Is Iceland's Ring Road a Misleading Tourist Idea - The Full Story of The Historical Road

Рет қаралды 35,655

Жыл бұрын

This is the history of our Ring-Road or why it is a misleading concept and not intended to be the simple concept that many tourists use as a guideline while traveling around Iceland today. This was "our ring road "back in 1974 so check out the full story before you do the roundtrip because there might be some better ideas out there for you, and welcome to Iceland.
Links to some of the places I'm showing in this video:
www.arcticcoastway.is/en
Dettifoss Waterfall: • Dettifoss - The Most...
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: • All About Snæfellsjök...
The Road Tunnels to Siglufjörður: • Icelandic Road-Tunnels...
Siglufjörður Herring Village: • Visit Siglufjörður - T...
The island Hrísey: • Visit Hrísey - An Icel...
Elve Storie: • True Stories of Elves ...
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With Greetings from Iceland
Gylfi

Пікірлер: 237

@bhall9537 Жыл бұрын

Drove most of the Ring Road in 2021 in a camper van. Did some detours off of it to see other things. Best vacation ever

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thats the way to do it :) the detours matter a lot when it comes to interesting places

@only1life88 8 ай бұрын

@@JustIcelandicMe and my wife are going in two weeks in a camper. Will I be able to explore more than the main roads?

@barrydysert2974 Жыл бұрын

Highway #1 is merely the main chain of Iceland's necklace. The jewels are woven to it, not on it !:-)

@bartjes2509 Жыл бұрын

Yes, N1 takes gets you to lots of tourist destinations but when exploring make sure you check more than that. Having done 4 Iceland visits, I try to drive a different route every time to see more of the land. Also a tip is to look back regularly for the landscape behind you might be as beautiful as in front of you. Cheers from The Netherlands !

@derMorgenstern Жыл бұрын

The ring road may be misleading only superficial tourists. For me the Ring Road is great, for it helps me to get from A to B fast, sparing my time to explore "the real deal" (last year the West Fjords and the North, this year the North-East and East Fjords). Thank you,Gylfi, for your work, it is an excellent source of information and motivates me to seek for unique places in Islandi.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, you obviously got my point there 👍 it's just so much else to see :)

@r.hill.2369 Жыл бұрын

I just love your history lessons. Presentation, content, and your narration all make for a compelling short film. Thank you!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them and always welcome :)

@andrewsmith3834 Ай бұрын

Drove all the way round it in 1975 - so a year after the last part opened I guess. Back then it was largely gravel roads - and we did take some detours off to see more of your wonderful country. Interesting to see the history of the road - thanks Gylfi :)

@sundog486 7 ай бұрын

Brilliant film! Thank you. 35 years ago I spent 16 days trekking across Iceland. It was a fantastic experience. Now I would like to bring my wife and show her some of the wonderful places, probably via the ring road, as we are both past trekking!

@thisisbeyondajoke6748 Жыл бұрын

If you did this in Australia you might be here for generations.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

😂

@Impackon Жыл бұрын

But it worked very nice for us on the southern island of New Zealand. We did a very nice round tour there in just 3 weeks. Greetings from the Netherlands

@michaelripley4528 Жыл бұрын

💯!!! 🤣

@Georgewilliamherbert Жыл бұрын

The United States continental states outer ring only is something like 15,000 kilometers….

@Impackon Жыл бұрын

@@Georgewilliamherbert right..... 🙄

@Golfnut_2099 Жыл бұрын

We were in Iceland last September. We have already started a list of things to do when we come back!!!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Fantastic, have a great time here and good luck with planning :)

@rachelwilson9751 Жыл бұрын

I’ve visited Iceland many times but never did the ring road. I only travel in winter and it took 3 attempts to reach Detifoss but it was worth the wait. I love being in the really rural areas much more than the overcrowded tours that leave from Reykjavik. Landmanalugar was stunning beyond words in the winter sun, the aurora danced at night and the barbecue had Icelandic lamb on it. Iceland has those moments that are just perfect.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Yes you described this in an excellent way, there are many places here that require peace and even solitude to inhale them and understand them, and it's obvious that you know how to travel around my country, and always welcome :)

@IcelandAdventures Жыл бұрын

Love the horse running down the road ! We are between 703 and 704

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Welcome :)

@IcelandAdventures Жыл бұрын

@@JustIcelandic we will be visiting again in mid April to our world there. Such an incredible place to experience!

@birdwatcher7522 20 күн бұрын

I've done the Ring Road twice, but I've deviated and visited places like Snaesfellness (?) Peninsula, Dettifoss, Berg Horse Farm, Hengifoss (in a blizzard), etc. I really want to move there for a couple of years because there is *so* much to see, that vacations cannot cover it. I *love* your country!

@tomweiss9600 Жыл бұрын

Just did the Ring Road in February and have to agree (we did see Husavik, Snorrastofa and Snaefelsness which were all amazing). Next time I plan to start in Akureyri in summer to explore the north in much more depth and never plan on driving the Ring Road again. I'd suggest encouraging tourists to focus on one section of your beautiful country at a time rather than rushing around the Ring Road in one go (at least north and south separately). Thanks!

@MikeLee-mz4zd 4 ай бұрын

Drove the ring road and a multitude of side trips late June 2023 in a camper van, an awesome experience with waterfalls galore! The several kilometers long tunnels were an unexpected surprise. Watch out for the free range sheep on the road.

@JustIcelandic 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing :)

@dirk2267 Жыл бұрын

In 2012 my wife and I were there to drive the ring: surprisingly a part of the ring in the east was just a dirt-road. In the late evening we met there a large trailer. A frightening experience in the dark. But still a remarkable experience.

@isasala9111 Ай бұрын

The beauty of Iceland is outstanding…❤️❤️❤️

@JustIcelandic Ай бұрын

Thank you very much :)

@JoshMainka Жыл бұрын

I've been to Iceland many times, but camping in the West Fjords last September for the first time was otherworldly and so beautiful.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

September can be a fantastic month, less traffic, stronger colours and truly underrated season, and always welcome to Iceland :)

@fettlerjohn3419 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic, again for posting 👍🏼 ✨

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@sivcam 5 ай бұрын

I drove the ring road with a few detours and every part of it was beautiful, also the boring parts were fascinating. Now I will plan my next trips on different roads and “smaller” parts of Iceland in future. I feel like there is so much to discover ❤

@leotheangrylion 3 ай бұрын

Guilty as charged! We did the Ring Road in last May because everyone said that's the way to see Iceland. We originally planned to go to Husavik and take a whale watching tour but due to spending an extra day around Jökulsárlón (which we don't regret), we had to skip that part of the peninsula. We also skipped the whole of West and North West peninsulas and went to do the Golden Circle instead, which was a bit of a letdown to be honest, after seeing the rest of the country. I guess, we'll just have to go there again.

@jangoosen5407 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Gylfi. We travelled the ring road in summer 2022, with several diversions ‘off the beaten track’. We found the scenery breathtaking and spectacular whether on the ring road or off it.

@DiscGoStu Жыл бұрын

I just got back: had to give up on the north fjords, but I was able to visit Snaefellsness, Trollaskagi, Dettifoss and Seydisfjordur…and I’ll be back to see the detours I missed! Thanks for your wonderful advice and amazing channel, keep up the good work!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton and welcome back to Iceland :)

@SietzeFliegen Жыл бұрын

Good video and great advice! Drove most of the ring road last summer. And indeed did many detours. Detours around Egilsstaðir, drove the artic coastway and Snæfellsnes peninsula. Unfortunately we did not have time for the west fjords.

@YeOldeTraveller Жыл бұрын

I would be interested in a series of videos about sites to see, where to stay, and how to get around. Also would like to see videos on how long to allow for such things. Example, If one has 4 days, what is worth seeing?

@peter8605 Жыл бұрын

Hello Traveller, May I suggest you watch as many videos as possible on this fantastic KZfaq channel. You will learn very much and can then decide where to go. Firts visit to Iceland and 4 days> the golden circle (be aware everybody goes here)

@MoussaFaddoul Ай бұрын

Thank you for the good and helpful content here. Was getting tired of the touristy videos about Iceland and glad I found you. I'm visiting in a couple of weeks and looking forward to explore more than the "ring road" :)

@JustIcelandic Ай бұрын

Awesome, thank you! and welcome to Iceland :)

@vwilliams3892 4 ай бұрын

Hi Gylfi. I subscribed to your channel after watching this video and the one about Húsavík, and the many recent updates on the volcanic unrest around Grindavík. All your videos have been interesting and very helpful. Takk! I too live on a geographically remote island straddling a plate boundary, and have an interest in tectonic forces, so I'm watching your Grindavik updates with both horror and fascination. My heart is heavy for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and the friends and family of the worker whose body could not be recovered. Much respect for the scientists who saw the volcanic unrest coming, to the politicians that heeded their warnings, and the resilience of Iceland's people. I hope one day to stand beside the Great Auk statue on the Reykjanes peninsula and begin my own Icelandic adventure.

@peaschgames9836 Жыл бұрын

currently here with my family and we were trying to do the full ring road but due to road closures from an avalanche we will sadly not get to see the northern region of iceland this time around, however the sections we have seen a long the way have been breathtaking! you don’t have to detour too far to see some amazing sights!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

The northeast road is actually open now but it's right, things are hectic on the east fjords now, I would not wanna stay there the next days like the weather looks, it's gonna be way better here in the north so I recommend you give it a try, but anyhow, have a great time and remember to check out road.is

@susiesue3141 Ай бұрын

In 2009 my husband and I drove around Puerto Rico like that; a big circle! Fun trip! 😊 Thanks for sharing! Great video footage! 😊

@charliebrown8278 Жыл бұрын

When I visit Iceland I know I’ll use “highway #1” to get where I want to see. Thanks to you, I know there will be lots of roads I’ll use to wee the really good spots too. Thanks for another great video (where’s the thermal drone? We want thermal images!)

@Frustrationcentral Ай бұрын

Gylfi, I was in Iceland last month and I kept thinking of you saying you wouldn’t be impressed with anyone who just did the Ring Road. So I didn’t; I did a lot of detours into NorthEast Iceland and ventured into the West fjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Couldn’t make it to Dettifoss due to snow, but hopefully I can come back someday and see it 💜

@40MileDesertRat 11 ай бұрын

For those considering the Ring Road. With your own rented and suitable transportation, this is the road that gets you to the exciting roads. Some are unpaved. Some make you consider the correctness of your travel and mental state. But all, are worth the effort.

@JustIcelandic 11 ай бұрын

Thank you and welcome :)

@kendallcarlsson Жыл бұрын

So true - my longest, most memorable day’s journey in Iceland was mainly on smaller roads: woke deep in the Eastfjords, visited the nearby grave of an ancient völva, then elves in Borgarfjörður eystri, huldufólk in Ásbyrgi, circled to Mývatn via Húsavík, then searched for trolls at Dimmuborgir after a lakeside dinner. Avoided the Ring Road wherever possible.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing :) and greetings from Iceland, and always welcome

@AlinDimitriu Жыл бұрын

This is priceless information for anyone planning a ring road trip in Iceland, myself included. Many thanks!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Fantastic, have a great time in Iceland :)

@hoser7706 Ай бұрын

Rpute 60 to Isafjordur is an experience. Gravel and terrifyingly sterp in sections. But beautiful. And 61 out was majestic driven at night with whales inthe fjords. One of several side routes we chose to tske. Another inland from Selfoss was fun too.

@kathilisi3019 Жыл бұрын

I visited Iceland in 1995, as part of a bus route with hiking trips. We went up the Sprengisandur road, visited Askja and Ásbyrgi, Húsavík and Mývatn before spending a day in Akureyri and then going back south via Kjölur. This means that I saw a lot of the beautiful sights that you mentioned in this video, but I also missed out on a lot of things to see on the east coast and particularly the west fjords and Snæfellsnes area. I hope to visit Iceland again sometime, maybe to see the solar eclipse 2026, which will be best visible on Snæfellsnes, and I'd like to visit some places I missed last time.

@airmakay1961 Жыл бұрын

Great tour! Gylfi, every country has a "ring road" and though these routes certainly offer must-see places, the discerning traveller understands true gems lie beyond the ring.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark :)

@Chorge1972 Жыл бұрын

I think the ringroad is at least a great starting point! Snaefellsness can be easily included… And for sure, as you pointed out, routes like around the Troll peninsula should be visited for sure as well… BUT: all can be done FROM the ringroad! So it’s very good, that it’s there… Lot of things to be seen along from there, and even more, if you drive a bit away from it! By the way: THANKS FOR YOUR CHANNEL!!! Follower since the Fagradalsfjall eruption, which I was luckily able to visit personally as well…

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Yes you are right, we need of course the ring road to connect us, but the emphasis on is has been misleading for many, an damaging for the more rural towns, and thanks for sticking around on the channel :) and alway welcome back to Iceland :)

@keineartkunst4515 Жыл бұрын

I just discovered your videos and I'm very excited about your dry humor and your kind of storytelling. At 2:56 you say there are routes for all types of cars in the highlands and I wanted to ask if you could recommend any that are non-four wheel drive.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton and welcome :) The easiest one would be Kjölur road (kjalvegur) guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/kjolur-kjalvegur and it's easy for all cars :) and welcome to Iceland :)

@keineartkunst4515 Жыл бұрын

@@JustIcelandic Thank you very much.

@bethharriman5750 Жыл бұрын

We’re heading back for a second summer in a row. This time we’re spending most of our time in the north, which was definitely our favourite place!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Be very welcome back to Iceland :) with greetings from the north :)

@Jaxrus1 Жыл бұрын

Nice to see so many places that we visited last year in the north. Can highly recommend the 744 from Blönduós to Skagafjördur. Then follow the coast via 76 and 82 to Hofsós (that pool ❤) Siglufjördur, Dalvik and Akureyri before going on to Húsavik and returning by the same route. 4 wonderful nights. Amazing memories.

@derMorgenstern Жыл бұрын

I did it last year. It is as wonderful as you say, indeed. Cheers!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Yes the Tröllaskagi peninsula is a world on its own after the dual tunnel project and it's a shame we dont get more tourists up north while it's all crowded by the south coast..

@MaxArceus Жыл бұрын

When I went to Iceland I was there for 14 days, and visited: Reykjavik, Þingvellir, Geysir & Strokkur, Gullfoss, Flúðir Hjálparfoss, Þjóðveldisbærinn, Bláhylur, Landmannalaugar Hvolsvöllur Gluggafoss (Merkjárfoss), LAVA Centre, Seljalandsfoss, Sólheimajökull, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara Fjaðrárgljúfur, Fagrifoss, Laki Skaftafell, Hofskirkja, Jökulsárlón, Þjóðvegur Höfn, Hvalnes, Djúpivogur, Folaldafoss, Egilsstaðir, Rjúkandafoss, Stuðlagil Múlaþing, Dettifoss, Botnstjörn, Húsavik, Laugar Skútustaðagígar, Mývatn, Höfði bílastæði norður, Dimmuborgir, Grjótagjá, Námafjall Hverir, Krafla, Goðfoss, Akureyri, Ólafsfjörður, Siglufjörður, Hofsos, Hólar Blönduós, Stykkishólmur, Kirkjufell, Saxhóll, Hólahólar, Djúpalónssandur, Lóndrangar, Arnarstapi Borgarbyggð, Grábrók, Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, Grafarvogur Fagradalsfjall, Brimketill, Gunnuhver, Valahnúkamöl There are still plenty of things left.. but I feel like given the time I had.. this is quite a lot. Does it get the Just Iceland-not-just-ringroad seal of approval?

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

I have to compliment you for good choice :) and yes, it''s plenty left and the best part is the the light and seasons differ so much that I never get enough of some places, new scenario every time :) and welcome back

@hiberno-norway3553 Ай бұрын

I've wanted to travel to Iceland for many years. Unfortunately the opportunity hasn't arisen. But I have learnt Icelandic to a certain level at least. Eg skil hvað þið segir - Sva eg er tilbuin at fara. Thank you for great videos and fantastic footage.

@JustIcelandic Ай бұрын

Takk og velkominn til Íslands :)

@dominiquemanchon9914 Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot Gylfi! Last summer, we travelled along the ring road Nr1 only by bus, rent a car in Egillsstaðir and had a great stay for six days on the east coast (Stöðvarfjörður), exploring the Eastern fjords. The bus ride was counterclockwise. The rather short bit from Höfn to Egillsstaðir (the spot in the East where you can rent a car) was not so easy : you have to change bus several times, hence it must be carefully planned (and even, we had to hitch-hike a bit from Höfn due to a change of bus schedule). We loved the East, which has a plentyful of nice places to visit, far away from the main attractions. The return trip through Myvatn and Akureyri, with a night in Sauðarkrokur, was also great, surpriseless with respect to the bus.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton for sharing those fine tips for my other viewers, and greetings from Iceland, always welcome back :)

@dominiquemanchon9914 Жыл бұрын

@@JustIcelandic With pleasure! I am so sorry that Neskaupstaður, the lovely place where I bought a superb hand-made pull-over last summer, got this nasty avalanche. Best wishes to all people there!

@thomasmaughan4798 9 ай бұрын

I drove to Akureyri in the 1980's and the "ring road" was in horrible condition; no pavement except for a few bits here and there. But I LOVED it, traveling somewhat slowly except BMW's zipping by at 80 kph or faster. Not so many tourists. Almost none, actually.

@bobv7753 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the as always excellent content. Although I enjoyed the ring road it was the side ring adventures that made my Iceland adventure an amazing experience! The incredible vista's, hikes & most importantly meeting the local people. I'm so looking forward to my next Iceland adventure. Got to get out & explore this amazing land!!!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Great to hear 😁 and welcome back to Iceland

@dominiquemanchon9914 Жыл бұрын

2:38 Both elve communities in Hafnarfjörður and Borgarfjörður Eystri were discrete. I hope we did not disturb them too much, but I can confirm that both live in and outstandingly beautiful and cosy place!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing :)

@jenniferlevine5406 Жыл бұрын

Very informative! I enjoyed this so much.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@noseybirdadventures5880 6 ай бұрын

A trip all around Iceland is my dream after enjoying two short trips previously

@JustIcelandic 6 ай бұрын

Welcome back :)

@kobustheron8047 6 ай бұрын

Greetings from South Africa! You are so correct. In 2012 and 2014 we travelled around Iceland, but made a point of taking some back roads to the more remote areas, especially the north and north-east. The only areas I haven't seen is the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Westfjords. It is a spectacular country. In 2014 we wanted badly to see the Holuhraun eruption, but it was forbidden, and the October weather was quite bad at the time. I really love Iceland, especially since I am a geologist. I wish you all good luck during the new eruption. Thank you for keeping us informed!

@valhoundmom 7 ай бұрын

Thank you, this is so true! No one visiting Iceland should leave without seeing Snaefellsness and/or Westfjords.

@JustIcelandic 7 ай бұрын

Absolutely!

@549RR Жыл бұрын

I spent my first trip to Iceland in the Northwest and Northeast. I’d like next to go to the Westfjords…. I suppose I could visit the Golden Circle eventually 😂

@tomkinsg 4 ай бұрын

Gylfi, thank you for your fabulous video essays on Iceland. I am preparing for my first visit arriving a week on Sunday and I am so looking forward to it. I'm hoping to drive the golden circle, the ring road, and the western flords but also you have inspired me to look beyond and hopefully the roads will allow. Please would you turn on the aurora borealis for me on Sunday night, I'll remember to turn them off when we leave

@Zralock79 Жыл бұрын

I made a road trip and the whole ring road in 2021.... but the best and the most beautiful places were always when I took a detour (not the fastest road from A to B). Sometimes I just chose not to go through tunel, but I went around or over the hill. The best views ever! Sadly I missed many places (like West fjords) because of lack of time so I hope that I will be able to get back soon and visit all the places I haven't seen yet.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Yes you are right, this takes time if you really want to inhale the mood and get thee feel for the land, but on the bright side, it's a reason to come again and again :)

@Impackon Жыл бұрын

Very interesting and informatieve. Tell us more about the detour routes / rings

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Will do, coming soon :)

@mikeandersen8535 4 ай бұрын

Been driving several of the suggested ring roads, but not visited the Westfjords yet. Most pleasant surprise, was Borgarfjordur Eystri, a small cozy place I really want to visit again. But being married to an Icelandic girl, gives me many opportunities to visit many interesting places around Iceland. ;)

@webalistic Жыл бұрын

Fact is... the ring road is the way to get to places. But the ring road itself isn't a destination of course. Going inland you need a 4x4 (and preferably 4x4 driving skills), which makes that less likely to happen. I've been to Iceland twice now. Once shortly after the Eyjafjallajökull eruption and once shortly before the pandemic. First trip i did venture off the ring road. Also finding maps weren't quite telling the truth. The 917 showed as a regular road along the east coast. But tarmac turned into gravel into mud and then I was looking at a twisty dirt path straight up the mountain. My small rental made it up (didn't want to turn around) and I did pass by a Icelander in a 4x4 shaking his head. Fantastic view up top. Never doing that again :-) Second time I noticed how tourism has taking over everything. Where first time I could stumble upon an accessible crater and only one other car was parked at the base. That same place now has a paid for parking lot, a big toilet building and fences all over so you cannot walk into the crater. Same everywhere I really enjoyed raw nature first time. Fences, parking lots etc. The downsides of tourism. Too crowded and people littering, peing and defacating everywhere (a few of those once beautiful moss covered lava fields were gross. Real shame. But tourism did 'rescue' Iceland after the bank crisis. I guess more reason to find ways to get further of the beaten path next time I visit Iceland.

@cproteus Жыл бұрын

When we were in the East Fjords this past year, we met some tourists who were driving the ring road in a week! It was a shame, because they didn’t have time to see the most interesting parts of Iceland and give them the time they deserve. I *have* gone the entire way around the island, but it was a slow trip (6 months) and definitely took me way out to the West Fjords. It’s simply not a country to see on a short trip. Take your time and meet the lovely people. It’s not a check mark on a bucket list as much as a destination in itself.

@davidlewis6015 Жыл бұрын

I really look forward in seeing as much of your beautiful country as I can 😊

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Welcome to Iceland😊

@welshlad6427 3 ай бұрын

I’ve been fortunate to have visited Iceland 🇮🇸 7 times. I can definitely agree there are so many beautiful places to see that are away from the ring road. My favourite area of Iceland is the Westfjords and also parts of the far north.

@elric_310 Жыл бұрын

Great video! I was wondering, which would you say are the most accessible and interesting volcanoes to visit in Iceland?

@peter8605 Жыл бұрын

My wife and I never understood, and will never, why most of the travel agencies promote the whole ring road nr. 1 in most of the time under 15, or so, travel days. This does much injustice to your splendid natural wonder land and villages like you mentioned in this video. In fact, Iceland is very easy to explore on your own without the help or preparation from a (abroad) travel agent. All the info is on the internet and most of it on this splendid KZfaq Channel, Thx Gylfi! There is so much to explore and to do in the majestic West- and Eastfjords, Snæfellsnes, Northeast and ofcourse the indescribable (but you can Gylfi) Highlands. Counting the days to explore the north.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Yes we agree for sure, and I will be mentioning the less driven roads from time to time here on the channel, it's just so much to choose from :)

@callme_jc Жыл бұрын

I have twice driven the ring road over the course of a week, but it’s very much a means to an end and as part of one or both trips I took detours to Dettifoss, Húsavík, Hvammstangi and Snæfellsnes. I’ll need at least another week to tour the Westfjords. Soon!

@iandickson7699 Жыл бұрын

I hitch hiked the ring road in 1984. With some detours :-)

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Always welcome to Iceland :)

@TheDrOtaku Жыл бұрын

Like how I view the Interstate Freeway system here in the US. Highway 1 is what you take to get to the roads that take you to the places worth visiting.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing :)

@kwgm8578 Жыл бұрын

Great video, Gymli.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@jeanrobinson705 Жыл бұрын

To us the Ring Road was just a quick way to get to the out-of-the-way places like Asbyrgi, Snaefellsnes, the West Fjords, Husavik, etc.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

You obviously know how to do this :)

@markuserikssen Жыл бұрын

6:45 or maybe it's actually nice for locals and tourists to have places without many tourists, since most of destinations along the ring road are getting crowded now that the tourism is booming.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Yes I will cover such places better soon...

@crandallcrute3918 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful info - thanks!

@christhompson4270 Жыл бұрын

Id definitely take the detours just to make sure i saw as much of the country i could. Take care and thanks for sharing that there’s more than just the ring road 👍🙏❤️

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching👍

@MountainFisher Жыл бұрын

When I went to Iceland we looked at the erupting volcano that had started just 5 days before we got there last August. After watching the eruption and looking at some local sights for three days or so we took a guided tour of the Westfjords and it is well worth the time to go there. The lodging was inexpensive and included breakfast and sometimes supper too. I do not think we paid much more than $100 USD per night and it was a great week and hardly any crowds at some beautiful waterfalls. Having a guide made a difference as she saw that we didn't miss anything important. It isn't necessary to have a guide, but it was nice to have an interpreter sometimes and to tell us what some food items were.😁 A week isn't long enough to see everything without hurrying in the Westfjords. We just took our time. We will go back next summer and catch the rest. We went to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula as well and drove around its coastal road. Stayed in a small coastal town called Olafvik, where there is a neat waterfall just outside of town. The sights were astounding only wished the weather had been warmer, was a bit cold for August. Everywhere we went had just wonderful sights, friendly people who were not tired of crowds because there were hardly any the further North from Reykjavik we went. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula isn't that far from the capital either and did have a few more people than the Westfjords did, but not many more. Everyone it seemed was more interested in the eruption that was dying out when we left. Unfortunately the clouds prevented us from seeing the top half of the Snæfellsjökull volcano.

@craigmccann1028 Жыл бұрын

I would need at least 14 days.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Yes this takes time, and should not be done in a hurry..

@stevetranchell6568 Жыл бұрын

We traveled the Ring Road in September 2021. I agree with your concept that so much is missed by just driving the Ring Road. We are planning to return in 2024 and have a list of all of the places we missed in 2021. Can't wait to return to your amazing, beautiful country.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Well said! I will be mentioning destination ideas from time to time here on the channel and hope they will be of help while planning your next trip, and welcome to Iceland :)

@babycakes8434 Жыл бұрын

I understand your point. But tourists don't usually stay in Iceland for months, unless they live here. So they try to see as much as they can with the time alloted. I would move here for a while, but I prefer warm/hot weather❤

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

The cold is not for all, thats very true :)

@PrinceofMacedonVlogs 2 ай бұрын

for my first time trip, I plan to go around the Ring Road, but I'll make a few detours when I can. For my second trip, I'll stay off the Ring Road

@melodyszadkowski5256 Ай бұрын

In 1981 we were way too busy hiking around where there weren't any roads to speak of to think about ring roads 😁

@drdoolittle5724 Жыл бұрын

Reminds me of the old American idea of covering most of Europe in 7 days, by coach, with an hour max in each capital! Thank goodness we still don't live back in the 60's and 70's!!!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thanks and welcome :)

@brandosbucket 10 күн бұрын

Your voice is so relaxing.

@JustIcelandic 9 күн бұрын

Glad you think so :)

@Tina-og4tt Жыл бұрын

I am interested in a video with tips off the beaten paths, especially in the north and east. We're heading to Iceland this summer a second time. 2021 we saw the south and the Snaefellsness Peninsula and this year we wanted to go to the Highlands and driving the ring road, but leaving out the western part. So tips on north and east would be wonderful. Last time we thought it was not too touristy, I wonder how it will be this year. Trying to avoid larger crowds by seeing places early in the morning or late in the evening

@CarKey369 Жыл бұрын

Great ! Can you make a video on some Local celebrate carnival or festival ! Love from Nepal !

@byteme9718 Жыл бұрын

I've done the ring road outside of tourist season but with quite a few diversions along the way. What you say is true but hiring a car, or motorhome is expensive and time limited. It's an ideal first or second trip and if you like Iceland you'll come back again and again as I have and explore specific areas.

@biker_dale 2 ай бұрын

I'm heading to Iceland on my motorbike in May this year and hoping to spend some time in the Westfjords and not just the main ring road.

@dreamseer7 6 ай бұрын

I really enjoyed this. Thank you.

@JustIcelandic 6 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@campdavid24 Жыл бұрын

Gonna be in Iceland next Wednesday. Plan a ring road road but I know there’s a lot more to see. Problem is I’m going around in a motor home which I understand is not very versatile or off roady. Any recommendations for 7 days?

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

It's still spring so if you would be coming a bit later i would recommend the arctic coast road, it's still a bit "yellow" but theck out the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the Golden Circle will be crowded, like the complete south coast, but this time of year, you will still get spectacular nature colours there.

@alasdairblackmore2592 Жыл бұрын

In the UK a "Ring-Road" is a bypass ... and if yours bypasses Iceland's more scenic views then it is not [NOT] misleading tourists. I think the problem probably lays in the Icelanders misinterpretation of the words "Ring-Road" .

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Yes it just meant that we finished the bridges and road back in "74, this was never meant to be a tourist concept

@jeanrobinson705 Жыл бұрын

No it isn't! In the UK a ring road is a road which circles a city. Route No 1 does that, to the whole island, so they've got it right.

@alasdairblackmore2592 Жыл бұрын

@@jeanrobinson705 : In the "Let us ignore the official meanings of the words dictionary : Jean Robinson edit" version it probably only means "encircles a city" ... however, in the version of the dictionary that I use, the words "Ring road" describe a bypass encircling a town.

@elizabethlascurain5294 Жыл бұрын

But you’d be seeing Iceland!!! It would be amazing!! 🇮🇸❤️

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

🇮🇸❤ that's right, but don't forget the detours :)

@youdj_app Жыл бұрын

fascinating!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

@chriscard6544 9 ай бұрын

very intersting, my heart stayed in Siglufjordur

@JustIcelandic 9 ай бұрын

🇮🇸👍

@Vulcano7965 Жыл бұрын

Was there ever a concept discussed in iceland for a cross-country road? Doesn't seem more challenging than constructing a bridge that can withstand multiple glaciar floods.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Yes we do actually have Kjalvegur that connects north and south Iceland, it's been discussed from time to time to make it into a highway, but I doubt it's going to happen for the next decates...

@JeffRevell 4 ай бұрын

I am thinking of doing a bicycle tour in the summer and everyone who makes videos only talks about doing the Ring Road. Are the other areas to the north accessible to bicycle touring?

@JustIcelandic 4 ай бұрын

Plenty of good routes in the north, plenty!

@edwardlulofs444 Жыл бұрын

1100 years of history!😯

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Welcome :)

@akepettersson4847 8 ай бұрын

In august 2024 we will do our own roadtrip with our own car , a Volvo XC90 D5 2019 to Iceland from Sweden 🇸🇪 Definitely not the Ring Road all the time. It’s going to be fun !

@JustIcelandic 8 ай бұрын

Welcome to Iceland :) I'm sure you will have a great time :)

@ronaldderooij1774 Жыл бұрын

I agree. But still the ring road is useful to come to the side tracks and other ring roads, though.

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Welcome :)

@myrlyn1250 Жыл бұрын

I don't think I could spend less than a month exploring Iceland (someday soon, I hope!) My fear is that I couldn't force myself to leave afterwards.

@mienfobelets4820 5 ай бұрын

One month is an absolute minimum for us (in terms of private travelling, my two shortest visites were 1 resp 2 weeks but this was in terms of a European Education project). This also allows maximum flexibility for planning in function of the weather. In 2018 I stayed for 3 months (with 4x4 ...), skipping ALL the highlights except Geysir, it was not enough, I ran out of time. For more than 20 years already I work as a voluntarly informant during the yearly holiday fair "Reismarkt" in Bruges (Iceland, Sweden and Norway). It's sometimes really ridiculous to see what stupid things people are planning. The Icelandic ring-race-record is now on 5 days (five days), the record Antwerp-Nordkapp-Antwerp with car and caravan is now on 12 days... I asked the guy : "why ?". "Because Nordkapp is the most notherly point of continental Europe" he said. I answered : "sir, you're wrong, the most northerly point is Cape Knivsfjelodden, but you cannot reach it by car (it's a 15 km walk....), cannot buy expensive certificates, there is no monument, no PO box where you can post your expensive postcard and the name is very hard to pronounce".

@kathrynronnenberg1688 Жыл бұрын

Was Ásbyrgi carved out by a glacial outburst flood (jökulhlaup)? It looks remarkably like some of the features in eastern Washington state called the channeled scablands, which were created by a long series of truly humongous floods from Glacial Lake Missoula at the end of the last ice age.

@floydwright9181 Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Thank you with greetings from Iceland :)

@slateslavens Жыл бұрын

I'd love to bring my 1948 Willys Jeep over (if you'd have it) and tour the harder-to-reach areas. I missed my calling as a geologist and went into IT instead. IT was a dumb move. I'd love to visit the various calderas, falls, faults, lava features, and escarpments.

@andrewclarkehomeimprovement Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@petebeatminister Жыл бұрын

Well, Iceland is a big place, it would not be realistic to believe that you can see all the important places during one vacation. But even if someone wants to visit a specific region (other than the Reykjanes peninsula) the ring road is very helpful. Imagine you would go from Reykjavik to the north-east only on dirt roads - that would be quite a adventure. And a long one, too. Also, I guess they didn't build the road just for the tourists. It must be a very important connection to many regions, especially also for cargo since you don't have a railroad system.

@user-de9hy5iv7l Жыл бұрын

Can you do a video about avalanches in Iceland? The news from the east today is sad and 'snow-flood' history has been as well...

@JustIcelandic Жыл бұрын

Yes I will in a few days or so since the risk is not over, the next 2 days will be hard fro the people since they might get rain onto this huge snowfall and the avalanche risk will get worse before it gets better. here is news in English: icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/2023/03/28/avalanche_risk_likely_into_the_weekend/

@user-de9hy5iv7l Жыл бұрын

@@JustIcelandic Thank you Gylfi! Your channel is for sure one of my favourites! I live in Þorlákshöfn and you are welcome to come for coffee next time you're in this area :)