My daughter and I will have 12 days to do the Ring road in May 2025 ( 16th to 28th). We will sleep in Stykkisholmur before going to Northern Iceland and will sleep in Siglufjordur at the end of that driving day.. When I look at the map to get back to Hwy 1, there appears to be 2 choices: 1) Route 54 and 59 ( which looks like a gravel road at the end before hitting hwy 1 ) or route 54 and 60 south, back to the Grabrok crater, which we will have seen already by then. Since it's a long drive with some sightseeing on the way, I want to take the most efficient road...and it seems that taking route 60 is backtracking to Hwy 1 ( wasting time??)..but not keen on the gravel raod on route 59 either. Thoughts?
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2867 posts
We had the same dilemma the time we did the ring road. I asked several locals and they all said to go back down to Borgarnes and then up. Yes 54 to 60 is a gravel road. They all said going south then up was faster.
We did that same long drive but stayed in Olafsfjordur. One thing we did early on in the drive was Gerduberg cliffs.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa, Canada
62 posts
Thank you. Oh my...going back to Borgarnes seems so much longer than what I had anticipated...but I guess it would go faster if we are not driving on gravel roads. I've seen your answers on many of other questions about Iceland...looks like you've been there many times...from the pictures I am seeing as I book and plan my trip, I get the feeling I might go back as well...Thanks again. I know I will have other questions as I am planning this fascinating trip. Love this forum!
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2867 posts
Yes, it seems so backwards to go all the way to Borgarnes but every local said to do that.
We have been 7 times and will be back in August as well. Several of our trips have been for a few weeks at a time , so we have a lot of experience there. It is just such a magical place and there is always more to explore.
Posted by
California
19 posts
I made the mistake of going the gravel way... while it was beautiful, I don't think I drove faster than 25 mph the entire time.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa, Canada
62 posts
Thanks. Good to know! Think I'll follow the locals' recommendation.