270 km of the Ring Road from Vík to Höfn — Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach and Stokksnes, the most scenic stretch of Route 1 by far.
270 km
Key facts
Distance
270 km
Driving time
3 h (pure)
Fuel
Top up in Vík before leaving
Start
Vík
End
Höfn
Distance
270 km
Driving time
3 h pure / full day with stops
Best months
may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
4×4 needed?
No
Winter accessible?
Yes
Road note
Route 1, paved. Plowed first in winter but the most storm-exposed stretch of the South Coast.
Winter warning
Storms regularly close this stretch in winter. If a storm forecast hits, sleep in Vík.
Suggested itinerary
08:00 Leave Vík (fuel up first).
09:30 Stop at the Eldhraun lava field.
10:00 Quick break at Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
11:00 Skaftafell — Svartifoss hike (2.5 h).
14:30 Lunch at Skaftafell.
15:30 Jökulsárlón.
16:30 Diamond Beach.
17:30 Stokksnes (optional).
18:30 Höfn, check in, langoustine dinner.
Winter
The stretch between Vík and Skaftafell is among the most storm-exposed in Iceland. In
winter, don’t press east in red wind warnings. Sleep in Vík and try again the next
day; routes east are routinely closed for safety.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vík to Höfn a one-day drive?+
With stops, a full day. Many travellers split it across two days, especially with kids.
Where do you eat between Vík and Höfn?+
Limited options. Best bets are Skaftafell visitor centre café and Hof. Otherwise pack a picnic from Vík's supermarket.
