Iceland is about the size of Virginia with just 400,000 people. Virtually the entire population is linked by the Ring Road—a demanding 800-mile drive with a huge scenic payoff.

On the first leg is Iceland’s South Coast. Just two hours from Reykjavík, we’re already deep in the thrills…chalking up the experiences people visiting here dream of.

Seljalandsfoss—one of Iceland’s most accessible waterfalls—is a favorite stop. The water tumbles more than 200 feet from cliffs high above, like a bridal-veil.

On sunny days, the scene is like a party as everybody is suddenly waterfall-crazy and connoisseurs of rainbows. Late in the day, with the setting sun, everyone’s a photographer. A slippery trail leads up behind the cascading water. Back here the energy is palpable. And rain parkas get a good workout.

Here in Iceland, we experience both the power of nature and the beauty of nature.

The South Coast’s backdrop is a chain of glacier-capped volcanoes. This island sits at the rift where the North American and European tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart…resulting in one of our planet’s most dramatic and fiery landscapes.

This country is expert at monetizing its stunning nature—making the great outdoors accessible. Each morning, rugged vehicles load up with tourists and head for the backcountry. We’ve hired one of these enormous trucks with a driver…eager for a thrilling experience.

We’re heading up a remote and rocky valley called Thórsmörk. Even in this land of superlatives…Thórsmörk is one-of-a-kind. Venturing far beyond where normal cars can tread, it’s a land of super-vehicles. But it’s still accessible. There’s even a public bus service up this remote valley. All must have tires that deflate with the push of a button for extra traction. “Super-jeeps” and buses alike, equipped with these monster tires, churn through rivers of glacial melt—giving all on board a tale to tell.

People come to hike. Remote lodges provide simple home bases. Up here, nature is a great equalizer as everyone is psyching up…prepping to create that lifetime memory.

Charging deeper and deeper into the valley, I keep thinking the off-road prowess of our vehicle would make for a great TV ad. Finally, we park our super-jeep and actually work up a sweat with a short hike. Feeling small in this primeval setting, we’re humbled at the majesty that surrounds us. This is yet another way to be immersed in the raw power of Iceland’s nature.

Highway 1 laces together a steady parade of side-tripping options. Each detour comes with a convenient lesson in the local history, and a schematic map locating every farm, place to eat or sleep, and point of interest on that smaller road.

Like any road trip, doing the Ring Road requires multiple one-night stays. There are plenty of accommodation options. They range from big boxy hotels…to prefab cabins…tight little yurts…remote hostels…and camping.

Back on the mainland, we’re continuing around the Ring Road. And there’re lots more dramatic natural sights. From this rugged promontory, on a clear day, you can see virtually the entire South Coast.

And just below is one of this volcanic island’s many black-sand beaches. Travelers are enthralled by the fantastical landscape…sea stacks rise out of the briny waves…basalt formations bring out the kid in every adventurer. A windy walk immersed in this pristine beauty can be unforgettable.

Marking the end of the South Coast, the village of Vík is the southernmost settlement in Iceland. Vík is humble and sparse—little more than a practical pit stop for travelers.

And for this village, that’s nothing new. Historically there was no harbor. A century ago, before the arrival of the road, provisions came in by boats beached on this shore.