travel itinerary for iceland

The Ultimate 10-Day Iceland Itinerary

Day 1 - Reykjavik

• Day 2 - Caving & Hveragerdi

Day 3 - Waterfalls, Reynisfjara, & Klaustur

Day 4 - skaftafell & jokulsarlon.

• Day 5 - The East Fjords & Egilsstadir
• Day 6 - Asbyrgi

Day 7 - Myvatn

Day 8 - husavik & akureyri, day 9 - husafell.

• Day 10 - Reykjanes & Homecoming

Discover 10 adventure-filled summer days of authentic travel—our ultimate 10-day Iceland itinerary is sure to cater to your highest expectations. In addition to guiding you to incredible landscapes and secret natural gems, this well-thought-out selection of Iceland's must-see attractions covers the Ring Road and more. Read on to explore the best 10-day Iceland itinerary.

Many travelers wonder how much time they need in Iceland. We believe 10 days is optimal to take in a range of incredible attractions and activities. 

• Book this  10-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with a Taste of the Central Highlands
• Join this fantastic 10-day guided circle trip around Iceland in winter

Popular package tours

Scenic 4-day northern lights tour of vatnajokull ice cave, jokulsarlon & the south coast, amazing 5-day northern lights winter vacation package in iceland with ice caving & the blue lagoon, 4-day reykjavik city break with optional activities.

Other Considerations for This 10 day Iceland Trip Itinerary

• The following is a 10 day Iceland summer itinerary. Take this trip between May and September to allow sufficient daylight hours to see all our recommended attractions.
• You will spend one night in each location, allowing you to complete the entire Ring Road and uncover hidden gems.
• Because the summer months in Iceland are busier, we advise you to pre-book your accommodation . 
• Although this is a summer itinerary, you will still need to bring warm clothing to Iceland.
• See also The Right Clothes and Gear for Tours in Iceland

Mode of Transport for Your 10 day Iceland Travel Itinerary

Iceland has no railway system, and although the Icelandic bus system is relatively accessible and straightforward, trips are both expensive and infrequent.

When traversing the country, therefore, we recommend that you rent a car , as it allows you to control your own pace and explore hidden paths and less-used roads where you are sure to discover many secrets.

With the speed limit set at a modest 56 miles per hour (90 kilometers per hour), Iceland's quiet highways provide ideal road trip conditions where you have ample opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking scenery.

And remember that if you do not have the necessary means of driving by yourself, you always have the option of going on a  Guided Ring Road of Iceland Tour .

With your sights set on central  Reykjavik , where you have booked your accommodation, pick up your car at the Keflavik International Airport . First, drive through the lunar vistas that make up the Reykjanes Peninsula . Here you can immerse yourself in Iceland's spectacular landscapes, spontaneously discovered by simply looking out your car window.

Over 70 percent of the people who visit Iceland make their way to the Blue Lagoon  geothermal spa, making it Iceland's single most popular attraction, and with good reason. Named in 2012 as one of National Geographic's "25 Wonders of the World," this outdoor spa is in the middle of a rugged black lava field in  Grindavik . The Blue Lagoon, located 13.4 miles (21.6 kilometers) from Keflavík Airport, has warm milky-blue water and supposed extraordinary healing powers.

Should you arrive in Iceland early in the morning, a visit to the Blue Lagoon would be an ideal choice for the day. The journey ahead will provide you with ample opportunities to bathe in many of Iceland's magnificent natural and artificial pools. You could also visit the Blue Lagoon on your last day or skip it altogether.

When you have checked into your accommodation, take advantage of the closeness to Reykjavik's thriving city center. You can discover a multitude of shops, museums, restaurants, and cafes and explore the old harbor district of  Grandi . It recently transformed into a vibrant arts venue filled with workshops, restaurants, and galleries. 

In the evening, dine at one of  the best restaurants in Reykjavik  before joining the radically liberal  nightlife in Reykjavik , which is famed for its avant-garde atmosphere and flamboyant crowds.

Just make sure that you save some energy for the journey ahead.

Top Blue Lagoon Tours

• See also Top 10 things to do in Reykjavik

Day 2 - Caving & Hveragerdi  

Start the second day of your 10-day Iceland itinerary by driving 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) east of Reykjavik into the  Blafjoll Country Park . Spend the late morning and early afternoon exploring what is widely considered the most magnificent natural phenomenon of its kind, the empty magma chamber of the Thrihnukagigur  volcano.

Photo from  6-Hour Volcano Tour Inside the Magma Chamber of Thrihnukagigur with Transfer from Reykjavik

After a 1.8-mile (3-kilometer) hike through Blafjoll's volcanic wonderland, an open cable car will take you through a narrow, funnel-shaped opening and slowly lower you 393 feet (120 meters) into the enormous Thrihnukagigur magma chamber.

A  Thrihnukagigur volcano tour  is an excursion into the cold heart of a dormant volcano, where orange and scarlet walls tell stories of ancient cataclysms and terrible destruction.

Hot water perpetually pours from the Reykjadalur's surrounding hills, forming a warm stream at the bottom of the valley, where you can bathe and unwind while enjoying the mesmerizing scenery.

If you are thirsty for a more daring approach, a guided horseback tour  takes you further into the mountains above Hveragerdi. Here you will discover mighty lava fields and geothermal hot spots of bubbling mud pools, solfataras, and fumaroles. At the same time, you will enjoy riding the pony-sized Icelandic horse .

The third day of your 10-day Iceland road trip takes you further east, across the southern lowlands where Seljalandsfoss , one of Iceland's highest waterfalls, awaits you by the highway.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall drops over 197 feet (60 meters) over a misty cavern where you can walk behind the cascade. Experience its mystical force from the point of view rarely granted by mother nature.

Your next stop of the day is Seljavellir, where an old path takes you to  Seljavallalaug outdoor pool , one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools and the south's most iconic construction.

Since 1923, the pool has collected the lukewarm water that steadily seeps from the hills. You are free to bathe in this stunning example of organic architecture to this day.

Six miles (10 kilometers) east of Seljavellir, the mighty  Skogafoss  waterfall, one of Iceland's most significant, plummets 197 feet (60 meters) from the towering cliffs that make up the border between the coastal lowlands and the Icelandic Highlands .

After accosting this mighty aqueous guardian of the south, you would do well to visit the Skogar Folk Museum , whose six buildings display more than 15,000 regional folk craft artifacts.

Spend the late afternoon exploring  Reynisfjara  beach, one of the world's most beautiful black sand beaches.

Perpetually hammered by the ruthless North Atlantic surf, Reynisfjara has titanic rock formations and hexagonal basalt columns that make up an enormous cliff face on which strange dark caves gape towards the open sea. 

Please be advised that strong undercurrents, heavy surf, and cold water temperatures make  entering the sea extremely dangerous , and one should not do so under any circumstances. 

• Book a  Reynisfjara South Coast Tour  now

Photo by Regina Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir

After exploring Reynisfjara, you head east towards  Kirkjubaejarklaustur  town, where you will lay your head for the night. 

The bright summer evening provides the perfect conditions for exploring the Systrafoss waterfall and the magnificent Systrastapi (Sister's Rock). This strange rock hill towers from the southern lowlands, 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers) from the village. 

Top South Coast Tours

On the fourth day of this epic 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary, enjoy the journey into  Skaftafell  nature reserve. This incredible landscape covers over 2,982 square miles (4,800 square kilometers) of utterly surreal wildlands. Black desert sands meet a birchwood oasis under a spur of the Vatnajokull ice cap.

Skaftafell is famed for its warm summer climate, and locals offer excellent services, including guided glacier hiking tours and ice cave tours , transportation, food, and accommodation. From Skaftafell's visitor center and campsite, many hiking trails will take you into dreamlike realms of mesmerizing beauty.

On Fossaleid (Trail of Falls ), Hundafoss waterfall will be the first and highest of a set of cascades on the path to the majestic  Svartifoss  (Black Falls) waterfall. It tumbles from a tall row of black basalt columns in a forest clearing, like a reality gap. 

Thirty-four miles (54.7 kilometers) east of the campsite, you will find one of Iceland's most treasured masterpieces of nature, Jokulsarlon  Glacier Lagoon.

Jokulsarlon is a glacier lagoon in which you can join countless seals traveling amongst the towering mountains of ice that have broken off from the Breidamerkurjokull  glacier in the north.

For decades,  Jokulsarlon tours  have attracted large crowds worldwide, and to this day, they remain one of Iceland's most popular tourist activities.

But when the titanic icebergs of Jokulsarlon have melted to the size of a mere cubic meter, the Jokulsa a Breidamerkursandi glacial river ferries them south into the sea. Here, the waves polish them into table-sized blocks of ice that eventually wash onto the obsidian sands called  Diamond Beach . 

Diamond Beach is where 1,000-year-old glacier fragments slowly fade into unity with the significant drop of water called the Atlantic Ocean.

Spend the rest of your day here before heading back to Skaftafell for a well-deserved good night's sleep under a glacier bathed in the scarlet rays of the midnight sun . 

Top Jokulsarlon Tours

Day 5 - the east fjords & egilsstadir  .

On day five of your 10-day trip to Iceland, you set your sights on the small township of Egilsstadir , the largest settlement in the Eastern Region , where folklore and science have waged a fierce battle for centuries.

Lagarfljot , Iceland's third-largest river, splits the unofficial Eastern capital. It is allegedly home to the Icelandic equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster , the serpentine creature known as Lagarfljotsormurinn .

Documented sightings of the great worm of Lagarfljot first occurred in 1345 and continued well into the 21st century. Still, it wasn't until 2012 that a video recording finally provided the irrefutable evidence that ultimately proved the creature's existence.

And within the blink of an eye, legend had become fact.

Before you have the possibility of chancing upon a close encounter with the Lagarfljot Worm, enjoy the three-hour morning drive towards Egilsstadir. Your reward is crowd-free vistas of windswept mountains, picturesque villages, and an array of waterfalls so stunning that they are even said to rival their southern counterparts.

The dramatic east coast has long fjords with steep sides and jagged glacier-forged peaks. The fjords contrast with fertile farmlands, blooming meadows, and green groves.

Fifteen miles (25 kilometers) south of Egilsstadir, the  Hallormsstadaskogur  National Forest covers over 740 hectares (7.4 square kilometers) of varied landscapes, making it the largest forest in Iceland.

Forests are a rare phenomenon in Iceland, and before you reach Egilsstadir, a visit to the forest would be well worth your while. Hallormsstadarskogur boasts over 24.8 miles (40 kilometers) of footpaths and marked trails, two fully-equipped campsites, and boat and horse rentals.

Top Eastfjords Tours

Day 6 - asbyrgi  .

Day six of your 10-day Iceland road trip takes you 118 miles (190 kilometers) northwest of Egilsstadir and into the mystical horseshoe-shaped  Asbyrgi  canyon (The Shelter of Gods). According to numerous local sources, their steep sides are towering cliffs that are the principal dwellings of the hidden Icelandic people (Huldufolk).

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir

One of those paths is a stone-stepped trail that leads to the crystal clear and still Botnstjorn pond. This small body of water is all that remains of a nameless waterfall, which in primordial times fell roaring from the cliffs above.

Today, Botnstjorn has a viewing platform that allows for a peaceful moment where you can pay a silent tribute to the aquatic spirit that once was the master of this realm.

Legend claims that Asbyrgi formed when Odin's eight-footed horse, Sleipnir, graced the earth with a touch of one of its hooves. Most geologists, however, maintain that catastrophic ice-age flooding of the Jokulsa a Fjollum glacial river brought Asbyrgi into existence.

Spend the day in Asbyrgi's soft but rocky embrace and secure a night of sweet dreams by remembering to pay your respects to the hidden people in the cliffs above you. 

• Book a  Ring Road Self-Drive Tour With Asbyrgi  here 

From Asbyrgi, head northeast inland and onward to Lake Myvatn , 55.7 miles (89.7 kilometers) away. Here you will traverse ethereal landscapes formed in a cataclysmic volcanic explosion more than 2,000 years ago.

Myvatn is one of Iceland's largest lakes, famed for its multiple bird communities, vibrant plant life, and the many natural wonders surrounding the lake itself. These include the bubbling sulfuric mud pools of the  Namaskard  pass, the enormous tuff ring volcano crater of  Hverfjall , and the massive  Krafla  volcanic caldera. Krafla is fiercely active and last erupted in 1984.

You will find one of Iceland's most precious natural marvels, the  Dimmuborgir  (Dark Cities) lava fields east of the lake.

Legend has it that Dimmuborgir came into existence when Lucifer was banished and cast from the heavens. Upon landing east of Myvatn, the fallen angel quickly amassed an infernal hoard of lost souls and established the Catacombs of Hell, much to the dislike of the local light elves.

There was chaos and confusion. Demons fought light beings under a burning sky. Still, eventually, the elves drove Satan's army far into the nether regions before turning the unusually shaped lava fields into a cross-dimensional elven capital of their own.

Stories like this may come across as nonsensical at first. Still, when you consider the area's incredible geothermal potency, Myvatn's mythological association with fire, brimstone, and burning underworlds becomes quite understandable.

Around the lake, you are more than likely to happen upon numerous caves filled with hot water, many of which rank amongst the world's most magnificent natural baths.

But since small earthquakes regularly alter the area's geothermal conditions—sometimes raising water temperatures to extreme and even life-threatening levels—you should always  connect with locals  before bathing in the caves. 

From Myvatn, a picturesque morning drive takes you into the northern Skjalfandi Bay  and the quiet little town of  Husavik , which has made a name for itself as the whale watching capital of the world.

Because of the multiple species of whale that flock to their feeding grounds in the waters of Skjalfandi bay, Husavik is the very best whale watching harbor in Iceland, with local operators boasting an unmatched 99 percent success rate.

On a  Husavik traditional whale watching tour , you are more than likely to encounter the white-beaked dolphin, the harbor porpoise, and even the titanic blue whale. However, the gentle minke whale is by far the most commonly sighted animal, its curious nature often allowing visitors to watch it from a very short distance. 

In the early afternoon, visit the local  Whale Museum  and the Exploration Museum , whose ancient artifacts and fishing vessels witness Iceland's incredible maritime history.

Top Whale Watching & Puffin Tours

From Husavik, a 56-mile (90-kilometer) drive takes you west to Akureyri , the largest town in Iceland outside of the capital area, with a population of 20,000. 

Although Akureyri lies only 62 miles (100 kilometers) below the arctic circle , the town greets you with mild, pleasant weather and an easy-going atmosphere. 

Akureyri has started to rival Reykjavik as Iceland's go-to cultural hot spot. Before you rest for the night, spend the late afternoon and evening exploring the town's many attractions, including an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and museums. 

• See also:  13 Best Things to Do in Akureyri

On the second to last day of your 10-day Iceland road trip, start your day early and drive to the old pastoral hamlet of Husafell , 196 miles (316 kilometers) from Akureyri.

Set in dense birchwood forests between two glaciers, this ever-popular outdoor activity center makes for an ideal place to spend a day of easy hiking and sightseeing.

Excellent footpaths and hiking trails lead into the beautiful Husafellsskogur forest, towards the Ok and  Eiriksjokull glaciers, and onto the vast Hallmundarhraun lava field. The lava field is home to numerous caves, including Surtshellir  and the enormous Vidgelmir .

Vidgelmir cave is 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers) long, with gigantic domes reaching astonishing heights of over 49 feet (15 meters). These measurements make it the most extensive cave of its kind in Iceland and one of the largest lava caves in the world. 

Although Vidgelmir's sheer size is spectacular to behold, the cave's true uniqueness lies not in its enormity but its beautiful vibrant colors. They come to life in numerous locations, where a lights system ensures that visitors thoroughly enjoy their underground adventure. 

• Book a  Vidgelmir Cave Explorer Tour  here

Just over 9 miles (15 kilometers) southwest of Vidgelmir, you will find another natural marvel, the  Hraunfossar  waterfalls flowing into the Hvita River.

Do not miss Hraunfossar waterfalls, ranked among Iceland's most magnificent waterfalls. They are only a short drive from Husafell's service center. Husafell has a small grocery store, a filling station, a swimming pool, and an information booth where you can book cottages, reserve space on the campground, or book a room for the night in the local  Hotel.

Day 10 - Reykjanes & Homecoming  

On the very last day of your 10-day Iceland road trip itinerary, you will travel 119 miles (192 kilometers) southwest of Husafell onto the ultra-volcanic  Reykjanes Peninsula . Marvel at the massive ridge of black and red lava fields where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates drift apart.

Around every turn, you will stumble upon superb examples of Iceland's volcanic nature, such as the steaming  Kleifarvatn lake and the vibrant  Gunnuhver  and Seltun geothermal fields with bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles.

In Sandvik , a footbridge overarches a small canyon on the peninsula's southern point. Here, you can walk between the two separating continents.

It is easy to lose track of time and space in Reykjanes' volcanic landscape, so make sure to save a moment for the Blue Lagoon, should you not have gone there on your first day.

The steamy world of black rock and milky-blue water makes for the perfect finish to your visit to Iceland. In the misty lake, you are bound to soak away all of your tension and prepare your body for the journey back home.

Popular articles

Guide to Iceland | The Story of the Leading Travel Agency of Iceland

The Complete Guide to the Midnight Sun in Iceland

Top 20 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland

22 Photos of the Aurora in Iceland

Mountains in Iceland

Other interesting articles.

The Ultimate Winter Itinerary for Iceland

What to Do With 5 Days in Iceland

The Perfect Camping Tour Around Iceland

Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

Top things to do in Iceland

Book your complete trip with the best companies only

Visit a Live Volcano

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Go on a Road Trip

Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Tours

Find the Northern Lights

Explore an Ice Cave

The Ultimate 10 to 14 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

This post was originally published in July 2018, and updated in December 2022 after return visits to Iceland.

Iceland is a country of stunning natural beauty that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Based on how often I see it on social media, I think it probably is! Iceland’s popularity as a travel destination exploded around 2016, thanks to inexpensive direct flight options from the US and a massive investment in its tourism infrastructure. 

But don’t let the Instagram hype turn you off – Iceland is well worth it!

Despite an influx of tourism in recent years, Iceland retains a reputation for its pristine, raw and untouched wilderness. With glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, waterfalls, mountains and black sand beaches, Iceland is truly the “Land of Ice and Fire.” It is a destination where you can see mind-blowing scenery directly from the car, back-to-back for 10 days straight. It is honestly incredible, which is why I have visited the island on four separate occasions. 

Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a photography enthusiast, Iceland has something to offer everyone. In this blog post, I'll be sharing the ultimate 10 to 14 day Iceland road trip itinerary that will bring you to some of the most breathtaking and iconic destinations in the country. From the Golden Circle to the Western Fjords, I’ll help you discover the best of Iceland's natural wonders and must-see places. 

What You'll Find In This Post

Your Comprehensive Guide to Two Weeks in Iceland

Overview of this ring road itinerary.

For many Americans like myself, road trips are an ideal way to travel and Iceland is an exceptional destination for a road trip. The famed Highway 1, also known as the Ring Road, is a well-maintained and easily navigable route to explore the island—it literally goes all the way around in a big circle! Although many travelers dedicate 2 weeks to driving the full ring road circuit, a lot of working people may not have enough vacation time for that—myself included.

Due to limited vacation days, I opted for a 7 day road trip on the Ring Road during my first visit to Iceland in 2016 . While it is possible to drive the Ring Road in just 1 week, I'll give you a fair warning – it is a lot of driving in a short time. You are likely to feel rushed, and you will definitely miss things. Based on my experience, I think 10-14 days would actually be the ideal amount of time to drive the whole island of Iceland. This will allow for more time enjoying the natural beauty and less time behind the wheel. 

With that said, I have laid out this itinerary in a way that is adjustable to the length of stay you’re considering, anywhere from 7 to 14 days. You’ll notice that certain destinations on the itinerary have a range of time (example day 4-6 on the southern coast). You can take full advantage of the time allotted, or you can remove days depending on how slowly or quickly you are driving the Ring Road. It really depends on your personal interests and preferences.

Fundamentals of Driving the Ring Road 

Driving Iceland's Ring Road is an unforgettable experience, showcasing some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Whether you're an experienced traveler or planning your first trip to Iceland, there are a few things you should know before hitting the Ring Road. My Ring Road travel guide is designed to answer all of your road trip questions, empowering you with the need-to-know information that will help you tackle one to two weeks on Iceland’s famous Ring Road.

Complete 10 to 14 Day Ring Road Itinerary

Day 1: reykjavik.

Practically all international travelers will arrive in Iceland at Keflavik International Airport (code KEF). Located about 1 hour outside of the city of Reykjavik, this is the most logical place to pick up your rental car if you are planning on doing a self-drive Ring Road trip.

Although most people don’t come to Iceland to experience urban destinations, Reykjavik is actually a pretty cool little city. As the capital city, Reykjavik is Iceland’s hub of culture, cuisine, and history, offering visitors a glimpse into the mysterious and alluring Icelandic lifestyle. 

Having visited Reykjavik on four different trips, I think one or two days is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what this city has to offer. With just 48 hours in Reykjavik, visitors can explore the city's many museums and galleries, visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church, and take a dip in one of the city's thermal pools. I have highlighted all my favorite things in Reykjavik in a separate blog post if you want more detail about what to see and do. 

Day 2-3: Golden Circle

Perhaps the most famous sightseeing circuit in Iceland, the Golden Circle is a 300 km route that offers a density of natural attractions in the southwest corner of Iceland. The three most important natural wonders to visit in the Golden Circle are: Thingvellir National Park, the Gulfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Geothermal area . Each stop offers a unique window into Iceland's geologic history, not to mention excellent photo opportunities.

There are several other notable natural wonders in the Golden Circle, including Kerid Crater Lake, Reykjadalur Hot Spring, and the charming town of Selfoss. You can also add on cool activities like snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure Rift, the divergent tectonic boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates.

Driving the whole circuit, with short 30 minute stops at the locations, will take about 6 hours. Although it is possible to do it as a day trip from Reykjavik, I recommend breaking it up into two days. This gives you a longer time to enjoy the natural wonders. Plus, if you wake up early, there is a good chance you can visit these locations with minimal crowds. The Ion Adventure Hotel , located in the heart of the Golden Circle, offers modern luxury and a unique design inspired by Iceland's natural elements. 

Because this is a well-trodden tourist circuit, there are a number of nice places to eat in the Golden Circle. Lindin Restaurant is a charming family run restaurant located a little off the beaten trail. Another good option is Fridheimar Farm , offering farm-to-table Icelandic cuisine. This place is fairly well-known, so you should expect crowds. I would definitely recommend getting ice cream at Efstidalur , a sustainable dairy farm where you can watch the cows being milked while enjoying your delicious treat, as well as

Day 4-6: Southern Coast 

Departing from the Golden Circle, continue driving the Ring Road south and east along Iceland’s southern coast. Nowhere are nature’s wonders more clustered than southern Iceland. You can see a rainbow ringed waterfall followed by a 4,000 year old glacier followed by a black sand beach all in one day —there is so much incredible natural diversity in Southern Iceland! After four trips to Iceland, I can honestly say that southern Iceland is my favorite region to explore. 

I would recommend budgeting at least two days to explore the southern coast of Iceland, but you could easily spend three or four days depending on the length of your Ring Road roadtrip. I think waterfalls and the glacier lagoon are the biggest highlights, but there are plenty of other cool things to visit. I summarize my 13 favorite natural attractions to visit in southern Iceland here .

On a 10 to 14 day Ring Road trip, I would structure my southern Iceland days accordingly:

• Day 4: Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall & Sólheimasandur airplane crash 
• Day 5:   Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Dyrhólaey Arch & Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Day 6: Diamond Beach, Glacier Lagoon & Crystal Ice Caves

Vik is the largest city in southern Iceland (plus it is smack dab in the middle), making it a popular place to spend a night or two. It is a great jumping off point for exploring. Once you’re past Vik, you’ll start to notice lots of remote, sparse and open places—and less tour buses. There are very few cities along this stretch of the Ring Road , but there are a number of nice hotels around the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. 

Hofn is a great little town to enjoy a nice meal in southern Iceland. Located on a tiny peninsula, this surprisingly foodie town is a major fishing hub with lots of restaurants specializing in seafood and fresh food. I would recommend trying either Pakkhaus , a delicious farm-to-table spot in an old barn, or Humarhöfnin Veitingahús , an upscale seafood restaurant renowned for its lobster dishes.

Day 7-8: Eastern Iceland

In eastern Iceland, you will develop an appreciation for undisturbed nature that truly makes Iceland the “Land of Fire and Ice”. Although it is largely undeveloped, driving in this portion of Iceland included some of my favorite days. You’ll see less and less cars, and more and more natural diversity. Get your podcasts, audiobooks or music queued up before heading out.

The landscapes in eastern Iceland change every hundred kilometers or so, making each day an adventure for the eyes. Vestrahorn mountain , just outside of Hofn, was formed by hot magma trapped beneath the earth, slowly cooling into rugged, sharp peaks surrounded by blue ocean. I particularly liked looking at part of the Eyjafjallajökull Lava Flow from the volcano that erupted in 2010. You can really see how the wide flow disrupted the landscape in dramatic ways. 

Another natural attraction to see in eastern Iceland is Hengifoss waterfall . At 128m tall, this is Iceland’s third-highest waterfall. It is most famous due to the unique rock formation surrounding the falls. Layers of black and red basalt form a rock wall, in which the distinctive red color comes from clay stuck between basaltic strata. 

One quirky destination in eastern Iceland is Petra’s Stone Collection and Museum . We happened to be staying in the town where the collection is located, which is how I discovered this little treasure. It is literally a rock and gem museum! The museum is housed inside the former home of Petra María Sveinsdóttir who became an avid rock collector. She found most of the rocks in Iceland, most of them actually coming from Stöðvarfjörður near her hometown. It’s not a must-see, but there are some seriously cool geodes here!

Day 9 -10: Akureyri & Northern Iceland

Continuing on the ring road, the next major city will be Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city. Assuming that you are driving from the east, there are few fun natural sights in northeast Iceland to visit before you reach Akureyri. Dettifoss is definitely a highlight, as it is the most powerful waterfall in Europe and located smack dab in the middle of Vatnajökull National Park.

Hverir is another great place to stop for a few hours and it is literally visible from the ring road. This geothermal spot offers visitors the chance to see bubbling pools of mud and steaming fumaroles up close and personal! It absolutely reeks of sulfuric gas here, so come prepared. Myvatn Nature Baths is a naturally heated lagoon that rivals the Blue Lagoon as the most picturesque hot springs in Iceland. They are well-worth a stop! The water is around 36 – 40°C and feels absolutely divine as you sit, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. 

On the north coast of Iceland, there is an adorable fishing town called Husavik which I recommend visiting on a day trip from Akureyri. It is the perfect place to go whale watching. We opted to go on a tour with North Sailing because of their commitment to responsible tourism and wildlife management. They adhere to an active environmental policy that is rooted in the principles of sustainable development. Our tour was completely carbon neutral, because we primarily used sails to propel us. I have never experienced whale watching from a sailboat before, let alone a restored two-masted oak ship from the 19th century! Go behind-the-scenes of my tour with this YouTube video I made about the experience.

Day 11 - 13: Western Fjords

For the first time in this itinerary, you are going to get off the Ring Road to explore the remote and less-visited Western Fjords of Iceland. Known for its rugged landscapes and breathtaking vistas, the Western Fjords are largely untouched wilderness. The roads here will wind through the fjords along the coastline for stunning views. This region of Iceland is the least touristy area on the island, so if avoiding crowds is a priority for you, consider extending this part of the trip.

One of the main attractions in the Western Fjords is the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve , a remote wilderness area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including Arctic foxes, seabirds, and seals. The reserve is also a popular destination for hiking and birdwatching, with a network of trails that lead to some of the most scenic spots in the region.

The most famous natural attraction in the Western Fjords is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula . This large national park is incredibly picturesque, with coves, black sand beaches, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. If you’re sick of the car, you can access this peninsula using a ferry that departs daily from Brjánslækur. If you’re driving into the park, stop at Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall on the way. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland and there is a good chance you’ve seen pictures of it on social media before. 

Other highlights to see include the Hvítserkur rock formation along the northern coast. This is a massive basalt rock that locals claim looks like a dragon drinking from the ocean. Deildartunguhver is the largest natural hot spring in Europe if your body is feeling weary from all the travel. Ísafjörður is a traditional fishing village in the far north of the Western Fjords where you can see some of the oldest houses in Iceland, as well as the traditionally built still with grass roofs. It is also home to Tjöruhúsið restaurant which is rumored to have the best seafood in Iceland.

Day 14: Reykjavik

And just like that, you find yourself returning to Reykjavik. There is one last stop you might want to make before heading home on your flight—Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon. Located conveniently close to the airport, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most iconic attractions in Iceland. You have undoubtedly seen drool-worthy photos of the neon blue water that makes it so famous. Curious what the experience at the Blue Lagoon is actually like ? I break down all the myths and misconceptions of visiting the Blue Lagoon to make sure you know exactly what you are getting into.

Do you have question about planning your 1 to 2 week trip in Iceland? Comment below!

Share this story

FIND SIMILAR POSTS

How to Spend 2 Idyllic Weeks in Sicily

How to Spend 2 Perfect Weeks in Peru & Bolivia

Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary for the Best of Scotland

• Pingback: Winter Travel Guide: 5 Destinations That Are Better in the Winter – Traverse

Hi would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using? I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

Haha, random indeed. No worries though. I use a WordPress site with theme Avventure, hosted by SiteGround.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

5 Day Iceland Itinerary: How to Plan a First Trip to Iceland

I have a reputation for being an obsessive planner when it comes to our family vacations. But planning a trip to Iceland really took the cake. For our five days in Iceland, I spent over 20 hours pouring over guidebooks, maps, and blogs to create our 5 day Iceland itinerary. That’s a lot of work to plan a vacation, but it paid off.

Since our first trip to Iceland, I have returned twice, once in winter months and again to visit Snaefellsnes and the Westfjords in early fall. I have also become a certified Iceland trip planner, helping over 20 families with their Iceland vacations. With all this experience, I’ve updated this post from when I first wrote it to include what I’ve learned, and some new attractions that have recently opened.

This Iceland itinerary covers a 5-day trip in the summer months when you can take advantage of the long days and lots of sunlight. I’ll provide a day-by-day itinerary for an Iceland road trip along the South Coast of Iceland, from Reykjavik to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This self-drive trip includes the famous Golden Circle, beautiful waterfalls, and other natural wonders along the main road.

You can follow this 5-day itinerary at any time of year, but you will need to use more caution if you are driving in the winter. You wouldn’t have the same long days at that time of the year, but you would have a chance to visit the ice caves near Vatnajökull National Park and maybe even see the Aurora Borealis.

How to Plan a trip to Iceland: Know Before you Go

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Is 5 Days in Iceland enough?

If you are hoping to drive around the entire country on the Ring Road, then no, 5 days in Iceland is not enough. For your first time in Iceland, you don’t need to cover the entire island. You can pick different parts of the country to give you a taste of the magic of Iceland. Most first-time visitors to Iceland will choose to visit Reykjavik, the Capital Region, and the Southern Coast of Iceland covered in this itinerary.

How Much Does a Trip to Iceland Cost?

Before you go, it is important to realize that even if you find cheap airfare, Iceland is an expensive country to visit. I have put together this Iceland budget guide to help families and others understand how much a trip to Iceland costs, depending on your budget and interests.

Keep in mind that when you visit greatly impacts costs, with the most expensive times being between June through August and during the festive season. To reduce costs, plan on staying in guest houses and vacation rentals in the countryside and limiting your time in Reykjavik. You can also focus on free activities, like hiking, and minimize paid tours and excursions. It is hard to avoid Iceland’s high-priced food, but you can minimize your food budget by planning casual meals and preparing many of your own meals.

When to Visit Iceland

Trying to “do” Iceland in 5 days means you are going to be busy, so it is best to go in the summer when the days are long. I have also visited Iceland in the winter , but I still prefer summer when there is more daylight for exploring.

Keep in mind that a trip to Iceland means long days with a lot of driving and also moving hotels frequently. Even with only five days in Iceland, there is no getting around moving a couple of times if you want to minimize driving. It is possible to stay in Reykjavik and take day trips , but you will be doing even more driving (or time spent on tour buses.)

Given the limited amount of time, you will likely want to focus your attention on the South Coast for your first trip to Iceland. This will allow you to fit in Reykjavik, the Golden Circle , black sand beaches, waterfalls, and maybe even the Glacier Lagoon.

If you want to drive the entire Ring Road and get to the more remote places like the Westfjords , you are going to need at least 10-14 days.

Getting to Iceland

IcelandAir (which codeshares with JetBlue) is the primary carrier for flights to Iceland, with direct flights from New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, and Orlando. The newly launched Play Airlines offers great budget fares (replacing the now defunct WOW Airlines) and United and Delta also offer a few direct flights from the USA.

On our first trip, we flew IcelandAir from Boston to Keflavík, arriving at 11:40 pm on the summer solstice, just in time to get the full effect of the midnight sun. These days, flights usually arrive in the early morning, which leaves you with the conundrum of what to do until your accommodations are ready for check-in.

Ideally, you would book for the night before, arranging for an early morning check-in, but that is going to cost more. Since most flights to Iceland are fairly short, from the East Coast of the U.S. at least, you will be tired and it is hard to hit the ground running with a busy day.

If you have a hotel, you can at least drop off your bags and walk around to stay awake. If you are staying in an Airbnb, there is luggage storage at the main bus station. On my last trip, I ended up hanging out at the Hlemmur Food Hall until our Airbnb was ready. Many people will choose to make their first stop at the Blue Lagoon , as it is the perfect place to relax and kill some time until check-in.

Getting Around Iceland

Unless you are planning on using a private driver or taking tours, you will need to rent a car in Iceland. If you are going to just base yourself in the city and take day trips from Reykjavik , you can book the FlyBus to get from the Keflavik International Airport to the main bus station (where you can switch to another bus for hotel drop-offs.)

I would recommend using Auto Europe to check car rental rates from multiple suppliers. Depending on where you are going, you probably won’t need an SUV, but if you are going to drive into the interior on any of the “F” gravel roads, it is a requirement. We were glad we had a 4×4 just for getting through the bumpy dirt roads you often drive on to get to waterfalls, hikes, and some tours, especially in parking lots.

When renting a car in Iceland, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Lines at the rental car offices can be quite long, be prepared and be patient.
• Additional insurance (particularly gravel and ash) is HIGHLY recommended and costly — build this into your Iceland budget

Keep in mind that you don’t want to rely entirely on Google Maps when you are driving as what it says looks like the better way can sometimes take you on interior F roads that aren’t even open. Also, your GPS will generally tell you something takes less time than it actually will — give yourself plenty of time for driving and stops along the way.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a small, walkable city. If you stay anywhere in the core downtown area, you are no more than a 20-30 minute walk to all the main attractions. The city itself is clean and very safe.

Reykjavik has been growing and it is no longer quite as hard to find a hotel room. (See my list of family-friendly hotels in Reykjavik .) Since hotels are so pricey, vrbo was the way to go for our family.

I’ve stayed in multiple vrbo apartments downtown that have been under $250 a night which worked out perfectly (except for the late check-in and the need to carry luggage upstairs.) The convenience of a hotel is ideal but the apartment rentals are much more budget-friendly. At least now there are some options for those who want to use points, including the Canopy by Hilton and the Marriott Edition .

Find more places to stay in Reykjavik:

For more suggestions on planning a trip to Iceland, make sure to read my separate post on Iceland travel tips !

5 Days in Iceland Itinerary: Exploring the South Coast

As mentioned earlier, if you only have 5 days in Iceland, a popular option for first-time visitors is to explore Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast. If you have already been to Iceland, or you are looking to get a little more off-the-beaten path, you can also check out my itineraries for the Snaefellsness Peninsula and the Westfjords. Together, these also make an excellent five-day Iceland itinerary.

Day 1 – Reykjavik

On your first day in Iceland, if you are arriving in the morning, you may want to plan a stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavik to kill some time before you can check into your accommodations. Personally, I find the Blue Lagoon very touristy (see my Blue Lagoon review here), but I know many feel a trip to Iceland isn’t complete without seeing the Blue Lagoon. At least if you get there very early in the morning the crowds won’t be too bad.

Also be sure to follow Safe Travel Iceland because recent volcanic eruptions near the town of Grindavik have sometimes impacted whether or not the Blue Lagoon is open. Don’t worry, it isn’t impacting air travel or travel around the country except in a small area on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

As an alternative, you could try the newer hot springs at Sky Lagoon , which is closer to the city and offers beautiful views overlooking the water.

After checking in to your accommodations, grab some lunch (see my recommendations on where to eat in Reykjavik .) Next, take a walk along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture and make your way over to the stunning  Harpa Concert Hall (Austurbakki 2). Be sure to walk around inside to see the light reflecting through the glass and the beautiful architecture.

After the Harpa, walk over to the Old Harbor for a   Puffin Express boat tour or an express whale watching tour . The puffin tour is just an hour, leaving you plenty of time to explore but also giving you a view of these cute little birds.

If it is too cold to get out on the water, another great option is to visit the Perlan . This glass dome-shaped building includes an ice cave and a planetarium show that makes you feel like you are under the Northern Lights. It is a great option for those that have limited time in Iceland but still want to experience some of its magic.

Or, take a ride on FlyOver Iceland . If you have ever ridden Soarin’ at Disney, this is the same technology. The ride vehicle lifts you into the air in front of a large screen to give the multi-sensory sensation of flying over some of the most scenic sights in Iceland. This is a great way to “see” more of the country if you are only spending five days in Iceland.

Another alternative, especially for those that miss out on a whale-watching tour, would be a visit to the Whales of Iceland exhibit downtown. If you are visiting Iceland with kids , they will especially love the 23 life-size replicas of whales and the interactive exhibits.

After the afternoon activity, take some time to explore and shop along Laugavegur, which is the main shopping street in the city centre and finish off with an elevator ride to the top of the Hallgrímskirkja church (Hallgrímstorg 1) for beautiful views over the city.

Get a good night’s sleep on your first night because you will be exhausted and need your energy for a full day tomorrow.

Day 2 – Golden Circle

Begin your second day with a hearty breakfast from Sandholt Bakery (Laugavegur 36) or at your hotel/apartment.

I recommend spending the second day on a self-driving Golden Circle tour and keeping your home base in Reykjavik, so you don’t need to switch hotels every night.

If you are interested in joining a small group tour, I would recommend using Hidden Iceland . Use promo code WE3TRAVEL to get 10% off scheduled group day tours with Hidden Iceland. I did a tour with them recently and was so impressed with their knowledge and customer service.

If you want to avoid the big tour buses at each attraction, plan to do the Golden Circle counterclockwise, starting at the 6,500-year-old Kerid Crater for a quick walk around the caldera. Next, you may want to plan a stop at the Secret Lagoon for a more rustic and natural hot spring environment.

Another popular spot on the Golden Circle route is at Fridheimar , a restaurant and tomato farm, which uses geothermal energy to heat the greenhouses that are the source of those fresh salads you can find in Iceland. If you want to have lunch, be sure to book a table in advance.

Your next stop will be at the impressive Gullfoss waterfall . Give yourself enough time to walk along the various viewpoints and take in the double rainbows that you often find above the waterfall. Many find this the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland, but you will see my favorite tomorrow. There is also a small cafe at the visitor center if you are hungry.

Keep in mind that at Gulfoss and many of the natural attractions, you now need to pay for parking. This is typically done at a self-service parking machine and you can use your credit card.

Once you are done at Gullfoss, it is a short drive just ten minutes down the road you will come to the Geysir Visitor Center . You will find a hotel and restaurant at Geysir, along with a cafe and soup shop, as well as a gift shop selling Icelandic souvenirs . It is then a short walk across the street from the parking area to watch the reliable Strokkur geyser erupting.

While it isn’t as tall and impressive as Old Faithful in Yellowstone, I love that you can get up close (and you don’t have to wait as long for the eruption.) Just before it erupts, a giant blue bubble forms that then explodes upward in a spray of steam and water. You can also spend time walking through the geothermal area, but generally, this stop shouldn’t take too long.

If you have time in your day, add a stop at the Laugarvatn Fontana spa for a dip in their pools and a tour of their thermal bakery (they bake bread in the ground but reservations are needed).

You can also have a late lunch there or you could stop at Efstidalur II , at Blaskogabyggd 801, a farm hotel and restaurant with great homemade ice cream.

The last stop of the day is at Thingvellir National Park (þingvellir National Park), the site of the country’s first Parliament and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a Game of Thrones filming site and a spot where you can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian continents (and even snorkel between the tectonic plates!)

To be honest, the views here aren’t that remarkable but it is a good spot if you want to do a bit of hiking. Generally by the end of the day you are getting tired of getting in and out of the car and might prefer just a short stop.

You can return to Reykjavik for dinner, or stop at Lindin, at Lindarbraut 2 in Laugarvatn. Lindin specializes in seafood (including whale and puffin) and game (like reindeer burgers) and isn’t the most kid-friendly but it was fine for our foodie family.

Day 3 – South Coast

On your third day, you will want to check out of your hotel early and arrange for a hotel room in the town of Vík or ideally near the Glacier Lagoon for the next night or two. This will be a long and busy day exploring some of the most beautiful spots on the South Coast. Be sure to stock up on snacks before you head out.

Depart Reykjavik early to make the most of your day and drive east along Rt 1 (aka the Ring Road) for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to Rt 249 towards the Seljalandsfoss waterfall . You will see the waterfall as you drive towards it and don’t be surprised if you see quite a few tour buses too.

This is a popular spot for a few reason. First, it is one of the few waterfalls where you can walk behind the waterfall, which is an absolutely magnificent experience. Also, it has been featured in many shows and videos, like Justin Bieber’s and The Amazing Race.

Hopefully, you can sneak in there between the bus tours and enjoy the falls without the crowds, but keep in mind that even when Iceland is crowded, it is nothing like the crowds you will find somewhere like Niagara Falls .

Be sure to wear good non-slip, waterproof shoes and a raincoat and rain pants because even to get close to the falls you will get soaked from the mist — see my Iceland packing list for more suggestions!

I also wouldn’t recommend attempting to walk behind the waterfall in the winter as the area surrounding the waterfall is pure ice and you will need crampons or microspikes if you want to get close (see my I celand winter packing list. )

After walking behind the falls, follow the path a few hundred meters further along the cliff face to the Gljufurarbui waterfall . You will need to enter into a crevice in the cliff and walk through a small stream to find this hidden waterfall. So many people on bus tours overlook this hidden gem but it was a highlight of our trip! You will need some good waterproof hiking shoes to get in there though unless you don’t mind cold, wet feet for the rest of the day.

If you are hungry, there is usually a food truck or a fish and chip stand set up at Seljalandsfoss. There are also some bathrooms near the parking lot. I always suggest using the facilities in Iceland when you find them because they can be few and far between.

After you have had your fill at Seljalandsfoss, continue on Rt 1 for another 30 minutes to the Skogafoss waterfall in Skogar. You can walk to the foot of the falls and also climb a staircase to see the falls from above. I personally think this is the most beautiful waterfall on this 5-day Iceland itinerary. Just make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy the falls! You may think these are going to be short photo stops but the waterfalls are so impressive that you will want to take time just to enjoy the views from every vantage point.

When you are done, continue along Rt 1 to Rt 218 to Dyrhólaey (35 minutes), a stone sea arch where puffins nest . You’ll need to drive up a steep, narrow dirt road to reach Dyrhólaey. Just note that this area is closed during puffin nesting season in late May and early June.

We lucked out because it was open when we visited and by leaning over the cliff slightly we got some close-up views of these cute little puffins. Just be very careful here as there are no guardrails along the cliff edge and the wind can be quite strong. There is also a cute lighthouse on the promontory.

Next, head back to Rt 1 and follow it to Rt 215 to Reynisfjara Beach (30 minutes), which is home to a black sand beach with amazing basalt columns, caves, and sea stacks. This is an iconic spot in Iceland that you won’t want to miss, although it can be quite crowded! Remember when you are visiting this area to not get too close to the ocean, as it is known for rogue waves with a very powerful undertow, and pay attention to signs if there are areas to avoid because of falling rocks.

There is also a small cafe here that serves up a delicious meat soup — a classic Icelandic dish.

If you haven’t eaten yet, stop for lunch in Vík and take a walk out to the black sand beach to see the famous Reynisdrangur rock formations. I would also recommend checking out the new Ic elandic Lava Show to experience the “fire” part of the land of Ice and Fire.

You may want to choose to stay in this general area on the south coast for two or three nights to minimize moving around. Some options include:

• Hotel Vik i Myrdal
• Volcano Hotel
• Hotel Ranga
• Midgard Base Camp

If you are continuing on to the Glacier Lagoon this day, it is a long drive and you can stop for dinner at Systrakaffi  at Klausturvegi 13, 880 Kirkjubæjarklaustri. This nice cafe offers simple fare like pizza and hamburgers, but also nicer entrees like a very well-prepared arctic char. If you can’t find lodging near the glacier or closer to Vik, this is a good spot to look for a vrbo.

If you are staying near the glacier lagoon , drive across the lava fields to the Jökulsárlón Lagoon.

Day 4 – Icebergs & Glacier Hiking

If you are staying on the south coast, start off with a drive east to the Jökulsárlón Lagoon . You can see icebergs from the beach, but I would recommend a boat tour to get up close to them. Unless you have little kids, a zodiac boat tour will get you up close to all types of icebergs and you can also get up close to the glacier face.

If you cross the bridge between the lagoon and the sea, you will get to Diamond Beach . It was named for the large chunks of ice that wash up on shore, glittering on the black sand beach like diamonds.

If you are visiting in the winter, you can take a tour of an ice cave instead. Although I wouldn’t recommend driving out here by yourself in the winter unless you are very comfortable driving under winter conditions (be sure to check out my tips for visiting Iceland in the winter. )

You can save 10% off scheduled group tours with Hidden Iceland with promo code WE3TRAVEL!

In the afternoon, I’d recommend a glacier hike. Near the glacier lagoon, you can take a hike on a glacier in Skaftafell National Park . On our trip, we took a three-hour glacier hike with Arcanum Tours  on Sólheimajökull glacier .

Day 5 – South Coast / Reykjanes Peninsula

If you have five full days in Iceland, you have one more day of adventure before heading home. However, if you are flying out late on your fifth day, you should start to make your way toward Keflavik before heading to the airport.

If you have kids, they would enjoy a visit to the Viking World Museum  near Keflavik airport to see a full-scale replica Viking ship that actually sailed from Iceland to Canada and the U.S. You can learn about Viking history and Norse mythology. Outside there is a small petting zoo and playground.

However, if you don’t fly out until your sixth day, take another day to enjoy some more adventurous activities along the south coast. A few I would recommend include:

• A superjeep tour into Thorsmork valley
• Horseback riding on the black sand beach in Vik
• ATVs on the black sand beach

I hope that you leave Iceland just as in love with this magical country as we did — exhausted, exhilarated, and enthralled.

MORE ICELAND TRAVEL TIPS

• Itineraries:  4 Days in Iceland’s Westfjords itinerary
• Packing:  Iceland summer packing list ,  Iceland winter packing list
• Budget:   How much does a trip to Iceland cost?
• Day trips:  7 Essential day trips from Reykjavik ,  Snaefellsnes Peninsula day trip
• Travel tips:   25 Iceland travel tips ,  Tips for visiting Iceland in the winter
• Tours:   Glacier hiking in Iceland ,  Glacier lagoon boat tour , Where to find  puffins in Iceland
• Food:   Where to eat in Reykjavik
• Family: Age-based guide to Iceland with kids

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

Find this useful? Share it!

Publish Date: March 24, 2024

68 thoughts on “5 Day Iceland Itinerary: How to Plan a First Trip to Iceland”

I was supposed to go to Iceland this winter for the Northern Lights but don’t think that’s going to be able to happen now 🙁 Loving this itinerary though had planned out something similar for sure. Hoping to do a campervan trip when I go to save some cash.

I hope you get to go next year!

Was planning to visit Iceland for so long, now I can’t wait for this lockdown to get over so I can start making my travel plans again…

We visited Iceland during summer and hired a private driver, who knew most of the places that we wanted to see. I liked the black sand beach at Vik, the Blue Lagoon, Glacier hiking and South Coast. We did not schedule our trip very well and occupied only 3 days there. Looking forward for my next visit.

I visited in winter and it was freezing. Had a tough time.

Iceland looks beautiful. Just a small doubt, why is it so green when it’s called ICE? Lol.

Jokes aside, my family is seriously planning to visit this beautiful country and we’re looking for a detailed itinerary. Your seems to be the best suited for us.

ha ha! Visit in winter and it is another story 🙂

I just got a 3 Day Iceland Package offered few days ago and now after reading your blog I am going to book it. And, explore the beauty of this place.

Thank you for sharing! Photos just wonderful! Tell me what transport is better to use to cover the whole of Iceland? I want to visit several places but I think that car rental will be more convenient than public transportation

I would definitely recommend a car rental.

I like your blog…Thanks for sharing it…

This is so helpful, thank you so much for all of your recommendations! How much would you say all of the activities cost total? I’m trying to figure out how much I need to budget for in additional to airfare and accommodations. Thank you!

It really depends on how many activities that you do but most group excursions will be anywhere from $75-150 per person. Keep in mind too that accommodations are quite pricey.

Thanks for sharing your itinerary! you managed to do so many things in five days, amazing 🙂 We are thinking of going there for a week this year, trying to choose between may and september. What month for you suggest? unfortunately, june-August are not an option as i cannot take a week off during the summer months

I would rather go in September as you will also have a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

you guys are the first to mention Saga museum. Seems like a good option to include. Thanks.

Comments are closed.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE A FAMILY VACATION PLANNING KIT!

We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [email protected] . By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Start typing and press enter to search

Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

Ultimate 8 Day Iceland Itinerary – An Iceland Road Trip Guide

Last Updated May 24, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » Ultimate 8 Day Iceland Itinerary – An Iceland Road Trip Guide

I’m just going to put this out there.  Iceland is ridiculously beautiful.  There’s been a rise in tourism there and a ton of hype.  Over these past 5 years, you couldn’t go on Facebook without seeing one of your friends sharing photos of Iceland.   I needed to see for myself and now that I’m back, I can confidently say that everything they say is true.  This Iceland road trip is one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.  Overrated?  Hell no!

The inspiration for this 8 day Iceland itinerary guide came from the trip planning process.  There was a lot of information out there on individual attractions and  of the country.  So if you also just so happen have 8 days to work with in Iceland, this is for you.  Even if not, I think there’s a ton of insight here as I was pretty careful about writing down every small detail about the trip along the way where I went “this would be TOTALLY helpful for my readers”.

Deep dive into planning your Iceland trip

• Top 5 Hotels in Rekyjavik on a Budget
• 12 Best Things to do in Iceland
• The 6 Day Iceland Itinerary
• Reasons to go to Iceland
• 12 Icelandic Souvenirs You Need To Buy

How to get the best deals in travel

• Hottest deals  – Bookmark the  travel deals page .
• Car rentals  – stop getting ripped off and  learn about car rental coupon codes .
• Hotels  – Use  corporate codes  or get  Genius 2 tier  with Booking.
• Flights  – Have you ever heard of the  “Everywhere” feature ?
• Insurance  – Make sure you’re covered and learn more about  where to buy the best travel insurance .

Table of Contents

This Iceland guide is broken into three main parts – trip planning decision points, the comprehensive itinerary and my personal planning tips.

Getting Started is a small section devoted to some of the trip planning struggles that I encountered and my thought processes around it.   Itinerary covers the 8 day journey on the island in September.   Valuable Trip Planning Advice  started as a laundry list of notes I typed into my phone as the trip unfolded.  It contains the need to knows, things you probably didn’t think about, and everything else in between that’ll make your trip kickass.

• Getting Started

Day 1 – Black and Blue

Day 2 – exploring reykjavik + buubble, day 3 – golden circle, day 4 – snaefellsnes surprise, day 5 – foss and truly secret pool, day 6 – beauty of the south, day 7 – glacier climbing, day 8 – rewind.

• How The Itinerary Changed During The Trip
• How The Itinerary Kicked Ass

Driving in Iceland

Recommended gear, photography, getting your iceland itinerary started.

I’ve been putting a lot of thought into this and if I were to sum up into words what makes Iceland so incredible, it’s this –   Every corner of the land is so vastly varied and completely stunning because it’s a a visual wonderland of landscapes that covers all the elements.  Iceland is somewhere you thought only possible in fairy tales or science fiction movies but it’s totally real.

I was skeptical before the start of the trip.  I mean how could I not be.  Everyone and their Mom has been to Iceland.  Could it be really THAT good?  The worry I had was whether it was going to be over-hyped or  just a haven for tourists.

Having gone there and back, I can safely tell you that my trip there was everything I was hoping it would be and more.

Trust me, Iceland is a place you have to go.  It’s the best road trip you’ll ever go on.

The section below details out some of the basics that you’ve already been thinking about as you start planning your epic Iceland road trip. It covers the high level stuff but if you want to get into more details, I have a  Valuable Trip Planning Advice  section which has even more information.

If you’re a fan of this itinerary, make sure to check out other incredibly detailed ones like this.  Here are a few to get you started:

• Greek Islands 14 day itinerary
• 12 day Japan itinerary
• 14 day Tahiti itinerary
• 12 day Taiwan itinerary
• 10 day Patagonia itinerary

To Ring Road or Not?

Iceland is almost perfectly designed to allow drivers to fully explore the island.  At 1,332 kilometers, you can easily just start driving on Route 1 and if you don’t stop, you’ll arrive back at the same spot that you started 17 hours later.   The entire island is insanely beautiful all the way around so it’s a no brainer to do the full loop right?

Thing is, it was a much more complicated question than that and at the beginning of putting together this 8 day Iceland itinerary , this was probably the most hotly debated topic.  With 8 days to work with, it seemed completely do-able to drive the Ring Road but the more and more I dug into it, the more and more it didn’t make sense.  The bottom line is that it was possible but we’d be rushing from one place to the next.  We’d be crunched for time which would mean less time for random stops (oh we made many) and we’d have to make careful choices about what to see and what to skip.

Here’s why we didn’t do Ring Road:

• Excursions – Once you introduce any sort of excursion, this was almost out of the question.  The problem is that almost all activities originate from Reykjavik so if you plan on doing any of them (most are full day), you’ll have to plan to base yourself in the capital for a few days before hitting the road.  The only exception for us was our ice climbing experience in Skaftafell which we were able to meet with them on-site.
• Pick and choose – As I was building out a test itinerary for doing the Ring Road, it felt that I was continuously making compromises on where we could stop.  For instance, if a secret hot spring was too far from the main road and add too much time, you just had to cut it even if it was spectacular.  FOMO completely taking over in this case.
• Race to the next destination – What I didn’t like about doing the Ring Road in roughly a week was the fact that every day seemed to be a rush to get to the next hostel.  The prospect of seeing only a few things along the way and the rest focusing on getting to the next town would be too stressful.
• Weather – This wasn’t much an issue for September but it definitely crossed my mind.  There was some risk that if there was heavy snowfall that roads would be closed and that we’d be snowed in or have to bypass an area.

Ultimately for us, it made more sense to do a smaller portion of the island really well than to rush through it all just to check off the list.

That being said, it totally sucks we didn’t get to do the north or Westfjords.  I really wanted to go there but couldn’t swing it.  If we had 12+ days, I think we could’ve done it but it is what we had to work with.  More of a reason to go back right?

Do I regret not doing Ring Road?   Nope, not at all .

When To Go?

When planning your Iceland itinerary, it’s pretty critical to think about what time of the year you’re going to be going because it will make a big difference.  The three main factors to think about are: weather, northern lights and seasonality.  These will dramatically change the type of experience you’ll have in Iceland.

For all intents and purposes, you can think of Iceland as having two primary seasons – cold and not as cold/borderline warm with frequent weather changes sprinkled in.  For simplicity, let’s just call it summer and winter.

Seriously though, Iceland is not as chilly as its namesake sounds.

During the summer months, the weather is actually quite pleasant.  Hovering around 20C (70F), you’re totally in the t-shirt zone but of course, the fickle nature of the climate means that things can change on a dime and before you know it, you’re in the middle of torrential downpour.

Another thing that is unique to the summer months is that you’re looking at almost continuous daylight.  Midnight sun can totally trip your sleep schedule but what’s great about this is that you have all 24 hours to do and see stuff if you really wanted to.  Imagine that!  That being said, you will not be able to see the aurora borealis because it relies on darkness and clear skies.

Summer is of course high season .  This means that there will be a larger amount of tourists on the island which drives prices up and the bring large crowds to the popular sights.

All roads are open in the summer and ferry schedules are better so you can get to pretty much every part of the island.  In particular, Westfjords becomes very much accessible and places like Hornstrandir (Iceland’s northernmost peninsula, situated in the Westfjords) open up.

If you’re hoping to see puffins , you’ll find them from May to August each year.

It gets cold in the winter especially when that polar wind sweeps its way down.  That means you’ll want to make sure you bring ALL of your warm clothing and then some when you come in this season between October and April.

Winter is pretty much the polar opposite to summer.  Instead of midnight sun, you get extremely shortened days (4-6 hours).  This means less daylight to explore but you have extremely high probability to see the northern lights.

What you’ll need to deal with in the winter is the fact that there will be road closures due to snowfall.  Areas like Westfjords will be difficult to get to because the ferries basically don’t run there and access to any areas that are way off the Ring Road may be blocked off.

There will also be fewer tours offered in the off-season so self-drive becomes the most viable option.  With that though, you’ll have to be very careful behind the wheel because the roads can be hazardous and there’s always the possibility of small towns being snowed in.

However, what you gain in the winter is the majestic ice caves which aren’t accessible in the summer due to structural stability.   The snow covered landscape is also stunning and gives the island and completely different look.

As the low season, you’ll deal with much smaller crowds and prices to drop (particularly flights).  Don’t expect any price breaks on car rentals except if you use the Blue Car Rental coupon code which you’ll find in the Driving in Iceland tips.

In between you have the shoulder season in May and September.  These are the transitional months between summer and winter.  What’s great about this season is that you get the best of both seasons.

With light becoming normalized with sunrise at 7PM and sunset at 8PM, you get decently long days but with enough twilight to get the chance to see the northern lights.  Depending on the year, you might also

What you’ll have to contend with is more tumultuous weather though.  During our time in Iceland in September, we experienced many overcast days where we were always on the precipice of rain (made for a lot of rainbows though).  The rain was very on and off though where some pockets of the island would be rainy but if we kept driving along Ring Road, it would clear up.

What’s great about shoulder season is that tourists drop off in these months pre and post summer so you don’t have to deal with as many crowds.  Temperatures are also quite reasonable in the high teens (C)/50s (F).  This is a great time for an Iceland road trip.

How Many Days Do You Need?

As many as you can take would be my answer to everyone that asks.  There’s a temptation to treat Iceland as a stopover destination based on how flight packages are bundled these days but seriously Iceland is the main event – there’s no question.

I may be a bit biased here but I feel that you need at least 7 days to see a substantial part of Iceland.  This gives you time to do at least one excursion and at a minimum see the southern part of the island which is where a majority of the popular destinations are located.

If you have less than 7 days, you will have to decide whether you want to base yourself in Reykjavik the entire time and do day trips through tours or you have to hit the road right away and see what you can along Ring Road and the Golden Circle.

For the full Ring Road, I’d recommend at least 12 days for a road trip itinerary.

Things To Pack and Prep

Lots of layers  – Weather is constantly changing in Iceland and you never know when it’ll change.  The best way to handle this and pack efficiently is to bring layers.  Bring t-shirts for when it’s warm and layer up with base layers, sweaters, hoodies, long johns, and jacket as necessary.  More must-pack gear can be found in the  Valuable Trip Planning Advice  section.

Waterproof everything – There’s no rainy season per say but chances of rain peak in October – February.   I would include September in the mix as well from personal experience.  Since everything you’re doing in Iceland is outdoors, I was so glad I was fully decked out in waterproof exterior clothing.  I was so glad to have my Columbia waterproof jacket and waterproof pants , and Keen waterproof shoes .

Mapping  – You’ll quickly realize that as simple as it is to drive around Ring Road, finding places is not as easy as you think.  The reason is that Icelandic names are crazy difficult to pronounce and type in.  As a result, GPS is a must.  You’ll rely on GPS to either do an address, point of interest or coordinate search (your first time I am sure).  When that fails (oh and it will), you’ll want a backup and that’s when your phone comes in.  Assuming you don’t have any cellular data like us, we heavily relied on the Google Maps app to pre-pin our daily itinerary and use the “OK maps” trick   to save maps offline.  Since GPS signal is free, you can track your blue dot and use that as a navigation signal to get to where you need to go.  If I knew about the app beforehand, I would’ve used the maps.me app on this trip.

Track the weather  – Particularly important in the winter, you’re going to want to know the weather and road conditions.  There is a super helpful aurora borealis tracker  that will tell you what the chances are of seeing the northern lights.  What you’re looking for is white space.  This page also gives very accurate weather forecasts for the entire island. For road conditions, you’re going to want to head here to figure out whether the roads you’ll be driving are passable or not.

Money – I didn’t believe at first when my friends told me but Iceland is dominated by the credit card.  I withdrew 10,000 ISK at an ATM in Reykjavik and that was it.  I honestly can’t remember any instances where I was forced to use cash.  The only time that it came in handy was the toll for the Hvalfjörður Tunnel when we made our way up to Snaefellsnes. However, this tunnel is now free as of September 2018!

Where to Stay?

Accommodations in Iceland get scooped up quick .  Once you lock in your dates and your itinerary, you’ll want to making your bookings ASAP.

In some ways there are a lot of choices for accommodations and in other ways, it can be quite limited.  There a couple of routes that you could take.  There’s the traditional hotel, youth hostels, Airbnb, guest houses, and campervans.  The underlying thing about all of these options is that you’re not really going to find a “bargain” in Iceland.  Account for every night to be at least $100 USD a night.

Hotels are typically going to be the nicest in terms of providing full-service accommodations.  They’ll be clean, provide all the basic facilities, and usually have an attached restaurant.  The flip side of them is that they’re typically the most expensive option in Iceland.

Luckily, I still have a stash of hotel points and I found a pretty good cash & points rate with the Hilton .

Hotel we used:

• Hilton Iceland Nordica

Hostels, Guest Houses, Airbnb

The truth is that you won’t find too many big hotel chains outside of Reykjavik and that means you’ll have to look at other options.  In the absence of big properties, Icelanders have gotten pretty savvy in terms of converting property into guest houses or hostel type accommodations.  With the vast amount of land and space, old farms are looking to tourism and so you’ll find a lot of farm holidays as options.  Airbnb has also grown significantly on Iceland.

For us, most of all of our searches started with Booking.com which  seemed to have the most complete inventory.  We then augmented this with searches on Hey Iceland , and Airbnb.  Ultimately it came down to what was available in the location we wanted to end off in each day and picking one that had low cost without going into sketchy territory.

With the exception of the youth hostel, I was pleasantly surprised about every guest house we stayed in.  The guest houses in Iceland are very well done in terms of the renovation work, cleanliness, and service.  A few even had free breakfast included which was always a nice bonus.

In regards to Airbnb, you’ll of course find a ton of options between the airport and Reykjavik.  Beyond that circle, you’ll see diminishing results.  In certain parts of the island such as Snaefellsnes, you’ll barely find anything and in the south you’ll find a bit more.

Ultimately farm houses were way out of budget for us so we never got to stay in one.  Our most expensive accommodation ended up being the one by Skaftafell (Hof 1 Hotel) simply because there aren’t many options in that area.

Alternative accommodations we used:

• Öxl in Budir
• Hostel Sjónarhóll
• Hekla Room No. 2. (Airbnb)
• Hof 1 Hotel
• Hofn Guesthouse
• Private Room with Private Entry Airbnb in Reykjavik (Airbnb)

Camping and Campervan

If you’re looking to rough it out a bit more, a potentially cheaper option for you that also gives you more control in terms check-in/check-out time and where you can stay.  By camping or renting a campervan, you can literally sleep right where you want to be the next morning to catch that beautiful sunset and hit the ground running.

Campervans may not be for everyone but these vans that have their own beds built into the rear compartment are going to be your best bet in terms of saving money because you’ll be able to combine the cost of a car rental and accommodations all together.  It may not be glamorous but it is very practical and if I were to do Iceland again, I’d definitely go this route.  Give companies such as Happy Campers and Campervan Iceland  a browse!

You’ll find out in our itinerary below that we picked up a few hitchhikers along the way and what we learned from these ambitious kids is that camping is totally viable.  What’s beautiful about Iceland is that there’s this culture of camping and so the country has built a ton of facilities around the island which gives you free access buildings where you can clean up and land to set up camp.  On the hitchhiking front, they told us that they had a lot of trouble getting rides especially when in more remote areas.

8 DAY ICELAND ITINERARY

Now with the basics out of the way, you’re part of the way through your planning.  The next step is to start figuring out how you’re going to be laying out your Icelandic adventure .

The following is a high level outline of everything we did, sights we saw, and all the things I learned that I wish I knew.  By no means is this meant to be a copy and paste job but if you’re tight on planning time, you’re certainly welcome to it and grab the spreadsheet by signing up .

For a more personal recounting of our Icelandic experience head over to my other article.

If you’re coming in from North America, you’ll most likely land super early in the morning as we did.  Pick up your rental car at the airport and head into the city.  You’ll be tempted to take a nap but try your best to stay up.  The best way to do this is to book an adrenaline-filled excursion like  Black and Blue  which combines lava tube caves with snorkelling Silfra.  Crash early your first day and get ready for tomorrow.

If Black and Blue isn’t available, this is a recommended snorkeling experience that just focuses on the Silfra fissure.

What You’ll See

• Thingvellir National Park
• Lava Tube caves
• Silfra fissure
• Hradlestin  – Surprisingly awesome Indian restaurant in the city
• Hilton Iceland Nordica  – To my surprise, we were able to check in at 9AM (unheard of!)

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Booze – Before you leave the airport, make sure you pick up your alcohol supply.  This is the duty free that you have to cross through before you get your bags and not the duty free that is in the gate area.  You can’t miss it.
• Check before you drive off  – Make sure everything works in the car and you do a thorough walk around.
• Renting cars in Iceland – Make sure you read the Car Rental section below to learn about companies I researched and the importance of built-in insurance coverage.
• Excursions in Iceland – Most excursions start and end in Reykjavik so when you plan your itinerary, make sure you plan things out accordingly.
• Snack on – Always have a healthy stash of snacks with you.  Particularly for Black and Blue, it was nice to have a bunch of bars on hand since no food was included
• Black and Blue – It’s not very clear in any of the trip instructions but you’re going to want to make sure you wear long johns and dry-fit-type top.  One thing to note is that there’s no private area to change so expect to be stripping down out in the open or in the Arctic Adventures van.  In terms of valuables and your shoes, you’ll be able to leave everything behind in the van which will be guarded by your driver/guide.  They recommend brining waterproof clothing but you don’t necessarily need it.  I ended up taking off my waterproof pants in fact and just went into the drysuit with my long johns.  Oh and if you’re planning on recording the experience, don’t make the same mistake as I did and use a head mount.  You’re better off using putting your GoPro or better yet, Insta360 X4 on an invisible stick.
• Alternative Black and Blue – Similar tour offering can be found on Guide to Iceland .

Reykjavik is a vibrant and artsy city that has much to offer.  Spend the day to get to know the capital.  I recommend orienting yourself by taking a free city walking tour with CityWalk .  Make sure to try the hotdogs here.

While you’re in the capital, also make a point to do any of the shopping you want to do and to buy the Icelandic souvenirs for yourself of friends and family back at home. This could also be your only opportunity to buy any outdoor gear you forgot.

Before you hit the road, stock up on supplies at the Bonus grocery store in town and start making your way towards Selfoss.  Grab dinner here like we did and then make your way to one of the most unique stays here – the Bubble Hotel.  Time permitting, you can also squeeze in 1) a shower and 2) relaxation at the Secret Lagoon.

While there were no guarantees when I made the booking at Buubble, we were lucky enough to watch the Northern Lights this evening.  It was a light show to remember.

• Downtown Reykjavik
• Hallgrímskirkja Church
• Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
• The Sun Voyager
• Secret Lagoon /Gamla Laugin
• Northern Lights (cross your fingers!)
• Tryggvaskali Restaurant  – Highly reviewed restaurant that’s converted from an old hotel.  Excellent seafood!
• Buubble Hotel
• Parking in Reykjavik – There a few quasi-lots in the city but these are really just street parking spots by North American standards.  We did our drive around to see if there was any free parking which we were told were closer to the residential areas but we couldn’t find them so we just settled for a spot right off of Laugavegur.
• Free Walking Tour –  Make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time online.  There are a number of time slots available  and I’d recommend doing this at the beginning of your trip as a way to orient yourself in Reykjavik.
• Secret Lagoon – I thoroughly enjoyed this hot spring experience.  Sure it was $30 (2,800 ISK) but I would take this any day over Blue Lagoon to deal with less crowds, a much more natural experience, and the ability to bring your own booze.  We learned afterwards that the Secret Lagoon was also a brilliant idea when paired with our Bubble night because we didn’t have shower facilities there.  Coming out of the hot springs, we showered at the lagoon and head back just in time for the northern lights show which worked out beautifully.  Note, no need for a combination lock here since it’s one of those lockers that give you a key.

• Bonus – The go-to grocery store to pick up supplies in Iceland.  We literally planned our resupply trips around when we could drop by a Bonus.  More on this in the Eating section below.
• Bubble Hotel – More details about Buubble to be more precise can be found in my review post .
• Northern lights – There’s no real formula here other than to get yourself outside of the city which we did.  September is tough because it’s overcast all the time so the best you can do is just give you the most chances to see them and check the aurora borealis tracker religiously.

What Should You Pack?

Not sure what to pack for your trip? Make sure to check out our handy packing list for Iceland!

Every Iceland itinerary is going to have the famed Golden Circle.  Despite this route being heavy on tourists, you can’t miss the trio of Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park.

The awesome thing about our bubble is that it’s right along the Golden Circle so all you have to do is hop in your car and start driving counterclockwise.

From here you’ll be making the drive all the way up to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to get away from the crowds and part of the country that has some of the most epic dynamic landscapes.  Arrive in the Budir area and crash for the evening.

• Faxi Waterfall
• Icelandic Horses
• Thingvellir National Park
• Hotel Budir (their bread and butter is to die for)
• Golden Circle  – The big bus tours are pretty much unavoidable but I’m sure if you start right at the morning, you should be able to dodge most of them.  Another thing to note is that you’ll definitely want to account more time than you think you’ll need here (kind of applies to everything in Iceland).  Blame the photography.
• Driving to Snaefellsnes – The drive itself is pretty straightforward but if you set yourself to get there in the shortest amount of time, the GPS will take you through the Hvalfjörður Tunnel. This used to be a tolled tunnel but it is now free (as of September 2018).
• Gullfoss – For the most part, we didn’t have any bathroom problems but I do distinctly remember that the washrooms were paid here so make sure you relieve yourself at Geysir or at Thingvellir’s information center.

Weather permitting, I personally feel that the 4th day around Snaefellsnes offers the most stunning of landscapes.  You’ll be driving along the coast and making many stops along the way.  Start the day off with the Arnarstapi hike and make your way around to eventually the iconic view of Kirkjufell.  End off in Stykkishólmur to close out the day.

On a personal note, this is the day that I proposed to my now wife. The weather didn’t quite co-operate but it sure made a memorable proposal.

• Hotel Budir
• Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge
• Arnastapi Coastal Walk
• Snaefellsjokull National Park
• Djupalonssandur Beach
• Stykkishólmur Lighthouse
• Sjavarpakkhusio
• Rain  – I’m speaking from September experience here but rain definitely puts a damper on things.  Good thing I had waterproof gear on me or otherwise, we would have skipped a ton more spots along the way.  With Iceland, you have to be prepared and just work with what the weather gives you.

On this day, you’ll be leaving Snaefellsnes and dropping down to the south.  Watch the landscape dramatically change as you make your way along this popular route.  Here, waterfalls are going to dominate your view including the impressive Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.

If you can swing it, look for Seljavallalaug Pool which is set in the middle of a canyon and quite the tranquil experience.  Best part is that it’s free.

• Stykkishólmur town
• Seljalandsfoss
• Seljavallalaug Pool (Seljavellir)
• Bar Bistro (by Skogafoss) – We ended pretty late this day and there weren’t many options so we ended up at this casual restaurant.  Prices are reasonable and the Skyr cake was phenomenal.
• Seljavallalaug Pool   Directions – This one was one heck of a place to find.  As you’re driving along the ring road and going eastbound, you’re going look for Road 242 marked Raufarfell.  Start looking for it right after you pass by the Iceland Erupts exhibition that will be on your right.  Take the road all the way to the end and there should be a sign that says Seljavellir (GPS: 63.558878 N, -19.622353 W).  Park your car in this large dirt lot and you’ll want to walk 20 minutes.  The trail is not marked at all and for us we were thankful to bump into various people along the way to confirm we were going the right way but looking back on it, we were essentially hugging the left side of the valley, crossing a few small streams and hiking over a rocky ground.  You won’t see the pool until the very end so keep going and you’ll eventually see it.  Just before, you’ll also pass by a small water pumping machine.  If you’re heading there near sunset or sunrise, make sure you bring headlamps.

•   Seljavallalaug Pool Facilities  – In terms of facilities, it’s pretty bare bones here and the concrete building there is in a bit of decay.  There are “rooms” with doors but don’t expect to find any benches.  What they do have are some hooks so you can hang your clothes inside.  Other people simply changed at the back of the building away from the pool.

Continue the drive along the south and feast your eyes on unique basalt columns, gorgeous canyons, and rugged plains.  Luckily there isn’t too much driving until you make that final stretch to Skaftafell National Park.  There aren’t too many accommodations in this region unfortunately and in fact Hof 1 Hotel turned out to be the most expensive of the entire trip.

There will still be quite a bit of tourists along this section with day trip tourist busses from Reykjavik so be prepared for some crowds.

• Reynisdrangar
• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Service station cafeteria just outside of Skaftafell National Park
• Dyrholaey – I thought there wasn’t much to see here other than the arch but turns out there are a lot of interesting view points here no matter what direction you’re looking at.  Make sure you account for more time here.
• Reynisdrangar – Similar with Dryholaey, I found ourselves spending more time here than I thought we would.  We were here a good 1.5 hours and some of that was accounted by us posing around the basalt columns.  Also note that there are bathroom facilities here and they are free.
• Fjadrargljufur Canyon – This one may seem hard to find as there isn’t too much information on it but right off of Ring Road, past the small village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur is Road 206 that goes to Lakagígar.  Once you’re on this road, you’re only 2KM out.  Eventually you’ll make it to an intersection where left will lead to the canyon and right leads to   Lakagígar.  I remember the signs to be pretty clear here so you won’t get lost.  Technically after, this turns into an F-road but to be honest it’s doable with any car.  Just drive slow and carefully.  While we only hiked the top part of the canyon, the bottom of the canyon is accessible and in the summer a great spot for wading in the river.  There’s also an eco-friendly bathroom here which is free.

The whole reason why you want to stay near Skaftafell National Park is so that you don’t have to do a long drive in the morning to make the glacier climbing excursion.  Expect most of the day to be dedicated for this.  

At the time of our visit, we were on Falljökull Glacier which is in Vatnajökull . The names can be a bit confusing but to set things straight, Skaftafell National Park was integrated with the newly established Vatnajokull National Park in 2008 so they’re really one and the same. Most tours don’t mention the glacier you’ll be on but a popular one is Falljokull.

I highly recommend this 4 hour glacier experience which also includes ice caves if they’re in-season.

If you want to make sure ice climbing is included, there’s ice climbing on Vatnajokull from Skaftafell which is very close to what we did. The other one I’d recommend is ice climbing Solheimajokull which is a slightly different location. 

The tour we did was called Glacier Xtreme which has been rebranded as Blue Ice since they operate out of Solheimajokull now.

Finish the day with a sunset at Jokulsarlon iceberg lagoon before driving the furthest east as you’ll go in Iceland.

What You’ll See and Do

• Skaftafell National Park
• Falljökull Glacier ( Glacier hiking and ice climbing )
• Jokulsarlon Lagoon
• Pakkhus Restaurant  – Known for their langoustine
• Glacier Xtreme – The costs were adding up for Iceland but this was one of those experiences we didn’t want to miss out on.  On top of glacier hiking, this was the only one where you could also ice climb as well.  When talking to the locals, they said the Falljökull Glacier was much better than the others due to less traffic and being able to get way closer to the icefall.  How about things to pack and all of that?  I found that the booking sites weren’t very good about explaining this so let me clear the air.   Do you need waterproof pants?  I would say no unless it’s raining that day.  We had a beautiful sunny day and so any hiking appropriate pants are fine.   What else should I bring?  Bring gloves.  They don’t necessarily have to be waterproof but the ice can be sharp when you’re trying to keep balance or even during the ice climbing.  Also bring sunglasses.  The sun will reflect intensely off of the white ice but more importantly you want your sunglasses to protect you from the flying chips of ice that will be coming at you when you dig your ice axe into the wall.   Any other tips?   That main parking lot at Skaftafell fills up FAST.  I would show up early to get a good spot in the main lot.  Otherwise you’ll have to go to an adjacent one that is a bit farther away.
• Glacier Guides – The operator that runs Glacier Xtreme is Glacier Guides which in turn is owned by the larger company, Arctic Adventures .  That is why you can’t find a separate website for Glacier Guides if you’re as confused as we were.
• Jokulsarlon Lagoon – This place gets pretty busy around sunset so you might have to jockey a little for tripod space.  From a photography perspective, don’t be afraid to move around as there are a ton of different angles to shoot at.  If you’re not doing a whole lot of photography here, you could be done in 15 minutes or if you’re like me, 2 hours.  Lastly, be on the lookout for seals in the water.  They pop their head up once in awhile or sometimes you can catch them swim.  Let me know how many you find!  If you’d rather get out on one of those boats that take you right up to the icebergs, I recommend tours like this amphibian boat tour .

The last day has a lot of driving but the nice part about it is that you’ll be able to hit up all the spots that you missed.  For instance, you’ll be able to do Svartifoss and the Sólheimasandur plane wreck.  Treat yourself at the very end with a little bit of rest and relaxation at Blue Lagoon .

• Mossy Lava Rocks
• Vik Red Church
• Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck (aka Crashed DC 3 Plane)
• Blue Lagoon
• Svartifoss – From the research, I always thought these falls were like the others where you could drive up to alas it’s a 20 minute hike there and back.  Instead of the up and back down path that we took, there are alternative paths you can take on the way down to make it more of a loop.  We read that these had some pretty good views and interesting sights along the way but unfortunately they would’ve taken too much time so we had to do the most optimal route.  When you get to the falls, there’ll be a metal barrier to prevent you from going closer to the falls.
• Plane Wreck – The specific GPS coordinates are 63.4912391,-19.3632810, but nowadays this is such a well-known sight in Iceland that you’ll be able to find the pin on Google Maps and you’ll also see the pile of cars on the side of the road (past Skogafoss if you’re coming from the west).  Yes it’s true that the landowners have fenced off the area from cars to drive through (can’t blame them).  This means that you have to do the 50 minute hike each way so make sure you have plenty of time to work with.  Also, remember to relieve yourself before going because there isn’t going to be a bush out there to use since it’s completely flat there.  Lastly, while we were taking photos of the plane, I remember seeing a big truck pull up at the end of the road, presumably to patrol the area and make sure nobody somehow gets passed the fence by vehicle or does anything stupid at the plane.  Photography wise, I recommend bringing a tripod as the lighting may not be the greatest if it is as overcast as it was for us. Read the latest reviews to see what the situation is like.

• Blue Lagoon – Everything in my research about Blue Lagoon was true.  Sure it’s a bit of a zoo but it’s still a unique experience that can be a great way to relax.  With that in mind, I had decided that it made the most sense to put this at the very end of the trip which allowed us to do all the (in my opinion) better ones earlier.  The one thing that everyone suggested was to reserve in advance and I’d say the same thing.  You’ll notice that bookings 2 hours prior to closing are cheaper so if you want to save a bit of money, I’d go with that. We only needed 1.5 hours and I felt like we got to see and try all the different spaces.  Bonus on top of that is that if you go at 6PM, you’ll be able to watch the sunset as well.  Package wise, I’d recommend getting the Comfort package which primarily is good for that free drink and extra algae mask.  There’s the towel too but I was very frustrated with the fact that our towels were flat out stolen when we finished up at the lagoon.  I can’t blame the person that did it but that area in front with all the towel racks is not a good solution with the amount of people that are there.  It’s hard to remember where you put it and of course all the towels look the same.  If I were you, put your towel in a separate area away from everyone else’s.  Lastly, show up 30 minutes earlier than your time slot because there’s going to be a line to check-in.  This way you can maximize your time.

How The Iceland Itinerary Changed During The Trip

The fun part about travel is just how unpredictable it is sometimes and how you’ll need to improvise and adjust based on things that happen along the way.  You might meet some interest people along the way, bad weather might roll in, or maybe you love one place so much that you decide to stay longer.

For us, the Iceland itinerary largely stayed the same with a few exceptions.  As with what happens with my trips every time, I always took too long at every single destination.  Thank goodness I loosened up the itinerary to account for this, all the random side-of-the-road-stops, and surprise view points/monuments that we encountered.  In most cases, you need to account for at least 2 hours in each main spot and Google Map drive times need to be bumped up by 30 minutes.   The lesson : Being less ambitious is a good thing.

Where I had to make adjustments to the schedule:

• I had naively assumed that the hike to  Svartifoss inside Skaftafell National Park was few minutes walk from the parking lot.  It is in fact 20-30 minutes away.  Since we got to the park pretty late on Day 6 there was no way we could complete it.  Instead, we used our make-up day to see this waterfall.
• We spent too much time at  Dyrholaey and Reynisdrangar on Day 6 that we had no time to stop in Vik .  Again, we remedied this by visiting on our way back.
• On Day 3, I thought we were going to have enough  Kerið Crater but as it turns out, we passed it along our way up to the Bubble Hotel.  In the interest of time, we started Day 3 by going counterclockwise up to Geysir first instead of dropping down to Kerið and then back up.
• There were a number of lunch restaurants selected initially but as the days went on, we realized that 1) proper lunches were too expenses and 2) we couldn’t afford the time to stop and it’d be more efficient to eat while driving so we more or less cut all of them from our itinerary.
• Originally there was the idea that we could do sunrise at Jokulsarlon for sunrise on Day 7 before the Glacier Climb but as the trip went on, sleep was more precious and we ended up doing this as a sunset.  The same can be said for Sólheimasandur plane wreck where I thought it’d be cool to do this for sunrise.  I’m glad we didn’t because it would’ve been quite miserable to walk the entire 50 minute stretch in the dark.
• Mossy lava rocks was on our itinerary and we would’ve stopped by on Day 6 but we had no idea how long the stretch was in the south and whether there’d be a better place to stop ahead.  That’s why it make sense to do it on our way back on Day 8.
• Lastly, rain did a number on several days where we really had to quickly run out of the car to take a peek or brave the pouring.  I wish we got to see more of the cliffs in Snaefellsnes and had better views  Dyrholaey but it is what it is.

Why This 8 Day Iceland Itinerary Kicked Ass

This was honestly the perfect  8 day Iceland itinerary road trip in September.  We hit up everything we wanted to see and we did it at a pace that wasn’t crazy.  Sure, the weather could’ve been more cooperative but that’s kind of what you’d expect during the shoulder season.

Initially I thought that we’d be doing a lot of wasted driving because we had to double back twice – once to go up to Snaefellsnes and then another in the south, driving all the way out to Hofn and back.  What ended up being a disadvantage of not doing the full loop around the island turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  We never felt rushed throughout and in the south, we had the advantage of skipping a few things (some due to weather) on the way out east to Hofn and making them up when we drove back to Reykjavik.

The Iceland itinerary itself was very well balanced between seeing the natural beauty of the country and also trying out local activities.  It was also a balance between the popular sights that were tour bus central to a few spots that we really struggled to find and when we were there, the path wasn’t clear or marked – going truly off the beaten path.

Budget wise, we controlled it as best as we could without roughing it too much.  Ultimately cost cutting came down to food where we snacked on grocery food for breakfast and lunch, and “splurged” on dinner.

VALUABLE TRIP PLANNING ADVICE

Oh so much information I want to share with you guys here.  As I was travelling I literally had an Evernote note set up just for tips and tricks.  I’ve cleaned it up considerably and so here’s everything you need to know before you go to Iceland.

Driving is a must in Iceland.  The only other way to get around to see the island is through tour buses and you really don’t want to go there.  With your own car, you will have the freedom to follow your own schedule and more importantly, stop whenever you wish.  Trust me, you’ll want to stop A LOT .

When picking a rental car, you’ll have to decide on a few things including the car rental company, transmission, whether you want a 4×4 or not, and size.

Read this first: We have a full guide on how to rent a car in Iceland including secret car rental coupon codes.

Car Rental Companies

I researched a number of companies when I was looking for my car rental including the large international brands and the smaller local ones.

While price is one thing you’ll have your eye on, what’s more important to pay attention to is the insurance coverage that they offer and build in.  There are a lot of unknown factors when driving in Iceland and you want to make sure you’re covered because I’ve heard stories of other travellers wishing they had the insurance or glad that they had it.

We cast a wide net when looking for car rentals in Iceland. We started with what we knew and checked out companies like National and Avis but we found that they didn’t include any extended car insurance so then we turned to local car rental agencies. That’s when we discovered Blue Car Rental . They had the most positive reviews, actually had good availability, and reasonable rates.

Most Popular Car Rental Company in Iceland

Blue Car Iceland is the most reputable brand in Iceland and we would definitely rent from them again. Book through our special link below to save 5% on your rental.

Check out Blue Car Rental

Blue Car Rental as a base includes:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance – This covers the bodywork of the car.
• Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) Insurance – Deductible on bodywork damage in collisions is 90,000 ISK on 2WD and 120,000 on 4WD.
• Gravel Protection (GP) Insurance – This protection includes damage to windscreen, headlights and the car when gravel or rocks get thrown on the vehicle by another car. The deductible is 20,000 ISK.
• Theft Protection (TP) Insurance – The likelihood of this happening on Iceland is low but this covers theft of rental. No deductible.

There’s an option Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) Insurance which covers against ash and sandstorm damage but we elected to not add it. In retrospect, we learned quite quickly how erratic the weather can be in Iceland. While we didn’t encounter any sand or ash damage, I could totally see it happening out of the blue.

Some rental car companies also have a Liability Waiver (LW) which brings down the deductibles down to zero.

Something they also made clear is that the the underside of the car nor damage caused by wind pulling hard against the door is covered. This means that you want to be careful when there are heavy winds and also be careful driving on gravel roads and potholes.

The bottom line is to make sure you do your research and run the math on total cost of renting a car.  Some companies bundle insurance together while others make it an option.

Transmission

Most cars available will be in the manual transmission format.  I wasn’t surprised about this since most of Europe is like this.  What this means is that there’ll be more affordable options and increased availability if you’re able to drive a manual car.  If not, you’ll definitely want to make sure you reserve early.

Do I Need a 4×4?

The reason why you’d want a 4WD is because you can only drive on Iceland’s infamous F-roads which are mountain roads in the highlands.  These are off-road terrain roads that have restrictions on the type of vehicles that can drive them, are only open certain times of the year, and also have restrictions on time of day.  Only an SUV can power through these roads and you certainly don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere.

That’s great and all if you take one of these roads but I’ll be honest with you, the itinerary that I followed didn’t take us through any of these types of roads.  Our path stuck primarily to the main roads and there were only a few times where it felt like we actually went off-path.

I remember the road to Saxoll Crater and Fjadrargljufur Canyon were perhaps the most bumpy and pothole ridden but everywhere else was well paved and easy to get around.  While it was certainly nice to have the spaciousness of an SUV for our road trip, we would’v been just fine with a compact sedan.  In fact even on the most challenging roads, I saw the tiny cars get by just as fine with a little careful driving.

Driving The Roads

Driving   in Iceland isn’t hard per say but as with anywhere, you need to be smart and careful.  A few things you’ll want to be mindful of are lane passing, singe lane bridge crossings, side of road stops, gravel driving, and night time driving.  Each of these of course get augmented in the winter time when you have to deal with snow, limited visibility and black ice.

• Lane Passing – Icelandic roads are thin and mostly one lane.  Pass when safe and definitely not at bends or uphills.  Common courtesy is to signal to show intent, speed up, and once you’ve passed the vehicle, turn your emergency blinkers for two flashes to thank the driver behind.
• Single Lane Bridge Crossing – There quite a number of single lane bridges especially in the south.  Make sure you stop where at the drawn line in order to wait for oncoming traffic to come through.  When crossing, double check to make sure there are no cars on the other side or they have stopped.  At night time, be extra careful here and flick your high beams or use your horn to let other cars know you’re crossing.
• Side of Road Stops – The week I was in Iceland, there was a fatality from someone stopped at the side of the road to take a photo at night.  Look out for side roads to stop safely and turn on your emergency blinkers.  When getting in and out of the car, make sure there are no cars on the highway.
• Gravel Driving – Some areas are going to have pretty deep potholes so make sure you drive slowly over them, take them at an angle, or avoid them altogether if possible.
• Night Time Driving – There aren’t any street lights outside of the main towns so expect to rely on your low-beams and high-beams.  Make sure you obey high-beam etiquette as to not blind any oncoming drivers.

For safety, make sure you also know where you spare is and you know where your tools are.  Worst case, you get a flat while on the road and you’ll need to replace the flat on your own.  Also make sure you know what the emergency and roadside assistance numbers are.

Another common question I get is about speeding and cops.  Officially the speed limit is 90 km/h on the highway.  Unofficially 100 km/h is acceptable as long as the roads are clear.  On empty roads though, I was cruising upwards to 120 km/h.  During our time in Iceland, we did not encounter any speed traps but I have heard from people that they have gotten ticketed.  The only police we saw were typically around the larger towns.

There are actual speed cameras along ring road in the south in and around towns.   There are signs that warn you about upcoming cameras along the road.  Some are real and others are duds.  To be cautious, I’d recommend slowing down when you’re in a speed camera zone.

Filling Up Gas

This was supposed to be an easy task but for some reason we had a ton of trouble filling up at the N1 gas stations.  Whereas we had no problems entering the PIN number for our credit card on the machines at the pump, N1 was just not going to take any of our cards.  We tried ALL of them.

Ultimately, at N1 specifically, we needed to buy their prepaid cards inside the station first.  They sold the cards in 3,000 and 100,000 ISK denominations.  Since we didn’t know if we’d spend 100,000 (we did), we just bought 3,000 every time we filled up at N1.  With the prepaid card, we were then able to pay at the pump.

We later learned that debit cards worked without any issue so give that a shot if you’re okay with that.

I’ll start off by saying that the food in Iceland is amazing.  I don’t know what blog or review I read that said the food is terrible but having spent 8 days there, I can definitively tell you that you don’t need to worry about having good food.

Now where you’re going to have a bit of a shock dealing with is the exuberant price you’ll be paying for a meal in Iceland.  Throw away everything you know about your own standards of eating back home because it’s easily double and often times triple here.

The good news is though that despite dishing out Michelin-restaurant level money for meals, the quality of the food makes it all a bit more swallowable.   Something about the freshness of seafood and world-class chefs has something to do with it.  I don’t remember any meal where we came out of it disappointed.  The way we thought about it was that every dinner was equivalent to a nice meal out in the city.  On average, dinners were on average $50 a person.

The way we offset this was to have less full meals.  This meant we ate our own breakfast and lunch using the supplies we brought from home or purchased at the grocery store.  We picked up things like sandwiches, fruit, cookies, snack bars, juices, and yogurt to keep our energy up during the day and we’d reward ourselves with a good meal at the end of the day.

Grocery Stores

The friend we met up with in Reykjavik strong encouraged us to only pick up food at this grocery store. We were warned not to be tempted by the convenience of the 10-11 convenient store which can be block to block. As a result, we more or less stuck with Bonus throughout the trip.  Look for the piggy logo.  You can’t miss it!

Food You Have To Try

Being a seafaring nation, anything related to seafood is a must.  We found that time and time again, fish whether grilled or fried was a winner.

Other recommendations would be:

• Water – Don’t buy water EVER on the island.  I can’t believe I’m raving about water but seriously the H2O in Iceland is the freshest I’ve had.  Pro tip:  Before filling up your water bottle at the tap, run the cold water for 10 seconds to lush out the hot water since some parts of the island bring them in from a local spring which may have some traces of sulphur smell.
• Skyr – This has to be my biggest find of the trip.  Think Greek yogurt but even richer and thicker.
• Icelandic hotdog – The most popular hotdog stand in Reykjavik is of course Baejarins Beztu Pylsur but there are other places in the city where you can try these traditional hotdogs topped with ketchup, a sweet brown mustard, raw onions, fried onions, and remoulade.
• Fish jerky – This may not be for everyone but we very much enjoyed trying different types of dried fish.  They made for great snacks on the road and sometimes to keep me awake during those long night time drives.
• Fish and chips – The restaurant Icelandic Fish and Chips in Reykjavik we had on our last day was delicious.  The Halibut in particular was very tender and flaky.
• Langoustine – These are large prawns with claws or miniature lobsters that Hofn is well known for.  They’re expensive but I hear is quite succulent.
• Liquorice – Not sure what the story is here but liquorice is everywhere here.  Almost all the chocolate here involves some sort of liquorice as well (so be careful if you’re not a fan).

If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t have any issues with eating shark, whale, puffin, or horse, those options are available although we stayed away from these.

While packing for a trip like Iceland was business as usual as I cover in a number of my packing guides , it was also challenging in a number of ways because of the time of year we went and the constraints we had to work with since we were flying WOW Air.

NOTE: WOW Air has since gone under so your best way to fly to Iceland is with Icelandair or your own local carrier. In Canada for instance, Air Canada does have direct routes to Reykjavik.

Suitcase or Backpack?

A common question.  Do you you lug around a big suitcase or do you go nimble with a backpack?  The easy answer is that it honestly doesn’t matter on a road trip like this because you’re going to be travelling with a car the entire time.  You’re going to have the luxury of space and you won’t be running around with everything on your back.

I say if you prefer to travel with a backpack , go for it.  Otherwise, a suitcase will suit you just as well.

The only thing to consider is a case like ours where we were flying WOW Air and it was the most economical to check in one bag.  With us sharing the space, a suitcase was just a lot easier organizationally.

I’m not going to list out everything we packed.  Instead, I want to focus on the things that you absolutely have to have on any trip to Iceland.  For some items, we learned the hard way that we wished we had packed them.

• Waterproof everything – I debated for a long time whether I should bring my waterproof pants along with waterproof jacket and shoes.  I’m so glad I did because we needed almost every day of the trip.  My fiance didn’t have waterproof pants and it really sucked .  Things got so desperate that one point, we had to make our own make-shift pant cover out of clear plastic bags.  Waterproof all the things.  I highly recommend Columbia’s OutDry collection including their pants and jacket that I wore all trip.
• Gloves – These are necessary to keep your hands warm.  Experiencing as much rain as we did, I wish I had more than just my thin fabric gloves.  If I were to do it again, I’d definitely bring waterproof gloves. We suggest The Heat Company for these. The magic of The Heat Company comes with these shell mittens that open up to reveal the liner gloves so you have full access to your fingers which makes operating your smartphone, drone, and camera possible.
• Layer layer layer – Weather is dynamic out here so have layers to stay warm when you need to and strip down when it gets too hot.  Layers also allow you to pack more efficiently.  I recommend a thermal base lay er + t-shirt + zip-up + fleece + jacket to complete all your layers.
• Good hiking shoes – This goes without saying.  My Keen Aphlex  hikers were amazing at keeping my feet warm, provided grip even in slippery conditions and were also completely waterproof which is a mandatory feature in my opinion for a trip like this.
• Headlamp – This Fenix HM65R Headlamp was super handy when we were staying at the Bubble Hotel where we were out in the dark.
• Swimsuit – This one’s easy to forget but remember there’ll be all those hot springs in Iceland.
• Towel – Glad we packed this one as it was a must-have when we went to Seljavallalaug Pool.
• Flip flops/sandals – In the same vain as the towel, you’ll want flip flops if you’re going to Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon to avoid having to walk around bare feet.  Also, if you’re staying at anywhere other than a hotel, you’ll want flip flops to act as your slippers and also something to wear to the communal bathrooms. Read our full review of our favorite flip flops .
• Snacks – You’ll see below in the cost breakdown that food is a heck of an expense.  The more you can bring from home, the better.  I recommend bringing granola bars, trail mix, and chocolate.

What about long johns?  September wasn’t quite cold enough to need these thankfully so we did not pack them but I can see these being necessary as you go deeper into winter.

Hand Washing

I’d say this is pretty much inevitable so you might as well be prepared to do this during your trip.  Thing is that you just won’t have time to waste finding a laundromat.  In fact, I don’t think I saw any at all.

The good thing is that you won’t be sweating a whole lot out here so you won’t need to wash as often.  What worked for us is a daily routine before we slept where we washed our underwear and socks.  To dry our clothes, we made good use of the radiator heaters that are used all over the country (thanks to all the hot springs) by draping the clothes over them.  By morning they were usually fully dry and good to go.

If you haven’t yet, check out my video on how to wash your clothes while on the road .

Throughout our trip, I did our best to keep a tally of our expenses.  I may have missed a few things here and there but this should give you a high level view of how much it would cost to spend 8 days in Iceland.

For simplicity, I’ve converted everything to USD .  Also keep in mind that these are for 2 travellers.

• Air – $1,316.82 (includes stopover in Alicante)
• Accommodation – $781.52
• Car Rental – $792.08
• Auto Expenses – $202.34
• Souvenirs – $139.45
• Food and Drink – $697.59
• Excursions – $895.37

TOTAL = $4,826.17 ($2,413.09 per person)

I’m not going to sugarcoat it, unless you’re planning on doing some serious roughing out and you don’t care for any excursions, be prepared to pay a lot of money on this trip.

Iceland is not a cheap trip .  Flights are getting cheaper and cheaper to get to the island but what most people don’t realize until they get to Iceland is just how expensive everything else is.  Food is expensive.  Gas is expensive.  Excursions are expensive.  Hotels are expensive.  Car rentals are expensive.  You get the picture.

There are definitely ways to cut costs through food and car rental/accommodations hacks to a certain extent but once you introduce any sort of guided excursion and the inevitable good meal here and there, it adds up quite quickly.

To Tip or Not To Tip

The simple answer here is that no.  There are no customs or expectations of tipping and you are completely in the clear if you leave no tips.  Of course, it’s not illegal to tip so if you’ve had exceptional service, feel free to round up or leave a bit extra behind.

Remember Tax-Free

If you buy 6,000 ISK or more at a single store, you’re eligible for tax refund (only at certain stores).  You’ll want to take advantage of this since you can get a whopping 24% back in tax.

It goes without saying that the photography here is  out of this world .  There are so many opportunities and special moments that you’ll want to capture.  Landscape wise you have the waterfalls, black sand beaches, mountains, glaciers, cliffs, volcanoes, canyons, icebergs and northern lights.  In Reykjavik, you get you fix of urban photography with its abundance of interesting architecture, sculptures, and graffiti.  Then you have the wildlife where you’ll have a ton of fun shooting sheep, Icelandic horses, and of course the puffins.

Planning vs. Spontaneity

While travelling, I always struggle with wanting to plan for specific shoots because light and time of day matters but the truth is that if you’re not on a photography-centric trip, you’ll drive your travel partner(s) mad and you’ll limit the flexibility of what you’ll see.

That being said, if you’ve got a specific shot in mind, you could totally plan it in your schedule.  Just remember to make sure you watch the time because it’s so easy to spend a lot of time in one place or likewise very easy to get away with side of the road stops.

Sunsets and Sunrises

As much as I wanted to do a sunrise, it never ended up working out for me because we were simply too tired or good weather wasn’t a guarantee.  If you’re up for it, I’d definitely try to work one or two in.

Sunsets are a lot easier to see but from my experience hard to schedule just because you’ll always be on the go and it is hard to be disciplined with time.  For us the only time we got to watch the sunset was at Jokulsarlon Lagoon which as far as sunsets go was average because of the amount of overcast we had.

Camera Gear

The most important part is that you want to have all the gear you need to be set up for success in Iceland.  Here are a few things you’ll want to think about and the specific gear that I brought.

As much as you can, make sure your gear can stand the wild weather that Iceland can and will throw at you.   Rain is going to be your biggest enemy both in damaging your gear and getting rain spots all over your lens.  Luckily my Olympus set up is fully weather sealed but it was incredibly frustrating when it was almost impossible to keep the front of the lens clean.  I got to the point where my Lenspen  and microfibre cloths were completely useless because they would either create water streak marks or were completely soaked with water.  I didn’t come prepared with enough it and it got to the point where I was forced to use the inside of my thermal layers or my Buff.

Cold is another aspect you’ll want to think about.  Freezing temperatures do a number on batteries whether it be for your camera or your phone.  One second you’ll be at 80% and the next it’ll be completely dead.  Now this only applies if you’re travelling to Iceland in the winter but make sure you account for this and either bring lots of batteries or have a way to keep your batteries warm.  I suggest travelling with a lot of these heatpacks .

What You’ll Want to Bring

• Camera – I am the least likely to discriminate the type of camera you bring.  I’m going to be focusing on mirrorless and DSLR because those are what I know best.  For those wanting a super lightweight set up, I’d recommend micro four thirds .
• Lenses – Unless you’re shooting puffins, I feel that bringing a long zoom lens will be a waste.  I’d recommend a good all-around lens in the 24-70mm range (12-40mm in the M43 world) and pair that with a super wide angle like the 16-35mm (7-144mm for M43).  A fun addition for your trip would be a fisheye lens.  I brought the Olympus 8mm f1.8 Fisheye  which worked out very well for my northern lights shoot.
• Filters – If you want to have any hope of shooting silky smooth water shots, you’re going to need to bring the right ND filters.  I’d recommend an ND8 at a minimum.  Another filter that you’ll want to have is a circular polarizer to cuts glare and reflections, allowing deep, natural colours to show through with great saturation.  Lastly, if you have the money, you can also invest in a more sophisticated glass plate kit such as the one by Formatt Hitech .
• Tripod – Key for any sunset, sunrise, star trail, geyser, long exposure water, or northern lights shots.  I recommend bringing a lightweight carbon fibre one to make it easy to carry in your pack while hiking.  I travel with the  Sirui T-024X  which isn’t exactly a well known brand but it is affordable, sturdy, and gets the job done when travelling.
• Microfibre cloths – Bring lots and lots of these.  As I mentioned above, all of mine were soaked when I was out shooting in the rain.
• Lots of batteries and memory cards – Depending on your camera, bring what you think you’ll need and then some.
• Car charging accessories – Remember you’ll be driving around the island in a car and to keep up with my battery demands, I always made sure I was queueing up the next dead battery.
• Protection from water – If your camera isn’t weather sealed, you’ll want to protect it somehow.  If it’s your camera, you should consider picking up  rain sleeves .  If it’s your phone, one of these waterproof cases should do.
• Carrying bag – Last but not least is a good backpack.  Yes it’s true that you’ll have the luxury of keeping your gear in the car most of the time but once you’re out and about, you’ll need to bring your selected gear with you.  I travelled with the discontinued  Kata 3N1-30 which I quite liked.  I’ve since retired it and right now the best travel bag out there on the market has to be the Peak Design Everyday Backpack which I review here .

Want to learn how to shoot the northern lights?

Step By Step How-To

What you should read next

• Iceland 6 Day Itinerary Road Trip
• Top 5 Hotels in Reykjavik On A Budget In Iceland
• Reasons To Go To Iceland
• Top 12 Things You Absolutely Must Do In Iceland
• Iceland Bubble Hotel Review – Unique Stays
• Facebook 99
• Pinterest 410

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

Find us on social media

Get My PNW Presets!

This preset collection can enhance your photos and will help you define your style and save you time.

The Absolute Best Iceland Itinerary: 7 days

Iceland is one of those countries that seems to be popping up on everyone’s Instagram lately. The stunning country is filled with so many jaw-dropping views. It has become wildly famous for good reason. The country is full of waterfalls, black sand beaches, white peaked mountains, cute churches, blue glaciers, hot springs galore, and so much more. It is honestly a nature lover’s dream paradise. And, the best part is that it is super easy to plan a trip. With the acceptance of credit cards everywhere and most attractions being just a car drive away, its no wonder people flock to Iceland every year. After spending my Thanksgiving in this magnificent place, I have decided to make it easy for everyone and listed out the perfect 7 days Iceland itinerary which also includes tours if you are not in the mood to rent a car. So keep reading on for the best Iceland Itinerary 7 days edition!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Download my free Outdoor Photography Guide

Iceland winter itinerary vs iceland summer itinerary.

Choosing when to visit Iceland can be difficult, especially if you are spending 7 days in Iceland. On one hand, the summer months bring easy weather; but on the other hand, winter has fewer crowds. Either way, you will not be disappointed no matter what time of the year you go. I went in the winter to save money and it was still epic. My winter trip just made me want to come back in the summer to experience a different landscape.

• In the Winter:  Weather can be unpredictable, it is cheaper, less sunlight, snowy landscape, less crowded, the best sunrise and sunset pictures.
• In the Summer: Weather is the best, super crowded, green landscape, more sunlight, more costly.

How To Travel Around Iceland

There are three options on getting around Iceland in 7 days:

• Rental Car: We chose this option. I am from Texas where we drive everywhere, so I don’t like to be limited on where I go. Plus, I love getting away from the crowds so it was an easy choice to rent a car. Since we went in the winter, we stayed in hotels instead of campsites. I do not advice camping in the winter as it can be dangerous. The Iceland roads were pretty easy to travel in as the road conditions were good. I will warn you that driving in Iceland in winter can be dangerous due to random snow storms, so be wary.
• Tour Guides: There are soooo many tours in Iceland that you no longer need a car to explore. Throughout the article, I have listed the most popular tours for you. Tours are a great option if you don’t feel like planning much 🙂
• Rent a Campervan: This is a great way to save some money! You don’t need camping gear or a hotel, just your campervan. >Rent Your Campervan Here

Read More: 11+ Tips on Renting a Campervan in Iceland

Iceland Road Map

Below is the Iceland 7 day Itinerary map. You can download the map and turn on and off all the layers as needed:

Iceland Tips

• Even though Iceland is part of the EU, the country uses the Icelandic Króna instead of the EUR. Many people exchange their money, but I feel it is unnecessary. Most places accepts credit cards, and if you have a credit card that has no international/foreign exchange fees, you can skip the hassle of getting the Krona.
• If you want to avoid the crowds, the best approach is to travel further away from Reykjavik. It is easiest by renting a car or an RV. In my opinion, the best way to see Iceland is to rent a car.
• Spending one week in Iceland can be expensive. The best way to save money is to not eat at restaurants. I suggest going to grocery stores and buying food in Reykjavik or Vik. Another way to save money is to purchase sandwiches from gas stations. Most days, my husband and I ate sandwiches from the gas station and they were quite tasty. I would get different types every time so I wouldn’t get tired of them.
• Don’t go driving off-road because it is illegal.
• Only hike on established trails.
• Book all your tours in advance. Iceland is a popular travel destination so they might get sold out.
• Bring the correct type of clothing. Summer months do not mean warm months. Come prepared.

Iceland Itinerary 7 days

Day 1: fly into keflavik, blue lagoon and hang out at reykjavik.

Blue Lagoon

There are so many articles on why you should or shouldn’t visit the famous Blue Lagoon. The articles over-analyze the super touristy spot. I am one of those individuals who needs to experience it on my own to form my personal opinion. So of course, I booked my ticket right away.

My conclusion is that if you are on a fence, add it to your Iceland travel itinerary. Experience it at least once in your life. If you hate it, then never go back again. But at least you tried it out.

It is a bit crowded, but the smokey, baby blue colors and the relaxation is worth it. I recommend booking a ticket early in the day (8:00 am or 9:00am) just so there are fewer people. Based on the setup, I can imagine the place can become a madhouse at peak hours.

When you arrive,  you are given a bracelet, which will allow you to lock your belongings in a locker. Right after you put your personal items in the locker, you are required to take a shower prior to jumping into the lagoon. I recommend women to put their hair in a bun and then slather conditioner all over your hair. Don’t worry, conditioner is provided in the showers. The blue lagoon waters do dry out your hair so avoid getting your hair wet.

After the shower, you walk outside and enter the lagoon. Once the toes hit the water, all of your problems and stress magically melt away. I recommend exploring all the areas of Blue Lagoon. The lagoon has three “stands” which offer different things such as drinks, massages, and mud mask products. The drink stand will give you your first drink free, and the silica mask is free as well. Your bracelet will be assigned to you which allow you to “purchase” drinks or face masks.  At the end of the experience, you will be able to check out and pay your tab.

• Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket – Buy this ticket as soon as you buy your airplane ticket to Iceland since the Blue Lagoon admissions tickets tend to sell out. Schedule it the day you arrive in Iceland or the day you leave Iceland  >Buy The Admission Ticket Here
• From Reykjavik Airport Transport – If you are not renting a car, getting transport to and from is a great option. >Buy Your Transport Here

First Day in Reykjavik

After spending some time at the Blue Lagoon, it is time to head to the capital city of Iceland – Reykjavik. Reykjavik is located on the south western part of Iceland, making it quite nice and easy to explore the rest of the country from here.

Blue Lagoon/Keflavik to Reykjavik is about 45 minutes to 1 hour drive away. Upon arriving at Reykjavik, head to your hotel to check-in. We stayed at Ion City Hotel , which is such a chic, beautiful hotel. After checking in, it is time for some quick exploration. It is recommended that you explore Reykjavik by walking – as some of the lanes don’t allow for vehicle entry.

First stop is the Laugavegur Street. This is one of the prettiest streets in Reykjavik and also their main street. You will find beautiful murals on the walls, street art, great restaurants, bars and souvenir stores at Laugavegur Street. Our favorite restaurant here was the Scandinavia and Joe and Juice, which became a morning ritual.

The city offers numerous wonderful tours which are conducted in the afternoons. These walking tours are an amazing way to learn about Iceland’s history – from Vikings to the establishment of the Alpingi (parliament) and the modern day economic recession and revival of Icelandic economy with the tourism and nationalized banks. The tours typically last 2-3 hours.

If you like to explore on your own, then head to the Hallgrímskirkja Church next. Hallgrímskirkja Church is an iconic landmark of Iceland. You can see this tallest church from anywhere in the city of Reykjavik. This is a Lutheran church and it is open to public everyday. Entry to the church is free, but to access the towers, there is an additional charge of $10 USD per adult. We highly recommend that you take the church tower access, you will be rewarded with amazing city views of Reykjavik, with its red, blue and multi-colored houses. You can easily spend 1-2 hours here.

By now, the sun is likely setting. This is the best time to stroll around the city, eat, and grab a drink or two. Reykjavik comes alive in the evening, so definitely check it out.

It is true that Reykjavik is expensive when it comes to food. For meals everyday, it is a good idea to get some Icelandic delicacies from one of their grocery stores (Bonus, Kronas, 10-11 – grocery stores located in downtown Reykjavik). There is a budget eating place in downtown Reykjavik (all you can eat style) – called Reykjavik Street Food. You have to try their Icelandic lamb soup. Not only is it delicious, but it is noticeably cheaper when compared to other restaurants.

Where to Stay In Reykjavik

• Ion City Hotel  is the hotel we stayed at in Reykjavik. It is chic, fancy and in an entertaining area. I love how close everything is and being able to walk around with all the Christmas decorations. Sigh… So magical!  >Check Pricing and Availability
• 101 Hotel  is located only a few minutes walk from the Icelandic Phallological Museum and usually has incredible rates. I stayed here in the summer and I am in love with the black and white modern look of the rooms!  >Check Pricing and Availability 
• The Hotel Lotus  is an affordable accommodation with Kringlan Shopping Center only 0.6 miles away! There is also an in-house restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner.  >Check Pricing and Availability  

Looking for more places to stay in Reykjavik? Read About The Best Places To Stay In Iceland

Day 2: Explore Reykjavik

Next morning, explore more of the Reykjavik city. Reykjavik is located by the Faxa Bay, so you can expect amazing river-front views. Take a stroll along the harbour front and visit some of the other popular tourist spots in the capital city. The Sun Voyager is a sculpture located by the harbor front. It is accessible 24/7. Close to the Sun Voyager is the stunning Harpa Concert Hall. Built in the 2000s, the “Harpa” is home of Icelandic festivals and Orchestra and is characterized by the shiny glass architecture.

There are quite a few interesting museums in the Reykjavik city, that are definitely worth a visit. Iceland Maritime Museum, Icelandic Phallological Museum, Icelandic Art Museum, the National Gallery of Iceland – to name a few.

There is also the new amazing Sky Lagoon that everyone is talking about. This lagoon is located in Reykjavik and is less crowded than the blue lagoon. The views are absolutely gorgeous too. I even did the seven-step ritual and had an amazing experience. >You can book a ticket here

I also recommend doing some shopping around Reykjavik. Iceland is known for its wool, so I bought some sweaters, jackets, blankets, and hats. Icewear Iceland is the best place to shop at for Icelandic wool.

Looking for more things to do in Reykjavik? Read the free and cheap things to do in Reykjavik here .

Reykjavik area written by Mayuri at To Some Place New

Day 3: Golden Circle

Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir National Park)

One of the most famous national parks and a world heritage Unesco site in Iceland is Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir is a must for your 1 week in Iceland trip. The park is filled with waterfalls, old churches, ruins, and mid-Atlantic rifts which means you will be walking on two continents/ tectonic plates: The North American Plates and the Eurasian Plates. Iceland is the only place in the world where you can walk on two different tectonic plates.

When we entered the park, we slowly walked around and took in all the beauty and took pictures of the waterfalls and the unique landscape. Many people also scuba dive or snorkel in the Silfra. You can book your Silfra snorkel tour here.  If you do book a snorkel or dive tour please note that it will probably take half a day so you might not have time to explore the other areas listed on this day.

The Geysir is an easy attraction to add to your Iceland road trip itinerary. The area has restaurants, tourists shops, and it even has a Geysir! This was our first time seeing a Geysir, so I was super impressed. Parking is free, and it was easy to find a spot even with the crowds. The Geysir sprays water every few minutes (up to 20-40 meters high) so make sure to take videos and pictures of this phenomenon. Just don’t get too close as the water is sweltering:-)

Note: This is a great area to stop and have lunch at.

Gullfoss Waterfall

When we arrived at this waterfall, we were in absolute shock! Gullfoss was the largest waterfall I have ever seen, and there was a 360° rainbow! The only downside was that it was pretty crowded and the floor was slippery, so be careful. I almost fell on my face a couple of times, not going to lie 🙂

Gullfoss translates to “Golden Falls” which was exactly how I felt described this place. I mean look at that picture above, if that doesn’t describe golden falls, I don’t know what will. The waterfall should be thought of as two separate features with one cascade measuring at 11 meters and the taller one measuring at 21 meters.

Kerid Crater

When planning a trip to Iceland, make sure to add this volcanic crater to your list. I loved how the green water looked with the dark red color of the crater. It is a perfect detour from the Gullfoss, Thingvellir, and the Geysir since it isn’t as crowded as the other three sites. You do have to pay for parking which we did with our credit card (about 400 ISK).

You can either hike around the crater or hike down to the water. We decided to get closer to the crater and take more pictures as shown below.

Take Pictures With Icelandic Horses

This honestly can be done on any of the days when seeing Iceland by car, but I decided to add this here since we took pictures with the horses while exploring the Golden Circle. You will have so many opportunities to hang out with the horses because they are everywhere!

Just make sure not to feed the horses and not to touch them. Feeding them or petting them does more harm than good.

Golden Circle Tours

• Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour with Kerid Crater –  One of the most popular tours in Iceland, takes you to see Gullfoss Waterfall, the geyser of Strokkur, the volcanic crater at Kerið, and Þingvellir National Park. This tour lasts about 8 hours, and they pick you up at Reykjavik.    >Buy Tour Now

Where To Stay Near The Golden Circle

I recommend staying in Reykjavik on this day. But, if you are driving in Iceland on your own then you can probably stay at a hotel much closer:

• Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel – We stayed at the Ion hotel while we toured the Golden Circle. Super Chic and away from the hustle and bustle. The hotel has a delicious restaurant and a pretty rad looking pool. Perfect for Instagram pictures. >Book Your Stay Here

Day 4: South Iceland

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Day four consists of exploring South Iceland. The first stop is one of the most famous waterfalls called Seljalandsfoss located on route 1 Iceland. The waterfall is about 60 meters tall and is part of the Seljalands River.

When traveling around Iceland, you can usually spot the beautiful waterfall a long ways away before you get to it. It truly is magnificent. You do have to pay for parking, and it is 700ISK per car. There is a Kiosk machine that takes credit cards.

The best part about this waterfall is you can actually walk behind the waterfall. If you want to go behind the waterfall, I highly recommend a raincoat because you will get soaked! In the wintertime going behind the waterfall can be closed due to the path being too slippery.

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Located right next to the famous Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is a must stop. The waterfall is located walking distance away from Seljalandsfoss, and it is less crowded. The waterfall is 40 meters high and is blocked from view behind a massive cliff. Bring good rainboots and raincoat as you will get soaked.

Skógafoss Waterfall

One of the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland, Skógafoss should be on everyone’s South Iceland itinerary. The waterfall stands at 60 meters, is 25 meters wide, and is located right off the Iceland highway 1. There is even an option of walking up the steps to view the beautiful waterfall from above (525 steps worth).

Hidden Waterfall

One of my favorite parts of my Iceland road trip itinerary was discovering a hidden waterfall called Kvernufoss. The waterfall is located near the Skogar Museum, and if you walk east, you will find a fence that you will need to hop over. Eventually, the path will lead you to a wonderful waterfall. Make sure to take care of Kvernufoss, and to keep it hidden away from the hordes of tourists.

Dyrhólaey Lighthouse Viewpoint

When we were visiting Iceland, we loved seeing the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse. It was our first time seeing a black sand beach so getting the views from the top were surreal. The area is unfortunately not open all year long for cars due to bird nesting season.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

One of the most famous black sand beaches is located on the south coast near the small city of Vik. This place is usually crowded with tourists, but I still feel it is necessary to stop. The beach is one of a kind and includes crazily shaped basalt rocks, basalt cliffs, and of course black sand. You can usually walk away from the crowds to take some pictures on your own.

The two Basalt Cliffs are called Reynisdrangar and legend has it that the two cliffs are trolls that turned into stone when they stayed too long in the daylight.

South Island Tours

South Island is one of the most popular spots in Iceland. Getting a tour in this area is not difficult at all. Here is the most popular South Island Tour from Reykjavik:

South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik –  The duration is about 10 hours, and you get to visit Seljalandsfoss, Vik, Sólheimajökull glacier, Skógafoss waterfall, and see the black sand beaches of the southern coast.  >Book Your Tour Here

Vik is such a cute town to explore. It is also a great place to grab food, or go grocery shopping. I liked exploring the Vík i Myrdal Church. If you go around the right time (June/July) the area will be filled with wildflowers. It is pretty epic.

Where To Stay In Vik

If you are not doing a south island tour and you are driving around Iceland on your own, I recommend staying at Vik for the night. Driving all the way back to Reykjavik will make you lose precious Iceland exploring time.

• Vik Apartments  are pretty much a home away from home. The hotel comes with a full kitchen, living room, an awesome balcony with stunning views of the black beach. I recommend this place for families or friends traveling together as there are multiple bedrooms.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• Black Beach Suites  was my FAVORITE accommodation in Iceland. I loved that it had a full kitchen and dining table. Hubby even cooked me breakfast in the morning. You can walk to the famous black sand beach from the patio. I wish we had stayed more than one night.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• The Barn  is one of the fanciest hostels I have ever seen. This place is exceptionally chic and clean. I had to go inside to check into our Black Beach Suites, and I was surprised to find out it was a hostel! If you are on a budget, I HIGHLY recommend this place.  >Check Pricing and Availability

Day 5: South East Iceland

Tour around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The glacial lagoon was probably my favorite part of my Iceland one-week itinerary. The area is absolutely epic and has so much to offer! You can take a boat tour, visit ice caves, go glacier hiking, or take amazing Instagram pictures at the shores. Regardless of what you do, it will be amazing.

Since we visited Iceland in the Winter, we decided to do the one thing that can not be done all year round: Ice Cave exploring . You must hire a guide for this, and it can only be done in the winter time. I enjoyed it, but one thing that bugged me was how rushed it felt. But, it is understandable since so many people trying to see the Ice Caves as well.

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a popular destination for tours leading to many other adventure options besides the Ice Caves; like boat tours, and glacier hiking. Most tours start early in the morning near the lagoon.

Our ice cave tour ended in the early afternoon. Afterward, we ate at one of the two food trucks located on site. The food was delicious!

Diamond Beach

Make sure to add this to your Iceland trip itinerary because this beach is spectacular. The ice comes in all shapes and sizes, and they are always changing. This is a great spot to take drone photos and to practice your photography skills (especially during sunset). Winter time is the best time to visit this beach as the diamonds are huge compared to the summer. See the pictures above and below.

Southeast Island Tours

Due to different seasons, I recommend two tours near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. One tour is for the summer, and the other is for the winter:

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour –  This tour departs from Reykjavik and also includes Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Vik. This is a 14-hour tour. This is an excellent option for the summer.   >Book Your Tour Here
• Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon –   The tour meets in the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon so you will have to find transportation to the lagoon yourselves. This is the tour we took, and we enjoyed it.  >Book Your Tour Here

Where To Stay In Höfn

Staying at Höfn is an excellent idea after exploring around Jökulsárlón all day. The city has several accommodations and isn’t as crowded as many of the other towns near Reykjavik. If you have extra time and want to soak in a hot tub, check out the Hoffell hot tubs  near Höfn.

• Seljavellir Guesthouse  is a great hotel with big patio window doors with wonderful views of the outdoors. There is even a bar and a terrace to relax.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• Milk Factory  is a cute bed and breakfast that used to be an actual Milk Factory! Recently renovated the B&B has some great views of the surrounding mountains.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• Höfn Hostel  If you are looking for cheap accommodation the Hofn Hostel is for you. This hostel is an environmentally friendly place with a guest kitchen and laundry services.   >Check Pricing and Availability

Day 6: Explore Höfn and Stokksness and Drive Back To Reykjavik

If you are touring Iceland by car, you need to stop by Stokksnes. The peninsula holds the stunning and tall mountains called Vestrahorn. You do have to pay for a small entrance fee but doing so is entirely worth it. The black sand beach next to tall spiring mountains is a perfect spot for photographers.

We also got some killer sunset and sunrise shots in this area (as seen below). I just loved how there were fewer crowds near Höfn. After being surrounded by people every step of the way, it was nice to get some pictures without people around.

Svartifoss should be in your Iceland self drive itinerary. The waterfall is about 20 meters tall and has black columnar basalt walls. The waterfall is located in Skaftafell which is part of Vatnajökull National Park.

Get to the Skaftafell visitor center and ask for a hiking map to get to Svartifoss. The hike is about 1.5Km from the visitors center and can take 1.5-3 hours to complete (depending on how long you like to take pictures).

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

If you are driving around Iceland, make sure to stop at the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. The canyon is believed to be formed at the end of the last Ice Age, about nine thousand years ago. You can hike around the edge of the canyon to view from above. There are many stopping points throughout the canyon to take pictures. At the end of the hike, there is a stunning tall flowing waterfall.

More than likely you will be coming back to Reykjavik either in the late afternoon or evening. On our last night, we went to the Staff Kitchen and Bar . The tapas plate we ordered to share was pretty good.

Day 7: Head to The Airport

After a road trip around Iceland, it is time to get back home. If you didn’t rent a car, then book a bus transfer from Reykjavik and Keflavik here.

Additional Readings

Welp this is how we spent a week in Iceland. Make sure to check out some of my other blog posts and let me know if you have any questions in the comments below:

• Things to Do In Iceland In The Winter
• Ultimate Guide to What To Wear In Iceland

Also, follow me on Instagram, where I discuss all things hiking, camping, and backpacking. You can get ready for your next outdoor adventure!   Follow Me Here .

Claim your FREE Hiking Checklist

Ready to start hiking? Grab my free hiking checklist and never forget anything at home!

Pin For Later:

Similar Posts

13 Best National Parks To Visit In The Fall

3-Day Zion National Park Itinerary | Best Trip Tips & More

The Ulitmate Guide On Hiking Goblin Valley State Park Utah

Joffre Lakes Trail | Tips for Hiking This Provincial Park Route

Best Hikes in Grand Teton National Park: 20 Terrific Hiking Trails

Where to Stay, Eat and Drink in Chicago

34 comments.

Your maps are fantastic! It is so helpful having an idea of where everything is, especially when all the names look similar!

Thank you 🙂

Your Iceland itinerary looks amazing! The crater and waterfall look out of this world, and I so want to see the super cute Icelandic horses. I’ll pin this for my trip!

I can’t believe how many stunning photos you’ve fit into one post! I’d love to do a campervan trip around Iceland someday, and this is the first guide I’ve read that’s seriously made me consider going in the winter– those ice caves! Diamond Beach!

I know Diamond Beach is such a dream!

This looks like an amazing itinerary and it’s very well written! I’m trying to plan a trip to Iceland and this has given me so much inspiration on where to start!

Awww I am so glad you liked it!

Wow! Phenomenal post, map, and itinerary! I spent 21 days in Iceland in 2011 and am planning a week-long trip for my family to go next summer. This is very helpful and has me fired up! Your images are spectacular and the writing is top-notch as well. I have one question. The map seems to be missing day two; is it me or am did I do something on my end to remove the second day? Thanks for sharing this fantastic work and I wish you many more journeys! Todd

Hey Todd! Wow, thank you for your kind words I can not appreciate it enough! Yes, you were so right! My map was missing the 2nd day so I have updated it! I really appreciate you telling me and I really hope you have a great time with your family 🙂 Cheers!

I really enjoyed reading your blog. I’m planning a 7 day self guided road trip to Iceland next summer and this helped so much with getting some ideas. I loved how you incorporated map and pictures as well as suggestions of where to stay.

I am so glad you liked it! I love when blogs include maps and places to stay. It makes it so much easier for us!

I love your outfits and hats so much. What are the brands of the boots and jackets you have in the pictures you have posted? You are so cute in them!!

Hey Sherry here is my packing list 🙂

Hello! I just wanted to say thanks so much for this post. We recently took a road trip through Iceland, and I followed this post for inspiration and a route. I agree, we really liked Black Beach Suites and Seljavellir Guesthouse. You saved me a lot of time! Thanks again!

Thank you so much! That makes me so happy to hear 😀

Hi, Looking to go to Iceland in January. Where would I go the see the Northern lights? Thanks, Al

The best time to see them is in the winter. You can usually see them in most places in Iceland. But it is better if you get out of Reykjavik. Just keep on looking online to see updates on when it is out. You can also get the hotel to wake you if there is any activity.

I have been searching near and far for some tips on a Feb. Iceland trip and I cannot thank you enough for this post! Seriously the most perfect fit for our trip – THANK YOU!

Thank you Karin! So happy you liked it 🙂

Your pictures are phenomenal! What camera are you using? Your itinerary has been so helpful and have saved me so much time!

Thank you! I used the Sony A6000!

What would you recommend if you had one extra day? We are planning on following your itinerary but have one extra full day!

I recommend Snaefellsjokull National Park!

This is incredible! My boyfriend and I are planning to go to Iceland next June. I told him I would be happy doing everything on your blog. This is very informative and makes me so excited to go!! Thank you for such great info!

Yay I am so happy you like it 🙂

This looks like an amazing trip! I’m trying to plan for next year (hoping travel is okay from a COVID standpoint by then). Did you see the Northern Lights? If so, where did you see them? Thanks!

I saw them but they were not as pretty as I have seen in pictures. It looked like a cloud. I think I was just not lucky.

I just used your itinerary as the basis for my own trip (June 2022) and I have to say it was balanced, well-paced, and super fun. I even cross-referenced your stops with other sites like Lonely Planet and Reddit and this definitely has the highlights you want to see. We ended up making some changes to accommodations and tacked on some extra days in Reykjavik at the end, but if you are thinking of visiting Iceland (and not doing the Ring Road), I really recommend doing a version similar to this. If you are going in summer, instead of the Ice Cave, I highly recommend going kayaking in the Glacier Lagoon instead. Thanks for posting this!

Thank you so much for this comment! As a blogger, I rarely get feedback after people’s trips, so good to know you enjoyed it. I will be going back next month so hopefully, I can write a 14-day itinerary:-D.

Hi Michelle, Thank you for your itinerary. My husband and I just got back from Iceland, and we used it as our planning tool. It was awesome 🙂 Allison

Yay so glad you liked it!

Hi! I wanted to let you know I used your itinerary information extensively this past week when I took my 18-year old son to Iceland for his birthday/high school graduation trip, and it was amazing!! We did 7 days + 2 days for air travel, and we added a day on Westman Islands to your suggestions. It was amazing! The weather was phenomenal and we saw so much beauty! Thanks for putting this out there into the universe for other people to benefit from. ❤️

Thanks for this itinerary, we followed your tips and had the most amazing vacation. Iceland is beautiful. We added north Iceland, Akuyeri for one night. Will follow your other suggestions and keep traveling and posting. Thanks

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Iceland Itinerary: Suggestions for Any Trip of 1-14 Days (Travel Planner)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 6, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Iceland and looking for the best Iceland itinerary ? This guide will give you a good overview of some of the best itineraries for any trip to Iceland. Take a look!

Every day I get reader questions about how to plan their Iceland itinerary … You may have seen articles claiming they have the best Iceland itinerary for X days for any season, but in reality, it’s not possible. Just one example – Iceland in winter or in summer is like two different countries… The weather is different, the sights are more or less accessible, and the daylight time varies from just 3 to 24 hours…

So the best Iceland itinerary for your trip will depend a lot on when you travel, how much time you have, and of course on your interests .

While there is no one Iceland itinerary that fits it all, I created several suggested Iceland road trip itineraries for different durations. This article covers some of the most popular Iceland trip itineraries for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 days, a week, 10 days, and 14 days .

These Iceland itineraries are meant to show you what’s worth visiting the most and how much time it normally takes to see it all with regular sightseeing days of about 8-10 hours.

We’ve been to Iceland multiple times and did several road trips in different seasons. So these suggested Iceland trip itineraries are based on our experience. We highly recommend that you rent a car and explore Iceland on a self-drive road trip.

The shorter trip itineraries – up to one week – only focus on Reykjavik and South Iceland and can be done in any season. If you are traveling in the dark season, you can also expect to see the Northern Lights in Iceland following those itineraries. The longer road trips – 10-day trips and the 14-day complete Iceland Ring Road tour including the Westfjords – are recommended in summer only.

I included the most beautiful places of Iceland in each Iceland itinerary (as much as possible, depending on the duration). That way you can get the most out of your trip, no matter how much time you have in Iceland, or in which season you travel. Find out!

How much time do you need in Iceland?

Iceland is worth a longer trip than just a day or two and 4 days is an absolute minimum for Reykjavik and the South Coast . However, no matter whether you’re traveling – in summer or in winter – I recommend planning at least 5-7 days if you want to see some of the main highlights of Iceland.

With 10 days, you could drive the entire Ring Road, whereas in two weeks, you could see all the main places in Iceland and get a bit off the beaten path.

Nevertheless, I know that Iceland has become a popular stopover destination and there are also many people looking for suggestions on what to see and do in Iceland in just one, two, or three days.

So in this post, we share suggestions for any Iceland itinerary. Whether you have just a few days or a few weeks in Iceland, this article will help you plan your trip. Find out!

Iceland itinerary: suggestions from one day to two weeks

• 1 day in Iceland – Reykjavik layover
• 2 days in Iceland – stopover in Reykjavik
• 3 days in Iceland
• 4 days in Iceland
• 5 – 6 days in Iceland
• 7 days in Iceland
• 10 days complete Ring Road itinerary
• 10 day Iceland trip itinerary: Akureyri to Reykjavik

10 days West and North Iceland itinerary

• Two weeks complete Iceland Ring Road itinerary
• Best resources for planning a trip to Iceland

Below is an overview of several suggested Iceland trip itineraries for different durations of your stay . In order not to repeat myself, I only give a longer explanation of the specific location once. So if you are looking at a three-day trip in Iceland, you’ll have to read the explanation of day one and day two as well.

1 day stopover in Iceland – best of Reykjavik in a day

Day 1: Reykjavik city tour + Blue Lagoon/Sky Lagoon or 1/2 day excursion .

Reykjavik isn’t such a big city, so you can see the main highlights in just half a day:

• Walk along the waterfront and see the two main landmarks – the Harpa concert hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture .
• Stroll the two main shopping streets, Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur .
• Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church and make sure you go all the way to the top for the best views.
• If you have time, you can visit a few museums or fun attractions in Reykjavik .

In the afternoon head to the Blue Lagoon – the most famous hot tub of Iceland. It’s located a bit outside of the city and the best way to get there is by booking a bus transfer from Reykjavik . Entrance tickets to the Blue Lagoon have to be booked at least a few days in advance; you can book Blue Lagoon tickets here .

Alternative: The Sky Lagoon is now a very popular alternative to the famous Blue Lagoon. It’s located closer to town and is easier to visit, plus the views are amazing. Also here, bus transfers are available and you really have to book tickets/transfers in advance .

Alternatively, take a short excursion from Reykjavik – there are so many amazing options! Here you can find our guide to the very best half-day tours from Reykjavik .

For dinner, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and pubs in the city center. Reykjavik is also famous for its nightlife. Not sure where to start? Check out these great Icelandic food tours in Reykjavik .

• Here you can read more about what to do when visiting Reykjavik .
• Looking for the best accommodation options in Reykjavik? Check our Reykjavik hotel suggestions .

READ ALSO: Reykjavik 1-Day Itinerary (slightly different than the above, with more time in the city and including the Sky Lagoon instead of the Blue Lagoon)

How to spend two days in Iceland (no car needed)

Day 1: Reykjavik city + Sky Lagoon (see our recommended itinerary for a day in Reykjavik ). Day 2: The Golden Circle or South Coast.

If you have two days in Iceland, spend one day in Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon (as described above), and the second day exploring outside the city.

The most popular day trip from Reykjavik is a visit to the area called the Golden Circle . It includes a visit to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir area. You can do this tour by car, but if you don’t feel like renting a car for just a day, you can easily book one of the organized tours. Here you can book a highly-rated Golden Circle group tour or a private tour .

Some of the Golden Circle tours offer combination tours that include food tasting, whale watching, geothermal lagoons, or Northern Lights viewing (in winter). You can find the best Golden Circle tour options here or check our hand-picked selection of the best day trips from Reykjavik .

South Coast is another extremely popular day trip – more information further below.

South Coast and Jokulsarlon. Alternatively, you can opt for a tour of the South Coast and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon . This tour covers all the main highlights of the South Coast, but also goes all the way to Jokulsarlon. However, it’s a very long tour of 14 hours. It’s good for those who have little time in Iceland and want to get the absolute most of their trip and don’t mind a long day on a bus.

Iceland itinerary for three days (no rental car needed)

Day 1: Reykjavik city + Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon (see our recommended itinerary for a day in Reykjavik ). Day 2: Golden Circle. Day 3: South Coast.

If you have three days in Iceland, you definitely should try to take a tour of the South Coast . The highlights include the black sand beaches of Vik, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and also glaciers.

Here is the best price-quality day trip to South Coast that I found. Alternatively, check out this tour – it is more expensive, but it includes glacier hiking as well.

Alternatively, you can opt for a South Iceland tour that takes you all the way to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon , but it will be a very long day with lots of driving.

Good to know: If you have three days in Iceland (and you are not traveling in winter), you can do this tour with a rental car. If you rent a car, consider staying in Hvergaderi area after you visit the Golden Circle, instead of heading back to Reykjavik. It will save you quite some driving time. If you do this, you can easily add a glacier hike to your day 3 itinerary as well.

Alternatively, if you only have 1-3 days in Iceland, you can also stay in the city and make day trips from Reykjavik . Most day tours will pick you up at the hotel in Reykjavik or in the city center.

READ ALSO: Iceland South Coast: Best Sights & Attractions

Four days Iceland itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavik city tour + Blue Lagoon/Sky Lagoon. Day 2: The Golden Circle. Day 3: Southern Iceland – glaciers, waterfalls and beaches. Day 4: Skaftafell National Park – Jokulsarlon – Fjallsarlon.

If you have four days in Iceland, you’re probably better off renting a car and making a road trip. It’s the best way to explore the country!

Days 1-3 as above.

Day 4. Take one of the many hikes in Skaftafell National Park . Then drive to the famous glacier lagoon – Jokulsarlon . You can explore the area of the lagoon on foot or – weather permitting – take a boat tour on the glacial lake. Make sure to also visit Jokulsarlon Beach , also called Diamond Beach, and the smaller glacial lagoon Fjallsarlon .

TIP: Take a look at our detailed Iceland 4 days itinerary covering all these places and more. Check it out!

Iceland itinerary for five to six days

If you have five or six days in Iceland, you should cover all the main highlights from the 4-day Iceland itinerary mentioned above. In addition, you can add some of the following highlights to your 5-6 day Iceland itinerary:

• Visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula – one full day is a minimum.
• Visit Heimaey Island – it can be easily combined with your South Coast itinerary and one day is enough.
• Visit the highlands. You can visit Haifoss Waterfall in your own car or take a day tour to Landmannalaugar (summer only).
• Visit Reykjanes Peninsula – it’s close to Reykjavik and Keflavik airport and half a day is enough for the main highlights.
• Go glacier hiking – make sure you book a tour in advance ! It only requires half a day and can be easily added to your South Coast itinerary.
• Explore the Skaftafell National Park a bit more and take one or two longer hikes. We hiked to the famous Svartifoss waterfall and continued on the Sjónarnípa trail. It was definitely worth it!
• Visit Skogar Museum, Fjadrargljufur Canyon, and Eldhraun lava field.

Iceland one week itinerary

There are many ways to spend a week in Iceland. A lot depends on your interests and when you travel. In any case, Golden Circle and South Coast are a must and I highly recommend planning a day in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. In addition, consider a tour to see whales and/or puffins . And I also recommend spending some time in Skaftafell National Park or exploring the glaciers of Iceland.

Here you can find our detailed one week Iceland winter trip itinerary . It’s specifically tailored for short daylight hours and unpredictable roads. This itinerary is perfect for a trip between October and March.

In summer, the days will be much longer and so you’ll have more time to explore and/or add some additional activities to your trip – see our suggested Iceland itinerary for a summer trip below.

If you are traveling in summer (+-May to September), your one week Iceland itinerary could look as follows:

Day 1: Blue Lagoon/Sky Lagoon and drive to Snaefellsnes. Day 2: Snaefellsnes Peninsula . Day 3: Golden Circle. Day 4: Heimaey Island or Icelandic Highlands. Day 5: South Coast. Day 6: Skaftafell National Park and glaciers. Day 7: Reykjavik (+ whale and puffin tour) or Reykjanes Peninsula .

Here you can find all the details for this 7 days Iceland itinerary .

Complete Ring Road in 10 days

If you want to do the entire Ring Road of Iceland in the shortest time possible while still being enjoyable, then this is the best itinerary for you!

Day 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon/Sky Lagoon & Reykjavik. Day 2: Golden Circle. Day 3: South Coast. Day 4: Jokulsarlon & Eastfjords. Day 5: Myvatn. Day 6: Husavik to Akureyri. Day 7: Trollaskagi Peninsula. Day 8: North Coast to Snaefellsnes. Day 9: Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Day 10: Reykjavik, Reykjanes Peninsula & departure.

Here you can find the details of this complete Iceland Ring Road trip .

Iceland road trip in summer – 10 days itinerary from Akureyri to Reykjavik

The first time we visited Iceland in summer, we took ten days to explore this beautiful country. This is our 10-day Iceland trip itinerary from Akureyri to Reykjavik in a nutshell . This is a more relaxed itinerary where you really have the time to explore deeper.

Please note that this is a summer itinerary. We visited in June, and there were still quite some places we couldn’t get to and things we couldn’t do. I would only recommend this trip in June, July or August, maybe still in September – October, but be prepared for some snow…

Day 1: Flight to Akureyri. Day 2: Akureyri via Godafoss to Mývatn. Day 3: Highlights of Myvatn . Day 4: Dettifoss, and to the Eastern part of Iceland. Day 5: Eastern fjords to Höfn. Day 6: Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and excursion to Ingölfshöfdi Cape and puffins . Day 7: Skaftafell National Park. Day 8: Vik black sand beach, Skogafoos, and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Hekla volcano lava fields. Day 9: The Golden Circle. Day 10: Reykjavik.

This is one of our favorite summer trips to Iceland. In 10 days, we visited the best places in the West, the North, and also the Highlands of Iceland.

Day 1: Arrival, visit Reykjavik, drive to Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Day 2: Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Day 3: Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the Westfjords. Day 4: Westfjords to Blönduós. Day 5: Blönduós to Myvatn. Day 6: Myvatn area. Day 7: Myvatn to Blönduós. Day 8: Blönduós via F35 to the Golden Circle area. Day 9: The Highlands (Haifoss, Landmannalaugar) or South Coast. Day 10: Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon/Sky Lagoon, and departure.

You can find all the details for this trip in our West and North Iceland itinerary for 10 days .

Iceland Ring Road trip – two weeks Iceland itinerary

Just as the 10-day trip, the complete Iceland Ring Road trip is best done in the warmest months +- June to September.

Someone told me I shouldn’t say it’s not possible to do the whole Ring Road in winter. It’s true, it’s not impossible. However, you might face road closures and icy roads, so I do not recommend driving in the North in winter unless you are very flexible with your schedule and feel confident driving in a serious snowstorm in the dark.

You may want to read this post for more information about driving in Iceland in winter . Be sure to also check our tips for Iceland in winter .

Day 1: Flight to Keflavik (Reykjavik) and drive to the Hveragerdi area. Day 2: The Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Geysir en Gullfoss. Day 3: Southern Iceland – glaciers, waterfalls and beaches. Day 4: Skaftafell National Park – Jokulsarlon – Fjallsarlon. Day 5: Eastern fjords. Day 6: To Myvatn and the highlights of the Myvatn area (more info – things to do in Myvatn ). Day 7: Húsavik and Akureyri. Day 8: Northwest Iceland to Westfjords (stop at Hvitserkur ). Day 9: To Isafjordur. Day 10: Isafjördur. Day 11: Dynjandi waterfall , Raudasandur , and the birds of Latrabjarg (more info – Westfjords Itinerary ). Day 12: Ferry to Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Day 13: Snaefellsnes – Things to do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula . Day 14: Reykholtsdal (Hraunfossar & Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver) and Reykjavík . Day 15: Reykjanes Peninsula , Blue Lagoon , and flight back home.

Resources for planning a self-drive Iceland itinerary

✓ The best way to explore Iceland is by renting a car and making a road trip. You can find some of the best deals for Iceland car rental on this website . Not only can you compare the offers from different providers and get great-value full insurance, but you are also much better protected in case a local company goes under as recently happened with our favorite local car hire company in Iceland.

✓ You can find the best deals for Iceland accommodation on Booking.com as well. This is the website where we always book all our accommodation when we travel to Iceland (or anywhere else in the world). Alternatively, check our guide to the best accommodation suggestions for a self-drive trip around Iceland .

TIP: Compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Iceland via the map below . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

Iceland itinerary FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from our readers who are starting to plan a trip to Iceland:

How many days do I need in Iceland?

If you are visiting Iceland for the first time, we recommend at least 5-7 days. This will allow you to visit Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and the highlights of the South Coast. In addition, you could also visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula and – depending on the season – maybe also take a day trip to the highlands.

Can you do the Ring Road in Iceland in 7 days?

While you can drive the entire Ring Road of Iceland in just 1 day and see the main highlights along the Ring Road in 7-8 days, we recommend at least 10 days for the Ring Road road trip . Doing the entire Ring Road in 7 days would be very rushed and you would spend more time driving than sightseeing. 10-12 days will allow you to explore deeper, with 14 days, you could also add the Westfjords to your itinerary.

What is the best month to visit Iceland?

Visiting Iceland in different seasons is a very different experience. But while every season has its charms, the best months to explore Iceland are between May and September. That’s when the temperatures are mild, the days are long, and driving conditions are good. If you want to explore everything and also have a chance to see the Northern Lights, September is the very best month for the first trip to Iceland. Here you can read more about visiting Iceland in September .

How much does an Iceland trip cost?

Iceland is not a cheap country, but how much your trip costs depends a lot on the choices you make (hotels, rental car, tours), and also on the season when you travel. As a rule of thumb, count about 1500-2000 USD per person per week, not including the flights. This should cover mid-budget accommodations, car rental, and daily expenses, plus a few activities such as whale watching tour or glacier hiking.

LEARN MORE: How Expensive is Iceland (+ Budget Tips)

Planning a road trip to Iceland? Check out these guides:

• Best places to see in Iceland: an overview of all the best places and areas that are worth visiting the most.
• Iceland travel tips: practical tips and things you should know before planning your trip to Iceland.
• What to pack for Iceland in summer: an essential list when traveling to Iceland between May and September.
• What to wear in Iceland in winter: packing list for October to April.

READ ALSO: Iceland Travel Guide – a complete guide with an overview of all our destination guides and practical tips for visiting Iceland. You may want to bookmark it and refer to it later – it has all the info you need for planning your trip to Iceland. Check it out!

TIP: If you are planning a trip to Iceland and have practical questions, you can leave a reply below and we’ll try to help. Alternatively, join our Facebook Group for Iceland and Scandinavia Travel . It has thousands of members who can help you out with their experience-based tips and advice.

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

stacy hendrick

Tuesday 30th of April 2024

Your travel guides are AMAZING-I thought I needed to hire a Travel Agent for the Solar Eclipse trip we are planning for 2026-with your help I think I may be able to do it on my own. Thank you so much for the amazing information!!

Thursday 2nd of May 2024

Thank you for your kind feedback, Stacy. You can definitely do it yourself - it's not difficult and it will save you a lot of money. Plus, it's very rewarding! Happy travels!

Wednesday 27th of March 2024

What car rental is the best (most reliable) in Iceland? I want to reserve a car from the US. I am interested in a 4x4 to drive some F roads. I would prefer picking up at the Keflavik terminal, reserve without paying upfront, and would like to add Super Collision Waiver. I looked at Orbitz, but was not able to add Iceland insurance online. Is this available to add to the Europcar rental once I arrive? Thanks!

Thursday 28th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thank you, so much. Another question.. even with Europcar, after selecting ALL the insurance options, including SCDW, there is still a deductible of around $2,400. Do any of these car companies offer $0 deductible? I’ve read something like that is called “platinum,” but I don’t see it offered?

Hi Barbara, there is not one best company and they all have some positive and negative reviews. We personally use the this website for all our rental cars all over the world, including Iceland. You can use filters to select what you need and compare prices between different companies. They also offer a full insurance option, but you can always just pay for the insurance at the counter. It's usually cheaper online, but if you rather take it with the car rental company directly, you can always do it at the counter. Even if you have your own insurance, they will always offer more ;). I'm not familiar with Orbitz. Europcar - we used it a lot (but indirectly since it's usually much cheaper) and you can always add extra insurance when you are picking up the car. Hope this helps.

Thursday 1st of February 2024

I am trying to decide between three weeks or four weeks in Iceland in August. We will rent a 4 wheel drive camper van and I would like to see as much as possible on this trip. We can take as much time as we need to see all of Ring Road, Eastfjords, Highlands and whatever else you would recommend ?

Friday 2nd of February 2024

Hi Evelyn, if you want to see as much as possible and have time, then make the trip as long as you want/can. There is plenty to see and do in Iceland to fill 3-4 weeks, especially if you also want to do some hiking. You may want to add the Westfjords to your itinerary (and much more than a day ;)), also Snaefellsnes Peninsula, spend a day or two on Heimaey Island (book the ferry well in advance if you want to take the car with you)... There's a lot to keep yourself busy. Just keep in mind that many places in the highlands aren't easily accessible, even in a 4x4 camper. Even places like Thorsmork which look very simple to get to involve a (very unpredictable) river crossing, so you really need to do more research, check what your insurance covers, etc. Also, in principle, you are not allowed to camp and sleep in the car just anywhere you like in Iceland anymore. You may want to read our guide to camping in Iceland for more information. One more thing - August is the peak season, so book your camper asap! If you want to do any tours, take ferries, or similar, also book well ahead. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Vishal Jain

Friday 1st of December 2023

Thank You. This is awesome. Last year I followed your Swiss Itinerary for Jungfrau region and that was immensely helpful. So diving into this one straight away :-)

Just have one Q : From what I could understand on ring road itinerary, you will be on the road and at sites with your luggage sitting in the car as many points are between the last destination and next destination. So is it Ok, to leave the luggage like this in the car ?

Hi Vishal, thank you for the kind feedback - appreciate. And yes, you always have your luggage in the car when making road trips. It's usually not a problem and most definitely not in Iceland. It's a very safe country. Just don't leave valuables visible in the car - it's always best to take your documents, cameras, etc. with you. Have a great trip!

Thursday 12th of October 2023

Would be nice if it was printable. Instead I had to hand rewrite the entire thing. so I had it to use as reference in my trip planning. Not useful if I can't see it

Hi Kelly, Ctrl+P should do the trick ;) and you can just choose to print the page(s) that you need. I'm just not sure why you need to print this... It's just a very rough guide that is meant as a starting point in the initial phase of trip planning. You'll want to plan your days a lot more in detail than this. For that, you may want to take a look at some of the detailed day-by-day itineraries that we have linked to, for various durations of your trip. Hope this helps.

Ready to Go? Sign up for FREE and get exclusive advice and tips for planning your next trip

Join 10,000 travelers like you. No spam, I promise.

10 Days Iceland Itinerary: Full Guide to a Perfect Road Trip

July 25, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

Iceland is one of the most unique places I have ever visited, offering a great combination of natural wonders all in one place. The best way to see the country is to rent your own vehicle and go on a road trip in Iceland, since there are no trains and busses are not running frequently enough. This 10 days Iceland itinerary is an optimal ring road itinerary, allowing you to experience the most of must-see places in Iceland without going too far off the main road.

Traveling in Iceland post COVID-19

Iceland was among the first countries to open its borders after a number of Corona virus cases went down in Europe. Persons residing in the EU are free to enter Iceland with few conditions. Prior to boarding the plane you need to fill out a pre-registration form detailing your contact information. Upon arrival to Iceland airport you have 2 options:

• Take a COVID-19 test at the airport. It costs around $80 (11,000ISK) and the result will be texted to your phone number within 24 hours. Until then you are supposed to stay in your hotel\residence observing 2-meter distance from other people. Test results from your own country will not be considered valid.
• Self-isolate for 14 days.

For more information and current updates about visiting Iceland during COVID-19, please visit the official site .

The best thing about visiting Iceland post Corona peak, is that you get a rare opportunity to be face-to-face with Icelandic nature without too many tourists since the borders are still closed to many. However, be sure to follow the country’s health regulations at all times.

10 Days Iceland Itinerary Map

Here is a full map of our Iceland 10 days itinerary. We did mainly stay on the ring road with occasional detours for valuable experiences, such as seeing the puffins 🙂

• Day 1. Reykjavik

Day 2. The Golden Circle

• Day 3. Landmannalaugar
• Day 4. South Iceland: waterfalls and beaches
• Day 5. Southeast Iceland: glacier region
• Day 6. East Iceland
• Day 7. East fjords: Myvatn geothermal area

Day 8. North Iceland

Day 9. snæfellsnes peninsula, day 10. departure.

Travel Monkey Tip: to use this map on the road, click on the top right corner button and open it in your Google Maps. Once that is done, the map will be available on your Google Maps account under “Saved.” Scroll all the way to the right to find “maps” and it will automaticaly appear ready for use in real time.

Day 1. Arrival and Reykjavik

Total distance: 50km

The first day in 10 days Iceland itinerary will most likely be spent in Reykjavik. To be honest, we would gladly skip the capital altogether, however, we needed to await our COVID-19 test results before we could proceed further. It took only 4 hours before we received an SMS with our test results, so we could go out in the city and enjoy our first meeting with Icelandic capital and food scene.

Reykjavik city center seemed very small, but there were a few spots to see, such as the rainbow road with a view towards the capital signature Hallgrímskirkja .

We stopped for a dinner at Salka Valka Eldhus for Icelandic mashed potato with fish, which somehow reminded me of childhood food.

Where to stay?

• Hotel Ísland from 113$ a night with spa access included in price.
• Exeter Hotel by Keahotels for an amazing central location from 140$ a night.
• Hostel Kex from 15$ a night for a bunk bed and a killer central location.

Total distance: 285km

As soon as we woke up, we immediately left the hostel because we could not wait to start exploring this country’s beautiful nature.

Stop 1: Strokkur geyser

The beauty of this geyser is that it erupts every few minutes (3-10min) so you will definitely witness some action regardless of when you visit.

If you have time, you can continue exploring the rest of Haukadalur valley, where you will see other geysers (though maybe not so active), mud pools, and other geothermal activity.

Stop 2: Gullfoss falls

Gullfoss is a broad waterfall that cascades on multiple levels into a narrow ravine. As the first waterfall you see in Iceland, it is already incredibly impressive. It’s hard to imagine that it gets any better. But it does.

Stop 3: Hrunalaug Hot Spring

If you are itching to get deeper into Icelandic experiences right away, a good start will be relaxing in Hrunalaug Hot Spring. This hot spring is located on a privately owned territory, therefore, there will be someone sitting in the car by the gate to collect the 10EUR entrance fee. The pool is small, so it would only be fitting for 2-3 people at a time.

We decided to skip it and take the next hot spring we encounter.

Stop 4: Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng

This tiny museum is a representation of what the old Icelandic settlements used to look like. Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng is mainly popular due to Game of Thrones , as it was used in Season 4 to depicts Olly’s village South of the Wall. It is not necessarily a must-visit, but since it was on the way, we decided to stop by.

There is a small fee for entrance (1,000ISK) which you need to pay inside.

Stop 5: Haifoss

We decided to skip this waterfall as it included quite a drive, even though we had it planned into our 10 days in Iceland itinerary. But if you have the time, definitely check it out.

• Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast , from 80$ a night

Day 3. Hiking in Landmannalaugar

Total distance: 117km

The one thing that we are really sad to have missed during our trip is the possibility to hike in Landmannalaugar. Unfortunately, some mountain roads were still closed at the time. Please note, that the route is only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle.

However, you should definitely dedicate a day to the “rainbow mountains” of Iceland. There is a number of hiking options from 5km to 55km long. Here is a great guide with a selection of shorter hikes in Landmannalaugar that could fit in one day.

• Brennisteinsalda Campsite

Day 4. South Iceland: Waterfalls and Beaches

Total distance: 220km

South Iceland is probably the most picturesque area where we had the most stops during our Iceland road trip. And fairly so, because with every 10 km that we drove there was something to see and the scenery was changing from beautiful to gorgeous, from earthly to heavenly, from Mars to Venus.

Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland because you can walk behind it and see what the falling water looks like from the other side. There are so many different angles that this waterfall can be photographed from. Be mindful that the parking lot for Seljalandsfoss is not free (750ISK), so make sure you have a receipt on your car screen to avoid getting a fine.

Stop 2: Skógafoss waterfall

Skógafoss is another famous waterfall in Iceland. In the summertime, when lupins are blooming, the scene is even more picturesque. You definitely will not miss it driving Iceland ring road.

Stop 3: Kvernufoss waterfall

While you are already here and paid for parking, extend your walk to see another beautiful waterfall right int he same location.

Stop 4: Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

The remains of a crashed aircraft on a black sand beach is a popular spot for picture-taking in Iceland. Getting there is not as easy as pulling up at the parking lot like it was with the waterfalls. The crash site is a 3,5km walk from the parking place one way.

Stop 5: Dyrhólaey Viewpoint

Dyrhólaey Viewpoint is one of my favorite lookout spots in Iceland. The area is great for many reasons. First of all, you get the gorgeous view towards the pristine and endless black sand beach from Dyrhólaey Viewpoint. The deep black of the sand and the whiteness of crashing waves create a dramatic visual contrast dividing land and water.

Secondly, the area is a great place to enjoy the chaotic life of birds. The cliff is a popular spot for them to nest and lay their eggs in the summertime, therefore, it gets pretty busy with animal life that is quite amusing to observe.

Driving all the way up can only be done with 4×4, otherwise, you can park at the hill base and just walk up towards the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse.

Stop 6: Reynisfjara beach

Reynisfjara is one of the most stunning black beaches in Iceland (there are many). It is unique due to the basalt columns formation Reynisdrangar backing up the mountain Reynisfjall. Reynisfjara beach is particularly popular, so be ready to meet a lot of people here.

Stop 7. Vik

End your day is a cute little town of Vik, a true gem in between black beaches and mountains. Be sure to check out Vik i Myrdal Church offering picturesque views and endless lupin fields in summertime.

• Hotel Kria in Vik from $200 per 2
• The Barn from 55$ for a dorm bed

You Might Enjoy Reading : One Week Morocco Itinerary for First-Timers

Day 5. Crossing into East Iceland: Glacier Region

Total distance: 287km

Stop 1: Eldhraun lava field

Along the way of your 10 day Iceland road trip, you’ll notice the landscapes changing drastically to the point you’ll doubt if you are still on the same continent 😀

The lava fields are at no particular location but they will surely force you to stop and get out of your car because it is probably not something you have seen before.

Stop 2: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Start the day with a short and easy hike to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, where you can have a look at another natural marvel of Iceland. The canyon is accompanied by waterfalls and looks exceptionally beautiful in the summertime.

Stop 3: Svartifoss waterfall

Visiting Svartifoss waterfall requires a bit of a longer hike. Estimate around 1-1,5 hours there and back for the shortest trail to the waterfall from the parking lot (remember to pay for it).

Stop 4: Hofskirkja

On your way further east, stop for a quick shot of Hofskirkja , one of the last traditionally built churches in Iceland, where the roof is covered with grass.

Stop 5: Fjallsarlon

We are reaching into yet another planet on a journey around Iceland – the land of Ice. The first encounter is a glacier lake Fjallsarlon . Tip of glacier Fjallsjökull reaches down to the lake and small pieces of ice are breaking down from it and floating in the water. A spectacular scene indeed.

Stop 6: Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón lake just blew my mind away, to be honest. It is a much bigger version of Fjallsarlon lake. Here, you can hear the ice cracking and witness icebergs drifting away from the glacier towards the ocean. Take a moment to appreciate how fast the pieces of ice are floating into the sea as soon as they break off. And take note of how dangerous it is to be caught up in those water currents. Therefore, I strongly advise not to climb the icebergs, no matter how beautiful it will look on the picture.

The area is also popular among wildlife. Who knew that birds appreciate freezing cold! You will definitely encounter a lot of special bird species here and maybe even run into seals, if you are lucky.

Stop 7: Diamond Beach

Yet another, but definitely not the last, place that left me speechless in Iceland. By this time, I saw so many unique spots in one country alone compared to another 40 that I have visited 😀

The name “Diamond beach” is absolutely justified. This is where the pieces of ice (the same ones that are drifting off the iceberg on the nearby Jökulsárlón) are washed ashore the pitch-black sand beach by the waves. The scene creates an illusion of diamonds scattered along the coast. The view is unreal, would you agree?

Stop 8: Hoffell Hot Tubs

This place was our first experience of Iceland hot springs. Hoffell are “not so natural” hot tubs supplied by thermal water. There are 5 tubs, each of which could fit 4-5 people. The owners kindly ask to leave 1,000ISK ($7) per visitor in the trust box, so make sure to have some cash with you.

The water is pleasantly warm and the views are very nice, so we enjoyed our stay in the pools at the end of the long day.

Stop 9: Höfn

Höfn is a small fishing town and a lobster capital of the Nordics. Many eateries in Höfn have lobster as an ingredient in some dishes of their menus. I suggest trying at least the signature creamy lobster soup with a big scoop of fat cream. Delicious!

• Árnanes Country Hotel from 105$ for a double room

More Travel Itineraries from Travel Monkey can be found here .

Day 6. East Iceland: Scenic Coastal Drive

Total distance: 272km

Stop 1: Viking Village Prop For Movie

On the East side of Iceland ring road trip, you’ll meet another reconstruction of old Viking civilization. Yet this one is not a museum but rather a Viking movie prop that was never actually used and ended up being a visitor site. To get there you have to drive to a Viking cafe, pay a small fee of 1,000ISK ($7). This will allow you to enter the road leading to the village. From the parking lot, it is a 15-minute walk to the site.

Stop 2: Stokksnes

The same ticket will allow you to drive further down to Stokksnes . The area offers a set of some walking trails, a radar station but the best thing about this place is the views! The drive towards the end of the road opens up beautiful angles of Vestehorn mountains and yet another stunning black sand beach.

Stop 3: Hvalnes Lighthouse

On your way further north you will pass a prominent orange Hvalnes Lighthouse. The stop is worth not so much for the lighthouse itself, but for the views in the opposite direction – towards the mountain and the roads.

Stop 4: Lækjavik

Make a stop to appreciate a rugged coastline with another beautiful black sand beach and a peculiar rock formation sticking out from the middle of the seaside.

Stop 5: Hengifoss

To end the day, make a stop for a 1-1,5 hour long hike towards the marvelous Hengifoss waterfall, which is another one of my favorites. It is unique due to the red circles layering the cliff and a dramatic water drop, making it into the third highest waterfall in Iceland.

On the Hengifoss hike trail, you get a bonus view – a smaller Litlanesfoss waterfall.

Stop 6: Seydisfjordur

Take 27 km off the Iceland ring road to relax and unwind in the small town of Seydisfjordur, picture-famous for its rainbow lane towards the town church.

• Hotel Aldan in Seydisfjordur from 135$ for a double room
• Laufás Guesthouse in Egilstadir from 90$ for a double room

Day 7. Puffins and Geothermal Pools

Total distance: 319km

From now on, the drives will become longer because the distances between sights become larger. No matter the distance, the drives in Iceland always offer fantastic sceneries and an endless number of sheep to keep you entertained on your way.

Stop 1: Spot puffins at Borgarfjarðarhöfn

The drive to Borgarfjarðarhöfn is 75km off the ring road in one direction but I was so incredibly happy that we decided to take it. It is probably one of the best places where to see puffins in Iceland up close and personal.

Puffins settle a little bit further up than Borgarfjörður Eystri town (which you should totally check out as well), right by the boat dock. There is a small booth where you can go in and observe the birds from, taking pictures. We visited in the beginning of July and there were countless birds. The view is fascinating. I suggest going early in the morning or later in the day, but I imagine that birds are there all day long throughout summer.

Stop 2: Stuðlagil Canyon

The canyon is reached via a turbulent gravel road but it offers an easy walking trail along the water. As often in Iceland, the bright blue water is surrounded by distinct basalt columns.

Stop 3: Coffee stopover in the middle of nowhere

To take a break in your long drive through a Mars-like desert, stop for lunch or coffee at what seems to be the only stop in the area – Fjalladyrd Kaffi. This cafe has lovely decor and it truly feels like you are drinking coffee on Mars because there is literally nothing but volcanic sand around you.

Stop 4: Hverir geothermal area

Hverir is a unique geothermal area showcasing where the energy in Iceland comes from – from underneath the ground. There will be fumes coming from everywhere and you will get a feeling as if you now arrived from Mars straight into a Venus, which is boiling with acid.

There is no fee for entrance into the area, so you can come any time and enjoy the sulfur smells and evaporations from muddy pools and underground thermal streams.

Stop 5: Mývatn Nature Baths

Myvatn Nature Baths is a fantastic alternative to overpriced Blue Lagoon in Iceland. It is a little bit more out of reach, therefore, less crowded. The entrance cost is 5,500 ISK per person. Due to the Corona situation, the venue offers a 50% entrance discount for a limited amount of time, so make sure to ask if the discount is still running.

Bring your own towel, if you do not wish to rent one at the facility. Otherwise, enjoy your stay at natural thermal pools, steam saunas, and a water bar.

• HLÍÐ campsite for 1,200ISK per person for perfect views over Myvatn and Hverfjall volcano
• Fosshótel Mývatn for comfortable beds and great views

Total distance: 351km

Stop 1: Husavik

If you want to see more of wildlife, Husavik is said to be the capital of whale watching in Iceland. There are many tours that depart from here.

Stop 2: Goðafoss waterfall

The waterfall of gods is a short nice stop along the way to look at yet another beautiful waterfall in Iceland.

Stop 3: Have sushi in Akureyri

Akureyri is the biggest city in North Iceland. To be honest, it impressed me much more than Reykjavik. The city is squeezed between the mountains and the sea, making for great views from wherever you look.

We stopped here for lunch and I cannot recommend enough a great sushi buffet called Sushi Corner . The buffet is 2,500ISK and you can eat as much as you want. The sushi is nice made with fresh fish. We got full and went back on the road happy.

Stop 4: Fosslaug hot spring

These hot pools are far from our favorites, so feel free to skip them altogether. It requires a little bit of a walk along the stream and the spring itself is quite muddy. But it is a true natural Iceland hot spring. Another plus is that you will see a beautiful Reykjafoss waterfall on the way to the pool.

• Guesthouse 46 from 70$ per double room. This was our favorite stay throughout all of Iceland. The rooms are in a small family-owned house with beautiful views towards the seaside where whales might swim by on a sunny day. It is owned by very nice people who also do horse riding tours, in case you are interested in that.

Total distance: 315km

Snæfellsnes Peninsula did not necessarily make for the highlight of our trip, therefore, it is best to leave it for last when the energy levels of this active trip are running lower or in case you decided to spend more time somewhere else and skip it altogether.

However, there are a few stops worth mentioning.

Stop 1: Kirkjufellsfoss

For the fans of Game of Thrones this mountain will be quite recognizable as the place beyond the Wall. There is a small village of Grundarfjörður right before the waterfall where we have stopped for food. It had really nice marina vide and great views.

Stop 2: Arnarstapi

It is worth stopping over at Arnarstapi for several reasons. First of all, you can get a nice view from Cliff Viewpoint over another busy settlement of birds. From there, do a short walk to Gatklettur, a beautiful stone arch formation, and continue walking all the way to the Stone Bridge for more amazing views.

Stop 3. Búðakirkja

It would be a shame to skip a glimpse at a famous Icelandic black church. It is only a short 2km detour from the main road to witness this cute church based in a completely isolated natural surrounding.

Stop 4. Landbrotalaug Hot Springs

What’s more perfect to end the long day of driving than a chill in a natural hot spring?

• Lava Water guesthouse from $120

Total distance: 201km

The last day’s schedule will depend on how much time you get before your flight. Because it is situated so close to the airport, you can spend the last day exploring one of the most popular spots in Iceland – The Blue Lagoon .

Thereafter, drive to Keflavik airport and say goodbye to one of the most beautiful countries you will ever see.

Tips for a road trip in Iceland

During our 10 days Iceland itinerary we averaged about 250-300km a day with plenty to see in between. It turned out to be okay for us because during the summer the days are endless and you do not get tired so fast.

• If traveling in high season, it is a good idea to prebook all accommodation since it might be hard to find something last minute. There are not so many places available the further you go from Reykjavik. Yes, it makes your Iceland itinerary less flexible for spontaneous stops, but it is better to prebook and cancel later.
• You are only allowed to camp in Iceland in designated campsites. Wild camping is forbidden.
• Remember to pack layers of clothes and raincoats even if you are visiting in summertime. The days are long, but the weather in Iceland is always unpredictable.

Tips for driving in Iceland

• For all road conditions check this website . Certain roads can be closed even in summer and the website is always updated with the newest information.
• Remember that car lights always have to be on in Iceland.
• You are strictly forbidden to drive where there is no clear road. It damages the fragile Icelandic soil that might take centuries to recover from tire marks left.
• In many places, you will see a sign saying that flying a drone is forbidden. Respect the rules, as often they are there to protect the birds that might fly into your drone.
• Parts of roads in Iceland that lead off the main ring road are unpaved and rough. If you wish to wander off into more interesting areas, rent a 4×4 car.
• Seriously consider taking car insurance. There are many unpaved roads with tiny stones that will definitely fly from under the wheels and hit your car.

After doing a 10-day road trip in Iceland, I completely fell in love with this country to the point that I just didn’t want to leave. Iceland is a magical land that represents many types of natural phenomena unseen in other places. Traveling in Iceland will give you a unique opportunity to see multiple wanders of planet Earth with a very short distance from one another, which can be easily explored on a 10-day road trip.

Like It? Pin It!

That’s amazing and beautiful photos! I’ve only been to Iceland for a day and really didn’t see a lot so I’d love to return for a longer time.

It is totally worth the extended visit, I promise you.

Loved this, I’ve been twice once in spring around the ring road and again in winter Focussed on the south and wai yet activities. You’ve given me ideas For my next trip

Iceland can easily be visited multiple time. There is so much to see!

A road trip around Iceland is SO high on my bucket list!!! This itinerary looks perfect and your photos are seriously stunning ?

Outsdanting guide! I have done a 10 day driving in Iceland but there are many places in your guide that I haven’t visited, that I definetely want to visit next time. Your pictures are amazing too.

Thank you, Paula.

What an incredible road trip! I would love to visit Iceland – your photos show it off so well!

Oh, Iceland is so worth a visit. The pictures don’t even do it justice.

Love this detailed itinerary! I am planning a surprise birthday for my boyfriend and I want to bring him around Iceland. Thank you fo this handy guide!!

I love Iceland so much and your photos are stunning! I’ve been to Iceland, but I only spent a few days there! Can’t wait to go back and explore more 🙂

This is an incredibly cool journey. Your photos are impressive. Everything looks very attractive. Iceland is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks!

Can’t wait until September 1st, 2021 to visit the island on our 46 Anniversary….

Wow! What an anniversary date! I hope you make it to Iceland.

how much would you say this trip cost? I am wanting to take this trip next summer and trying to get an estimate for how much I would need to save. Thanks!

I pulled out our expenses from this trip and it cost around 2,000EUR for food, gas, and housing for two people.

It was so worth it, some of the best experiences in our lives. Iceland became one of my favorite countries in the world.

Leave Your Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Destinations
• Privacy Policy
• Work with me

Recent Posts

Greenland Travel Itinerary: 7 Days Arctic Summer Adventure

How to plan a perfect trip to Greenland

Subscribe to the blog via email.

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary navigation
• Skip to primary sidebar

Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

3 Days In Iceland Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip To Iceland

December 19, 2023 //  by  Iceland Trippers

Searching for the perfect 3 days in Iceland itinerary?

I will walk you through how to pack as much as possible into your three days in Iceland! You will see everything from waterfalls to canyons to black sand beaches!

This itinerary goes at a moderate to fast pace and can be customized to your interests. It is perfect for a quick trip to Iceland at any time of year.

When visiting Iceland for 3 days, I recommend renting a car as this will be a mini road trip!

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can still see many of these sites by booking a group tour or multiple-day tours. I will include more details about booking tours in Iceland later in this post.

I have been to Iceland multiple times and absolutely love it! I know all the best Iceland planning tips and how to make the most of a short stay in this amazing country!

Is 3 days enough to see Iceland? Of course, you cannot experience everything in such a short amount of time. However, 3 days is the ideal timeline to see many of the most popular things to do in Iceland !

Now, let’s look at what to see in Iceland in 3 days!

Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private  Iceland Facebook Group  where you can share your photos and ask for tips and tricks.

3 Day Iceland Itinerary Map

If you are more of a visual person and are wondering where this 3 day Iceland road trip itinerary takes you, check out this map!

Iceland is a very GPS-friendly country and the majority of locations mentioned can be plugged into your GPS or Google Maps! This is our Iceland itinerary in map format!

Day 1: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle

Fly into Keflavik Airport to begin your three days in Iceland. Feel free to modify day one of this Iceland itinerary depending on what time your flight arrives.

This first day will be jam-packed with fantastic sites and things to do!

Stop 1: The Blue Lagoon

Some people think the Blue Lagoon is a big tourist attraction and don’t want to go. But, they are missing out!

While it can be expensive, it is one of the most amazing experiences you will have in your life! I visited the Blue Lagoon during winter, and it was so magical with the snowfall!

Visiting the Blue Lagoon is the perfect way to kick off your 3 days in Iceland itinerary, especially if you arrive on an early flight. They even have Blue Lagoon/Keflavik Airport transfer buses!

To visit the Blue Lagoon you MUST make a reservation! I recommend choosing the cheapest package as I recognize it is an expensive thing to do. However, I think it is 100% worth it as it is one of the best things to do near Reykjavik!

The hot spring pool is huge and even if there are a lot of people visiting, there are places that are more secluded! It is a fun way to begin your trip to Iceland!

Unwinding here is one of the best Iceland stopover ideas!

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers

Stop 2: A Grocery Store In Reykjavik

If this sounds like an odd thing to do in Iceland. Think again! Grocery stores in Iceland will save you buckets of money during your Iceland weekend trip!

Before you begin your Golden Circle drive, stock up on food and snacks! Purchasing food out, even at gas stations, can add up quickly in Iceland!

Since food is so expensive in Iceland, I recommend making a grocery store your first stop after visiting the Blue Lagoon. If you are staying at an Airbnb in Iceland , make sure to buy enough food to eat all meals for 3 days in Iceland.

If you can’t think of what you want, at least get bread, sandwich meat, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, snacks, and bottled drinks.

If you want to snack, eat something you purchased at the grocery store instead of breaking the bank by going out to eat!

Check out my guide to the prices in Iceland so you know how to budget!

Driving The Golden Circle

During the first day of your Iceland itinerary, you will drive a loop road called the Golden Circle . It begins and ends near Reykjavik.

The drive is an easy 190-mile round-trip journey. Since it is a circle, you can choose to complete it in either direction, but for this 3 days in Iceland itinerary, you will be going clockwise.

The drive can be done in under 3 hours, but I recommend spending at least 4 to 5 hours exploring. If you want to opt out of driving this part, there are many  affordable Golden Circle Tours  you can book.

Stop 3: Thingvellir National Park

The first stop you’ll make on the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park.

It is one of the coolest places to see in Iceland because it is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates touch! Go snorkeling here to see this amazing geological feature!

It is also where the first parliament happened way back in the Viking days! Isn’t that so cool?

There are walks you can do, waterfalls to see, and pullouts to enjoy the views.

Book Here: Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos

Stop 4: Geysir Hot Spring Area

One great thing about the Golden Circle is the diversity of things you will see on this drive! Boiling mud pots? Check! Geysers that erupt almost on schedule? Check!

If you are based in the capital for this first day, you can easily make this a day trip from Reykjavik!

Geysir Hot Spring Area allows you to walk among geysers and boiling mud pots so you must be very careful to stay on the approved path.

The Strokkur geyser erupts almost on a schedule so you will see it during your stop! Have your camera ready as the best part of the eruption is the giant blue bubble that forms just moments before the geyser erupts hundreds of feet into the air!

Book Here: Reykjavik: The Golden Circle Day Tour

Stop 5: Brúarfoss Waterfall

Brúarfoss Waterfall is a much lesser-known Golden Circle location but it should not be missed!

This location isn’t a stop on the typical “Golden Circle Drive” but I know the secrets and think you should add it to your 3-day Iceland tour!

The water is stunning and really does look this blue in real life! It is a beautiful hike with multiple waterfalls along the way.

The waterfall can be found by typing “Brúarfoss Waterfall” into your GPS! Make sure to add the “waterfall” part to your GPS for accurate directions.

Stop 6: Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the biggest waterfalls you will see during your 3 days in Iceland.

Gullfoss is open whether you plan your Iceland layover tour in winter or summer, and it looks completely different during each season!

You can view Gullfoss from above, or you can walk down the stairs to get up close and personal with this powerful waterfall!

There is also a gift shop and restaurant that overlooks the waterfall. If you do choose to eat, this is a great place to grab lunch on the first afternoon in Iceland.

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour

Stop 7: Downtown Reykjavik

End your first day in Iceland by exploring Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city.

You are probably super tired from your flight and day exploring the Golden Circle, so I don’t blame you if you just want to unwind in your lodging and sleep!

If you want to get out, visit the Sun Voyager sculpture and walk along the riverfront.

I also recommend seeing Hallgrímskirkja Church. It is one of the tallest buildings in the city and is located in the heart of downtown.

Book Here: Reykjavik: Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Viking

Book Here: Reykjavik: Icelandic Food Tour

Optional Activity For Winter: Take A Northern Lights Tour

If you visit Iceland in winter , you probably are dying to see the northern lights! They are super exciting to see and top many people’s bucket lists!

Since you only have 3 days in Iceland, taking a northern lights tour is a good way to maximize your chances of seeing the lights. The guides know the best tips and places for seeing the northern lights in Iceland .

Be prepared to stay up late. The lights are not always visible and you need the perfect conditions.

This is a top experience for a 3-day winter itinerary for Iceland!

Book Here: Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise

Where to Stay on Your First Night in Iceland

The first day of your 3 days in Iceland was jam-packed with fun things to do! Don’t worry, the next two days will be a bit slower-paced!

For the first night, you can choose to book accommodation in the heart of Reykjavik or more on the outskirts. There are plenty of great places to stay in Reykjavik !

Since you are leaving town tomorrow and heading to Iceland’s south coast, I recommend booking accommodation on the outskirts of Reykjavik.

If you want to skip exploring downtown Reykjavik altogether, you can even spend the night in Selfoss which is right at the end of the Golden Circle drive. Check out where to stay on the Golden Circle !

Where To Stay In Reykjavik: 

Mid-Range: Reykjavik Natura – Berjaya Iceland Hotels . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Alda Hotel Reykjavik . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com

Day 2: Best Of Iceland’s South Coast

On the second day of your 3 days in Iceland itinerary, you will leave the Reykjavik area and head towards the town of Vik on the south coast .

This is my all-time favorite part of Iceland and an unforgettable part of your Iceland itinerary. The driving is easy and the views are stunning. Many sights are close together so there is not a ton of driving.

Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Start the second day of your 3 days in Iceland by visiting the stunning  Seljalandsfoss Waterfall !

This waterfall is located just under 2 hours from Reykjavik. Simply put “Seljalandsfoss Waterfall” in your GPS and head out.

Seljalandsfoss is a cool stop on your Iceland itinerary because you can walk behind it! Bring a poncho or risk getting wet!

If you visit Iceland in winter, Seljalandsfoss will be covered in snow and ice so you will not be able to walk behind it but you can still enjoy it from the front.

You can see Seljalandsfoss from the Ring Road so it is hard to miss!

This is one of the best stops along the Ring Road in Iceland !

Stop 2: Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Located a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, the hidden Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is one of the most unique waterfalls in Iceland ! To find the waterfall, face Seljalandsfoss and walk about a quarter-mile to your left.

Reach the waterfall by walking through a gorge on stepping stones. Wear waterproof shoes and don’t forget that poncho!

Here you will see Gljúfrabúi Waterfall in all of its glory cascading into the mossy gorge! This is one of the most fun stops on any Iceland itinerary and there is a big payoff at the end!

Stop 3: Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

After driving in the car and exploring two waterfalls, it is time for a short hike and a relaxing soak in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool .

This hot spring is located in the mountains near the waterfalls you just visited. To get there, simply type “Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool” in your GPS.

From the parking lot, walk a short 20 minutes to this hidden swimming pool in the mountains heated by geothermal water! The walk is winding and has a bit of uphill and downhill, but it is moderate.

This is a great free choice for hot springs in Iceland !

Stop 4: Skogafoss Waterfall

Your next stop will be the impressive Skogafoss Waterfall ! This 197-foot-tall and 82-foot-wide waterfall can be seen from the road so you won’t waste time trying to find it!

Skogafoss is easily accessible in both the winter and the summer! It is a short walk from the parking lot.

When visiting Skogafoss on your Iceland itinerary, make sure to walk the stairs on the right side of the waterfall to the top! Here you will get a unique perspective of the landscape!

This is my favorite waterfall in the world! If you have 3 days in Iceland, you really need to stop here!

Stop 5: Kvernufoss Waterfall

Kvernufoss Waterfall is another special hidden gem that isn’t included on most 3-day Iceland itineraries!

This waterfall is located off the same Ring Road stop as Skogafoss Waterfall, but there are no GPS directions to Kvernufoss Waterfall!

The short hike to this waterfall begins behind the Skogar Museum so navigate yourself there and begin! You have to hop over a fence but it is set up so you can easily jump over!

Not far from the fence, you will enter a rugged and mossy gorge. The hike goes along the river until you reach Kvernufoss!

This is another waterfall you can walk behind and it is quite a cool experience!

Stop 6: Sólheimasandur Airplane Wreck

Looking for a unique thing to do during your 3 days in Iceland? Visiting the Sólheimasandur Airplane Wreck on a black sand beach will be one of the most memorable activities!

Luckily, no one died in this plane crash so you can explore without being disrespectful. The wreck is located very near Skogafoss so keep your eye out for a small, makeshift parking area.

The walk from the parking lot is long at about 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip. It is easy though, on flat to a slightly rocky beach. Depending on how fast you walk, it can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes each way.

You will not see the plane until you come over a hill and are right upon it. Make sure to budget plenty of time for this walk so you don’t get caught out in the dark and have enough time to enjoy your stay!

Please note that climbing or walking on the plane is not allowed.

Here are the exact coordinates to get to the plane crash – 63.459523,-19.364618

Book Here: South Coast: ATV Quad Bike Safari

Spend The Night in Vik on Day Two

For the second night, spend the night in the cute town of Vik!

Although it is a small town, there are a variety of accommodation options ranging from nice hotels, hostels, and a campground. There is a grocery store and a gas station.

I have an entire article about where to stay in Vik so if you are searching, this is the place to check out even more detailed suggestions!

Where to Stay In Vik :

Affordable: Puffin Hostel Vik . Check Rates: Booking.com  

Mid-Range: Guest House Galleri Vik . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Kria . Check Rates: Booking.com

Day 3: South Coast Highlights

As the last of your 3 days in Iceland, you want to make the most of it!

Since you spent the night in Vik, you are in luck as there are a lot of great things to do in Vik and nearby!

This is also a great time to see anything you may have missed or skipped for the sake of time on the other two days!

Stop 1: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is located less than 5 minutes from Vik back the way you entered the town!

You can easily reach the amazing black sand and basalt columns by a side road off Highway 1 near Vik.

If the tide is out, and I mean way out, you can climb on the basalt columns on Reynisfjara Beach. Otherwise, walk along the beach and marvel at the stunning views and black sand!

This is one of the most dangerous beaches in Iceland and “sneaker waves” have claimed the lives of tourists in the past. Always keep an eye on the waves.

Stop 2: Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey is located down the hill on the Ring Road after you get back on the main road from the beach. Make sure to keep an eye out for the small sign!

There are two parts to Dyrhólaey, a lower part where you can walk around rocks and down onto the beach, and a higher part where you can drive up to Dyrhólaey Lighthouse!

To see the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, the drive is short but steep and winding and there are no guardrails! It is doable during the winter in a 2×2 car but it is sketchy!

Once you park, walk straight toward the edge of the cliff. You will be rewarded with a view of a black sand beach stretching as far as the eye can see!

While you are up there, make sure to walk around Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and explore the different views. There is a sea arch that is pretty cool to take pictures of as well!

If you are a photographer, this is a particularly epic stop on your Iceland weekend itinerary! Look for puffins from May through August. They are some of the cutest animals in Iceland !

Stop 3: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

After you explore the black sand beaches near Vik, drive east on the Ring Road for about 50 minutes until you come across the sign for Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.

This is the furthest you will go on the Ring Road since you have just 3 days in Iceland but this is well worth the stop!

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a lesser-known stop and is rarely included on many Iceland itineraries but it is stunning and easy to get to.

To get to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, simply plug it into your GPS or Google Maps and you will be taken right to the mouth of the canyon. It is located right off the Ring Road and there is a bathroom and parking lot at the bottom.

You can walk down in the canyon or up along the edges. This makes for some fantastic photo opportunities!

Just be careful when walking near the edge of the cliff as the edge of the dirt may be loose and it could be dangerous!

This is one of the coolest Iceland canyons and should not be missed during your layover in Iceland!

Optional Stop 6: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

This stop is optional on your 3-day Iceland itinerary because the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a bit far from Reykjavik for your drive back.

You haven’t seen anything until you have seen a glacier lagoon in Iceland! This is such a beautiful and unique landscape!

Chunks of crystal-clear, blue ice sit on a perfectly black beach. Look for the seals that often come out to play among the floating icebergs.

Once you are done at the glacier lagoon, drive across the street and see the famous Diamond Beach.

This is where the ice chunks from the glacier lagoon flow into the ocean. Then the smooth ice chunks wash up on the black sand beach which looks like a diamond.

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Stop 5: Reykjavik

If you were too tired to explore Reykjavik on your first day, I don’t blame you! Now is a great time to end your 3 days in Iceland itinerary in the capital city. Do a little shopping or take a walking tour!

The drive to Reykjavik from Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon will take about 3 hours. You will pass all the sites you saw on day 2 if you want to stop and see anything a second time.

This is also a good time for an evening at the Blue Lagoon if you missed it at the beginning of your Iceland stopover itinerary!

Spend Your Last Night In Iceland In Reykjavik Or Vik

Depending on what time your flight leaves, you may choose to spend your third night in Vik as opposed to Reykjavik. This will give you time to explore the south coast of Iceland more.

If you choose to stay in Reykjavik, I recommend picking a place that is on the outskirts of town if you have an early flight to catch.

Keflavik Airport is pretty chill when it comes to security and getting through the airport because it is small, but you don’t want to be late!

Where to Stay In Vik:

Spending 3 Days In Iceland Without Driving (Tours)

If you want to spend 3 days in Iceland and don’t want to drive, that is okay!

I will recommend the best tours in Iceland below that mimic what I recommended above. You won’t be able to see some of the lesser-known spots I suggested, but you will see the highlights!

If you choose to do your 3-night trip to Iceland through tours, I recommend making Reykjavik your home base. This way, you will be near where the tours start and some even pick you up from your lodging.

Spending 3 days in Reykjavik means you don’t have to bother booking multiple accommodations.

If you just have a layover in Reykjavik these tours are ideal!

Day 1: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour (8.5 Hours)

This trip is one of the bestselling guided tours in Iceland! This tour mimics day 1 of my self-drive 3 days in Iceland itinerary.

This 8.5-hour  Golden Circle Full-Day Guided Trip will bring you to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, and the Kerid Crater.

The Kerid volcano crater is amazing with iron-colored dirt and deep, green water at the bottom.

It is one of the best Iceland tours because, for an extremely affordable rate, you pack in everything there is to see on the Golden Circle. All without having to drive!

If you want to end the day relaxing at the Blue Lagoon, consider booking the 11-hour Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour .

After exploring the Golden Circle, you will love unwinding in the mineral-rich water.

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Guided Trip

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour

Day 2: South Iceland Full Day Tour From Reykjavik (10 hours)

This may be your favorite day in Iceland especially if you love waterfalls and beaches!

This 10-hour South of Iceland Full-Day Trip features all of the top sights in the region.

Watch the dramatic Iceland landscape pass by as you are driven to Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Sólheimajökull glacier, and Reynisfjara Beach. You’ll have lunch in Vik.

If you want to tack on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, book this 14-hour day tour instead!

Book Here: From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip

Day 3: Explore Reykjavik With A City Tour

On the last day of your weekend in Iceland itinerary, spend the day exploring Reykjavik.

What better way to see the city than with an affordable hop-on hop-off bus tour ? I particularly love the Reykjavik waterfront so make sure you hop off here and walk around.

You can also enjoy some of the best food and drinks in town on a food tour . Spend 3 hours eating delicious local cuisine!

Animal lovers will want to book a whale-watching tour in Iceland . Near Reykjavik in Faxaflói Bay, you will spot many cool marine animals! The best time to see whales is in the summer.

Add a whale-watching tour to your 3-day summer itinerary for Iceland!

Book Here: Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: 24 or 48-Hour Ticket

Book Here: Reykjavik: 3-Hour Foodie Adventure Walking Tour

Book Here: Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

Optional Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour (11 hours)

If you want to skip Reykjavik and find something more unique, consider taking a tour to visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula !

This West Iceland region is a much lesser-known part of the country even though it is home to Kirkjufell, a mountain seen in almost every article about Iceland!

This 11-hour  Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour  will bring you to rocky coastlines, lava fields, waterfalls, mountains, and more!

If you want to book a great Iceland 3-day itinerary without a car, this is it!

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

Multi-Day Group Tours

Another option is to book a multi-day tour in Iceland . This is a great alternative to booking many different day tours.

These are more expensive, but all the planning, transportation, and accommodations are taken care of. You will have a fun and stress-free trip with experienced guides leading the way.

Book Here : Reykjavík: 2-Day Tour with Icebergs, Glaciers & Waterfalls

Book Here: Iceland: 3-Day Golden Circle, South Coast, & Glacier Tour

First Time In Iceland Travel Tips

How to get to iceland.

Start your 3 days in Iceland by flying into Keflavik Airport. This is the main international airport in Iceland.

I recommend  checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable flights into Iceland. I use this tool to discover the best flights because you can easily compare rates. 

Keflavik Airport is located about 45 minutes away from the city of Reykjavik.

If you are not renting a car in Iceland or taking tours, you will want to take a bus into the city. This is also an option if you are going to be picking up your rental car from Reykjavik instead of the airport.

Book Here: Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer

How To Drive In Iceland

If you only have 3 days in Iceland, a great way to maximize your time is to rent a car! Renting a car and driving in Iceland is quite easy, even during the winter!

You do NOT have to rent a 4×4 vehicle to complete this Iceland itinerary. I have never rented a 4×4 for any trips to Iceland.

The roads in Iceland are in incredible shape and drivers are not crazy. Driving for the first time is easy! There are speed cameras, so if you don’t want a speeding ticket, make sure to follow the laws of the road.

When driving in Iceland, you will also have to factor in gas because it can get pricey! Luckily, since you are spending just 3 days in Iceland, you will save on gas as you won’t be driving quite as far as others due to the length of your stay.

Is Driving Necessary In Iceland?

My 3-day Iceland itinerary offers both the option of a self-drive road trip OR completing the entire itinerary via tours. If you are tentative about driving in Iceland, do not worry as it is really easy!

I have driven in Iceland in all four seasons including rain, snow, sleet, hail, wind, and more. If you take proper precautions, you should be 100% fine! 

Remember to look out for local road closures and safety information. You can visit this website to keep up with the conditions during your trip! It has all the up-to-date information.

That being said, if you do NOT want to drive in Iceland, there are still some options to see this entire 3-day Iceland itinerary without driving. Simply book guided tours!

It is easy to do an Iceland itinerary without a car!

While in the Reykjavik area, you can also utilize public buses. Hitchhiking is also common and considered safe in Iceland.

Accommodations In Iceland

It is no secret that Iceland is expensive. I recommend booking a vacation rental because you will gain valuable access to a kitchen. You can save money by buying groceries and cooking your own meals.

I have tried both hotels and Airbnbs while in Iceland and both are great. I have a complete hotel guide on where to stay in Iceland !

For something unique, camping in Iceland is also super popular and affordable. There are a ton of campgrounds dotted throughout the country.

Many campsites in Iceland are modern with restrooms, showers, shared kitchens, wifi, and other amenities.

Iceland is remote and vast so no matter where you stay, you will be close to nature and amazing views.

I hope you enjoy your amazing 3 nights in Iceland!

Want to stay in Iceland a little longer? Check out my 5 days in Iceland itinerary !

Reader Interactions

July 15, 2023 at 10:08 pm

Hello! First, thank you for all of the wonderful information. Second, I recall you having the 3 day Iceland road trip itinerary available to download/import directly into Google Maps. However, I no longer see that as an option. Can you help? Thanks in advance!

July 17, 2023 at 4:52 am

is there a way to print the itinerary?

• Privacy Policy
• Galapagos Islands
• Philippines
• Africa Overland
• New Zealand
• Solo Travel
• Backpacking

Iceland , Road Trips

Complete 7 day iceland itinerary: three different road trip ideas.

Table of Contents

Planning a trip to Iceland? Yay! Iceland is one of my absolute favourite countries in the *entire* world. I’ve been to Iceland twice and I’m currently planning my third trip. There is nowhere else in the world like Iceland. It’s the land of fire and ice, where volcanic landscapes meet dramatic glaciers. It truly is an absolute must-visit destination .

Creating your dream Iceland itinerary is no simple task. Iceland is a vast country filled with incredible landscapes and natural features. In this post, I’ve shared different ideas for the ultimate 7-day trip to Iceland.

The first 7-day Iceland itinerary is based on a road trip between May and September. With more daylight hours and less snow, these are the best months for a road trip in Iceland. I’ve also shared a 7-day winter road trip itinerary for Iceland. The winter is the perfect time to visit Iceland if you want to see the Northern Lights or one of the famous ice caves.

Read next: Is Iceland worth visiting? 15 reasons to convince you it is

Each of the below Iceland itinerary ideas are based on hiring a rental vehicle and embarking on a self-drive road trip. If you’re not planning to hire a car, your best bet is to base yourself in Reykjavik and join day tours from there .

Without further a due, here are my 7-day Iceland itinerary ideas!

7-Day Iceland itinerary: Highlights of Iceland  

This first 7-day itinerary for Iceland focuses on the major highlights of Iceland, including the South Coast, The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the capital city of Reykjavik.

In my opinion, this is the ideal road trip itinerary for those visiting Iceland for the first time. This Iceland itinerary is based on hiring a rental vehicle and visiting between May and September.

Tips for your Iceland road trip

• The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona. Most places will accept debit or credit cards. I’d suggest carrying a small amount of cash in case you run into any issues.
• The best time of year to visit Iceland for a road trip is between May and September. To see the Northern Lights , visit Iceland between October and March .
• The climate in Iceland is very unpredictable . Pack for all types of weather, even in the summer months.
• Keep your rental car topped up with fuel . The Icelandic roads are vast and gas stations are very spread out.
• It’s the law in Iceland to always have your vehicle headlights switched on . Even on a bright summer’s day, you need to use your headlights.

Day one: Reykjanes Peninsula & The Blue Lagoon

The Reykjanes Peninsula is where Iceland’s international airport is and more than likely where you will begin your exciting 7-day road trip around Iceland.

Once you’ve collected your vehicle, head to the famous Blue Lagoon . This is arguably the world’s most famous geothermal spa. It’s set in the most stunning volcanic landscape and if there’s one paid activity you do in Iceland , make it this.

The Blue Lagoon is only a twenty-minute drive from the International Airport, so you won’t have to travel far to experience your first highlight in Iceland.

I’m not the biggest fan of spas or hot springs, but this one is an absolute favourite of mine. The natural waters of the Blue Lagoon are rich in volcanic minerals and perfect for relaxation. Spend a couple of hours relaxing in the calming waters and consider treating yourself to a spa experience.

Following your time at the Blue Lagoon, there are two options: 

Option 1 : head straight to your accommodation for the night

Option 2 : Explore more of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Peninsula is often overlooked by visitors but there are some interesting things to see.

If you opt to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, consider visiting the Gunnuhver Geothermal area . This will give you your first insight into the volcanic activity in Iceland. Another popular area of the Peninsula is the ‘Bridge Between Continents’ . This famous bridge connects North America with Europe. It’s literally a bridge between the two. Pretty cool, huh?

Where to stay on day one

I’d recommend staying the night in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik . Alternatively, you could consider staying on the outskirts of the Reykjavik area.

Reykjavik has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets. If you’re a backpacker in Iceland, the best hostel is Loft Hi Hostel Reykjavik . If you’re like me and prefer hostels to have somewhere to lock your valuables away, then this hostel is a good option. Kex is another popular hostel in Reykjavik.

For a little bit more luxury without breaking the bank, consider the Berjaya Iceland Hotel in Reykjavik Marina . It’s a lovely area of the city. Another one of my favourite places to stay in Reykjavik is the Aska Apartment . It’s in the heart of the city and has everything you need.

Total driving time : this will depend on how much of the Reykjanes Peninsula you opt to explore. The distance between the Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik City is approximately 50km (31 miles). It takes around 45 minutes depending on where you choose to stay.

Tip : if your flight is landing later in the day, consider visiting the Blue Lagoon on your way back to the airport.

Day two: Reykjavik and to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Spend the morning of your second day in Iceland getting acquainted with the capital city. There is so much to do in Reykjavik , but with just 7-days in Iceland, it won’t be possible to see it all.

I’d suggest focusing your morning on seeing some of Reykjavik’s highlights . This includes the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church and visiting the beautiful marina area .

If you have time, Reykjavik is one of the best places in Iceland to go whale watching . The best time to see whales is between April and September, but it’s possible to see whales all year close to Reykjavik .

After lunch, pack up your car and start the drive towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula . This area isn’t always included in a 7-day itinerary as it is a little out of the way, but it’s well worth it. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a wild area of Iceland full of natural beauty. It’s an absolute must.

Note : if you want to spend longer exploring Reykjavik, it’s possible to skip the Snaefellsnes Peninsula altogether. I’ve included an option for doing this below. 

Depending on what time you arrive in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, try to see a couple of the highlights today. I’d suggest heading straight to the Kirkjufell area to see the iconic mountain and waterfall. It really is beautiful.

Plan to spend around an hour at Kirkjufell before heading to your accommodation. If you have more time, I’ve listed some other things to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on day three.

Where to stay on day two

Tonight will be spent in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. I’d suggest heading straight to the Kirkjufell area. That way, you can work your way back down to the Reykjavik area on day three.

The Kirkjufell Guesthouse is a popular place to stay on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s right down the road from Kirkjufell so is conveniently located.

I stayed in the Grundi I Grundarfirdi Guesthouse and loved it there. It’s a great budget option and has rooms with shared bathrooms and a shared kitchen.

Note : if you don’t want to stay overnight in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, it’s possible to do it as a day trip from Reykjavik. This would mean starting your day very early, but it’s certainly doable. You’d then be able to stay in the same accommodation on nights one and two.

Total driving time : from Reykjavik, it takes around 2 or 3 hours to reach Kirkjufell. I would suggest leaving Reykjavik no later than 2 pm.

Day three: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The third day of this 7-day Iceland itinerary will be spent exploring the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula. From iconic mountains, and rugged coastlines to golden beaches, this area of Iceland has so much to offer. 

Tip : there are so many things to see in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, be sure to start your day nice and early. I’d suggest starting at Kirkjufell (if you didn’t see that yesterday) and working your way anti-clockwise around the peninsula from there.

Here are just a few of the best things to do in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula:

• Kirkjufell : I mentioned this in the itinerary yesterday, but Kirkjufell Mountain is an absolute must. The mountain stands at 463-meters tall and it’s known as one of the most photographed places in Iceland. For the best views of Kirkjufell, walk over the road to Kirkjufellsfoss. This small but pretty waterfall is the perfect place to admire Kirkjufell.
• See orcas : if seeing Orcas (killer whales) is high on your bucket list, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of the best places to do so. Head to the small town of Olafsvik and join a whale watching tour with Laki Tours . The tours run from February through to September.
• Skardsvik Beach : this scenic beach in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of Iceland’s few golden sand beaches. With stunning rock formations and a dramatic coastline, it’s well worth visiting.
• Svortuloft lighthouse: just down the road from Skardsvik beach is the Svortuloft lighthouse. This bright orange lighthouse has a wooden path leading up to the viewpoint over the coast. If you’re up for an adventure, consider the Ondverdarnesviti lighthouse. You’ll need to drive down a dirt road to reach here, but it’s much less visited than Svortuloft.
• Saxholl Crater : Iceland is famous for its volcanic activity and the Saxholl Crater is a great example of this. You can view the crater from the road or walk up the stairs to view it from the top.
• Djupalonssandur beach : another great thing to do in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is to visit Djupalonssandur beach to see the famous shipwreck of a British trawler.

• Londrangar viewpoint : this stunning viewpoint boasts incredible views of the famous Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs. It’s possible to do a hike in Londrangar , but you might have to sacrifice other stops in this list.
• Arnarstapi to Hellnar hike : this was one of my favourite things I did in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s a great way to explore some of the dramatic and beautiful coastlines in the area. Begin the hike in Arnarstapi and follow the path along to Hellnar. The hike is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long in each direction. You’ll walk past some interesting rock formations, lava fields and waterfalls.
• Visit the black church : this famous church is one of Iceland’s most recognisable landmarks. Budakirkja is a tiny black church surrounded by stunning scenery. It’s a great way to end your day exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Where to stay on day three

Tomorrow will be spent exploring the Golden Circle , so I’d recommend getting as close to there as possible.

The Golden Circle is a large area and there are several convenient locations to base yourself. One of the best places to stay when exploring the Golden Circle is the small town of Selfoss . There are some great accommodation options here.

I stayed for a night at the Thoristun Apartments which are very good value. For something a little bit more budget-friendly, consider the Ásahraun Guesthouse .  

Another fantastic place to stay near the Golden Circle is the Blue View Cabins . I spent two nights here and honestly could have stayed a month. They come with a kitchen and a hot tub. They’re only 30-minutes down the road from Gullfoss in the Golden Circle.

It’s a good idea to base yourself here for two nights.  

Total driving time on day three: today is a BIG driving day. If you’re driving from Kirkjufell to Selfoss, it’s going to be at least four hours of driving.

Day four: The Golden Circle

Next up on this 7-day Iceland itinerary is the Golden Circle – a collection of natural wonders in Iceland.

It’s possible to see all the highlights of the Golden Circle in one day, but I’d advise getting on the road as early as possible. This means you can avoid the crowds, tour busses, and see as much as possible.

There is so much to see and do in the Golden Circle , but here are some of the unmissable highlights:

• Gullfoss waterfall : this is one epic waterfall. It’s a force of nature and one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland . Suggested time to spend at Gullfoss : 45 minutes
• Geysir geothermal area: just down the road from Gullfoss is the Geysir geothermal area. This is where you can see Iceland’s iconic erupting geyser, Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes. Plan to spend an hour here admiring the erupting geysir (you’ll want to see it more than once) as well as exploring the area’s other sights including smelly bubbling mud pools. Suggested time to spend at Geysir: 45 minutes

• Thingvellir National Park: next up is Thingvellir. This was Iceland’s first national park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage spot. This is where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, creating a unique rift valley which you can walk through and explore. It’s also the home to Silfra Fissure, which is some of the clearest water on earth. You can book to snorkel or dive between the two plates . It’s the only place on the planet where you can swim between two tectonic plates. Suggested time to spend at Thingvellir : 2 hours (without any additional activities)
• Kerid Crater: many people skip the Kerid Crater, but I loved it. Kerid is a colourful volcanic crater lake. You can walk up the crater and around the rim, getting stunning views from all different directions. The crater is on private land and when I was there, it cost 400ISK ($3 USD) to enter. Suggested time to spend at Kerid: 1 hour

If you’re questioning if visiting the Golden Circle is worth it, I’m here to tell you it is. Sure, it’s great to avoid tourist destinations and try to go off the beaten path. But the Golden Circle is famous for a reason. If you have less than a week in Iceland, I’d prioritise visiting the Golden Circle.

Where to stay on day four

If you stayed in the Selfoss area last night, I’d suggest staying in the same accommodation tonight. It’s in a great location for tomorrow’s activities.

Total driving time on day four: the Golden Circle route covers about 140 miles (230 km). It’s about three hours of driving time in total.

Days five & six: South Coast Highlights

Next up on this 7-day Iceland itinerary is the famous South Coast. I’ve combined these two days as there is so much to see and do. Iceland’s South Coast is famous for its glacier views, black sand beaches, waterfalls and, of course, the iconic Glacier Lagoon.

With such a range of activities available, everyone is going to have their own unique itinerary. For example, if you’re not planning to do any activities, you might make it all the way to the magnificent Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in one day and opt to drive further east.

Here are some of the best things to do on the South Coast of Iceland. These are listed in order of the stops. This is not a complete list of absolutely everything to do, but just a few of the must-visit highlights on a 7-day road trip in Iceland.

• Urridafoss waterfall : this lesser-known waterfall is often skipped on itineraries but it’s a great spot to kick-off your day. It might not be the tallest or most powerful waterfall on this list, but it’s beautiful. It’s away from the crowds too which is a bonus. You’ll find this waterfall just off the main ring road. Suggested time to spend at Urridafoss: 20 minutes
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: the first major stop on this itinerary is the iconic Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. There is a parking lot so you can explore the area a little more. You can even walk behind the waterfall (it can get very wet and slippery, so wear the right shoes). Suggested time to spend at Seljalandsfoss: 45 minutes – 1 hour

• Skogafoss waterfall: just down the road is another magnificent waterfall. This waterfall is arguably the most photographed waterfall in all of Iceland. You can view it from the bottom or climb up the steps to see the famous rainbow over the waterfall. There’s also a hiking trail that takes you further back. Right next door to Skogafoss in the Skogar museum . The open-air museum explores Icelandic history and you can see some traditional turf-roof houses.   Suggested time to spend at Skogafoss waterfall: one hour if you want to walk up the steps
• Solheimajokull Glacier : this lesser-known glacier is well worth a quick stop on your South Coast road trip. From the car park, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the glacier. How long to spend at the Solheimajokull glacier: 45 minutes
• Solheimasandur plane wreck : next up is the famous Icelandic plane wreck. Back in 1973, a United States Navy plane crashed on a beach after it ran out of fuel. Everyone survived, but the plane wreck is still there today. I won’t lie, it’s a bit of a hike to the plane wreck. You need to walk for about an hour along a black sand beach to reach it, but it’s well worth it once you’re there. Suggested time to spend at Solheimasandur plane wreck: allow two or three hours with the hike
• Dyrholaey : next up is the small peninsula of Dyrholaey. Park at the bottom and hike up for incredible views of the surrounding coastline. There are some stunning views of the blue ocean meeting the black sand beach. It’s also a great place to see the Puffins between April and September (access can be limited in May and June due to the Puffin nesting season). It’s also possible to drive up to the top. Suggested time to spend at Dyrholaey: allow 90 minutes if hiking to the top

• Reynisfjara : next up is Reynisfjara, one of Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks. This beautiful black sand beach boasts incredible basalt columns. The beach can be dangerous and it’s important to stay away from the water. Suggested time to spend at Reynisfjara: 30 minutes
• Vik : the town of Vik is a great spot for some food and a convenient place to stay overnight. It’s the southernmost town in Iceland and is home to the Lava Show where you can see REAL lava.
• Fjadrargljufur Canyon : this incredible canyon is one of my favourite places in Iceland. The landscape here is beautiful and the cliffs are covered in green moss. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this was the famous canyon featured in season 8 when Jon and Daenerys rode their dragons (hence the nickname, ‘Game of Thrones canyon’.) It’s a little way from the road so might not be doable for all itineraries, but I’d try to squeeze in if you can. Suggested time to spend at Fjadrargljufur Canyon: one hour (plus allow 40 minutes for the drive)
• Vatnajokull National Park : a stop here is an absolute must on any 7-day itinerary in Iceland. I’d recommend hiking to Svartifoss, an incredible waterfall over basalt columns. If you want to see a glacier, continue hiking to the Sjonarnipa glacier viewpoint. If you’re not planning to do a glacier hike in Iceland, this is a fantastic alternative. How long to spend in Vatnajokull National Park: if you want to do the full hike to the Glacier viewpoint, allow for four hours.
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: visiting this stunning lagoon full of icebergs is one of the best things to do in Iceland . Opt to take a boat trip around the lagoon or simply admire the icebergs from afar.
• Diamond Beach : just over the road from the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the wondrous Diamond Beach. As the icebergs hit the ocean, they often break apart and large chunks of ice land on the beach. The best time to see this is during the spring. How long to spend at the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach : plan one hour

This is as far east as this itinerary goes. If you want to travel further on to Hofn to see the famous Stokksnes, you’ll likely have to drop something else from this itinerary. I’ve included an option for that below.

How you choose to split the South Coast of Iceland over days five and six will entirely depend on the activities you choose to do. A glacier hike will take out a big chunk of the day, so you may need to consider dropping another stop mentioned above.

However you choose to spend days five and six of this Iceland itinerary, you’re in for a treat! Iceland’s South Coast is an absolute gem and a must-do on any 7-day trip to Iceland.

Where to stay on days five & six

There are a few options for where to stay tonight on nights five and six. It depends on your plans.

If you’re keen to stay in the same place on both nights, consider the town of Vik . It would mean a lot of driving on day six, but it might be worth it if you prefer to stay in the same place.

The Barn is the local hostel, but it’s certainly on the more expensive side. For a bit of luxury at a fair price, consider the Black Sand Suites. These lovely rooms are right next door to Black Sand Beach and have some epic views. Another great place to stay in Vik is Hótel Kría – it’s very modern and at a good price (for Iceland!).

It’s also worth looking at the area of Kálfafell . Nestled amongst almost never-ending mossy lava fields and dramatic waterfalls, this area is a little bit closer to Vatnajökull National Park . If you’re planning a glacier hike on day six, staying here might be more convenient.

I loved staying at the Dalshöfdi Guesthouse . It’s a long drive down a gravel road, but it’s in the middle of nowhere and has its own private waterfall.

The best place to stay near the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the Fosshotel . Accommodation in the area is very limited so make sure to book well in advance.

Total driving time: the total driving time between Selfoss and the Glacier Lagoon is just under five hours. This will be split over two days with plenty of stops.

Day seven: departure day

On the last day of this 7-day Iceland trip, drive back towards Reykjavik and make any final stops you missed on days five or six.

If you didn’t have time on day one, consider exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula .

READ NEXT: It’s no secret that Iceland is expensive, check out my tips for visiting Iceland on a budget .

Other options

The above 7-day Iceland itinerary is a great option for first-timers. However, there are a few tweaks that could easily be made. Perhaps you’re not bothered about spending time in Reykjavik or perhaps you want to minimise driving.

Here are a few alternatives for your itinerary.

Skip Reykjavik

Not bothered about the city? Fair enough. While Reykjavik is a cool city, it’s not the most exciting place in the world. Let’s be honest, Iceland is famous for its landscapes and dramatic scenery. It’s fair enough if you want to make the most of that instead.

If you skip Reykjavik, I’d suggest heading straight up to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula . This will give you longer to explore this incredible area, perhaps go whale watching or go for a longer hike.

Another option would be to hike to the famous Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River . Visiting these natural hot springs is one of the best things to do in Iceland.  

Of course, you could also use this extra time to see more of the Golden Circle or Reykjanes Peninsula.

Skip the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (and add the Southeast)

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of my favourite parts of Iceland, but it does require a bit of driving. It would be understandable if you wanted to skip the long drive.

Here are a couple of alternative options if you choose to skip the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on your 7-day Iceland itinerary:

• Spend longer in places: the above week itinerary for Iceland is jam-packed. Not everyone goes on holiday to cram their days full of sightseeing. If you want to slow down your pace in Iceland, consider dropping the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and spending longer exploring Reykjavik , the Golden Circle , and the South Coast .
• Explore the Southeast Coast : another incredible destination in Iceland is the Southeast Coast. The area of Hofn is home to the incredible Stokksness Beach. This mighty black sand beach boasts breath-aking views of the Vestrahorn Mountain. It’s one of my absolute favourite places in Iceland. If you have the time to cram it in, I’d highly recommend it. The best time to visit Stokksness Beach is sunrise or right before sunset.

7-Day Iceland Itinerary: The Ring Road

Completing Iceland’s ring road in 7-days isn’t impossible, but it’s certainly going to be a rush. In my opinion, 7 days is not enough time to drive Iceland’s ring road. Yes, it’s doable, but you’re not going to have time to see much. I spent almost two weeks on Iceland’s ring road and it still didn’t feel like enough time.

The total driving distance for Iceland’s ring road is 820 miles (1322 km).

If you choose to attempt the ring road in one week, here’s my 7-day Iceland ring road itinerary. I’ve skipped Reykjavik on this itinerary as it’s not realistically possible to fit it all in.

P.S I’m working on a more in-depth itinerary for Iceland’s ring road, so check back here soon. For now, here’s an overview of a 7-day option for Iceland’s ring road.

Day one: Blue Lagoon and to Selfoss

As per the above itinerary, you’re going to begin your ring road trip with a visit to the Blue Lagoon . If you have time, explore more of the Reykjanes Peninsula.  

I’d recommend staying in the Selfoss area tonight. See day three of my above itinerary for suggestions on where to stay.

Day two: the Golden Circle

Next up is the famous Golden Circle. This is an absolute must-do while in Iceland. Even if you’re attempting Iceland’s ring road in seven days, don’t skip the Golden Circle.

See day four of my above 7-day Iceland itinerary for how to spend your day exploring the Golden Circle.

Tonight, I’d recommend making your way up towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula . Consider staying in the town of Borgarnes .  

Day three: the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Next up on this 7-day Iceland ring road itinerary is the Snaefellsnes Peninsula . The goal today is to see as much of this incredible area as possible before making your way towards Akureyri. Alternatively, skip the peninsula and head straight to Husavik for some whale watching .

See day three of my above Iceland itinerary for ideas of what to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

This is a tricky one as it will depend on your plans. If you want to go whale watching up in the north or spend time in the wonderful Húsavík, then I’d suggest starting the journey tonight. Laugarbakki is a good option and would mean more time to spend in the north on day four.

If you’re keen to see more of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, then Kirkjufell is a great place to stay before starting your journey to the north.

Day four: the north and whale watching

Day four will largely depend on how you choose to spend day three and how keen you are to spend time in the areas of Akureyri or Husavik.

Ultimately, you have a choice – the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Husavik / Akureyri .

Either way, continue your drive towards Akureyri today (if you’re not already there). The town of Akureyri is known as the Capital of the North. If you are spending time in the North, I’d personally opt to visit Husavik instead. It’s a beautiful fishing village with some of the best whale watching in Europe . While in Husavik, consider a visit to the GeoSea Baths .

If you’re not bothered about spending time in Husavik or Akureyri, drive down towards Lake Myvatn .

Tonight will be spent in the Myvatn area. A great place to stay in Myvatn is the Berjaya Hotel. It’s very modern, spacious, and has a delicious breakfast. Another good option is Hotel Laxa .

Tip : don’t miss the stunning Godafoss between Akureyri and Myvatn. This epic waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland.

Day five: Myvatn Highlights

Spend the morning exploring Myvatn, part of the Diamond Circle . Highlights of the area include the Hverir Geothermal area , Viti Volcano Crater , and the Skutustadagigar Pseudo Craters .

For Game of Thrones fans, be sure to visit the Grjotagia Cave . It’s where a certain steamy scene between Jon and Ygritte took place.

Up next: discover the best things to do in Myvatn

After spending the morning exploring the Myvatn Lake area, continue your drive east towards the mighty Dettifoss . I know, another waterfall, but it’s worth it. Dettifoss is the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. It’s an incredible sight.

If you have the time, I’d HIGHLY recommend hiking to the incredible Studlagil Canyon . This is where you’ll find the famous black basalt columns with the blue river (spoiler: it’s rarely actually blue).

You can spend a couple of hours hiking to the canyon. There’s also a viewpoint with a nearby parking lot. The views from the hike are a lot better than the viewpoint, but it does take some time to get there.

Read next: how to visit Iceland’s famous basalt columns

Tip for day five : if you want to hike to Studlagil Canyon, either drop spending the morning in lake Myvatn or drop Husavik from the itinerary. Unfortunately, with just 7 days in Iceland, you can’t do everything.

Where to stay on day five

I’d aim to get to the small town of Egilsstadir tonight. It’s a two-hour drive from Myvatn so there’s not too much driving involved.

A great budget hostel in Egilsstadir is the Tehusid Hostel . It’s well rated and they have a range of rooms available. There’s also a Berjaya hotel here (owned by Icelandair).

If you have the time, consider staying in the peaceful Seydisfjordur . This tiny town lies in the Eastern Fiords of Iceland. The drive into Seydisfjordur is considered one of the most scenic drives in Iceland. I’d recommend staying at the Seydisfjordur Guesthouse . It’s a great budget option with very friendly owners.

Day six: the East Fjords

Day 6 of this 7-day ring road itinerary is spent driving the famous Eastern Fiords of Iceland . It’s a BIG driving day today. The goal is to get as close to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon as possible (if not further).

The East Coast of Iceland is beautiful. You’ll be spending most of today in the car, but there are several viewpoints along the way to stretch your legs. Make sure to stick to the ring road – route 1. There’s a ‘shortcut’ that takes you inland. It’s not the easiest of drives and the views aren’t anywhere nearly as impressive.

Drive about four hours down to the famous Stokksnes . This is one of my absolute favourite places in Iceland. This black sand beach is home to the famous Vestrahorn mountain . The wet sand often reflects the mountains, it’s truly stunning.

Stokksnes is one of the few natural attractions in Iceland that has an entry fee. This is 900 ISK ($6.50 USD).

Continue your drive towards the famous Glacier Lagoon where you’ll be staying tonight (see the above 7-day itinerary for accommodation suggestions).

Day seven: the South Coast

Today you’ll be making your way back Reykjavik via Iceland’s South Coast . See days five & six of my 7-day Iceland itinerary for ideas of where to stop.

I’m going to be honest, one day to see everything isn’t enough. You’re going to have to pick and choose what you want to see.

If you want longer on the South Coast, consider skipping the Snaefellsnes Peninsula altogether. Drive straight to Akureyri or Husavik on day three. This will give you an extra day to explore the South Coast.

7-Day Iceland Itinerary: Winter Road Trip

Visiting Iceland in the winter is an entirely different experience than the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. Come winter, Iceland’s landscape freezes over, creating some truly spectacular scenery.

It’s certainly possible to do a road trip in Iceland during the winter , but you’ll need to be a confident driver. While the roads are well-maintained and normally kept clear of deep snow, extreme weather can occur. The roads are often very icy and there’s little daylight.  

There are several benefits of visiting Iceland in the winter. This includes fewer crowds , the chance to explore an ice cave , and the opportunity to see the famous Northern Lights .

If you are planning a winter road trip in Iceland, it’s important to leave some flexibility in your plans. With only a few hours of daylight, you’re going to have to be selective about what you do. Extreme weather is common during Iceland’s winter, so be prepared to change your itinerary accordingly.

Here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary for a winter road trip in Iceland.

Day one: arrival and Reykjavik

Once you’ve landed in Iceland, collect your rental vehicle and drive to the famous Blue Lagoon . Afterwards, drive to your accommodation for the night.

I’d suggest staying in Selfoss as it’s in the perfect location for tomorrow’s itinerary.

Note: The Blue Lagoon is currently prone to closures due to volcanic activity in the area (Jan 2024). A great alternative is the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik.

Spend your day exploring Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle . I’ve included a detailed itinerary in the above 7-day Iceland itinerary. But highlights include Gullfoss, Geysir Geothermal Area, Thingvellir National Park and the Kerid Crater.  

Depending on what month you visit, you’ll likely only have a few hours of daylight during the winter in Iceland. Decide what you want to do and prioritise that.

It’s possible to stay in the same location as last night.

Days three, four & five: the South Coast

Spend the next three days exploring the South Coast of Iceland. Three days may seem like a lot, but there is SO much to do here. Plus, in the winter months, there are fewer hours of daylight. This means you will have less time to see things.

For the best things to do on Iceland’s South Coast, read days five & six of my above 7-day Iceland itinerary.

Here are a few extra things to do in the winter months:

• Visit an ice cave : how many places in the world can you explore ice caves? I don’t know the exact answer, but I can tell you it’s not many. During Iceland’s winter, there are a couple of accessible ice caves you can explore. I’d suggest heading to Vik to see the Katla Ice Cave . It’s possible to do this as a day trip from Reykjavik too. There is also the amazing Crystal Ice Cave near the glacier lagoon. This can also be combined with a glacier hike .
• See the Northern Lights : Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon is best observed between October and March. To see the Northern Lights, you can join a tour from Reykjavik . If you want to save some money, try to choose accommodation away from the main towns. There will be much less light pollution here. Many of the hotels in Iceland will do Northern Light wakeup calls during the winter. Just let your hotel know you want to see the Northern Lights.
• Snowmobile tour : another popular winter activity in Iceland is a snowmobile tour. Ride a snowmobile across the snow-covered landscape.  

Where to stay

Where you choose to stay across these three days very much depends on what you want to do.

If you’re looking for one place to stay for the entire time, consider the area of Vik . Otherwise, choose your accommodation based on the activities you want to do.

I’ve made some specific hotel suggestions in the main 7-day itinerary above.

Days six and seven: Reykjavik

On day six, head to Iceland’s capital city, where you will spend the last day of your trip. Opt to explore some of the city’s highlights or join a Northern Lights Tour.

Alternative arrival day option (Blue Lagoon closures 2024)

Because of volcanic activity in the area, the Blue Lagoon is prone to closures. The spa was forced to close for a month in December 2023. As of 20th January 2024, the Blue Lagoon has reopened. However, access is limited and the spa is prone to further closures. The latest info can be found on the official Blue Lagoon website .

Here are a couple of alternative ideas for how to spend your first day in Iceland in case it’s closed when you visit.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Blue Lagoon, consider the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik . This luxury geothermal spa boasts incredible ocean views. While I don’t think anything quite beats the experience of the Blue Lagoon, the Sky Lagoon is a fantastic alternative.

For those looking for a more natural experience, consider hiking to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River . It’s a little out of the way from the airport and overall route, but it’s a fantastic experience.

The 8km (5 mile) hike takes hikers to a naturally warm river. It’s possible to bathe in the river and offers a much more natural experience than other hot springs in Iceland. The Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River is heated by geothermal activity under the ground. As the hot water rises, it heats up the water in the river. The hike takes about an hour each way.

The hike can be challenging in the winter so be sure to check the forecast and wear the appropriate clothing.

Summary: Iceland Itinerary

I hope you’ve found this 7-day Iceland itinerary helpful. Iceland is truly a unique and incredible destination. While 7 days isn’t enough time to see everything, it’s enough time to see some magnificent sights.

Did you find this post useful? Share on social media below.

Discover my other helpful Iceland guides to help you plan your trip:

• 16 Epic Things to Do in Iceland
• Solo Travel in Iceland: 17 Helpful Tips + Guide
• Tips for Visiting Iceland on a Budget
• Iceland’s Lake Myvatn: Ultimate Guide (PLUS 18 Things to Do)
• Husavik: A Guide to the BEST Whale Watching in Iceland
• Whale Watching in Iceland: A Quick and Simple Guide
• Iceland’s Studlagil Canyon: All You Need to Know
• The Ultimate 3 to 5 Day Iceland Itinerary (Without a Car)
• Is Driving Iceland’s Ring Road Worth It? 10 Pros and Cons

Related Posts

How to Spend One Day in Mount Cook National Park

Queenstown to Milford Sound Drive: Ultimate Road Trip Guide & Best Stops

Onsen Hot Pools Queenstown: Guide and Honest Review

Queenstown to Glenorchy Drive: The Absolute Best Stops

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

3 Days in Iceland: A Stopover Itinerary for Any Time of Year

Last updated: March 6, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 32 Comments

Iceland is a popular destination for a stopover on flights from the US to Europe, especially because IcelandAir offers a free stopover option of up to seven days. We think that if you want to stopover in Iceland, you should do so for at least 3 days, and with that in mind we’ve put together this guide to spending 3 days in Iceland on a stopover.

This Iceland stopover itinerary is good for any time of year, and we’ve provided options for both a self-drive itinerary and options if you’d prefer not to drive in Iceland. Both are very viable options for an Iceland trip!

As well as the suggested itineraries, we also go into some practicalities for your Iceland visit, discuss the pros and cons of visiting Iceland at different times of year, and give you all the information you need to plan the perfect Iceland stopover! Let’s get started.

Is 3 Days in Iceland Enough?

The first question we wanted to answer, before diving into the itinerary, is whether or not 3 days in Iceland is going to be enough.

We think that three full days, or even 2.5 days, depending on your flight schedule, will be enough to see a number of Iceland’s highlights.

Certainly it’s not enough to see everything, and for a trip like the Iceland Ring Road for example, we recommend at least a week. However, three days will give you a great sense of what Iceland is all about, whilst being more economic than a longer trip.

Of course, as with any country in the world – the longer you stay, the more you will find to do. Our last trip to Iceland was over four weeks long, and we still felt there was loads more to see, despite us filling every day as full as we could!

If you do decide to visit for longer, check out some of our longer Iceland guides and itineraries, including our Iceland Ring Road itinerary , our seven day Iceland road trip itinerary , and our guide to spending five days in Iceland .

A 3 Day Iceland Self-Drive Itinerary

Our 3 day Iceland itinerary is for three full days in Iceland. It would work for either two nights or three nights, assuming you have an early morning arrival and an evening departure. It could also be adjusted slightly to work for 2.5 days if you can’t make the flights work.

If you don’t have quite so much time, our suggestion would be to either base yourself in Reykjavik and do some day trips , or plan a two day trip that doesn’t include so many sites, either by dropping the Golden Circle, or only going as far as Vik on the south coast.

For now though, let’s look at how we suggest you spend three days in Iceland, driving yourself.

Day 1: Golden Circle

On your first day, we’ll assume you arrive in the morning at Keflavik airport, where you’ll pick up your car rental.

A quick note if you are looking for car rental providers in Iceland. We recommend you either check out Discover Cars here , or Northbound here .

Discover Cars compare a number of providers in the country so you can find the best price for you.

Northbound is based in Iceland, and they also search a range of providers with the added advantage that you can add the various insurances that are unique to the country should you so choose.

This can help avoid the hard sell that you will otherwise likely get for these insurances at the checkout counter when you pick up your car.

See more on insurance in Iceland, plus general advice for driving in the country, in our tips for driving in Iceland post .

If you want to visit the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon , this is an option now, as they are both fairly close. You need to book your reservations in advance to enjoy either hot spring.

You can book the Blue Lagoon here and the Sky Lagoon here .

However, there’s a lot on the itinerary (including a free hot spring), so don’t worry if you don’t have time on your first day.

From the airport, (or lagoon) we’re going to head straight for the Golden Circle . This is a popular circular route that takes in a number of Iceland’s big attractions. The name Golden Circle derives from the name of the major waterfall on the route, Gullfoss, which means gold waterfall in Icelandic.

The Golden Circle route contains a number of highlights that you’ll want to stop at.

The first of these is  Þingvellir National Park , pronounced Thingvellir in English. This is an important cultural and geological site, and is one of Iceland’s UNESCO world heritage sites.

The national park has a number of attractions. First, it was the location of Iceland’s first parliament, and for hundreds of years Icelanders would convene here to discuss laws and politics. It’s also geologically interesting, as the continental divide can be seen here, with two continental plates moving apart from each other. You can actually walk ( or snorkel !) in these rifts, which is a pretty cool geological experience.

Another attraction here that’s worth seeing is Öxarárfoss, which will be the first waterfall you see on this three day trip – but by no means the last! Near Öxarárfoss is a rift through the rock, which was used as a Game of Thrones filming location .

From Thingvellir your next stop will be the Geysir thermal area, home to bubbling mud pots, steaming earth, and geysers that shoot boiling hot water and steam into the air on a regular basis. The geothermal area here is also home to a Geyser called “Geysir”, which is where the word for Geyser in English actually came from.

On the way to Geysir you’ll pass the Efstidalur II farm restaurant, which has excellent food and ice-cream options. You’ll also go past the Laugarvatn spa, where you can enjoy the waters and can also pick up geothermally baked “lava” bread, which we found to be very tasty!

The last major attraction on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, the aforementioned “Gold” waterfall.

This is definitely one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland . It’s a wide, two-tiered waterfall that plunges a total of around 105 ft. It’s quite the sight to behold, and there are a number of viewpoints that you can enjoy the falls from, as well as an on-site gift shop and cafe.

From Gullfoss, we suggest you head towards your accommodation for the night.

Where to stay

Our suggestion for your first night is to book accommodation somewhere between Fludir and Hvolsvollur, depending on how far you want to drive and accommodation availability. Here are some options to consider.

• Farmhotel Efstidalur – as the name suggests this is found on a farm. Private rooms are en-suite and there’s an on-site geothermal hot tub
• Fludir Icelandair Hotel  – We stayed here on one trip to Iceland and it was very comfortable, with an on-site restaurant.
• Garður Stay Inn by the Secret Lagoon – well reviewed and handy for Fludir’s “Secret Lagoon”, a lovely geothermal bath
• River Hotel – located by the Ranga River next to the town of Hella, this hotel offers dining, an open-air hot tub, bar and free wifi.
• Midgard basecamp – found in Hvolsvöllur, this highly rated hostel is a great budget option with a hot tub

You can see more options in this region on booking.com here .

Day 2: South Coast Highlights

For your next two days in Iceland, we’re going to focus on the south coast, primarily following Route 1, which is also known as the Ring Road.

Whilst this can be done in one day if you skip things, we think a better option is to go a bit slower and take in more of the attractions – of which there are many!

The trip out to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is the end point of our route, will require you to drive the same route there and back. We’re going to take advantage of this, and split the sightseeing across the two days so you don’t feel you have to see everything in one day.

Our first stop is going to be the Lava Center , in Hvolsvöllur. This is a relatively recently opened award-winning museum, which will teach you everything you need to know about the volcanos and the geology of Iceland. There is also a cafe here.

We think this is a worthwhile stop as you’re going to be seeing a lot of volcanoes as you drive out to Jökulsárlón, and the landscape around you has been shaped by massive geological activities. The Lava Center will help you understand all of this, plus the exhibits are really well put together.

If you do decide to visit, you can book your tickets online in advance here . Using our link gives you a small discount on the normal price.

From the Lava Center, you’re going to head to some of Iceland’s most iconic south coast sights, including waterfalls and black sand beaches.

The first of these is Seljalandsfoss. This is an impressive waterfall found just off Route 1. Seljalandsfoss is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland you can actually walk behind. A word of warning – you will get wet when you do this, so dress appropriately, and if you take your camera equipment with you, make sure you prepare it for the water spray with some sort of protective cover.

Note that Seljalandsfoss is one of the few attractions in Iceland with a parking fee. This fee is payable by credit card 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is enforced by attendants, so definitely make sure you pay.

As a bonus, there’s actually another waterfall near Seljalandsfoss – Gljúfrabúi. Note that this does require a short wade up a stream through a canyon to view, so don’t do this if this doesn’t sound like something you would be comfortable with, and ensure the stream is not too high before attempting it!

To get to Gljúfrabúi from Seljalandsfoss you head along the path (there’s a little sign pointing the way) to the right of Seljalandsfoss as you look at it (away from the Ring Road). A short 5 -10 minute walk will bring you to a stream coming out of a narrow canyon in the rock.

If you are feeling brave, have waterproof boots on, and the stream is not too high, you can head up this stream a few meters, where you’ll be rewarded with the gorgeous Gljúfrabúi waterfall, which tumbles into the canyon, and is quite spectacular.

Next, you’ll continue along the Ring Road to another of Iceland’s incredible waterfalls – Skogafoss. This is notable for its width and height. At 15 metres wide and with a drop of sixty meters, the amount of water thundering over these falls is an amazing sight to behold.

You can admire this from ground level, and you can get very close to the base here (although the spray will likely get you very wet!), or you can hike up the staircase to the viewpoint for a different perspective.

Near Skogafoss is the Skogar Museum which is a lovely region museum focused on the cultural heritage of the area that has three large sections: Icelandic culture, Icelandic technology and transportation, and an open-air museum complex that includes old traditional turf buildings.

Your journey now continues to one of Iceland’s famous black sand beaches. The first stop though will be at Dyrhólaey – a rocky peninsula that is home to a massive black lava arch which juts out to sea. From atop the 120 metre high Dyrhólaey  there are absolutely spectacular views, especially to the west, where a black sand beach stretches out for miles upon miles.

This is also one of the few spots on this three day tour from where you will be able to spot puffins. Every spring Iceland is home to millions of these cute little seabirds, who come here to nest and raise their pufflings. If you’re interested in seeing them, see our guide to puffins in Iceland , which has lots of information on the best places to see them.

Note that Dyrhólaey is normally closed to visitors during the early part of the puffin nesting season each year, usually from mid May to mid June.

From Dyrhólaey  it’s a short drive down to the beautiful Reynisfjara Beach. This stretch of black sand is famous for it’s black basalt columns, which appear to rise out of the beach itself. There are also caves, and sea stacks in the distance.

One word of caution here – this beach is known for its large “stealth” waves, which can sweep up the beach quickly and without warning, and knock you off your feet. In a worst case scenario they can even drag you into the freezing waters, which can be very dangerous, and tourists die here every year. So keep far from the waters edge here.

From Reynisfjara you will continue along Route 1 through the cute town of Vik (a good spot for refuelling and getting lunch) and then onwards across the Eldhraun lava field.

This is the largest lava flow in the world, covering an areas of 218 square miles, and it was formed when the Laki volcano erupted in 1783. The eruption lasted eight months, and 42 billion tons of lava was spewed forth. The eruption had far-reaching global consequences, with the ash in the air affecting the climate across Europe and causing crop failures and famine.

Today, the moss covered Eldhraun Lava Field is a unique and beautiful site, and there are a number of spots you can stop to admire its vastness. Just be sure to stay to the marked paths and not to walk on the moss, as it is very fragile and takes decades to regenerate.

Our last stop on day two of your three day Iceland road trip adventure is at the impossible to pronounce Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This relatively short, 100 metre deep canyon has formed over the last 10 millenia or so, with glacial melt off carving its way through the landscape.

The walls are steep, and the canyon is remarkably winding in shape, making for wonderful photography opportunities. For the best views, you’ll want to walk to the lookout platform, around a ten to fifteen minute walk from the parking area.

That finishes up our second day of our 3 day Iceland itinerary. Now for some suggestions on where to stay!

Our suggestion for your second night is to stay somewhere between Hof and Jökulsárlón, which will set you up nicely for your third day of activities. Some suggested accommodation options are as follows.

• Hotel Skaftafell – found by Route 1, this hotel is 40 minutes drive west of Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon, and offers lovely views, WiFi, on-site restaurant, and bar
• Reynivellir – a little east of the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, this budget hotel offers rooms with shared bathrooms, a restaurant, and an on-site kitchen
• Fosshotel Nupar – around an 80 minute drive west of the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, this property is part of the well-rated Fosshotel range. These sit in the mid to upper range of hotel options in Iceland, and rooms offer lovely views. There’s also an on-site restaurant.
• Hunkubakkar Guesthouse  – a family run guesthouse found five miles from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. WiFi, on-site restaurant and cute colourful cottages.

You can see more options for this region on booking.com here .

Day 3: South Coast Highlights & Reykjavik

For your third day, you’re going to start at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This is a huge lagoon formed by run-off from the melting Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. It’s currently around 7 square miles in size, and is the deepest lake in Iceland.

The lake is filled with eerily blue icebergs, which break off the glacier and float around in the lake. After a long period of doing this, they become small enough to float out to sea, where many of them end up on the so-called Diamond Beach – named because all the washed up icebergs look like diamonds strewn across the sand.

At Jökulsárlón you have a couple of options for activities that we recommend, depending on the time of year you visit. In summer, you can take a boat tour on the lagoon , which will let you get up close to the glaciers edge, have a chance to see seals, and learn all about the geology of the lagoon and glacier. This tour only operates from May to October as the lagoon has too much ice on it in winter.

In winter, you can do an ice cave tour instead , with departures from Jokulsarlon. These tours, which last around three hours, take you up onto Vatnajokull Glacier where an experienced guide will take you inside a beautiful ice cave. An ice cave tour is a popular activity, so definitely book this one in advance. Also be aware that it will take some time, so you might need to adjust the remainder of your days activities to accommodate it.

From Jokulsarlon, you’re going to start heading back to Reykjavik. However, there’s still lots to see on the way back.

The first stop is Svartifoss, or the black falls. These waterfalls are found in the Skaftafell areas of the Vatnajökull National Park. Note that the parking area here has a parking fee, payable at the national park station after you park.

The hike up to the falls is fairly steep, and will take 50 – 90 minutes round trip, depending on your fitness levels. We think it’s worth it though, the water cascades of beautiful black basalt columns, and it’s certainly a unique look amongst the other waterfalls you’ll be seeing on this three day road trip!

Continuing along the south coast, our next stop is the DC-3 plane wreck . This is a popular stop off the Ring Road, with a hike leading you to the wreck of a DC-3 that crashed here some decades ago.

The walk out to the plane and back takes about 2 hours, and this is a very popular stop. It’s not for everyone, but if you do decide to head out here, make sure you are properly dressed and prepared for it.

See our full guide to finding the Iceland plane crash , so you know what to expect.

Again, this walk takes a bit of time, so make sure you consider this as part of your whole day and what else you want to see before committing to it.

Now as you head back, we have three options for what to do for the final part of your last day in Iceland: bathe in the Seljavallalaug swimming pool, visit the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, or explore Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city.

The first option is Seljavallalaug swimming pool. Having done a bit of walking on your trip, we thought that maybe it was time for a dip in a free hot spring! Iceland has a wide range of geothermally heated pools around the country, which range from fairly pricey experiences like the Blue Lagoon, through to entirely free options.

The Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool falls into the latter category. This 25 metre long 10 metre wide pool is about a fifteen minute walk from the parking lot (which you’ll find here on Google Maps ), and there are changing rooms here so you can get in and out of your bathing clothes. We think visiting a geothermal pool whilst in Iceland is a must-do activity, and this is an excellent free option!

Of course, if you prefer, you can head straight back towards Reykjavik or Keflavik, depending on what you want to do. If you choose to stop off at the famous Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon (mentioned on Day 1) instead, you’ll want to head to Keflavik.

The Blue Lagoon is open until at least 8pm (hours vary by time of year, and run as late at 11pm in summer) so you can go for an evening soak. If you do this option, we’d recommend staying near Keflavik. You will also need to book in advance as you can’t just turn up here. See our guide to visiting the Blue Lagoon for more information.

The Sky Lagoon is closer to the city and is a newer option. It’s not quite as famous, but has been getting great reviews. It’s also open late. You can book tickets in advance here .

A third option is to skip both pools, and head back to explore a bit of Reykjavik. We’d suggest checking out the beautiful Hallgrimskirkja, the Sun Voyager statue, and the pretty town center. This would also be a good opportunity to have a nice meal if your budget will stretch to it.

If you have a bit longer in town, and want to do some more sightseeing, consider a Reykjavik city card . A 24 hour card is good value and gets you free access to many of the cities top attractions, as well as free public transport on the city bus services.

And that finishes off the last day of our 3 day Iceland road trip itinerary. Now let’s go over where to stay, followed by some more information to help you plan your trip.

You’ll be overnighting in Reykjavik tonight, or, if you have an evening flight, you can head straight to the airport. There are also some accommodation options closer to the airport if you have an early morning flight.

We’ve stayed at a number of hotels near the Reykjavik city centre which we are happy to recommend:

• Grand Hotel,  around 1.2 miles from the city center, offering four star accommodation, free wifi, spa & fitness center and free parking. We’ve stayed here.
• Reyjkavik Natura Icelandair Hotel , near the city airport, this hotel offers free parking, a free city bus pass to all guests, on-site restaurant and spa facilities. We’ve stayed here.
• Guesthouse Galtafell  – A good value option around ten minutes walk from the city center and quick walk from the BSI bus station. Offers both guest rooms in the main house as well as apartments that come with a small kitchenette. We’ve stayed here.
• Galaxy Pod Hostel – this well located hostel offers dormitory accommodation with a twist – each bed is in a self-contained pod, offering more privacy than a normal hostel. Pods vary in standard, but most come with TV’s, power and WiFi.

If you’d prefer to stay near the airport, we’ve also stayed at the  Northern Light Inn . This is conveniently located right next to the Blue Lagoon and is about a 17 minute drive from airport. Travellers on more of a budget will like The Base by Keflavik airport , which offers both hotel and hostel style accommodation, as well as an airport shuttle.

3 Day Iceland Itinerary Road Trip Map

To help you visualise this 3 day Iceland itinerary, we’ve put it into a map form, with the route and highlights marked. You can also see this on Google Maps here .

3 Days in Iceland: Overview Itinerary

Here’s a summary of our 3 day Iceland itinerary for quick reference.

• Day 1: Golden Circle. Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss
• Day 2: South Coast Highlights. Lava Center, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Eldhraun lava field, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Day 3: South Coast Highlights & Reykjavik.  Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, Svartifoss, DC-3 plane wreck, Blue Lagoon

3 Days in Iceland Basing Yourself in Reykjavik

We appreciate that not everyone wants to drive in Iceland as car rental is relatively expensive and the various insurance options are fairly complicated to deal with (not to mention expensive!). Also those who are used to driving on the left side, may not feel comfortable driving on the right.

The good news is that it’s very possible to see the majority of the highlights from our 3 day self-drive itinerary by basing yourself in Reykjavik, and taking tours from the city. This also has the advantage that you can find somewhere to stay for three days, and not have to be packing or unpacking. You’ll also have time to explore the city, either on one of your days, or in the evenings.

We have a detailed guide to the best day trips from Reykjavik , which we definitely recommend you take a look at. However, in summary, here’s are suggestion of which tours we think would be the best options for your 3 days.

A day trip to the Golden Circle.

The Golden Circle is relatively close to Reykjavik, and thus makes for a popular day trip. There are a wide range of operators offering Golden Circle day trips from Reykjavik, including:

• A  private full day tour of the Golden Circle  which includes all the highlights as well as Kerid Crater, Faxi waterfall, and time for ice cream at Efstidalur II.
• A  year round 9 hour tour which covers all the Golden Circle highlights and also includes time at the Laugarvatn Fontana (admission is included).
• A  Golden Circle tour that includes Kerid Crater , 8 hours with additional Kerid crater stop
• A  Golden Circle Express tour which is a little quicker with the option of a trip to the Blue Lagoon

A day trip along Iceland’s South Coast

In our itinerary we suggest you take two days to visit Iceland’s south coast, however, it is also possible to do this as a long day trip from Reykjavik.

Whilst these don’t see absolutely everything, they do cover the major highlights, including the black sand beaches and the most popular waterfalls.

Some day tours also go as far as the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, although as this is a fairly long round trip from Reykjavik, those versions usually only run in the months of the year with longer daylight hours.

Here are some options to consider.

• The year round  South Shore adventure tour. This tour takes around 10 hours, and covers all the highlights all the way out to Vik, including the main waterfalls and the black sand beach. This is a similar tour.
• A summer-only south shore tour that goes all the way to the Glacier Lagoon, and includes a boat ride on the lagoon. This is a long 14 hour long tour.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Whilst we haven’t included the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on our 3 day self drive itinerary, we did want to include it here as an option.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is around a two hour drive from Reykjavik, making it very accessible as a day trip. It has a number of attractions, including a massive glacier, the beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, basalt columns, seal watching opportunities, the Shark Museum, and more!

It makes for a great alternative to the Golden Circle or South Coast, and is a day trip we can highly recommend.

Take a look at this  Snaefellsnes Peninsula small group tour  as well as  this tour to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula which includes a home cooked meal.

Northern Lights Viewing from Reykjavik

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, you absolutely must try and see the northern lights. This magical display in the sky is an unforgettable sight, and one that is high on visitors wishlists when coming to Iceland. See our guide to how to photograph the northern lights for some tips on getting great shots.

Being based in Reykjavik will mean that the city lights will get in the way of good viewing opportunities, but the good news is that there are multiple tours available, at a wide range of price points. Many also offer a guarantee that if you don’t see the lights, you can take another tour, so we suggest booking one of these tours for one of your first nights in Iceland.

There are a lot of tours to consider. Some we suggest you include in your shortlist are this  small group tour , this  well reviewed and good value coach option or this private super jeep tour .

For more ideas don’t forget to check out our guide to the best day trips from Reykjavik !

3 Days in Iceland as a Group Tour

If you don’t want to drive, but also don’t want to base yourself in the city, we’ve got another option – take a group tour!

We’ve put together a detailed guide to a number of  guided tours of Iceland , which range from a couple of days to a couple of weeks and more, but we wanted to share a few of our favourite shorter options here for you to consider.

• This 2 night / 3 day tour includes the Golden Circle, five waterfalls, amphibian boat ride on the glacier lagoon and a glacier hike. It also includes free WiFi on the bus.
• This 2 night / 3 day tour includes the Golden circle, an ice cave, glacier lagoon and black sand beach. Free WiFi is also included.
• A 1 night / 2 day tour that focuses on the south coast . This tour includes the famous black sand beach at Reynisfjara and goes all the way to the incredible Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. It also includes ice caving and northern lights watching. This shorter tour would be a great option to combine with a night in Reykjavik, where you could take in some of the city’s sights, or head out to the Blue Lagoon, or even take a day trip to the Golden Circle.

See more tour options on GetYourGuide here , TourRadar here , Viator here , Northbound here , and Guide to Iceland here .

Northbound in particular are worth noting as they can help you customise a tour to meet your exact needs, a process you can start here . Feel free to send them this blog post and ask them to help you plan a similar trip!

When to Visit Iceland

Iceland has very distinct seasons, and visiting at different times of year will give you very different experiences. We’ve visited in both summer and winter, and loved them both, but you should definitely be aware of the differences as they will affect your planning and what you can see.

In Winter, or at least, the period from October through to March, temperatures will be colder and the days shorter. In December and January in particular the days will be very short, which will impact your sight-seeing. If you are visiting in these two months, you will want to adjust your daily itinerary as you won’t be able to see as much given the fewer hours of daylight.

Winter is however the best time of year for a number of popular activities. If you want to see the Northern Lights for example, you’ll have to visit in winter, as this is when they are active. The best months are usually September / October and February / March.

In winter you can also go ice caving, skiing, and take part in many more winter activities such as these . However, the weather will definitely be colder, and snow is likely. You’ll want to read up on our guide to what to pack for Iceland in winter , and if you choose to drive, our guide to driving in Iceland in winter .

The months between March and October are the more “summery” time of year. Whilst it won’t ever be a tropical destination, and you’re still going to want to bring warm clothes, there is a much greater chance of sunshine and temperatures around 20C are not uncommon. This time of year, and especially from June to August, there is a great deal of daylight available, so you can sightsee for much longer on each day.

The summer is a much busier time of year in Iceland, so there will be more people. Prices will also be higher, and accommodation might be harder to come by. We recommend booking everything in advance and checking out our Iceland budget tips .

To be honest, we don’t think there’s a bad time of year to visit Iceland, as long as you are prepared and know what to expect you will have a great experience!

Where to Stay in Iceland

Iceland has a variety of accommodations options, from self catered apartments through to hostels and hotels. Prices vary, but Iceland is far from a budget destination, so expect prices to be relatively high even for hostels.

For the self-drive trip we’ve included links to some recommended hotels on each day. If you choose to base yourself in Reykjavik, check out our recommended options under day 3 of the trip, plus you can check out more options in Reykjavik on  booking.com here .

We usually recommend Booking.com as they have pretty much everything from hostels to hotels to apartments, and they offer very competitive pricing and usually a great cancellation policy.

Practicalities for Visiting Iceland

To help you plan your Iceland trip, we’ve put together some information that we think you will find helpful. We also suggest you read our detailed guide to planning a trip to Iceland , which has loads more practical information.

One of the concerns we often hear from readers is around driving in Iceland. Driving in Iceland isn’t too difficult – the roads are well maintained and not too busy. Winter conditions can be more challenging though, as snow and ice are common.

For the 3 day road trip we suggest, 99% of the driving is going to be on paved roads. There will be some shorter sections of unpaved roads, such as those leading to the parking lot at Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool, however these are very short sections (no more than a mile or two), and would be fine in a two wheel drive car, provided you drive sensibly.

We have lots more information about driving in Iceland – see our guide to things to know before you drive in Iceland , as well as our guide to driving in Iceland in winter for lots of helpful advice, tips on renting a car, the right insurance for you, and more resources.

Electricity / Power

Like Europe and much of the world, Iceland uses a 220v system. It uses two pin plugs as you would find in much of Europe. If you are coming from the UK, the USA, or anywhere else that has a different shaped plug system, you will need a  travel adaptor like this .

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

If you have a few devices, we also suggest you pick up a travel power strip so you can charge everything.

If you are coming from the USA or Canada (and several other countries with 120 V systems), you also need to be aware that the voltage in Iceland is different, so you’ll need to check your devices are compatible. Devices will have their voltage compatibility written on the power adaptor in most cases.

In our experiences, low power electronics like laptops, battery chargers and smartphones support a range of voltages, whilst higher power equipment like hair dryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners will not, unless they are travel specific dual voltage models. If you need one – check out dual voltage appliances such as this travel hairdryer .

Cost of Travel in Iceland

Iceland is definitely one of the more expensive countries to travel in. Everything from accommodation to car rental to food is relatively expensive, and there is definitely the potential for price shock if you visit unprepared for this fact.

Our suggestion if you want to visit Iceland on a budget is to plan ahead as to how to achieve this. Travelling as a group, booking low cost accommodation, going grocery shopping, and avoiding expensive restaurants are some tips – for more, check out our detailed guide to visiting Iceland on a budget .

Internet Access

Internet access in Iceland is fairly widely available, with free WiFi offered at most hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops.

If you want data on your phone, you can either pick up a SIM card on arrival in the country (if you have an unlocked phone), or you can investigate the options your home network provider has for roaming. For example, in the UK we use the Three network, which includes free data roaming in Iceland, meaning we don’t have to pay any extra and can just use our UK data allowance in Iceland.

We have lots more tips for getting online when you travel in this guide , which goes through all the options you have and the various price points for those.

Our final point is safety. Iceland is rated as one of the safest countries in the world to travel in, but this doesn’t mean you should be complacent. In particular, petty crime has started to rise, so you will always want to be vigilant with your belongings, and don’t leave anything on view in your car when you park it. Otherwise, practice basic safety precautions and be sensible, and you should be fine.

The greatest dangers are usually presented by the landscape and changeable weather rather than other people, so if you just use common sense and don’t put yourself in any unsafe situations, you should be fine!

Further Reading

And that’s the end of our guide to spending 3 days in Iceland on a stopover! However, we have more content to help you plan your trip, based on our travels in Iceland.

• If you are looking for more road trip ideas of different lengths, we have a detailed  1 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary , a  7 day winter Iceland itinerary  and a  5 day Iceland itinerary .
• We have an introductory guide to help you  plan a trip to Iceland
• We have a detailed  guide to driving in Iceland in winter , as well as a general guide to driving in Iceland .
• We’ve created a list of some of our  favourite photography locations in Iceland  to help you get awesome photos
• We have a guide to  finding the Iceland Plane crash , which is a fun photography location
• We have a complete guide to visiting the Golden Circle , which has a map, suggested itinerary, and more.
• If you’re visiting Iceland in Winter, check out our guide to the  best winter activities in Iceland  and my  tips for cold weather photography
• On a budget? Here’s a guide to visiting  Iceland on a budget  to help you make the most of your trip
• We have a detailed packing guide to help you decide  what to pack for Iceland
• We have a guide to visiting the Blue Lagoon
• We’ve also got a guide to the  best day trips from Reykjavik  should you wish to base yourself in the capital rather than self-drive around, as well as a guide to the best guided tours in Iceland
• For car rental in Iceland,  this website  lets you choose between a range of car rental providers in Iceland
• The weather in Iceland can be fickle – the best website for real-time cloud cover is  this one from the Icelandic Met Office .
• Whilst Iceland is a safe country to travel in when it comes to things like crime, the country itself is home to extreme conditions and all sorts of seismic activity. So to stay safe as you go, check out the  Safetravel Iceland page
• We have a guide to how to photograph the northern lights if you are lucky enough to see this wonderful phenomenon.
• Finally, if you’re not sure what camera gear to take with, take a look at both our guide to  picking a travel camera ,  picking a travel lens , travel tripods , and our personal  travel photography gear

And that’s it! If you’ve got any questions or feedback on the above, just let us know in the comments below, and have an awesome trip in Iceland!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 32 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Judith Greco says

14th March 2023 at 6:52 pm

Hello,Our family is planning a trip to Iceland. We will land in KEF and begin our trip around the Circle. However ,one member needs to return back to the US after 3 days.By that time we should be driving and on our way to the Diamond beach. Is there any form of transportation that our family member could return back to KEF ( ie uber, plane or other form of transportation) to return back to airport >

Laurence Norah says

19th March 2023 at 3:17 pm

So there aren’t going to be Ubers (these don’t exist in Iceland) and I’m not aware of any flight options. There are public buses that run along the south coast from places like Vik, but they’d need to change in Reykjavik. The other option would be to arrange a private transfer from somewhere on your route, which might be your best option. I’d probably advise talking to your accommodation provider for the location they will be departing from, they should be able to offer some options.

Have a great time in Iceland!

Cheryl says

27th February 2023 at 10:44 pm

Hi Enjoyed your blog! Planning a three and a half day girls trip next month. Looking at an airbnb Austurbyggð 3, Laugarás, 801 Selfoss, Is that a good location. Planning to rent a car. Would love to squeeze in as much as possible. The Blue Lagoon, Glacier, Waterfalls, Ice cave, Volcano bread, tomato farm and of course hoping to see the northern lights. Any thoughts on where we should start – or really any advice at all – Thanks so much! Cheryl

28th February 2023 at 4:13 pm

Hey Cheryl!

Glad to be of help 🙂 So that location will definitely be great for the Golden Circle, and you would be able to get to the majority of the other attractions on your list if you don’t mind driving a bit.

I would recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon either when you arrive into Iceland or when you depart as it is so close to the airport. After that most of the types of attractions you want to see are accessible from the Golden Circle.

I would say for an ice cave the nearest best option will be to go to Katla, there are a few operators which run ice cave tours with departure from Vik such as this one or this one .

There are some good waterfalls you will pass as you go to Vik, plus the Black Sand beach at Vik is definitely worth the visit.

Let me know if I can offer any more help, and have a great time in Iceland!

Stella says

11th January 2023 at 7:44 pm

Hi there! We’re flying into Iceland at 1pm on Friday the 3rd February and we plan to rent a car for 3 days. We dont fly in till 1:20pm. Would you have any advice on where to go when we arrive? We were thinking of staying around Hella on the first night. Would we have time to do  some highlights of the golden circle on day one or would we be better off leaving that till monday on the way back when we have more time. Is there any other route that might suit us better? Thanks so much!

14th January 2023 at 10:40 am

So it would depend on which order you plan to sightsee. If you are planning on doing the south coast first and the golden circle on the way back, then it would not make too much sense to deviate to the Golden Circle on the way. If you planned on visiting a hot spring in Iceland, your first day might be an option. You could for example visit the Blue Lagoon on arrival as it’s by the airport. If you did the Golden Circle first you might have time to squeeze in Thingvellir on day 1 and then complete the rest of the circuit on your second day, but that would depend of course on how quickly you got through passport control and collect your hire car. It’s normally fairly quick, but you might not want to feel rushed. I hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions!

2nd January 2023 at 9:46 pm

Hi, I’m interested to follow your 3-days trip. My flight will arrive early morning, I have 3 full days, depart early morning. I’d like to spent a half day in Rejkavik city. With so many interesting places, I am afraid can not make it to spend the time to explore Rejkavik. The South Coast (Diamond Beach) takes 4-5 hours drive to Rejkavik, plus stopping more places. Any idea which should I skip. You did not mention Kerid crater. Is it worth to see?

4th January 2023 at 7:57 pm

Great to hear from you. So it’s always tricky to advise what to skip because a lot of this comes down to personal preference. Some people really want to see waterfalls, whereas otherwise might prefer a hike or visiting hot springs. Kerid Crater is certainly interesting and worth visiting, but then, so are many other attractions. My recommendation would be to visit a hot spring, do the Golden Circle, and visit the major waterfalls on the south coast. If I was you, I would list the things I really want to see and then decide what else you can fit in as well.

I hope this helps. Have a great trip to Iceland!

Barbara says

27th December 2022 at 7:29 pm

My son, his wife, and I are going to Iceland at the end of September (start of a European trip) or the middle of October (end of said trip). I love your 3 day itinerary but would love to add a mountain biking experience for my son, an avid and experienced mountain biker. When and where could that be worked into our visit? Really looking forward to our trip. Your Iceland guide is amazing!

30th December 2022 at 4:18 pm

Hi Barbara,

Thanks very much. It sounds like you have a great trip planned! So I don’t have personal experience of mountain biking in Iceland, but there are a number of companies offering a mountain biking experience in the country. You can see a good selection here to choose from. A number of these are on the south coast or around the Reykjavik area, so you should be able to find something that lines up with our itinerary 🙂

Have a great trip!

Stephanie says

1st December 2022 at 8:59 pm

Hello! Thank you for this itniery. My fiancé and I are planning on using this as part of our honeymoon planning. I am wondering, for day 3, the drive from Svartifoss to the Blue Lagoon is 5 hours long. Are there any good sights along the way?

2nd December 2022 at 9:04 am

Hi Stephanie,

It’s my pleasure. So you are going to be largely retracing your steps on this part of the route, back along the south coast. So there are sights for sure, but you will likely already have stopped to see them. The main difference is after Selfoss, where you will drop down to Eyrardakki and then along the Reykjanes peninsula. So that will be new. Strandarkirkja has a nice historic church, and there are some other sights you can take in like the Seltun Geothermal area. However, as most folks want to experience the blue lagoon for a while, we wouldn’t advise planning too many stops as it’s quite a long drive already.

Veronica says

27th October 2022 at 5:06 am

Hello, thank you for the very informational guide for Iceland. I was just wondering if it is possible to do the journey in reverse, meaning visit the golden circle area on the last day. Our flight out of Reykjavik is in the morning the next day, so I suppose we will have ample time to drive to the airport. Is there any reason why all the guides start with Thingvellir and the Golden Circle first?

27th October 2022 at 10:44 am

Hi Veronica,

You can absolutely do this journey in either direction. I chose to layout the itinerary this way so you have more driving towards the end, as you finish up the trip, but you can start off with the longer drive along the south coast of course. Oftentimes after a flight folks don’t necessarily want to do a long drive and instead want to get straight into the sight seeing, which is likely why the Golden Circle is the normal first point of call, but you should always adjust any itinerary to suit you 🙂

Have a great time in Iceland, let me know if you have any more questions!

Rebecca says

20th September 2022 at 7:54 pm

Just booked our flights & hotel stay in Reykjavik and came across your blog! Wow amazing! I’m abit clueless on what to book when and would love a little help! We’re planning on just booking the tours from Reykjavik and ticking off most the tourist tours, golden circle, northern lights, blue lagoon etc. any help on when to book what? We land at 9am Iceland time on Thursday and return 9am Sunday morning. So 3 full ish days! What and when to make to most of it all? Thankyou so much

20th September 2022 at 8:21 pm

Hey Rebecca!

That sounds awesome! So if you have your hotel and flights booked you are most of the way there 🙂

So my recommendation would probably be as follows:

Thursday – go to the Blue Lagoon on the way from the airport (it’s right by the airport), then head into town. You can book a shuttle bus transfer from the airport here , and also on to Reykjavik afterwards. You can book your Blue Lagoon entry on the official site here .

I’d then probably advise spending your afternoon exploring Reykjavik, and perhaps doing a northern lights tour like this that evening. The advantage of booking a northern lights tour earlier in your trip is that if it’s cancelled due to bad weather most operators will allow you to go on another night.

On your second day, so the Friday, I’d suggest doing the Golden Circle. That will be most of a day and there are a few tour options, such as this one .

Finally, on the Saturday, you can do this full day south coast tour all the way out to the Glacial Lagoon. That is going to be a long day and a lot of driving, but it covers the main highlights. I checked the availability and it only runs on the Saturday. There’s also a shorter tour here which runs every day, but doesn’t get all the way out to the glacier lagoon.

Now, of course, you could do all the above by renting a car and driving yourself. If you did that then I’d follow my itinerary and stop somewhere around Vik. However, as you have a hotel already, I’d definitely do it as a tour to save yourself the drive.

Let me know if you have any questions, happy to help. Have an amazing time in Iceland!

Maya Rao says

25th March 2022 at 3:24 pm

What a wonderful site with such detailed information, thank you so much for doing this! It makes planning so simple and enjoyable. We are planning a 3 day stopover in Iceland in September and look forward to following your 3-day itinerary as much as we can. I realized after booking our tickets that northern lights will be visible at the time (would have planned a longer stay had I known earlier!) and would love to include that in our trip. As per your suggestion, I booked hotels in Fludir, Skogar and Reykjavik for each of the three nights we are there (in addition to 2 nights near the a/p), Which of these places would you recommend for viewing the northern lights? Also, can we just drive around and look for the lights ourselves or do you recommend joining a tour? If we select a tour, I prefer to do it earlier in the trip so we have a fallback in case of cloudy skies.

25th March 2022 at 5:38 pm

Thanks very much! So the northern lights are definitely fickle. You need a combination of solar flare activity and clear skies where you are to see them. For the best experience you also would want to be away from the city lights, although if there is a very strong display you will still be able to see them even with some light sources.

That said, your best chances are going to be in Fludir and Skogar where there is much less ambient light. In Reyjkavik you would want to travel a little outside the city to get more optimal conditions.

You can absolutely just head out in your own vehicle to see them. A tour is popular with folks in Reyjkavik as it gets you out of the city which is handy as not everyone has transport when in the city. The guides usually know good locations away from the city lights. But they aren’t too hard to find yourself. The main tip I suggest is to find an app for your phone that gives you alerts for the northern lights in your area. There are quite a few options including many free options that will do this, and it can save you missing a display.

Let me know if you have any additional questions, I’m happy to help!

margie cole says

3rd January 2022 at 1:03 am

I am so excited to try this! we are going the end of January. Couple fo questions if you dont mind. 1. what is the best website for mapping things out with many stops and addresses? 2. If we wanted to go snowmobiling and glacier hiking where in the trip does it fit in and can you recommend a tour operator? LOVE your blog!!!

3rd January 2022 at 11:08 am

Great to hear from you and thanks very much.

So for mapping things out I always just use Google Maps. There are two options. The easiest, and what I normally do on trips is to just use the list feature. If you click on any attraction / hotel on Google Maps you should have the option to save it to a list, and then a set of lists will pop up. I normally just use a combination of the stars, favourites and places to go, which put yellow stars, hearts and green flags on the map. For example, I might use green flags for attractions and hearts for accommodation.

The only thing you can’t do is save routes that way. If you want a map with routes, like I have in this guide, you need to use Google My Maps . It’s definitely best used from a computer in my experience.

For the snowmobiling, I assume you are planning to drive yourself? There are a few tours from Reykjavik, but they usually include the Golden Circle as well. If you have your own car, it makes more sense to add it in somewhere on the journey. For example, you can do it from Gulfoss on the Golden Circle day.

For the glacier hike, the easiest option is during the south coast part, from somewhere like Jokulsarlon on a tour like this . However there are quite a few options to choose from, you can see a selection here . We don’t have a preferred operator, we’d usually recommend picking a tour with good recent reviews at a price point that works for you 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions, and have a great time in Iceland!

31st October 2021 at 7:13 am

Thank you so much for this wonderful itinerary, it definitely inspired us to go to Iceland to see it for ourselves! We are planning on making this trip in January as that’s when we found the best flight deals; however, I noticed in your article you mentioned that due to the limited daylight hours, some activities will have to be cut. I was wondering if you had any advice or had another article for a 3-day itinerary in January to maximize the daylight hours while still having activities when it is dark? Thank you so much!

31st October 2021 at 10:41 am

Thanks! So it will depend on when you visit in January as the day length varies dramatically. On the 1st January for example you’re looking at 4 hours and 24 minutes of daylight, but by the 31st it’s a more reasonable 7 hours. In addition, there are quite lengthy dawn and dusk periods, so it’s not totally dark.

In terms of the itinerary, I’d look at trying to rearrange some of the attractions for which daylight isn’t so necessary. For example, the Blue Lagoon is open until 9pm, so you can definitely do that later at night. To save time, you might also want to skip some of the internal sights like the museums, and focus on the outdoor attractions.

I hope this helps. I don’t have another itinerary, but this should give you some idea of what is possible. Have a great trip!

Danny B says

7th March 2019 at 9:08 pm

I cannot thank you enough for this guide and itinerary! My wife and I spent 3.5 days in Iceland and followed this almost exactly, we even printed your page out and read your synopsis of each site on the way! We had a blast and really felt we got to see everything important in that short time. The only time crunch we felt was on the third day, it’s a long drive from the glacier lagoon all the way to Reykjavik so we did end up cutting out the plane walk and free bath, but we had an awesome morning doing an ice cave tour near the lagoon, walking the diamond beach, and seeing Svartifoss! We did a northern lights tour that night in the city which was awesome as well. If you have an extra day I would definitely recommend getting to spend more time just exploring the city, there is just so much to see. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon was closed when we went (in March), luckily we were driving past there to go to the hotel anyway but be sure to check online before making the trip if it’s out of the way. Some of the recommended hotels were full when we were booking but we ended up finding great accommodations at the Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast for the first night and Hof 1 Hotel the second (closer drive for the third morning). We did get into the Galaxy Pod Hotel the third night and loved the atmosphere. Once again, thank you for this itinerary, we loved every minute of it!

8th March 2019 at 1:33 pm

Hi Danny – thank you so much for dropping by to leave a comment – it means a lot to hear from people who have actually followed our itineraries that they work for them (plus it helps other people too know what’s do-able!). we’re thrilled you had a great time in Iceland, and thanks for the feedback too 🙂 If you have any photos from your trip, we’d love to see them in our facebook group if you feel like sharing! You can see that here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

7th February 2019 at 9:16 pm

Hi! Great blog/site!!! I’m trying to plan a trip there in early June as a surprise graduation present for my 19 yr. oldd son; we would have 4 full days, maybe 5, but I like the idea of the 3-day itinerary so that we can have some “free” time to take our time and maybe find a place to kayak and/or hike. Plus, I want to just enjoy the “local” life there. I’d welcome any other thoughts; guessing we’d fly into/out of Reykjavik …

8th February 2019 at 7:51 pm

There are lots of great hikes within an hours drive of Reykjavik! I’d suggest the Glymur waterfall hike, the hikes on Mt. Esja, and then the hike up to Reykjadalur hot springs as a good starting point. I think your idea of spending five days with this three day itinerary will certainly work 🙂 The only international airport is at Keflavik, which is about 40 minutes drive south of Reykjavik.

We have lots more Iceland content on both our sites with loads of tips and advice for planning a trip. But I’m happy to provide more specific answers too of course!

8th February 2019 at 8:01 pm

Thank you for the quick response. I will be making more definite plans in the in next few weeks and will be in touch. And of the Glacier Excursions you offer, which would you suggest for an 18 year old and a first time visit to Iceland (well, first time international trip!)?

8th February 2019 at 8:03 pm

My pleasure. For clarity, we don’t offer any of the tours, we just recommend tours from companies we believe are reputable and have used ourselves. For the glacier tour, I would say that they would all be suitable as none of them require specific or previous knowledge. We’ve had positive experiences with tours on Iceland Travel and GetYourGuide, and have no hesitation recommending those. Of course, we recommend reading reviews of the tours and company as well to be sure 🙂

Michael says

1st January 2019 at 9:33 pm

I have been enlightened by your detailed guide and recommendations. We are planning to go middle of March so have a lot to look forward to. Thanks Michael

2nd January 2019 at 10:15 am

My pleasure Michael – have a great trip and do feel free to ask any questions you might have 🙂

17th December 2018 at 6:14 pm

This is an amazing and detailed guide for layover in Iceland. I was there for almost two weeks and it was wonderful! Highly recommended destination.

17th December 2018 at 6:44 pm

Thanks Anita!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

The Perfect Three-day Weekend in Iceland

Where else can you see several natural wonders and be back at work on Monday?

Jordi Lippe-McGraw is a freelance writer and editor covering travel, parenting, and wellness. She’s traveled to more than 50 countries on all seven continents (including Antarctica while five months pregnant) and equally loves penguins and truffles.

"You just watched the newest land on earth be made" is not something you typically hear during a long weekend getaway in the summer. But that's what my tour guide was telling me just hours after finishing up work for the week. I was in Iceland for my first international trip since February 2020 and was there for just two nights. Incredibly, it was the perfect amount of time to experience bucket-list-worthy adventure, city exploration, and desperately-needed relaxation.

While most people (understandably) might spend their long weekends driving to the beach or country, I decided to jet off to Iceland . It might seem crazy, but I promise it's more than doable. And you might even get to see an active volcano like me.

Flights and COVID Restrictions

From New York, it's a quick five-hour flight to Reykjavik, and Icelandair has a daily non-stop flight at 8:25 pm (JFK) and 8:30 pm (EWR). That means you could finish up work on a Thursday, head straight to the airport, and start your international getaway by 6 am Friday. The return flight is just as easy with a 5 pm daily departure out of Reykjavik back to the New York area, making it, so you have almost three full days on the ground. And since some of the top attractions are within a couple of hours of the airport, it's a prime destination to pack in a week's worth of FOMO-inducing activities in a few days.

I booked those quick flights out of Newark, opting for a Friday departure and Monday return home. During my travel dates, if you were vaccinated, a negative COVID test was no longer required. I just had to register my arrival at covid.is and needed to get a COVID test no more than 72 hours before returning to the U.S (you can book that return COVID test here ). All arrival COVID testing and quarantine restrictions from a few months ago have been removed.

It's important to note that as of July 27, 2021, these rules shifted slightly. Now, "all travelers (regardless of vaccination status) must present a negative COVID-19 test result when boarding a flight to Iceland, no older than 72 hours." But, you still don't have to get tested on arrival in Iceland or quarantine. Icelandair makes the updated rules clear on their website if you have any questions.

Though quarantine and testing aren't required, you should be prepared to spend at least an hour getting through customs and the document verification process. But thanks to an early landing, my husband and I were already on a bus to my hotel in Reykjavik by 7:30 am. I'd recommend pre-booking a transfer as the wait times for group transportation can be longer. We opted for Airport Direct's Premium transfer option , which costs around $100 for two people one way with a direct drop-off at the hotel.

Now that the logistics were done, it was time for the vacation to really begin.

Initially, our first day was supposed to consist of a quick power nap in the morning, an early afternoon dip and lunch at the new Sky Lagoon , followed by a few hours wandering the streets of Reykjavik. That all changed when our tour guide, Ryan Connolly of Hidden Iceland , said due to the weather predictions, the best chance of seeing molten lava was Saturday, the day we landed. Initially, we were scheduled for a Sunday morning hike. However, since witnessing lava was my number one priority for the trip (I'm a huge volcano fan), we rearranged the itinerary a bit.

So, we checked in to ION City Hotel (many hotels can accommodate the early check-in), grabbed the most heavenly cinnamon roll I've ever had at Brauð & Co and latte at Sandholt , changed into hiking gear, and were in the car with Ryan by 9:45 am. We quickly swung by the COVID testing center to get our rapid tests needed to return home (it took about 30 minutes), and off we went to the Geldingadalir volcano.

"This is arguably the most tourist-friendly volcano in the world," Ryan told us on the drive over. That's because it's just 30 minutes from the airport and you can get very close. And we did.

We followed the C route--the access paths change with the lava flow--to reach the main crater viewing point. Along the way, we saw smoke still rising and recently cooled lava from the eruption that began on March 19, 2021, after 800 years of dormancy. Unfortunately, there was also heavy fog at times, making visibility drop to nearly zero. Though hopeful, I was mentally preparing NOT to see lava liked I hoped. And after about an hour of hiking to the viewpoint, that seemed like it might be the case. Although you could hear the gushing sound of lava spewing from the crater, we couldn't see a thing.

"Are you willing to venture off the route a bit," Ryan asked us. "One of my guides saw a small lava flow around the corner from here." Obviously, the answer was yes.

We trekked a bit longer, still with that heavy fog, until all of a sudden, I looked up and saw a glow. At that moment, the clouds lifted, and a significant lava flow appeared. I'm talking about a waterfall of lava pouring down one direction and a molten river flowing down the other. You could feel the heat, hear the crackling, and smell the burning of the landscape. It's a sensory experience that is impossible to describe. To top it off, lava was bursting out of the crater every few seconds like a geyser.

If that wasn't enough, Ryan thought we could safely get closer (he had a gas level monitor). So, we hiked a bit more and ended up within an arm's length of slowly moving lava. The heat was more intense than sitting right next to a bonfire. But, it was incredible to watch the earth change before our eyes.

We stayed in the area for about an hour, taking it all in before making our way back to the car. In total, we hiked about nine miles (easy to moderate difficulty) over about four hours. With the most adventurous part of the weekend already completed, it was prime time for the relaxation bit.

Covered in some mud and a bit damp from the rain, we arrived at the Sky Lagoon just before 5 pm to unwind from our lava-fueled afternoon. The geothermal pool opened just a couple of months ago and is about 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. So, it's no surprise it's become an instant attraction. Although much smaller (and a different color) than the Blue Lagoon, it has its own appeal. The restorative destination is perched right on the ocean with rock formations perfectly framing where the thermal pool, sea, and sky all seem to meet.

Even though it was bustling, there was plenty of room in the locker rooms to get changed (we opted for the Sky Pass with private changing facilities) and find an intimate nook in the water. We even grabbed a couple of drinks at the swim-up bar before trying their seven-step ritual that included sitting in an oceanfront sauna with a floor-to-ceiling window.

Last on the itinerary for the day before totally crashing was grabbing dinner near our hotel in Reykjavik. Our choice? Ban Thai . Yes, Thai food might not be the first thing that comes to mind in Iceland. But there are several restaurants, and this one has a menu of over 200 homemade items. So it was a solid choice before our 12-hour-long (desperately needed) night of sleep.

We woke up feeling recovered despite a brief noise disturbance around 11 pm. Our hotel--ION City--is centrally located on a pedestrian-only street, making it ideal for exploring the city. But the nearby bars are a bit rowdy on the weekend (something the hotel warned us about). A sound machine on our phones did the trick to ensure we got the rest we needed.

To start our day, we grabbed another cinnamon roll from Brauð & Co (it's that good) and coffee from the popular Reykjavik Roasters before wandering around the charming seaside city. You could easily spend days here. Even in our limited time, we checked out the ruins of one of the first houses in Iceland at The Settlement Exhibition , snapped a picture on the Rainbow street located between Bergstaðastræti and Laugavegur, walked past the 244-foot-tall Hallgrímskirkja church, ate the world's best hot dog (according to Bill Clinton) with everything (ein með öllu) at the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand, and stopped in several stores like those found in T+L's Iceland guide .

By 2 pm we were ready to head to our final stop of the weekend: The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon .

The architecturally modern five-star hotel is situated right on the famous Blue Lagoon and has private pools boasting the same colorful waters. After our welcome champagne and room tour, we got right into the water via the property's spa. In fact, the spa and its rejuvenating focus are so prominent, guests are encouraged to wear their bathrobes everywhere except for the fine dining restaurant Moss. Yes, you even wear them to the complimentary afternoon tea.

Phones are forbidden in the spa area that includes several facilities from a room of hanging "nests" and a steam cave to the blue waters themselves. It's here where we partook in the four-step, dimly-lit, 45-minute ritual that included three masks, showers, and oil treatment. All of that relaxing made us hungry, so we grabbed a quick bite at the casual (again bathrobes) Lava Restaurant before showering for 8:30 pm dinner reservations at Moss.

It felt nice to put on nicer clothes for what would be a nearly three-hour, seven-course meal and wine pairing. Tastings menus are the only option at the highly-acclaimed restaurant and feature seasonal ingredients and local favorites like skyr. The lamb--another Icelandic fave--was even served on freshly-picked lava stone from the volcano we hiked just the day before.

With full bellies, we retired to our room that had one of the most stunning views ever. A lava rock field and blue waters were the last things we saw before closing our eyes for the night.

Sadly, our final day in Iceland had come. But with our flight not until 5 pm, we could squeeze in some final relaxing moments. So, we decided to try a floating massage after breakfast, which took place in a roped-off section of the Blue Lagoon. Although not the most intense massage you'll ever have, it was profoundly relaxing thanks to the floating sensation. The therapist even pushed the lower half of my body into the water several times, which was strangely zen-inducing.

With a couple of hours left, we took a final dip in the public part of the Blue Lagoon. Despite being busy, you could have plenty of space to roam and enjoy the natural wonder in peace. (Pro tip: bring a waterproof carrier for your phone if you want pics).

After a quick shower and packing our belongings, we were on the way to the airport for our departure. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, it took us over an hour to check in and clear immigration. So, arrive at least 2.5 hours early.

As we boarded the plane, I couldn't believe we were already on the way home and how much we had accomplished in that short time. We saw two natural wonders, explored a new city, went on a four-hour hike, visited two spas, ate a seven-course meal, and had a massage. And we even made it home in time on Monday to put our three-year-old son to bed.

Our tour guide, Ryan, noted that you could pack more adventure into the itinerary if you wanted. For example, his company's semi-private Volcanic Eruption Hike & Reykjanes Peninsula Tour can take you to see the volcano, Gunnuhver hot spring and geyser, and Krýsuvík geothermal area in nine hours. Even with that schedule, you could still visit Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon.

I've always known Iceland would make for an incredible vacation. But knowing that it's possible over a long weekend makes it all the more appealing. So, if you're considering how to use the rest of those summer Fridays, keep Iceland in mind. After all, volcanos, geothermal waters, and geysers just aren't things you'll find in the Hamptons.

Related Articles

• How to Tie a Tie
• Best Coffee Beans
• How to Shape a Beard
• Best Sweaters for Men
• Most Expensive Cognac
• Monos vs Away Luggage
• Best Luxury Hotel Chains
• Fastest Cars in the World
• Ernest Hemingway Books
• What Does CBD Feel Like?
• Canada Goose Alternatives
• Fastest Motorcycles in the World

The best things to do in Iceland: These activities are always on our itinerary

Coffee shops, lagoons, volcanoes, and more.

Iceland, with its breathtaking landscapes and unique natural wonders, has become a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. In 2023, the island nation welcomed 2.2 million visitors, marking its second-strongest year on record. No longer a hidden gem, Iceland continues to attract more Americans and remains an affordable hotspot for Europeans.

Hike at Mount Esja

• Grab a coffee at Kaffitár
• Travel to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Check out The National Gallery of Iceland

• Eat at Grillmarkaðurinn

Relax at the Blue Lagoon

Admire the tallest church in iceland.

• Explore some of the country’s volcanoes 

Summer is the best time to visit Iceland if you’re looking for the most comfortable weather and vibrant city life. During this busy season, the long daylight hours allow for endless exploration of the country’s stunning scenery. Reykjavík and other cities come alive with tourists, offering a great vibe all around.

However, if you’re drawn to the allure of ice caves and mesmerizing Northern Lights, winter may be the best time to visit. The colder months provide a unique opportunity to explore the island’s icy beauty and enjoy a stay in a cozy, moonlit cabin. Whether you’re planning a summer escapade or a winter wonderland adventure, these are the best things to do in Iceland.

Hiking Mount Esja is a must-do for visitors to Iceland, offering stunning views and an invigorating outdoor experience just 50 minutes from Reykjavík. Accessible year-round (weather permitting), this popular hiking spot features a well-marked trail system. At 2,999 feet, its summit provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Clear signage indicates the difficulty of various paths, allowing experienced hikers to challenge themselves with a direct route to the top while beginners can enjoy a more leisurely ascent.

Grab a coffee at Kaffitár

Enjoying a coffee at Kaffitár is a must when in Iceland. This Icelandic coffee roaster, with six cafes in Reykjavík and Kópavogur, is renowned for its specialty coffee, which they import and roast themselves. Kaffitár trades directly with farmers who prioritize environmental and social responsibility. Their commitment to sustainability is evident, and all of their cafes are certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and have received “Kuðungurinn,” the Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources’ environmental award.

Travel to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Traveling to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a highlight of any trip to Iceland. Known as one of the country’s natural wonders, this stunning lagoon draws in thousands of visitors every year, with its free-flowing icebergs and the nearby Diamond Beach, where ice chunks glisten like diamonds on the black sand. Travelers flock to Jökulsárlón to enjoy boat tours, capture photos of seals, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. As Iceland’s deepest lake, with a maximum depth of 814 feet, Jökulsárlón offers an unforgettable experience. The journey from Reykjavík takes around five hours, making it a perfect overnight trip.

If you should only see one museum when visiting Iceland, make it The National Gallery of Iceland. This national art museum focuses on 19th and 20th-century art, showcasing both Icelandic and international masterpieces. In addition to its impressive permanent collection, the gallery regularly hosts exhibitions by individual artists from Iceland and abroad. 

Eat at Grillmarkaðurinn

Dining at Grillmarkaðurinn (Grill Market) is easily one of the best things to do in Iceland. Founded and run by celebrated Icelandic chef Hrefna Sætran, this award-winning restaurant is a favorite among both locals and tourists. Grillmarkaðurinn collaborates with local farmers and suppliers to offer fresh, seasonal dishes, mainly centered around fish and meat. The menu features Icelandic specialties such as grilled puffin, whale steak, and lamb chops. The steaks are exceptional, benefiting from a minimum 35-day aging process.

One of the country’s most popular attractions, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland and is renowned for its milky blue waters, rich in silica, and comfortably warm temperatures averaging 98-102ºF. In addition to its soothing waters, the Blue Lagoon features the LAVA Restaurant, the Blue Cafe, and the Lagoon Spa, providing visitors with the ultimate relaxation experience. Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, it’s a convenient stop either right after arriving or before departing Iceland.

Visiting Hallgrímskirkja, the tallest church in Iceland, is essential when exploring the country. This Evangelical-Lutheran church is not only the largest in the country but also a vibrant center of worship and community. Dominating the Reykjavík skyline, Hallgrímskirkja boasts a 73-meter-high (239-foot) tower offering panoramic views of the city, nearby mountains, and the ocean extending towards Greenland. Built between 1945 and 1986, the church also houses Iceland’s largest organ.

Explore some of the country’s volcanoes 

Exploring Iceland’s volcanoes is a thrilling adventure for visitors. With roughly 130 volcanoes, the country offers numerous safe and accessible sites to experience these geological wonders. Popular volcanoes include Eyjafjallajökull, known for its 2010 eruption, and Hekla, often called the “Gateway to Hell.” Snæfellsjökull, the glacier-capped volcano that inspired Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” is another favorite.

Editors’ Recommendations

• The top 6 things to do in Las Vegas, according to a local
• The best things to do in Costa Rica: How to plan a memorable trip
• This is the best time to visit Puerto Rico
• This is the best time to go to Japan
• These are the best things to do in Savannah, GA
• Destinations

Yellowstone National Park Ledain via Pixabay / Pixabay

Yellowstone National Park offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique geothermal features—perfect for this year's summer trip. While each season brings its own charm to this iconic park, June stands out as an ideal time to visit. As we transition to summer, Yellowstone comes alive with vibrant wildlife and milder weather, making it the perfect month for an unforgettable adventure. When is peak season at Yellowstone National Park?

California has a spot for many when it comes to their travel bucket list. And for good reason! California offers some of the best attractions and natural wonders in the country. From big cities to national parks, there’s something for everyone in the Golden State. Here are some of our favorite places to visit in California: 1. San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge Ah, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge – the ultimate San Francisco experience. Stroll or cycle across the bridge, or simply gaze at it from Crissy Field or Fort Point. Trust me, the views never get old. Alcatraz Island A quick ferry ride from Fisherman's Wharf, and you'll find yourself on the infamous Alcatraz Island, where you can get a fascinating look into the history of one of the world’s most infamous prisons.  Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 Fisherman's Wharf is a lively waterfront hub packed with restaurants, shops, and street performers. But the real stars are the playful sea lions basking at Pier 39. Prepare for some serious cuteness overload. 2. Los Angeles

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is often referred to as the "Golf Capital of the World," and for good reason. With its stunning scenery, ideal weather, and an insane variety of world-class courses, it's a golfer's dream destination, no matter your skill level. Get ready to pack your clubs – here are some of the best golf courses in Myrtle Beach. 1. The Dunes Golf & Beach Club

The Dunes Golf & Beach Club is a classic course that holds a special place in the hearts of many golfers. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1949, this course is renowned for its challenging layout and scenic beauty. The signature hole, "Waterloo," is a par-5 that doglegs around Lake Singleton – a fun challenge for golfers! The Dunes has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the PGA Tour and USGA Championships, solidifying its reputation as one of the top courses in Myrtle Beach. 2. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

Nature can make you feel small. You should seek that feeling when traveling.

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here . 

I hadn’t hiked enough to know whether I liked it or not. In theory, it seemed like something I would enjoy. The reality was being overheated by two layers of jackets but with freezing hands and cold water running down my nose. 

I don’t like hiking. I can confidently say that now.

On a recent expedition to the Arctic Circle with Aurora Expeditions , we were able to bear witness to nature’s grandiosity. The aforementioned hike was to Eldborg Crater in Iceland's Snaefellsnes National Park. 

After roughly 4 muddy, rocky miles, I climbed the mountain to see … nothing. It was a crater, and like all beautiful things, it was ephemeral. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Expeditions aren't typical vacations: 'What a privilege it is to see these places'

I was out of breath, cold and sweaty simultaneously, annoyed at the thought of having to make the same trek back, and grateful that I felt dwarfed by everything around me. 

Nature can make you feel small.

Oftentimes, the idea of going somewhere new or familiar is set with the expectation of relaxing or enjoying yourself. It is not often that we seek out the feeling of insignificance. But it’s a rewarding experience when you meet it face to face. 

Embarking on an expedition cruise can offer travelers a unique adventure that combines exploration with the stark beauty of one of the world's last great wildernesses. The journey provides an intimate encounter with the region's unique wildlife while onboard experts deliver lectures about the fragile ecosystem and the need for preservation, offering a transformative journey that stays with travelers long after they return home.

The beauty of travel

As an avid ocean cruiser, I expected an expedition to hit similar benchmarks of relaxation. As soon as I stepped on board, I was dissuaded from that notion. This was an Expedition with a capital E. The small group of people on board were in this together so we were all gathered for the safety and instructional briefings – something that I usually do at my leisure in my cabin during ocean cruising. 

We also all wake up together, thanks to the intercom morning announcements, which there are several during the day. Because it is an expedition, itineraries are more of a wish list than a concrete plan, so passengers are given updates on the planned activities every morning and throughout the day. 

It can be daunting or reaffirming as a solo traveler to be on a rigid schedule with up to 132 other people. You will share meals and experiences with your fellow passengers, it is inevitable to feel a sense of camaraderie by the end of your first 12 days. After all, you hiked almost 4 miles in the rain together, helped each other from slipping in the mud, held on to each other during bumpy Zodiac rides, and gasped in synchronicity as you spotted whales a few feet from you.

Still, at the end of the hike, or the Zodiac ride, or whatever that day’s activity was, you have a moment to look up and see how small you truly are. The cliffs, the rocks, the water, the wind, the rain, the sun, it’s all there as a reminder of their perennial beauty. 

And you can’t help but wonder: Why did it take almost 4,000 miles from my home to realize that?

That’s the beauty of travel. The more places you visit, the more comparisons and similarities you find to your home to realize that we are so small in this world but wield immense power to shape it.

A work deadline seems small compared to the hundreds of years it takes for moss to grow on volcanic rocks. The email you haven’t responded to yet pales in comparison to the constant reminder to cover your face to protect it from the wind. And the queasy feeling of performance reviews is nothing to the constant need to check where you’re stepping so you don’t fall off a cliff.

Traveling and nature can do that for us. They can make us feel small and liberate us from the stress we impose on ourselves. It’s one of those reminders that never register when you hear; you have to do the work of leaving your home to truly grasp it. Expeditions combine the two.

No matter how hectic your schedule is on a given week, the moss will still take almost ten years to convert to soil. And that’s OK. 

Eventually, trips and expeditions end. Photos are a memento, but what stays with us are the feelings we experienced on days when we were away from home. 

The reporter on this story received access to this event from Aurora Expeditions. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Extreme heat is changing where and when we vacation

Cathy Balestriere was expecting “especially low” bookings last month at Crane’s Beach House, the boutique hotel she manages in Delray Beach, Florida. Instead, they jumped 12% from the year before.

“It feels like a miracle based on where we were sitting just a few weeks ago,” she said.

It’s not a miracle. It’s the weather.

The surge coincided with a sweltering mid-June heat wave across the Midwest and the Northeast, putting over 80 million people under heat alerts — the latest run of unseasonably extreme temperatures fueled by a global climate that is warming at a record pace .

There is no question that we are seeing a growing preference for destinations with more comfortable summer temperatures.

Jesse Neugarten, CEO of Dollar Flight Club

Florida might not be the first destination that comes to mind for people looking to beat the heat, but it’s where some headed after their hometowns became just as sweltering.

This time of year, most guests at Crane’s are in-state or regional travelers, Balestriere said. But many of the surprise last-minute bookings came from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas. Delray Beach has been hot, too, but visitors to the hotel “can at least enjoy the ocean breeze and access to the beach and refreshing pools,” she said.

It’s a similar story at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel in Orlando, where reservations soared 45% in the past three weeks compared with the year before, largely from the Northeast and Texas.

“We have had a couple of guests mention while they are checking in that the heat at home is unbearable,” sales and marketing director James Tattersall said.

“Snowbirds” typically head south to Florida and other balmier states in the winter and spring, creating a high season there when it’s frigid up north. But Crane’s Beach House now sees a growing opportunity in warmer months. It has already shifted its seasonal editorial calendar, Google ad strategy and newsletter messaging to capture more of the off-season demand, Balestriere said.

It’s part of a broader change that has been underway for years as tourist hot spots adapt to shifting demand tied to evolving seasonal weather.

While not every place is feeling an impact in the same way, or at all, “there is no question that we are seeing a growing preference for destinations with more comfortable summer temperatures alongside rising global temperatures,” said Jesse Neugarten, founder and CEO of Dollar Flight Club, a travel deal alert service.

From May to June, the platform had a 31% surge in flight bookings and interest from Northern cities like New York and Boston to destinations in Florida, he said, “where travelers are looking for relief from heat waves.”

Scorching weather at home is also pushing people toward cooler climes abroad. While hotel bookings in Italy — a longtime summer hot spot — are up a modest 3% since last year, “it’s Scandinavia that is having a moment,” researchers at the Virtuoso luxury travel network said in a recent report.

Bookings in the region have surged 25% since last year, with even steeper 49% and 47% increases in Iceland and Sweden, respectively. Even the Netherlands, where authorities have tried to reduce tourist volumes , is seeing 33% higher hotel demand this season, Virtuoso found. 

“I decided I had enough of Washington, D.C., summers,” said Andy Knestaut, 59, a retiree who was considering a trip with his wife somewhere in South America before they opted for northern Europe. “We chose Copenhagen and added two Baltic countries. We’ll go from late July to late August.”

Some parts of the continent are getting so hot during the summer that the typical high season is getting longer, said Rebecca Masri, founder and CEO of Little Emperors, a private members luxury hotel club.

“With the weather in southern Europe staying warm, booking trends are shifting to September, October and even November,” she said, as some hotels and resorts that usually close at the end of the summer extend their operations. “These months are becoming the new peak season.”

Consumers will increasingly see those shifts reflected in pricing, said Chris Lafakis, a director at Moody’s Analytics.

“You won’t have to be rich to vacation, but it’s going to be more expensive to travel to the more favorable destinations,” he said. “Those with the means to do so will be able to, and those that don’t will unfortunately not have as many options to fall back on.” 

With the weather in southern Europe staying warm, booking trends are shifting to September, October and even November.

Rebecca Masri, CEO of Little Emperors

As airlines have added capacity, domestic and international airfares have fallen by double-digit percentages this July Fourth holiday week compared with last year’s, according to booking platform Hopper, despite record expected travel volumes . But while average hotel room rates in some cooler northern European countries have stabilized since last year’s surge, they’re climbing in popular areas — up 18% in Iceland and 47% in Norway, Virtuoso said. 

Weather-driven shifts in travel patterns will create economic winners and losers, Lafakis said. “Probably 20% to 30% of the overall damage to the economy from the heat is because of less travel tourism,” he said. As seasonal temperatures soar, would-be visitors “may go somewhere else or choose not to go at all.”

Some industry experts aren’t so worried.

During hot weather, “travelers will usually change their behavior rather than cancel a trip,” said Tiffany Townsend, a spokesperson for New York City Tourism and Conventions. “They might visit more museums and indoor attractions or do more shopping” while it’s scorching outside and schedule outdoor activities early or late in the day.

Heather Dickie, 69, a Texas-based marketing consultant, said her travel itinerary is still in flux, but she said she needs a break from the heat. “If I can get out of Dallas,” where temperatures have already hit triple digits , “Alaska is sounding good,” she said.

But she’s more likely to head about 650 miles “up the road a bit” toward Taos, New Mexico, for the relative reprieve of highs in the mid-80s. “I have friends in that area,” she said, “and am looking at late July or August for a nice, cool getaway.”

Harriet Baskas is an NBC News contributor who writes about travel and the arts.