Suðurlandsleið

Suðurlandsleið is the common name for Route 1 in Iceland, also known as the Ring Road, as it traverses the southern part of the country. This major highway circumnavigates the entire island and is a vital artery for transportation and tourism. When referring specifically to the southern section, Suðurlandsleið connects Reykjavik to various towns and attractions along the south coast.

This stretch of the Ring Road is renowned for its dramatic and diverse landscapes. Travelers will encounter black sand beaches, towering waterfalls such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, glaciers including Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, and the iconic volcanic formations of Dyrhólaey. The road passes through or near popular tourist destinations like the towns of Selfoss, Hella, Hvolsvöllur, Skógar, and Vík í Mýrdal.

Suðurlandsleið is a paved road for its entirety, though conditions can vary, especially during winter months when snow and ice can make travel hazardous. It is a primary route for accessing the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the Diamond Beach further east. The accessibility of these natural wonders makes Suðurlandsleið one of the most frequently traveled sections of the Ring Road for both domestic and international visitors exploring Iceland's natural beauty.