Explore National Parks in Iceland along Route 1

When it comes to natural wonders and astounding geography, exploring Iceland in a rental car is hands down one of the best ways to become acquainted with this unique part of the world. Known as the land of Fire and Ice, the Nordic country may be the most sparsely populated in Europe, yet its terrain is among one of the most diverse. Over time, more than 2.3 million annual visitors have started coming to the island nation to experience its glaciers, rivers, mountains, volcanoes, lava fields and beaches, many of which can be experienced at the three national parks: Snæfellsjökull,Vatnajökull and Þingvellir. Luckily for all of those adventurous travelers out there, many of these attractions coincide with an assortment of Auto Europe car rental locations in Iceland!

If you’re eagerly planning an exciting getaway to Iceland, the following travel guide is here to assist. Beginning at the bustling Keflavik Airport, you will be able to traverse Iceland’s famous 821-mile (1,322 kilometer) Route 1 connecting you to the most populated parts of the country. Also known as the Ring Round, it encircles the island and enables thrill-seekers to easily hop from one rural town to another. All the while, this post was specifically created to benefit those travelers hoping to visit Iceland’s national parks along the way. So pack your bags and bring a few sweaters! In collaboration with our reputable service providers and national partners such as Pro Car, Auto Europe is pleased to offer some of the best rates and diverse models ranging from motorhomes, luxury cars and SUVs for your Icelandic road trip!

1. Arrive at Keflavik Airport

Most travelers en route to Iceland will be arriving at the country’s busiest international airport in Keflavik. Being the primary hub of Icelandair, Auto Europe provides efficient car rentals from this location with some of the most qualified providers. Some of the most frequent destinations from this terminal include Copenhagen, London and Amsterdam. For those traveling to Iceland from the United States, most flights are based out of Boston. In no time at all, you should be able to retrieve your vehicle and be off to nearby Reykjavik to commence the traveling and outdoor fun. 


 

2. Keflavik to Reykjavik

Once you're settled in Reykjavik, you will be only 40 minutes away from the Þingvellir National Park. Anglicized as Thingvellir and meaning “assembly fields” in Old Norse, this area is where the world’s oldest democratic assembly known as Alþingi held its outdoor sessions, which is still active to this very day! Staying true to Iceland’s geographic appeal, the site also lies in a rift valley where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Such volcanic and seismic activity derive from these sources. One of the most popular activities is snorkeling and scuba diving at the Elfra Canyon. South of this park is also Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.


 

3. Reykjavik to Vestmannaeyjar

Before you reach the second national park on your itinerary, you may want to make a pit stop in Vestmannaeyjar with your rental vehicle. Located off the southern coast on your way to Vatnajökull National Park, the municipality and 15-island archipelago showcases Iceland’s ethereal green hills and cliffs protruding into the Atlantic Ocean. Frequented by both hungry puffins searching for fish and tourists alike, nearby is also the Eldfell Volcano that last erupted in 1973.




 

4. Vestmannaeyjar to Höfn

This is when things are going to get quite scenic. Once you have reached Höfn from the highway, newcomers will be in close range to Vatnajökull National Park, the second largest European national park in times of area proceeding Yugyd Va in Russia. Following the merger of Skaftafell to the southwest and Jökulsárgljúfur to the north, this park is by far the largest and most diverse in Iceland. Taking geology to another level, it combines rivers, glaciers, volcanoes and geothermal activity. Also with over 14,100 km2, or 14% of Iceland’s land. It even became a World Heritage Site in July 2019. Be sure to check out the ice formations at Jökulsárlón and the otherworldly green volcanic valley of Eldgjá.

 

5. Höfn to Egilsstaðir

Established in 1947, Egilsstaðir is a relatively young Icelandic community and economic hub of the eastern region. Down the river is Litlanesfoss, a towering waterfall framed with hexagonal basalt columns. Better to take out your hiking boots for this trek because the attraction is only accessible on a scenic hiking path. Another impressive cascade within the vicinity is Fardagafoss with great views of the nearby gorge and surrounding valley. If you're hoping to stay connected during your stay in Iceland, whether to post on your blog or publish photos on social media, be sure to check out our mobile hotspots!

 

6. Egilsstaðir to Akureyri

For the northern portion of your Icelandic road trip along Route 1, you will be heading to the town of Akureyri with your Auto Europe rental. Known for its bustling port and fishing industry, it’s the fourth largest municipality in Iceland. West of town are the Hlíðarfjall ski slopes frequented by Icelanders and tourists alike. For an afternoon browsing around the city, other attractions include the Akureyri Art Museum and the city Botanical Garden.



 

7. Akureyri to Ólafsvík

As you approach the final haul of your road trip in Iceland in the town of Ólafsvík, soon enough you will be reaching your final national park, Snæfellsjökull. The name actually comes from the 700,000-year-old stratovolcano located within the park where lava is constantly flowing, whether above or below ground. Matter of fact, the glacier-capped peak is where the characters from the classic "Journey to the Center of the Earth" discover the passage to the planet’s steamy core! While this park is the only one in Iceland to touch the water, it also offers an array of extensive hiking on moss-covered volcanic rocks.



 

8. Ólafsvík to Keflavik Airport

Before ending your Scandinavian holiday and returning your rental car in Iceland, be sure to pay a visit to the charming town of Keflavik. If you’re hoping to see the architectural inspiration behind hobbit homes, this is where you can truly admire some of Iceland’s famous ecological homes built into the ground, such as those at Stekkjarkot. Open to the public, this is a traditional fisherman's cottage made from turf, stone and timber. 




 

Memorable road trips made easier by Auto Europe

All things considered, an Auto Europe car rental will hopefully encourage customers to truly experience the splendor of these locations in Iceland. Each will offer pristine nature and a truly memorable holiday spent in the great outdoors. Considering that we have 60 years leading the international car rental industry, let us be of assistance to find you not only the best rates, but also unbeatable hotel accommodations to help you enjoy the perfect vacation abroad. To get the ball rolling, give us a call, toll-free at 1-888-223-5555 to speak to one of our customer service agents.

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