Ring Road: Clockwise vs Anticlockwise — Which Direction?

The Ring Road debate divides Iceland travellers into two camps: those who champion the clockwise route and anticlockwise advocates who argue their direction offers superior advantages. After years of guiding travellers around Route 1's 1,332-kilometre circuit, the evidence points to a clear winner—though both directions have merit depending on your priorities.

The Case for Clockwise Travel

Starting your Ring Road journey by heading north from Reykjavík towards Borgarnes delivers immediate rewards. The clockwise route follows Iceland's natural tourism flow, meaning you'll encounter attractions at their optimal viewing times and find services readily available.

Weather and Light Advantages

Clockwise travel positions you perfectly for Iceland's prevailing weather patterns. The country's storms typically arrive from the southwest, and by heading clockwise, you're more likely to drive away from approaching weather systems rather than directly into them. This becomes crucial when crossing the exposed highlands between Höfn and Egilsstaðir, where sudden weather changes can transform driving conditions within minutes.

The light patterns also favour clockwise travellers. Starting with the relatively gentle landscapes of West Iceland allows your eyes to adjust gradually to Iceland's unique light quality before reaching the dramatic Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on the southeast coast. Professional photographers consistently report better results when approaching these locations in the late afternoon light that clockwise travel naturally provides.

Accommodation and Logistics

Iceland's tourism infrastructure evolved around clockwise travel patterns. Hotels and guesthouses in smaller towns like Vík, Höfn, and Egilsstaðir typically see their heaviest bookings from clockwise travellers arriving in the early evening. Booking accommodations becomes significantly easier when following this natural flow, with room rates often 15-20% lower than during peak anticlockwise arrival times.

The practical benefits extend to fuel and supplies. Clockwise travel aligns with delivery schedules to remote petrol stations, reducing the risk of encountering closed or empty stations—particularly important along the 284-kilometre stretch between Egilsstaðir and Akureyri.

The Anticlockwise Alternative

Despite clockwise advantages, anticlockwise travel offers compelling benefits for specific traveller types. Photography enthusiasts and geological specialists often prefer this direction for valid reasons.

Dramatic First Impressions

Anticlockwise travellers experience Iceland's most spectacular scenery first. Heading south from Reykjavík towards Selfoss and Vík means encountering waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss within your first day, followed by the otherworldly landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park. This front-loaded approach suits travellers with limited time who want maximum impact early in their journey.

Geological Progression

The anticlockwise route follows Iceland's geological timeline more logically. Starting with the younger volcanic formations of the Reykjanes Peninsula and progressing through increasingly ancient geological features creates a natural educational progression. The basalt columns at Reynisfjara gain additional context when viewed after understanding the volcanic processes that created them.

Crowd Management

Anticlockwise travel can offer temporary respite from crowds at major attractions. While this advantage varies seasonally, arriving at popular stops like Gullfoss or Geysir from the less-common direction often provides brief windows of reduced visitor density.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer Travel (June-August)

During Iceland's peak season, clockwise travel becomes even more advantageous. The midnight sun affects the entire island, but clockwise routing optimises daylight for the most challenging driving sections. The mountain roads between Egilsstaðir and Akureyri, including potential detours like the Dettifoss approach road, benefit from the extended evening light that clockwise travel provides.

Summer accommodation pressure strongly favours clockwise travellers. Popular stops like Hotel Rangá near Hella or the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon often maintain waiting lists for anticlockwise travellers arriving at peak times.

Winter Challenges (October-March)

Winter Ring Road travel demands clockwise routing for safety reasons. Iceland's winter storms intensify as they move across the island, and clockwise travel keeps you ahead of the worst conditions. The critical section between Höfn and Djúpivogur, frequently closed during winter storms, becomes more manageable when approached with weather systems behind you rather than approaching.

Daylight limitations during winter make clockwise travel essential for viewing major attractions during optimal light hours. The brief winter daylight (4-6 hours in December) requires precise timing that only clockwise travel consistently delivers.

The Verdict: Clockwise Wins

While anticlockwise travel offers specific advantages for certain travellers, clockwise routing provides superior overall benefits for the majority of Ring Road journeys. The weather patterns, accommodation logistics, and natural light progression all favour this direction.

Budget-conscious travellers particularly benefit from clockwise travel, with potential savings of 200-300 EUR per week through better accommodation rates and reduced weather-related delays.

The only travellers who should seriously consider anticlockwise routing are professional photographers with specific shot requirements, geological specialists following research itineraries, or repeat visitors seeking a fresh perspective on familiar landscapes.

For first-time Ring Road adventurers, clockwise travel maximises your chances of completing the circuit safely, comfortably, and within budget while experiencing Iceland's wonders under optimal conditions.

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