Iceland's Ring Road, also called Route 1, circles the entire country and connects the majority of towns together. The total length of the Ring Road is 1309 kilometres. Reykjavik is Iceland's capital and largest city and holds the widest choice of accommodation.
How to choose where to base yourself in Iceland
Iceland's main lodging types are hotels, guesthouses, hostels, farm stays, self-catering cottages and cabins, and campsites.
The Ring Road was completed in 1974, coinciding with Iceland's 1100th settlement anniversary.
Iceland has roughly 170 registered campsites, ranging from basic highland fields to well-equipped sites with showers, kitchens, electricity, and laundry.
Since 2015, Icelandic law has required all campervans and motorhomes to stay overnight at registered campsites.
Wild tent camping is restricted: travellers may pitch a maximum of 3 traditional tents for a single night on uncultivated, non-private land away from any farm, residence, or organised campsite, unless the landowner posts a notice otherwise.
Since November 2017, a police ordinance in South Iceland has banned camping outside designated campsites within inhabited areas, though hikers may still pitch a tent in remote wilderness.
Staying in Reykjavik and the southwest as your main base
Keflavik International Airport is located about 50 kilometres from Reykjavik.
Selfoss lies about 57 kilometres east of Reykjavik on the Ring Road.
Borgarnes lies about 75 kilometres north of Reykjavik on the Ring Road.
The Golden Circle and much of the South Coast can be visited as day trips from a Reykjavik base.
Use the Driving Distance Calculator to help plan your trip.
South Coast bases and lodging toward the Vatnajokull region
The South Coast is Iceland's most popular camping region, with campsites near Vik, Skogar, and Kirkjubaejarklaustur giving access to waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.
Reykjavik to Vik on the Ring Road is roughly 180 kilometres.
Reykjavik to Hofn on the Ring Road is roughly 460 kilometres.
Common South Coast lodging bases include Hvolsvollur, Vik, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, and Hofn near the Vatnajokull glacier region.
Farm stays and small guesthouses often sell out earlier than hotels.
North Iceland, the East Fjords, and staying beyond the Ring Road
Reykjavik to Akureyri on the Ring Road is about 385 kilometres.
Akureyri is Iceland's second city and the main accommodation hub of the north, with Lake Myvatn and Husavik as further northern bases.
Egilsstadir is the largest town in the east and lies roughly 647 kilometres from Reykjavik by the Ring Road, with the ferry town of Seydisfjordur nearby.
The Snaefellsnes peninsula, with Stykkisholmur as its main town, is a popular quieter base within reach of Reykjavik.
The Westfjords are the least visited part of Iceland, with accommodation mostly small guesthouses, a few farm stays, and basic campsites.
Matching your accommodation to your route and comparing tours
You can compare Reykjavik tours to see the current options.
