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Iceland: Ring Road & Northern Lights
Photo: Einar H. Reynis · Unsplash
Routes›🇮🇸Iceland
naturewaterfallsglaciersnorthern lightsring road

Iceland: Ring Road & Northern Lights

RE
RouteLab Editorial
Editorial routes from the RouteLab team — verified, up to date, with insider tips.
9 days
16 places
—
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A classic 9-day route around Iceland along Ring Road No. 1, taking in the Golden Circle, the south coast, and the glacier lagoon. Perfect for autumn and winter when you're chasing the northern lights.

1
Arrival in Reykjavík & the Historic City Centre
Reykjavík
3 places
Hallgrímskirkja
Attraction
Hallgrímskirkja
A striking Gothic-inspired church standing 74 m tall, with a panoramic lift to the top. It's the city's defining landmark, offering sweeping views over Reykjavík and the surrounding landscape.
The lift to the top costs 1,400 ISK and runs until 18:00. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Photo by Einar H. Reynis on Unsplash
1,400 ISK
On foot1.0 km
Directions
Harpa Concert Hall
Culture
Harpa Concert Hall
A striking modern concert hall with a geometric glass façade right on the harbour waterfront. The interior galleries are open to visitors, and evening concerts are a treat.
Entry to the interior atrium is free; concert tickets start from 2,000 ISK. Classical music performances are held here regularly.
Photo by Michael Held on Unsplash
Free (hall) or 2,000+ ISK (concert)
On foot500 m
Directions
Old Harbour
Attraction
Old Harbour
A revitalised historic harbour lined with restaurants, galleries, and lovely views across the bay. It's also the departure point for whale-watching tours.
Top spots for fresh seafood: Sjávargrillid and Messinn. Budget around 4,000–6,000 ISK for dinner.
Photo by Evelyn Paris on Unsplash
Free
By car39 km
Directions
2
Blue Lagoon & the Golden Circle (Part One)
2 places
3
Golden Circle: Strokkur & Gullfoss
2 places
4
South Coast: Waterfalls
2 places
5
South Coast: Black Sand Beach & Canyon
2 places
6
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
2 places
7
Rest Day & Exploring the East Coast
Höfn
1 place
8
East Coast & the Drive Back to Reykjavík (Part 1)
1 place
9
Return to Reykjavík & Departure
Reykjavík
1 place
Route map16 points
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Points of interest
Hallgrímskirkja
Attraction
Harpa Concert Hall
Culture
Old Harbour
Attraction
Blue Lagoon
Activity
Þingvellir National Park
Nature
Strokkur Geyser
Nature
Gullfoss Waterfall
Nature
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Nature
Skógafoss Waterfall
Nature
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Nature
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Nature
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Nature
Diamond Beach
Nature
Höfn — Overnight Stay & Dinner
Lodging
Lagarfljót Lake
Nature
Reykjavík — Last Day
Lodging