travel planner iceland

Planning a Trip to Iceland for the First Time (Your Easy 10-Step Checklist!)

Glacier hikes, puffin sightings, thundering waterfalls, and geothermal wonders: there is so much to be excited about when planning a trip to Iceland!

A trip to the Land of Fire and Ice is truly a vacation like no other, and we were smitten with it from the moment the plane touched down and we got to admire the lupines growing along the runway (seriously).

Iceland is an incredibly unique destination and offers a magnificent array of once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, all in a (fairly) compact location.

However, to best take advantage of all that beauty within a limited time frame, you’ll need to do quite a bit of planning before you take off on your first trip to Iceland.

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While you could certainly arrive with little advance planning and see some incredible sights, experiencing the best things to do in Iceland isn’t as easy as hitting the open road with no (literal or figurative) plan.

The country’s extreme popularity coupled with rural attractions and weather unlike what most people experience in their day-to-day lives means that you’ll have a much better time if you carefully plan your trip to Iceland!

Follow this step-by-step Iceland travel checklist, and you’re bound to have an unforgettable adventure when visiting Iceland for the first time.

Step 1: Check visa and entrance requirements.

Toto, it is definitely not 2019 anymore: while checking visa and entrance requirements has always been important before visiting a foreign country, it’s safe to say that we’ll all be paying a bit more attention to it in years to come than we did pre-2020!

As of late 2023, there are no travel restrictions to visit Iceland–but just in case, this official website provides up-to-date requirements for entering Iceland, including any testing requirements.

Icelandair also has a detailed page on entry requirements.

Don’t forget to check any requirements that your home country has for returning, too!

In addition to these more topical necessities, don’t forget the usual needs, like having more than 6 months of validity left on your passport.

Step 2: Book your flights (the biggest step when planning a trip to Iceland!).

Without a doubt, booking flights is one of the most exciting parts of planning a trip to Iceland (or anywhere else)!

Once you book flights, your trip is official and you can start building the details of your adventures in Iceland around the states of your flights.

If your dates are somewhat flexible, we suggest checking prices a few days before and a few days after your intended arrival and departure dates when shopping for flights to Iceland.

You never know what deals you may happen to come across!

As the vast majority of all international flights in Iceland go through Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik (KEF), shopping for flights to Iceland is a fairly straightforward process.

Step 3: Reserve your rental car (and read the fine print).

While some travelers to Iceland may choose to base themselves in Reykjavik and only take organized tours outside the city, for most visitors, visiting Iceland means that it is time for a road trip!

Whether you want to drive Iceland’s legendary Ring Road (it’s incredible), explore the popular South Coast in-depth (also incredible), or get off the beaten path in places like the remote Westfjords (again, incredible), renting a car will deeply enhance your trip to Iceland.

Given Iceland’s extreme seasonality, rental cars can be a bit of a hot commodity in the summer, so book as far in advance as you can!

We use and recommend Discover Cars to find out which company has the most competitive prices and best rental contracts.

On our recent Iceland road trip, the best choice ended up being Global Rent a Car, and we had a great experience with them.

Wondering if you need to rent a vehicle with 4-wheel drive?

For a traditional Ring Road itinerary , a standard 2-wheel drive vehicle is just fine–but to drive on Iceland’s unpaved “F” roads, 4-wheel drive is required!

We made use of our 4-wheel drive option several times on our road trip, but I wouldn’t consider not having one a dealbreaker unless you have your heart set on driving yourself into the Highlands or to a particular offbeat spot.

We would’ve had a great trip to Iceland with or without F-road access!

Shop rental cars for your trip to Iceland today!

Step 4: Plan your Iceland itinerary.

With a seemingly limitless number of beautiful places to explore, there are as many possible Iceland itineraries as there are visitors!

A few tried-and-true options, though, include these amazing routes.

Iceland Ring Road Trip

The most classic Iceland itinerary, a Ring Road trip is perfect for visitors who have 10+ days in Iceland and want to see it all.

This is what we did, and honestly, we plan to go back and do it again one day–maybe more than once.

From the iconic attractions of South Iceland to the lesser-visited corners of the Eastern Fjords and North Iceland , the Ring Road makes for an incredible Iceland vacation.

Iceland South Coast Road Trip

Have a week or less in Iceland and want to take an epic road trip?

Try the popular South Coast!

This is where you’ll find many of Iceland’s most famous attractions, such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajökull National Park, and the iconic Skógafoss–just to name a few!

Reykjavik-Based Trip

Only have a few days in Iceland?

Don’t worry!

By basing yourself in Reykjavik and taking well-planned day trips, you can enjoy some of the most iconic sights in Iceland (like the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle ) very quickly.

While we’d always recommend a longer trip to Iceland if possible, for the right traveler, even a 3-4 day Iceland vacation is well worth the effort it takes to get there.

Step 5: Finalize your Iceland travel budget.

There’s simply no getting around this one: taking a trip to Iceland is expensive!

To save money when traveling to Iceland on a budget, you can make some concessions like shopping in grocery stores for food (and eating lots of gas station hot dogs–a must-have Iceland experience on any budget), staying in basic lodging, and prioritizing only the experiences that are important to you.

But… even with all that, the price tag is still high.

Before booking your lodging and attractions (more on that in a few paragraphs), be sure to run the numbers and see exactly what you have to spend.

Better to make informed decisions along the way than have a nasty surprise bill at the end of your Iceland vacation!

This guide to budgeting for a trip explains how we budget for our travels in a step-by-step way and can help you create an Iceland budget that works for you.

Step 6: Decide where to stay and make reservations.

If you’re taking an Iceland road trip, especially during the summer, booking your hotels and/or vacation rentals as far in advance as possible is essential.

Most of Iceland’s most popular attractions are found in rural areas, and there are often only a few hotels or guesthouses nearby.

In order to complete your road trip efficiently–for example, driving the Ring Road–you’ll want to have your lodging chosen and booked before starting your trip.

We use Booking.com to find and book lodging in Iceland!

A few hotels that stood out on our recent Iceland road trip are Hotel Vík í Mýrdal (fantastic central location in Vik), Hótel Laxá near Mytvan (rural but convenient), and Fosshotel Nupar (perfectly located for glacier hiking in Vatnajökull National Park and visiting the glacier lagoons).

Step 7: Book bucket list tours and activities in advance.

Glacier hikes, snorkeling between tectonic plates , soaking in the famous Blue Lagoon, riding Icelandic horses: many of the absolute best things to do in Iceland require booking a tour or ticket!

And, like rental cars and hotels, tours and activities have a tendency to sell out in the summer.

If there are any bucket-list Iceland experiences you want to make sure you don’t miss, be sure to book them when planning your Iceland trip!

Here are a few popular options that are great to book in advance:

Silfra Snorkeling Tour — Want to snorkel between Europe and North America?

Iceland is the only place you can, and we will never forget this incredibly unique experience !

Glacier Hiking in Skafatell National Park — Hiking on a glacier is one of the most incredible experiences in Iceland, and we loved this tour .

Blue Lagoon — The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous places in Iceland, and you can’t simply show up for the day–especially during the summer.

South Iceland Day Trip — Basing yourself in Reykjavik and don’t want to drive during your first time in Iceland?

This popular day trip will show you Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and beyond.

Step 8: Make a packing list (and shop).

More than most destinations, packing for Iceland requires some advance planning!

The country’s extreme climate paired with the fact that most people who plan a trip to Iceland are planning to do things they’ve never done before–like a hike on a glacier , perhaps–means that you’ll likely want to purchase some gear before taking off!

While you can certainly find most of what you would need in cities like Reykjavik and Akureyri, most of the best places to visit in Iceland are quite rural, with few stores around.

And, Iceland is not exactly a budget-friendly place to shop!

A detailed breakdown of what to pack for Iceland requires a whole other blog post (and packing for Iceland in winter is even more intense), but here are a few things we recommend bringing:

Travel Adaptors for Iceland — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics!

Waterproof Jacket — Mine is no longer available but is similar to this popular jacket , and Jeremy loved this one in Iceland.

Sleep Mask — Midnight sun during the summer in Iceland is no joke, and a sleep mask is a must!

I don’t typically like to wear sleep masks, but I was so glad to have one during our summer trip to Iceland.

Lonely Planet Iceland — We don’t use travel guides in every destination, but in rural, widespread, land-of-confusing-spellings Iceland, we loved having one!

Waterproof Pants — Perfect for hiking on glaciers with! I use these ; Jeremy uses these .

Waterproof Boots — There’s nothing like having warm and dry feet! I adore these boots and have been wearing them for years.

Reusable Water Bottle — Avoid plastic waste, cut your expenses, and enjoy even more of Iceland’s fantastic tap water. Win/win/win.

Step 9: Purchase travel insurance for your trip to Iceland.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance when planning a trip to Iceland!

While Iceland is an incredibly safe country to travel in, traveling in general opens you up to vulnerabilities you simply don’t have at home.

If you lose your luggage, have a fender bender in your rental car, get pickpocketed, or–heaven forbid–get injured, you’ll be glad you have the insurance.

Given how inexpensive travel insurance is when purchased in advance (especially as compared to the cost of flying to and then renting a car in Iceland), we consider it well worth the investment.

However, that being said, travel insurance companies have been about as prone to changing requirements over the last couple of years as borders have been.

Safety Wing is generally considered a reliable option, but be sure to double and triple-check coverages for any travel insurance policy these days, especially if you’re looking for protection from COVID-19-related issues.

Check travel insurance prices and coverage for your Iceland vacation now!

Step 10: Make an arrival plan for your trip to Iceland.

Once you finally finish planning your trip to Iceland and board your plane bound for the Land of Fire and Ice, you’ll still have one final logistical hurdle to overcome before kicking off your adventures: getting from the airport to wherever you’re going next.

For many travelers, that will mean walking or hopping the shuttle over to whatever rental car office they’re using (that’s what we’ve done).

However, if you’re not renting a car on the day you arrive in Iceland, you’ll likely still need to get from the airport to the center of town, which is about a 45-minute drive (there isn’t a train).

Bus transfers like this are the most popular and economical option to get from KEF to central Reykjavik for those who aren’t driving.

If you’re looking to splurge as you put your Iceland travel plan into action, though, private transfers like this are also available and will get you to your hotel faster.

Both options have their pros and cons, but the time to decide isn’t when you’re jetlagged, exhausted, and desperate to be done traveling.

A little advance planning can go a long way, and ensure you step off the plane confident that you’ve planned the perfect first Iceland trip!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “Planning a Trip to Iceland for the First Time (Your Easy 10-Step Checklist!)”

Thank you for your Iceland guides! The info is incredibly helpful as we opted for a DIY trip instead of booking a pre-planned tour. We are heading out in Oct. Since we are native Minnesotans :-), we should be able to handle the weather (fingers crossed). Thanks again! I look forward to checking your guides to other destinations.

That’s wonderful to hear, thank you, Elaine!

I suspect you guys will definitely be just fine with the weather. 😉

Have a fantastic trip!

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Best Iceland Itinerary Ideas From 1 Day To 2 Weeks

July 18, 2021 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   1 Comment

Are you looking for the best Iceland itinerary? This guide has all of the best Iceland itineraries, whether you are staying for just one day or for two weeks.

There is so much to see and do in Iceland from taking a dip in natural hot springs to chasing waterfalls to hiking on a glacier! While a longer trip to Iceland would be ideal, that’s not always possible and a short Iceland itinerary is necessary instead. But regardless of the length of the Iceland itinerary, they are all packed with amazing things to do!

To help you in your Iceland trip planning process, check out our guide on where to stay in Iceland . And if you plan on renting a car, be sure to avoid these seven Iceland car rental mistakes .

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

Table of Contents

How Many Days Should You Spend In Iceland?

Iceland is such a beautiful country filled with so much to see and do. While any amount of time in Iceland is good, I recommend spending at least five days. But if you’d truly like to see as much of the country as possible, you’ll need at least ten days to see everything the area has to offer.

Getting Around During Your Iceland Itinerary

There are a few different ways to get around Iceland, such as a rental car, public bus, or tours. On shorter trips, you can simply use the public bus and tours to see what you would like to see. There are so many amazing Tours In Iceland that you may be interested in!

However, on longer trips that will allow you to explore more off-the-beaten-path parts of Iceland, you should rent a car or campervan.

We love Driving In Iceland and highly recommend it if you are up for exploring!

How These Iceland Itinerary Suggestions Were Determined

These Iceland itinerary suggestions are exactly would I would suggest to a family member or friend going to Iceland!

As you read on, you may notice that Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, isn’t prominently featured on this list. In my opinion, you go to Iceland for nature and not the city, so you’ll see a lot more nature stops instead.

1 Day In Iceland Stopover Itinerary

If you only have one day in Iceland (for a stopover, for example), this one-day Iceland itinerary is perfect, because you can still see some of the most exciting things the country has to offer! For a one-day stopover, I highly recommend staying near the airport, as the airport is a 45-minute drive from Reykavik. Then, you can simply take a bus into Reykjavik instead.

If your Iceland itinerary is limited to just a day, you’ll have to decide whether you prefer to focus on nature or explore the city.

Book Here: Bus from Airport to Reykjavik

1-Day Itinerary Option 1: Focus On Nature

Day 1: Reykjanes Peninsula And The Blue Lagoon

To experience a bit of Iceland’s nature during your one-day itinerary, I recommend exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula. While this does require a car, car rentals in Iceland aren’t too expensive, especially if you are splitting the cost between a large group of people.

At Reykjanes Peninsula, there are a ton of beautiful nature spots to explore. Stop by Reykjanesviti, Iceland’s oldest lighthouse. Then pop over to the stunning cliffs of Valahnukamol just steps away. Don’t forget to visit the bubbling Gunnuhver geothermal area, the natural ocean pool known as Brimketill, and the towering Hafnarberg cliffs.

This peninsula also happens to be on the border between the tectonic plates of Europe and North America. There’s actually a fissure in the earth where these tectonic plates meet, and you can cross a bridge, known as the Bridge between Continents, over it.

Last but certainly not least, the Reykjanes Peninsula is home to Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon. Take a break from your packed one-day Iceland itinerary and soak up the warmth.

Book Here: Blue Lagoon Entry with Transportation from Reykjavik

1 Day Itinerary Option 2: Reykjavik And Blue Lagoon (Without A Car)

Day 1: Reykjavik And The Blue Lagoon

If you feel like you have to visit Reykjavik during your day in Iceland, this Iceland itinerary option is for you!

In the morning, explore the city of Reykjavik. See the Sun Voyager sculpture, shop in downtown, stare in awe at the HARPA Center, explore a few of the city’s many museums, and check out the iconic Hallgrimskirikja Church.

In the afternoon, leave the city and head out into nature. Since you can’t miss the Blue Lagoon, go soak in the warmth of this natural hot spring.

2 Days In Iceland Itinerary

While two days might seem a little short, you can still see so much of the beauty of Iceland in those 48 hours. If you have two days in Iceland, you can still explore the country using public buses and tours. But if you’d like to dive into the nature of Iceland during your two days, consider renting a car.

2 Day Suggestions Without A Car

Day 1: Reykjavik And Blue Lagoon

Day 2: The Golden Circle Or The South Coast

The first day of this two days in Iceland itinerary is identical to the previous one-day Iceland trip itinerary. You’ll explore the city of Reykjavik. See the HARPA Center, Sun Voyager sculpture, and Hallgrimskirikja Church. Shop in downtown and pop into a couple of the city’s many museums.

Then, when you’ve had your fill of the city, hop on a tour to Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon.

The second day takes of this Iceland itinerary takes you farther out of the city. I recommend taking a tour either of the Golden Circle or the South Coast .

Iceland’s Golden Circle is filled with gems. The most popular stop on this drive is Thingvellir National Park, one of the best national parks in Iceland . Filled with snow-covered lava rock and visited by the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, Thingvillir National Park is unlike any other place on earth. Kerid Crater, Langjokull Glacier, Helgufoss Waterfall, and Thurofoss Waterfall are just a few of the other breathtaking spots found throughout the Golden Circle.

If you’d prefer, you can swap out a tour of the Golden Circle with a tour of the South Coast. Rather than the two waterfalls of the Golden Circle, the South Coast offers two waterfalls of its own: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. As a matter of fact, these two waterfalls are some of the coolest things to see in South Iceland . Combine these waterfalls with a trip to the Sólheimajökull glacier and Reynisfjara black sand beach.

Book Here: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik

Book Here: South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik

2-Day Suggestions With A Car

Day 1: Explore Reykjanes Peninsula

Day 2: The Golden Circle And Blue Lagoon

If you have a car during your two days in Iceland, you have the option of heading a little bit farther out of the city: to the Reykjanes Peninsula. This itinerary is similar to the previous Reykjanes Peninsula: Stop to see the Reykjanesviti lighthouse, the cliffs of Valahnukamol, and the Hafnarberf cliffs.

Then, you can drive for about an hour until you reach the Reykjadalur Hot Springs Thermal River. You’ll have to hike a little less than an hour to reach this natural gem, but it’ll be worth it since it’s one of Iceland’s best hot springs .

Rather than taking a tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle, you can drive it yourself! Like I mentioned before, the Golden Circle has amazing stops, including Thingvillir National Park, Kerid Crater, Langjokull Glacier, Helgufoss Waterfall, and Thurofoss Waterfall.

Then, drive for about an hour until you reach Hrualog Hot Springs. This hot spring is pretty under-the-radar and is visited more by locals than tourists. And because you really can’t get enough of the hot springs in Iceland, the last stop on this Iceland itinerary is the Blue Lagoon!

3 Days In Iceland Itinerary

If you have three days in Iceland, the itineraries below will ensure that your trip is jam-packed with the amazing natural beauty of nature.

3 Day Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Day 2: The Golden Circle Or Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour

Day 3: South Coast

Just like many of the other Iceland itineraries relying on public transportation and tours, you can use your first day in Iceland to explore the city of Reykjavik and then take a tour to the famous Blue Lagoon.

The Golden Circle has made a couple of reappearances already on this list because sites like Thingvillir National Park and Kerid Crater simply can’t be missed.

As an alternative, you can take a tour of Snæfellsnes Peninsula instead. This peninsula has so much to do, but it is most famous for the soaring Kirkjufell Mountain and the accompanying Kirkjufellsfoss.

Book Here: Snæfellsnes Day Tour from Reykjavik

Like the Golden Circle, the South Coast has popped up a few times in this Iceland itinerary guide a few times. Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Sólheimajökull glacier, and Reynisfjara black sand beach are all fantastic places to see.

3 Day Iceland Itinerary With A Car

Day 1: Blue Lagoon And The Golden Circle

Day 2: Hot Springs And Waterfalls

With a car, you have a little more flexibility, so you can visit both the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle during the first day of this Iceland itinerary. End your Golden Circle drive in Selfoss, so you’ll be prepared for the next day’s adventures.

Start the second day of your Iceland adventure with not one, but TWO hot springs. First, hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs and then go to the under-the-radar Hrualog Hot Springs.

Then, you’ll head to one of the best waterfalls in Iceland : Haifoss Waterfall. You’ll likely have this powerful 400-foot waterfall all to yourself, as it is largely inaccessible unless you have a 4×4. Despite the extra effort it takes to get there, Haifoss Waterfall is definitely worth it.

In between these beautiful bits of nature, make a stop at Þjóðveldisbærinn Saga-Age Farm for a little bit of history. Once upon a time, Þjóðveldisbærinn Saga-Age Farm was home to the ruins of a Viking settlement. Now you can see these same ruins and a reconstructed farm modeled after those of the time period.

Leave the land of the Vikings and enter a place that looks like it could be home to magical fairies: Gjain. With cascading waterfalls, towering basalt columns, and bright greenery, it’s no wonder why visitors – including the cast of Game of Thrones ­ – rush to this picturesque area.

Finally, head to Hella or the South Coast to rest up before your third and final day.

Of course, I had to add the South Coast to this Iceland itinerary as well. Bottom line: add Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Sólheimajökull glacier to your list of things to see in Iceland. Don’t forget to check out our tips for Solheimajokull Glacier!

4 Days In Iceland Itinerary

Day 4: Skaftafell National Park And Glacier Lagoons

For the 4 days in Iceland itinerary , I would recommend completing the three days in Iceland itinerary with a car listed above. Then, for day four, head to Skaftafell National Park and two glacier lagoons.

Skaftafell National Park boasts all different types of landscapes – from glaciers to volcanoes to waterfalls – which means that there is so much to do and see. You can hike to the waterfalls and glaciers, spot Icelandic wildlife, and even take an ice cave tour!

Within an hour of Skaftafell National Park, there are two glacier lagoons that are worth a visit: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Both of these lagoons are essentially lakes in the midst of large glaciers and are hidden gems of Iceland.

As you float through the water, huge chunks of glacier ice streaked will volcanic ash will float by. There’s truly nothing else like it. The best way to experience Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon is on a boat tour.

Read Next: The Ultimate 4 Days In Iceland Itinerary (In Detail!)

5 Days In Iceland Itinerary

Day 1: Hot Springs And Waterfalls

Day 2: South Coast

Day 3: Skaftafell National Park And Glacier Lagoons

Day 4: Southeast Iceland

Day 5: Blue Lagoon And Reykjavik

During these five days in Iceland , you’ll be able to see some of the best things that Iceland has to offer, including hot springs, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

The same hot springs and waterfalls day from the three-day Iceland itinerary above are back in this five days in Iceland itinerary! Head to the Reykjadalur Hot Springs and Hrualog Hot Springs, learn about the history of the Vikings at Þjóðveldisbærinn Saga-Age Farm, and take in the beauty of the Haifoss Waterfall and the Gjain Valley. Then, spend the night in Hella or on the South Coast.

Read next: Detailed 5 Days In Iceland Itinerary + Hidden Gems!

And the South Coast is back! Be sure to check out all of the waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches in the area, as listed in the above itineraries.

Skaftafell National Park and the nearby glacier lagoons had to make a reappearance as well. Take your time exploring the various landscapes of Skaftafell National Park before taking a boat tour or two around Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

If you still have time, consider making a stop at Diamond Beach as well. Located literally across the street from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach is one of the best black sand beaches in Iceland . Because it is so close to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, small ice crystals from the glacier actually end up on the beach and make it sparkle as if it’s littered with diamonds.

On day four of this Iceland itinerary, you’ll explore Southeast Iceland, starting with the awe-inspiring mountain peaks of Stokksnes. Then, head to the Fjadrargljufur Canyon, one of the most beautiful canyons in Iceland , where the bright green moss, deep canyon crevices, and flowing river create a magical landscape.

The last stop of the day is the Mulagljufur Canyon. You’ll have to hike a mile and a half to reach the stunning, under-the-radar canyon, but it’ll be worth it. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by bright greenery and cascading water before reaching the Hangandifoss and Mulafoss Waterfalls.

Then, begin to head back down the South Coast towards Reykjavik.

Despite having a couple of days on Iceland’s South Coast, there may be a few things that you simply didn’t have time for. Day 5 is the perfect time to see those sights!

If you saw everything that you wanted to, head to the famous Blue Lagoon. And if you still have time, consider exploring Reykjavik or the Reykjanes Peninsula.

6 Days in Iceland Itinerary

Day 6: Snaefellnes Peninsula Or The Westman Islands

For the six days in Iceland itinerary, I would recommend completing the five days in Iceland itinerary and then heading to Snaefellsnes Peninsula or the Westman Islands .

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, like much of Iceland, is filled with magnificent landscapes. If there are two things you must see on this peninsula, it is the towering Kirkjufell Mountain and the accompanying Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall.

As an alternative, you can head to the Westman Islands. These islands off the South Coast of Iceland may be the country’s best kept secret. To get to the Westman Islands, you can either take a plane or a ferry, but I highly recommend taking the ferry. Then, once there, there is so much to do! Check out the stark black Heimaey Stave Church, visit Stórhöfði (the southernmost point in Iceland) and look for puffins, or even take a boat tour of the islands!

7 Days In Iceland Itinerary

Day 1: Golden Circle and Hot Springs

Day 3: Westman Islands

Day 4: Skaftafell and Glacier Lagoons

Day 5: Southeast Iceland

Day 6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day 7: Reykjanes Peninsula, Reykjavik, And The Blue Lagoon

Congratulations! You get to spend a full week in Iceland! And this seven days in Iceland itinerary is jam-packed with nature and adventure.

Visit the majestic sights of the Golden Circle, including Thingvillir National Park, Kerid Crater, Langjokull Glacier, Helgufoss Waterfall, and Thurofoss Waterfall. Then, warm up at the Hrunalog and Reykjadalur Hot Springs.

Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Sólheimajökull glacier should all be added to your Iceland South Coast itinerary.

Take a ferry or plane to the Westman Islands, where you can visit the Heimaey Stave Church, Stórhöfði, and Eldfell Crater.

Skaftafell National Park, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach are all breathtaking landscapes. From waterfalls to glaciers to black sand beaches, this area of Iceland is so diverse.

Stare at the towering mountains of Stokksnes, take in the magical landscape of Fjadrargljufur Canyon, and hike to Mulagljufur Canyon before starting to head back in the direction of Reykjavik.

Be sure to see the Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall while visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Day 7 of this Iceland itinerary is a nice buffer day for you to check out anything from the previous days that you simply did not have time for.

As an alternative, if you’re on track, you can hike to the Glymur Waterfall and Canyon. Know that this four-hour hike is not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. You’ll need to walk along steep cliffs, climb through caves, and cross rivers. But if you’re an adventurer at heart, it’ll all be worth it to see the 650-foot Glymur Waterfall.

If that seems a bit too adventurous for your taste, you can visit the Reykjanes Peninsula or Reykjavik. At the Reykjanes Peninsula, visit Reykjanesviti, the cliffs of Valahnukamol, the Gunnuhver geothermal area, and the Brimketill ocean pool. In Reykjavik, check out the Sun Voyager sculpture the HARPA Center, the Hallgrimskirikja Church, and a few of the museums.

Finish off your day with a relaxing swim in the Blue Lagoon.

10 Days In Iceland Itinerary – FULL RING ROAD!

Day 1: Hot Springs And Waterfalls

Day 2: Begin To Explore The South Coast

Day 3: Continue To Explore The South Coast

Day 4: Canyons And Skaftafell

Day 6: East Fjords

Day 7: Waterfalls And Whale Watching

Day 8: Northern Iceland

Day 9: Snaefellness Peninsula

Day 10: Reykjavik And The Blue Lagoon

One of the best things to do in Iceland is to explore the entirety of Iceland’s ring road . Because this 828-mile drive is so long and has so much to see, I would not recommend doing the full ring road drive unless you have ten days! While it can be done in a week, it’s just not as enjoyable and you will likely feel as if you’re rushing through everything. In other words, it’s the perfect thing to do for 10 days in Iceland!

The first day of this Ring Road itinerary may look a little familiar. Head to Reykjadalur Hot Springs, Hrualog Hot Springs, Haifoss Waterfall, Þjóðveldisbærinn Saga-Age Farm, and Gjain before spending the night in Hella or on the South Coast.

For day two of this ten-day Iceland itinerary, start exploring the South Coast.  Check out Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Reynisfjara black sand beach.

Your time exploring Iceland’s South Coast isn’t over yet! While you’ve already seen the waterfalls and black sand beaches, there are also glaciers to explore. Visit Sólheimajökull glacier, Langjokull glacier, and Myrsdalsjokull glacier. To take a break from all the glaciers, head to Þakgil, a luscious green canyon in the middle of all of the icy glaciers.

Explore the marvelous Fjadrargljufur Canyon and Mulagljufur Canyon. While Fjadrargljufur Canyon is relatively easy to access, you’ll have to hike a little bit to Mulagljufur Canyon. That said, it’s worth it, because you’ll see the Hangandifoss and Mulafoss Waterfalls.

In addition to the two canyons, the fourth day of this Iceland itinerary also includes a visit to Skaftafell National Park, where you can take a tour of an ice cave, catch glimpses of Icelandic animals, and hike to glaciers and waterfalls.

Southeast Iceland has such a variety of different landscapes. Sail around the Jokulsarlon and Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoons, take in the lofty Stokksnes mountain peaks, and explore the black sand at Diamond Beach.

Southeast Iceland is also home to one of Iceland’s coolest hidden gems: a Viking village film set. Wander through the little village of grass-thatched roofs protected by a sharp towering mountain.

Then, make your way to the town of Hofn, where you can sit in the lonesome red chair art installation and visit the Hvalnes Lighthouse.

Day six of this Iceland itinerary is filled with scenic drives and waterfalls. You’ll begin by driving along the East Fjords.

As you ride along, keep your eye on the coast. That way, you’ll be able to see amazing rock formations in the ocean, like the one along the Laekjavik Coast. And keep an eye out for the Kirkjubaer Church, one of the prettiest churches in Iceland .

As you near the end of the East Fjords, you can hike to the Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls. Both require a bit of hike (1.6 miles and 2.7 miles, respectively), but who doesn’t want to see another amazing Icelandic waterfall?

Finish off your day in Seydisfjordur, a town settled in between two towering, snow-capped mountains. While there, you should definitely walk the rainbow street to the adorable blue church. It is truly one of the prettiest towns in Iceland!

Dettifoss is a wide, powerful waterfall located in North Iceland! There are two viewpoints (East and West) where you can take in the power of Dettifoss. I recommend only choosing one, as the two parking lots are an hour apart. (That’s just how large the waterfall is!)

And if you think Dettifoss is impressive, you’ll be even more blown away by Godafoss. Meaning “Waterfall of the Gods,” this semi-circle of cascading water crashes into a calming turquoise pool.

Stop three is the Myvatan Nature Baths. The Myvatan Nature Baths are basically the North’s version of the Blue Lagoon. It’s a great way to warm up after standing in the crisp air for most of the day.

Finally, take a whale watching tour in Husavik. Husavik is by far the best spot to see whales in Iceland. Keep an eye out for their spouts! You can spend the night at one of the many Akureyri Hotels , Iceland’s second-largest city!

By day eight of this Iceland itinerary, you’ll probably be a little bit worn out. You’ve seen waterfalls and glaciers and canyons! Oh my! So day eight gives you a little bit of time to take a breather.

The first stop on the rather relaxing day is Alyderfoss. While Iceland has many waterfalls, Alyderfoss is a special one. Flanked by otherworldly basalt columns, this 65-foot waterfall cascades into a magnificent sky blue pool.

After enjoying Alyderfoss, head to the city of Akureyri. Often dubbed the capital of the North, there is so much to do in Akureyri. Visit the Akureyri Botanical Garden, the Akureyri Aviation Museum, the Akureyrarkirkja church, and the Christmas House.

While visiting the Snaefellness Peninsula, be sure to see the Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall and Kirkjufell Mountain. If you have a bit of extra time, check out the street art in Hellissandur, the nature of Snaefellsjökull National Park, and the golden sand of Skardsvík Beach.

As you round out your trip to Iceland, you’ll head into the city of Reykjavik. Be sure to visit the HARPA Center, Sun Voyager sculpture, and Hallgrimskirikja Church.

Venture out of the city again to relax in the Blue Lagoon, hike Glymur, or explore the Golden Circle.

2 Weeks In Iceland Itinerary -RING ROAD + Westfjords

Day 4: Westman Islands Overnight

Day 5: Canyons And Skaftafell

Day 6: Southeast Iceland

Day 7: East Fjords

Day 8: Eastern Iceland

Day 9: Waterfalls And Whale Watching

Day 10: Westfjords

Day 11: Westfjords

Day 12: Snaefellsnes Peninsula  

Day 13: Glymur  

Day 14: Reykjavik And The Blue Lagoon

The first three days of this two-week Iceland itinerary are identical to the first three days of the ten-day Iceland itinerary detailed above. As a matter of fact, the entire itinerary is very similar to the ten days in Iceland itinerary. You’ll just have a little more time to enjoy all of the beauty that Iceland has to offer.

Take a ferry to the Westman Islands, where you can gape at the stark black Heimaey Stave Church, visit Stórhöfði and look for puffins, or even take a boat tour of the islands!

Experience the beauty of the Fjadrargljufur and Mulagljufur Canyons. Then, head to Skaftafell National Park, where you can take a tour of an ice cave, catch glimpses of Icelandic animals, and hike to glaciers and waterfalls.

While in Southeast Iceland on the sixth day of your two weeks in Iceland itinerary, you can visit the Jokulsarlon and Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoons, Stokksnes mountain peaks, Diamond black sand beach, the Viking village film set, and the town of Hofn.

Drive along the East Fjords and keep your eye on the coast. Spot black sand beaches, crashing waves, and amazing rock formations, including the one along the Laekjavik Coast. Then, begin the treks to the Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls. End your day in Seydisfjordur, where you can walk the rainbow street to the adorable blue church.

Spend your morning continuing to explore the town of Seydisfjordur before heading to the powerful Dettifoss waterfall. Then, head to the Myvatan Nature Baths, the North’s version of the Blue Lagoon.

Start the ninth day with the Godafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Then, hop on a boat and sail away to spot some whales in Husavik. Finally, head over to the Geosea Spa. You may even be able to see some whales from afar as you warm up in the geothermal sea water-filled baths.

You started your day with a waterfall, so why not end it with one. Head to Alyderfoss before spending the night in Akureyri.

The Westfjords is one of the more remote areas of Iceland. One of the best things to see in the Westfjords is see the Dynjandi waterfall. This wide waterfall cascades down a series of natural obsidian steps, making it unlike any other waterfall in Iceland.

From one form of water to another, head to the Drangsnes Hot Pots. This collection of three natural hot pots is a perfect way to warm up. And finally, if you’re hoping to see the adorable, iconic puffins, head to the Latrabjarg Cliffs.

The under-the-radar Westfjords have so much to offer that you can actually spend two days in the area and not run out of things to do. First up on day two: Raudasandur Beach. While Iceland is known for its black sand beaches, Raudasandur Beach is actually a red sand beach!

Then, head into the capital city of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður. Ísafjörður is an adorable coastal town filled with delicious food, educating museums, and entertaining music festivals.

As your two weeks in Iceland begin to wind to a close, visit the Snaefellness Peninsula, which isn’t too far outside of Reykjavik. Check out Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Kirkjufell Mountain, the street art in Hellissandur, Snaefellsjökull National Park, and Skardsvík Beach.

The four-hour-long hike to Glymur Waterfall and Canyon can be draining, but it’s worth the effort. Hike along treacherous cliffs, cross wide rivers, and climb through caves to reach the 650-foot Glymur Waterfall.

To wrap up your Iceland itinerary, venture into the city of Reykjavik. Be sure to see the HARPA Center, Sun Voyager sculpture, and Hallgrimskirikja Church.

Then, if you still have some time left, relax in the Blue Lagoon or explore the Golden Circle.

No matter which Iceland itinerary you choose, you’re sure to get your fill of nature and adventure during your time in Iceland. We’re excited that you’ve decided to visit this beautiful country, regardless of the length of your stay. Please let us know in the comments section if you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories from your trips to Iceland.  

Reader Interactions

March 23, 2023 at 8:06 pm

We swill coming to Iceland in June for 10 days. We have rented an Airbnb in Reykjavik for the 10 days but want to rent a van, which we can sleep in, for part of our trip. We just wanted to have a base hence renting the Airbnb for 10 days. Any ideas how we can make this work and what sights we need to not miss. I’m in the planning stages.

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Over the last 7 years of living in Iceland, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring and sharing about every region of this amazing country of fire and ice.

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Recent Podcast

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

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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.

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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.

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5 Days in Iceland: The Perfect Iceland Itinerary for Any Time of Year

Last updated: March 24, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 74 Comments

Iceland has quickly become one of our favorite countries to explore. It has beautiful landscapes, stunning waterfalls (I love waterfalls!), warm thermal pools to bask in, and a fascinating history and culture.

In this post, I’m going to share with you a suggested Iceland itinerary for five days in Iceland, which has you driving yourself on an epic Iceland road trip.

Iceland is generally an easy country to get around, either on a self-drive road trip like the one in this post, or as part of a group tour . And whilst this Iceland itinerary is for a self-drive trip; if you would prefer not to drive, you have other options.

I’ve provided further details after the itinerary for all your options on how to do this itinerary without driving yourself, which you should definitely check out.

If you have a little longer in Iceland, check out our seven day Iceland itinerary , which covers a few more highlights, and is aimed at those visiting in winter.

We also have a shorter three day Iceland itinerary if you have a bit less time, as well as a complete Iceland ring road itinerary .

We’d also recommend reading this post in conjunction with our guide to planning a trip to Iceland , which has lots of practical information on travelling in Iceland including detailed planning steps and practicalities.

For now though, let’s get started with our suggested Iceland itinerary for 5 days.

5 Days in Iceland: An Iceland Itinerary

This detailed itinerary goes into each day in detail with all the key highlights you’ll want to see, and each day is then followed by some recommended accommodation options for that night.

Day 1: Reykjavik

It is likely that you’re going be arriving in Iceland at Keflavik International Airport, which is where most international visitors to Iceland arrive.

Here, you can either pick up a hire car directly, or take an airport shuttle transfer into the city centre, and pick your car up on Day 2. Waiting an extra day may save you a bit of money, and you are unlikely to need a hire car to explore Reykjavik.

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 Iceland 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 . Back to the itinerary!

If you want to visit the Blue Lagoon , Iceland’s most famous thermal baths, then doing this on the way from the airport is an excellent idea as it’s closer to the airport than the city centre.

In fact, many companies offer a transfer service to and from the airport that includes a stop at the Blue Lagoon. Also consider the Sky Lagoon , which is closer to the city centre.

Both of these lagoons are popular and need to be booked in advance. You can book the Blue Lagoon here and the Sky Lagoon here .

Otherwise, we’d suggest you spend a bit of time sightseeing in Reykjavik. There’s a lot to see in the city, including the beautiful Hallgrimskirkja Church , which has a wonderful view from the top, and the Sun Voyager statue , which makes for some fun photo opportunities.

There are also a number of museums, lots of restaurants and bars, and probably the best nightlife in Iceland if you want to start your Iceland trip off with a bang!

If you do plan on visiting some of the museums and sights in the city, 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.

If you’d prefer to head straight out of town on your first day, and are desperate to fit as much as possible into your itinerary as possible, check out my optional addition of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula at the end of this section as an alternative.

Where to Stay

We recommend overnighting in Reykjavik on your first night in Iceland. Some options to consider include:

• 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.

See more lodging options in Reykjavik on booking.com here .

Day 2: Golden Circle

From Reykjavik you’re going to head to one of Iceland’s most iconic road trips – the Golden Circle .

There are three must-visit stops on the golden circle. These are Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park , the Geysir Hot Springs Area , and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

Thingvellir is interesting to visit for a number of reasons, both culturally and geologically. It was the site of the first Icelandic parliament, and as such, there is a lot of to see here that involves the history and culture of Iceland.

Thingvellir is also the location of the continental divide, and you can actually see the split between the continents here, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, even snorkel between them !

From Thingvellir, the next stop on the Golden Circle is the Geysir Hot Springs area. This is home to “Geysir”, the original geyser from where the word in English comes from. There are lots of bubbling mud pools as well as regularly erupting geyser’s here.

Finally, the last major stop on the Golden Circle trip is Gulfoss waterfall. This is a wide, multi-tiered waterfall that has a tremendous volume of water flowing over it, and will not fail to impress.

There are a number of viewing locations to enjoy the falls from, as well as an on site café and information centre. A spectacular sight at any time of year.

For your second night we recommend accommodation on or near the Golden Circle. We’d suggest somewhere near Fludir specifically. Options to consider include:

• 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

See more lodging options on booking.com here .

Day 3: South Coast to Vik

For your third day in Iceland, you’re going to start to head along the beautiful south coast. This is a magnificent stretch of road, with a great many attractions to enjoy, and you are going to have an incredible time exploring it.

A quick note here about staying safe on the road in Iceland. You’re going to see a lot of amazing sights as you drive along here, but it’s important you stay safe, and only pull over in proper parking spaces.

Stopping on the side of the road can be really dangerous, and there’s quite a bit of traffic on the ring road , so please don’t do it. It’s not worth endangering your life for a photo, however cute that horse may be!

Ok, lecture over. The first highlight on the road you drive along here is going to be Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This is a beautiful sixty metre high waterfall that you can actually walk behind, and is a stunning photography opportunity. Easily one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, and almost unique in that you can walk behind it.

Note that there is a parking fee for parking at Seljalandsfoss (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), which is enforced by on site wardens. At time of writing this was 700 krona, payable by credit card.

Next up is less well known waterfall hidden right next to Seljalandsfoss. Whilst Seljalandsfoss and the below Skogafoss tend to get all the waterfall glory on this stretch of road, there are a couple more waterfalls the more discerning Iceland visitor might want to check out.

The first of these is Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall hidden in a canyon just a short distance from Seljalandsfoss.

To access it, you just have to walk across the river, and follow the path along the cliff. After a fairly short walk, you’ll come to the canyon that holds Gljúfrabúi.

To actually access the waterfall, you’ll have to wade up the stream, but the view is worth it if you’re brave enough – although be prepared to be coated in water from the spray!

The next major stop on the south coast is Skogafoss. This is a thunderous sixty meter high waterfall that is much wider than Seljalandsfoss, and is truly dramatic.

You can get very close to the base of the falls for dramatic photos (just be aware you’re going to get very wet), or you can climb the many steps up to the top of the falls for another viewpoint.

The other less well known waterfall in this area is Kvernufoss. This is also quite easy to find – just park at the Skogar Museum (same turn off Route 1 as Skogafoss), and follow the path across the field to the falls. Like Seljalandsfoss, you can also walk behind Kvernufoss – although be prepared to get wet!

A little further east from Skogafoss is the famous Iceland plane wreck . This will eat up a couple of hours of your day because it takes a while to get to, so unless you are a keen photographer (or don’t mind a long day!), you might want to skip this. Still, I’ve put it in here so you know where to find it.

The next stop on the south coast route is Dyrhólaey. This is a peninsula that juts out into the sea, and from the top you have fantastic views of a beautiful stretch of black sand beach with, on a clear day at least, the towering mountains of Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano in the background.

Dyrhólaey is also home to a massive rock arch, which is worth the drive up the quite terrifyingly steep dirt road. Note that you can park at the bottom and hike up if you would prefer not to tackle it, and 4WD vehicles are advised for this section of track. From May – July, you may also be lucky enough to spot puffins on the cliffs here.

Just a short drive along from Dyrhólaey you’ll find the popular stop of Reynisfjara Beach. Here, black basalt columns meet the black sand beach, and you can also see a series of rock stacks out to sea. This is a beautifully wild part of Iceland and quite a unique photography opportunity.

Finally, our third day on our five day Iceland itinerary will come to an end at the town of Vik.

This is a nice little town with a beautiful church and lovely sea views. We suggest you overnight here, or depending hotel availability, at the town of Klaustur a little further east along the road.

We recommend staying in either Klaustur or Vik . Our suggestion is to book two nights and return to the same hotel on day 4 to save the hassle of unpacking and repacking. Options to consider include:

• The Barn – this is a well reviewed and popular hostel in Vik, offering both dormitory accommodation and private rooms
• Hotel Vík í Mýrdal – found just 450 yards from the black sand beach in Vik, this is a well rated hotel offering private en-suite rooms
• Hunkubakkar Guesthouse  – a family run guesthouse found five miles from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. WiFi, on-site restaurant and cute colourful cottages.
• Icelandair Hotel in Klaustur – a modern hotel in Klaustur, with simple but comfortable rooms. We’ve stayed here and had a pleasant experience

See more options in Vik here and Klaustur here .

Day 4: Vik to Jokulsarlon

The fourth day of our five day Iceland itinerary is going to cover some more beautiful waterfalls and canyons, as well as an iceberg filled lagoon and a glacier! Let’s get going.

The first stop on the day will be the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, which is just outside Klaustur. This is a two kilometer long canyon which is 100 metres deep, and offers spectacular views of the river winding through it. You may want to do some hiking here.

To get here, just follow road 206 off Route 1 towards Lakagígar. Follow this for a while then at the intersection, turn left away from Lakagígar, The road is gravel but easy to drive.

Our next stop of the day is Svartifoss , or the black falls, about an hours drive east along Route 1. These falls tumble magnificently over black basalt columns, and are found in the  Skaftafell / Vatnajökull National Park .

It’s about a 1 hour round-trip to the falls, but we think you’ll agree that it’s worth the effort for the view.

The national park also has a parking fee for vehicles, which you can pay by card at the visitor centre, or by cash with the reception staff.

A little way on from the turning to Svartifoss on Route 1 is the turning for the viewpoint of the Svínafellsjökull Glacier.

Here, you can get very close to the tongue of this glacier, and see the incredible blue shades of ice. Just don’t be tempted to go for a walk on the glacier itself – if you want to do that sort of thing, you definitely want to take a tour with a qualified glacier guide.

Our final stop for the day is going to be two fold – the Jökulsárlón Lagoon, and the Diamond Beach.

Jökulsárlón Lagoon is a lagoon formed from the meltwater of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, and is the deepest lake in Iceland.

Here, icebergs from the glacier bob around the lagoon, usually for around five years, before they either disappear or float out to sea. If you visit Iceland in the summer months, you can take a boat tour on this lagoon and get up close to the glacier itself.

Across the highway from Jökulsárlón is the final stop on our day – the Diamond Beach. This is where those icebergs often end up – strewn along the beach just like diamonds.

This is a truly incredible sight, and a wonderful photography location . A perfect place to end the day, perhaps with the sunset (depending on the time of year you visit of course!).

Finally, we suggest you turn back and cover some of the distance back to Reykjavik, with a suggested overnight at Klaustur or Vik.

Day 4 Accommodation:  Same as Day 3.

Day 5: Vik to Reykjavik

Our final day has you retracing your steps on the way back to Reykjavik. This is a good chance to get any photos you missed at any of the highlights when travelling in the opposite direction – perhaps due to the weather, or maybe you just ran out of time.

We’d also suggest on your way back to Iceland that you stop off at some of the fishing villages along the way, which are quite picturesque. For example, the towns of Eyarbakki and Stokkseyri are only a short detour.

If you have the time, you can also drive road 427 around the Keflavik peninsula – this is a pretty drive that is less popular, and takes you past the beautiful Strandakirkja church, which is well worth the visit. If you didn’t visit the Blue Lagoon on your first day, you could also do it on your fifth day.

Finally, this five day Iceland itinerary has you back in Reykjavik for your final night.

We recommend overnighting in Reykjavik on your final night. Our recommended options include:

Optional Alternative: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

If you want to skip Reykjavik on your first or last days in Iceland, and really want to pack as much sight-seeing in as possible, then you could consider heading up to the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula for a day.

This would be better suited to a longer itinerary – such as our seven day Iceland itinerary – but would be possible if you wanted to squeeze it in.

This part of Iceland is home to a number of sights and attractions, and there’s a lot to see here.

We’d suggest you include the Gerðuberg basalt columns, the Vatnshellir lava cave, the fantastic Kirkjufell mountain and, for the brave amongst you, a trip to the Shark Museum at Bjarnarhofn.

At the Shark Museum you can sample an Icelandic delicacy – fermented shark meat. It’s an acquired taste that, I must admit, we didn’t quite acquire.

There’s easily enough to do on the peninsula to fill a whole day.

Accommodation:  If you choose to stay overnight on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, we stayed at Guesthouse Hof . For additional options, you can see lodging options on booking.com here .

Iceland Road Trip Map

To help you visualise this trip, we’ve put together this map which highlights the route we suggest you take, as well all the attractions we’ve mentioned. You can also see this map directly on Google Maps here .

5 Day Iceland Itinerary Road Trip Overview

Here’s an overview of each day and the main attractions you’ll be experiencing.

• Day 1 : Reykjavik. Blue Lagoon, Hallgrimskirkja Church, Sun Voyager statue
• Day 2 : Golden Circle. Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs Area, Gullfoss waterfall
• Day 3 : South Coast to Vik. Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skogafoss, Kvernufoss, Iceland plane wreck, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara Beach, Vik
• Day 4 : Vik to Jokulsarlon and back to Vik. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Svartifoss, Svínafellsjökull Glacier, Jökulsárlón Lagoon, Diamond Beach
• Day 5 : Vik to Reykjavik. Eyrarbakki, Stokkseyri

How To Book Your Iceland Trip

For a self-drive Iceland road trip like the one we mentioned, you have a couple of options. You can book everything yourself, including the hire car ( compare prices here ) and hotels (see hotels here ). This will give you lots of flexibility, but is of course more work on your part.

Another option is to book a self-drive trip. On one of our trips to Iceland we did a self-drive trip for eight days with this company , and all our hotels, the hire car and all our breakfasts were included as part of the package.

Another company to consider is Northbound, an Icelandic operator who specialise in car rental but who have expanded their services to include comprehensive trip planning. They can help you customize 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!

You can also see self-drive trips on TourRadar here and on Guide to Iceland here , both of which offer a variety of tours from different companies in Iceland.

You can also often work with companies to add a day or customize tours a bit and obviously self-drive tours are pretty flexible as only your hotels, car, and any tours are booked so you can always detour a bit from the suggested itinerary.

When you’re planning your Iceland trip, we recommend you take a look at our guide to planning a trip to Iceland , which has lots more information to help you plan the perfect Iceland adventure!

Do I Have to Drive in Iceland?

Our 5 day Iceland itinerary is for a self-drive road-trip, and we have a guide to driving in Iceland here to help you prepare.

However, if you’d prefer not to drive in Iceland, there are other ways to get around and still see everything you want to see. Here are some options.

Day trips from Reykjavik

One option would be to base yourself in Reykjavik, and do a series of day trips with a tour operator. We have a guide to the best day trips from Reyjkavik that will give you ideas for all the things you can do.

In terms of matching the five day Iceland itinerary on this page, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding tours that cover all the highlights.

Our suggestion would be to take a full day Golden Circle tour and a full day south shore tour , both of which run year-round. You could also add in a Snaefellsnes Peninsula day trip , and if you’re visiting in winter, a trip to see the Northern Lights is a must.

There are a number of different options for many of these day tours – check out all the day tours on Get Your Guide for more ideas.

Bus Passports in Iceland

Another option is to look into a bus passport. These let you travel around the country on a tour bus, choosing where you want to get on and off. This can be a cost effective way to get around, and they stop at almost all of the tourist highlights in Iceland, depending on the itinerary you choose. However they are only an option from June to August.

Group Tours of Iceland

Finally, you should definitely consider a multi-day group or private tour if you don’t want to drive yourself in Iceland.

These will feature a driver and transport, accommodation and the majority of your meals, and will likely be one of the easiest options for sight-seeing in Iceland. You can let someone else handle all the logistics whilst you focus on just enjoying yourself.

Of course, you will be travelling to a fixed itinerary, and it won’t be as flexible as a self-drive trip, but it is a great option if you’d prefer to hand over the responsibility of planning and driving to someone else.

For our five-day Iceland itinerary, we’d suggest you take a look at the following tours.

• This 6 day tour which includes a lava cava, blue ice cave, south coast, golden circle and the Blue Lagoon
• This five day tour which includes an ice cave, golden circle, south coast and Snaefellsnes peninsula
• This 4 day tour which includes the south coast, golden circle and Snaefellsnes peninsula

These are just a small fraction of the tours available. We suggest you take a look at the group tour section of GetYourGuide , Viator , TourRadar , Guide to Iceland , and G Adventures for inspiration. Just input the time of year you are visiting, how long you are visiting for and the areas you are interested in, to see what’s available.

When looking for a group tour, always look beyond the advertised price and see what is included in a tour. A more expensive tour that includes meals and attraction entry might work out to be better value than a lower priced tour that excludes these extras.

We’ve also got a guide to some of the best multi-day guided tours of Iceland to give you an idea of what’s available for everything from 2 days two weeks, across a variety of price points, which is a great starting point.

Add-ons to your Iceland Trip

Regardless of how you choose to travel in Iceland, we think there are a few addons you will likely enjoy to experience the country at it’s fullest.

Year-Round Activities

When you visit Thingvellir National Park, a popular activity is to go snorkelling in the Silfra Fissure. This is a fairly unique experience, and lets you see the gap between the continents from a whole new angle as you float through the crystal-clear waters. This activity is available throughout the year, with dry suits issued to keep you warm.

This can be done either as a day trip from Reykjavik (see here for details ), or you can arrange to do it on site. We’d highly recommend you book in advance.

Another popular year-round activity in Iceland is whale watching.  Tours depart from a number of locations in Iceland, including Reykjavik, Grundarfjordur and Husavik, so wherever your Iceland trip takes you, you should be able to fit in some whale watching.

You can see whale watching tour options and book in advance online here .

Summer Activities in Iceland

In summer, we think you’re definitely going to want to take a trip on the Jökulsárlón Lagoon. This will let you see the beauty of the glacier up close, as well as have the experience of getting up close to the icebergs in the lake.

There are a number of tour options available, including a Zodiac Boat tour and an Amphibious Boat tour . Whichever you choose, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment on the day.

One of the thrills of being in Iceland in summer is to experience the midnight sun – a time when it never really gets dark. There are a number of tours that capitalise on this experience, including this fun midnight sun ATV tour .

If you like wildlife watching, as well as whale tours, you can also go on wildlife watching tours to see all sorts of wildlife from seals to puffins and other birdlife. There’s a full list of wildlife tours you can take here – most of these only run over the summer when the wildlife is more active.

Winter Activities in Iceland

In Winter, we think you absolutely have to make the effort to try and see the aurora borealis, or the northern lights. If you’re driving yourself, you just need to find a spot away from city lights with a good view of the sky, and hope for clear conditions and high solar activity. The Icelandic Met Office website has an excellent tool to help you find the northern lights.

If you’re in Reykjavik, there are lots of tour operators who offer northern lights tours . This is a good way to see the northern lights, as the drivers will know the best places to go, and the tours will usually only go if there is a high chance of seeing the lights.

If you are planning on seeing the lights, see our guide to how to photograph the northern lights so you are fully prepared to get some great images.

There are plenty more opportunities for adventure in Iceland in winter, from skiing, to snowmobiling to horse-riding. For more inspiration, check out our detailed guide to winter activities in Iceland .

When to Visit Iceland

In our experience, Iceland is a good country to visit at any time of year, with advantages and disadvantages to both times of year. Summer is definitely the most popular and when most people visit and the most attractions are open and the best months to drive in Iceland.

This itinerary on this page works well for both summer and winter in Iceland, as it doesn’t include any serious mountain roads which may be closed in the winter months.

Visiting Iceland in winter holds the advantage that prices are lower, there are less people visiting and finding accommodation will be easier. It’s also the best time to see the northern lights, which can’t be seen during the summer months.

Disadvantages of visiting Iceland in winter are that there will be much less daylight available, driving conditions can be more challenging (we strongly recommend a 4×4 vehicle with studded tires), and some attractions and tours might not be open or running. It will also be colder!

If you decide to visit Iceland in winter, do check out our Iceland winter packing guide for tips on what to bring, as well as our guide to all the best winter activities in Iceland for inspiration.

Summer in Iceland brings with it very long days, a bit more warmth, and lush green landscapes. The advantages are long hours of daylight, warmer weather and better driving conditions. More tours and attractions are also going to be open.

The disadvantages of visiting Iceland in summer are that prices will be much higher, there will be many more tourists and it can be harder to find accommodation. If you visit during the time of the midnight sun, you might also find it hard to sleep – we highly recommend packing an eye mask to block out the light, as hotels don’t often have black out blinds.

Where to Stay in Iceland?

Iceland has a wide range of accommodation options, from farm stays, vacation rentals and B&B’s through to higher end full service hotels. We’ve included links to where we stayed for each day of the above itinerary, and you can also check out  Iceland’s listings on booking.com  for a full range of options.

Booking.com are usually our preferred option when we travel, as they have everything from hotels to apartments and hostels. They have a massive choice, and the user review system makes it easier to find good properties.

We have also used apartment rentals platforms like Vrbo in Iceland. We prefer to use these for longer stays though, we think that for short one night stops, especially on a road trip where arrival times can vary, the requirement to sometimes arrange arrival times with a host can be a problematic. Still, it can be an option.

We also use a number of other sites like Vrbo, check out our full guide to AirBnB alternatives  right here.

Further Reading to Help you Prepare for your Trip to Iceland

And that sums up our guide to spending 5 days in Iceland! Hopefully you’ve found this post useful. We’re continuing to add more content about Iceland from our experiences travelling in this beautiful country, so check back often for more. In the meantime, we think you’ll find the following resources useful for planning your Iceland trip:

• We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you  plan your Iceland trip,  which has everything you could need to help you plan an awesome adventure in Iceland, from budget tips to practical information and more. A must read and a good place to start your trip planning!
• If you choose to do this self-drive trip in Iceland in winter, check out our detailed guide to driving in Iceland in winter to help prepare yourself. We also have a general guide to driving in Iceland .
• Fans of the TV show Game of Thrones will want to check out our full guide to all the Game of Thrones locations in Iceland
• We’ve created a list of some of our  favourite photography locations in Iceland  from our travels there to give you some ideas of where to aim to get the best photos
• Our guide to finding the Iceland Plane crash , which is a fun photography location (if a bit of a walk to get to!)
• We have a full guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle
• For a longer trip Jess has put together a detailed post outlining a  seven day Iceland itinerary  to give you some route ideas. Even if you are planning more or less time, this detailed guide can help you figure out where to go. We also have a full  Iceland ring road itinerary .
• 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 guide to visiting the Blue Lagoon
• We have a detailed packing guide to help you decide  what to pack for Iceland
• If you are interested in seeing Puffins in Iceland, check out our detailed guide to Puffins in Iceland , which has everything you need to know!
• We’ve also got a guide to the  best day trips from Reykjavik  should you wish to base yourself in the capital
• 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
• Finally, if you’re not sure what camera gear to take with, take a look at both our guide to  picking a travel camera , and our personal  travel photography gear

And that’s it! Is Iceland on your list, or have you already visited? Is there anywhere you’d add to our list, or any questions at all about travelling in Iceland? We’re happy to help out – just pop your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!

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4th May 2023 at 3:16 pm

We are under the gun for hotels for the week 6/24-6/30. We are booked in Reykjavik 2 nights- 6/24 & 25. Based on your itinerary, is it best to spend 2 nights near Vik, or 2 nights Gulfloss? Our last night (night 6) is near the airport as we have very early flt on 6/30. We’re trying to figure out if we should start south in Vik (after leaving Reykjavik) and head north to Gulfloss or vise versa, and which area is best for the itinerary you suggest. Sure hope that makes sense. Thanks

Laurence Norah says

4th May 2023 at 6:24 pm

So I would probably say being closer to Vik will probably make more sense for those two nice, as otherwise you’re going to be having a very long drive to get out to the south coast highlights. So that would be my recommendation. You can easily do the Golden Circle as a day trip from Reykjavik if that makes things easier?

3rd April 2023 at 6:13 am

We will be arriving in Iceland on Sept 10 (early morning on an overnight flight) and departing Sept 16 (12:10 am) over to mainland Europe. With these dates are we looking at more of the summer itinerary? What adjustments to that as we will be later in season? Any chance that we will have a chance to see the Northern Lights? Thanks and lots of great information

3rd April 2023 at 10:54 am

Yes, September would be more of a summer time itinerary for sure. The advantage of September is that you do indeed have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, although of course it will be weather dependent and dependent on solar activity. Honestly you shouldn’t need to adjust the itinerary a great deal, it should be pretty much ready to go as it is, although of course we always recommend tweaking based on your own interests 🙂

Have an amazing time in Iceland and let me know if you have any more questions!

12th February 2023 at 6:41 pm

Hi, your site is wonderful and very helpful. We are hoping to go to Iceland at the end of May. My son has allergies and very hard to cater for so we need self catering. Do you have any suggestions for self catering? If not do you think your 5/6 day itinerary would be possible from staying in one or two self catering accommodation and if so where would we need to base ourselves? We understand this would involve a bit more driving. Would it still work as a great adventure with an 8 and 13 year old? Many thanks Sarah

13th February 2023 at 10:34 am

Thanks very much! So we have stayed in accommodation with basic self-catering facilities (more like a kitchenette though than a full self-catered set up). That said, there are certainly lots of options on the main apartment rental sites. My suggestion might be to base yourself in Reykjavik for three nights and around Vik for two nights. I think you should be able to find a self-catering option easily in Reykjavik at least, and then Vik should also have some options. It’s worth bearing in mind that the most comprehensive supermarkets are going to be in Reykjavik so that is where I’d recommend doing the most of our shopping, especially as you have specific requirements.

I hope this helps, let me know if I can offer any more advice, and have an amazing time in Iceland with your family 🙂

19th September 2022 at 6:04 pm

Im sorry if you already answered this question…But can this itinerary be done with a 2 wheel drive vehicle or will there be F Roads that require 4×4? Thank you for all of your advice!

19th September 2022 at 6:56 pm

This can definitely be done with a normal 2 wheel drive vehicle. The only tricky bit might be the drive up to Dyrholaey, last time I did that the road was a bit steep and unpaved, but it is possible in a two wheel drive car. The route doesn’t include any F roads 🙂

Have a great time in Iceland!

20th January 2023 at 4:55 pm

I’ve been reading your website all afternoon – it’s a fantastic resource, thank you. Would a normal 2WD vehicle be okay in late Feb/early March? We’re travelling with my parents and our little girl (who will have her 4th birthday in Iceland!) next month. 🙂 Thank you.

23rd January 2023 at 2:21 pm

Thanks very much! So snow and ice is definitely still possible at that time of year, but the car rental should come with winter tyres. So 4wd is only something you might want for peace of mind, it won’t necessarily be needed. The roads are good and regularly cleared,especially those used by visitors. We have always had a 4wd in winter (even if it’s an estate style car) but it’s a personal choice rather than a necessity.

Have a great time in Iceland, happy birthday to your daughter, and do let me know if you have any further questions!

Diego Alexandre says

29th August 2022 at 2:34 pm

Hi Laurence,

All your posts have been really helpful. I am traveling to Iceland from Saturdar afternoon (2 pm) to Friday morning (really early morning).

Therefore I was following your five day trip, i already book the hotels and I realized that I have one more day free. Could you please provide a recommendation on what to add to the trip considering that I already booked the trip and hotels as you recommend it. Thanks!

29th August 2022 at 2:48 pm

Sure thing, and I’m glad you found our posts helpful. If you are following the main itinerary, then my suggestion would be to spend the extra day visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which you can definitely do as a day trip. If you have a car it’s easy to do, alternatively there are a number of day trips which visit it.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have additional questions 🙂

29th August 2022 at 3:29 pm

Thanks for your prompt respond. So if I was leaving from Vik to Reykjavic on day 5, I should instead go from Vik´s hotel to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for the whole day. After that, where should go and where should I stay (hotel) that fifth day. On the sixth day I will go to Reykjavic. Any attractions that you recommend in that Peninsula? Thanks!

29th August 2022 at 3:42 pm

Yes, that would probably be the best option. There’s lots to see on Snaefellsnes, but highlights for us were the Gerðuberg basalt columns, the Vatnshellir lava cave, Kirkjufell mountain and the Shark Museum at Bjarnarhofn.

We have some more tips and also suggestions on where to stay in our 7 day Iceland itinerary . If you check out the section for Day 3 it has some recommended htels and an itinerary for the day as well 🙂

Have a great trip, let me know if you have any more questions!

4th July 2022 at 11:49 pm

Dear Laurence and Jessica, I just wanted to say thanks for your blog! I just returned from a 5 day trip to Iceland and pretty much followed your itinerary, which worked out great.

5th July 2022 at 10:44 am

We are glad to hear you had a great time, and thank you so much for taking the time to come by after your trip and let us know. It is much appreciated!

Safe travels 🙂

Lars Kaa Andersen says

13th June 2020 at 9:17 pm

Hi, I really liked your 5 days suggestion❤. We have 6 days available and would love to do a full day house riding. Do you have a recommendation for this? Much appreciated. Kind regards, Lars

14th June 2020 at 11:11 am

This is a great question. We only did a little bit of horse riding near Akureyri, so don’t have first hand experience of a company. However, the following have good reviews:

– this tour from Reykjavik is suitable for beginners and advanced riders – this is another full day tour from Reykjavik which is suitable for beginners and advanced riders

One thing to note is that most of the full day experiences seem to involve a more beginner section in the morning and a more advanced section in the afternoon. So I am not sure what your experience level is, or if you were looking to spend the whole day riding, in which case you might want to contact a provider directly and try to arrange a private session, although this will be more expensive.

15th June 2020 at 12:13 pm

Many thanks Laurence, much appreciated.

Mirela says

4th February 2020 at 6:29 pm

Thanks so much for the wonderful information. My family is planning a trip to Iceland from June 9-15, 2020 and we will follow your guide. We would like to have an ice cave tour though, if possible. Would we be able to book such a tour in June? Many thanks, Mirela.

4th February 2020 at 6:44 pm

Delighted to have been able to help. So the main ice cave season in Iceland is in winter, from around November through to March. This is when those really blue ice caves are accessible, and this is when most ice cave tours run.

However, there are a couple of ice caves you can visit in winter, including Katla ice cave (see this tour for example ) and this combination glacier hike and ice cave tour .

So yes, it is possible 🙂

Lucy Rinaldi says

30th September 2019 at 7:28 pm

Do you have a printable version of this article? I found it has a wealth of information and I’ve used it to set up our trip to Iceland in 10 days’ time – but I’d love to be able to take it with us so we don’t miss out on anything! Thanks for writing it.

30th September 2019 at 8:49 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 We don’t have a printable version per se – most browsers have built in printing capabilities, which should work. It is something we do get requested from time to time, I just haven’t figured out how to implement it. Is there a specific format you would want the post to be in to make it more printer friendly?

30th September 2019 at 9:21 pm

If I press Print in my browser, it tells me that it will take 82 sheets of paper!!!! The problem is that you have all the beautiful photos – and of course all the adverts. Ideally, a printable version would just be the words, without the pictures. If you had a link to a pdf of the words, that would be perfect.

30th September 2019 at 9:51 pm

That is an awful lot of paper. I will definitely have to put this further up my to-do list as an option, thanks for the feedback!

14th October 2019 at 9:43 pm

So I have taken your feedback to heart and there is now a “print” icon in the floating share button to the side of the post when you view it on desktop. I’ve just implemented this, but hopefully it should give you a version of the post without ads and images 🙂 Most browsers let you print to PDF from the Print menu.

We’re going to make this button more obvious and probably tidy the wording up a bit, but hopefully this should get you what you were looking for in the meantime! Any feedback, let me know 🙂

I appreciate your trip has already started…

Shelley says

8th September 2019 at 5:30 am

Dear Laurence and Jessica,

We just got back from our 5 day trip to Iceland and I just wanted to thank you so very, very much for all your incredible information. I used everything you said to create a fantastic self-drive itinerary for us and we saw everything on the southern border. Our 15 and 23 year old boys loved the snorkling and the raft trip at Jökulsárlón the best, but we loved it all and plan to return to see the north. Just loved your site. So kind and helpful of you to do this! Thanks again!! Happy travels to you!

8th September 2019 at 10:24 am

Dear Shelley,

Thank you so much for your comment and letting us know that we helped you have a great trip! Comments like this make all the hard work worth it, and we really appreciate you taking the time to contact us.

Happy travels!

Laurence & Jessica

Jerry Kings says

30th June 2019 at 7:41 pm

We just decided on a last minute spontaneous trip to Iceland for end of July and had to scramble to finalize our accommodations given the crowds. Loved your itinerary, but had to adjust slightly to fit our plans, so wanted to use your expertise to make sure you do not see any flaws. We land early morning 7/23 and depart early morning 7/29.

7/23: Snaefellsnes Peninsula (stay there) 7/24: Reykjavik 7/25: Golden Circle (stay in Fludir) 7/26: Vik (stay in Vik) 7/27: Hofn (stay in Hofn) 7/28: Drive back to Reykjavik, stay there before flying out in the AM

Also, any pluses or minuses of Air BnB and guesthouses? Thanks so much!

1st July 2019 at 10:20 pm

This trip definitely looks doable to me. The only negative of an airbnb is that you usually have to coordinate an arrival time which can restrict your sight seeing and make you less flexible. It’s not a big deal, just something to think about.

Have a great trip!

Yinghua says

25th June 2019 at 5:28 am

Thanks for all the great info/suggestions! My family of 4 is planning a trip in mid August, for 5 days. Love your plan. I’m inclined to book car rental and hotels myself. How do I sign up for the special activities such as snorkels or glacier hike? It seems that Iceland Travel and Guide to Iceland have either the self-drive tour package or day tour. Thanks again!

25th June 2019 at 2:31 pm

Hi Yinghua,

So whilst the two sites you mention do offer day tours, you can also book individual tours that don’t include transport as well. It’s just a question of finding them, and the search functionality doesn’t always make this super easy. However, as an example, here is a link for booking the Silfra snorkelling without transport.

So it is definitely possible to book these activities in advance without booking a full day tour 🙂

Andrew Meadows says

23rd May 2019 at 1:01 pm

Hi im looking at possibly heading to Iceland in mid to late August, and your 5 day itinerary sounds awesome, but wondering is it possible to see the Northern Lights around that time ? and is it getting cold or would be cold i did notice in one of your comments there was snow in june ! ! Thanks Andrew

23rd May 2019 at 1:11 pm

So in theory it is possible to see the northern lights in late August. The main issue is that it will not be fully dark until quite late, and there will only be a few hours of true darkness, so the window of opportunity is quite small.

In terms of weather – Iceland is never truly a warm place 😉 Even the warmest days aren’t usually much above 20C, and the wind can make it seem much cooler. So I would advise packing warm clothes and waterproofs whatever time of year you visit. And yes, we had snow in June when we last visited, and it rained a lot, and the temperature was around 12C most of the time!

Definitely don’t go to Iceland for the warm weather 😉

Have a great time though!

14th May 2019 at 2:06 am

Hey, loved your post! My friend and I are trying to figure out how much money we’ll need for gasoline. About how many miles was this trip? Super helpful post!

14th May 2019 at 9:06 am

Thanks very much!

I’d say likely 1200 – 1600 miles, depending on side trips and detours 🙂

2nd April 2019 at 1:16 am

Hi! Love the post! I’m planning to travel in October this year. Would we follow advice for summer or winter for theatre time of year?

2nd April 2019 at 10:06 am

Well, you’re on the boundary! I would err more towards winter though, as wintery conditions are definitely more common that summer conditions (we had snow in June!), so I would plan for it to be colder and with the possibility of snow. You should also be able to see the northern lights 🙂

Tiffanie O. says

28th March 2019 at 3:07 pm

Let me say i have learned so much reading all of the comments and thank you for all of the information. Below is the self drive itinerary we have put together for when we visit in August, with the help from Guide to Iceland. We did change a few things and does it look doable to you…

Day 1- arrive airport, get car, head to Blue Lagoon, then spend night in Reykjavik (walk around Reykjavik after blue lagoon). Day 2-we want to do the first snorkel 9:00 in Silfra and then head to Snaefellsnes Peninsula to spend the day exploring and then spend the night in Stykkisholmur. Day 3-make our way to Thingvellir National Park (explore, take pics), head to Geysir, then Gullfoss, Kerid Crater, Sellfoss then stay the night in Vik. (i know this sounds like alot but we plan to get up early and head out, plus we will be there in August so daylight will be on our side). Day 4-I believe we are booking an ice cave tour (Myrdalsjokull) so we would do this first then make our way to Hofn (any suggestions for along the way ?), spend night in Hofn. Day 5-explore Hofn, as we head back to Vik stop at Jokulsarlon and black diamond beach. spend night in Vik. Day 6-head back to Reykjavik from Vik but stop at Reynifjara Beach, Dyrholaey, maybe plane wreck, skogafoss, Eyjafjallajokull, Seljalandsfoss. Spend night in Reykjavik. Day 7- fly home (will probably be depressed about leaving)

Does this itinerary make sense? I had messaged you yesterday about fuel and gas cards. Our math was way off when trying to figure out how much to budget for fuel. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.Thank you so much!

28th March 2019 at 3:23 pm

Hi Tiffanie,

We’re happy we’ve been able to help 🙂 Just so you know we did reply to your comment about fuel cards which you can see here: https://independenttravelcats.com/visiting-iceland-in-winter-7-day-iceland-itinerary-by-car/#comment-300016

For your itinerary, I just have a couple of bits of feedback on what otherwise looks like a great itinerary 🙂

On Day 2 you have yourselves going to Silfra for the snorkelling. As Silfra is in Thingvellir National Park, I think this would make a bit more sense to do on Day 3, where you visit Thingvellir, otherwise you are doing a bit of a detour on Day 2. You should still be able to see the rest of your itinerary on Day 2 I would think if you do the 9am tour, just bear in mind you would have to leave the Snaefellsnes peninsula early.

Of course, I appreciate that you have likely thought about this, and that is why Silfra is on Day 2 🙂

Otherwise this looks good to me!

27th March 2019 at 12:15 am

Hi there, what a wonderful website you’ve got! So much valuable information and beautiful pictures. Do you have an estimate of how much this five-day tour cost for two people?

Thank you in advance! 🙂

27th March 2019 at 11:27 am

So giving prices is a bit tricky for Iceland as the currency seems to fluctuate a lot! However, Iceland is definitely a relatively pricey destination, and it will also depend on a few factors (what sort of accommodation you want, what time of year you visit).

My suggestion is to check out our guide to how much it costs to travel in Iceland: https://independenttravelcats.com/iceland-budget-tips-how-to-save-money-in-iceland/#How-Much-Do-Things-Cost-in-Iceland

Which has some indicative costs for everything from car hire to groceries to accommodation, and from that you should be able to easily come up with a budget 🙂

Have a great trip, and let me know if I can help any more!

27th March 2019 at 4:49 pm

Thanks so much, Laurence! Very helpful information, it’ll really help me plan my trip. Thanks again! 🙂

27th January 2019 at 1:29 am

Hello, I am planning to visit Iceland around april 12 for 5-6 days. I intend to follow your itinerary, with maybe the addition of Snaefellsnes peninsula. Looking at the map, it seems it is more convenient to add this before the rest of the itinerary, am I right? Also, any suggestions for travelling in April? Any chance to see northern lights?

27th January 2019 at 9:48 am

Yes, adding the Snaefellsnes peninsula at the start would make the most sense. For April there’s nothing specific – just be aware that Iceland can be cold and windy / wet at any time of year, so just make sure you bring enough warm clothes. There is still the chance to see the northern lights in April, all you need is clear skies and a display to happen! Good luck 🙂

26th January 2019 at 6:17 pm

Hello, what hikes would one be able to do in these areas?

Thank you!!

26th January 2019 at 7:21 pm

It really depends on the length of hike you are interested in doing and the time of year you visit. Iceland is home to shorter hikes of an hour to half a day, as well as longer multi-day hikes. For multi-day hikes though I’d advise doing something different as this itinerary isn’t really about hiking.

For shorter hikes, you have quite a few options, although of course you’ll want to adjust the itinerary as it doesn’t currently account for many hikes.

Areas you might want to consider hiking are the short hike to Kvernufoss, the hike up to (and beyond) Reykjadalur hot springs and the hikes in Skaftafell up to and beyond Svartifoss.

There are loads more hikes, including the hike out to Glymur, and the Mt Esja hike, both of which are accessible from Reyjkavik.

I hope this helps a bit 🙂

Ethan Plous says

21st January 2019 at 11:32 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica! My name is Ethan, and my friends and I planning a trip to Iceland during the summer of 2019 (June 14-17). Unfortunately amongst the five of us, there is no one who is old enough to rent a car (we are all 18 years old). I noticed that there is a public bus system and I was wondering if that is an effective way to get around. I had read the portion of your post that mentioned bus passports, but my friends and I were planning to spend one night in a different part of Iceland for the duration of our stay and an hourly bus pass does not seem particularly efficient. Moreover, I am extremely grateful for the patience you guys had to write such an informative and extensive guide, and I am extremely open to suggestions as where to visit in our time in Iceland!

Thanks a Ton,

22nd January 2019 at 12:20 pm

So the main issue with the public bus system is that it doesn’t tend to stop at the major tourist sights, and even if it does, many of the sights don’t take very long to see, and then you’d have to wait for another bus to come along.

The bus passports: https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/return-bus-ticket-to-the-highlands-golden-hikers-pass?a=133265 https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/iceland-by-bus-south-coast-passport?a=133265

One of them is just for hiking and the other is just from July, so I don’t think these will help.

So I have two main options for you. You can maybe rent an apartment in Reyjkavik, and then do some day tours from the city, as I suggest here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/day-trips-from-reykjavik-iceland/

Or you could do a multi-day guided tour, which might be the easiest option. I suggest some here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/best-guided-group-tours-of-iceland/

But if you take a look at the following sites you’ll get some ideas:

Iceland Travel Get Your Guide Guide to Iceland

I hope this helps a bit!

Have an awesome trip, and do let us know how it goes or if you have any more questions for us 😀

8th January 2019 at 2:24 pm

Hello, many thanks for this excellent guide! I’m planning to go to Iceland in March, from Saturday (arriving in the evening) to Friday (leaving in the morning) and I was thinking to follow pretty much this itinerary. Is it feasible in your opinion to start on Sunday morning from Reykyavik and visit the Snaefellsnes peninsula (Stykkisholmur, Bjarnarhofn, Kirkjufell, shall I add/remove something?) and sleep at Borgarnes? The following day I would continue with your Day 2 (Thingvellir and so on) .

Thanks, Marco

8th January 2019 at 5:16 pm

Hi Marco – our pleasure!

So yes, if you don’t mind skipping Reykjavik then that would definitely be achievable 🙂 I also think you should be able to see everything you mention without too much trouble. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to catch your flight on the Friday morning!

8th January 2019 at 8:10 pm

Yes because my idea was to do the peninsula on day 1, keep your day 2, 3 and 4 and the fifth day go back towards Reykjavik (with long stop at the blue lagoon :)) and on day 6 take the flight back. I’ve also came up with a different solution: Day 1: From Reykjavik to Vik (Seljalandsfoss,Skogafoss ecc.. basically your day 3 but driving from Reykjavik) Day 2: same as your day 4 Day 3: from Vik to Borgarnes (visiting Geysir, Gelfoss, Thingvellir) Day 4: visiting Snaefellnes penisula and sleep a Borgarnes Day 5: blue lagoon and sleep at Reykjavik

Any suggestions on which one is better? 🙂

Many thanks, Marco

8th January 2019 at 9:49 pm

This would work. Depending on the car you have you can also take road 48 to leave the Golden Circle route, and go past þórufoss, which is a really nice waterfall. It’s a gravel road which we drove in March a couple of years ago with no problems, but it’s always worth checking road conditions of course 🙂 Of course, you could do this the other way as well, from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

To be honest either way will be pretty similar, it just depends which way you want to go!

5th January 2019 at 9:44 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

My wife and I are planning to follow your itinerary in late January 2019. It is our first time in Iceland and really would like to see the Northern lights if we get lucky. Will it be visible in any of the locations in this road trip? if not, where is the best place to see it without deviating too far from this 5 days plan? Thank you in advance.

5th January 2019 at 10:31 pm

Yep, you can see the northern lights pretty much throughout Iceland, with the best viewing possible when you are away from artificial lights. Generally, that just means going a short distance from wherever you are staying – most towns are not too big in Iceland. Even in Reykjavik you can just travel a short distance to get good viewing! So you shouldn’t need to divert from the plan at all – you would just need to hope for clear skies and good conditions!

Have a wonderful trip 🙂

12th September 2018 at 12:58 am

In Iceland now and following this itinerary pretty closely, starting day 4 tomorrow: South Coast & Vík. Can you tell me roughly how long this day took you and if you started the day early? It seems like a jam-packed day! Thanks!

12th September 2018 at 10:24 am

Hey! So you are likely on the road now, but this is certainly a full day. We tend to start most of our days relatively early, around 8am. That said, the goal of the itinerary was to try and make every day a similar length. We’d love to hear your feedback though as to how you found it!

13th September 2018 at 10:49 pm

I booked a room last minute in Thykkvibaer, quite west of Vik/Klaustur, so I didn’t do the full itinerary for day 4 as it would’ve been too long of a drive back to the hotel afterward, so I can’t comment on the length of your itinerary for that day. I will say that there are signs in front of both the steep drive to Dyrhólaey and the entrance to Fjaðrárgljúfur that specify 4×4 vehicles only, and I had rented a small 2WD. Many blogs said a 2WD would fine on gravel roads, but it was raining and there were many potholes, and I tried it but it felt like a bad idea, so I turned back. I will definitely rent a 4×4 next visit, no doubt. The good news is there is a steep rocky pedestrian footpath from the parking lot below up to the Dyrhólaey viewpoint so hiking is an option if you can’t or don’t want to make the steep drive due to a small car or just nerves!

14th September 2018 at 11:24 am

Thanks very much for the update. You are correct, the drive up to Dyrhólaey is quite steep, and if the signs say 4WD only then it is a good idea. I’m not sure if those signs are relatively new, but I will update the post to reflect this information. Thanks very much!

8th January 2019 at 8:19 pm

Hi RB, Haven’t understood: did you manage to do day 4 starting and coming back to Vik?

Andrew Scheier says

30th August 2018 at 3:54 pm

We followed this itinerary pretty closely (added Gjain on day 2 and did the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on day 6.) Had a great time. Thanks!

30th August 2018 at 3:57 pm

Hey Andrew – that’s great! We always love to hear feedback about how things went, and we’re pleased you had a good time 😀

Victor says

18th August 2018 at 3:58 am

Thank you for all the great tips! Do you recommend a 4×4 for this trip or a regular car will be okay?

18th August 2018 at 8:40 am

Hey Victor, our pleasure 🙂

A regular car should be fine, all the roads in this itinerary are paved. If you travel in Winter you might prefer a 4×4 for some added safety, but even standard cars should come with winter or studded tires, so it should be ok. Either way, just drive safely and to the road conditions and you should be fine!

15th August 2018 at 3:19 pm

Thank you very much for providing inspiration for my future trip to Iceland.

15th August 2018 at 8:22 pm

Our pleasure – thanks for commenting!

12th July 2018 at 5:13 am

This guide is wonderful! Thanks for all the great information

12th July 2018 at 11:53 am

Our pleasure – thanks Kate!

Amanda says

27th January 2018 at 2:01 pm

I’ll be back in Iceland later this year with my dad on our way over to Greenland – this is a great first-time guide for a shorter trip! I’ll have to send it to Dad so he can start getting some ideas.

28th January 2018 at 9:46 am

We’ll be there in June 😀 Maybe we’ll run into each other!

Kristin says

23rd January 2018 at 4:45 pm

I love how moody and dramatic all these shots are, but the beauty image up top with the red jacket tops it all in my book! It’s now been 11 years since I was in Iceland, and MAN do I want to get back. My husband still hasn’t ever gone!

23rd January 2018 at 4:48 pm

Yeah, we did actually get a lot of nice days in Iceland too, but these ended up being the shots I chose for this post for some reason! You guys definitely need to get back 😀

sally-anne grainger says

28th July 2019 at 7:01 pm

I am looking at going for New year and my 40th (Jan). What is it like please? We are going for 5 days and I don’t want to be going here there and everywhere. I am after seeing the lights, blue lagoon, waterfalls, and other nice naturey stuff nearby. Done whale watching so many times I feel this is not for me. Suggestions would be appreciated. Also looking at staying at one place only where the views are good for the lights. We are looking at hiring a car also rather than pay extra for tours. Many thanks, Sally

29th July 2019 at 7:45 pm

Hi Sally Anne!

So the main thing to consider at that time of year is that it will be dark a lot of the time (the days can be as short as just a few hours of daylight). This means that you won’t be able to fit as much in in terms of sight seeing as it will be dark. However, you will have lots more opportunities for the northern lights, so that is a benefit. I think a good option would be to base yourself in Reyjkavik and to explore from there. I’d say the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon and parts of the south coast would be good options for your time, especially with a car rental. We also have a guide to Iceland in winter which might give you some more inspiration, as well as some ideas of day trips from Reykjavik. You can see those here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/visiting-iceland-in-winter-7-day-iceland-itinerary-by-car/ https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/day-trips-from-reykjavik-iceland/

Have a great time!

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Your Trip to Iceland: The Complete Guide

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Believe the hype: Iceland is a magical place full of waterfalls, uninhabited terrain, hot springs, kind locals, and elvish folklore around every corner. There's something for everyone in Iceland, and thanks to the ease of the Icelandair stopover, it's never been easier to visit.

Possibly the best part of traveling to Iceland is that you can tailor your trip to any amount of time you're available. It isn't one of those places where you must dedicate a full two weeks to exploring (though, that is recommended). If you've only got a long weekend, stick to Reykjavik and plan a one day trip. Looking to get lost for a month? Plan a hiking journey through the Central Highlands , or make your way around Iceland's Ring Road .

Planning Your Trip

There are a few things you're going to want to know before you actually get there. In fact, the first thing to think about even before you buy your plane ticket is the weather. We'll dig into that more below, but everything you've heard about Icelandic winters is true: It's cold, it's snowy, and it's entirely unpredictable. Make sure you're fully prepared to relax and enjoy your trip using the information below.

Best Time to Visit : This will depend on your personal preferences. It will never get hot in Iceland; temperatures during the summer max an average of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and snow is not likely, making summer a good weather season to visit. Plus, the summer midnight sun allows you to extend your daily itineraries. However, the winter offers the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights if you've got that on your bucket list. And you'll find more affordable lodging and airfare in the winter, especially around February and March.

Language: Icelandic and English. Every student in Iceland learns English at a young age  , so you won't run into any language barrier, given that you speak English. That being said, local shop owners will greet you in Icelandic first, most of the time. Icelandic is a beautiful language, so make sure to listen up when you're around locals so you can hear it for yourself. And don't be afraid to ask how to pronounce something in Icelandic; people are very friendly and enthusiastic to share the knowledge.

Currency: Icelandic króna. Most places, especially in larger cities, accept credit card payment.

Getting Around: Renting a car is your best bet, but Reykjavik does have a public bus system called Strætó. If you feel like getting some fresh air, Reykjavik and Akureyri are very bike-able cities.

Travel Tip: Bring layers. It doesn't matter what kind of weather you think you'll be experiencing—chances are it will rain, sleet, snow, and be sunny all in the span of one afternoon. Do yourself a favor and bring a few extra layers to make sure you're prepared for it all.

Things to Do

Given Iceland's impressive landscape, there's so much to do in the larger cities of Reykjavik and Akureyri and beyond. Get out the city for at least one day to take in some of the most uninhabited areas, but a weekend in Reykjavik is never a bad idea. A good trip, if you're got two days to kill, is to head along the south through Vik and on to the Glacier Lagoon. Along the way, you'll see Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss , an ancient cave, beaches — Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach —and the indescribable Glacier Lagoon.

• Visit Þingvellir National Park : This is a highly trafficked area seeing over 1.3 million tourists in 2019.   But if you're short on time and want to see waterfalls, a geyser, and fields of lava, this is your best bet. Located a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik (you can see this as part of the Golden Circle drive ), it's the perfect day trip from the city. There are also tons of tour buses that regularly make trips this direction.
• Soak in a hot spring: Blue Lagoon is obviously the most Instagrammed hot spring in Iceland, but there are so many others out there. Secret Lagoon, which you'll find near Reykholt (about 90 minutes from Reykjavik) is a less crowded option. It's thought to be one of the oldest hot springs in the country and you can still get pretty close to the original changing house that's on-site. There are also tiny little geysers all around the pool. Here's a list of hot springs to visit.
• Take a hike: Exploring Iceland by foot is one of the best ways to see it. There are hikes all around the country. If you're looking for some lesser-walked paths, find a guide and head to the Central Highlands (which are only accessible during the summer months). If you're looking to get outside for an afternoon, head to Glymur, the country's second tallest waterfall. The hike to it will take you through a cave, across a river, and through some incredible canyons.

There are so many things to do across the country, it's impossible to share it all here; check out our guide to the top places to see in Iceland .

What to Eat and Drink

The seafood in Iceland can't be beaten, but there are a few interesting traditional dishes you can challenge your tastebuds with. If you think about Iceland's remote location, it's easy to imagine how creative locals had to be in order to survive, especially through such harsh winters. Fermented shark is a very traditional Icelandic dish. Although you won't find many people eating it now, there are a handful of places that offer it mostly for adventurous tourists. Puffin and whale are two other traditional meats you can try. Head to Tapas Barinn in Reykjavik, which has an Icelandic feast where you can try a little bit of everything. All traditional ingredients aside, don't leave without trying Plokkfiskur, a fish pie of sorts made of fish, potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce. It's very common and very delicious.

Skyr — Icelandic yogurt — is a very popular ingredient for breakfast, snacks, and dessert. You'll find it incorporated into all kinds of dishes at local restaurants. It's also delicious on its own with a few berries for breakfast. This is the thing you'll be searching your hometown grocery store for once you get home.

Note that cocktails, beer, and wine are quite expensive in Iceland (again, remote location means higher import costs). That being said, treat yourself to a cocktail (or three). ROK, a restaurant near the iconic Hallgrimskirkja, has an incredible staff of bartenders who do magic with Brennivín, or Icelandic schnapps.

If craft beer is your thing, check out one of these places to try some local brews.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of hotels and hostels in larger cities (Reykjavik and Akureyri). You'll find a fair share of hostels in the smaller villages, as well, but don't expect luxury digs. There are a couple of boutique hotels around the country: Ion Hotel , Hotel Ranga , Silica Hotel (at the Blue Lagoon), and Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon . If you're looking for a more laidback experience, Airbnb is a fantastic option and will yield the most results (and range the most budgets) for your Iceland visit.

If you're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, check out the Five Million Star Hotel . The property is actually a set of transparent bubble rooms owned by a local farmer in Southern Iceland near Fludir.

If you're planning to stay in the capital, check out our picks for the best hotels in Reykjavik.

Getting There

Flying to Iceland is quite easy. Icelandair has integrated free stopovers in the country into many of their European routes, making staying a few nights on your way to your final destination a convenient option. There are direct overnight flights from New York City, as well as regular routes from the West Coast of the United States. Icelandair's hub is Keflavík Airport (KEF). KEF is also the country's busiest airport by far, serving 7.2 million passengers in 2019 while the second busiest only served 350,000.  

Culture and Customs

The locals are incredibly kind and helpful, should you need advice on where to eat or how to get somewhere. Icelanders are also very dedicated to their history; it's worth reading up on before you go. Plus, so many of the important landmarks stem from ancient Icelandic history, from Þingvellir National Park to the lifting stones (a staple of Scandinavian strongman culture).

If there's one thing you research, it should be the word "hygge." This term describes act of feeling cozy, and it's the very best word to describe Iceland and its people. You'll find lots of candlelit rooms, jovial conversation, and families enjoying dinner together at home. It's also a very eco-friendly culture, given their close proximity to some of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes. Make sure to respect the uninhabited areas just as you would the busy city streets.

One thing to take very seriously is the elf culture. A lot of homes have tiny little houses in their gardens or backyards specifically for the elves. If you want to know more about the history of elves with a side of horseback riding, check out Eldhestar's half-day Elfin tour .

Money-Saving Tips

Iceland can be a tricky place to plan a budget-friendly vacation. The food and drinks are expensive, and hotels can also be pricey, but there are some ways to avoid a massive credit card statement.

• Check out farm stays over hotel visits. This is going to help you a lot if you plan on visiting the more rural parts of the country where hotel room rates can be astronomical.
• Go grocery shopping. Bónus is the local grocery store chain and it's a delightful experience. Not to mention the logo is a drunken pig with a black eye — it doesn't get more quirky than that. This will help you save a lot on dining out, and it's what most locals do most nights.
• Save money on bus tours, and rent a car. If you're traveling with a family, it will be a lot cheaper for you to rent a car and visit the sights instead of paying a tour fee for each person.
• Take advantage of happy hour. Most bars in Reykjavik have them — go out early and be rewarded.
• Stay in hostels. As you can imagine, hostels in Iceland are beautifully designed, and they offer private rooms with private bathrooms, in most cases. These private rooms are generally less expensive than hotel rooms, as well. Check out Kex and Oddsson in Reykjavik for some inspiration.

Eurostat, "Pupils by Education Level and Modern Foreign Language Studied - Absolute Numbers and % of Pupils by Language Studied." May 25, 2020.

Thingvellir National Park. "Visitors 2019."

Isavia. "Monthly Report — Traffic Statistics / Summary." December 2019.

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Tips For Travel To Iceland: How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Iceland

January 11, 2024

Paula Martinelli

In this tips for travel to Iceland guide, you will find all you need, from how to travel around Iceland, and how to stay safe, how much it cost, how to save money traveling to Iceland , and what is the best time to travel to Iceland and finding accommodation & transportation options.

This guide has everything you need for planning your trip to Iceland and traveling safely.

Iceland is the land of light and darkness. Long summer days with nearly 24 hours of sunshine are offset by short winter days with only a few hours of daylight.

Iceland continuously ranks near the top for quality of life, gender equality, and democracy, and is one of the highest-ranked countries in the world for health care, education, and internet availability.

You can explore Iceland in as short as 5 days itinerary , or if you have more time, take the 10-day Ring Road self-drive around the island. As long as you plan well your trip, you will be able to visit some or many of the Top Landmarks in Iceland .

Tips for Travel to Iceland Essentials

LANGUAGE: The official language in Iceland is Icelandic, as well as English in touristy areas. 

CURRENCY:  The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK) and the U.S. Dollar is not accepted. Check here  for the latest conversion rate. NOTE: Iceland can get VERY EXPENSIVE, so make sure to check out my tips to travel to Iceland on a budget.

TIPPING: It is not customary to tip in Iceland

CREDIT CARD & ATMS: In Iceland, you don’t need to carry much money with you, as Icelanders tend to pay for almost everything with a credit card. Note that you need a card that uses the chip and pin method. 

PLUGS: The standard voltage in Iceland is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs in Iceland are Type F. I recommend buying a universal adapter and using a converter for hair dryers. 

Wi-Fi IN ICELAND: Wi-Fi is widely available in Iceland, and often for FREE at gas stations and the common areas at the hotel or Guesthouses. 

CELL PHONE SERVICE: Service is very reliable in Iceland, especially around large cities and the Ring Road. 

HUAWEI E5577s-321 Mobile WiFi Router

I recommend buying this WiFi router. You can insert any SIM card around the world, and it shares data across all your devices, up to 10, via WiFi and the battery lasts up to 12 hours.

Tips for Travel to Iceland Orientation

Let’s start this list of tips for traveling to Iceland with the Orientation. Iceland is an island country, located in the North Atlantic ocean. 

Because of Iceland’s location, on the active geologic border between North America and Europe, it is a land of vivid contrasts in climate, geography, and culture. 

Sparkling glaciers, such as Vatna Glacier, Europe’s largest, lie across its ruggedly beautiful mountain ranges; abundant hot geysers provide heat for many of the country’s homes and buildings and allow for hothouse agriculture year-round. 

The offshore Gulf Stream provides a surprisingly mild climate for what is one of the northernmost inhabited places on the planet.

How to Get a Visa to Iceland

In the first step of your trip, you need to understand the Iceland Visa requirements- Click here to check the Visa requirements for Iceland.

Iceland is not a member of the European Union (EU) but it is a Schengen Area Member State, which means it’s a zone that allows unrestricted movement without passport checks and border controls for those living in any of the member states.

If you are visiting from outside of the EU or the Schengen Area, you will only go through passport control at your first point of entry.

Citizens of many countries will not need a tourist or business Iceland visa for stays of less than 90 days in Iceland. There is a list of countries on their Directorate of Immigration site so check out those who do need a visa  and  those who don’t .

Flights to Iceland

If you live in the US, take advantage of the proximity and the prices for flights. I flew from Florida and took a direct flight of only 7 hours.

There are many options for direct flights from the US to Iceland and some very cheap options, for example, leaving from NYC for approximately $600.

• Choose to fly during the low season (Iceland wintertime)
• Compare prices leaving from different airports, instead of only considering a direct flight from your town. Sometimes a domestic connection is a good option and will save you some money.

There are several airlines for you to choose from, depending on your departure location. Your destination in Iceland will be the Keflavik Internation Airport (KEF). 

I recommend you browse and compare prices for the BEST DEAL with Expedia or Skyscanner  to find the best options for flights. 

How Long do I need to visit the Best of Iceland?

You can have as short as a few days, or if you are lucky have a few weeks.

I drove the Ring Road in 10 days – it is possible to drive the whole circuit in as short as 5 days , but it will be in a hurry. Or if you are lucky enough you can explore it at a slower pace in a couple of weeks.

Regardless of how long you decide to stay in Iceland, you can be sure to have a fantastic time and witness some of the world’s most breathtaking views. This Nordic island nation has something to offer everyone, and there is no doubt that you will return home refreshed and content.

What are the Best Destinations in Iceland?

During your planning trip to Iceland, first, you will need to decide how many days you have to explore, and what are your main interests. 

If you are planning to drive the Ring Road, you will be driving on Highway 1 as it goes around the whole country in a shape of a ring. You will follow this 882 miles (1,323-km) long route to be able to see a lot of the country. You also can get venture off on other roads so you can explore areas like the Westfjords, Snaefelisnes peninsula, and Reykjanes.

• If you have only 5 days, you can drive the Golden Circle
• If you have 10-days in Iceland, I recommend driving the Ring Road
• If you are interested in going off the beaten path, I recommend visiting the 10 Top Hidden Gems in Iceland

Below you can have an overview of Iceland’s main regions and things to expect to explore in each area. 

Here you can find some of the most visited attractions in Iceland, including waterfalls, and icebergs, and the landscape driving along the South Coast is incredible. 

SOUTH ICELAND

Here you can find some of the most visited attractions in Iceland, including waterfalls, and icebergs, and the landscape driving along the South Coast is incredible.

NORTH ICELAND

This area is less visited than South Iceland. With incredible volcanic features, especially around Lake Myvatn. This is my personal favorite region in Iceland 

SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA

Known as “small Iceland”; this fascinating geological region offers the real taste of Iceland: glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, fjords, and much more…

WEST/EAST FJORDS

They are on opposite sides of the Island, but in both, you can find stunning fjords, wildlife, lagoons, and lush farmlands

SOUTHWEST ICELAND

This is the most visited region in Iceland, the area around Reykjavik. Visit geothermal areas, geysers, waterfalls, and the famous Blue Lagoon

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

In this area, you can explore by 4WD or hiking during summertime. Explore glaciers and wild mountains and volcanic desert

Iceland in 3 Minutes

How much does it Cost to Travel to Iceland?

How much does a trip to Iceland cost? Well…it depends. But one thing we all know: Iceland is expensive….actually Iceland is the most expensive country in Europe.

But depending on your travel style, it’s possible to travel to Iceland on a budget.

• MID RANGE: If you are going to stay at Guest Houses, cook some of your meals, rent a 2WD car, and do not drink alcohol for the duration of your trip, it’s safe to assume that your Iceland trip cost will be about $150 – $200 per day/ per person.
• BUDGET: Assuming that you’re intending to camp and hitchhike your entire trip it’s safe to assume that your Iceland trip cost will be about $60 – 75 per day/per person .

I have a complete and very detailed guide on how to Budget your trip to Iceland and how prices compare, in case you want to plan your finances before you travel to Iceland. 

Average Prices per Day/ 2 People

Transportation & getting around iceland.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN ICELAND:

Iceland is not comparable with the majority of European public transportation systems, therefore, the most effective way to get around the island nation is by car.

CAMPER VAN IN ICELAND:

If you have opted for the camper van route, the only other thing you’d need to factor into your Iceland transport costs would be fuel prices, which, are high. The average petrol price as of January 2022 is USD$2.02/ liter (or US$7.61/ Gallon). Here I explain in detail the price comparison between renting a car vs a camper van.

RENTAL CAR IN ICELAND:

If renting a car is your option to self-drive in Iceland, there are a number of rental companies to choose from. Also, keep in mind that a car with an automatic transmission often costs considerably more than a manual car. If you can drive a stick and want to save some money, by all means, make sure you are renting a manual transmission. Make sure you compare prices and rent your car from a reliable source.

Accommodations in Iceland

If you are traveling on a budget or opting for luxury, you will find accommodation to fit your needs in Iceland. The options you have are very diverse: Rent a camper van, hostel, farmhouse (B&B), cabin, mountain huts, or hotel.

I traveled during the shoulder season (April) and used a combination of Guest Houses & Hotels, and I was able to pay an average of $80 – $160 per day for 2 people.  

I found the best option to use farmhouses as they are pretty easy to find, are family-owned and operated, and provide an authentic experience to be able to interact with the lifestyle and farm animals.

Hostels in either of the 2 cities or large towns can be a good alternative where the cheapest dorm bed will set you back around  $35 per night/person.  

Another benefit of staying in a Farmhouse or Guest House is they often offer cooking areas so you can prepare your own meals and save money even further.

BUDGET OPTION: GUEST HOUSE

This is my favorite option. They are family-owned, and in general, are very well located around Iceland’s main visit points. Some guesthouses offer breakfast which is a great option to save money. Also, they offer a shared kitchen so you can prepare your own meals.

MIDE RANGE: PRIVATE CABIN

Another great option for accommodation in Iceland is to rent your private cabin. There are great options available, and they are normally well-located close to the main attractions.

Depending on your travel style, there are options from 1 to 5 stars, including international chains, and they are well-located. Remember it is recommended to book your accommodations in Iceland in advance during the high season (summer) and that during summer the midnight sun may test your tolerance for sleep deprivation.

What is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?

Maybe you have heard or seen somewhere that the best time to visit Iceland is during summer. But actually, any time is a good time to visit Iceland, it will only depend on your expectations.

BEST TIME FOR SIGHTSEEING:

Iceland is renowned for its numerous spectacular waterfalls, geysers, and volcanoes. The best time to visit Iceland is to see as much as you can, you’ll want to have longer days, fewer crowds to interrupt the view, and weather that doesn’t make roads impassable. That means going in the weeks that frame either the end of the high season, around the last week of May through mid-June , or anytime in  September .

BEST TIME TO AVOID CROWDS:

If you’re hoping for a more relaxed experience without the crowds, avoid going to Iceland in the high season,  from mid-June  through  August . By visiting in  April or May ,  September or October , you’ll encounter fewer tourists, yet the days will be long enough to enjoy sightseeing and possibly decent weather (5 AM sunrise; 9:30 PM sunset). The fewest visitors come between November and March, but this is also when inclement weather and short, dark days can affect your plans.

BEST TIME TO SEE NORTHERN LIGHTS:

The best time to visit Iceland if you want to see the Northern Lights is late fall when nights are most likely to be dark and clear. There are a number of conditions required for them to be visible, including guaranteed darkness, which is why the best time to see them is from late September through late March  when there are full dark nights

BEST TIME FOR GOOD WEATHER:

The best time to visit Iceland for optimal weather is during the high season, particularly July and August  when average highs are around 13°C, though temps can reach as high as 15°C or even 20°C. If you’re hoping to avoid the rain, the lowest amount of rainfall occurs in  May and June , and temperatures are often a pleasant 11°C.

** BE AWARE **

Due to inclement weather, roads can be closed with little warning. One of the great resources is  http://road.is . This site will let you know what is open or closed. If you get wireless or wifi service, check this site daily. I tried going to a waterfall in the Myvatn region only to find that the road was closed. This detour cost me about 1 hour. If I had checked road.is I would have known prior to heading in that direction.

What is the weather like in Iceland?

Iceland enjoys a cool temperate maritime climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, but the weather is known to change quickly, and often.

Icelanders have a saying: “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” No matter the season, when you visit you should always have wind and water-resistant outerwear, as well as extra thermal layers on hand.

As for winter, Iceland is not all covered by ice and snow as its name would suggest. In fact, outside of the higher altitudes or parts of North Iceland, snowfall rarely stays on the ground longer than a few days.

Rain is more common, with October being the wettest month. Also, the cool northerly winds can be strong at times so we recommend an insulated or down jacket for winter visits.

Tips for Travel to Iceland: Safety in Iceland

When you are planning an Iceland trip, I am sure that safety comes into play. So, great news here! Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate is extremely low.

It is one thing to think about safety related to crime, but it should also be related to our health during any physical activity, hiking, or driving around the country, for example.

In Iceland, it’s necessary to be cautious when traveling due to hazards caused by weather and nature, where conditions can change at a moment’s notice.

Nature is one of Iceland’s many attractions, and while beautiful, it can also be harsh and unpredictable. It is important to be prepared, aware of possible dangers, and know how to react in—or preferably prevent—difficult situations. The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue  operates a useful website for travel in Iceland.

Food In Iceland

This is another important thing when you are planning your Iceland trip – Food!

I was pleasantly surprised by the food in Iceland. I didn’t have high expectations for the food, and I knew that options could be limited by the geography of the island.

However, I learned that the key elements of the Icelandic diet have changed very little since the country’s settlement over a thousand years ago, with the most popular dishes still being fish, lamb, and the Icelandic skyr (yogurt). Aside from lamb, you can also find traditional meats in grocery stores and restaurants like pork, beef, and chicken.

• Fish:   You can find good options pretty much everywhere in Iceland. It is very popular to find a dish with the fish of the day, or fish and chips. Some of the popular fishes are haddock, Atlantic wolfish, or cod, which has been caught by angling using live or artificial bait. Very fresh, and delicious!
• Lamb:  Another very popular dish you will find pretty much in every restaurant. Along with the fish, sheep have been the lifeblood of this nation since its arrival with the Vikings. The meat thus requires little seasoning; it is tender and has a mild flavor.
• Skyr:   You will see this yogurt taking a huge part of the shelves at the grocery stores, and I ate it every day for breakfast. It is made by separating skim milk from cream, the milk is then pasteurized, and live cultures from previous batches of skyr are added. When the product has thickened, it is then filtered, and various flavors are added, like vanilla or berries and more recently mango, and coconut. Delicious and great protein source!
• FAST FOOD IS EVERYWHERE –  Hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, pizza, and fish and chips are EVERYWHERE! If you are looking for a quick fix for your hunger, you are covered and won’t have a hard time finding anything listed on this menu.

CONTROVERSIAL MEAT IN ICELAND: DO NOT EAT!

In the past, struggling coastal communities in Iceland had to use all of the natural resources available for survival – Including eating horses, whales, and puffin meat.  But nowadays thankfully we no longer live in a survival mode. If the tourists stop this nonsense habit and do not sustain this type of behavior, we can stop restaurants and local shops from continuing this practice.

There is a  Costco  on the way from the airport. If you are a member, consider stopping to buy snacks and food before you continue your adventure.

You can also find the local Iceland grocery stores   Netto  and   Bonus  for your grocery needs throughout Iceland. In smaller towns, you can only find local stores with limited items to sell and also convenience stores. Make sure you stock up on snacks, gas, and water before you leave the town – you may drive for hours without seeing anything.

Tips for Travel to Iceland: Best Tours

Iceland offers a huge variety of activities for all adventure travelers and fitness levels. You can stroll around a small town, hike up a crater or have an adventure such as ice climbing. and glacier hike.

Iceland has endless possibilities in every corner of the island. Just make sure you book the activities you are planning to do in advance, especially during the high season. These are some of the most popular:

GLACIER HIKING & ICE CLIMBING

More than 10% of Iceland is covered with glaciers, so it is the perfect place for glacier hiking and ice climbing.  Glacier hiking tours  range from easy to extreme, which means there’s an adventure that is sure to fit your style. Check here the Top 12 Glacier Tours in Iceland .

Iceland is filled with wonderful  opportunities for hiking ; there are hiking trails in every direction. No matter which way you turn, you will find a hiking trail, but make sure to stay on the trails so you don’t ruin the natural landscape.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

Iceland offers great options for a white water rafting adventure. Even though none of the rivers in Iceland offer Class 5 rapids, there are three rivers that offer adventurous rides down the river, one of which is categorized as a Class 4 river.

SNORKELING OR SCUBA AT SILFRA

One very popular activity in Iceland is snorkeling or scuba dive at the Silfra . Located in Thingvellir National Park, the Silfra rift is a fissure that lies between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The water is fed from the meltwater of a nearby glacier and visibility is top-notch. Because the water is between 2–4°C, dry-suits are necessary.

What to Pack for Iceland?

When planning an Iceland Trip remember the packing rules number one: LAYERS, LAYERS, and more LAYERS!!!

It seems that in every country I write about, I say the same thing: “bring layers” .

But especially in Iceland, you can have pretty much all the seasons on the same day…oh well, not necessarily summer, but I am talking about a big variation of a sunny day, rain, snow, and heavy winds, and then it will be sunny again.

The first thing is to check the weather of the season you are going to Iceland and pack accordingly. Here is a list with some essentials to pack:

• A Daybackp is essential
• Rainproof/windproof jacket
• Lightweight wool sweater
• Warm pants (leggings or hiking pants that you can layer)
• Fleece jacket and pants (for layers)
• Merino pants and long sleeve (for layers)
• The combo: Gloves, Scarves & Hat
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Swimsuit and quick-dry towel (for visiting pools and hot springs – towels and swimsuits are available for rent at swimming facilities)
• Sunblock (yes, I got a sunburn in Iceland)
• Chargers – computer, camera, cell phone…
• Invest in a DC 12V to AC 110V car power inverter . They are not expensive and make a world of difference when driving. Charge your phones, camera, drone, laptop, tablets, etc. while on the road.

If you are doing activities such as horse riding or ice climbing, they provide all the gear so, no need to pack it with you.

PACK SMART ALERT!

If you are planning to carry a backpack for your trip to Iceland, I have compiled a very detailed review of the Best Backpacks for Travel in the market today – Also, it doesn’t matter if it is summer or winter, you will need a good jacket for your trip to Iceland so check my complete review guide on the Top Jackets for Travel and pack smart!

My Photography & Electronic Equipment

We all know that Iceland is a very unique and magical place. It is impossible to not take many pictures and want to capture amazing moments while traveling around Iceland. 

Therefore, do not forget to bring your camera equipment with you:

• This is the camera I use and love – Sony Mirrorless a7III
• Bring a couple of good lenses for different pictures – I always carry this lens with me
• Extra memory cards 
• I recommend bringing some filters
• Tripod to photograph the waterfalls and depending on the time of the year, the Aurora Borealis. 
• If you want to capture amazing videos, I use and recommend a Gimble Smartphone Stabilizer
• I also recommend a GoP r o HERO9 for some action images videos and pictures.
• You can also capture incredible Drone images in Iceland. I use DJI Mavic Air 2

T he extreme weather in Iceland may damage your photography electronics. My camera stopped working in the middle of my trip, and I had to rely on my cell phone for pictures. The rain, mist from the waterfalls, sand from the beach, and strong winds are not the electronic best friends. I recommend using a plastic bag to evolve your camera.

Tips for Travel in Iceland Responsibly

To preserve one of the world’s most fragile environments, it is incredibly important that every Iceland traveler is conscious of their social and environmental footprint.

Iceland is ahead of much of the world in terms of ecotourism, and it is so important to be a Responsible Traveler when you visit Iceland.

You will notice that there aren’t many signs, fences, or other barriers around the natural wonders in Iceland. Please use your common sense.

• Do not step over ropes that are blocking an area  – Hot springs can be dangerously hot and rocks near waterfalls can be slippery. One of the wonderful things about Iceland is that there are no imposed regulations about where you can and cannot walk. Everything is wild, and it is up to the traveler to take their own personal responsibility.
• Don’t Vandalize the Moss  – they are incredibly delicate and it takes decades to recover
• Treat Wildlife with Respect  – they roam freely so it is important to treat any animal you may encounter with respect. This includes the horses! And be careful with bird colonies!
• Support the Whale-Watching Industry –  Whale hunting has been a historically significant part of Icelandic culture, and you can still find whales served in restaurants and supermarkets throughout the country. Whale hunting is still conducted in Iceland today, but supporting the whale-watching industry is the best way to help end this ancient practice permanently.

7 Essential Tips for Travel in Iceland

• DECIDE HOW MANY DAYS YOU HAVE AND WHAT YOU WANT TO VISIT: Depending on how many days you have to explore Iceland, you can visit the Golden Circle (5 days), the Ring Road (10-days) or if you have more time, you can include other locations. Check my Iceland Travel Guide for amazing ideas and itineraries. 
• BUY A GUIDE BOOK: During planning your trip to Iceland, an excellent resource is to buy an Iceland Travel guidebook . They have tons of great information on main attractions, places to stay, and many curiosities about Iceland’s culture.
• BOOK YOUR FLIGHT: There are great options to fly direct to Iceland. Book in advance to try to get a better deal. The flights are approx. 6-8 hours.  I recommend you browse and compare prices for the BEST DEAL with Expedia or Skyscanner  to find the best options for flights.  
• BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN ADVANCE: Iceland has great options for accommodations, but make sure you book in advance to take advantage of the best prices and best options. I recommend Booking.com  as it has a great policy of free cancelation.
• START PACKING: It will depend on when you go to Iceland to pack accordingly.  Check my recommended packing list and my expert review on the  Best Backpacks for Travel  here.
• BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER:  Responsible and Ethical traveling is REALLY IMPORTANT.   Check my complete guide
• BOOK ANY TOUR IN ADVANCE: There are great options for group or VIP tours in Iceland, just make sure you check the many options and book in advance. Check here  for options or check some options for you below:

Tips for Travel to Iceland Conclusion

I hope that by the end of the tips for travel to Iceland guide, you feel prepared to plan your dream trip to Iceland. But it can be expensive to travel to Iceland, so I recommend reading How to Plan a Trip to Iceland on a budget + FREE things to do .

Also, self-drive in Iceland is the best way to explore the land of ice, and life, check my complete 10-day Ring Road itinerary for more information .

During planning your trip to Iceland, make sure you do some preplanning, research, and understanding of what you are looking for will help make your travels far more successful and safe. As always, if you have any questions or recommendations, leave me a comment below and I will be glad to answer them.

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Plan your Trip

You can plan your trip with this easy guide and have access to the best services I recommend and you can get discounted prices.

Perfect Iceland Ring Road 10-day Itinerary: Ultimate Road Trip + Map

How Much is a Trip to Iceland + Tips to Create your Budget for Iceland!

Discover the Perfect Iceland 5-day Itinerary

12 thoughts on “tips for travel to iceland: how to plan a perfect trip to iceland”.

Everything you need to know for an extraordinary trip through Iceland!!! Super complete.

Iceland is high on the list but man is that expensive. I mean, I heard it can be so that’s just something to prepare for, but I think it’s definitely somewhere I want to visit and it will be worth it. What beautiful views. Great to know a little more practical info on visiting

Absolutely love how detailed this post is! Iceland is an incredible place and I am glad it is re-open for tourism.

I have wanted to visit Iceland for so long! This guide literally has everything I would need to know about visiting and will come in super handy when I do go! Thank you for answering questions like when to visit, how to get around and what to expect.

Wow Paula this is such a comprehensive guide to Iceland, it really includes everything one possibly needs to know for a trip there! 🙂 It’s so nice to hear that Iceland is open for vaccinated people – I hope I get my vaccine soon so I can go there. Great post!

I’m hoping to plan a trip back to Iceland this year, or next year it all depends on the pandemic. So this will be super helpful for my planning!

Hi Krista, I hope you can visit Iceland this year, I am also considering visiting Iceland again. Since my last trip, I keep thinking about going back and continue to explore this amazing country.

I am so glad you enjoyed this guide Lina and glad to hear you found all the information you need. I am so relieved I had my vaccine and now I can start to plan my traveling again.

YOu made my day Vanessa – I really put a lot of effort on this guide to try to cover everything I could, and all I have learned from my trip to Iceland. Thanks for your kind words

Thanks so much Poonam, and I am very happy they are re-opening safely too

Oh yeah Emma, Iceland is not cheap. Of course, you can bring your cost lower, if you share a car and stay at hostels, but definitely, the costs are still high compare to other countries in Europe. I am glad you enjoyed this guide

Thanks Fernanda and I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this Iceland guide

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Iceland Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Iceland but not sure where to start? This guide is for you!

Maybe you are still undecided about visiting Iceland and are looking for travel inspiration? Or maybe you are planning your Iceland trip itinerary and don’t know where to start? Or maybe you just need some practical advice or reassurance for your upcoming trip to Iceland?

You should be able to find all the information you are looking for in this Iceland travel guide!

Iceland is a unique place, one that impresses every visitor beyond expectations. It’s a country that has a lot to offer even to the most seasoned travelers. Iceland also transforms every season and no two trips here will ever be exactly the same. One thing is certain – no matter when or how you choose to visit Iceland, this magical place will not disappoint.

To make your Iceland trip planning and research easier, I created this page that bundles up all our blog posts about traveling to Iceland. From sample trip itineraries and detailed guides to some of the nicest places in Iceland to practical tips and packing lists for all seasons… This travel guide will help you plan your own perfect trip to Iceland!

Good to know: Our Iceland travel blog is a result of multiple trips to Iceland through the years. From road tripping around the Ring Road in Iceland in spring, in summer, and in autumn, to visiting the Icelandic highlands or exploring Iceland in winter – we’ve done it all.

Below you can find a big selection of articles filled with travel stories, inspiring images, and experience-based tips that will help you plan your own dream trip to Iceland. Take a look!

* This page contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a qualifying purchase through such a link. More info:  Disclosure.

Practical Information for Visiting Iceland

Here you can find some practical advice for your trip to Iceland. From budget tips to packing lists and everything else you may want to know before traveling to Iceland.

• Iceland Travel Tips
• How Expensive is Iceland (+ How To Save Money)
• What to Pack and What to Wear in Iceland in Summer
• What to Pack and What to Wear in Iceland in Winter
• How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport (Complete Guide to Airport Transfers) – (also in German: Flughafentransfer Reykjavik )

Iceland Itinerary Suggestions

Here you can find our suggestions for some of the best itineraries in Iceland.

• Iceland Itinerary  (Suggestions from 1 to 14 days)
• Iceland Ring Road Itinerary (complete Ring Road in 10 days)
• Iceland Winter Trip Itinerary  (Covers all the highlights of the South Coast in 7 days in winter months, when daylight is limited)
• Iceland 4 Days Itinerary (Perfect for the first trip to Iceland, covers all the highlights of the South Coast)
• Iceland 7 Days Itinerary (Even better than the 4-day itinerary – you’ll love this trip!)
• Iceland 10 Days Itinerary (West, North and the Highlands – a mix of well-known places and off the beaten path destinations)

When to Go to Iceland

Iceland is magical in any season. It’s also so completely different in winter than it is in summer that it’s like two different countries.

If you are not sure when to visit Iceland, take a look at our articles below – they should help you decide.

• When to Visit Iceland – Summer vs. Winter
• 12 Reasons to Visit Iceland in September

Iceland in Winter

• Iceland in Winter (Travel Tips & Useful Info)
• Iceland Winter Itinerary
• Driving in Iceland in Winter
• Top 5 Winter Experiences in Iceland
• Northern Lights in Iceland (Complete Guide and FAQ)
• How To See and Photograph The Northern Lights
• My Favorite Photos from Iceland

Iceland Travel Inspiration & Destination Guides

Here you can find more detailed guides to different areas and activities in Iceland. Check it out!

• Best Places to Visit in Iceland
• Different travel inspiration – Nordic Gifts (gifts inspired by the Nordic countries and culture)

Reykjavik & South Iceland

• Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
• One Day in Reykjavik Itinerary
• Best Things to Do on the South Coast in Iceland
• Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting
• Perlan Museum in Reykjavik
• Reykjavik Hotels Guide
• Reykjanes Peninsula
• Westman Islands – Visiting Heimaey Island
• Glacier Hiking in Iceland (also in German: Gletscherwanderung Island )

West Iceland

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Best Things to Do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Westfjords Itinerary
• Raudasandur Beach – Westfjords
• Dynjandi Waterfall

North Iceland

• Things to Do in Myvatn
• Hvitserkur & Vatnsnes Peninsula
• Trollaskagi Peninsula
• Siglufjordur

Icelandic Highlands

• See The Best of Iceland’s Highlands with a Private Driver – 4 Day Itinerary  (Bucket list trip, one of my favorite trips ever. If you are looking for something truly unique and want to get off the beaten path in Iceland, check it out!)
• How to Visit Haifoss Waterfall  (Can Do On Your Own)

TIP: Below is a short video featuring some of our favorite places in Iceland. Check it out for some inspiration on where to go!

Best Tours and Day Trips in Iceland

There are so many organized tours, excursions, and activities in Iceland that it’s often difficult to know where to even start. I, therefore, created some guides where I selected the very best price-quality tours available. Take a look below!

• Best Guided Tours in Iceland (All Seasons) – (also in German: Besten Touren und Aktivitäten in Island )
• Best Iceland Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter
• Amazing Half Day Tours from Reykjavik

TIP:   For our own trips, we book pretty much all our day tours and organized activities via  GetYourGuide . It’s our favorite one-stop shop for all organized tours because they have the best customer service and cancellation policy we have ever seen. Booking directly with a local company usually means that you can’t cancel for free, let alone get a refund in case something goes wrong (as recent events recently proved…). For that, it’s always helpful to have a strong intermediary and GYG is the best one we know.

This is based on our personal experience and that of many of our readers.

Camping in Iceland

If you are planning to camp in Iceland, make sure to read this guide. It should answer all your questions!

• The most complete guide to camping in Iceland 

Accommodation in Iceland

If I can give you one piece of advice is to book your Iceland accommodation well in advance. Take a look below for some tips!

• Where to Stay in Iceland : Iceland accommodation guide for Reykjavik and along the Ring Road
• Where to Stay in Reykjavik : Complete guide to Reykjavik hotels
• Where to Stay on Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Booking.com  is our first resource when booking accommodation for all our trips, also in Iceland. They have the best selection of hotels, B&Bs, and privately owned accommodations. Furthermore, they also have the most transparent booking system with the biggest flexibility regarding cancellations.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations all over Iceland . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you can zoom in and out to find the best deals at any location. Check it out!

Car Rental in Iceland

If you are looking to rent a car in Iceland , nowadays, we recommend renting your car via Booking.com as well.

Not only can you compare different providers and find the best deals, but you are also much better protected in case a local company has issues or even goes bankrupt as it has happened with our favorite local provider in Iceland. Our experience shows that it’s best to stick to the biggest companies with the most flexible cancellation policies.

We have used Booking.com’s car rental service to book our rental cars for many destinations worldwide. We canceled and changed more rentals than I can remember and they fully reimbursed us every time, within days. Once, we also had to file an insurance claim (we always take the 100% insurance offered by them), and the money was on our account two days later. That’s the kind of service I don’t hesitate to recommend to all our readers!

Getting to Iceland

Iceland is more accessible than ever before. There are too many flight options to even try to list them here. I advise to use the most popular flight search engines to find the best deal for your trip.

If you live in Europe, it’s also possible to visit Iceland with your own car. For that, you’ll have to take a car ferry from Denmark via the Faroe Islands, to Iceland. It’s a long trip, however, so I’d only recommend doing this if you are planning to stay in Iceland for at least 3-4 weeks.

Nearby Destinations

If you are visiting Iceland and have some extra time to spare, you may want to also look into visiting the Faroe Islands and/or Greenland. Both are easy to get to from Iceland.

Here you can find inspiration for your trip to the  Faroe Islands  and here you can find some tips and an itinerary for  visiting Greenland .

Not sure where to go?  Check out our guide to  Iceland vs. Greenland

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

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Planning a Trip to Iceland: DOs and DON’Ts (2024)

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Planning a trip to Iceland is more complicated than to many countries. With its stunning volcanoes, lava fields, fjords, beaches, and waterfalls, it’s no wonder that visitor numbers to Iceland have surged in recent years.

But many tourists underestimate how dangerous this wild and remote island can be.

Some take unnecessary risks and end up needing to be rescued, which is putting strain on Iceland’s volunteer rescue service. Visitors have even been injured or killed after accidents on glaciers, beaches, and cliffs.

This can be avoided, though, and there’s no reason you can’t have a wonderful, incident-free trip by following these Iceland travel tips.

I also include advice for making the most of your vacation in this beautiful country, quirky facts that make Iceland such a unique place to travel, and the latest travel restrictions.

Video: Planning an Iceland Vacation

When is the best time to visit iceland, how long should you spend in iceland, what’s the best way to travel in iceland, before you arrive in iceland, planning a trip to iceland: dos and don’ts, more iceland reading.

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I would happily visit Iceland at any time of year as each season offers a different experience.

Many people consider the summer months of June to August the best time to visit Iceland.

This is when the weather is warmest, although that doesn’t mean it’s hot. In Reykjavik average temperatures in July range from 9 – 14ºC (48 – 57ºF) and it can be colder in the north.

Summer is the time of the midnight sun with daylight hours ranging from 21 hours in late June to 18 hours in early August.

This is the best time of year for hiking, driving the Ring Road (as roads are clear), and seeing whales and puffins. Most attractions and cafes are open.

The downsides of visiting Iceland in the summer are that it’s much busier and more expensive.

Spring and Autumn

To avoid the crowds and high prices, it’s worth considering visiting in the shoulder season months of April/May (spring) and September/October (autumn).

The weather is cold at this time of year but not as extreme as the winter and there’s a good amount of daylight for exploring.

It’s also possible to see the northern lights in these months, although you’ll have more of a chance in April and October.

The downside is that some attractions and cafes are closed.

We loved visiting Iceland in late September when it wasn’t very busy.

We had around 12 hours of daylight and temperatures of –2ºC (28ºF) to 5ºC (40ºF). We enjoyed autumn colours in some locations, the first snowfall on the mountains, and even the northern lights.

See my guide to visiting Iceland in September for more on what to expect.

Iceland’s winter from November to March is the quietest and cheapest time of year to visit.

This is the best time of year to visit Iceland for the northern lights, beautiful snowy landscapes, and winter activities like ice caves and dog sledding.

The weather is cold but not as cold as you’d expect (around 0ºC/ 32ºF) and daylight is limited for exploring (only four hours in late December/early January).

The roads are often covered in snow and not all parts of the island are accessible at this time of year—it’s best to stay south. If you aren’t a confident driver, stay in Reykjavik and take tours.

The average length of stay in Iceland is around seven nights.

I recommend visiting for at least five nights—this is enough time to see some of the highlights within a few hours of Reykjavik such as the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

If you want to drive the entire 1332km (828 miles) Ring Road, which circumnavigates the island, the minimum time needed is one week. 10-14 days would be much better, though.

We visited Iceland for 12 nights and liked not being too rushed. We were able to have a couple of rest days when the weather was bad. See our western Iceland itinerary for details of where we went.

Public transport is very limited so the best way to tour Iceland is with your own vehicle.

If you can drive, the best way to see Iceland is to hire a car and do a self-drive trip around the island.

We use Booking.com Car Rentals  to find the best deal. We rented a 4WD car, which we appreciated on bumpy gravel roads in the Westfjords, but it isn’t strictly necessary for most Iceland trips.

We found driving around Iceland easy—there aren’t many roads so it’s difficult to get lost and there’s good cell phone signal for using Google Maps.

Renting a campervan is also a popular way to tour Iceland in the summer. You must park in designated camping zones, though.

Take Tours from Reykjavik

Another way to explore Iceland is to base yourself in Reykjavik and take day tours. You can get a shuttle bus from the airport into the city (which is very walkable).

See  Get Your Guide for a wide variety of trips such as the popular Golden Circle tour , whale watching on a luxury yacht , Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon , Sky Lagoon geothermal pool , and many more.

This is the best option if you can’t or don’t want to drive or are visiting in winter and aren’t confident driving on snowy roads. It’s also a good way to travel if you are visiting Iceland on your own.

• Save up – Iceland is expensive and you’ll enjoy your vacation more if you aren’t worrying about every penny (on chilly days we really appreciated those hot chocolate and cake breaks). Find out how much our Iceland trip cost . 
• Consider visiting in the off-season – Iceland gets very busy in the June to August summer months, so avoid the crowds by visiting at a different time of year.

• Plan your itinerary – See our off the beaten track Iceland itinerary  for trips of 7 to 12 days or follow the classic ring road around the country (at least 10 days is recommended). Roads in the north are often impassable in winter so stick to the south—here’s a 5 day Iceland winter itinerary .
• Book your accommodation – Especially if you are travelling in the summer high season, you need to book far in advance. You can use sites like Vrbo  to find self-catering cabins and save on high restaurant costs. Search on Booking for hotels, guesthouses, and cottages.

• Buy travel insurance – It’s essential in case anything goes wrong. We recommend SafetyWing (a budget option available worldwide), True Traveller (for UK and EU residents), and Heymondo (available worldwide).
• Book the Blue Lagoon – Iceland’s most popular attraction can book up weeks in advance. It’s near the airport so most people visit after their flight arrives or before they depart. Book the Blue Lagoon with transfers here . We skipped it because it’s expensive, crowded, and we found some gorgeous, isolated hot springs in the Westfjords instead. Next time, I want to visit the new Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, which should also be booked well in advance.

• Read The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland by Alda Sigmundsdottir – For tips by a local on travelling safely and responsibly and to understand the impact the tourism boom has had on the country. If you have time for more than one book, see my picks of the 10 best Iceland books to read before you visit including non-fiction and fiction. 
• Pack the essentials – In every season you’ll need warm layers (merino wool is great), waterproofs, waterproof hiking shoes or boots, swimsuit and travel towel (for hot springs), tripod (for northern lights photography), and sunglasses (the sun is often low). See our Iceland packing list for what we took.
• Bring a chip and pin debit or credit card – You’ll need it for self-service petrol pumps.
• Don’t worry about cash – Cards are accepted everywhere. We only needed a small amount of cash on our Iceland trip (about 3000 Icelandic krona worth $21) for unattended hot springs and toilets.
• Read safetravel.is – For tips on staying safe on your Iceland vacation. You can also give them your travel itinerary so they’ll be able to respond if you don’t reach your planned destination.
• Check if an EITAS is required – From 2025, the EU will be introducing an online travel authorisation system for travellers from countries that are currently visa-free (including US, UK, and Canada). You’ll need to apply before your trip and pay a small fee, but full details haven’t been announced yet (and it keeps getting postponed).
• Take the Icelandic pledge  
• Be flexible – The volatile weather can mean tours are cancelled or hikes or drives would be too dangerous.
• Check road.is  before setting out each day – For details of road conditions and closures.
• Take a walk through a lava field – They are incredible! Our favourites were on the Snaefellness Peninsula .

• Expect to see many waterfalls – They are everywhere! My favourite was Dynjandi in the Westfjords.

• Drink the tap water – It’s pure and delicious. Bring a lightweight, foldable water bottle like the Vapur with you.
• Look out for the northern lights from September to mid-April – We used the Aurora app and Vedur website to see our chances. We got lucky on a 30% chance day and saw them outside our Bjarkarholt cabin in the Westfjords. It’s best to stay in the countryside where there’s no light pollution. If you don’t have a car, you can take a northern lights tour from Reykjavik . 
• Use a tripod and long exposure  – To take photos of the northern lights. Most of mine were taken in manual mode at f2.8 with a 10 second shutter speed.

• Enjoy the midnight sun – If you visit Iceland in the summer when it’s light almost 24/7.
• Drive with your headlights on at all times .
• Be careful of sheep on the road – And always report it if you run one over (you won’t be fined).
• Fill up with petrol when you can – You might not come across a petrol pump for a while.

• Relax at geothermally heated swimming pools and hot pots – You’ll find them in even the smallest towns and it’s so lovely to swim in warm water when it’s cold outside.
• Shower naked thoroughly (without your swimsuit!) before entering a hot spring or pool – Public nudity isn’t a big deal in Iceland and you’ll draw far more attention to yourself if you don’t. They are very strict about this! There are separate male and female showers. You wear your swimsuit in the pool.
• Use the toilet whenever you find one (they are in short supply) – Be prepared to pay, usually around 200 ISK ($1.40). It’s worth keeping a small amount of cash for this. 
• Admire the cute wooden churches everywhere .

• Look out for seals – We saw them three times lazing on rocks by the sea.
• Ride an Icelandic horse and try its unique, smooth pace, the tölt.

• Create a playlist of Icelandic music – I will forever associate Of Monsters and Men with epic drives through the mountains. Iceland has a huge number of talented bands—check out Björk, Sigur Rós, Solstafir, Ásgeir, Múm and many more.
• Read books by Icelandic authors – It’s a very literary country. Nobel Prize-winning Halldór Laxness is the most famous author, and reading the classic Icelandic Sagas from the 13th and 14th centuries will give you a greater understanding of the country as famous sites from the stories are everywhere. See my 10 favourite books about Iceland including fun, quirky, and mysterious novels.
• Take a walk on a beach – It’s unlikely to be sunbathing weather, but Iceland’s dramatic black, golden, and red beaches are perfect for wild walks.

• Shop at Bonus supermarket – It’s the cheapest place to self-cater.
• Pack a picnic if you are road tripping – There often isn’t anywhere to stop for lunch, especially outside the summer when remote cafes close.
• Stock up on alcohol at Duty-Free on arrival at the airport if you want to drink – It’s much cheaper than in the state-run liquor stores (the only place you can buy booze).
• Enjoy delicious hot chocolate and cake (or a cinnamon bun) at one of Iceland’s excellent cosy cafes.
• Check Grapevine , a free English language newspaper – For what’s on in Reykjavik and enjoy its legendary nightlife and music scene on weekends.
• Call everyone by their first name – Titles aren’t used in Iceland. Instead of surnames, Icelanders use patronymics (or less commonly matronymics) made up of their father’s (or mother’s) name plus “son” (son) or “dóttir” (daughter). E.g. Björk Guðmundsdóttir is Gudmund’s daughter.
• Underestimate the weather – Icelandic weather changes fast and can be dangerous. Check the Vedur website or download their app for weather forecasts. Always be prepared with extra layers and waterproofs. 
• Drive in a storm – Strong winds can blow cars off the road or volcanic rocks into your windscreen in scary sandstorms.
• Stop on the road – I understand, you will feel the urge to take a photo every few minutes, but always pull over into a parking area, even if the road seems empty.

• Speed – Stick to the speed limit of 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural gravel roads, and 90 km/h on rural asphalt roads.
• Feel the need to tip – It’s not rude to do so, but it’s not expected or customary.
• Wild camp – This is now banned and you must park your campervan or put up your tent in a designated campsite.
• Risk your life for a photo – Respect any barriers that have been put up.
• Get too close to cliff edges or the surf – Tourists have fallen off cliffs and been killed by rogue waves (especially at Reynisfjara beach).

• Walk on the ice at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon – The ice is not stable and the water is dangerously cold.
• Go onto a glacier without an accredited guide – There are hidden crevasses that you could fall into.

• Drive on F roads without a 4WD vehicle
• Drive off-road in any vehicle – It damages the landscape and you’ll receive a high fine.
• Worry about staying connected – Even the remote cabins we stayed in had good WiFi and we had 3G or 4G signal almost everywhere. If you don’t have an affordable data plan for Iceland, buy an Airalo e-SIM and get online as soon as you arrive.
• Feed horses – Yes, they are cute, but it is bad for their health. It’s best to visit a horse farm like Sturlureykir , where can pay a small fee to interact with them (or go on a ride).
• Take rocks or pebbles as souvenirs
• Litter – Have some respect for this beautiful place.
• Ask Icelanders if they believe in elves (aka hidden people) – The majority do not, although they understand that many of their ancestors did and they are part of their heritage.
• Rush – Iceland’s a stunning country, take your time and enjoy it.

I hope this post has answered any concerns about how to plan a trip to Iceland. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below or share your own Iceland travel tips.

• Iceland Itinerary: Off The Beaten Path on a Snæfellsnes and Westfjords Road Trip
• 14 Places Not to Miss on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• How Much Does an Iceland Trip Cost? Our Road Trip Budget
• 10 Best Books About Iceland to Read Before You Visit
• The Ultimate Iceland Packing List for Men and Women
• Visiting Iceland in September: What to Expect and Things to Do

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36 Comments

I am currently planning a summer Iceland trip, is there a certain part of Iceland (city/location) or an activity that can only be accessed through a tour like a hike, whale watching, etc. that should not be missed? This will be my first time in Iceland. Thank you!

Reply ↓

Hi, great blog. I’m thinking of taking my 3 teenagers to Iceland. I don’t want to be stuck in the hustle of a “tour group” experience. Is it possible to do it on my own with just day trips? How is late June? Will we be able to see glaciers and ice caves or are those only in the winter? Thanks!

Yes, you could do it on your own with day trips if you hire a car and don’t mind a fair amount of driving.

In this case, you might also want to consider a night or two outside Reykjavik though–the Snafellsness peninsula is only a few hours away and is worth the extra time.

Late June is busy and expensive (book asap), but the weather is at its best (but still be prepared for cold) and you’ll have up to 21 hours of daylight.

Langjokull Ice Cave is on a glacier and can be visited year round as it’s man made. You have to visit on a tour from Husafell or Reykjavik.

Enjoy Iceland!

I loved your article. I would like to ask: is it possible to visit Iceland on day tours from Reykjavik? Or is it better to take a 6 days tour of the country? Is it possible to rent a bus from Reykjavik for a group of people?

You wouldn’t be able to see the whole island, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to do that in 6 days anyway. You can certainly see a lot by taking day tours from Reykjavik. Many people who don’t want to drive do this.

I’m not sure about renting a bus. But if you have a really big group maybe contact an Iceland tour company for advice. Organising a private tour might make more sense than joining a group tour.

Credit card use is very pervasive.

However at campsites where laundry and showers are coin-operated, how does one get the coins needed?

We haven’t stayed at campsites so I’m not sure, but we withdrew a small amount of cash from an ATM at the airport on arrival.

Very good article, we just returned from our two weeks in Iceland. and the only thing I would add it’s the wind, not the temperature that is hard to handle. Plus all the Icelandic people we delta with all spoke perfect English, a couple of times I had to ask them where they were from, only to be shocked that they were from Iceland. Enjoy your trip, we did, oh and make sure you get full car insurance!

It’s really helpful for my Christmas Iceland Trip! I hope I can experience a lot as you said!

Thank you very much, Erin, for this super informative blog. I’m planning to visit Iceland sometime in Feb/Mar 2023. Will visit the places of interests you shared. We come from Singapore – hot climate. Might be a struggle to keep ourselves warm in Iceland. :-(

Great information, You answered all my questions

Planning a trip to Iceland now and this has been a super helpful place to start! Thanks so much for a really awesome guide. Reading your 5-day Winter itinerary next as we’re going February 2022 so that could be perfect for us!

Thank you. Very informative, organized, and superb photography.

Thanks, Jay!

After spending 18 months sequestered and being fully vaccinated, I did an 8-day tour of Iceland and although it was challenging getting there from Western Canada, once I got there I loved it! I can verify all the recommended do’s & don’ts are true and worth your while following. The landscape is like no other in the world and it took my breath away despite not having the best weather. The people very friendly & welcoming, the food amazingly delicious, hotels & accommodations modern, simple & comfortable. Our tour and our guide was amazingly knowledgeable & experieced who kept us entertained with great facts, history, geology, birding knowledge & some tall tales. Loved it and would visit again!

Thanks for the trip report, Aida! It sounds like an amazing trip! You’re making me really want to go back.

Are the travel restrictions for Vaccinated people lifted for Iceland? FYI: I’m an american

Yes, you can travel to Iceland now.

I can’t wait to move to Iceland

Hi, I’m an American, do you think the travel restrictions will be lifted by the summer?

Thank you, Jessica

No one really knows but it will depend if the US can get the virus under control by then. It looks like from 1 May, Iceland hopes to open up a little more but that will be based on each country’s situation. Edit: All restrictions have been lifted: https://www.government.is/government/covid-19/covid-19-news/2022/02/23/COVID-19-Lifting-of-all-domestic-restrictions-and-restrictions-at-the-border/

Personally I wouldn’t book anything unless you have free cancellation.

Hi Erin. Thanks for this guide. My wife and I are planning a trip there in September or October. We are US Citizens, so we hope it can happen. We have travel certificates which expire at the end of the year, so we are sort of up against a wall. We have to check to see what the cancellation policy is. Fingers crossed that it can happen.

Good luck with it! It’s so hard to say what will happen with travel this year.

Thank you very much for this guide! I’ve been looking at pre-paid packages and trying to decide whether to do one of those or create my own. Do you have any advice for a solo female traveler? It’s my first solo trip and I am excited but nervous.

I don’t have any experience of solo travel in Iceland but it’s a very safe country and we know plenty of women who loved it. Probably the easiest way would be to stay in Reykjavik and take day tours. If you are a confident drive you could also rent a car and head off by yourself. It’s pretty easy to arrange your own trip. Enjoy!

we are planning a trip this summer. thanks for all the information!

Enjoy, Elana!

The pics are literally breathtaking. Can’t wait to see it all with my own eyes next summer. Thank you for the tips, really valuable for me planning my first encounter with this beauty.

It is one of the most stunning places we’ve ever visited. Have an amazing trip!

This is a great resource! Thanks so much for taking the time to put it together. I particularly appreciate the tips regarding the need for a credit/debit card with a chip and pin for buying gas/petrol, the custom for gratuities, the Icelandic music playlist (perfect for the road trip!) and reading suggestions, and where to buy alcohol and groceries. And my favorite tip is to enjoy the hot chocolate and cake…don’t need to tell me twice!

I’m so glad you found it useful Heather!

Good list! I have two comments:

– Love the thing about tipping! During my trip, I actually asked one waitress what would be an appropriate tip and she said: “We have normal wages here, we don’t need tips”. ??

– I tried to read Independent People by Laxness while in Iceland but I had to give up. There’s only so much interest I can muster about the sheep… ?

Ha! I haven’t read Independent People yet as I heard The Fish Can Sing is a more accessible, lighthearted introduction to Laxness and I did enjoy it.

Erin what a rocking list. All noted. Iceland reminds me somewhat of New Zealand. Insane beauty, kinda expensive and yep, gotta have you head on a swivel sometimes. Especially driving.

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Essential Iceland Travel Tips: What You Need to Know Before Traveling to Iceland in 2024

This article covers all of the best Iceland travel tips you need to know before traveling to Iceland in 2024.

Iceland is among the best and most unique travel destinations in the world. From glaciers and ice caves to erupting volcanoes, Iceland is truly among the most interesting and out-of-this-world places that I have ever been to. If you are looking for your next adventure vacation, then look no further because I have the best Iceland travel tips for 2024! Before you visit, there are some things you should know first that will make your trip easier. This article will tell you all of the important things that you need to know before traveling to Iceland to ensure your trip is as successful as possible.

Iceland is not a difficult travel destination, but there are some helpful Iceland travel tips that are very useful to know. I’ve compiled below a concise list of what I believe to be only the most important and necessary information to understand before leaving. I highly advise booking your trip, accommodations, car, and tours far in advance as Iceland is a very popular travel destination, especially in the summer.

If you’re looking for the perfect 7-day itinerary for the best trip to Iceland in 2024, make sure to check out my other article here . This ultimate guide includes everything you need to know for a perfect week in Iceland! I highly recommend this itinerary.

Here are the bare essentials of what you need to know before traveling to Iceland:

• A car rental is needed to see the major attractions.
• Book accommodations and car rentals far in advance for the summer season (the best time of year to visit).
• Pack layers for the variable weather.
• Book Blue Lagoon tickets in advance because they do sell out.
• Refer to https://safetravel.is/ for the latest information on eruption safety.

Table of Contents

Possible iceland itineraries, getting around – do you need a car in iceland, driving tips, car rental tips, cell phone service, overall cost, accommodations, best time of year to visit, weather and what to pack, map of iceland, 1. do u.s. citizens need a visa to travel to iceland, 2. do i need cash in iceland, 3. when can i see the northern lights, 4. is english spoken in iceland, 5. can you drink the tap water in iceland, 6. is iceland friendly to tourists, 7. do i need an adapter, conclusion – essential iceland travel tips for 2024.

If you have already performed some research on what to see and do in Iceland, you have likely discovered that there are two main itineraries that you can pursue:

• The Golden Circle: a loop along southern Iceland that offers many amazing attractions in a smaller area
• The Ring Road: also known as Route 1, this is the road that loops the entirety of Iceland

My recommendation is to only pursue the Ring Road if you have 10 or more days. My 7 day Iceland itinerary includes all of the Golden Circle and about half of the Ring Road – which I believe to be the best way to see Iceland in a week.

Based on the number of days you have, here are my suggestions on what is feasible to take on in your itinerary:

• <3 days : With this amount of time I recommend sticking to Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city, and a day trip to the Golden Circle.
• 4-10 days : With this amount of time you can see most of what Iceland has to offer, including the Golden Circle, the southern coast of Iceland, Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
• >10 days: With this amount of time you can pursue the entirety of the Ring Road.

Everything you need to know about Iceland before you travel

Icelandair is Iceland’s major airline and connects to many countries. The main airport in Iceland is Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Keflavík is south of Reykjavík, and not in the city. A cool thing about Icelandair is that they allow for travelers to take extended layovers. This means you can stop in Iceland for a couple of days on your way to another destination. This method can be a cheap way to combine a mainland Europe trip with an Iceland trip for no extra cost.

My biggest recommendation for traveling in Iceland is to rent a car. The attractions of Iceland are very spread out and the best way to see them is definitively by car. You can hire tours if you prefer; however, these can get pricey and quickly overcome the cost of the car rental. Iceland is best seen via car and you will likely be driving a lot to see the main sights. The airport is the easiest place to rent from.

Driving in Iceland is not difficult. The roads are well laid out and the signage is easy to follow. Cell service was excellent in most, if not all, places I went, but consider downloading an offline map anyway.

One thing to note about Iceland driving is that their roundabouts are not the same as the United States. The inner lane has the right-of-way for exiting the roundabout – the outer lane is the one to yield. It is something to pay attention to, but easy to navigate.

When filling your car tank with gas or diesel, American visitors will have more success using tap pay. Make sure to stay fueled up at all times as distances between gas stations can be far, and many close at night.

• Driving is on the right side of the road.
• Although I’m an Apple Maps guy, Google Maps definitely works better in Iceland.
• The only toll on Iceland is in the north through the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel, which my 7-Day Iceland Itinerary does not include. So you do not need to worry about tolls.
• Do not drive on F roads unless you rent a 4×4 vehicle. Do not drive off-road, it is illegal.
• Watch out for speed cameras – drive the speed limit. Cameras are fairly common.
• Remember weather conditions. Pay attention to winter weather, such as snow, ice, or extreme wind.
• If it is windy, be cautious to make sure your door does not blow open and slam into you or the nearby cars.
• An international driver’s permit is not needed to drive in Iceland, you just need a valid driver’s license.
• For current road information check https://www.road.is/ .
• Make sure you rent an automatic car if you need it. They sell out quicker and should be rented further in advance than manual cars.
• There are very few large (automatic) car rentals (i.e. 7 seats) available. Rent very far in advance if you need this.
• It is popular to rent camper vans and camp around Iceland. This is an option many travelers like to consider.
• Use a credit card that includes your car rental insurance with no international fees – many credit cards have the collision damage waiver (CDW) already included in your benefits. You can call your credit card company to determine this or to get a printed version. This will save you money . If you don’t have this, it’s always a good idea to opt into the extra insurance.
• Some parking lots at tourist attractions require paid parking. Download Parka.is from the app store in advance so you can pay for parking on your phone.

I am a big fan and proponent of using eSim cards when traveling to new countries. eSim cards are non-physical sim cards that let you change your phone plan temporarily without having to remove or insert a physical sim card. They are super easy and do not affect your current cell service. If you want to learn more about eSim cards, refer to this article .

When I travel to Iceland I purchase a seven-day plan from Airalo. I’ve used them in the past based on personal research and had perfect service throughout Iceland with no interruptions. If interested, you can purchase an Iceland eSim card from Airalo here . Simply select the number of days you want service for and how many gigabytes of data and then follow the installation instructions. I highly recommend using this service as the easiest option!

Food can be expensive in Iceland. Throughout my guide , I sprinkled in recommendations that are family-friendly and vegetarian-friendly that don’t break the bank. My best advice is that it is always fun to go to the grocery store and pack sandwiches for your adventures! I like this option because you get to experience grocery shopping in a foreign country, and you don’t need to take time out of your travel day for a sit-down lunch. Going out to only one meal a day helps to save money, while still letting you try the local cuisine.

Believe it or not, gas stations in Iceland are actually well-known for their food! Consider trying a famous Icelandic hot dog, grab some skyr, or simply a comfort burger from the gas stations for a cheaper and quick meal alternative.

Iceland has a reputation for being expensive. This is sometimes true, but certainly does not have to be! It’s not as bad as you might expect and is comparable to many major American cities. Consider staying in an Airbnb to get into the countryside and save some money compared to staying at a hotel. Food can be packed or eaten at your accommodations to reduce spending at restaurants. Most activities are in nature and therefore require little or no payment. Do remember to include gas in your budget!

Note that the currency is the Icelandic Króna. Everywhere I visited accepted credit cards, requiring me to use no cash while there. It is always a good idea to take out some local currency though just in case. Make sure to use a credit card with no international fees, and opt to pay in the local currency upon checkout.

The most efficient way to see Iceland is by moving accommodations. This allows you to see multiple locations in Iceland that are far apart without having to drive back and forth. I recommend this for Iceland because the distances between major attractions can be pretty far. However, this is not necessary. I have done my one week itinerary staying in one Airbnb in Selfoss and taking day trips to each destination. The guide includes location recommendations of where to stay.

Which you choose is up to you and how comfortable you are with driving time in the car. If you prefer less driving time, you will want to move accommodations more frequently, or if you don’t mind extra driving you can stay in one spot and not have to move around at all. Of course, you can always just pick one area and explore it fully instead of trying to see all of it.

In my experience, Airbnbs are nicer and cheaper than the hotels in Iceland. They often will get you to unique locations with cool features that a hotel might not provide.

Camping is a very popular option in Iceland if you prefer that over hotels or Airbnbs. There are numerous rental companies set up to support camping and van rentals, and campsites across the country.

Iceland is home to active volcanoes. Always research if eruptions are occurring before you travel and plan accordingly. Follow the guidelines that are set and respect any closures to ensure safety. Please refer to https://safetravel.is/ for the most current and up-to-date information.

What is the best time of year to go to spend time in Iceland? In my personal opinion, the summer (June through August) is the best time of year to visit. This is because the sun almost never sets in the summer due to Iceland’s geographic location. This means you can explore Iceland from the early morning to well into the night in full daylight. This is very helpful as there is so much to see and driving distances can be far. This time of the year is also the warmest. Iceland gets very cold, so the warmer temperatures are appreciated when sightseeing.

That being said, you stand low odds of seeing the Northern Lights in the summertime. If you are interested in the Northern lights, I would recommend a more laid-back winter trip. If you choose the winter, prepare for winter-time driving conditions, temperatures, and little sunlight.

Iceland is home to some extreme weather. When the sun is out in the summer it can be warm, but it is important to pack a rain jacket or windbreaker. Much of Iceland is very windy, so I recommend layers. Bring warm clothes as well, especially if traveling in the winter (jacket, gloves, hat, etc.). And waterproof hiking boots or a good pair of sneakers is a good idea. If you forget something warm, you can always invest in a locally-made wool sweater!

If you plan on swimming in the hot springs you should bring a bathing suit and towel. As always, never forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, and water bottle!

I put the general location of each day of my optimized itinerary on the above map so you can better understand the geography. For context, the drive from Reykjavík (day 7) to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (Day 5- the farthest activity) is about five hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A visa is not needed for US visitors up to a duration of 90 days.

While having local currency is always a good backup option, almost all vendors in Iceland accept credit cards.

The winter season is the best time of year for viewing the northern lights.

Yes, the majority of the population in Iceland speaks fluent English.

Yes, the tap water in Iceland is safe to drink.

Yes, the Icelandic population is both friendly and welcoming to tourists. Make sure to treat the locals and nature with respect.

Yes, you will need to use an EU adapter to charge your electronics.

If you are considering a trip to Iceland, I’m here to tell you to go ahead and book it! It is completely worthwhile and you will see some of the most beautiful sights in the world. As always, take your time with travel planning, and be sure to take into consideration my Iceland travel tips for 2024!

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The best solo travel destinations, according to a long-time solo traveller

Travelling alone can be one of life's most rewarding experiences, says Tracey Davies, editor of 101 Singles Holidays

Solo travel is having a real renaissance right now. According to American Express’ latest Global Travel Trends report , 69 per cent of travellers are planning to go it alone this year, with women in the post-45 age bracket leading the charge. There are many reasons women choose to travel on their own: separation from a partner, a sabbatical from work, seeking empowerment and freedom, or simply wanting to do things their own way for a change.

So, if you’re looking for a yoga retreat in Spain , want to explore the Golden Triangle in India , or even snuffle for truffles in the forests of Slovenia , there are a million and one solo holiday ideas to garner inspiration from. Here are some of my favourites…

History in Edinburgh , thronging nightlife in Glasgow, heather-strewn glens in the Highlands – Scotland is a brilliant place to explore, period. Solo adventures to be had in Scotland could include a walking holiday in Glencoe, monster-spotting in Loch Ness or island hopping around the Hebrides .

See the best of the Highlands on a four-day Good Housekeeping tour this July, which includes a ride on the world-famous Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. The train passes the stunning slopes of Ben Nevis, numerous dazzling lochs and the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct (pictured), made famous by the Harry Potter film franchise.

Other highlights of this tour include a ride on the Falkirk Wheel boat lift and a cruise along the Firth of Clyde on the PS Waverley, the world's last ocean paddle steamer.

Spain hits the top spot as one of the easiest places to travel solo. It has Mediterranean beach resorts, buzzing cities abundant with cool bars and restaurants (like Granada, pictured), and small towns and picturesque villages that are perfect for pottering.

Add in a straightforward and reliable transport network, a plethora of solo accommodation options and friendly residents, it's easy to see why Spain is a great choice for a solo sojourn.

The Healthy Holiday Company offers numerous wellness trips throughout Spain. One of the best for solo travellers is Shanti Som, a small, boutique retreat in Andalusia. With just 15 rooms it offers an intimate experience plus has a yoga pavilion and gorgeous little spa that offers different treatments and therapies. FIND OUT MORE

Italy is incredibly welcoming to the solo traveller. Have you read the book or seen the movie Eat, Pray, Love ? Our hero Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love with the country’s great food, romantic language and utterly charming locals. Italy's also an easy country to get around in, thanks to its excellent transport network.

One of my favourite cities in Italy is Bologna (pictured). Known as La Grassa ('the fat one'), the northern city is a mecca for gastronomes . As well as feasting on hearty pasta dishes and locally-made wine, Good Housekeeping's six-day foodies tour (which begins and ends in Bologna) visits producers of Parma ham, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan, and includes an Italian cooking class in the neighbouring city of Modena.

FIND OUT MORE

Considered one of the safest countries in the world, Norway is the perfect destination for solo travellers, especially those looking to embrace friluftsliv , the Norwegian concept of enjoying the great outdoors.

Like other Nordic countries, Norway is incredibly well organised, efficient and easy to traverse. It also has a fantastic, solo-friendly dining scene with a focus on home-grown, seasonal produce.

Norway is one of the best places on earth to witness the Northern Lights , so join Good Housekeeping on this fantastic 12-day Norway cruise with no single supplement.

Departing November 2024 , you'll sail on a Hurtigruten ship, stopping off at the UNESCO-listed port of Bergen, the Lofoten Islands and Tromsø. As you cross the Arctic Circle, the chances of spotting the aurora borealis are almost guaranteed.

Famously welcoming, Slovenia is the perfect destination when travelling alone.

Bordering Hungary, Italy, Austria and Croatia , this small but mighty country is relatively straightforward to explore, thanks to its efficient transport system. The fact that there's also plenty to see and do – and that most people speak English – means it should be on any solo adventurer’s must-visit list.

This six-day guided Slovenia adventure , departing in October 2024, is a great introduction to Central and Southeastern Europe. The trip begins and ends in Ljubljana, Slovenia's cobblestoned capital, and includes tours of Triglav National Park, Lake Bled (pictured) and the UNESCO-listed Skocjan caves.

You’ll also enjoy wine tasting in the Vipava Valley and an afternoon learning about the art of truffle hunting.

For the original Shirley Valentine experience, look no further than Greece and its beautiful islands. Greece is ideal for solo travellers, whether you want to hoover up the ancient history in Athens or hop around the islands, relaxing on beaches and dining Shirley-style in traditional tavernas.

With an abundance of sprawling beach resorts, white-washed fishing harbours and rugged mountain villages to pick from on the islands, the hardest part is choosing which one to visit.

If you're looking to explore your creative side, check out learning holidays company Skyros . Staying in a rustic eco-lodge, this week-long holiday on Skyros (pictured), in the southern Sporades, includes creative writing sessions, stand-up comedy workshops and relaxing yoga classes.

As our closest continental neighbours, France is a good place to start when venturing abroad solo. It's easy to get around, dining alone is welcomed and the French are very accustomed to tourists.

Follow in the footsteps of Claude Monet on this four-day Good Housekeeping holiday taking in Paris and Giverny. Great for single travellers with a passion for art, the base for the trip (departing in July 2024) is the four-star Château de Montvillargenne in the heart of the Chantilly forest.

Excursions include a visit to Château de Chantilly and the market town of Senlis plus a guided tour of Monet's gardens in Giverny (pictured) led by gardening expert and writer Paula McWaters.

Considered to be one of the most captivating landscapes on the planet, Iceland is a must for any adventurer, including those going it alone.

With incredibly welcoming locals, Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice, and offers visitors the chance to bathe in hot springs, climb sheer glaciers or come face-to-face with feisty volcanoes. To see this vast landscape in style, it's well worth joining a group tour (ideal for solo travellers) or hiring a car.

Soak in the famous Blue Lagoon (pictured), see the Skógafoss waterfall and hike up the Sólheimajökull glacier on an exhilarating five-day tour of Iceland. Hosted by Regent Holidays , this is a great option for solo travellers aiming to tick off a range of Iceland activities.

India was one of the first countries I ever travelled around alone (talk about throwing myself in at the deep end!) and while it was challenging in parts, it was also rewarding and transformative.

Whether you're looking to hike the Himalayas, 'find yourself' through yoga and meditation on a retreat or marvel at the Taj Mahal, India's unique culture and vibrancy is bucket list-worthy.

One of the easiest ways to explore India on your own is on an escorted tour. Solos Holidays itineraries are made specifically for the single traveller, and their Splendour's of Rajasthan tour explores the Golden Triangle of Jodhpur, Jaipur and Agra. Highlights include seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise (pictured) and visiting the Amber Fort in the Aravalli Hills.

Gorgeous white beaches, rugged national parks and perhaps the prettiest medieval walled city in the world (hello, Dubrovnik ), Croatia is one of my favourite places in Europe to explore by myself.

Croatia is an easy country to get around, whether you want to go island hopping by ferry, catch a coach along the Adriatic Coast or hire a car to explore the country’s rugged interior.

If you want to see Croatia with a some like-minded folk, consider booking an escorted tour with Just You , a solo holidays specialist. Their Croatia and the Markarska Riviera trip focuses on the Dalmatian Coast and is bookended by stays in Zadar and Dubrovnik. It also includes a brilliant boat trip to Hvar and Brac (pictured), and a visit to Krka National Park.

More travel ideas:

- The best cruises for 2024

- Venice's hidden gems

- The 2025 holidays worth booking in advance

- The best mother-daughter holiday ideas

- Amazing holidays with celebrity guests

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