Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is a 1,332-kilometer (828-mile) national highway that loops around the island, connecting most of the country’s inhabited areas. In summer, it’s a straightforward drive; in winter, it becomes a challenging adventure that demands preparation. This guide explains what’s open, what’s not, and what you can safely skip during the colder months (November through March). For a broader overview of traveling Iceland year-round, see The Complete Guide to Iceland 2026.

Winter conditions vary dramatically along the route. The south coast tends to be milder and more accessible, while the east and north face snow, ice, and limited daylight. Key considerations include reduced opening hours at museums and restaurants, possible road closures, and the need for a 4×4 vehicle with winter tires. Always check road.is and vedur.is before setting out.

South Coast: Reykjavík to Vík

The stretch from Reykjavík to Vík í Mýrdal is the most traveled section of the Ring Road in winter. Roads are usually clear, but sudden storms can cause closures. Most attractions remain accessible, though some have reduced hours.

What’s Open

  • Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss – both waterfalls are accessible year-round. The path behind Seljalandsfoss is often icy and may be closed if conditions are dangerous.
  • Reynisfjara black sand beach – open, but heed warnings about sneaker waves. The parking lot is plowed, but the beach itself can be windy and cold.
  • Vík í Mýrdal – the village has a grocery store (Krambúðin), a gas station (N1), and a few restaurants like Suður-Vík and Halldórskaffi, all open with winter hours.
  • Skálakot Manor – a horse farm and café open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, serving soup and coffee.

What’s Not

  • Þórsmörk – the mountain road (F249) is closed from October to June. No access unless on a Super Jeep tour.
  • Gljúfrabúi – the hidden waterfall near Seljalandsfoss may be inaccessible if the stream is high or icy.
  • Dyrhólaey – the road to the viewpoint is often closed due to ice and bird nesting restrictions (closed April–June anyway).

What to Skip

Solheimasandur plane wreck – the 4-kilometer walk across black sand is miserable in winter: strong winds, no shelter, and the wreck can be surrounded by snowdrifts. Unless you have a Super Jeep tour, skip it.

East Fjords: Vík to Egilsstaðir

The eastern section is mountainous and winding, with several tunnels and passes. Winter driving here demands caution. Many smaller towns have limited services.

What’s Open

  • Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach – open year-round. Zodiac boat tours run until October, but amphibian tours may continue into November. Check with Jökulsárlón Boat Tours.
  • Höfn – a fishing town with restaurants like Pakkhús and Humarhöfnin (famous for langoustine). Most open with winter hours.
  • Vestrahorn – accessible via a gravel road (fee 900 ISK per person). The road can be icy but is usually passable.
  • Fáskrúðsfjörður – the French hospital museum is open by appointment; the village has a hotel and restaurant.

What’s Not

  • Borgarfjörður Eystri – the road (Route 94) is often closed or extremely icy. The puffins are gone by September anyway.
  • Stórurð – a hiking area, inaccessible in winter.
  • Snæfellsstofa Visitor Centre – closed from October to April.

What to Skip

Petra's Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður – a quirky museum of stones, but it’s closed from October to April. Not worth detouring for.

North Iceland: Egilsstaðir to Akureyri

This section includes the famous Mývatn area and the town of Akureyri. Winter brings snow, ice, and limited daylight. However, geothermal areas remain active and spectacular.

What’s Open

  • Mývatn Nature Baths – open daily from 12:00 to 22:00 (closes 20:00 in winter). Admission 6,900 ISK.
  • Dettifoss – accessible via Route 864 (gravel), which is plowed but can be very icy. The east side road (Route 862) is paved and usually open. The waterfall is partially frozen, but still powerful.
  • Goðafoss – right off the Ring Road, always accessible. The viewing platforms are cleared of snow.
  • Akureyri – the “Capital of the North” has a swimming pool, botanical garden (outdoor paths open), and restaurants like Rub23 and Bautinn.
  • Húsavík – whale watching tours run from April to October only, but the town’s restaurants and Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths are open year-round.

What’s Not

  • Askja – the highland road (F88) is closed until late June.
  • Krafla – the Leirhnjúkur lava field is accessible via a plowed road, but the hiking trail to Viti crater may be too icy. Check at the Mývatn information center.
  • Grjótagjá – the cave is closed for swimming (landowner ban), but you can look inside. The road may be icy.

What to Skip

Hverfjall – a tephra crater near Mývatn. The hike up is steep and slippery in winter, and the views are often obscured by snow or fog. Unless you have crampons, skip it.

Westfjords: Akureyri to Reykjavík (via Hringvegur)

Technically, the Ring Road does not enter the Westfjords. The main route continues through Skagafjörður, Húnavatnssýsla, and Borgarnes. However, many travelers take a detour. In winter, most Westfjord roads are closed or treacherous.

What’s Open

  • Borgarnes – the town has a large supermarket (Bónus), gas stations, and the Settlement Center museum (open 10:00–17:00).
  • Stykkishólmur – accessible via Route 54 (paved). The Library of Water art installation is open by appointment. The ferry to the Westfjords (Baldur) does not run in winter.
  • Hraunfossar and Barnafoss – waterfalls near Húsafell, accessible via Route 518 (gravel, but plowed).

What’s Not

  • Dynjandi – the Westfjords’ largest waterfall. The road (Route 60) is plowed but often closed after heavy snow. Check conditions.
  • Látrabjarg cliffs – the road is gravel and usually impassable from November to April.
  • Rauðasandur beach – same as Látrabjarg.
  • Patreksfjörður – most museums and restaurants close for winter.

What to Skip

Kirkjufell – actually on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, not the Ring Road, but often added to itineraries. In winter, the parking lot is plowed, but the path to the waterfall is icy. The mountain is photogenic even from the road, but the full hike is not recommended without gear.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Although not on the Ring Road, Snæfellsnes is a popular detour. The peninsula’s main road (Route 54) is paved and usually open, but secondary roads (e.g., to Djúpalónssandur) can be icy.

What’s Open

  • Snæfellsjökull National Park – the visitor center at Hellissandur is open 10:00–16:00. The road to the glacier (F570) is closed.
  • Arnarstapi and Hellnar – coastal villages with walking paths. The Bárður Snæfellsás statue is accessible.
  • Rif – the Skriðuklaustur museum is closed, but the Gestastofa visitor center is open.

What’s Not

  • Vatnshellir cave – tours run from May to September only.
  • Saxhóll crater – the stairs are often icy and may be closed.

What to Skip

Ytri Tunga beach – known for seals, but in winter they are less common, and the wind is brutal. Not worth the detour.

Practical Winter Driving Tips

Driving the Ring Road in winter is not for the inexperienced. Here are concrete tips:

  • Rent a 4×4 – a 2WD car may be fine on the south coast, but for the east and north, a 4×4 with studded winter tires is essential. Companies like Blue Car Rental and Lotus Car Rental offer suitable vehicles. Expect to pay around 15,000–25,000 ISK per day for a 4×4.
  • Check road.is – the Icelandic Road Administration updates conditions in real time. Look for “icy spots,” “snowdrifts,” and “closed” signs.
  • Fuel stops – plan to fill up when you see a station; distances between them can be 100 km or more. Stations like N1, Ólís, and Orkan are common. Many are self-service 24/7 with a credit card PIN.
  • Daylight – in December, daylight lasts only 4–5 hours. Plan your driving between 10:00 and 16:00. Use the rest of the day for short walks or relaxing.
  • Accommodation – book ahead, as many guesthouses close for winter. Check cancellation policies. Use booking.com or direct websites.
  • Food – supermarkets like Bónus and Krónan are open in larger towns (Reykjavík, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, Höfn). In small villages, restaurants may have limited hours or close entirely. Carry snacks and water.

Sample Winter Itinerary: 7 Days

For a realistic winter Ring Road trip, consider this 7-day loop (counterclockwise):

  1. Day 1: Reykjavík to Vík (187 km). Stop at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara. Stay in Vík.
  2. Day 2: Vík to Höfn (240 km). Visit Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach. Stay in Höfn.
  3. Day 3: Höfn to Egilsstaðir (250 km). Drive through east fjords. Stay in Egilsstaðir.
  4. Day 4: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn (160 km). Explore Dettifoss and Goðafoss. Stay near Mývatn.
  5. Day 5: Mývatn area. Visit Nature Baths, Krafla, and Húsavík (if time). Stay in Akureyri.
  6. Day 6: Akureyri to Borgarnes (400 km – long drive). Stay in Borgarnes.
  7. Day 7: Borgarnes to Reykjavík (90 km). Option to detour to Snæfellsnes if time permits.

For more detailed itineraries, see Iceland Ring Road: 7, 10, 14-Day Itineraries 2026.

What to Skip Entirely in Winter

Some attractions are best left for summer:

  • Highland roads – all F-roads are closed until late June.
  • Puffin watching – puffins are at sea from September to April.
  • Whale watching from Húsavík – only summer tours.
  • Long hikes – trails like Fimmvörðuháls, Laugavegur, and Hornstrandir are inaccessible.
  • Camping – most campsites are closed, and winter camping is for experts only.

For budget-friendly alternatives, read Reykjavík on a Budget: Skip & Splurge.

Where to Eat Along the Ring Road in Winter

Restaurant hours shrink in winter. Here are reliable options:

  • Reykjavík: Where to Eat in Reykjavík: Food Halls & Fine Dining – try Grandi Mathöll or Kopar.
  • Vík: Suður-Vík (open 11:30–21:00), Skálakot Manor (soup buffet 10:00–17:00).
  • Höfn: Pakkhús (17:00–21:00), Humarhöfnin (18:00–22:00, closed Sundays).
  • Egilsstaðir: Skógafoss Bistro (lunch and dinner), N1 for snacks.
  • Mývatn: Vogafjós Farm Resort (open 11:30–20:00), Gamil Bærinn (closed in winter? Check).
  • Akureyri: Rub23 (17:00–22:00), Bautinn (11:30–21:00).

For coffee stops, see Best Coffee Shops Downtown Reykjavík – but note that most are in the capital.

Final Thoughts

Winter Ring Road trips are possible and rewarding if you plan carefully. Stick to the main route, check conditions daily, and don’t push yourself into dangerous driving. The landscapes are stark and beautiful, with fewer crowds and a chance to see the Northern Lights. But respect the weather: it can change in minutes. Skip the highlands, the remote fjords, and any attraction that requires a long hike. Focus on the south coast, Mývatn, and Akureyri. With proper preparation, you’ll have a memorable journey.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Iceland 2026
  • Iceland Ring Road: 7, 10, 14-Day Itineraries 2026
  • Reykjavík on a Budget: Skip & Splurge
  • Where to Eat in Reykjavík: Food Halls & Fine Dining
  • Best Coffee Shops Downtown Reykjavík