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Multi-day Tours

6 Day Tours

6 Days Around Iceland Adventure

Ring road, golden circle, myvatn, hot spring, waterfalls & glacier lagoon.

• Places You'll see

Imagine being whisked away on a trip around Iceland's famous Ring Road . Led by our expert guides, you'll witness the power of erupting Geysir, explore the Golden Circle, and marvel at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. According to glowing reviews, this tour is as good as it gets.

Gear up for a thrilling glacier hike and explore crystal ice cave. Say hello to whales and unwind in the geothermal Myvatn Nature Bath .

We take care of all the planning, offering an all-inclusive package with comfortable accommodations while you soak in the beauty of Iceland. We take you off the beaten path to hidden gems like the Wilderness Center , an authentic cultural hideaway, and Stuðlagil Canyon , perfect for epic photos.

Buckle up - this adventure is just a click away.

• The Ring Road

Stuðlagil Canyon

• Vatnajökull Glacier Hike
• Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir)
• South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara)
• Skaftafell National Park
• Whale watching in Dalvík
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Lake Mývatn Geothermal Area
• Mývatn Nature Baths
• Goðafoss Waterfall

Wilderness Center

• Crystal Ice Cave
• Northern Lights (Sept-Apr)
• Pick-up in Reykjavík
• Drop off in Reykjavík or Borgarnes
• Accommodation with Private Bathroom - 5 Nights
• Breakfast Each Morning at Your Hotel
• English Speaking Adventure Tour Guide
• Guided Tour in Minibus
• All Required Safety Equipment
• Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull Glacier (Apr-Oct)
• Crystal Ice Cave (Oct-April)
• Whale Watching in Dalvík
• Free WiFi on the Bus

What to bring

• Warm outdoor clothing
• A waterproof jacket and pants
• Headwear and gloves
• Good hiking boots are recommended

Tour Snapshot

• “Tour of the Year” Award Winner
• Expert Guides
• Small Group Experience
• Glacier hike on Vatnajökull Glacier (Apr-Oct)
• Crystal Ice Cave visit (Oct-Apr)
• Whale watching in Dalvík
• Activities in Wilderness Center
• 6 Days Tour Around Iceland Guidebook

This Iceland tour will give you the best possible experience.    

Iceland has something unique to offer at any time of year. Here are these tour's seasonal extras:    

From September until April, you might see magical Northern Lights dance across the sky. From October to April, we replace the glacier hike with a thrilling journey through the Crystal Ice Cave .    

In summer, the Arctic midnight sun reigns supreme, and puffins are often spotted along the coastline, so we make time to enjoy these. We could be lucky enough to cross paths with reindeer in the East. In September, there is sometimes time to go to a sheep round-up somewhere in the countryside - learn how real farmers do things.

Here you can find a detailed list of information about everything you need to know about this tour: 6 Days Around Iceland Adventure Guide

Day 1: Golden Circle and South Coast

Please be ready at your pick-up location in Reykjavík at 08:00 am. The pick-up process takes up to 30 minutes, so you may have to wait a few minutes, depending on where you are in Reykjavik. The first day of this round trip is mainly focused on exploring the attractions of the famous Golden Circle .    

We visit Þingvellir National Park , recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its geological and historical significance. Here, the Icelanders founded their historic Parliament in 930 CE, Alþingið, one of the first democratic governments in the world. The Law Speaker had one of the most dramatic ‘platforms’ in the world to proclaim the law. The cliff of the mighty rift valley stood at his back. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs right through Þingvellir. The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates continue to edge apart, slowly widening the rift valley. The Geysir hot spring area will be our next destination.

Geysir is the spouting hot spring that gave its name to this phenomenon when the English word ‘geyser’ was adopted. Watch the Strokkur hot spring erupt with incredible jets of hot water and steam every few minutes and see the bubbling fumaroles. The mighty Gullfoss waterfall is the final Golden Circle attraction. See the dreamy golden-hued mist rising from the spray as the Hvítá (the White River) pours down from Langjökull (the Long Glacier) roaring through the rugged canyon. Gullfoss drops 32 m in two stages.

On the way to our accommodation at a country hotel near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, we will visit both Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is a very unusual waterfall because it is possible to walk behind the cascade, giving a unique vantage point.

We explore the atmospheric  Reynisfjara  black sand beach with the glorious  Reynisdrangar  peaks and visit the basalt column cave.

Your hotel for the night will be close to the small town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a fantastic base to catch the mesmerizing Northern Lights during September and April months if conditions are right.

Day Highlights

• Þingvellir National Park
• Geysir Hot springs
• Gullfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

• Skógafoss Waterfall
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Guided tour in minibus
• Visit to the highlights of Golden Circle
• Visit the most famous waterfalls of the South coast
• Visit to Reynisfjara
• One night at Hotel

Accommodation

Adventure Hotel Geirland

Day 2: vík - skaftafell - glacier lagoon.

We pass the great Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which houses one of the most famous and feared volcanoes beneath its ice, the capricious Katla . You will get a glimpse of the great fire maestro in good visibility! Witness the results of previous volcanic eruptions as we drive across the Eldhraun lava field to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park . Skaftafell is a true oasis with green birch forests and lush vegetation, a verdant jewel amid the rough black sand desert.

Floating icebergs in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

We will take a three-hour glacier hike, guided by our specialist glacier guide, on an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. We replace the glacier hike with a magical journey through the Crystal Ice Cave from October to April.    

Next on the agenda is the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon . Gaze in wonder at the magical iceberg-filled lagoon and see the famous Diamond Beach , its coal-black sands peppered with the glittering crystal, blue/white icebergs which have been washed ashore. You will feel you are in a film scene, and in a way, you will be - footage of James Bond and other movies has been shot here.    

In the evening we will lay down our heads at comfortable accommodation in the South East area . Your guesthouse is a great spot to watch the Northern Lights from September through April.

• Vatnajökull National Park
• Jökulsarlón Glacier Lagoon
• The Crystal Beach (Diamond Beach)
• Breakfast at Hotel
• Guided Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull Glacier (April - Oct)
• Visit to Crystal Ice Cave (Oct - April)
• Certified Glacier Guide
• Specialized glacier gear
• Visit to Jökulsarlón and the Diamond Beach
• One night at a guesthouse or hotel

Adventure Hotel Hof

Day 3: east fjords - djúpivogur - wilderness center.

Today, we will explore the East Fjords of Iceland. We continue threading our way along the coastline, driving some narrow roads around Hvalnes , a magnificent and remote peninsula, and the stretch around the Þvottárskriður landslides between Lóns and Álftafjarðar .

We will stop at Djúpivogur, a traditional small fishing village that is also home to a fine outdoor sculpture, Eggin í Gleðivík (meaning The Eggs of Merry Bay).

Afterward, we will spend the rest of the day in a live history center that offers hiking, biking, horse riding activities, accommodation, exhibitions, restaurant & spa. Located halfway between Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and Lake Lagarfljót, the Wilderness Center is an authentic Icelandic experience. Its exhibitions cover a 3-kilometer trail showcasing life in and near the wild highlands.

*You will be able to access the museum’s exhibitions free of charge during your stay.  

When you arrive, you'll walk over an old wooden bridge, stepping into a journey through time. Your accommodation will be in historic buildings , and you will enjoy meals made from fresh local ingredients in an open kitchen.

After exploring, get ready for soaking in the hot spring spa! It's like stepping back in time to when the Vikings used to take baths. The bathhouse is built in an authentic style, with a traditional hot spring made from stones, just like the ones our ancestors used.

• East Fjords of Iceland
• Djúpivogur Fishing Village
• The town of Egilsstaðir
• The Wilderness Center
• Breakfast at the guesthouse or hotel
• Exploring the East Fjords of Iceland
• Visit to the small fishing village of Djúpvogur
• Free access to Wilderness Museum
• One night at the accommodation

Day 4: Stuðlagil Canyon - Mývatn - Goðafoss - Akureyri

Today, we are on our way to the north of the country. From Egilsstaðir, we drive to Stuðlagil Canyon , one of the world’s most enchanting basalt rock formations, and head over the wilderness.*

We then explore the mystical landscapes around Lake Mývatn , a designated nature reserve with lava fields and volcanic craters. In the area, we will visit the Myvatn Nature Baths , a famous geothermal spa in the Northeast (optional extra). You will have the opportunity to relax in the warm geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2.500 meters, heated by underground volcanic activity. Soak away your cares and let the mineral-rich waters work their magic on your body and soul.

From here, it just gets more surreal – we head to the steaming lunar landscapes of the Námaskarð geothermal area. See boiling hot springs, steaming fumaroles, and technicolor bubbling mud pots. The wonders continue when we visit the fantastic Dimmuborgir formations , known as the Dark Castles!

The vast and dreamy crescent-shaped waterfall - Goðafoss , is the last stop of the day before we journey to Eyjafjörður, an outstandingly beautiful fjord with high mountains.

Our accommodation for the night will be at a country hotel in Akureyri. You will also have a chance to explore the fishing town in the north. From September to April, you can head out from your cozy guesthouse at night to see the Northern Lights.

*Please be aware that during winter, road conditions may prevent access to Stuðlagil. However, we'll make sure to offer other exciting activities for you to enjoy. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Thank you for your understanding.

• Mývatn Lake
• Myvatn Nature Baths (optional extra)
• Námaskarð geothermal area
• Dimmuborgir formations
• Breakfast at the Hotel in Egilsstaðir
• Guided visit to the highlights
• One night at a hotel close to Akureyri

Berjaya Akureyri Hotel

Day 5: whale watching in dalvík - siglufjörður -tröllaskagi - laugarbakki.

Occasionally, there is time to make a short stop at Akureyri , the Capital of the North. We always drive through this charming town, passing through the mesmeric scenery along Eyjafjörður (the Island Fjord) on the way to the little fishing town of Dalvík .    

Your whale-watching boat trip departs from the traditional working harbor. During the 3-hour boat trip, you can expect to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, minke whales, and sometimes even a majestic blue whale showing up in the bay. If you are lucky, you might see one!

When we step ashore, we drive to Siglufjörður , a charming fishing village with a rich history. In the early 20th century, there was a gold rush atmosphere when the remote community became the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic.

Your journey around Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula) will show you some of Iceland's best ocean scenery and skiing areas. The characterful small villages on this peninsula will give you a good insight into how life was/is lived in the remote Icelandic villages. Our drive will take us through some thriving agricultural areas on our way to Laugarbakki.  

Your accommodation for the night will be at a small hotel in Laugarbakki (or similar). 

In the winter evenings, you can slip away from the hotel to chase the spectacular Northern Lights, a breathtaking light show, painting the sky with green, purple, and blue hues (September-April).

• Akureyri - Capital of the North
• Whale Watching from Dalvík
• Siglufjörður Fishing Village
• Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula)
• Breakfast at a hotel
• Akureyri & Eyjafjörður Fjord
• 3-hour Whale Watching sail tour
• Visit to Siglufjörður
• One night at a hotel

Hotel Laugarbakki

Day 6: borgarfjörður - reykholt - hraunfossar - hvalfjörður - reykjavík.

On this, our final day, we will find ourselves in West Iceland – an area that Lonely Planet voted as one of the best destinations . Your day will begin with a short hike up to Grábrók , a volcano crater. There are fabulous views over the lava field and the whole area on a clear day. Borgarfjörður has many splendid sights, and we will focus on these today. We stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring, the legendary waterfall, Barnafoss (the Children´s Waterfall), and the Hraunfossar cascade, the atmospheric very low and wide falls where the water emerges, literally straight out of the lava field.

Next on the agenda is the historic and picturesque site of Reykholt , home to Snorri Sturluson, the Icelandic historian, lawyer, politician, poet, and author of some Icelandic Sagas. See Snorralaug , Snorri´s pool, dabble your fingers, and feel the water temperature in the place where Snorri is likely to have bathed!

We will drive around the scenic fjord, Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), on our way back to Reykjavík. We expect to arrive in the capital city around 5 – 6 pm.

• Borgarfjörður
• Hike up to Grábrók, a volcano crater
• Deildartunguhver hot spring

Barnafoss Waterfall

• Hraunfossar cascade
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to the highlights of Borgarfjörður
• Visit to the historic sight of Reykholt
• Drop of in Reykjavík or Borgarnes

Please note

• Solo travelers are required to choose the single room supplement when booking if they want a guaranteed private room. If the single room fee is not paid, they might be roomed with another solo traveler of the same gender.
• Sometimes, we may need to change glaciers or glacier outlets on this tour due to various reasons, including weather conditions. Glacier outlets used on this tour include Svínafellsjökull, Falljökull and Sólheimajökull, all amazing and unique glaciers, equally as beautiful. From October to April, we replace the glacier hike with a journey through the Crystal Ice Cave.
• Hotels can change during your trip.

Pick-up Information

Pick-up is at 08:00 am from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík. Picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes, your patience is much appreciated. Available pick-up points:   Arctic Adventures’s pick-up list .

Attractions Map

Places you'll see.

Iceland's Golden Circle

Skogafoss Waterfall

Reynisfjara Beach

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Wilderness Centre

The Diamond Beach

Vík í Mýrdal

Egilsstadir

Lake Myvatn

Dimmuborgir

Godafoss Waterfall

Siglufjordur

Borgarfjordur

Hraunfossar Waterfalls

Reykholt | Arctic Adventures

If we arrive in iceland on the same date as we booked our tour, could we miss out on it.

We always recommend booking a multi-day tour starting at least one day after arriving in Iceland. If you’re flying in from the US or will be landing early (4-6:30 am) you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour.

Is it guaranteed that we will see the Northern Lights during the tour?

Most of the hotels we use during our tours are remotely located and therefore ideal for spotting the northern lights. If the forecast is in your favor, then it is more than likely that you will be able to see the magical show put on by the dancing northern lights during your tour with us. Most of the hotels offer a Northern Lights wake-up call-up on request if the lights are spotted.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon; therefore, we can unfortunately never promise they will be seen. Their appearance depends upon atmospheric and weather conditions. The best time to see them is between September and March when it’s dark and clear. The sky needs to be as dark as possible, so the best places to see them are well away from city lights (that’s where we are going!). For more information on the Northern Lights, please look at our blog about   Northern Lights .

I'm not sure I have all suitable gear, do you offer any for rent?

If you are not sure that you have suitable gear for your tour, we offer some necessary items for rent. For most of our multi-day tours, we rent out waterproof jackets and pants as well as hiking boots. You can book these items and more under the selection “Extras” in the booking widget when booking your tour on our website.

If you have already booked the tour and wish to add some rental gear to your booking, you can do so at least 24 hours prior to your tour starting by using our customer portal - My Adventures , or contacting our customer care .

What will the average driving per day be?

We drive on average around 300 km (186 miles) per day on our multi-day tours. You will be spending approximately 4-5 hours in the car each day. We do of course stop on multiple locations throughout the tour for sightseeing, activities, bathroom breaks and lunch stops.

Does this tour suit me?

We do welcome participants of all ages older than the listed minimum age for each tour. We have people of ages ranging from 8-99 years joining our multi-day tours.  Our average group usually consists of participants between the age 20-55 years. We do get a lot of solo travellers joining our tours, as well as families and friends.

If you have difficulties participating in any of the activities included in the tour, for example, a glacier activity, you are more than welcome to skip it. You can explore your surroundings in the meantime or wait elsewhere. Our guide should be able to drop you off at a nearby place where there are some services available.

What is my luggage allowance on a multi-day tour?

For multi-day tours, each participant is allowed to bring a small backpack and 1 piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). If you have more or heavier luggage with you, you will need to book storage for the surplus luggage before you arrive, there is a small fee for using this facility. Luggage storage in Reykjavík can be added during the booking process of your order in the extras section.

* The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).

Which type of meal options are available for me on the tour?

Breakfast is included at all the hotels we stay in during the tour. The breakfast will be a typical breakfast buffet, offering bread, toppings, cereal, yogurt, fruits, coffee, and tea etc.

Your guide will also find a good place for the group to eat lunch. We always try to choose places that have a wide selection of dishes on the menu, so there will be options available for everyone. The dinner is usually at the hotels we stay at for the night.

Are meals included in the tour?

If your tour includes accommodation, breakfast is always included during the tour at the hotel/guesthouse restaurant.

Meals and beverages are otherwise not included on your tour. (Unless it’s specifically stated in the description of the tour)

On our multi-day tours, we will be making stops at restaurants and convenience stores where you will be able to purchase all necessities. Cash is not necessary, as credit cards are almost always accepted. Having a small amount of cash doesn’t hurt though.

I'm a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?

A single supplement is available if you want to have your own room, but you are not required to pay a single supplement. If you are a single traveler and do not wish to book a single room, you’ll be roomed with another traveler of the same gender.

What kind of rooms can be expected when booking the multi-day tour with Arctic Adventures?

When booking with Arctic Adventures, you are guaranteed an accommodation at a nice country hotel and/or a guesthouse. The hotels we have partnered up with are all of the same standard and offer nice rooms with made-up beds. The rooms come with private or shared bathrooms, depending on your booking. The standard room is a twin room but it’s possible to request a double room or a triple room, with no extra charge.

If you are traveling solo, you will have to add the single room fee if you wish to have a single room.

All hotels have free Wi-Fi. Towels, a hairdryer and a kettle are accessible at all of the hotels. Hotel breakfast is included!

Recommended tours

Snorkeling In Silfra Fissure

"Into the Glacier" Ice Cave Tour

Snaefellsnes & Kirkjufell Small Group Tour

Have a question about one of our tours.

Arctic Adventures offers pick up service from selected Reykjavík pick up points. Note that you can always update your pick-up / drop-off location through our customer portal: https://my.adventures.is You can press the login button in your confirmation email for an easy login to the customer portal. If you experience an error with logging into the customer portal or can't find your booking, please contact us on Facebook Messenger, or send us a message here below. Chat with us on Facebook Messenger

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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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The farm Eiríksstaðir was home to Eiríkur Rauðe (Erik the Red), father of Leifur Eiríksson, the first European to visit America. Although only a faint…

North Iceland

The tiny rocky islet of Drangey (drown-gay), in the middle of Skagafjörður, is a dramatic flat-topped mass of volcanic tuff with 180m-high sheer…

Arctic Henge

The striking stone arches of Arctic Henge are the darling of many a brochure, and in real life they live up to the exalted mood. The massive stone circle…

Borgarbyggð

The Langjökull ice cap is the second largest glacier in Iceland, and the closest major glacier to Reykjavík. It's accessed from the 4WD Kaldidalur or…

More than 400 buildings lie buried under lava from the 1973 eruption, and on the edge of the flow ‘Pompeii of the North’ is a museum revolving around one…

Hekla Volcano

One of Iceland's most active volcanoes, Hekla stands at 1491m, and has erupted 20 times since 874, most recently in the year 2000. In a 4x4, it's possible…

Aurora Reykjavík

Learn about the classical tales explaining the Northern Lights, and the scientific explanation, then watch a 35-minute surround-sound panoramic high…

Dimmuborgir

Mývatn Region

The giant jagged lava field at Dimmuborgir (literally ‘Dark Castles’) is one of the most fascinating flows in the country. A series of nontaxing, colour…

Perlan's mirrored dome, designed by Ingimundur Sveinsson, covers huge geothermal-water tanks some 2km from the city centre. Inside, the Wonders of Iceland…

Hótel Rangá

Just south of the Ring Road, 8km east of Hella, Hótel Rangá, with its stuffed polar bear in the lobby, looks like a log cabin but caters to Iceland’s high…

Planning Tools

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When traveling in Iceland, pay attention to its place names, you may even recognise one from the Icelandic sagas. Read on to find out how to learn more.

Things to Know

Plan the perfect visit to Iceland with these top tips on packing, the environment and local etiquette.

Transportation

It may be small but Iceland can be mightily difficult to get around. The scale and savagery of the landscape make traveling tricky – here's how to do it.

Visa Requirements

It depends on your citizenship. Read on to find out if you need a visa to visit Iceland, and more information if you do (and even if you don’t).

Money and Costs

Make your krónur go further in Iceland with these budget tips.

Traveling with Kids

Don't let Iceland's wild terrain fool you – there are lots of amazing attractions here for kids of all ages. Here's how to plan a family trip to Iceland.

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Experience Iceland's incredible landscape and stunning small towns on one of our favorite Icelandic road trips.

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Iceland

• Iceland Northern Lights Fully Guided
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219 Fully Guided tour packages in Iceland with 3,815 reviews

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Best of Iceland

it was a great tour i strongly recommend g adventure

• Northern Lights
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5 Day - Snaefellsnes, South Coast and Northern Lights

The glacier hike was the highlight of the trip. The ice cave is interesting, but the real excitement is walking in the blue ice crevasses on the glacier.

6 Day - Around Iceland Adventure

We were able to visit so many amazing sites all around Iceland and made some amazing memories.

• Coach / Bus

Iceland Express

Perfect opportunity to see the South of Iceland with ease. Most of all I met a wonderful group of people.

Premium Iceland

Iceland Discovery

The Intrepid tour of Iceland was great. Our tour guide, Karl, was a native and took us to some special places that weren't even listed on the itinerary.

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Wellness Iceland

Great ceo and great trip! Would definitley reccomend!

8 Day Around Iceland Summer Minibus Tour

Wonderful in all regards. I highly recommend TourRadar to organize your next vacation.

10 day Guided tour | Iceland Complete

Iceland is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. Excellent.

6 Day Around Iceland Summer Minibus Tour

The excursions were excellent and the hotels were comfortable!

Natural Wonders of Iceland (Classic, 9 Days)

Very good experiences to learn history, culture, and see people, unique landscape, powerful waterfalls.

Iceland Circle - 8 Days

The trip was well organized with the basic sights, time etc. I really liked that the bus was large enough to allow the 27 persons to be able to spread out and enjoy window space.

7 Day - Iceland Ring Road & Snæfellsnes Peninsula Small-Group Tour

All the hotels were great and all either had a restaurant or there were restaurants within walking distance.

Iceland Fire and Ice (Summer, 6 Days)

fantastic experience. will book another contiki tour in the future.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Land of the Northern Lights - 5 days

Overall I rated good as it fulfill our northern lights wishes satisfactory. Thank you

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Iceland

I can't say enough good things about our Best of Iceland Tour. Gisli Anton Bjarnason was the best tour guide we've ever experienced! We thoroughly enjoyed our week!

Overall the guides and drivers were excellent - in their knowledge, driving safety, preparing the group for activities that were next on the list. The only down time during the day was some of the distances between stops. But not an issue as we were well aware of that before hand. A good value for the cost!!

Fantastic Driver/Guide Vjeran. You gave 120% knowledgeable. WHAT A BLAST!! Great group of fellow travelers from all over the world made the adventure. Non Stop Highlights from: Geysirs, multiple spectacular waterfalls, lava fields, glacier walk, whale watching cruise, volcanoes and many more. Vjeran, keep on inspiring everyone. All the best, Dazzling "Daredevil Darryl" from Down Under in South Australia.

Top operators

"Great attention to detail. Enthusiast tour leader. Loved the adventure!

G Adventures is an expert in:

"We loved this tour. We were taken to a huge variety of beautiful scenic landscapes plus we were treated to interesting Icelandic folklore, history and cultural experiences. We walked on a glacier, saw whales from a ship, visited an Icelandic horse farm, hiked up volcanoes, stayed on an isolated farm, visited lakes, spectacular waterfalls, ice lagoons and beaches. Accommations were excellent.

Arctic Adventures is an expert in:

"Absolutely a fantastic trip on every way. Great trip leader. Stefan!

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Regions in Iceland

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Embark on the journey of a lifetime in Iceland!

With our new interactive map feature, you can easily plan every step of your adventure. From cozy accommodations to unforgettable activities, the possibilities are endless. Dream big, plan smart, and chart your path with our personalized itinerary feature. Make the most of every moment in Iceland!

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY ON THE REYKJANES PENINSULA

Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has witnessed a surge in seismic activity, including several volcanic eruptions. Despite this, Iceland has remained a safe and open destination for travelers. For a detailed look into the recent volcanic activities and their safety implications, the Icelandic Meteorological Office offers insights through this informative video.

Take the Icelandic Pledge

Are you visiting Iceland? Be a responsible tourist and take the Icelandic pledge. Encourage your friends to do the same!

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Regions of Iceland

Iceland is typically divided into 7 different geographical regions. Each region differs slightly in respect to culture and landscapes, but are uniquely Icelandic. Find your favorite part of Iceland.

Iceland is a popular travel destination. Sometimes, certain places can be busier than others. Skip the hectic tourist traffic at the most popular destinations and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Iceland. Use our tourist counter to see peak visitor times and plan accordingly. 

Appreciate our towns & villages

Did you know that there are over 100 towns and villages to explore throughout Iceland? We encourage you to stop and look into these charming, beautiful, and often quirky places. History, art, nature, local cuisine, and year-round swimming pools abound. You might be surprised at what you find!

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The 17 best iceland tours: northern lights, waterfalls & more.

Enjoy glacier hikes, whale watching cruises and the northern lights on these Iceland tours.

The Best Iceland Tours

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With terrain shaped by volcanic eruptions and shifting tectonic plates and the surrounding waters filled with glaciers, icebergs and whales, Iceland is like no other place on Earth. It's also an ideal spot to observe a seasonal phenomenon above the Earth: the northern lights  (or aurora borealis).

The following Iceland tours, determined by U.S. News to be the best available thanks to expert input and traveler sentiment, provide ideal ways of experiencing all that this extraordinary place has to offer. All of these excursions are conducted by knowledgeable guides eager to share their insights into their country's special features.

Ice Lagoon Adventure Tours – Zodiac Boat Tour

Price: Adults from 14,900 Icelandic króna (about $108); kids from 8,900 króna (about $65) Duration: 75 minutes

Explore the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon – part of Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Europe's largest glacier – aboard an inflatable rigid boat on this expedition. In addition to icebergs and the glacial wall, you might also spot wildlife like seals and various bird species. Tourgoers consistently describe the guides as passionate and knowledgeable, and say photo opportunities abound. Trips are available from May through October several times a day, with departures in both the morning and the afternoon. The park containing the lagoon sits in the southeast part of the country, about 236 miles from Reykjavik . Ice Lagoon Adventure Tours also runs private excursions.

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NiceTravel – Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Kerid Volcano

Price: Adults from $218; kids from $123 Duration: 11 hours

Visit the Golden Circle's top sights, including Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss, plus a volcanic crater and a pristine lagoon on this daylong journey. The park is of both geological and historical significance as it straddles a fault line between two tectonic plates and was the site of a Viking parliament that ruled for hundreds of years starting in A.D. 930. Other highlights include Geysir, a hot spring that shoots plumes of vapor into the air; Gullfoss (aka the Golden Waterfall) over which water cascades down more than 100 feet into a narrow canyon; Kerid, a colorful red-earth volcanic crater; and a two-hour stop at the heated waters of the popular Blue Lagoon. Tour-takers invariably find the scenery spectacular and the guides friendly and informative, though a few found the bus to be too small for the number of people on the tour. Tours happen daily all year long. Pickup from various locations in Reykjavik occurs between 8:30 and 9 a.m. and minibuses return to the city around 8 p.m.

Reykjavik Sailors – Whale Watching

Price: Adults from 11,990 króna (about $87); kids from 5,995 króna (about $44) Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

While April to October is considered peak season for whale watching off Iceland's coast, humpback, minke and orca whales, as well as porpoises and dolphins, inhabit the waters all year. Reykjavik Sailors, located on Reykjavik's Old Harbour, offers whale watching boat trips throughout the year. Tourgoers report spotting ample wildlife, and appreciate the knowledgeable, friendly guides.

Transportation from area hotels is available for an additional fee. Snacks and beverages are available aboard the boat, which features outdoor viewing platforms as well as heated indoor space. Reykjavik Sailors also operates tours of the northern lights, among other options.

Arctic Adventures – Crystal Ice Cave Tour Iceland

Price: Adults from about $161; kids from around $137 Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Take a ride in an off-roading vehicle from the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to the edge of the massive Vatnajökull glacier and then hike to a natural ice cave on this small-group excursion. The tour, which is limited to 14 travelers, also allows you to witness the result of calving – the process of icebergs breaking off of glaciers. Tourgoers frequently praise the capable and personable guides. Many reviewers called this the highlight of their trip to Iceland.

Trips depart from the lagoon daily from October to mid-April beginning at 9:20 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. While the hike to the cave is rated as easy, children younger than 6 are not allowed on this trip. All of the necessary safety equipment is included in the cost of the tour. Arctic Adventures conducts a variety of ice cave tours, glacier hikes and more.

BusTravel Iceland – South Coast Waterfalls, Glacier & Black Sand Beach Tour

Price: Adults from 13,990 króna (about $103); kids from 6,995 króna (about $52) Duration: 10 hours

This daylong outing affords opportunities to explore the glaciers, volcanos and other distinctive features of Iceland's southern coast . Highlights include Skógafoss, a nearly 200-foot waterfall beside the Eyjafjallajökull volcano; the slightly taller Seljalandsfoss waterfall; Reynisfjara, a beach on the north Atlantic Ocean with black volcanic sand and basalt columns; a stop for lunch in the fishing village of Vik; and Sólheimajökull glacier. Tour-takers consistently call the scenery extraordinary and the guides informative, though they do warn that it is a long day.

Transportation from various Reykjavik locations is available for an additional charge. Pickups occur between 8 and 8:30 a.m. Prices do not cover any food and drink in Vik. Note: Reaching the glacier involves walking on uneven ground. BusTravel Iceland also leads tours exploring the Golden Circle, the northern lights and more.

Your Friend in Reykjavik – Walk With a Viking

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $29 Duration: 2 hours

See the sights of Reykjavik on this two-hour walking tour of the city's center. Highlights include Harpa (an incredible performance venue), Hallgrímskirkja church, the Parliament building and Reykjavik harbor, as well as the first Viking house. Tour-takers find this stroll to be a great way to get to know the city and recommend taking the tour on one of your first days in Iceland. Reviewers consistently describe the guides as great storytellers and eager to answer any questions.

Groups of up to 12 depart from Ingólfur Square daily at 10 a.m. and 1 and 5 p.m. Your Friend in Reykjavik offers a variety of tours, including food tours, cooking classes, adventure tours and more.

Troll Expeditions – Snorkeling in Silfra

Price: From 19,900 króna (about $145) Duration: 3 hours

Snorkel between tectonic plates in the only place where that's possible during this adventure. Located in Thingvellir National Park about a 30-mile drive northeast of Reykjavik, Silfra fissure lies in the space where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates have slowly moved apart. Its water, from the melted ice of the Langjökull glacier, is exceptionally clean, boasting visibility of about 330 feet. Snorkelers laud the attentive, professional guides as well as the one-of-a-kind experience.

Snorkeling trips are available year-round at least twice a day; start times vary depending on the season. Groups are limited to six people. There are age, weight and health restrictions for this tour; check with the company before you book to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements. Troll Expeditions also offers guided glacier hikes, day trips and multiday excursions around the country to the South Coast, Ring Road and more.

Wake Up Reykjavik – Reykjavik Food Tour

Price: Adults from 16,900 króna (about $123); kids from 9,900 króna (about $72) Duration: 3 hours

Sample an array of Icelandic cuisine on this walking tour of downtown Reykjavik. Try eight traditional dishes, including fish and grass-fed lamb, as well as ice cream and street food. (Vegetarians and those with allergies or other dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated.) Between stops, you'll stroll past notable sites, such as the Parliament building and city hall. Travelers praise the pace of the tour and the dishes featured. Reviewers also applauded guides for their humor and the depth of their knowledge about Iceland's history and culture.

Tours start outside Harpa concert hall every day beginning at 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wake Up Reykjavik also organizes day trips to the Golden Circle, the South Coast and more.

Adventure Vikings – Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling

Price: From 18,990 króna (about $138) Duration: 2 to 4.5 hours

Explore the pristine glacial waters between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates on this snorkeling tour in Silfra, one of the world's top dive sites. Part of Thingvellir National Park, Silfra fissure is the result of the two tectonic plates separating at a rate of about 2 centimeters per year. The fissure is filled with water from Langjökull glacier that's been filtered through lava fields, making it incredibly pure. Snorkelers rave about the Silfra fissure's beauty and praise the guides for their attention to safety.

The tour lasts up to 4.5 hours depending if round-trip transportation from Reykjavik is needed. Prices include use of snorkeling equipment. You can rent a wearable GoPro camera for an additional 6,900 króna (around $51). Tours are available year-round. Snorkelers must be at least 12 years old; groups have no more than six people per guide. Participants preferring to don a less restrictive (but also less warm) wetsuit instead of a dry suit have that option. There are height and weight requirements for this tour. Adventure Vikings also leads surfing and stand-up paddleboarding tours, among other outings.

Special Tours – Northern Lights by Boat

Price: Adults from 12,990 króna (about $95); kids from 6,495 króna (about $48) Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Enjoy the unique opportunity to observe the northern lights from the ocean on this two- to three-hour boat ride. You'll depart from Old Harbour in Reykjavik and be in the perfect viewing location away from the city lights after about a 20-minute cruise. Along the way, guides regale passengers with stories, myths and scientific facts about the aurora borealis. Travelers praise the amazing views as well as the humorous, helpful guides. Others appreciated the company's backup plan: If the conditions aren't favorable for viewing the lights from the water, you can hunt for the lights by bus, or choose one of the company's other tours (such as a daytime whale watching excursion) at no charge.

Cruises are available nightly in the fall and winter. Departure times vary by time of year, but boats typically sail at 10 p.m. in September and mid-March to mid-April; they depart at 9 p.m. from October to mid-March. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board. The company also offers whale watching excursions, fishing trips and more.

ĺshestar – Lava Tour

Price: Adults from 15,900 króna (about $117); kids from 11,925 króna (about $87) Duration: 2 hours

Admire the green hillsides and lava fields just outside Reykjavik on this two-hour small-group horseback riding tour. The stables are located about 10 miles south of the city center; round-trip transportation is available if you don't have your own car. Travelers frequently describe riding an Icelandic horse as a fantastic experience, and they generally appreciate the professionalism of the staff who lead the outing.

Rides depart every day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The cost includes the use of helmets and boots, as well as post-ride coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Round-trip transportation from Reykjavik is available for an additional fee and starts an hour before the tour. Groups are limited to 20 participants; all must be at least 7 years old and weigh less than 240 pounds. No prior horseback riding experience is necessary. Longer, multiday trail rides, as well as private tours are also available.

BusTravel Iceland – Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour

Price: Adults from 16,990 króna (about $125); kids from 8,495 króna (about $62) Duration: 11 hours

In addition to its tours of the southern coast, BusTravel Iceland offers a daylong tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, an area northwest of Reykjavik that boasts black sand beaches, lava fields, beautiful waterfalls , rock formations and more. Highlights include Berserkjahraun lava fields, which date back to a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago; the 1,520-foot Kirkjufell (aka Church Mountain); the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls; Snaefellsjökull National Park and the cliffs of Arnarstapi harbor, once a bustling fishing area. Travelers typically enjoy both the dramatic landscapes and the guides' commentary.

Tours last approximately 11 hours. Pickup from various Reykjavik locations is available for an additional fee. Tours are available daily starting at 8 and 9 a.m.

CityWalk Reykjavik – Free Walking Tour Reykjavik

Price: Free Duration: 2 hours

Stroll among the main attractions of downtown Reykjavik , including the statue of Jón Sigurðsson and the Harpa concert hall, on this approximately two-hour, 1.3-mile tour. Guides will regale you with stories concerning Icelandic history, as well as lore involving elves, Vikings and more, which tour-takers deem highly entertaining.

Walks start at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. every day at the Austurvöllur (the city's main square) and conclude at city hall. Bookings open up about five days in advance. While there's no fee for this tour, guides do appreciate tips. There are no age or group-size limits. CityWalk Reykjavik does offer a slightly longer, small-group tour for a fee.

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GeoIceland – Premium Golden Circle Tour

Price: Adults from 18,900 króna (about $140); kids from 14,900 króna (about $110) Duration: 9 hours

Visit the rift between two tectonic plates, the powerful waterfall and the geothermal area comprising Iceland's famed Golden Circle and more on this daylong tour. In addition to the high cliffs of the rift valley in Thingvellir National Park, the often rainbow-adorned Gullfoss waterfall and the hot spring Geysir, this tour stops at the Kerid volcanic crater, as well as a tomato farm. Tour-takers frequently cite both the stunning scenery and the friendly, amusing guides as highlights of this journey.

Buses depart from the Aurora Reykjavik museum daily at 9 a.m. and return approximately nine hours later. Prices include admission to all attractions, but exclude lunch at the tomato farm's restaurant. GeoIceland also runs tours that depart from other cities in Iceland, including Akureyri and the Lake Mývatn area.

Iceland Everywhere Tours – Northern Lights Midnight Adventure Tour

Price: From 15,800 króna (around $115) Duration: 3 to 5 hours

Spend the night searching for the northern lights on this seasonal outing. During the trip, guides not only provide information about the aurora borealis, local history and Icelandic culture, but also assist participants with finding the right setting on their cameras or smartphones to capture the best images. Free professional photographs are also available if you'd prefer to simply admire the sky. Reviewers rave about the colorful lights and appreciate the small size of the group. Several travelers also called out the insightful guides as a highlight.

These minibus rides happen every night from September to mid-April starting at 9 p.m. and last from three to five hours. Transportation from area hotels is available. There is a maximum of 15 participants per each tour. Iceland Everywhere Tours also offers guided excursions to the South Coast and the Golden Circle.

Funky Iceland – The Funky Food & Beer Walk

Price: Adults from 18,000 króna (about $131); kids from 7,500 króna (about $55) Duration: 3 hours

Enjoy a culinary adventure on this three-hour walking tour of Reykjavik. The tour has five food stops featuring nine traditional Icelandic dishes, such as lamb stew, dried fish and fermented shark, as well as five locally crafted beers. Foodies tend to relish the savvy guides' insights into Icelandic culture and cuisine. Tours start outside the Hallgrímskirkja Church at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Groups range in size from two to eight people.

Icelandic Mountain Guides – Blue Ice Experience

Price: Adults from 18,999 króna (about $138); kids from 13,299 króna (about $97) Duration: 3.5 hours

Hike among the ice formations, crevasses and frozen ridges of the enormous Vatnajökull glacier on this small-group expedition. Outings of up to 15 people commence at the welcome center at Skaftafell (about 200 miles southeast of Reykjavik) and last about 3.5 hours, including up to 1.5 to two hours on the ice. Past participants consistently describe the scenery as stunning and the guides as professional and informative.

Tours are available multiple times a day, beginning at 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Children younger than 10 may not join the tour. Prices include the use of ice axes, harnesses and crampons. Icelandic Mountain Guides operates a variety of glacier walks, snowmobile tours and guided hikes.

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A guide to visiting Iceland | Open Road

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If “see an active volcano” is on your bucket list, you better buy your ticket to Iceland right now. The island nation's most recently formed volcano, Litli-Hrútur, has been erupting on the Reykjanes Peninsula since July 10 but it won't last forever.  There’s no better place to be if you're yearning for an unforgettable adventure in a land of stunning landscapes and ethereal beauty. This magical country, often referred to as the "Land of Fire and Ice," offers a diverse array of experiences that will leave you awe-inspired. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking solitude in nature or a couple looking to create lasting memories together, Iceland has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through almost everything you need to know for a memorable Icelandic journey.

How to Get There: Flights to Iceland

How to get around iceland: freedom of the open road, how to get to the volcano, where to stay in iceland: finding your home away from home, what to see: things to do in iceland, exploring the remote and less touristy areas, embracing the local cuisine and dining scene, chasing waterfalls and soaking in hot springs, awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, the art and culture of iceland, what to pack/bring along: be prepared for every adventure.

• Iceland FAQs

For travelers from all over the United States, Iceland is just a flight away. While there are numerous airports to consider, keep an eye out for direct flights to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) from cities like ​​Newark, Boston, Chicago, Washington, New York City, DC, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Seattle, Orlando, and San Francisco. Keflavik airport, located near Reykjavík, serves as a gateway to your Icelandic adventure. With airlines offering competitive fares, it's easier than ever to find a suitable flight that fits your schedule and budget, with flights from the U.S. averaging around $600-800 depending on your originating airport.

Once you arrive in Iceland, the best way to explore its wonders is by renting a car or a campervan . Enjoy the freedom of the open road as you traverse the country's scenic landscapes at your own pace. Rental options abound, providing vehicles to suit all needs, from compact cars for on-pavement explorations to rugged SUVs and campervans for an immersive experience in nature (a 4x4 is required if you plan on driving on any of the country’s numerous unpaved F-roads). Just remember to familiarize yourself with Icelandic driving regulations and conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

The newly formed and still erupting Litli-Hrútur volcano is only a half hour’s drive from the Keflavik Airport, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to get to. Since there is no public transportation to the eruption site, a rental car is your best option. According to visiticeland.com “there are two paid parking lots (P1 & P2), and the fee is 1,000 ISK (roughly $7.50) and is valid for 24 hours. Fees are paid electronically with detailed instructions at the lots. P2 parking is best for this hike.”

From the parking lot it is roughly a 20km or 12 mile hike to the eruption site, and there are no food or drink options nearby so plan accordingly. More information on the eruption site, as well as directions from Keflavik Airport as well as Reyjavik can be found at www.visiticeland.com or www.visitreykjanes.is .

Iceland offers a plethora of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you prefer the comforts of Iceland hotels , the coziness of guesthouses , or the camaraderie of hostels , you'll find it all here. In Reykjavík, the capital city, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and nightlife by choosing from a variety of hotels and guesthouses . For those seeking tranquility, consider staying in charming towns like Vik or Akureyri , where breathtaking natural wonders are just a stone's throw away.

Venturing further into the countryside, you'll find unique lodging options such as traditional Icelandic farm stays and remote cabins with stunning mountain views. These hidden gems differ from other hotels in Iceland, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Iceland's landscapes.

Prepare to be captivated by Iceland's diverse array of experiences. Start your journey by exploring the famed Golden Circle , featuring iconic sites such as the mighty Gullfoss waterfall , the erupting geysers at Geysir Geothermal Area , and the historic Þingvellir National Park . Adventure seekers will find solace in the breathtaking glaciers of Vatnajökull National Park or the mystical landscapes of Landmannalaugar, a geothermal wonderland in the Icelandic Highlands.

Photography enthusiasts will be in their element capturing the otherworldly beauty of Kirkjufell Mountain and the mesmerizing Diamond Beach, where icebergs glisten on black sands. Hikers will be drawn to the challenging but rewarding trails of Fimmvörðuháls and the incredible views from the summit of Snæfellsjökull volcano. And don't miss the chance to witness the dancing lights of the Northern Lights during the winter months—a true celestial spectacle.

While Iceland's popular attractions like the Golden Circle are undoubtedly stunning, consider venturing off the beaten path to discover the country's lesser-known gems. The Westfjords, a remote and breathtakingly beautiful region, offer secluded fjords, rugged coastlines, and charming fishing villages. Additionally, the Eastfjords boast picturesque landscapes and a chance to spot Iceland's reindeer population.

No visit to Iceland is complete without savoring its unique culinary offerings. Feast on traditional dishes like hearty Icelandic lamb stew, fresh seafood delicacies, and the infamous fermented shark. Don't forget to try a hot dog from one of Reykjavík's famed hot dog stands, a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

For a taste of local culture, explore the vibrant food halls and farmers' markets, such as Reykjavík's Grandi Mathöll and Hlemmur Mathöll. These venues showcase a variety of Icelandic and international cuisines, providing a delightful experience for food enthusiasts. And don’t turn your nose down at the food served at fuel stations throughout the island, which offer less expensive but still delicious sandwiches and other food options.

Iceland is home to an abundance of mesmerizing waterfalls, each with its own unique charm. Plan a road trip to visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls along the South Coast, where you can even walk behind the cascading waters of Seljalandsfoss. Venture to the lesser-known but equally enchanting Glymur waterfall, nestled east of the Hvalfjörður fjord.

To unwind and relax, indulge in the country's famous geothermal hot springs. Visit the Blue Lagoon for a rejuvenating soak in its mineral-rich waters or explore the more secluded and natural hot springs like Seljavallalaug and Reykjadalur, which offer an authentic Icelandic experience. If you’re staying in Reykjavik, Sky Lagoon offers a relaxing spa experience right alongside the ocean. 

For wildlife enthusiasts, Iceland offers a range of captivating encounters. Embark on a thrilling whale-watching tour from Reykjavík, Husavík, or Akureyri, and witness these majestic creatures swimming in their natural habitat. The shores of Iceland are also teeming with birdlife, including puffins, terns, and other seabirds. Take a boat trip to the remote island of Papey or the Westman Islands for close-up views of puffin colonies.

Immerse yourself in Iceland's rich artistic and cultural scene by visiting museums and art galleries. The National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavík Art Museum offer insights into the country's history and contemporary art. For a taste of local creativity, explore the myriad of independent art galleries and studios in Reykjavík, where you can discover unique pieces of art and handcrafted souvenirs.

For a hassle-free Icelandic adventure, packing the right essentials is key. Here's a list of must-haves:

• Layered Clothing : Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers to adapt to changing conditions.
• Synthetic or wool base layers
• A microgrid fleece or pick up an Icelandic wool sweater
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket or parka
• Waterproof Gear : Embrace the elements with waterproof clothing and sturdy boots for outdoor explorations.
• Waterproof and windproof hard shell jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Waterproof hiking boots or trail running shoes
• Gloves or mittens and liners
• Camera Gear : Capture every stunning moment with your camera and any other photography equipment you prefer.
• Mirrorless camera . My current favorites are from Sony and Canon
• Drone for aerial photography
• Wide angle , standard , and telephoto lenses
• Waterproof GoPro or other action cam
• Lightweight tripod
• Comfortable camera backpack to carry it all
• Backup batteries
• Memory Cards
• Hiking Gear : If you're planning to hike or explore remote areas, bring along hiking gear like a hydration bladder and a reliable backpack.
• Swimwear and towel : Take a dip in the soothing geothermal pools scattered across the country.
• Travel Adapter : Ensure you have the right adapter for Icelandic power outlets. Do not attempt to plug an American power strip into one of these units.
• Reusable Water Bottle : Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste with a reusable water bottle.
• Credit Cards : While having some cash on hand is always useful for smaller establishments, credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. There are plenty of places to exchange currency at the airport, though it is easiest to visit the Arion Bank currency exchange at KEF.
• Snacks and Water : Carry energy-boosting snacks and a refillable water bottle to keep you fueled during your explorations. These can be found at any of the plentiful grocery stores or gas stations throughout the island
• Sunscreen and Sunglasses : The sun can be intense in Iceland. Protect your skin and eyes with sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Medications and First Aid Kit : Pack any essential medications and a basic first aid kit for minor injuries.
• Binoculars : Enhance your wildlife watching experiences by bringing binoculars to spot elusive creatures like reindeer, whales, arctic foxes and puffins.
• Comfortable Shoes : Opt for comfortable, waterproof shoes suitable for walking on various terrains.
• Travel Insurance : Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers outdoor activities and any potential emergencies.

Iceland is a land of enchantment and wonder, where breathtaking natural beauty awaits at every turn. Whether you're traversing the iconic Golden Circle, chasing waterfalls, or soaking in the soothing geothermal waters, every moment in Iceland is an opportunity for discovery and awe. As you explore this extraordinary country, embrace the freedom of the open road and the thrill of unexpected encounters with wildlife. With its diverse range of experiences and breathtaking vistas, Iceland promises an adventure of a lifetime.

So pack your bags, embark on this Icelandic journey, and create memories that will stay with you forever. No matter your interests, travel style, or companions, Iceland welcomes all with open arms. Get ready for a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return to this magical land of fire and ice.

When is the best time of year to visit Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland is during the summer months, which is from June to August. This period offers milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and better accessibility to remote areas due to the opening of highland roads. The stunning Icelandic landscapes, including waterfalls, glaciers, and geysers, are easily accessible, and you can enjoy outdoor activities under the midnight sun.

When can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, can be seen in Iceland during the winter months, from September to April. The darkest months, typically from November to February, are generally the best time to catch this mesmerizing natural phenomenon. It's essential to escape areas with light pollution and look for clear, cloudless nights to have the best chance of witnessing the dancing lights in the sky.

What language is spoken in Iceland?

The official language spoken in Iceland is Icelandic, often referred to as the "Icelandic language." It's a North Germanic language that has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries, making it one of the oldest living languages in the world. While English is widely spoken and understood in tourist areas, learning a few Icelandic phrases can enhance your travel experience and show appreciation for the local culture and customs.

What currency do they use in Iceland?

The official Iceland currency is the Icelandic króna, denoted by the symbol "kr" or "ISK." The Icelandic króna is commonly used for all transactions within the country, and it's recommended to have some cash on hand when traveling to more remote areas where credit cards might not be accepted as widely. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments throughout Iceland.

Author's Note: Before you depart on your Icelandic adventure, be sure to check for any travel advisories and entry requirements related to COVID-19. Additionally, be respectful of Iceland's delicate ecosystems and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the country's natural beauty for generations to come. Safe Travels!

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A guide to visiting Iceland | Open Road originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 4 Aug 2023 11:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volcano in Iceland starts erupting again, spewing lava into sky

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GRINDAVIK, Iceland — A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted Wednesday, spewing red streams of lava in the latest display of nature’s power, triggering the evacuation of the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

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Volcano in Iceland starts erupting again, spewing lava into sky Back to video

The eruption began in the early afternoon following a series of earthquakes north of Grindavik, a coastal town of 3,800 people that was also evacuated.

The Met Office said lava was shooting about 50 metres (165 feet) into the sky from a fissure about 1 kilometre (1,100 yards) long.

The Blue Lagoon thermal spa was evacuated before the eruption began, national broadcaster RUV said.

Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, sees regular eruptions and is highly experienced at dealing with them. The most disruptive in recent times was the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which spewed huge clouds of ash into the atmosphere and led to widespread airspace closures over Europe.

The latest eruptions signal a reawakening of the Svartsengi volcanic system after almost 800 years of quiet. It’s unclear when the period of activity will end or what it means for the Reykjanes Peninsula, one of the most densely populated parts of Iceland.

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Best Guided & Escorted Tours in Iceland

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Best Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull Glacier Starting from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Golden Circle Small Group Minibus Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

South Coast Day Tour with Waterfalls & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with Transfer from Reykjavik

Small Group 10 Hour South Coast Tour with Waterfalls & Reynisfjara with Transfer from Reykjavik

3-Day Northern Lights Tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle & South Coast with Ice Caving & Glacier Hiking

8-Day Guided Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

Northern Lights 2 in 1 Winter Tours of Iceland with the Golden Circle, Ice Caving & Snaefellsnes

Small Group 6-Day Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

12-Hour Coach Tour to Snaefellsnes National Park with Transfer from Reykjavik

2 in 1 Bundle Discount Tours | All National Parks & Ice Caving

Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Hot Spring Tour

Small Group 8-Day Guided Summer Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & Snaefellsnes

Stunning 14 Hour Tour from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with Boat Ride

Guided 6 Day Summer Tour of Iceland with the Best of the South, East & North

3 Hour Horse Riding Wilderness Tour in the East Iceland Countryside

Guided 3 Day Tour of Iceland’s South Coast, Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Guided 4 Day Northern Lights Tour of Iceland’s South Coast, Blue Ice Cave & Snaefellsnes

Perfect 10-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package to Iceland with Glacier Ice Caving

Game of Thrones Discount Bundle | Glacier Hike & Ice Cave or Boat Ride on Jokulsarlon

Unique 7-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation to Iceland

Scenic 6 Hour Walking Tour in the Westfjords to Raudasandur Beach

Scenic 11 Hour Hiking Tour of Mt Dyrfjoll with Transfer from Egilsstadir

Scenic 3 Hour Hiking Tour to an Abandoned Farm in the Highlands of East Iceland

Wonderful 10-Hour Combo Tour in Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon From Reykjavik

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Vacation Packages in Iceland

Self drive tours in iceland, tour calendar, nature tours in iceland, adventure tours in iceland, cheap bus tours in iceland, top tour destinations in iceland, verified customer reviews.

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Celina Holler

Johan was exceptional! Very personable, connected with everyone on our tour. Cracked some solid jokes too. Made sure to take care of my mom who had some struggles getting up the ice. You can tell he loves his job. And the ice caves were incredible, so worth the trip.

Artidtaya Piriyasopagul

It’s such a great tour, highly recommended to directly book with company! Ann, staff helped me booking the tour just late evening before date of our trip because the agency had failed the booking (months advance booking but inform failure of booking in the morning of the day before the tour date). Thor, the guide of our trip, is professional, nice, funny, careful and very kind to my mother-in-law and her friend who senior with age of 68-70. We also have nice accompanies from Poland. Thank you everyone for the good experience.

Yew Ming Kong

It was a great experience. This tour really made the trip for us. AJ was our tour guide and he was extremely personable, experienced and insightful in ice cave and Iceland in general, being a local himself. He had lot of fun stories and facts, and kept us engaged right from the get go in the jeep ride. The ice cave was spectacular, we would never have learnt or experienced Iceland in this eyeopening manner if not for the tour. It was important because it was not only aesthetic, but also bore great responsibility on us to take care of the planet seeing how global warming is affecting nature. AJ gave us an extremely humorous and knowledgeable geology session after the ice cave. He has great photography skills on his Nokia too. Anyone would be lucky to have AJ as the tour guide. It would have been better if the time spent in the ice cave was longer as it was shorter than expected!

Jessica Lynas

My first time solo travelling I was a little nervous about big groups so this was recommended to me instead. It was amazing I couldn't recommend anything else for solo travellers. The groups are small enough that you don't feel overwhelmed but still have the opportunity to make friends if you wanted. Siggi was amazing cracking jokes and getting everyone involved. 10/10

Guided Tours in Iceland

Exploring Iceland through guided tours is an enriching and immersive way to discover the country's natural wonders, cultural heritage, and hidden gems. These tours are led by experienced guides who possess in-depth knowledge of Iceland's landscapes, history, and folklore, ensuring that every moment of your journey is educational and entertaining.

Guided tours in Iceland cater to a wide range of interests and preferences. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone eager to experience Iceland's vibrant culture, there's a guided tour tailored to your desires. 

You can choose from top activities such as sightseeing in the Golden Circle , glacier hiking at Vatnajokull or Solheimajokull , northern lights hunting , culture tours in Reykjavik , and more.

One cool thing about guided tours is that they take you to special spots you might not find on your own. These spots are like hidden treasures. Your guide knows all the secrets and shares them with you, making your trip extra special.

Additionally, safety and convenience are paramount on guided tours. Knowledgeable guides ensure your well-being while navigating through Iceland's diverse terrain. Most of the time, they also double as your driver and photographer.

Guided tours in Iceland are like having a local friend who knows all the best places. They make your trip easy, safe, and filled with unforgettable experiences, no matter what you're into.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best guided tour in iceland, what is the cheapest guided tour in iceland, is it worth it to join guided tours in iceland, what is included in a guided tour in iceland, what types of guided tours are available in iceland, what are the benefits of taking a guided tour in iceland, which language will my guide speak on my guided tour in iceland, is admission to the blue lagoon included in the price of my guided tour in iceland, is lunch included in my guided tour in iceland, what do i need to pack for a guided tour in iceland, what is the maximum capacity for guided tours, does the bus stop at all of the listed attractions and how long do the stops last when on a guided tour in iceland, is it better to book a guided tour on arrival to iceland or beforehand, will i be free to leave the tour group on my guided tour in iceland, can i bring my children on guided tours in iceland, is tipping customary for guides on guided tours in iceland.

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Top things to do in Iceland

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Visit a Live Volcano

Visit the Blue Lagoon

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Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

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