There’s nothing like loading up a rental car with good friends, a few ambitious runners, and a flexible itinerary to explore one of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. Eight of us—four runners and four spouses—set off to conquer Iceland’s legendary Ring Road, covering 880 miles of surreal scenery, hearty laughs, and over 50 miles on foot through some of the most jaw-dropping terrain we’ve ever witnessed.
The Ring Road: One Loop to Rule Them All
We kicked things off at Þingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates drift apart and the history of Icelandic democracy lives on in moss-covered lava fields. From there, it was a steady counterclockwise march around the island—each stop more dramatic than the last.
Vik brought black sand beaches and hauntingly beautiful sea stacks. A visit to the Katla Ice Cave gave us the full “Game of Thrones” vibes—frozen, moody, and a little bit magical.
We hit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive chunks of ice floated silently in sapphire waters, and seals popped up to say hello. From there, the road twisted east to Bakkagerði, home to puffins, coastal hikes, and the Dyrfjallahlaup trail race.
Dyrfjallahlaup: A Race to Remember
Of course, this wasn’t just a sightseeing trip. For the runners among us, Dyrfjallahlaup was the crown jewel. Traversing the stunning Dyrfjöll Mountains, the trail race winds through volcanic slopes, lush valleys, and cloud-kissed ridgelines that make every uphill worth the burning quads. The course is as humbling as it is breathtaking—a soul-filling journey across Iceland’s wild east that left us sweaty, sore, and completely in awe.
Northern Charm and Thermal Bliss
We looped north through Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, and took a much-needed soak at the Forest Lagoon, where geothermal waters and alpine views made for perfect post-run recovery. The crisp mountain air mixed with the steam made us wonder if maybe Iceland has figured out the secret to happiness after all.
In between hiking, running, and sightseeing, we stopped at KHB Brugghús Brewery & Distillery, a cozy and creative spot with killer craft beer, inventive cocktails, and just enough charm to make you wish it were your neighborhood bar back home.
Food, Fun, and Fermented Surprises
Let’s talk about the pizza. We weren’t expecting Iceland to deliver on this front, but damn—from wood-fired crusts to inventive toppings, Iceland knows how to do pizza right. We devoured pies in tiny towns and bigger cities, often questioning if we came for the trails or the cheese.
Then came Black Death. A traditional Icelandic schnapps (known as Brennivín), this caraway-flavored spirit is often used to wash down fermented shark. We stuck with just the liquor, which was… bold. Let’s just say it lived up to its name.
Reykjavik & the Sky Lagoon Sendoff
Our final days were spent in Reykjavik, where colorful streets, lively cafés, and Icelandic street art brought a bit of urban flair to our nature-heavy journey. We ended our trip at the Sky Lagoon, floating in the steamy waters overlooking the North Atlantic, bodies relaxed and spirits high.
Final Tally: 880 Miles Driven, 50+ Miles on Foot, Infinite Memories
Between the mountain trails, glacier lagoons, craft brews, and all the ridiculous group photos, this Icelandic adventure was everything we hoped it would be—and more. We laughed, ran, hiked, soaked, and yes, even survived the Black Death.
Until next time, Iceland. Or as we now call you: the land of pizza, puffins, and perfectly sore legs.
Magnolias + Fluff 