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Driving Iceland’s Ring Road: Skaftafell to Hofn – Part 3

Glaciers, iceberg lagoons, Diamond Beach, dramatic mountains, and Iceland’s stunning southeast coast.

Ring Road & Beyond Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5| Part 6

A Quick Glimpse of Our Drive

Leaving Skaftafell, the drive east is filled with glaciers, iceberg lagoons, black sand beaches, and wide open landscapes. This is one of the most spectacular sections of Iceland’s Ring Road, where every turn reveals another unforgettable view.

At times, it feels like you’re driving straight toward the glaciers. 

Here are some photos we captured along the drive before we dive into the highlights. Some of the slideshow photos were taken just beyond Höfn as we continued east toward Djúpivogur, showcasing even more of Iceland’s stunning southeast coast.

  • A massive icy-blue glacier tongue cascading down between rugged, dark volcanic mountains under a cloudy sky, contrasted against a vibrant green mossy field in the foreground in Southeast Iceland.
    A frozen glacier tongue carving through dark volcanic ridges along the Ring Road.
  • A wide panoramic landscape of a jagged, mist-covered mountain range with glaciers peeking through the peaks, viewed from a stark plain covered in dark gravel and pale moss at Háalda.
    Háalda viewpoint
  • The informative visitor sign at the Háalda Natural Monument viewpoint, Southeast, Iceland
    The informative visitor sign at the Háalda Natural Monument viewpoint
  • Driving past rural farms tucked beneath towering hills along the Ring Road, South Coast, Iceland
    Driving past rural farms tucked beneath towering hills along the Ring Road.
  • Driving past rural farms tucked beneath towering hills along the Ring Road, South Coast, Iceland
    A tractor sharing the open road through Iceland’s expansive plains.
  • A stunning view of distant glaciers framed through a car window< southeast, Iceland
    A stunning view of distant glaciers framed through a car window.
  • The massive Kvíárjökull glacier rising beyond vast, green mossy plains.
    The massive Kvíárjökull glacier rising beyond vast, green mossy plains.
  • The massive Kvíárjökull glacier rising beyond vast, green mossy plains, South Iceland
    The massive Kvíárjökull glacier rising beyond vast, green mossy plains.
  • Icelandic sheep grazing in a peaceful green meadow near the coast.
    Icelandic sheep grazing in a peaceful green meadow near the coast.
  • A straight stretch of the Ring Road heading directly toward a massive glacier on the horizon.
    A straight stretch of the Ring Road heading directly toward a massive glacier on the horizon.
  • A straight stretch of the Ring Road heading directly toward a massive glacier on the horizon.
    A straight stretch of the Ring Road heading directly toward a massive glacier on the horizon.
  • A straight stretch of the Ring Road heading directly toward a massive glacier on the horizon.
    A straight stretch of the Ring Road heading directly toward a massive glacier on the horizon.
  • A paved curve in the road featuring a sign for iceberg boat tours, with an incredible backdrop of a wide, massive glacier spilling down from snow-capped mountains, South Iceland
    The turnoff for Fjallsárlón, framed by a massive wall of glacial ice cascading down the mountain.
  • Looking down a straight asphalt highway with traffic signs and a speed limit 70 sign, approaching a narrow white suspension bridge over a waterway under a wide sky.
    Approaching the single-lane suspension bridge over the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon outlet.
  • A bright blue river channel with a few floating chunks of ice, with a gravel bank, crowds of distant visitors, parked cars, and majestic layered mountains in the background.
    Small icebergs floating out toward the ocean from the crowded shores of Jökulsárlón.
  • Layered Cliffs along Ring Road, South Iceland
    Layered Cliffs along Ring Road
  • Layered Cliffs and Rural Farmhouses, South Iceland
    Classic Icelandic farmsteads situated below massive, tiered volcanic cliffs.
  • The Jón Eiríksson Monument standing in the remote Icelandic countryside beneath dramatic cloudy skies
  • A quiet agricultural field resting beneath an imposing basalt ridge, South Iceand
    A quiet open field resting beneath an imposing basalt ridge.
  • An abandoned, roofless stone building with faint graffiti standing alone on a grassy green hill, with misty mountain peaks fading into the hazy background, South Iceland
    Ruined Stone Building in a Meadow
  • Glacial meltwater weaving through dark sandbars along the southern coast, Iceland
    Glacial meltwater weaving through dark sandbars along the southern coast.
  • Road Leading into Misty Mountains, South Iceland
    Road Leading into Misty Mountains
  • A solitary runner making their way along the shoulder of the highway, Ring Road, South Iceland
    Runner along the Ring Road
  • A quiet coastal road winding along the edge of the southern shore, South Iceland
    A quiet coastal road winding along the edge of the southern shore.
  • A wide view of a glass-like, calm fjord reflecting the soft gray sky and a sprawling range of mist-covered mountains in the distance, South Iceland
    Calm Fjord Reflection
  • The open road pointing straight toward a dramatic, cloud-wrapped peak, South Iceland
    Highway Heading Toward Pyramidal Peak
  • Winding along the edge of Berufjörður past coastal fish farms, Southeast Iceland
    Winding along the edge of Berufjörður past coastal fish farms.
  • Curved Highway Along the Fjord Slope, Ring Road, Southeast Iceland
    Curved Highway Along the Fjord Slope
  • Looking over a calm body of water from a dark gravel shore toward a line of rugged, serrated mountain crests topped with mist, South Iceland
    Sharp volcanic crests rising above the quiet coastal waters.
  • Following the winding sweeps of the Ring Road as it hugs the dramatic eastern fjords.
    Following the winding sweeps of the Ring Road as it hugs the dramatic eastern fjords.
  • A view down a curved highway cutting through rolling green hills where sheep graze, backed by large slopes hidden in heavy low fog, South Iceland
    Cruising past green pastures beneath a low blanket of valley fog.
  • A distant view across a fjord showing a tiny cluster of farm structures on a bright green field at the foot of massive mountains ringed by fog, South Iceland
    A quiet rural homestead tucked away at the base of towering cliffs.
  • A distant view across a fjord showing a tiny cluster of farm structures on a bright green field at the foot of massive mountains ringed by fog, South Iceland
    Isolated Farm Below Mountains
  • Mountain Gorge and Green Meadows, Ring Road, Southeast Iceland
    Mountain Gorge and Green Meadows
  • A Ring Road side view looking up at tiered, mossy green rock formations with the upper ridges completely enveloped in dense white fog, Southeast Iceland
    Moody, moss-covered rock tiers disappearing into thick low clouds.
  • Folaldafoss waterfall, Southeast Iceland
    Folaldafoss, Route 939
  • Hænubrekkufoss - Hen's Slope Waterfall, A hidden, slender ribbon of water cutting through the dark rock face.
    Hænubrekkufoss – Hen’s Slope Waterfall, Route 939

Along this stretch of the Ring Road, you’ll pass Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach, where icebergs rest on the black sand like pieces of glass. As you continue toward Höfn, the landscape changes again, revealing coastal views, wide-open plains, green fields, and the dramatic Vestrahorn mountain rising along the shoreline.

These are some of the unforgettable stops and landscapes along the Ring Road between Skaftafell and Höfn. We continued slightly farther east toward Djúpivogur, where a few additional scenic views in the slideshow were captured. Over about 200 km, you’ll experience some of Iceland‘s most iconic glacier lagoons, black sand beaches, dramatic mountains, and coastal scenery. That’s part of what makes driving Iceland’s Ring Road so unforgettable.

Quick Tips for This Drive

  • Distance: Approximately 200 km (124 mi)
  • Driving Time: Around 3 hours without sightseeing stops.
  • Fuel: Gas stations are available in Skaftafell (Freysnes), Höfn, and there are no gas stations at Jökulsárlón or Diamond Beach. Fuel up before longer stretches.
  • Food & Cafes: Restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores are available in Höfn. Limited options are available near glacier attractions, so carrying snacks and water is recommended.
  • Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, cabins, and campsites are available in Skaftafell, near Jökulsárlón, and Höfn. Höfn is a convenient overnight stop for exploring the southeast coast.
  • Road Conditions: Route 1 is fully paved and suitable for standard vehicles year-round. Most attractions, including Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach, and Stokksnes, are located close to Route 1 with short access roads. Always check current road conditions (road.is) and weather forecasts (vedur.is) before heading out.
  • Suggested Time: Allow at least half a day to a full day to enjoy the glacier lagoons, Diamond Beach, mountain views, and coastal landscapes without rushing.

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3 responses to “Driving Iceland’s Ring Road: Skaftafell to Hofn – Part 3”

  1. Aptivi Avatar
    Aptivi

    Such awesome scenery! 👌 I really love the looks.

    Have a very wonderful weekend ahead! ☺️

    Reply
  2. kagould17 Avatar
    kagould17

    Iceland is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Allan

    Reply
  3. Chetna KS Avatar
    Chetna KS

    So beautiful!

    Reply

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