uday029

Are there any advantages/disadvantages to going either clockwise or anti-clockwise for a trip around the ring road of Iceland? Is one way more popular than the other? Does one direction have better views than the other?

We are flying into/out of Keflavik. So either direction, we start our trip from Reykjavik.

Thanks.

astein12

I'd base the decision on whether you are see Reykjavik at the beginning or end of the trip.

We went to Reykjavik at the end, so did the drive counterclockwise. We headed from the airport to Grindavik and Selfoss (and avoiding Reykjavik).

If you are going to Reykjavik first, I'd suggest you do it clockwise. Stay in Reykjavik for a couple of days and then head north.

Either way you go, you can consider doing the Golden Circle in two parts (one at the beginning and one at the end). From a driving perspective, this can work out a little better. We found it easier to do a loop with Gulfoss and Geyser at the beginning and Þingvellir at the end).

mikeyred242

In my opinion the Ring Road between Akureyri and Reykjavik is probably the least glamorous, so maybe consider doing that leg in one trip and spend more time elsewhere.

There is no advantage that I can think of in travelling anti clockwise or clockwise, I guess it depends on where you managed to get accommodation.

"Does one direction have better views than the other?"

No. It is the same road. If you feel like you are missing out just look in the rear view mirror...