If you’re driving the ring road around Iceland you most certainly do not have to stay on it for the whole time! There are a lot of fun detours with hidden gems, fewer people, and magnificent sites. These are what we here at Blue Car Rental think are absolutely legendary and should not be missed if you have some time on your hands:
Snæfellsnes - the nr. 1 Ring Road Detour
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula’s is getting quite popular among travelers in Iceland. If you’re planning a trip on the ring road, you should definitely give yourself 1-2 days to take the detour around Snæfellsnes because it’s very interesting and beautiful. Don’t miss the huge Vatnshellir lava cave, the picturesque walk between Hellnar and Arnarstapi or the otherworldly moss-covered lava field called Berserkjahraun. There are loads of other interesting stops on the way. Small fishing villages, basalt rock formations, mineral water bubbling up from the ground, and let’s not forget: The magical Snæfellsjökull glacier at the end of the peninsula!
Westfjords - amazing mountains, beaches and waterfalls
If you want to get away from the crowded sites and get a more authentic and personal experience, you have to drive the Westfjords, no question. They have the stunning beach at Rauðasandur, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls called Dynjandi, and the stunning cliff called Látrabjarg, where you might spot puffins and other birds. The fjords are littered with small fishing villages and quirky little stops like Samúel Jónsson’s Art museum in Selárdalur. Of course, you have to stop in the Westfjord capital of Ísafjörður to visit the Heritage Museum and Cultural center.
Ásbyrgi - a magical place in Northern Iceland
Just thinking about Ásbyrgi fills even the iciest Icelandic hearts with warmth and happiness. It’s located in Northeast Iceland and is breathtaking with its high cliffs, birch trees, and eerie calmness. It has strong links to Norse Mythology and you’ll certainly feel why it’s so special when you get there. We’ve written about Ásbyrgi before and highly recommend you take a detour from the ring road to see it.
Don't forget to take a look at the finest tours available in these areas!
NEW VOLCANO ERUPTION IN ICELAND - GUIDE TO MERADALIR
