Waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, geothermal areas, lava fields, Lake Mývatn, and Iceland’s beautiful North Coast.
Ring Road & Beyond Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Leaving Egilsstaðir, the Ring Road winds through one of Iceland‘s most varied landscapes. Green valleys, open plains, and peaceful countryside gradually give way to colorful volcanic hills, steaming geothermal areas, black lava fields, and the striking scenery around Lake Mývatn before reaching the beautiful North Coast.
It’s a route where every stretch of road reveals something new.
Here are a few photos we captured along the drive before we dive into the highlights.
Ring Road views on the way to Dettifoss 
Taking the scenic route through East Iceland 
Scenic views along Iceland’s Ring Road 
Mountain views on the Ring Road to Dettifoss 
Ring Road views on the way to Dettifoss 
Taking the scenic route through East Iceland 
Scenic views along Iceland’s Ring Road 
The road to Dettifoss never disappoints 
Scenic views along Iceland’s Ring Road 
Rjúkandi Waterfall from Iceland’s Ring Road. 
Rjúkandi Waterfall from Iceland’s Ring Road. 
Rjúkandi Waterfall flowing down a rocky mountainside 
Rjúkandi Waterfall cascading down a green hillside 
Rjúkandi Waterfall cascading down a green hillside 
Rjúkandi Waterfall Trail 
Volcanic landscape along Iceland’s Ring Road 
Colorful volcanic landscapes on the way to Hverir 
Colorful geothermal hills beside Iceland’s Ring Road near Hverir 
Colorful volcanic hills along Iceland’s Ring Road between Dettifoss and Hverir. 
Colorful geothermal hills beside Iceland’s Ring Road near Hverir 
Colorful volcanic hills along Iceland’s Ring Road 
Driving toward Hverir through Iceland’s colorful volcanic hills. 
Colorful geothermal hills beside Iceland’s Ring Road 
Volcanic landscape along Iceland’s Ring Road 
Driving toward Hverir through Iceland’s colorful volcanic hills. 
Colorful volcanic landscapes on the way to Hverir 
Colorful volcanic hills along Iceland’s Ring Road 
Driving toward Hverir through Iceland’s colorful volcanic hills. 
Colorful geothermal hills beside Iceland’s Ring Road 
Colorful volcanic hills along Iceland’s Ring Road 
Colorful volcanic landscapes 
Volcanic landscape along Iceland’s Ring Road 
Scenic drive toward Lake Mývatn 
Scenic drive toward Lake Mývatn 
Scenic drive toward Lake Mývatn 
Bjarnaflag Geothermal Power Station near Lake Mývatn. 
Milky-blue geothermal lake 
Milky-blue geothermal lake 
Lake Mývatn 
Lake Mývatn surrounded by volcanic landscapes 
First glimpse of Goðafoss from the Ring Road. 
Beautiful views along Route 84 
Rainy drive on Route 84 in North Iceland with a fjord view 
Beautiful views along Route 84 
A scenic drive along Route 84 to Hotel Natur. 
Our first glimpse of the fjord on Route 84. 
Route 84 and the first views of the fjord. 
Driving Route 84 beside the peaceful fjord. 
A scenic drive along Route 84 to Hotel Natur 
White hay bales in fields along Route 84 near Hotel Natur 
A scenic drive along Route 84 to Hotel Natur 
Misty skies and quiet fjord landscapes.
Along this stretch of the Ring Road, a worthwhile 30 mins detour leads to Hengifoss waterfall. Farther west, a few more short detours and roadside stops bring you to the highlights of the Diamond Circle, including the powerful Dettifoss waterfall, the colorful Hverir geothermal area, the beautiful Lake Mývatn region, Hverfjall Volcano, Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, and Goðafoss waterfall.
It is a perfect example of why driving Iceland’s Ring Road is so rewarding. In about 250 km, you’ll experience waterfalls, geothermal areas, volcanic landscapes, and some of North Iceland’s most beautiful scenery, with the landscape changing dramatically along every stretch of the road.
These are some of the unforgettable stops and landscapes along the Ring Road from Egilsstaðir to Akureyri.
Quick Tips for This Drive
- Distance: Approximately 250 km (155 mi)
- Driving Time: Around 3 hours without sightseeing stops.
- Fuel: Gas stations are available in Egilsstaðir, Reykjahlíð (Lake Mývatn area), and Akureyri. Fuel up before heading into longer stretches between towns, especially if exploring the Diamond Circle detours. Automated fuel pumps are also available in Húsavík and Kópasker.
- Food & Cafes: Restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores are available in Egilsstaðir, Reykjahlíð, Laugar and Akureyri. Options are more limited near remote attractions, so carrying snacks and water is recommended.
- Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, cabins, and campsites are available in Egilsstaðir, the Lake Mývatn area, and Akureyri.
- Road Conditions: Route 1 is fully paved and suitable for standard vehicles year-round. Several highlights on this route require short detours or access roads, including Hengifoss, Dettifoss, Hverir, and Dimmuborgir. Always check current road conditions (road.is) and weather forecasts (vedur.is) before heading out.
- Suggested Time: Allow at least a full day to enjoy the waterfalls, geothermal areas, volcanic landscapes, and Lake Mývatn region without rushing.
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