🚙 4WD / 4X4 / SUV
East Iceland	🚗 2WD / Economy Car	🚙 4WD / 4X4 / SUV
West Iceland	🚗 2WD / Economy Car	🚙 4WD / 4X4 / SUV
Westfjords	🚙 4WD / 4X4 / SUV recommended	🚙 4WD / 4X4 / SUV
The Highlands	🚙 Only 4WD / 4X4 / SUV	❌ Closed
Reykjanes	🚗 2WD / Economy Car	🚙 4WD / 4X4 / SUV
Reykjavik area	🚗 2WD / Economy Car	🚗 2WD / Economy Car

Choosing the right car helps you stay safe and enjoy your trip. Lava Car Rental has all kinds of vehicles: from small cars to big 4x4s that can handle rough roads. 

Where to Go in Iceland Depending on Your Profile 

If you’re still not 100% sure what region of Iceland you should visit, think in terms of your traveller profile.

Families

If you’re travelling to Iceland with young kids, consider one of the shorter road trips, like the Golden Circle, South Coast or Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You’ll be able to see some of the top Iceland sites while also enjoying convenient infrastructure that can make a parent’s life easier. You’ll also always be within easy reach of civilisation, and you can go at your own pace without worrying about making it to a remote hotel or homestay in time for a nap.

When you rent a car with Lava Car Rental for your family Iceland road trip, you’ll enjoy a spacious car and free child seats for simpler, stress-free travel.

Budget Backpackers

Budget travellers can take a small, fuel-efficient, economy car around the Ring Road during the summer. There are plenty of campsites and hostels along this route, allowing you to travel extensively around the country without breaking your budget — making visiting Iceland on a budget more than possible!

Adventure Travellers

Adventure travellers should absolutely go to the Highlands or Westfjords, where the remote, rocky landscapes make for excellent hiking opportunities. Rent a campervan for the trip and you never have to be that far away from all the adventure. No need for a campervan? Be sure to rent a 4x4 vehicle for the utmost in safety and to comply with Highlands laws.

Romantic Couples

The land of fire and ice is filled with opportunities for romance. If you’re planning a honeymoon or otherwise romantic road trip around Iceland, consider either a long and leisurely trip around the Ring Road, or a trip to the Westfjords. Either route you take, you’ll enjoy access to uncrowded beaches, natural hot springs and even opportunities for chasing the northern lights! 

Business Travellers

If you’re a business traveller, chances are likely that you’re headed to Reykjavik. Combine your business trip with some sightseeing, when you rent a car — we’ll pick you up from the airport! — and head into Reykjavik for business, but then stick around a little longer to drive to nearby sites and attractions.

First-Time Visitors

Not really fit into any of these categories but it’s your first time to Iceland? Favourites for first-timers include the Golden Circle and South Coast.

Returning Visitors

In contrast, if you’ve already been here and seen the top sights — as is the case for 17% of all visitors to Iceland, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board, with 83% of visitors being new to the country — branch outward and go to some of the more remote locales, like East Iceland, the Highlands or the Westfjords.

Handy Travel Tips

Wherever you travel in Iceland, make sure to follow these important tips:

• Always use www.road.is, www.vedur.is and www.safetravel.is to stay updated on current weather and roadway conditions
• Always keep a full fuel tank, as you can sometimes drive long distances without seeing a fuel station
• Keep an eye out for wildlife near the side of the road, particularly sheep during the summer
• Go slow and watch for other traffic on uneven roadways and bridges
• Book your rental car as early as you can, especially if you’re visiting during the summer, when demand is high
• Bring layers of clothing, so you can stay as warm or cool as you need to
• Need more Iceland driving tips? Check out our guide to driving in Iceland.

We Hope to See You Soon!

Let Lava Car Rental be your trusted resource as you book and plan your upcoming trip to Iceland. From our ample road trip-related resources to our knowledgeable local staff, we’re here to help.

Ready to book your Iceland car rental? Check out our full lineup of vehicles and find your perfect fit.

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