iceland road trip itinerary

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Epic Iceland road trip: itinerary, planning and tips

I remember watching Ben Stiller skateboard down this remote, quiet, winding road in the hit film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty , and wondering where the hell is that?

There was nothing, not a tree, a house, a sign of life, for miles on end. The middle of nowhere. The end of the road so to speak.

It looked and felt like somewhere from another planet and I instantly and instinctively wanted to go there.

Iceland’s growing popularity

The Walter Mitty movie played a big role in putting Iceland on the international travel map. Fast forward three years and the country is riding a wave of popularity. Tourism numbers  have increased dramatically in recent years and with Iceland’s low-cost carrier, WOW Air , now flying regularly to multiple cities in the US, tourism is set to take off a whole lot more.

It’s taken me longer than I’d hoped to get there but it was certainly worth the wait.

It’s an extraordinary country. Blessed with magnificent natural features from powerful waterfalls, massive glaciers and stunning fjords to black sand beaches and geothermal mud baths, geysers and spas.

It’s renowned as the land of fire and ice – harsh, remote, snow-capped mountains and glaciers juxtaposed with volatile volcanic activity.

It’s also a country on the move. So many of the main attractions we visited were undergoing construction work to accommodate growing visitor numbers and there were new hotels and apartments being built around the country to keep pace with the increasing crowds.

Getting started – what to do in Iceland

So, what’s the best way to approach Iceland?

Should you race around the Ring Road, Iceland’s main road that circles the island, to see as much of the country as possible? Or should you focus on one part of the country and explore in detail?

I wanted to do a multi-day hike in the Highlands and concentrate on one area but this wasn’t possible in early June. Many of the roads to the interior are closed because of snow until later in the month when ‘summer’ arrives and the high season begins.

Driving Iceland’s Ring Road, Route 1

That’s how we ended up doing an 11-day road trip around Iceland’s Route 1, the Ring Road. If you stick to the main drag the Ring Road is about 1300 kilometres, but you’ll likely end up covering about 2,500km with side trips and adventures.

The big decision is which way to travel – clockwise or anti-clockwise? Many of the most popular highlights are in the southeast, not too far from Reykjavik. I wanted to tick these off early – bang for your buck straight up – so we drove anti-clockwise. If we had our time again, I’d head off in the opposite direction.

Plan your itinerary early

You’ll need to work out your detailed itinerary well in advance. It’s likely you’ll be staying in different accommodation every night and because places book up quickly so you need to get in early. One thing you don’t want to be doing is driving around at the end of the day looking for somewhere to stay.

Even with 11 days to explore, we had a full itinerary.   At times, particularly early in the southeast, I felt like we were on a tourist trail, stopping off at one popular, ‘must-see’ sight after another with not much time to get out, take mini hikes and explore a little off the beaten track.

Car rental for your Iceland road trip

We hired a 4WD and I strongly recommend this. It’s more expensive but worth it. There are quite a few gravel roads and they’re much more comfortable in a larger 4WD vehicle. We saw plenty of travellers in teeny tiny cars and I would have hated driving on unpaved rides in something so small. We had a brand new Toyota RAV4 from Blue Car Rental  which was great.

The benefit of a larger 4WD is that you’ll have plenty of space to put luggage in the boot and throw day packs, jackets, etc., onto the back seat where they’re easily accessible to whip on and off when you’re getting in and out of the car (a lot).

Also, I’d recommend paying extra for sand and ash cover. In some parts of Iceland if the wind whips up, your car could get covered in sand and volcanic ash which would be a costly nightmare.

Iceland weather: what to expect and what to wear

Weather in Iceland is so changeable even in the warmer months. We had sleeting rain, strong winds, freezing temperatures and whiteouts in June.

Even the car rental companies warn you to be careful opening car doors in strong winds as ‘ Damage caused by the wind blowing up the door’ is not covered by insurance. It happens.

The weather can certainly slow you down and may mean you need to change your plans on short notice.   Don’t be fooled by all the blue sky photos you see of Iceland!

It might seem like it’s stating the bleeding obvious to say you need decent cold weather gear in Iceland but the temperatures and the conditions can be extreme. If you want to get out of your car and enjoy the scenery even in very cold, wet conditions you will need proper waterproof pants, a waterproof/windproof jacket, good waterproof gloves, a beanie and some decent, sturdy boots. You’ll be walking in sand, mud, gravel, rocks and rain.

Cost of an Iceland road trip: food and accommodation

Be warned: Iceland is furiously expensive. I was gobsmacked by the cost of things, even knowing that it’s an expensive country. Many travellers book self-catering accommodation and stock up at the supermarket so they don’t have to dine out.

For me, trying the local restaurants is one of the joys of travel so there was no way I was going to cook every night of my holiday!

Accommodation is expensive. There’s just not a lot of it so the cheaper options book out well in advance. We stayed in a mix of hosted and independent Airbnbs, upmarket hostels and standard hotels. We paid the equivalent of $AUD200 (very cheap by Icelandic standards) to close to $AUD400 per night, way more than we would normally pay for a night’s accommodation.

Our 11-day Iceland road trip itinerary: where to go and what to do

Our 11-day Iceland road trip itinerary along the Ring Road including some side trips to small towns and major attractions.

• Days 1 & 2: Reykjavik

Day 3: The Golden Circle

Day 4: eyrarbakki to vik.

• Day 5: Vik to Höfn
• Day 6:  Höfn to Seyðisfjörður
• Day 7:  Seyðisfjörður to Akureyri
• Day 8:  Akureyri to Hvammstangi
• Days 9 & 10: Stykkishólmur and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Day 11: Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Keflavik

Days 1 and 2: Reykjavik

Iceland greeted us with wild, wet, windy weather.

It looked grey and bleak as we flew in and after landing at Keflavik airport in the capital Reykjavik, it was so windy crews couldn’t attach the flybridge to the aircraft. Even getting the stairs in place was a challenge. As we sat waiting impatiently inside the plane, you could feel the aircraft being buffeted by the wind, literally shaking from side to side. I’ve never experienced anything like it.

Reykjavik is a small, picturesque harbourside town on the west coast of Iceland. It’s hard to convey how remote parts of the country are but consider this: Iceland has a population of 330,000 and two-thirds live in Reykjavik.

There’s a strong design focus in the city with some impressive architecture: the stunning harbourside concert hall and convention centre, the Harpa , with its multicoloured glass façade (try and book a show); the landmark Hallgrimskirkja church which provides a focal point for the city and the shiny glass dome-shaped Pearl  (Perlan) museum which offers panoramic views of the city.

The beautiful multicoloured glass facade of the Harpa Concert Hall and Exhibition Centre in Reykjavik.

Take a free walking tour around Reykjavik to get an insight into Icelandic history and culture. Despite walking in drizzling rain and very cold temperatures our guide was fun, informative, passionate about his homeland and even sang for us!

Where to stay in Reykjavik:

• We stayed at Room with a View   apartment   hotel. It was a self-catering apartment perfectly positioned smack bang in the city centre.

Where to eat and drink in Reykjavik:

• Culture Centre café – after several hours exploring Reykjavik in the rain we stopped here and savoured the best hot chocolate ever, plus a deliciously warm and large chocolate chip cookie. Yum.
• Sandholt café – a very popular breakfast café. Two coffees, a cinnamon roll and some granola and yoghurt in a plastic container cost the equivalent of $AUD40. Ouch!
• Fish restaurant – loved, loved, loved this home-cooked style food. Steamed fish and veggies, hot apple pie. Highly recommend.
• Essensia –  a stylish, modern Italian restaurant not far from the Harpa. We had the best-ever grilled whole sole fish here, sourced from Iceland’s Westfjords.
• Te & Kaffi – great coffee on the main street of Reykjavik.
• Bravo pub – on the main street, good to try a local Gull beer, keep an eye out for Happy Hour.
• Kaffibarinn – one of the oldest bars in Reykjavik that has lots of character and plenty of locals.

This is considered THE thing to do in Iceland if you only have a few days. The Golden Circle consists of three major attractions that are within striking distance of Reykjavik. You can easily see all of them in one day.

First stop is Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park , about 40 kilometres from the capital, where Iceland’s (and the world’s) first parliament, the Alping, was created in 930. Þingvellir means ‘Parliament Plains’ and many major events in Iceland’s history took place in this historic site. It’s a beautiful, peaceful, contemplative place looking out over Lake Þ hingvallatan .

Yet it’s also a place of earth-shattering change. The Northern American and Eurasian tectonic plates intersect in Iceland and at Þingvellir they are gradually being torn apart, causing massive fissures or canyons in the landscape. This means you can literally stand between two major continents.

Next stop on the Golden Circle is the Geysir hot spring area, where Iceland’s geothermal core puts on a dramatic show. Spitting, bubbling, boiling water explodes from the earth high into the air. The big geyser, Geysir, doesn’t erupt very often these days but stand by Strokkur and every five minutes or so boiling water will gush and hiss from the ground, erupting into the air to a height of about 30 metres.

Steam emerging from the ground at the geothermal area of Geysir in Iceland’s Golden Circle.

At Gullfoss in Iceland’s Golden Circle the water flows down into a deep, narrow crevasse.

The third attraction in the Golden Circle is Gullfoss , or Golden Waterfalls, one of the most impressive of many stunning waterfalls in Iceland. You can walk right up to the edge, soak up clouds of water spray on your face and feel the force of the water thundering down the rock face into a deep, narrow crevasse below.

If you have time you could also drop by the Kerið ( Kerid) volcanic crater which is on the way to Selfoss. You have to pay to view this attraction and while you can walk around the perimeter of the crater and climb down to the lake within, I was underwhelmed.

Where to stay:

• Avoid Selfoss which is very industrial and head off the Ring Road to Eyrarbakki to spend the night in a quiet, seaside town. Walking along the rocky, volcanic foreshore we discovered there is no land, only deep blue sea direct from Eyrarbakki to Antarctica more than 15,000 kilometres to the south.

Where to eat in Eyrarbakki:

• There aren’t too many options for food. We were a bit frightened by the cost of the local Rauda Husid , or Red House restaurant but were very pleasantly surprised. Order the fabulous fish soup with local langoustines, the cheapest meal on the menu – you get a free top up and won’t go home hungry.

We had booked a glacier walk at Sólheimajökull for today but it was cancelled due to wild, windy weather. There were travel warnings for driving the Ring Road where the wind was estimated to be up to 120km/h and the danger of volcanic ash storms was very high.

Instead, we took a detour up to the Hekla Volcano , which apparently is due to erupt any day now (!) and it was the eeriest place we went in Iceland. It felt so remote, almost dangerous, and I felt vulnerable driving into this bleak, black landscape where nothing seemed to survive. We only got out of the car very briefly because it was so windy but in the summer you can take a guided hiking tour of Hekla.

The eerie looking landscape around the Hekla volcano.

Walking in behind the impressive Seljalandsfoss where you’ll get very wet!

Next stops were two famous fossar (plural of foss): Seljalandsfoss and the 60-metre high Skógafoss . At Seljalandsfoss you can walk behind the waterfall – be prepared to get very wet and mind your step as it’s very slippery – then stroll over to the smaller Gljúfrabú waterfall nearby.

At Skógafoss you can walk right up to the waterfall on the ground level, then head up hundreds of stairs to view it from the top. There’s a trail that runs along the source river and is the beginning of the Laugavegur   hiking trail to   Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar , often named as one of the best hikes in the world.

On the road between the fossar you’ll find the infamous Eyafjallajökull volcano which erupted in 2010 bringing global travel to a grinding halt. It’s worth a stop. From the photos on roadside information boards you can easily identify houses that were right below the erupting volcano, surrounded by the ash cloud and which still stand today.

While we couldn’t climb the Sólheimajökull glacier we went for a look-see anyway. It’s a short walk from the carpark and café to the glacier and even in the rain, it’s a stunning sight.   

Where to stay and eat in Vik

• We stocked up at the supermarket and cooked our own food in our self-catering Airbnb apartment.

Day 5: Vik to Höfn

Day 5 dawned as another wet one and so we discovered Dyrholaey and the black sand beaches of Vik on a fifty shades of grey kind of day.   I hadn’t really seen black sand beaches before and was very taken with how dramatic and bold they looked.

Thanks to the weather our day didn’t quite go according to plan. We had to pocket our daily list of ‘things to see and do’ as we needed to buy some proper wet weather pants for JJ, my travel partner. He’d sworn blind that his outdoor pants were waterproof but after a couple of days of having soaked wet duds sticking to his skin, he wanted to get the real Icelandic waterproof deal. Two hundred dollars later … we recovered with a real espresso coffee at a hilltop café overlooking the fog-shrouded Vik cliffs.

From Vik, there’s a fair bit of very beautiful ‘nothing’ on the Route 1 drive: wide open landscapes, vast tracts of black volcanic sand and rock, snow-capped mountains, glimpses of glaciers and kilometre after kilometre of moss-covered lava from the devastating Laki volcano eruption in the late 18 th century.

We detoured off the Ring Road to check out the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon which is a few kilometres in along a potholed gravel road. The canyon is striking: the glacial blue water snakes down between sheer moss-covered walls that soar about 100 metres high. You can walk along the top of the canyon and get dangerously close to the edge.

The very impressive Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon in south east Iceland. The river snakes down between the canyon’s steep walls which are about 100 metres high. There’s a walking trail along the top of the canyon where you can get precariously close to the edge. ⠀

It was pouring rain the day we visited the black sand beach of Reynisfjara which only enhanced the black, white and grey colour palette. This is the view from Dyrholaey.

Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon in southeast Iceland.

Icebergs flow out from the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon under the Ring Road and into the Atlantic Ocean.

Unfortunately, we ran out of time to visit Skaftafell National Park because it was getting late in the day and the one thing I absolutely did not want to miss was Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon .

I was so looking forward to visiting Jökulsárlón and it absolutely lived up to expectations. It’s exquisite. We stopped at the western end of the lagoon (before crossing the bridge where most tourists head) and spent some time wandering around the water’s edge, soaking up the serene atmosphere and enjoying the beautiful evening light. There’s a very chilled vibe in this place. The waters are very still and the silence of nature is therapeutic.

Once you cross the bridge it’s astonishing to see how the small icebergs slowly get caught up in the current and flow down the narrow channel that leads to the black sand beach and then out into the Atlantic Ocean.

While we were disappointed to miss Skaftafell, we were on a high after Jökulsárlón. We were also glad we took a quick peek at the other glacier lagoon in this ‘hood, Fjallsárlón , which is just before Jökulsárlón and a lot less crowded.

Where to stay in Höfn:

• We stayed at the Hotel Edda Höfn which was probably the most expensive accommodation of our ten-day Iceland trip and functional at best. The room was very small with no facilities like a kettle or fridge. We did have a view of the harbour and the glacier in the distance.

Where to eat in Höfn:

• Höfn is famous for its langoustines (lobsters) so we headed to the best restaurant in town, Pakkhus , which overlooks the harbour and the large fishing boat that caught our dinner. We each downed a plate of deliciously grilled langoustines, washed down with local beer and Chilean wine! Turns out it was one of the best meals we had in Iceland and by far the most expensive and indulgent. The main courses alone cost about $AUD90 each!

Day 6: Höfn to Seyðisfjörður

When describing Iceland you tend to run out of words and really, they simply don’t do the place justice. But it’s a spectacular and incredibly picturesque drive along the mountainous East Fjords from Höfn to Seyðisfjörður.

Our only stop along the way was the small fishing town of Djúpivogur which has recently been named the first Cittaslow or ‘Slow Town’ in Iceland. It’s part of the global ‘slow movement’ whose ethos is all about slowing down the pace of life and focusing on quality, not quantity.

With only 400 residents in Djúpivogur, it certainly seemed pretty sleepy and slow-paced to us.

We popped into the Langabúð museum café, housed in Djúpivogur’s oldest building, to refuel on coffee and scrumptious local cakes before taking a slow cruise around town to discover the 34 eggs sculpture, the Eggs at Merry Bay. Each egg represents a different bird species from the surrounding area. The artwork was created by well-known Icelandic artist Sigurður Guðmundsson and is visually impressive.

The fishing town of Djúpivogur in East Iceland.

If you like art, you’ll appreciate the egg sculpture in Djúpivogur in East Iceland. Each egg represents a different bird species from the area.

Downtown Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful town in East Iceland, where the popular Icelandic crime series, Trapped, was filmed, and where the boat arrives from Denmark and the Faroe Islands.

It was a stroke of genius on my part to skip the town of Egilsstaðir which lies on the Ring Road and head straight to Seyðisfjörður, one of the prettiest villages in Iceland. The colourful homes, the cute church, the snow-capped mountains all add up to picture postcard perfect.

But it’s not a journey for the faint-hearted. It’s a steep mountain climb up and down into the fjord and when we visited, the mountain was obscured by thick, low-hanging cloud, bringing visibility to almost zero.

We crawled, heart in mouth, along the winding road at a snail’s pace, barely able to see a few metres in front of us, terrified that we might slip over the edge into an icy, snow-laden ravine below. It was our scariest experience in Iceland.

But the long heart-stopping drive paid off. Seyðisfjörður has ‘got it’. It’s where the boat arrives from Denmark and the Faroe Islands and it’s one of the filming locations for the popular Icelandic crime series, Trapped . We had such a fun time there even though we stayed less than 24 hours.

We made two excellent decisions: staying at the Post Hostel and heading to the local pub. We nestled into a cosy corner of the pub, ordered some barbecued cod with baked potato and sat back to enjoy a few beers and wines. The atmosphere was pumping – a European Champions League soccer match was playing on the TV upstairs and the locals were raucously hootin’ and hollerin’ throughout the game.

Where to stay in  Seyðisfjörður:

• The Post Hostel is in the old post office building, a very clean upmarket hostel not far from the town centre. Our room had an ensuite plus there’s a very well-equipped shared kitchen and dining area.

Where to eat in  Seyðisfjörður:

• The pub is called Kaffi Lara – El Grillo Bar . Definitely recommend it for good, honest home-style food.

Day 7: Seyðisfjörður to Akureyri

The drive to Akureyri reinforced just how sparsely populated this country is.

The landscape changed dramatically from the steep mountains and deep fjords peppered with tiny coastal villages to an inland route traversing dark rock and black volcanic terrain. From the bright blues of the fjords to the rusty browns and stark blacks of a lookalike lunar landscape. It reminded me of the eeriness we felt on our way up to the Hekla volcano a few days earlier.

I had done a lot less planning and research for this part of the trip but generally following other travellers is a good guide! We didn’t see many buses in this area like you do around the Golden Circle but the closer you get to Lake Myvatn the busier the roads get.

Dettifoss, hailed as the most powerful waterfall in Europe, is in this northeast neck of the woods. The catch is it’s 26 kilometres off the Ring Road along a gravel road. We saw one car with a flat tyre.

There are two entry points to Dettifoss, one on either side of the falls. The entry we took is considered the more adventurous approach as there’s not a dedicated track or viewing platform. You have to scramble over jagged rocks to reach it. In fact, I was pretty amazed at the lack of protective fencing at high points all throughout Iceland. That’s also part of its charm.

In all honesty, I was underwhelmed by Dettifoss. I thought other waterfalls were a lot more spectacular and much easier to access. I’m not sure the time we spent getting there was worth it. You be the judge.

What I did love is Godafoss , a beautiful waterfall right on the Ring Road, and  Hverir , the geothermal area that lies at the bottom of the Námafjall  mountain. It’s a bare, barren landscape with gurgling mud pools, smoking, steaming fumaroles which emit stinky sulphur gas and dusty red earth like on Mars.

The Hverir geothermal area in North Iceland.

At Godafoss, my favourite waterfall, in North Iceland.

Dettifoss in North Iceland. See how close you can get to the edge!

Krafla is also nearby, which includes the Viti crater and a geothermal power station. I regret we missed this on our trip as it’s only seven kilometres off the Ring Road.

Just around the corner from Hverir are the Myvatn Nature Baths , a less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon. We dropped by for a look-see – there’s no way we were paying almost $AUD60 for a dip – and had some lunch at the restaurant instead.

From here, it’s a beautiful drive around Lake Myvatn and into Akureyri which is the second largest town in Iceland. Yet with a population of only around 18,000, it’s tiny. If you don’t have time to drive around the island, you can fly in from Reykjavik to explore this northern area of Iceland.

Where to stay in Akureyri

• We had a wonderful hosted Airbnb stay in Akureyri. It was in an artists’ residence a short stroll from town. Our host Samuel was delightful and extremely helpful.

Where to eat in Akureyri

• Samuel suggested we try Rub 23, which he says is the best restaurant in town. It was fully booked so we ended up at another of his recommendations, the Backpackers Café. The food was good, the chocolate cake enormous.

Day 8: Akureyri to Hvammstangi

On a stunning drive around the northern fjords we passed through the coastal towns of Dalvik , Ólafsfjörður and Siglufjörður , another filming location for the Icelandic series, Trapped .

There’s a seven-kilometre-long, dark, one-lane-wide tunnel to reach Siglufjörður which I found a bit unnerving when big trucks headed straight for you from the opposite direction. There are small bays throughout the tunnel where you can pull in to allow oncoming traffic to pass.

It was wonderful exploring this part of Iceland. There were hardly any other tourists here, the roads were quiet and we stumbled into the pretty little town of Hofsós where we enjoyed some deliciously sweet Icelandic pancakes at a harbourside restaurant.

The very pretty church in Hofsos in North Iceland.

Off the beaten path on the fjords of North Iceland.

It was a rude shock when we rejoined the main road, Route 1 (the Ring Road) which was teeming with traffic travelling at high speed. It was such a relief to get off again for our overnight stay in Hvammstangi.

Where to stay in Hvammstangi

• We stayed at the self-contained Hvammstangi cottages which were very small, very basic and functional. The double bed was tiny and not very comfortable. I’d try elsewhere.

Where to eat in Hvammstangi

• The best part of this area was the Geitafell restaurant , our favourite dinner in Iceland. It’s a long, slow 27-kilometre drive on a gravel road to reach the family-owned restaurant but it was a wonderful experience. You might be lucky to spot some seals along the way. It was early in the season the night we were there so the restaurant was quiet. The owner came over and chatted to us and told us how his wife had made the rhubarb cake and his daughter the Skyr cake. The seafood soup was to-die-for. Don’t miss Geitafell!

Days 9 and 10: Stykkishólmur and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

With Stykkishólmur and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula we unwittingly saved the best till last. We absolutely loved, loved, loved this part of Iceland. It’s so incredibly beautiful and Stykkishólmur must be the prettiest village in all of Iceland.

It was the highlight of our 11-day Iceland adventure, capped off by the experience of a lifetime, hiking the Snæfellsjökull glacier. You can read all about our glacier hike here . Snæfellsjökull was immortalised in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth and on a good day, the snow-covered volcano can be seen from Reykjavik 120 kilometres away. 

Stykkishólmur and the nearby town of Grundarfjörður both featured in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty . Driving around the peninsula is a wonderful tour of discovery exploring towns such as Arnarstapi , Hellnar , Hellissandur , Rif and Búðir .

From Stykkishólmur you can catch the car ferry to Flatey Island and the Westfjords. We tried so hard to fit this into our itinerary but just couldn’t make it work. Next time for sure.

For a relatively small part of the island, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula packs a real punch and I would not miss this region of Iceland for anything.

Stykkishólmur harbour.

The road to the Snæfellsjökull glacier in West Iceland.

Day 11: Stykkishólmur to Keflavik

We cancelled our planned kayaking trip on the fjord off Stykkishólmur as the wind was strong and the temperature icy. Instead, we moseyed our way back to Reykjavik along route 54.

Visiting the Settlement Centre in Bogarnes was the highlight of the day. The centre has two exhibitions: one, the famous Iceland saga of Egil Skalla-Grimsson and two, the story of how Iceland was discovered by the Vikings. Each exhibition is brought to life by wonderfully crafted wooden figures and artwork, accompanied by an audio guide.

Icelanders are incredibly proud of their history and the Icelandic sagas – stories of the early years of settlement – are deeply ingrained into the Icelandic psyche and integral to who they are. It’s really worth spending some time to understand and appreciate their stories.

We spent our last night at a BnB near the airport as we had an early flight the next morning. Be warned: we arrived at the airport at about 4am and it was chockers. People everywhere. All checking into WOW air flights headed for Europe.

The verdict on our Iceland road trip

There’s a lot of getting in and out of cars on a road trip like this. Because we had a strict itinerary and had to be at a certain place each night, we didn’t have much time just to explore and wander outside of visiting the main attractions. The bad weather slows you down as well so it’s good to have a few days up your sleeve to work around that.

I wish we had a couple of more nights around Vik in the southeast and around Myvatn and Akureyri in the north. That way we could have done a few more half day hikes and explored the towns we stayed at a bit more. We generally got to our hotel at night and left the next morning, yet the towns we stayed at are interesting destinations in their own right.

It’s a cliché to say, ‘We’ll be back’ after you’ve had a fantastic holiday. But the reality is, there are so many places to visit in this world that despite best intentions, chances are you’ll never return. I’d like to think that’s not true for Iceland as I have a list of things I still want to do and see:

• The Laugavegur trek and the Highlands
• The ferry ride from Stykkishólmur to explore the Westfjords
• Skaftafell National Park and the blue ice caves
• And the Northern Lights which appear in the colder, winter months.

I’m yet to meet a person who hasn’t been totally enchanted and fallen in love with Iceland. It really does cast a spell on you.

If you need a little more inspo, you can see more of our droolworthy  Iceland pics .

I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Or if you have any questions I’d be happy to help if I can.

Safe travels.

Some useful links:

• Safe Travel Iceland http://safetravel.is/
• Icelandic Met Office, http://en.vedur.is/
• The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, http://www.road.is/

Diana Watts

Diana created Suitcase & Sneakers to capture her adventures hiking, biking and surfing around the world. She often dreams of relaxing holidays sipping cocktails by the beach but usually ends up actively exploring remote locations.

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The Best Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Nowhere does road trips quite like Iceland.

• Post author By Bradt Guides
• Post date 8th May 2024

Make the most of your time in the land of fire and ice with this Iceland ring road itinerary.

Iceland’s Ring Road – that single thread of tarmac unfurling across volcanic landscapes – is the key to unlocking this unique island’s wild heart. For adventurers, photographers, or simply anyone yearning to reconnect with nature, this scenic Iceland Ring Road itinerary promises an unforgettable journey. 

Yet, Iceland’s beauty comes with unique challenges, and a little planning goes a long way to ensure your adventure is as epic as the landscapes. 

Planning starts with this itinerary but also needs to include a reliable car rental service in Iceland , as well as brushing up on the rules of the road there.

For expert travel tips and other recommendations, check out our page on planning a trip to Iceland .

The best Iceland Ring Road itinerary

This itinerary outlines a classic 10-day Iceland road trip experience, packed with waterfalls, glaciers, and the kind of otherworldly scenery Iceland does best.

It’s your blueprint for the ultimate Iceland road trip – with insider tips and a practical travel guide to make your adventure a reality. 

Ready to discover Iceland’s magic at your own pace? Let’s dive in…

Planning your trip

Planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially when you’re heading somewhere as diverse and exciting as Iceland. To make things easier, it can help to break things down.

We’ll start with the basics; deciding when you’ll go and for how many days.

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Deciding when to embark on your Ring Road adventure is about determining your priorities. Do you dream of the aurora borealis dancing across the sky? Or vibrant wildflowers swaying under the midnight sun? Each season in Iceland offers something unique.

For the classic Icelandic experience – think cascading waterfalls, iconic black sand beaches, and lush green valleys – the summer months (June to August) bring mild weather and the most daylight hours. However, you can also expect bigger crowds and higher prices.

If seeing the northern lights is at the top of your bucket list, you’re best off travelling in winter. If you visit between late September and March, your chances of seeing those iconic green hues will increase dramatically. It’s a trade-off: shorter days and potentially harsh conditions, but you’ll have fewer tourists and the opportunity to witness nature’s spectacular light show. Find out more about traversing Iceland’s natural landscapes in winter here .

Shoulder seasons (May and September) strike a lovely balance. You might catch early wildflowers or autumn’s golden hues, and you’ll be greeted with smaller crowds to boot.

How long should I go for?

The beauty of Iceland’s Ring Road is that it caters to every traveller’s pace. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure kind of holiday!

• The Quick Hit (7 days):  Perfect if you’re short on time but crave Iceland’s iconic highlights. Expect some long drives, but also short walks to waterfalls, visits to geothermal pools, and the opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of Reykjavík.
• The Balanced Explorer (10 days): 10 days is the sweet spot. This allows ample time to savour each region while also leaving room to add in those extra adventures. Hike a glacier, hop on a whale-watching tour, or detour to a remote fishing village – the choice is yours. Check out our round-up of the best adventure experiences in the world here .
• The Deep Dive (14+ days):  Fall in love with Iceland on a slower timeline. Venture into the wild Westfjords, tackle challenging hikes, or simply linger at your favourite spots. This length is ideal if you’re travelling by camper van or want to go off the beaten track to experience everything Iceland has to offer.

Iceland’s weather conditions can always throw a curveball. So, build some flexibility into your plans regardless of how long your adventure lasts. It’s always a good idea to check out the Iceland travel advice before you go.

Essential Ring Road knowledge

Before hitting the open road, it can be helpful to get the lay of the land – a well-prepared explorer is a happy one!

Road conditions

Iceland’s main Ring Road (Route 1) is typically paved and well-maintained. However, expect some gravel road portions, especially when venturing off the main route towards hidden gems. While a regular rental car is fine for most trips, a 4×4 might be worth it if you planning on more extensive off-road explorations.

Always keep an eye on weather conditions, particularly in winter. Temporary road closures can occur due to snow or storms. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s website is your best friend for up-to-date information.

Petrol stations and other facilities

Iceland’s Ring Road is generally well-serviced with petrol or gas stations, making it easy to keep your vehicle fuelled. However, distribution isn’t always even, and the remoter areas – like parts of the North, Eastfjords, and the Interior – have long stretches of road without stations.

With this in mind, it’s important not to let your fuel tank dip too low. It’s always wise to top up whenever you see a station, especially if you’re venturing off the main Ring Road.

Booking accommodation

Booking in advance is essential, especially if you’re travelling during peak season (June-August). Iceland offers a fantastic variety of accommodation, from cosy guesthouses and farm stays, to modern apartments and hotels located just a short walk away from the main attractions.

Currency and language

The official currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK). While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s useful to have some cash on hand when you’re visiting smaller towns. 

When it comes to language, English is commonly spoken, but learning a few key Icelandic phrases like “takk” (thank you) and “góðan daginn” (hello) will go a long way!

Iceland Ring Road itinerary

Day 1: arrival in Iceland

Your first day in Iceland is all about getting your bearings, embracing the Icelandic spirit and preparing for the adventure ahead.

Morning: arrive at Keflavík International Airport

Start your Icelandic adventure by picking up your rental car at Keflavík International Airport . The open road awaits, but your first stop is an absolute must.

Afternoon: the Blue Lagoon

Just a short drive from the airport, unwind in the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon . This geothermal spa, with its silica-rich mud and steamy warmth, is the perfect place to shake off any jet lag and soak up Iceland’s unique energy.

Dining and accommodation

Stay near Keflavík for convenience – Hotel Berg and Hotel Jazz are lovely choices. Or, make the short drive to the capital city of Reykjavík for a wider selection. Experience the city’s energy at the cosy Hotel Ódinsvé or the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre.

After your soak, treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at the Blue Lagoon’s Lava Restaurant . In Reykjavík, local flavours await at Fiskfélagið (Fish Company) or Messinn , a vibrant seafood restaurant.

Day 2: the Golden Circle

Iceland’s Golden Circle is one of those routes that lives up to the hype. Prepare to tick off epic geological wonders, stand beneath gushing waterfalls and witness geothermal phenomena up close.

Morning: Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is where the mighty North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly pull apart, meaning you can literally walk between continents. It’s a place of raw beauty and fascinating history – this is where Iceland’s parliament, the Alþingi, was founded in 930 AD.

Stroll through Almannagjá gorge, marvel at the Öxará waterfall, and imagine the Viking settlers who once gathered here.

Afternoon: Gullfoss Waterfall

A short distance from Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, or the “Golden Falls,” is a force of nature and a great place to spend the afternoon.

The Hvítá River, fed by glacial meltwater, cascades down in two powerful tiers. This spectacle is exhilarating on a sunny day and positively awe-inspiring when framed by ice in winter.

There are several viewpoints to experience the falls, so grab your camera and get ready to take those iconic Icelandic shots.

Evening: Geysir geothermal area

If you’ve ever wondered why hot springs are called ‘geysers’, this is the place to find out. While the original Geysir is less active these days, its neighbour, Strokkur, puts on a show every few minutes, sending boiling water skywards.

Wander the boardwalk amidst bubbling pools and brightly coloured mineral deposits for a truly otherworldly experience.

Bonus stops: Kerið and the Secret Lagoon

If you have extra time while exploring the Golden Circle, consider making a detour to Kerið, a striking volcanic crater lake known for its vibrant colours.

For a relaxing soak, the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir offers a hot spring experience with a more rustic, local feel than the larger, more famous Blue Lagoon.

For a cosy stay, consider Hotel Geysir or Litli Geysir Hotel near the geysers.

If you’re pushing on towards South Iceland, spend your second night in Iceland at Hotel Selfoss or the gorgeous Hotel Ranga.

Restaurants in this area tend towards hearty Icelandic fare – try Mika Restaurant at Hotel Geysir or the farmhouse-style Skyrgerðin in Hveragerði.

Day 3: South Coast waterfalls and black sand beaches

The South Coast is all about waterfalls that tumble from cliffs, a coastline sculpted by the fierce North Atlantic, and those iconic black sands that Iceland is known for.

Morning: Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool

Kick off your adventure with a true hidden gem: Seljavallalaug pool is one of Iceland’s oldest. Tucked away in a valley, a short hike is all that stands between you and a dip in naturally heated water. It’s a little rustic, a lot charming, and an experience you won’t soon forget.

Midday: Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Formed by the Seljalandsá River, which originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, this waterfall showcases the power of nature.

The unique curve of its cliff allows you to venture behind the curtain of water. Don’t forget to bring your waterproof gear with you, otherwise you’ll get soaked!

Take a moment behind the falls to appreciate the view looking outwards, a perspective few waterfalls in the world offer.

Afternoon: Skógafoss waterfall and coastline

A short drive east takes you to Skógafoss. This mighty waterfall tumbles in a wide rectangular shape, generating a constant cloud of mist. Legend has it that a Viking once hid his treasure behind the falls. Whether or not the gold is still there, there’s adventure to be had in the climb to the viewing platform at the top.

From here, you’ll witness the Skógá River’s forceful descent and the rugged coastline stretching into the distance. This area is also near the Sólheimajökull glacier, offering potential hiking opportunities for the particularly adventurous.

Optional: Skógar, Reynisdrangar and black sands

The village of Skógar boasts the fascinating Skógasafn museum , not too far from the main road. If you have some extra time, it’s a wonderful window into traditional Icelandic life, featuring turf houses and historical artefacts.

If you have more time, a quick stop at Reynisdrangar is worth it. Legend has it these basalt sea stacks were once trolls that have since turned to stone. Admire their otherworldly shapes, then stroll along the Reynisfjara black beach – keep an eye out for puffins nesting in the cliffs during the warmer months.

Want to explore further? The area also boasts the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, making for an eerie and photogenic walk along the black sands.

Base yourself in the charming town of Vík (try Hotel Vík í Mýdral or the Volcano Hotel), or journey further to Skaftafell National Park (check out Hotel Skaftafell or Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon).

For dinner in Vík, Smiðjan Brewery and Strondin Pub offer both tasty food and inviting atmospheres.

Day 4: Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Get those hiking boots ready because day four is all about delving into the raw beauty of Iceland’s glaciers. We’re talking ancient ice, rugged trails, and a lagoon where dazzling blue icebergs bob serenely – it’s about as close to a winter wonderland as you can get.

Morning: Skaftafell National Park

Part of the vast Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Take a short hike to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by striking black basalt columns, or embark on a longer glacier trek – crampons and guides will lead you safely onto the glistening ice. Even if you choose a shorter walk, Skaftafell’s landscapes still deliver the ‘wow’ factor.

Midday: Diamond Beach and Vatnajökull Glacier

This black sand shoreline is where icebergs, broken off from the vast Vatnajökull glacier, wash ashore. The contrast between the glittering ice chunks and the dark sand is simply magical, making it one of the most unique photo spots in the entire country. You can easily spend a few hours wandering the beach, marvelling at the ice formations in various shapes and sizes.

Afternoon: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

This is where those postcard-perfect Iceland images come to life. Jökulsárlón is a mesmerising expanse of water where icebergs – in shades of brilliant blue and white – bob on their journey towards the sea. Stretch your legs along the shoreline for the best views or hop on a boat tour for an unforgettable close-up with these ancient ice giants. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, too!

Bonus stops: boat tours and Fjallsárlón

Lagoon boat tours offer a different perspective and usually come in two options: larger, slower amphibian boats or zippy Zodiacs that let you get amongst the bergs.

If time permits, consider visiting Fjallsárlón, Jökulsárlón’s less-crowded neighbour. It’s smaller but equally beautiful!

Stay near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon or Hali Country Hotel are good options), or push onward into the East Fjords. Local, no-frills spots often have the freshest seafood – try restaurants like Otto in Höfn for a cosy and delicious meal.

Day 5: Eastfjords and hidden gems

Escape the crowds and experience the true essence of Iceland on your fifth day in the country. The East Fjords are a place where rugged mountains meet the sea, winding roads reveal hidden waterfalls, and small, welcoming fishing villages carry whispers of historic tales. 

Daytime: scenic Eastfjords drive

The drive itself is the star today. Winding roads hug the coast, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. Stop to admire the colourful houses of Seyðisfjörður, perhaps grab a coffee in the artsy town centre, and watch fishing boats bob in the harbour at Neskaupstaður or Reyðarfjörður. It’s a long day of driving, but with so many picture-perfect spots, you’ll want to take your time.

Hidden Gem: Hengifoss waterfall

Make a worthwhile detour to Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls. After a moderately challenging hike, you’re rewarded with its slender cascade dropping into a dramatic, moss-covered canyon. Legend has it that elves and hidden folk reside here – whether you believe it or not, there’s certainly magic in the air!

Bonus stops: waterfalls, museums and traditional villages

If you’re a hiker, consider tackling Litlanesfoss waterfall, also near Hengifoss. The quaint village of Borgarfjörður Eystri is renowned for puffin watching in summer, while museums like the East Iceland Heritage Museum in Egilsstaðir provide insight into the region’s history.

Experience Eastfjords hospitality at its best by staying in a village guesthouse or small hotel. Try options like Hótel Bláfell in Breiðdalsvík or Wilderness Center in Egilsstaðir. Look out for little local spots serving dishes like freshly caught seafood or hearty Icelandic lamb stew – they’re often the most memorable.

Day 6: Mývatn Nature Baths and geothermal activity

Today, dive into a truly Icelandic experience – geothermal waters, volcanic landscapes, and perhaps a touch of that famous ‘rotten egg’ sulfur smell. It’s a day to feel the power of the Earth beneath your feet and to unwind in a way that’s truly Icelandic.

Morning: Mývatn Nature Baths

Think of this as the Blue Lagoon’s quieter cousin. The Myvatn Nature Baths boast milky blue water rich in minerals and offer stunning views of the surrounding lava fields.

Ease into the day with a long soak in the lagoon or one of the steamy hot tubs – it’s the perfect remedy for any lingering road trip aches.

Early afternoon: geothermal wonderland

The area around Lake Mývatn is a hotbed (literally!) of geothermal activity. Visit the bubbling mud pots and hissing steam vents of Námaskarð Mountain Pass or climb the rim of the Hverfjall crater for panoramic views. Each stop offers a slightly different glimpse into the fiery forces that shape Iceland.

Late afternoon: Goðafoss detour

Goðafoss, nicknamed the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is a majestic sight. Powerful and wide, its cascades thunder into a turquoise pool below. There are trails to explore and viewpoints on both sides, making it an ideal spot for capturing that epic Icelandic shot.

Bonus stops: Dimmuborgir, Mývatn and Laufás

If time allows, Dimmuborgir is a fascinating detour. This otherworldly landscape of volcanic craters, caves, and twisted rock formations creates the perfect backdrop for sparking your imagination. An early start is the best way to make the most of this popular spot, which can get crowded later in the day. Local legend claims it’s inhabited by trolls and the mischievous Icelandic Yule Lads – keep a watchful eye as you explore!  

For a break from geothermal wonders, Mývatn is a great spot for birdwatchers. This shallow lake teems with diverse birdlife, making it a haven for keen ornithologists. However, it is quite a long drive from the main route, so it’s best suited for those with extra time or a specific interest in birdwatching. 

If Icelandic history piques your curiosity, a detour to Laufás is worthwhile. This traditional turf-roofed farmhouse provides a glimpse into the entire island’s agricultural past and offers interesting exhibits on local life.

Stay near Mývatn Lake for easy access to the baths (consider Sel Hótel Mývatn or Fosshotel Myvatn). Don’t miss dining at Vogafjós Cowshed Restaurant , set on a working farm, or trying the comfort food at Daddi’s Pizza.

Day 7: Dettifoss waterfall and Akureyri

On day seven of your Iceland Ring Road itinerary, you’ll witness one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls before easing into the cosy buzz of Iceland’s “second city.”

Morning: Dettifoss

Dettifoss, fed by the mighty Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, is pure power. Standing close (wear your waterproof gear), you’ll feel the spray, hear the roar, and gain a whole new respect for Iceland’s wild side. There are two main access points – choose the west side for better views and the east side for a slightly gentler walk.

Afternoon: Akureyri

Bustling Akureyri, the “Capital of the North,” offers a delightful blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Set at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord, the town boasts a lively atmosphere – surprising for its relatively small size!

Begin your exploration with a stroll through the compact downtown area. Browse the shops for locally-made souvenirs, admire the colourful Nordic architecture, and perhaps enjoy a coffee with views of the harbour.

Next, immerse yourself in some of Akureyri’s highlights. The Akureyri Church, with its distinctive twin-towered design, holds a good place on the hill and is worth a visit.

For a dose of tranquillity, escape to the lush Akureyri Botanical Gardens, one of the world’s northernmost botanical gardens. If good weather is present, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing wander.

Bonus stops: Hvítserkur

If you’re heading through North Iceland, the Hvítserkur basalt sea stack is a quirky sight. Legend claims it is (another) petrified troll, but it looks remarkably like a rhino drinking from the sea. Consider it a photogenic bonus if your route allows for it.

Choose from a range of hotels right in Akureyri’s heart (try Hotel Kea or Akureyri – Berjaya Iceland Hotels). Rub shoulders with locals at restaurants like Greifinn or enjoy modern Icelandic cuisine with fjord views at Strikið .

Day 8: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Day eight provides a microcosm of everything Iceland does best – volcanoes, glaciers, epic coastlines, and a hint of ethereal mystique. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers a sample of the island’s highlights, perfect if you’re short on time but crave those classic Icelandic sights.

You can also find a more complete Snaefellsnes itinerary here.

Morning: scenic coastal drive

Leave Akureyri and turn westward onto the main highway, hugging the coastline towards Snæfellsnes. This drive itself is stunning. Keep an eye out for seals basking on rocks and snow-capped mountains across the fjords.

Afternoon: Snæfellsnes highlights

Kirkjufell Mountain is a must. This weirdly-perfect, cone-shaped peak has earned its nickname “Church Mountain” and was featured in the hit show, Game of Thrones . Its photogenic form makes it a popular spot, so be ready to encounter some fellow admirers. 

Park near the viewpoint for those classic shots, or embark on the short, circular, walking path that winds around the base for a different perspective.

Next, experience the raw power of the ocean at Djúpalónssandur. This striking black pebble beach is strewn with the rusted remnants of a shipwreck, a stark reminder of the sea’s strength. Feel the spray on your face as you follow the path towards the water’s edge. 

Be aware this area can be exposed to strong winds, so dress in warm layers and choose the best option depending on the weather. The scenic route through the peninsula offers countless opportunities to pull over for even more awe-inspiring views!  

Bonus stop: Snæfellsjökull Glacier

Up for a challenge? Experienced hikers (with guides and the right gear) can tackle an ascent of Snæfellsjökull, the peninsula’s glacier-capped volcano.

Jules Verne fans might recall it featured in ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’. The views from the top are unreal, but it’s a demanding climb, so choose wisely!

Base yourself in one of the peninsula’s charming villages like Arnarstapi, Hellissandur, or Ólafsvík. Try Fosshotel Hellnar or Hótel Búdir for scenic locations. Cosy restaurants often double as guesthouses, so you can seek out fresh seafood and warm hospitality at the same time.

Day 9: return to Reykjavik and whale watching 

Day nice is about savouring your last glimpses of Iceland’s landscapes, then topping it off with a wildlife encounter that might just be this round trip’s highlight.

Morning: scenic drive back

There’s no rush today! Take your time on the drive back to Reykjavík, retracing the coastal road, or opt for the inner route through Borgarnes for a scenery change. Make pit stops at your leisure, perhaps grabbing a coffee in a small town or enjoying one last beach walk. Depending on your flight timings, you may even be able to squeeze in a quick soak at the Blue Lagoon.

Afternoon: whale watching

Iceland’s waters are home to whales year-round, and a tour from Reykjavík harbour offers you a chance to spot them. Minkes are the most common, but you might see humpbacks, dolphins, or even orcas. Layer up, grab your binoculars, and head to the viewing platform – there’s something magical about searching for those telltale blows on the horizon.

If you have time after your whale tour, the Whales of Iceland exhibit offers a fascinating insight into these ocean giants.

Evening: a night in Reykjavík

You’re back in the buzzing capital! Stroll Laugavegur, the main shopping street, picking up last-minute souvenirs. For dinner, Reykjavík offers plenty of choices: try the modern Icelandic fare at Matur og Drykkur , fresh seafood at Fiskfélagið, or the cosy vibes of the Old Iceland Restaurant . End your night sampling Iceland’s craft beer scene – Skúli and Mikkeller are great spots.

Accommodation

Choose from a wide range of Reykjavík hotels in various budgets: check out Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre if you haven’t on arrival, or the boutique 101 Hotel. 

Day 10: leaving Iceland

The time has come to bid farewell to Iceland… or has it? While Keflavík Airport might be calling, there’s still plenty left to see. If you’re thinking about extending your adventure but are unsure where to start, here are your options:

Morning: departure day

If today’s the day you fly home, allow ample time to reach the airport, often a good 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Those with early flights might squeeze in one last Icelandic pastry and coffee before hitting the road.

Extend your adventure: options abound

Iceland always has more to offer! Here are three ideas for gorgeous day trips, depending on your time and interests:

Option 1: Reykjanes Peninsula day trip

This volcanic wonderland is on your doorstep. Visit the Blue Lagoon (if you haven’t already), marvel at the lava fields around Kleifarvatn Lake, and walk the bridge between continents. It’s the perfect option if you just want one more taste of Iceland before departing.

Option 2: hunting for natural hot springs

Want the true Icelandic hot spring experience away from the crowds? Take a hike like the Reykjadalur hot spring thermal river, a short drive from Reykjavík. Soaking in naturally heated water surrounded by wild landscapes is unforgettable. Numerous day tours also run from the capital.

Option 3: Westfjords

If you have more time, this is the ultimate Iceland road trip extension. Ferries run from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the Westfjords, a rugged region of towering cliffs, waterfalls like Dynjandi, and vast uncrowded spaces. This is for serious adventurers with time to spare.

Get the whole story

For complete information on planning your Iceland ring road itinerary, check out our guide to Iceland :

Getaway Compass

10-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Iceland is an incredible country with breathtaking waterfalls, dramatic landscapes, and vast glaciers. The best way to see Iceland is to drive around the ring road and stop at highlights and hidden gems along the way. It is hard to decide how long to spend in each part of the country, so this itinerary will help split up the days for you. Continue reading this 10-day Iceland ring road itinerary to plan the ultimate Iceland road trip with incredible hikes, kayaking adventures, scenic canyons, and more.

When to Visit Iceland

The best weather in Iceland is during July and August, but this is also when it is the busiest. Instead, opt for the shoulder season and visit in May, June, or September, when the weather is still nice and you still have plenty of hours to explore in daylight. In the winter, although more likely to see the northern lights, the daylight hours can be limited to four hours. Also, certain areas may be harder to access in the snow and not all roads are cleared.

How to Get to Iceland

The main international airport in Iceland is Keflavik International Airport (KEF). You can find the best flight deals to Iceland by searching on Skyscanner across dates and airlines. If you can travel to a larger airport to take off from for your flight to Iceland, you can often find cheaper prices.

How to Get Around Iceland

The best way to get around Iceland is to rent a car or camper van. Although a camper van can save you money on accommodation, it is significantly more expensive than renting a car and it will lead to more money spent on gas which is expensive in Iceland.

I recommend reserving a rental car on Discover Cars ahead of time to make sure you get the best rate. You do not need 4×4 to drive around the ring road, so you can save money by renting a standard sedan. Note that it is cheaper to rent a manual car, so if you can drive a manual car make sure to look for this option.

If you have a limited amount of time to spend in Iceland and only plan on going to areas near Reykjavik, you can book organized tours from Reykjavik instead of renting a car. You can find organized tours to the Golden Circle, South Iceland and more destinations on Viator and Get Your Guide .

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Free: iceland google maps list of 60+ destinations.

Make sure you visit all the top destinations in Iceland by using this google maps list throughout your road trip. Subscribe below to get the link to this google maps list with over 60 destinations in Iceland!

10-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

9 things to pack for your iceland road trip.

Two places to find the perfect gear for your Iceland road trip are Backcountry and REI . Across these stores you can find great outdoor gear, backpacks, hiking boots, and more. 

• Down Coat:  The weather in Iceland can change at any moment so make sure to have a warm jacket with you. A down coat is a great option since it is light and can help you stay dry. You can find a down coat for your Iceland road trip on REI.
• Rain Jacket : Don’t let the rain or waterfall mist stop you from having an incredible trip in Iceland. If you want to stay extra dry you could also get waterproof rain pants which can be helpful if you plan on getting close to waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.
• Hat and Gloves : Even if you are visiting Iceland in the summer it can get cold. Make sure you are fully prepared with a hat and gloves!
• Sunglasses : You’ll be thrilled you have sunglasses with you when you get a sunny day in Iceland. From experience, if you forget sunglasses they are very difficult to find in Iceland and the glaciers and mountains can be bright.
• Hiking Shoes : Make sure to bring a good pair of hiking shoes and break them in before the trip. I used these Danner Boots for longer hikes and these Salomon Hiking Shoes for shorter hikes. Both hiking shoes are great for Iceland since they are waterproof.
• Daypack: A comfortable bag to carry your layers and camera gear while hiking is a must. I recommend this Gregory Daypack   which has a waist strap to help carry the bag.
• Water Bottle : Tap water in Iceland is safe to drink and delicious so there is no need to buy bottled water. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle with you that you can refill each day like this Stanley 24 oz water bottle .
• Camera : If you have been thinking of buying a new camera make sure to get it before your Iceland road trip. Capture all your incredible memories with this Sony A7RIII Mirrorless Camera . For this trip I used the Tamron 28-75 mm F/2.8 lens which is light but still has a great zoom range to capture waterfalls in the distance.
• Drone : We purchased the DJI Mini 3 Pro ahead of our Iceland trip and it was the best decision. The drone lets you see places from a different perspective and take incredible photos and videos. The best part is your significant other will finally be excited to take photos and videos of you since they will have fun flying the drone. The DJI Mini 3 Pro is only 249 grams and is foldable which makes it easy to travel with. It is lighter and smaller than my Sony mirrorless camera! 

Day 1: Land in Iceland, Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, Geothermal Area, Reykjavik

Most flights from the United States arrive in Keflavik, Iceland in the morning. After you land, on your way to Reykjavik, make stops at highlights on the Reykjanes Peninsula. First, visit Gunnuhver Hot Springs which is a geothermal area with mud pools and steam vents. Next, visit Blue Lagoon which is about 20 minutes away from the airport. Make sure to book tickets ahead of time to get the time slot you are looking for. Another option is to visit   Sky Lagoon , where you can relax in the geothermal lagoon with views of the ocean. The Sky Lagoon offers options to book their seven step ritual or just visit the geothermal lagoon. 

After enjoying your time at the Blue Lagoon, stop at Krýsuvík for a quick walk around the geothermal area where you can see more mud pools, steam vents, and a range of colored soil. From here you can continue to Reykjavik where you can park your car and explore the city.

Explore Reykjavik, the Capital of Iceland

Visit Hallgrimskirkja , a church where you can take an elevator to the top to see views of the city. From there you can enjoy a walk around Reykjavik. Explore the popular street called  Skólavörðustígur, where you can find restaurants and shops along with rainbow street. Enjoy shops and restaurants along Laugavegur street, see the Sun Voyager , and visit Harpa Concert Hall to see the unique glass building. Complete your loop around the city with walking by Tjörnin , a small lake located by City Hall. Reykjavik offers a range of food options so enjoy a nice dinner to finish your first day in Iceland.

Where Should I Stay Near Reykjavik?

Spend the first two nights of your 10-day Iceland ring road trip in Reykjavik. Reykjavik is a good location to base yourself while exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula and the golden circle. We stayed at  Nordurey Hotel City Garden which I recommend as it is close to the center of Reykjavik yet still has free parking. You can look for more hotels in Reykjavik by searching for your dates on booking.com .  

Day 2: Golden Circle

Kerid crater, faxi, and bruarhloo.

On your second day in Iceland explore the popular area known as the Golden Circle. Start at Kerid Crater where you can see a scenic lake in the crater and take a short walk to and around the crater. Next visit an off-the-beaten-path waterfall called Faxi , where you can enjoy this wide waterfall (almost) all to yourself. Take a small detour to Brúarhlöð , a canyon with very green water shown above.

Gullfoss Falls

Gullfoss Falls  is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland, and one of the biggest falls you will experience on this Iceland road trip. Gullfoss translates into Golden Falls, as it looks golden when the sun hits the water on a sunny day. There are two paths that you can take to get different views of the falls. Start with the first path which takes you to a higher viewpoint. Then, follow the second path down closer to the waterfall. There are parts of these paths where you may get a little wet by the spray of the falls. Gullfoss is made up of a 11 meter high part and a 21 meter high part.

Interested in exploring another destination with amazing waterfalls? Check out the 8 best waterfalls on Oahu, Hawaii

Geysir Hot Springs and Strokkur

Next, visit Geysir Hot Springs where you can follow a trail to experience this geothermal area. Follow  the path up the hill for a beautiful view of this area. One of the highlights of this stop is watching Strokkur , a geothermal geysir, erupt. Strokkur erupts every 8-10 minutes and reaches a height of up to 20 meters.

Another beautiful waterfall on the golden circle that is less well-known is the blue waterfall called Bruarfoss . A 40 minute walk along a creek takes you by another waterfall called Miðfoss  before reaching the bright blue Bruarfoss.

Thingvellir National Park

Finish your day exploring the Golden Circle with a visit to Thingvellir National Park . Here you can snorkel between the North American and European tectonic plates in the Silfra Fissure. This Silfra snorkeling tour includes a guide, snorkeling gear, and a thermal wet suit so you can stay warm while swimming in the clear glacial water. If you are interested in exploring this top snorkeling spot where the continental plates are shifting apart, make sure to book a tour in advance on GetYourGuide so you don’t miss out. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance if your plans change.

Thingvellir National Park offers several hiking trails to explore the park. Follow the path to Öxarárfoss and on the way you will walk across the point where two tectonic plates meet. Create a loop by returning on the trail along the water. For more information regarding the walking paths offered, read the Thingvellir National Park Brochure here .

Drive about 40 minutes back to your hotel in Reykjavik and enjoy a nice dinner in the city before exploring the south side of Iceland on your third day in Iceland.

Day 3: South Iceland

Explore waterfalls, seljalandsfoss, gljufrabui, irafoss, and drifandi.

Start the day early to explore south Iceland where you can enjoy beautiful waterfalls, a black sand beach, and scenic views. First visit Seljalandsfoss , a strong waterfall that you can walk behind. Keep in mind, if you decide to walk behind the falls you need rain gear as you will get wet. From Seljalandsfoss you can walk on the path beside a few smaller waterfalls. If you don’t mind getting more wet, you can continue to Gljufrabui which is a waterfall hidden inside a cave. 

Drive ten minutes to an off-the-beaten-path waterfall called Íráfoss . This is a great waterfall for pictures as you will most likely be the only person here. On the way, you will see another waterfall called Drífandi on your left.

Don’t forget to get a travel insurance policy for your trip!  SafetyWing  offers affordable, flexible, and reliable travel medical insurance that can be purchased ahead of your travels or while you are already traveling.

Skogafoss  is a large and powerful waterfall in Iceland, at 50 meters tall and 25 meters wide. You can walk right up to it but if you get too close you will get drenched. On sunny days you may be able to see a rainbow in the falls. You can climb about 500 steps to an observation platform above Skogafoss for another view. If you are interested in seeing more falls you can continue hiking up along the Skógar river above Skogafoss.

A couple minutes drive from Skogafoss is a 10-minute hiking trail to a hidden waterfall called  Kvernufoss. The trail starts from the Skógar Museum and guides you through a beautiful canyon. You can walk behind the waterfall here and get great photos without waiting in a long line of people like at Seljjalandsfoss. If you decide to walk behind Kvernufoss make sure you wear rain gear because you may get wet from the mist.

Next, drive 30 minutes to Dyrhólaey  where you can take a walk on the peninsula and see picturesque views of a volcanic arch rock, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Dyrhólaey lighthouse. In the summer months you can see puffins in this area. We happened to run into one puffin in September, but they have usually left be then.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Near the town of Vik you can find  Reynisfjara , a popular black sand beach. The beach is surrounded by basalt columns that are formed when magma cools slowly and cracks into columns. As you walk along the beach make sure to stay away from the water and face the ocean as it is known to have sneaker waves that can be very dangerous. As you are walking on the beach you will come across Hálsanefshellir Cave . On the beach you will also find  Reynisdrangar Cliffs,  a popular photo spot with large basalt columns.

Where Should I Stay in South Iceland?

You can find guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnbs in and around the town of Vik. We stayed at Farmhouse Lodge which is a nice guesthouse with great views located 15 minutes from Reynisfjara Beach.

Day 4: Southeast Iceland

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.

Start your day early to make it to a kayak tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. On your way, stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon where you can take a short walk to three incredible viewpoints. In the canyon you can see Mögárfoss Waterfall flowing into the river that carved the canyon. You only need about 30-45 minutes here to walk to the three viewpoints and back.

Kayak in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

My favorite activity during our 10-day road trip in Iceland was kayaking in the blue Glacier Lagoon surrounded by large icebergs. We booked our 1.5-hour tour with Ice Guide   which included gear and a guide that led us through the Glacier Lagoon and provided us with information about the lagoon. Make sure to book your tour ahead of time so you don’t miss out! Ice Guide provided a tandem kayak, paddles, waterproof suit, boots, and life vest. The clothes provided kept us warm while we enjoyed kayaking through the Glacier Lagoon and spotting seals in the lagoon. Make sure to bring gloves and wear warm clothes under the waterproof suit. 

If you want to take photos and videos I recommend getting this waterproof case for your iPhone so you can have it with you while kayaking. This is what we used to capture our experience kayaking in the glacier lagoon. I don’t recommend bringing a professional camera unless you have a waterproof housing as it can get wet.

If you are looking for another top nature destination in Europe, read this   3-day Slovenia itinerary

Diamond Beach

After kayaking in the glacier lagoon, head to the nearby Diamond Beach where you can find icebergs scattered across a long stretch of black sand beach. These icebergs are carried over from the glacier lagoon to the sea at Diamond Beach. Take a nice walk along the beach and enjoy one of the most popular photo spots in Iceland.

Read More: 20 Best Things to Do in Iceland

Where Should I Stay Near the Glacier Lagoon?

There are limited accommodation options in this part of Iceland. You can find guesthouses along the road and in the town of Hofn. In Hofn you can also find food options and a grocery store. We stayed at Lækjarhus Farm Holidays which is a comfortable guesthouse about 20 minutes from the glacier lagoon. The guesthouse is located on a farm with different accommodation options such as an apartment with a private bathroom and mountain views or cheaper rooms with shared bathrooms.

Day 5: Glacier Walk, Drive to East Iceland with Scenic Stops

Glacier walk.

Vatnajökull Glacier Walk is a must-do experience in Iceland and one of the top things to do on an Iceland road trip. We booked the Glacier Walk with Glacier Adventure . The tour includes a guide as well as gear needed for the glacier walk such as crampons, a harness, and a helmet. Make sure to wear hiking boots so it will be easier to put the crampons on. The tour starts with a 30 minute van drive to the trail where you will hike for a couple of miles before reaching the glacier since the glacier has been retrieving over the years.

During the glacier walk you will get to explore Breiðarmerkurjökull which is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull , the largest glacier in Europe. You will also get to learn about the glacier and its history. If you are lucky and there is an ice cave forming nearby, you may be able to see an ice cave during your visit! Tours vary by season, so make sure to check Viator for the latest available tours of this glacier.

Where Should I Stay in East Iceland?

I recommend staying at  Stora Sandfell Rooms and Cottages   for the next two nights as the location is very convenient to explore the East Fjords. We stayed in a cute cottage here which was surrounded by trees and had a kitchenette for cooking light meals.

On the way to your accommodation in East Iceland stop at Foldafloss, an off-the-beaten-path waterfall that is a short walk from the parking lot.

Day 6: East Fjords

Hike to hengifoss and litlanesfoss.

On the way to Hengifoss , the red waterfall, you will come across Litlanesfoss which is a waterfall surrounded by basalt columns. The hike to Hengifoss is 3 miles round trip and starts off steep. You can walk up to Hengifoss on the left side and down on the right side to create a loop. If you are hungry you can sometimes find a food truck near the trailhead.

The easiest way to stay connected while in Iceland is to purchase an eSIM on the Airalo eSIM Store . Make sure to download the data plan onto your phone ahead of time so you can access the internet as soon as you land and easily navigate to top destinations in Iceland. Use the code GETAWAY10 for a 10% discount.

Seydisfjordur and Gufu Waterfall

Seydisfjordur is a small town located in a fjord with a few restaurants and nice views. On the way to the town you will see many waterfalls along the mountains on either side of the road. A waterfall that is worth a quick stop is Gufufoss  which is located about a 5 minute drive from the town. To see a good view of the town, drive up a street called Ranargata to the left side of the fjord.

Road Trip to Peninsula with Puffins

Borgarfjarðarhöfn   Eystri  is a peninsula where about 10,000 pairs of puffins nest between mid-April to mid-August. There is a path that you can walk on to get closer to where the puffins nest and enjoy great views. Puffins spend most of the year at sea and only return to the land during the summer for breeding. Because of this, you most likely will not see puffins here outside of the summer breeding season. You are more likely to see puffins resting in their burrows during the early mornings or evenings, as they are out fishing during the day. The peninsula is scenic, but is only worth the drive during the breeding season when you can see puffins.

Day 7: North Iceland

Studlagil canyon.

Start your 7th day in Iceland with a hike to Stuðlagil Canyon . The basalt columns were formed when magma cooled slowly and cracked into columns. The river flowing through the canyon is a bright blue color. On the west side of the canyon there is a viewing platform where you can get a nice view of the canyon. If you want to hike down into the canyon you need to drive back to the bridge so you can cross to the east side of the river and drive down a dirt road to a parking lot. The hike to the canyon takes about 30 minutes from the parking lot and is worth it to experience the size of the basalt columns.

Dettifoss and Selfoss

A day in Iceland is not complete without seeing a waterfall. Drive about 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the west side of Dettifoss parking lot where you will hike about one mile out to reach the waterfall. Dettifoss is known as the most powerful waterfall in Iceland. There is a viewing deck where you can enjoy views of the falls, but note that you may get wet from the mist. Upstream from Dettifoss you can find Selfoss , which isn’t as powerful but is very beautiful.

Looking to explore more incredible waterfalls around the world? Read this list of 8 best waterfalls on Oahu, Hawaii

Krafla, Hverir, and Grjotagja

After seeing the powerful Dettifoss, drive to Krafla which is a volcanic caldera with a blue crater lake. You can take a short walk up the crater or do a full loop around the rim of the crater.

About 10 minutes from Krafla you can find Hverir , a geothermal area with mud pools and fumaroles. You can follow the path to see different geothermal features. Walking near these geothermal features makes you warmer which is nice on a cold day, but don’t get too close!

Grjotagja is a nearby lava cave that has a geothermal spring historically used for bathing. It is too hot to swim in now but it is still worth checking out.

Where Should I Stay in North Iceland?

The two main towns in this area of North Iceland are Husavik and Myvatn. There are guesthouses and hotels in both towns. We stayed at Skogar Sunset Guesthouse in Husavik , located about a 10-minute drive from the restaurants and shops in Husavik. Each studio has a kitchenette and a comfortable private bathroom. You can see amazing views from the guesthouse and if you are lucky you may even get to see the Northern Lights from the terrace. 

If you are looking for other accommodation options in Husavik or closer to Myvatn , booking.com has a range of options including guesthouses and hotels.

Day 8: North Iceland (Husavik and Myvatn)

Explore husavik and do a whale watching tour.

Husavik is a town in north Iceland known to be the whale watching capital of Iceland. It is also popular for the Netflix movie Eurovision which had scenes filmed in Husavik. 

Make sure to book this 3-hour eco-friendly  whale watching tour on a traditional oak boat  in advance on  GetYourGuide  so that you don’t miss out! If your plans change you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Depending on the weather, the tour company may give you waterproof gear to wear over your clothes. They also provide complementary cinnamon buns and hot chocolate.

Keep in mind that it is not guaranteed that you will see any whales, although it is advertised that whales are spotted on 98% of whale-watching trips. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see any whales, but we still enjoyed the boat ride experience. This tour company will allow you to do another whale watching tour for free if you didn’t get to see whales on your first tour.

Hverfjall is a crater that is about 1 km in diameter. You can hike up the trail to the rim in about 20 minutes to see a great view of Lake Myvatn , the inside of the crater and surrounding lava fields.

Lake Myvatn

Drive around Lake Myvatn where you can find Skutustadagigar , pseudocraters formed by lava flow. You can follow a short path to see views of the lake and the pseudocraters located on the south part of the lake. Make sure to stop at the panoramic point at Lake Myvatn and then take a nice walk in Hofdi, a small forest on the lake.

Relax at GeoSea Geothermal Baths or Myvatn Nature Baths

Finish your day in North Iceland with a relaxing soak in a geothermal bath. There are two popular baths in this area, one in Husavik and one in Myvatn, located about 45 minutes from each other. You can choose which bath to go to depending on where you are staying the night.

GeoSea Geothermal Baths are located in Husavik and feature views that overlook Skjálfandi Bay . Here you can enjoy the warm water (38-39 degree celsius) with a drink from the swim-up bar while taking in the views. You may be able to spot whales from the baths, and if conditions are right you might even get to see the northern lights. Relaxing at a geothermal bath in Iceland is the perfect activity after a chilly boat tour. Don’t forget to purchase your entrance ticket to GeoSea Geothermal Baths .

In Myvatn you can find  Myvatn Nature Baths where   you can relax in the blue lagoon water, drink beverages from the swim-up bar, and experience a steam bath. Myvatn nature baths have views of Lake Myvatn and Hverjfall volcanic crater. Check the latest price and book your admission ticket to Myvatn Nature Baths in advance.

Day 9: Godafoss, Akureyri, Reykjafoss

One of the most incredible waterfalls you will see on this 10-day Iceland ring road itinerary is Godafoss . Located near the ring road, Godafoss is called the waterfall of the gods. You can see the waterfall from multiple viewing platforms, or walk down the path to the river to get a closer view of the waterfall. If you get lucky you may even be able to see a rainbow in the falls.

Another destination in Europe with amazing waterfalls is Croatia. Check out this list of the best things to do in Croatia

Continue driving towards your accommodation near the Snaefellsnes Peninsula , which is the area you will be exploring on your final day in Iceland. On the way, make sure to stop in the city of Akureyri for lunch. Akureyri is known as Iceland’s Capital of the North. After lunch, spend time walking around the center and checking out local shops.

Reykjafoss is an off-the-beaten-path waterfall about 1 hour west of Akureyri. The detour to this hidden gem in Iceland is only about 8 minutes each way on a dirt road and is definitely worth it. The walk to the waterfall from the car park is only about 5 minutes. Near the falls you can also find hot springs across the bridge.

Where to Stay Near Snaefellsnes Peninsula

I recommend staying right outside of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula so you can do the full loop around the peninsula the next day before returning to Reykjavik. We stayed at Dalahyttur which is a family-owned guesthouse with a restaurant on-site. There are different room options, some feature a terrace and mountain views. The owner will contact you in advance regarding if you want to eat dinner there and will let you choose from a menu. As there are not many food options nearby, take advantage of this romantic dinner opportunity.

Day 10: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

On your last day of your 10-day Iceland road trip, spend time exploring Snaefellsness Peninsula before driving back to Reykjavik. You can explore the highlights of Snaefellsnes peninsula by driving in a loop around the perimeter of the peninsula. The drive is beautiful and worth stopping in different spots to enjoy the views. The north part of the peninsula is very scenic and makes for an incredible drive. Start your adventure by stopping at  Kirkjufell , an iconic mountain with a cylindrical shape. Right next to this mountain you will see Kirkjufellsfoss  where you can capture the famous photograph of the waterfall and mountain together. 

Snæfellsjökull National Park is located at the end of the peninsula, and this is where you can find Skarðsvík Beach , Svörtuloft Lighthouse , Saxholl Crater , Snaefellsjökull Glacier, and more.  Next make a stop at the scenic Djúpalónssandur Beach which is a beautiful black sand beach. There is a hike above the beach that you can do for more perspectives of the beach. Other popular viewpoints include  Lóndrangar , where you can see natural towers made up of basalt materials, and  Hellnar Viewpoint . 

Now will be a good time to get lunch at the few dining options in  Arnarstapi . After lunch, follow the scenic walking path along the coast to see cliffs, ocean views, and an arch shaped stone formation. Here you can find a Stone Bridge that you can carefully walk on. Continue completing the loop around the peninsula and make sure to stop at Bjarnarfoss which you will see on the left side of the road about 15 minutes from Arnarstapi. You can hike up closer to the waterfall or enjoy the waterfall from the bridge below.

For your final stop on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, explore the beach of Ytri Tunga . Here you are likely to see seals and can also enjoy great views of Snæfellsjökull Volcano in the distance.

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Bucket List Seekers

Extraordinary Travel for Ordinary Couples

Europe , Iceland , Road Trips , Travel Itineraries · February 4, 2019

• 7 Day Iceland Itinerary: Golden Circle and South Coast Road Trip

Iceland seems like a small island nation, but if you’re planning on driving around Iceland , you’ll want to allow 2-3 weeks to complete the Ring Road route.

We recently spent one week in Iceland. We had a huge bucket list of things to do all over the island, but unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to tick everything off. So, we opted to spend a few days checking out the best things to do in Reykjavik and then headed off on a road trip along the South Coast part of the Ring Road, instead of the entire circuit.

Driving in Iceland was surprisingly easy, even in winter. The infrastructure is excellent, with the local Icelandic Met Office updating road and aurora conditions every few hours. And snow is regularly cleared from the main roads.

Doing the full Ring Road trip is one of the most iconic road trips in the world , and normally takes between 7-10 days to complete. If you’re restricted to less than one week in Iceland, then the South Coast part of the Ring Road, including the Golden Circle, is a great alternative and offers many spectacular and popular tourist attractions.

THIS 7 DAY ICELAND ITINERARY ROUTE GUIDE WILL SHOW YOU THE BEST HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE AND SOUTHERN ICELAND!

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7 Day Iceland Itinerary – Route Map

Day 1-2: explore reykjavik.

Before embarking on your Iceland road trip itinerary, spend the first two days exploring the lively capital city of Reykjavik. Enjoy the vibrant cafes and nightlife and all the quirky and cool Reyjkavik attractions . From here you can also take a whale-watching boat tour and stock up on supplies before you hit the road.

Top Things to do in Reykjavik

Whales of Iceland – an educational exhibit about the magnificent mammals that occupy the waters around Iceland. Featuring life-size models!

Harpa Concert Hall – a spectacular building on the Reykjavik Harbour featuring multicoloured windows and home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.

Sun Voyager – a large boat sculpture set on the water that represents an ode to the sun, symbolising light and hope.

Hallgrimskirkja – is the Lutheran Church of Iceland. A spectacular building set on the hill, towering over the city. Admission to the town is ISK 1000 per adult.

The Icelandic Phallological Museum – we stumbled across this quirky exhibit featuring an extensive collection of penises from many different animal species.

Perlan – a Planetarium and science museum showcasing some of Iceland’s greatest natural wonders. The Planetarium show allows you to see a simulation of the Northern Lights at their finest.

Related Post: Top 10 Things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland

Where to Eat in Reykjavik

Reykjavik Roasters – a great coffee place that roasts their own beans. A great place to cure jet lag.

Gló – the best health-focused café in town. We ate lunch here twice, it was that good. Think macro bowls, hearty soups, sweet potato fries, healthy burgers and kombucha.

Kol Restaurant – Amazing Icelandic comfort food made from fresh local ingredients. The three-course set menu is the best value. Reservations are essential.

Sandholt Baker y – a trendy bakery and patisserie – always a line-up.

Svarta Kaffið – the best soup I’ve ever had! We ate here three times. Their concept is simple but tasty; two different flavours of soup each day, served in a bread bowl with an ice-cold beer.

Dill Restaurant – Reykjavik’s signature Michelin starred restaurant featuring New Nordic cuisine and only a handful of tables that fill quickly. Advance bookings required.

Fiskmarkaðurinn – translates to ‘The Fish Market’ in English. This place serves fantastic Langoustine (Icelandic lobster soup). Tasting menu or a la carte options available.

Sumac Grill – Excellent Icelandic cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

Sand Hotel – a boutique luxury hotel with modern luxe décor, located in the heart of Reykjavik. The staff here were very friendly and helpful with booking tours.

Ion City Hotel – sister to the famous Ion Adventure Hotel just a short walk to most of the sights around Reykjavik. This boutique luxury hotel has its own stylish bar and restaurant, called Sumac Grill.

Canopy by Hilton – 2-minute walk from Laugavegur Shopping Street with minimalist Icelandic design and buffet breakfast included!

101 Hotel – A stylish boutique design hotel in the centre of Reykjavik with a stunning minimalist contemporary design.

Day 3: The Golden Circle

Driving time: Approximately 2-3 hours, not including stops.

Make an early start on your southern Iceland road trip itinerary and set your GPS towards the Thingvellir Visitors Centre. Be sure to check the road conditions on the local Met Office website before you set out, as driving in Iceland can be challenging under certain conditions.

Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is the birthplace of democracy in Iceland and home to Iceland’s largest natural lake Þingvallavatn. It’s also where the Silfra Fissure is located, a well-known area where you can dive or snorkel through the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates .

Stop 2: Geysir

Otherwise known as The Great Geysir , one of the most active in the Golden Circle’s geothermal region, this boiling mud pit erupts every few minutes, spouting water 30 metres into the air.

Stop 3: Gullfoss Waterfall

Possibly the most famous waterfall in all of Iceland, Gullfoss is a massive waterfall fed from Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull. Its sheer size and power will leave you in awe. And if you’re lucky you might get to see the shimmering rainbow emanating from the powerful spray. Given its proximity to Reykjavik, Gulfoss can get very busy, with tourists arriving throughout the day by the busload. There is a café at Gullfoss; however it can get very crowded, so I don’t recommend it.

Stop 4: Lunch at Friðheimar

Friðheimar is a horticulture farm featuring hundreds of tomato vines and cucumbers. Visit their greenhouse and learn how Icelanders use geothermal energy to grow fresh produce in hothouses. Experience a unique dining experience amongst the tomato plants, booking essential.

Stop 5: Kerid Crater Lake

After lunch, head to Kerid Crater Lake to walk around the rim of the lake. The spectacular neon blue-coloured lake is a photographer’s dream, standing out against its red rocky surrounds.

Where to Stay on the Golden Circle:

The Ion Adventure Hotel needs no introduction. This luxury hotel located in the rugged Iceland wilderness, with its insta-worthy pool, organic luxe décor, welcome champagne, and delicious Icelandic cuisine is well worth spending a night – or two if you have an extra day!

Extend your stay; spend an extra night at the Ion Adventure Hotel and explore more sights around the Golden Circle, such as The Secret Lagoon Hot Spring , go snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure , visit the spectacular Skálholt Cathedral or explore the Greenhouse town, Hveragerði.

Related Post: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Visit to Iceland  

Day 4: Golden Circle to Vík

Driving time:  Approximately 2-3 hours, not including stops.

Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls

Seljalandsfoss is a spectacular 60-metre high waterfall just off the ring road. During the warmer months, it is possible to walk all the way around the waterfall.

Located only a short walk from Seljalandsfoss , Gljúfrabúi is a smaller waterfall located behind a rocky cliff. It’s possible to hike inside the canyon for a more spectacular view of the waterfall.

Stop 2: Skógafoss

Undoubtedly one of Iceland’s most spectacular – and Instagrammable waterfalls. Unfortunately, you won’t have this place to yourself, as it’s very popular. The sheer force of Skógafoss produces so much spray that it’s not uncommon to see a rainbow when the sun is out.

Pro Tip:  The hike up to the top of the waterfall is highly recommended!.

Stop 3: Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

That plane wreck that was made famous by Justin Bieber. Most people don’t realise that it is actually a 4 km hike along a volcanic rock pathway to get to the plane wreck. While the walk is well worth it, make sure you’re prepared for exposure to the elements. Allow at least 2 hours return.

The plane wreck has become a favourite tourist sight but is also a photographer’s playground! If you want to get photos of the plane wreck without other tourists in it, start your hike at first light to arrive before the crowds.

Stop 4: Dyrhólaey Lighthouse

On the top of a clifftop promontory, overlooking the treacherous North Atlantic Ocean is a light station with spectacular views over Dyrhólaey, a naturally formed rock arch, as well as views all the way to Reynisdrangar and Reynisfjara, near the township of Vik.

Pro Tip:  Spring/Summer time is nesting season for thousands of cute puffins so access to this area may be limited.

Where to Stay in Vík

For such a small town, there are some great places to stay in Vik. Here’s our pick:

• Hotel Vík í Mydral
• Hotel Katla by Keahotels

Day 5: Vík to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Stop 1: reynisfjara beach.

Get up early to experience sunrise at Reynisfjara Beach. This is the iconic black-sand beach with enormous basalt stacks that feature in thousands of Iceland Instagram photos . It can get very popular during the daytime, be sure to get there early to beat the crowds.

Stop 2: Eldhraun Lava Field

Shortly after driving east of Vík, the landscape changes into a spectacular mossy lava field landscape. Eldhraun is a great place to stop and wander around the lava fields and get a real sense of this amazing landscape.

Related Post: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Book a Trip to Iceland

Stop 3: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

A short detour off the Ring Road will bring you to Fjaðrárgljúfur, a mystical canyon with a river running down the middle, that appears to go on forever. If you have an hour to spare, the 3km hike to the end of the canyon is well worth the effort.

Stop 4: Svartifoss Waterfall

A short hike along a creek will bring you to a long thin waterfall surrounded by spectacular black basalt column formations.

Stop 5: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

By far the highlight of the day will be crossing the bridge over Jökulsárlón to a spectacular view of this vast glacial lake with floating icebergs and bobbing seals. Time your arrival to coincide with the sunset for a magnificent photo opportunity as the ‘diamonds’ are deposited onto the black beach by ferocious waves.

Where to Stay at the Glacier Lagoon

The Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon , located near the town of Hof, is a modern chic hotel on the Ring Road with a great restaurant and cozy bar.

Day 6: Hof to The Blue Lagoon

Driving time: Approximately 5-6 hours, not including stops.

Day 6 will be mostly driving. I recommend using this day to stop off at any of the sights you may have missed on days 4 and 5. Once you reach Urriðafoss, head towards the coast and drive through the fishing village of Stokkseyri, towards Grindavik, for spectacular coastal views. If you opt to spend the night at the Silica Hotel , you’ll be able to experience the famous Blue Lagoon without all the crowds.

Related Post: 9 Reasons to Stay at the Silica Hotel in Iceland

Day 7: The Blue Lagoon & Reykjanes Peninsula

Before flying out of Keflavik International Airport, spend the morning relaxing in the famous Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is located a short drive from the airport and is the perfect way to finish your 7 day Iceland itinerary. If you spend the night at the Silica Hotel, which I highly recommend, you’ll have the option of spending the morning soaking the hotels own private lagoon or take a short walk through moss-covered lava fields to experience the actual Blue Lagoon. If you were lucky enough to book an evening flight, some other spots to check out include Sandvík and Sandgerði towns, and Garður Old Lighthouse.

Watch Our Silica Hotel Video

Not entirely convinced that you should fork out the cash to spend a night at the Silica Hotel? This video we made during our stay might change your mind.

More Places to Visit in Iceland

Do you have more time to spend in Iceland? Extend your 7 day Iceland itinerary and check out these other popular places:

• An extra 2-3 days is the perfect amount of time to add a side trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
• If you have at least 10-14 days, consider doing the full Ring Road trip. Continue East from Hof to complete the full circle.

What to Expect in Iceland:

Currency  – The Icelandic Krona (ISK) is the primary form of currency used in Iceland. At the time of writing, 1 USD was worth 120 ISK.

Getting Around – Public transport is limited outside Reykjavík, so you’re best to hire a car and self-drive.

Best Time to Visit  – Any time of year. There are many different things to do in summer, winter, spring and autumn. Be aware that December and January only have around 6 hours of sunlight hours per day.

Visas – Apply for an Iceland Visa (or check if you need one) using iVisa.com .

Don’t forget to bring – windproof gloves , waterproof boots , a beanie , a thermal top and bottoms , a raincoat , and a puffer jacket . Read our Iceland Packing Guide .

Language  – Icelanders speak Icelandic, but English is also widely spoken.

Safety  – Iceland is a very safe country with a global safety score of 16 according to GeoSure (1 = low risk, 100 = high risk). However, be aware that driving on the icy roads can be dangerous, especially for tourists with little experience driving in such conditions.

Are there any other great spots you would add to our 7 Day Iceland Itinerary? Let us know about them in the comments below.

Get our Iceland Trip Planning Bundle:

Are you planning a trip to Iceland soon? Enter your email below to subscribe to our newsletter and download our free Iceland planning bundle which includes a printable Iceland road trip itinerary, plus bucket list, Google Map (featuring all these places + more), and our Iceland packing list. You’ll also get access to tons of other free travel resources!

SHOP our ICELAND WINTER TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:

Read more about iceland:.

• Ultimate Iceland Bucket List: Top 50 Things to Do
• The Coolest Things to Do in Iceland in March
• Top 10 things to Do in Reykjavik
• What to Wear in Iceland in Winter + Packing List
• 10 Things You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Iceland
• 25 of the Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Iceland
• 20 Photos to Inspire You to Book a Trip to Iceland
• Video: Staying at the Silica Hotel in Iceland
• The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

Planning a trip soon? Here’s a list of the websites we use for booking our trips:

• Skyscanner  for the best flight deals
• Booking.com for the best rates on hotels
• HomeAway  for the best price on apartment and home rentals
• Rentalcars.com  for quick and easy car rentals
• Luxury Escapes  | Expedia for luxury package holiday deals and tours
• Get Your Guide  | Klook | Viator  for booking day tours and attraction tickets
• Tourradar  for a wide selection of multi-day tours
• Safety Wing for the most comprehensive worldwide travel insurance

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About the Author:

Amanda Twine is the founder and creator of Bucket List Seekers – a luxury travel blog sharing informative travel guides, food guides, hotel reviews, itineraries, and tips about how to make luxury travel more affordable.

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The Ultimate 2 Week Iceland Itinerary

By: Author Jessica Lam

Posted on Published: September 23, 2019  - Last updated: March 24, 2024

Categories Iceland

Adam and I spent 2 weeks this summer self driving around all of Iceland, and we filled our Ring Road itinerary with both new spots and places we’d already seen.

We only saw the south coast of Iceland last time we were here, and we wanted to try to see the whole country this time.

Our Iceland Ring Road itinerary ended up being 17 days, or around two and a half weeks, and you can easily take things out or add more things to fit your schedule.

Here’s a detailed look at our 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary , including the best spots to visit and more!

If you’re looking for more posts to help plan your trip, I’ve got a whole bunch of Iceland blog posts !

• What to Budget for Your Iceland Trip
• What to Pack & What to Wear in Iceland
• Where to Eat and Drink in Iceland

Your self drive 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary

Plan for plenty of stops.

The length of Iceland’s Ring Road is 1,332 kilometres , which you could drive in a whole day without stops if you really wanted to.

We estimated that it would take 2 to 3 weeks for us to drive along the Ring Road with stops, and it ended up being 17 days when we put our plan together.

To make the most of our trip, we planned almost every single activity and location on our 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary to a tee, with some leeway to add and move things around.

We also ended up driving over 4,000 kilometres because of all the extra stops we did!

Be sure to rent a car with unlimited mileage to avoid any additional fees.

Driving in Iceland in summer

The first time we did a road trip in Iceland was for a week at the end of August, and driving was pretty much the same as it was this time in July.

The weather can go from sunny to rainy real quick, and you just need to stay smart and alert on the road.

One thing you should never do is stop along the side of the road.

Not only does it risk you getting hit by another car, but it can also cause other cars to get into accidents while swerving around your car!

If you’re going to make any stops, make sure there are designated areas you can pull your car into.

I’ve also got a blog post all about road trip tips that you might find helpful!

Driving on Iceland F roads

You need to rent a 4×4 car rental.

We managed to get upgraded to a 4×4 car rental, which you need in order to drive on any of Iceland’s F roads.

F roads are located in the centre of Iceland on the highlands, and are marked with an “F” in front of the road numbers on any maps.

The reason you need a 4×4 is because the mountain roads are pretty dangerous and tough to drive on, and it’s not safe driving a regular rental car on them.

F roads are also only open during the summertime.

F roads aren’t the worst to drive on, but they’re a bit scary

The gravel roads weren’t that bad, but we did have to cross over two rivers with the car, which was pretty terrifying.

If you do plan on driving on any F roads in Iceland, make sure to wear your seatbelt and sit properly.

I always wear my seatbelt, but I tend to cozy up on long drives and it wasn’t fun smacking my head against the window as we crossed one of the rivers!

Visiting the Highlands is cool, but it’s not essential to enjoying Iceland

While we saw some pretty epic sights in the Highlands, it’s not absolutely essential to add it to your 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary.

There’s no shortage of cool sights in Iceland!

Day 1: Kicking off our 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary

Reykjanesviti.

After picking up our car rental at Keflavik Airport, we headed over to Reykjanesviti to kick off our Iceland Ring Road itinerary.

The Valahnúkamöl Cliffs were beautiful, but the weather was a lot chillier than I’d anticipated.

Summer weather in Iceland is really not summer weather at all, my friends – dress appropriately, AKA in warm clothing!

We walked along a rocky hillside to get a view from up top, and walked along the shore to watch the waves crash against the mossy lava rocks.

I’d definitely recommend wearing hiking shoes here. I had a really tough time in my Chucks and even scraped my knee on the rocks!

We also wanted to see Brimketill, a lava rock pool, but we were running behind schedule and had to skip it.

We did end up seeing it on our way back to the airport at the end of the trip, and I’ll talk more about it later!

LOCATION: Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland

Downtown Reykjavik

Parking ain’t cheap in Reykjavik, so we parked at our go-to free parking spot last time we were here: the Hallgrímskirkja Church.

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland, as well as one of the tallest structures in the entire country.

When we visited last, the entire front was being renovated, and we were stoked to see it finally completed.

It’s free to walk around the church, but you have to pay a fee to go to the top of the tower.

We did that last time, and we didn’t really think it was worth paying for.

Lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

We then had lunch at Iceland’s most famous hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur .

It’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it’s what we’d been dreaming about ever since we came the first time we visited Iceland.

There’s just something about the sauces here in Iceland.

I’m not a fan of regular mustard, but Icelandic mustard is out of this world!

Coffee break at Café Babalú

Since we were running on lack of sleep, we had a little coffee break at Café Babalú afterwards.

The interior was fun and quirky, and Star Wars fans will love the bathroom.

We got swiss mochas (which were massive and ended up being around $7 Canadian each lol) and shared a delicious Skyr cheesecake.

Thingvellir National Park

Our next stop was Thingvellir National Park, which they’ve updated since the last time we were in Iceland .

Back then we simply wandered around random trails, and this time, there was a fenced path with a number of viewpoints.

We didn’t spend too long here, but we enjoyed walking around and checking out the scenery.

Faxi Waterfall

The Faxi Waterfall is a real hidden gem.

There’s a $7 Canadian entrance fee for each car, but it’s completely worth it.

A father and son were leaving as we arrived, and we had it all to ourselves.

The only reason why we found out about this place at all is because we were going to stay at an Airbnb near here and the host mentioned it in their description.

The Airbnb ended up getting snatched up before we could book it, but we still wanted to pay a visit here.

LOCATION: Biskupstungnabraut, Iceland

Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is not much of a secret, as it’s actually quite busy and there’s an entry fee of $35 Canadian dollars per person to get in.

It’s a geothermal heated swimming pool, but it really isn’t anything too special.

You should definitely save your money and put it towards nicer geothermal pools like the Mývatn Nature Baths, which I’ll talk about later.

Like most geothermal pools in Iceland, you have to shower before entering the pool.

There are separate change rooms and showers for men and women, but you have to shower with other people.

There are no stalls, so you have no privacy here.

LOCATION: Hvammsvegur 845, Flúðir, Iceland

For dinner we stopped at KFC, as we’d heard Iceland’s strict animal regulations meant the chicken tasted better.

Honestly, it tasted like any other KFC to me, but it was delicious!

Day 2: Doing a self drive around the Golden Circle

We wanted to start our morning at the Reykjadalur Hot Springs River, but we woke up a bit late.

If you have time and are close-by, it might be nice to take a dip before starting off the day!

Gullfoss Falls

As we’d already seen Gulfoss in all its glory, we took a quick walk around before heading onto the next stop on our Golden Circle self drive tour.

It was nice visiting early in the morning before there were too many people, because last time we were stuck walking behind crowds of slow tourists!

Geysir & Strokkur

Although we’d seen the geysers last time we visited, we decided to actually take more time to explore the area.

We walked along the little trail behind the main area, and were treated to some picturesque views.

The trail ended at a construction site, so it’ll definitely look different in another couple of years!

Friðheimar

If there’s any one restaurant you must visit while you’re doing a road trip in Iceland, it’s this lovely greenhouse restaurant.

They grow their own tomatoes using Icelandic glacier water, and I never realized water quality made such a huge difference to how crops taste!

Pretty much everything on their menu is tomato-based, and we decided to get the tomato soup, tomato mussels, tomato beer, and tomato ice cream.

This ended up being the most expensive meal of our trip at around $120 Canadian, but it was definitely worth the experience.

If you’re on a budget, I’d grab just the tomato soup, because it’s bottomless and comes with delicious bread options (also bottomless)!

LOCATION: Reykholt, Iceland | Website

Hjalparfoss

After stuffing ourselves with all things tomato, we ventured off to Hjalparfoss.

It’s actually two waterfalls in one, and they join at the bottom to form a horseshoe-like shape.

I read somewhere online that it isn’t worth visiting unless you’re already in the area, and while I can see why they’d think that, I disagree.

It’s a very peaceful and underrated spot, and we found several people just enjoying their lunches here.

Not every beautiful waterfall needs to be epic and powerful!

LOCATION: Hjálparvegur 3361, Iceland

Þjóðveldisbærinn

Not too far from Hjalparfoss is Þjóðveldisbærinn, a farmstead from the viking era.

Walking around the outside area is free, but you have to buy tickets to actually walk around inside the little homes.

Háifoss

It was still pretty early in the day, and as we’d gotten lucky with the 4×4 upgrade, we spontaneously decided to visit the Highlands.

The drive from Hjalparfoss to Háifoss was only half an hour, but because of how rough the roads were and how slow the long row of cars was driving, it felt like ages.

We arrived at the same time as a bunch of other cars, so it was pretty crowded.

We were treated to an incredible view of Iceland’s 4th highest waterfall, Háifoss!

There’s a short trail you can walk along to get different views of the waterfall, but most people just stuck to the main viewpoint near the parking lot.

Sigoldufoss

We then made our way to Sigoldufoss, one of the most magical waterfalls I’ve ever seen in my life.

The water is a vibrant turquoise colour, and probably the only one this brightly-coloured in the entire country!

We didn’t spend long exploring here, but we took plenty of photos.

We pretty much had it to ourselves, which was super nice.

LOCATION: Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri, Iceland

Ljótipollur

The last stop of our first full day in Iceland was this vast and incredible lake.

It’s a gorgeous turquoise blue colour, surrounded by shades of red lava rock and green moss.

At this point it was getting late in the day, so we couldn’t spend long here.

You can walk to the very top of the mountain, but we only walked about half of it. No matter where you see the lake from, it’s still an amazing view.

There were tons of little gnats flying around here, and I definitely swallowed at least a dozen of them.

We were surprised that we came across so many bugs this trip, because we hadn’t seen a single one last time we were here!

Bug spray might be your friend here.

We were staying in an Airbnb near Hvollvöllur, so we had a long drive back from the rough Highland roads.

This was pretty much the only day we made it out to the Highlands, and while we did drive through a lot of barren land, there were plenty of amazing scenic drives as well.

We stumbled across a camping site in Landmannalaugar, and it was funny to see so many people in the middle of the Highlands when we’d barely stumbled across any people on the road.

There were tons of families and kids here as well, so it felt very safe!

Day 3: Visiting the epic Westman Islands

Westman islands (also known as vestmannaeyjabær).

Westman Islands is the land of the puffins (or at least home to the largest colony of puffins in Iceland).

To get there, you have to take a ferry from Landeyjahöfn.

The ferry ride is about 30 minutes, depending on how the weather is.

We visited the Westman Islands when we drove the South Coast of Iceland two years ago, and had such an awesome time that we wanted to do it again (with better weather and a car to get around).

We took the 8:15 AM ferry there and 2:30 PM ferry back, and it still wasn’t enough time to see everything, even with a car.

If you have the opportunity to stay overnight, you should definitely do it. There are spots to camp as well!

We were deciding between having lunch at either Gott or SLIPPURINN (both had great Google reviews), and we ended up visiting Gott because it opened earlier.

We were actually surprised at the number of vibrant restaurants there were, seeing as we were on a tiny island off the coast of another tiny island.

Gott was an adorable little restaurant with eclectic decor. I got the Gott Grilled Burger and Adam got the Eldfell Burger – both were delicious.

LOCATION: Bárustígur 11, Vestmannaeyjabær

Eldfell Volcano

We wanted to hike up the Eldfell Volcano last time, but the bad weather made it too dangerous.

We were blessed with good weather this time, but by the time we reached the top, it was completely foggy and we couldn’t see anything.

The hike up is around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your fitness level and where you park.

Be sure to park in the actual parking lot near the volcano, and not on the gravel parking lot on the volcano.

Unaware there was a parking lot with an easier trail, we hiked up the steep side of the volcano by the gravel parking lot.

We didn’t have much time here as we had to make it back for our ferry ride, and it was just our luck that the fog cleared up as soon as we got back down to the bottom.

At least the fog made for some cool photos!

Seljavallalaug Pool

After returning back to the mainland, we relaxed at the Seljavallalaug Pool, which is a very Instagrammable swimming pool.

It was built sometime in the 1920s, and today it’s an “abandoned” pool run by volunteers.

The pool is a 15 to 20 minute hike one way, but it doesn’t feel very long because the views there are so scenic.

We visited in the late afternoon and there were at least a dozen people there at a time while we were there.

Changeroom situation

Be aware that you may have to change in front of other people, so come in your swimsuits if that’s not something you’re comfortable with!

There are 3 change rooms (with no showers), but people kept hogging 2 out of 3 of them with the doors shut.

We were tired of waiting and ended up changing with everyone else in the third change room, but it really wasn’t that bad.

Adam and I covered each other with his raincoat, and most people covered their friends or family with towels.

Don’t bring any alcohol

Also note that consumption of alcohol at the pool is strictly forbidden.

We witnessed at least 3 groups of people bringing in cans of beer and even a bottle of rosé.

Be respectful, follow the rules, and leave places the way they were when you arrived.

LOCATION: Skogar, Vik and Myrdalsjokull

The last stop of our day was Gluggafoss, a lovely set of waterfalls that cascade above each other.

You can walk right up to both of them, but you’ll definitely get soaked if you stand too close to the upper falls!

Day 4: South Iceland Waterfalls

Seljalandsfoss.

We came to Seljalandsfoss for 7 AM so we could have it all to ourselves.

There were two photographers who were also there, but they eventually left because they were annoyed and wanted it completely to themselves.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from travel photography, it’s that you gotta wake up as early as possible to get people-less shots.

And if people are there, you gotta be patient and can’t be greedy.

Anyway, we had a lot of fun walking around and behind Seljalandsfoss.

My jacket and sunglasses got completely soaked, but we got some pretty great shots!

Parking here is 700 ISK, but there’s another waterfall nearby within walking distance, so it’s basically a 2 in 1.

Gljúfrabúi

Not too far from Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi, and you can walk right over to it.

It’s right by the camping site, but you wouldn’t know it was there if you didn’t already know about it.

You have to walk through a crevice and do the short walk through the rocks to walk right up to the waterfall.

Pretty epic though, huh?

Skógafoss

One of our favourite waterfalls in Iceland is Skógafoss.

Not only is the waterfall itself absolutely incredible, but the trail behind it is amazing as well.

The stairs up to the trail are brutal but so worth it – be sure to bring a water bottle or two.

I don’t know how long the trail behind Skógafoss is, but I know it’s a lot of hours.

We hiked until the trail got too muddy before we turned back.

It would be cool to do the whole hike one day, but we’ll definitely save that for when we’re comfortable with camping.

It’s not really clear where Kvernufoss starts, but you have to walk behind the museum to find the trail.

Definitely wear hiking shoes, because it can get pretty slippery with all of the mud!

It’s around a 20 minute hike to go behind the waterfall.

Sólheimasandur Plane Wreckage

Although we’d seen the plane wreck before, it was a really cool site that we wanted to revisit.

It was raining pretty hard last time, and we were hoping for better weather.

The hike is a 45 minute walk one way down a rocky path, and we had no idea they now offer shuttles to the plane wreck.

I’d definitely recommend paying the few bucks to take the shuttle instead of doing the unpleasant and uncomfortable walk!

The only thing about the shuttle is that it means groups of people are arriving at a time to take their photos, and we noticed this time people weren’t as courteous to others.

One father pretty much took photos of his son at every single angle of the plane, seemingly unaware everyone else there was also trying to get photos.

You can drive to the top of this hill to get a nice view of Vik and the church.

A low fog was literally hanging right above the town so we couldn’t get too many good photos.

LOCATION: Sunnubraut 7, Vík, Iceland

Dyrhólaey Lighthouse

We drove up to the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, and it turned out to be way too foggy to even see anything.

It wasn’t too disappointing because we’d seen it last time we were in Iceland , and the drive up was much easier with the 4×4.

LOCATION: 871 Vik, Iceland

Day 5: Vik to East Iceland

Reynisfjara beach.

The basalt columns and black sand is what Reynisfjara Beach is famous for.

It started pouring rain when we got here early in the morning, but it was still fun to explore.

It’s also a pretty dangerous spot, and people have died from being carried away by the waves.

We made sure to stay as far away from the shore as possible.

Never turn your back to the ocean anywhere in Iceland!

Hjörleifshöfði

Also known as the Yoda Cave because the cave entrance is in the shape of Yoda’s body.

You need a 4×4 to drive here because it’s a rocky and sandy road, and you do not want to get your car stuck along here.

We tried to make our way to the beach afterwards, but the drive got too scary with the fog and the sand.

LOCATION: Vestur-Skaftafellssýsla, Southern Region, Iceland

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Just like the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon was also way too foggy to see anything.

It was still cool to walk around, but we didn’t get too many views.

We also drove to a parking lot at the top of the canyon, which we didn’t know was possible before.

We did enjoy doing the full walk from the other parking lot last time, though!

Lómagnúpur Mountain

There isn’t a parking lot or anything for Lómagnúpur Mountain, so you have to pull over to the side of the road to take any photos of it.

It’s pretty dang photogenic and worth stopping for, but do be mindful of cars. People drive pretty fast on the Ring Road!

This wasn’t our favourite hike last time, but we decided to do it again anyways.

Our lack of fitness really caught up to us with this one.

It’s a simple hike and a lot of families do it, but it’s a lot of cardio. It’s around 30 to 45 minutes one way.

There were tons of people relaxing at the end of the hike, and we ended up having a little snack before heading back to the car.

LOCATION:   8, Iceland

Fjallsárlón

Fjallsárlón is the cousin to Jökulsárlón, the more popular glacier lagoon.

It’s also very beautiful and worth stopping at if you have the time.

Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón is one of my absolute favourite places in all of Iceland.

It’s stunning yet sad to see icebergs breaking off and floating into the ocean.

You might be lucky enough spot some seals while you’re here!

While we were here, I had the best fish and chips I’ve ever had in my entire life.

The cod was so fresh, it literally melted in our mouthes with every bite.

Also, I don’t know what this red salt is, but you’ll find it in pretty much every restaurant in Iceland and it’s delicious.

Black Diamond Beach

We stopped by Black Diamond Beach last, where we were able to get up close and personal with the icebergs.

The main area of the beach was pretty crowded, but we walked a little bit further out to have part of it to ourselves.

The waves are insanely sneaky here, so stay away from the shore.

Day 6: East Iceland

Vestrahorn mountain & stokksness beach.

We were really looking forward to seeing Vestrahorn Mountain, but all 3 times we visited we were disappointed by the fog.

I’d definitely recommend only visiting on a clear day, because the salesperson will sell you tickets regardless of whether you’ll be able to see anything. Entrance is 900 ISK per person.

On your way to the Instagram-worthy beach is this cool little museum, which actually used to be one of the first settlement farms in Iceland.

It’s been restored since, so this isn’t how it looked like however many hundreds of years ago.

The reason why Stokksness Beach is such a popular spot to see Vestrahorn Mountain is because of the beautiful reflections of the mountain when the water is still.

Every time we visited it was also windy, so we were out of luck for that!

But that just means we have another reason to come back to Iceland.

Glacier hiking at Skaftafell National Park

I’m not the most adventurous person in the world, and I was honestly a little scared to do glacier hiking.

It was actually very safe, and they gave us all the gear we needed.

The guide also stopped every few steps to make sure everyone was still okay.

The Skaftafell glacier hike started right by the Svartifoss Waterfall parking lot.

We got strapped into our gear and took a bus off to the base of the glacier.

Be sure to bring hiking boots (not shoes), waterproof pants, and a waterproof jacket.

Otherwise, they’ll pester you about renting gear at around 1000 ISK a piece.

The hiking boots are important though, because the spikes won’t fit onto regular hiking shoes.

We did the beginner Skaftafell glacier tour, and it was pretty easy for us.

They separated us into the “athletic” group and the “slower” group, and most of the older people got put into the slower group.

Adam and I don’t workout very much, but we do a lot of walking around the city, so we’re mildly fit.

We drank glacier water right from the source, and it was delicious!

As someone who’s been drinking filtered water all my life, there is a huge difference between regular tap water and filtered water.

And glacier water beats it all!

Day 7: East Iceland Waterfalls

Day 7 of our Iceland road trip marked the first day we were driving on new roads we hadn’t driven on and seeing completely different sights we’d never seen before.

We were ecstatic, and it felt like we were going to a completely new place!

Folaldafoss

The first stop of our day was Folaldafoss, a beautiful waterfall you can walk right up to from the parking lot in about 15 minutes.

Klifbrekkufossar

Next we visited Klifbrekkufossar, which appears as a series of waterfalls tiering above each other.

Seyðisfjörður Church

Seyðisfjörður Church is popular for the pretty rainbow road leading up to it.

On a clear day, you can see the mountains behind the church as well.

I love how unique the churches are here in Iceland!

It was crazy busy when we visited in the afternoon and it was difficult to get photos, so we came back the next morning as well.

LOCATION: Bjólfsgötu 10, 710, Seydisfjordur, Iceland

Gufufoss Waterfall

Our last waterfall of the day was Gufufoss, a pretty waterfall that reminds me of Skogafoss.

You can walk down pretty close to it as well.

Day 8: A hiking day in East Iceland

We didn’t plan much for this day because we had two long and (seemingly) strenuous hikes planned.

Hiking to Hengifoss is a toughie because of all the uphill walking.

I believe it’s an hour one way to hike all the way to the waterfall, but part of the trail was closed off, so it only ended up being around a half hour for us.

What makes this waterfall unique is that it’s surrounded by layers of red rock.

Although we didn’t get to see it up close, it was still beautiful.

Studlagil Canyon

Man, oh man. Okay, so you can drive and park straight up to the east viewpoint here, but it ain’t for you if you’re afraid of heights.

There’s a sign (like at many other cliffs in Iceland) that warns you to stay far from the edge or you can fall off and die, which really freaked me out.

Especially since you have to make your way down a muddy cliff using just a rope and walking around people who are also holding onto that rope with their dear lives!

What you’re actually going to want to do is park at the parking lot past Klaustursel Farm, cross the bridge, and do the one hour walk over to the opposite side of the east view point.

You’ll pass a cool waterfall and walk through grass along the way, but just make your way straight until you find the canyon.

The cliffs on this side are a lot lower, so it’s not as frightening.

You also get to walk down to the bottom of the canyon and see the basalt columns in all their glory.

The only downside is having to make the one hour walk back to the parking lot, but it’s so worth it!

Day 9: Exploring Mývatn

We spent this day exploring the Mývatn area.

There’s a ton to do here, so if you’re short on time, definitely add this area to your 2 week Iceland road trip itinerary!

The Arctic Henge

The Arctic Henge is a group of stone structures inspired by Stonehenge.

If you’ve ever played Runescape , this might remind you of it.

It was really cool to see, but tough to get any good photos because it was pouring rain out!

LOCATION: Raufarhöfn, Iceland

Dettifoss Waterfall

Dettifoss is the most powerful in Europe, and it’s insane that you can walk right up to it.

Do be careful, because you could easily make the wrong step and fall right into it!

Be sure to go to east side because the views are much nicer.

Selfoss Waterfall

After seeing Dettifoss, you can do the short hike over to Selfoss.

It’s very rocky, so you should wear hiking boots.

You’ll be treated to an amazing view of waterfalls falling all over the place!

Funny story: last time we were in Iceland we tried to see Selfoss (not knowing it was in East Iceland), and we mapped ourselves to the middle of the town of Selfoss lol.

I’m sure we’re not the only ones who’ve done that though!

Grjótagjá Cave

This was the cave where Jon Snow and Ygritte first did you-know-what.

There are two entrances to the cave and there isn’t a ton of space, so just be mindful of people who are also waiting to go inside.

There are signs saying not to go in the water because it’s dangerously hot, but there were people who were literally dipping their feet into it lol.

LOCATION: North Island Drive Northwest, Atlanta, Iceland

Mývatn Nature Baths

We’d visited the Blue Lagoon before, so we wanted to do something new and visit the Mývatn Nature Baths .

They kindly hosted us, and it was a great way to relax after so much hiking and exploring over the course of the week.

The alkaline water is filled with minerals, which feels so silky smooth on your skin. It’s like a mini spa session!

Adam and I spent the afternoon floating around the lagoon and enjoying the views.

The robes are also a nice touch, especially since you freeze the second you step out of the lagoon.

It’s an extra fee to rent them, but I’d definitely recommend them, especially if you choose to visit during the winter!

You can also bring your own towel so you don’t have to rent one.

LOCATION: Jarðbaðshólar, 660 Mývatn, Iceland | Website

Viti Crater

The Viti Crater is similar to the popular Kerið Crater Lake along the Golden Circle, but a lot less colourful.

The lake is a beautiful turquoise colour, but the crater doesn’t have the shades of red rock and green moss surrounding it.

Nevertheless, it’s still a gorgeous sight to see!

The geysers here were so much cooler than the ones in the Golden Circle.

The sand here was all sorts of different shades of colours, and the geysers were insane!

We stayed in Akureyri this night, but I would not recommend doing so if you plan on going back east again.

There’s a toll road that charges you 1500 ISK each time you go through it, and we ended up paying it 3 times.

You can pay the toll online up to 3 hours before or after you pass through it before your car rental charges you a fine.

At least it’s the only paid toll road in Iceland!

Day 10: Wandering around North Iceland

We passed Godafoss on the way to Akureyri the night before and it was packed.

It was still a bit busy early in the morning, but at least we could properly enjoy it.

Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss was the waterfall I was most excited to see on this trip.

You need a 4×4 to drive up to it, or you can park at a farm nearby (I can’t remember which) and walk an hour to get there.

While it was amazing, I don’t think it’s worth a 2 hour roundtrip of walking.

You can make your way down to the bottom of the cliff, but it seemed a little too dangerous for me.

There were a couple of other people who were there at the same time that went down to the bottom.

That’s also where a lot of people take their photos!

LOCATION: Sprengisandsleið, Iceland

Húsavík

When we did our glacier hike in Skaftafell, our tour guide (from Czech Republic) told us that whale watching in Húsavík was one of her highlights of Iceland.

So, we decided to book a whale watching tour!

We explored a bit of the town of Húsavík before our whale watching tour.

The harbour is really lovely to see, and the wooden church, Húsavíkurkirkja, was built in the early 1900s.

Whale watching tour

We booked our whale watching tour with Gentle Giants, and strapped ourselves into our spunky protective suits.

I’d recommend having your phone strapped around your neck in a waterproof phone case , because the boat is very rocky and anything can happen.

You should also wear a tuque, because it gets really cold in the middle of the ocean.

As someone who couldn’t swim, the rockiness of the boat was terrifying.

Dolphins and whales popped out of the water on each side of the boat, so people were running back and forth over boating equipment to get a glimpse of them.

Eventually I just stayed in one spot, because I was getting seasick.

I also gave up on getting any photos because it was way too difficult!

While we were heading back to shore, they gave us kleinur (Icelandic donuts – so delicious) and hot chocolate, a nice treat after being out in the cold.

Akureyri is my favourite city in all of Iceland.

It feels more friendly and less touristy than Reykjavik, and it’s a big city with plenty of places to eat and things to see.

Although we stayed here for 2 nights, we didn’t explore too much of the city, and I’d love to do that more next time!

I’d recommend adding a full day here on your 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary to explore the city.

Day 11: More of North Iceland

Glaumbær.

We arrived at Glaumbær at the same time as a tour bus, so it was pretty crowded.

It’s a neat little area with a bunch of preserved grass covered houses.

Each house has old tools inside them, which you’re allowed to look at from outside.

I think there was a sign saying they’ll be charging fees to come here soon, but we didn’t have to pay anything when we came.

Kolugljufur Waterfall

Kolugljufur Waterfall is a beautiful area to explore, and you can walk along the canyon up to the waterfall.

We saw one family and a few couples walking around, but it was fairly quiet.

It’s a stunning site to see, and definitely a hidden gem that’s worth stopping at along your 2 week Iceland road trip itinerary.

Hvitserkur is also known as elephant rock, because it looks like an elephant drinking water.

It’s made up of basalt rocks, which is pretty darn cool.

The beach it’s on is also great for shell hunting, and I brought a bunch home with me.

LOCATION: Vatnsnesvegur, Iceland

Day 12: To the Westfjords

This day began our drive through the Westfjords of Iceland, probably our favourite part of the entire country.

The scenic drives through the mountains and along the coast of the ocean are jaw dropping.

We made plenty of stops along the way, of course!

Be sure to allot plenty of time for the Westfjords on your 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary, because you’ll be doing long zig zag drives through the mountains.

Bolungarvík

Bolungarvík is a small fishing village in Iceland.

As the sun was setting, we didn’t have too much time to explore, but we did get to have a little taste of it.

Driving up Bolafjall Mountain was pretty scary, because it’s a very steep zig zag drive with little space for cars to pass one another.

It was worth it, because the views from up top were insane!

On Instagram we mostly saw photos with clouds and fog, which would’ve been cool as well, but we were blessed with clear skies.

The mountain is 636 metres above sea level, but somehow this was one set of heights I wasn’t afraid of.

Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður is another one of my favourite towns in Iceland.

It’s just so fascinating to me that there’s such a large and established community in the middle of the mountains.

The views in the town weren’t too shabby, either!

If I had to move to any remote-ish place in the world, this would probably be it.

But don’t tell Adam that – he really wants us to move to Iceland 😛

We also stumbled across a Thai restaurant (complete with all sorts of Asian dipping sauces) and had to eat there.

It’s owned by a couple, and I believe the wife is from Thailand. So cool!

There aren’t too many Asian restaurants in Iceland, and it was nice to have a little taste of home.

Day 13: Exploring the Westfjords

Dynjandi waterfall.

Dynjandi is one of the most incredible waterfalls in all of Iceland.

Its massiveness will make you feel so small, especially if you walk right up to it.

Prepare to get soaked if you do go right up to the waterfall!

We came early in the morning and had it mostly to ourselves, which was really nice.

There’s a very safe rocky path you can take straight up to the waterfall, which I think was put in place by local volunteers.

It’s an epic waterfall worth adding to your 2 week Iceland road trip itinerary.

Garðar BA 64

The Garðar BA 64 is the oldest steel ship in Iceland.

It was built in Norway in 1912 and beached here in 1981, and has been there ever since.

There’s also a cool museum nearby that houses other abandoned things (I think we saw a US military aircraft), but we didn’t have a chance to stop by it.

Rauðisandur Beach

Rauðisandur Beach is known for having red sand, but it looks more like a brown.

The small grassy patches make the beach look pretty unique, and the stillness of the water makes for cool reflections.

We had a serene walk around the scenic beach before heading back to the car to our next stop on our 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary.

Along our drive to the next destination, we saw some other cool beach views.

There are so many stunning views in the Westfjords, and pictures don’t even do it any justice!

The Westfjords are an absolute must-add to your 2 week Iceland road trip itinerary.

Látrabjarg Cliffs

The Látrabjarg Cliffs are puffin heaven.

If you’re lucky, they’ll come up pretty close to the fence, but you’re more likely going to have to lie on your stomach at the edge of the cliff to get any good photos.

There are tons and tons of birds of all kinds here, and it sounds like a mixture of screaming children and cackling witches. The sounds are pretty eerie to be honest.

Anyway, if you want to see these cuties up close for yourself, add the Látrabjarg Cliffs to your 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary!

You can also eat puffin at some restaurants in Iceland.

Stay overnight at Laugabol Horse Farm

We stayed in a cozy guesthouse for the night, which was a converted farmhouse with 5 guest rooms.

Each of the other rooms also had couples staying in them, and there was a shared bathroom for everyone.

The host even lives with her husband in the house!

We got this fantastic breakfast setup in the morning, and it was totally complimentary.

The host woke up early and made an amazing homemade Icelandic breakfast for the entire house!

You can find the listing on Airbnb .

Day 14: Making my way downtown (to Reykjavik)

This day was just a driving day, but we tried to make the most of it by stopping anywhere we cool we saw along the drive.

Our destination was Bogarnes, where our Airbnb was for the night.

Steðji Brewery

I stumbled across the Steðji Brewery online, which was fairly close to Bogarnes, so we decided to stop there as well.

Steðji Brewery is an Icelandic craft brewery probably most well-known for their sheep-poop smoked whale sperm beer.

Did you just read that right? Yup.

Because of the lack of trees in Iceland, people have historically used sheep dung to smoke things. As for the whale sperm?

Not sure, but it does add a salty taste to the beer. Lol.

We ordered a tasting flight to share, and the sheep-poop smoked whale sperm beer was complimentary.

Honestly, it pretty much tasted like regular beer. But we did prefer the ones on our tasting flight 😉

Day 15: Driving through West Iceland

You can’t miss having Kirkjufell on your 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary!

Kirkjufell is famously known for being in Game of Thrones .

We wanted to beat the rush, so we came early in the morning and had it all to ourselves.

We were expecting for it to be a hike, but it turned out to just be a viewpoint designed for tourists.

Nevertheless, it was still an awesome spot, and we took our time taking photos.

The prettiest view is near the back end of the tourist trail, where you can have the mini waterfalls in view.

Arnarstapi is a small village on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, popular for its Instagrammable arches and unique rock structures.

You can park at the same place to see the Gatklettur Arch Rock and Midgja Arch, but the Hellnar Viewpoint is in a different spot.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

We drove through Snæfellsjökull National Park and stopped at Þúfubjarg, a basalt formation that looks like castle ruins.

Although we would’ve loved to have explored more of the national park, we didn’t budget much time for it, so it’s definitely something I’d love to see more of next time!

If you’re able to, you should add it to your 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary.

Búðakirkja

Búðakirkja is another one of Iceland’s popular and Instagram-worthy churches.

The black church against the mountainous backdrop and green foreground makes for some pretty cool shots.

I’d just seen Ari Aster’s  Midsommar , and I really wanted to create a photo inspired by it while in Iceland.

It may not be Sweden, but it’s as close as I could get. How’d I do?

Day 16: Back to Reykjavik

Hraunfossar & barnafoss waterfalls.

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are located right by each other, and you can view them from fenced lookouts.

They’re nothing too crazy, especially since you can only view them from the touristy lookouts, but it’s worth adding to your 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary if you have the extra time.

You only have to park at one parking lot to see them both anyways, and it’s close to Reykjavik!

LOCATION: Reykholt, Iceland

We couldn’t do the Glymur hike last time because the log was submerged under water.

This time, crossing it was a piece of cake!

The rest of the trail was tough though, and involved a lot of uphill climbing on rocks and holding onto ropes.

We didn’t make it all the way to the end because we were exhausted and it felt a little too dangerous, but we got close enough to keep us happy.

The trail loops around, but we turned back the way we came because we didn’t go all the way to the end.

We headed off to Reykjavik afterwards and enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather in the city.

We visited a café and checked out a few shops.

Day 17: Last day in Reykjavik

We kicked off our last day with some local brunch in downtown Reykjavik before doing some last minute adventuring.

Reykjavik has such a great food scene , and we really wanted to add some brunch to our 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary!

We had a traditional Icelandic breakfast at Bergsson Mathús (which is sadly now closed) and it was delicious!

The one thing I’ve noticed about Icelandic breakfasts is that there’s usually ham and cheese slices involved.

One of our Airbnb hosts cooked breakfast for the entire guesthouse, and there was plenty of ham and cheese for us!

LOCATION:  Templarasund 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

The Sun Voyager

Afterwards, we walked around downtown and did some sightseeing.

We visited the Sun Voyager, which we’d seen before, but thought we’d make a quick stop again.

It’s one of the most iconic sights of Reykjavik!

LOCATION: Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Kolaportid Flea Market

This is Reykjavik’s only flea market, and it’s only open on weekends.

It was pouring rain outside and we were soaking wet, so we took our time walking through it.

The first thing I noticed was that most of the stuff looked like random products that just got shipped in from China.

Second thing I noticed was that this was the largest concentration of Asian people I’d seen in Iceland who weren’t tourists.

It was a little disappointing that there weren’t more items unique to Iceland, but we still enjoyed walking through it.

We did see some Icelandic wool sweaters and Icelandic books.

There was also a food section where you could sample rotten shark, but we tried it at a restaurant last time and didn’t enjoy it.

If you’re short on time, you can definitely skip adding this on your Iceland Ring Road itinerary.

LOCATION: Tryggvagötu 19, Old Harbour Grófin Reykjavik Kvosin, Iceland

Nordurgardi

The Nordurgardi is a cool yellow lighthouse behind Harpa Concert Hall.

The mountains in the background made it look even cooler than it already did, and I was surprised we were the only ones here.

I didn’t plan on matching my outfit with the lighthouse, but it worked out perfectly!

I love all of the unique and colourful lighthouses and churches in Iceland.

LOCATION: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

The second last stop of our 2 week Iceland itinerary was the Brimketill lava rock pool, which we’d missed on the first day.

It was insanely windy so we only spent a couple minutes here, but it was beautiful!

Brú Milli Heimsálfa

The last stop on our 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary was Brú Milli Heimsálfa.

Translated as the “bridge between continents”, it’s literally a bridge separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

You can walk down beneath the bridge, but there isn’t much else around here.

It’s encouraged to take a photo of yourself “holding” each tectonic plate, but there were several people waiting in line and we didn’t want to wait.

So that was our 2 week Iceland Ring Road itinerary.

It took almost 2 and a half weeks to drive the entire country, and there were definitely more stops and days we could’ve added.

While we’ve satisfied our craving for the beauties of Iceland for now, we’ll definitely be back someday to explore more of the Highlands and Westfjords, as well as come back during the wintertime.

To see more of our trips to Iceland, you can check out my YouTube vlogs on 1 week in Iceland and 2 weeks in Iceland !

If you’re looking for even more fun activities and things to do in Iceland, be sure to check out some local tours !

Have you visited Iceland before? What was on your Iceland Ring Road itinerary? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram !

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland , here are some other posts to help you plan your perfect trip:

• How to spend 7 days in Iceland
• The best Iceland restaurants
• What to budget for Iceland
• What to pack for Iceland
• The most Instagrammable places in Iceland

Be sure to keep up with me on  Instagram , TikTok ,  Twitter , Facebook , and  Pinterest  if you aren’t already!

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CHARLIES WANDERINGS

THE TRAVEL BLOG FOR HIKING LOVERS AND EFFICIENT TRAVEL ITINERARIES

CAMPING , Iceland , Road Trips · August 8, 2021

The Ultimate 2 Week Iceland Winter Ring Road Itinerary – Plan The Perfect Iceland Road Trip

This post is also available in: Nederlands

Are you ready for the road trip of a lifetime?! Iceland, the land of ice and fire, speaks to the imagination of a lot of people and rightfully so!

Iceland is one of my favorite road trip destinations in the entire world and so far no other country has come even close. Where elsewhere can you drive by ice capped glaciers, towering volcanoes, black sand beaches, over a hundred waterfalls and rolling hills covered with green moss?!

Going on a road trip in Iceland is an experience on its own but visiting Iceland during the winter time is on an entire other level. You’ll truly get to experience why they call it the land of ice and fire during this season.

With this Iceland Ring Road itinerary you’ll get to see some of Iceland’s top attractions and I’ve made it my mission to include as many details as possible. This article will be a personal retelling of my own experience in Iceland during the winter . It will be your go to guide to help you plan your own 2 week Iceland road trip itinerary.

Not only will I talk in detail about all of the top sights to see and things to do in Iceland, I will also tell you what to look out for, which apps you have to download and which websites you have to check to ensure your safety on the road during the winter in Iceland.

❄️ Why you should visit Iceland in the winter

Visiting Iceland in the winter can be a wonderful experience since there are fewer tourists, all landscapes look like a winter wonderland and there’s the chance to see the Northern Lights. Waterfalls are covered in snow and surrounded by icicles and on average this time of the year is cheaper to travel to Iceland .

Iceland can be a pretty expensive country to travel to and through so it’s always nice if you can spare some money on your car or accommodation!

And if all that isn’t enough you’ll also get to experience the beauty of golden hour during the entire day. During the winter months the sun doesn’t rise far above the horizon which results in these winter landscapes being covered in a golden hue.

There are also a bunch of fun winter activities that you can do in Iceland such as dogsledding, see and photograph the northern lights, visit a glacier cave, go glacier hiking or go on a snow mobile tour.

🇮🇸 Some strange and interesting facts about Iceland

• Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls and that they reside within the Highlands of Iceland .
• You can swim outdoors in hot springs all year round.
• There’s no McDonald’s in entire Iceland.
• There are more than 30 volcanic regions scattered throughout the country.
• Over 10% of the country is covered in glaciers.
• The country has no train or railway system.
• The longest word found in Icelandic is: vaðlaheiðarvegavinnuverkfærageymsluskúraútidyralyklakippuhringur.
• Iceland has been chosen multiple times as the best place to live as a woman.

✈️ Getting into Iceland

The easiest way to reach Iceland is to fly to Keflavik Airport which lies on the Reykjanes peninsula. A ton of international airlines have a stop over in Iceland and their own national air carrier IcelandAir offers a ton of daily flights from the USA and Europe.

Once you’ve arrived at the airport you can simply pick up your rental car or camper van and you’re good to go! If you’re planning on driving yourself you may want to watch out for the taxi’s outside of the airport. They tend to overcharge so you’re far better of taking one of the local busses to Reykjavik.

🚘 Getting around Iceland in the winter

There are several ways to get around Iceland in the winter : you can go for a rental car and book accommodations or you can rent a camper van and stay at designated campsites. Another option is to have your base in Reykjavik and visit the main sights close by with a guided tour.

I highly recommend renting a camper van cause it will give you the most freedom to roam around the island . The weather. inIceland can be very unpredictable and with a camper van you can easily change up your itinerary as you go and chase the good weather. Whereas with a booked accommodation you’re pretty much with staying in that particular region, even if the weather is terrible.

Every single time that I’ve visited Iceland I chose a camper van from Happy Campers . I love their bright colored vans and the service that they provide for their customers. They’re based only a few minutes driving from Keflavik Airport and will pick you up and drop you off at the airport as part of their service.

One very important thing to know is that there are more than a hundred campsites in Iceland but most of them are only open during the winter months. During the winter there are approximately 26 different campsites open which still gives you plenty of options. Another plus about Happy Campers is that they are on top of their game and if you rent a camper van from them you get an updated map which includes all of the available campsites at that time. They call each campsite individually to make sure they are still open and running and update their map going from there.

Happy Campers Winter Campsite Map

You can also choose to rent  a 4X4 SUV with SunnyCars  if you’re not the biggest fan of camping. They also offer some great options and every single insurance is included in their price.

📲 Which apps to download before visiting Iceland

• Vedur – An accurate Icelandic weather app . Official warnings get updated automatically.
• 112 Iceland – An application for the Icelandic Emergency Service
• Aurora Forecast – This app will come in handy when you’re chasing the Northern Lights .
• Hotpot – The perfect website to scan for those hidden hot springs around the island!

Useful resources for your Iceland road trip

• White: the road is covered in snow
• Light blue: there is ice on the road
• Dark blue: the road is completely covered in ice
• If the road doesn’t look safe, don’t risk it . At times you can find yourself driving alone on the road for hours and there are no safety measures like guardrails alongside 95% of the roads.

• Vedur.is – This website will give you all of the latest weather updates. Pay extra attention to the wind conditions. Especially when you’re driving around with a camper van, be aware, you catch a lot more wind and might lose grip.

• Vegasja – Live webcams of roads around Iceland.

💡 TIP – Create your own travel map in Google Maps. I always save all of the locations that I want to visit on Google Maps and this way I can easily create a daily itinerary and see which places are located close to each other. To make your trip even more easy you. can also save the locations of the campsites in a different color. This way you have all of your travel information in one place and you can easily navigate from one place to the other.

🧳 What to bring to Iceland in winter

Hiking shoes  – You will definitely need a pair of these. Even that some attractions are located right next to a parking lot you’ll pretty much always have to hike over a rocky terrain. I love my  Meindl Mountain Trail Boots  for longer hikes and my  Danner Mountain Light Boots  for daily wear and shorter distances.

Trekking poles  – These will especially come in handy cause a lot of the hikes in these guide can be rather strenuous on the joints. I used the  Leki Adventure Light  trekking poles for all of my hikes in Iceland!

Back Pack  – You’ll want to bring a back pack with you to carry your camera, some snacks and your refillable water bottle. I love the  Kanken No. 2 back pack from Fjallraven  and pretty much take it with me everywhere I go.

Refillable Water Bottle  – The water in Iceland is some of the freshet in the entire world so there’s no need at all to buy plastic bottles. Simply find the nearest stream to fill up your bottle and you’re good to go.

Another option is to use a back pack which has a water reservoir built inside of it. For instance this  3L Hydration Bladder   is leak proof and can be stored inside a back pack.

Trail Leggings  – I love hiking in leggings and have lately been loving the  Abisko Trail Tights  from Fjallraven.

Fast Drying Shirt  – When hiking you tend to sweat, especially when climbing a mountain. One of the best things to wear is a shirt that quickly dries so you don’t get cold high up the mountain.

Insulating Jacket  – Depending on the temperature you’ll either want a thicker or lighter jacket. If it’s pretty cold outside I always go for my  Fjallraven Vidda Jacket . Otherwise I go for their  High Coast Light Jacket  which is super light weight.

Woolen cap  – The perfect accessory to protect your ears from the cold and to cover your hair after a few days without a shower.

Protein Bars  – Make sure you have a couple of these stowed a way in your back pack to boost up your energy level during the hike.

Sunscreen  – Make sure to re apply to your face regularly cause pretty much all of the hikes that we did in Iceland were exposed most of the time. I love this one by  Neutrogena  which feels like a face mist but also provides SPF 50 protection!

Merino Wool Socks  – My go to brand has always been  Falke  and I love how fast they drive after a long day of hiking. Plus since they’re made of merino wool they don’t smell and can be worn for a couple of days.

🇮🇸 The Ultimate 12 Day Iceland road trip itinerary for winter

12 days is an ideal amount of time to see the absolute best that Iceland has to offer during the winter. This is more than enough time to drive the entire ring road and visit some of the most beautiful peninsula’s such as Reykjanes peninsula and Snæfellsnes peninsula.

However, if you’re short on time you can also opt for a 5 or 7 day road trip for which I am also planning to make self curated itineraries. Do know that in this case you won’t have enough time to cover the entire ring road due to the small amount of daylight hours during winter in Iceland.

Here’s an overview on how to spend the perfect 12 days road tripping in Iceland.

Day 1 – Arrival, pick up your camper van and go grocery shopping Day 2 – Reykjavik and The Golden Circle Day 3 – Waterfalls and Black Beaches Day 4 – Fjadrárgljúfur and Glacier Lagoon Day 5 – Diamonds and Glaciers Day 6 – Myvatn Day 7 – Highlights of Northern Iceland Day 8 – Hidden canyon and Kirkjufell Day 9 – Snæfellsnes peninsula Day 10 – The Last Waterfalls Day 11 – Blue Lagoon, Reykjanes Peninsula and returning your camper van Day 12 – Fly Home

Day 1 – Arrival, pick up your camper van and go grocery shopping

Welcome to Iceland, the land of ice and fire! From our plane window we already got treated to an amazing view over this mesmerizing island and we couldn’t we to go out and explore this incredible country! Our flight from Belgium arrived at 3pm so today will be all about preparing everything for an incredible road trip, since during the winter it gets dark early. If your flight arrives in the early morning you can already combine Day 1 from this itinerary with a visit to the city of Reykjavik and start Day 2 with driving the Golden Circle.

Like I said before we booked our camper van with Happy Campers and opted for their Happy 2 model. This is the perfect choice if you’re driving the ring road in Iceland and if there’s 2 of you in 1 camper van. Happy Campers also organized our pick from the airport and brought us to their rental site. They explained how everything works and a short time later we were ready to hit the road!

💡 TIP – Happy Campers stores the leftover cans, sauces and pasta from previous travelers so before you leave make sure to have a look and you can grab what you’ll need for free.

Grocery shopping in Iceland can be pretty expensive and you really want to avoid the pricier shops. The cheapest grocery stores are Bonus and Krónan. But as you can see they are thinly spread throughout the country. Make sure to stock up on enough groceries so you don’t run out of food along the way.

After getting all of our groceries for the upcoming days it was already dark outside so we headed straight to the campsite in Reykjavik: Reykjavik Campsite . They have showers, toilets, a kitchen, laundry machines and a heated common room. The facilities close after November 9 but the camp site remains open and you may use the facilities at the hostel Dalur around the corner.

Day 2 – Reykjavik and The Golden Circle

After a good night’s rest it’s finally time to start exploring Iceland! Today will be all about exploring Iceland’s capital and driving the Golden Circle . The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular routes and will take you through the countryside and past hot water spewing geysers, thundering waterfalls and between two tectonic plates. This iconic route represents one of Iceland’s most popular day tours and you can drive it yourself in the mere timespan of 3 hours.

If you’re not hiring your own car or camper van you can easily visit the Golden Circle with one of the many day tours available . I’ve listed my favorite ones for you below:

• Reykjavik Golden Circle Day Tour including a visit to Kerid Crater
• Golden Circle and Glacier Ice Cave Tour
• Golden Circle and Snorkling in Silfra

Stop 1 – Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and a must visit if it’s your first time visiting Iceland. You can easily park your car or camper van close to the centre and explore the city in foot. One of the very first things you must do is pay a visit to the local bakery Braud and try one of their cinnamon buns. You may thank me later 😉.

Two other classic stops in Reykjavik are the Hallgrímskirkja and the Sun Voyager , a steel sculpture representing a Viking’s boat near the waterfront. And if you’re looking for a new sweater you’ll find plenty of options in the main shopping street .

Stop 2 – Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is our first stop on the Golden Circle and it’s an incredible place to visit if it’s your first time in Iceland. You can park your car at the Öxarárfoss parking lot and start walking from there. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marks the location of Iceland’s first parliament. But what makes this place truly unique is it’s s geography. Thingvellir National Park is the site of a great rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet . The plates are pulled ever so slightly apart more and more each year creating the Silfra fissure , an area perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. 

If you’re up for it you can go for one of the snorkeling tours in the Silfra fissures where you’ll actually swim between these two tectonic plates.

💡 FUN FACT – Thingvellir National Park served as the backdrop for one of the more famous scenes in Game of Thrones where Littlefinger escorts Sansa to the Vale.

Another must visit in Thingvellir National Park is Öxarárfoss, a beautiful waterfall.

Stop 3 – Strokkur

Strokkur is the biggest geyser in Iceland and it shoots up hot water every couple of minutes . It’s one of the top attractions on the Golden Circle so don’t expect to be here alone. It’s one of the most touristic places in entire Iceland and there’s even a big shop located right next to it. However it remains a spectacular site to see.

If you have time to spare, walk the surrounding landscape draped in steam with holes of boiling water rumbling at every turn. Be careful as you explore, as the water is clearly a dangerous temperature and should be left to admire from an appropriate distance. 

Close by you’ll find another geyser named Geysir. However, unlike its close neighbor Strokkur, Geysir has remained inactive.

Stop 4 – Gullfoss

Gullfoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in entire Iceland but again it’s a tourist hot spot just like every other location on the Golden Circle. It’s the first of many waterfalls you’ll see on this 12 day Iceland road trip. Gullfoss is nicknamed the Golden Waterfall and during the summer months you might even be so lucky to spot a rainbow across this majestic waterfall.

When we arrived the pathway was covered in snow and even that there were ropes preventing you from going near to the waterfall, it still felt a little sketchy. Both of us slipped a couple of times and this was the first time we realized that we had to buy cramp ons .

That evening we set up camp at the Selfoss Campsite . Selfoss is a charming little town in the South that has everything you’ll need while on the road. The campsite has lots of nice amenities and is located close to grocery stores, swimming pool, restaurants, etc.

Now if you’ve already visited Reykjavik on your first day or you’re simply going at. avery fast pace you can add the following locations to your itinerary:

• Bruarfoss – A rather small waterfall but its blue color is absolutely stunning.
• Faxafoss – Another stunning waterfall along the Golden Circle and if you’re visiting in the summer months you can even spent the night at their campsite. Unfortunately this is one of the campsites that doesn’t remain open during the winter months.
• Hrunalaug Hot Springs
• Kerid Crater – You can walk along the rim before heading down to the lake.

Day 3 – Waterfalls and Black Beaches

Rise and shine! Today we’ll be exploring some of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls and one of my personal favorites, Skogafoss! From our campsite in Selfoss it’s about 1 hour driving to one of the most famous waterfalls in all of Iceland!

Stop 1 – Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland where it is possible to walk behind it and also one of the few places where you have to get a parking ticket to park your car or camper van. This place is very touristic so try to arrive as soon as the sun comes up. Since you’ll be walking behind the waterfall you’re bound to get wet! Make sure to put on your rain coat and if you’re planning on taking photos I advise you to protect your camera with the following gear:

• Lens Protection Filter – This will prevent your actual lens from getting wet. This. is the one I am using but make sure to check your lenses diameter before ordering.
• Rain Cover – A rain cover will definitely come in handy if you’re taking photos with a tripod.

A bonus stop is following the trail north a short distance from Seljalandsfoss and you’ll end up at another spectacular waterfall called Gljufrabui . But with this one you really do have to prepare to get wet. You’ll have to walk through a water filled canyon and the spray from the waterfall can be very intense. But it’s definitely worth a visit and a cool place to take photos.

Stop 2 – Skogafoss

This is by far one of my favorite stops in Southern Iceland ! Skogafoss is such a dramatic waterfall and sometimes you’ll even be able to spot a waterfall through the mist. Just like with Seljalandsfoss you’ll need a proper rain jacket when visiting, especially if you get a little closer to the waterfall.

STOP 3 – Kvernufoss

This is one of those beautiful hidden gems in Iceland and one that you can easily get to with the right directions. Drive to the Skogar Museum where you can leave your car on the parking lot. On the right side of the museum you’ll see a fence and a little further there’s an iron ladder which you may use to go over it. All you have to do now is follow the trail that leads you into the canyon.

When we went we were the only ones there and it was such a refreshing experience compared to the crowds at both Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Kvernufoss is also a waterfall where you can walk behind so better keep that rain coat on if you’re planning on doing so.

Stop 4 – Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey is a very small peninsula in Southern Iceland and offers stunning 360° views over the Southern coast. On one side you’ll see a beautiful black sand beach and on the other side you’ll find a stunning archway. On top of the peninsula there’s also a lighthouse which makes for the perfect backdrop if you want to take a drone photo.

The drive up is pretty steep and narrow but our Happy Camper van did it like a champ!

STOP 5 – Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is a beautiful coastline made up completely of black sand, black pebbles, sea carvings and basalt columns. It’s the perfect place to take some cool photos but when you do please be mindful of the waves. These are sneaker waves and every year people die because they get caught and get pulled to the sea to drown.

To reach our camp site for the night we had to drive a little back to Skogafoss and here you’ll find the Skógar camp site. The location is absolutely terrific cause you get to wake up to a view over Skogafoss but the facilities aren’t all that great. There’s no common room and no shower, there’s just you, your camper van and some toilets . The toilet facility however is heated and there’s plenty of plugs available if you need to charge any of your devices.

Day 4 – Fjadrárgljúfur and Glacier Lagoon

Another early start today cause we’ll be covering a lot of ground and there’s a ton to see along the way! We’ll be driving a total of 305km in total and requires about 3,5 hours of driving . If you already thought yesterday was amazing, you’ll be completely blown away today! In the end I’ll add a few extra stops that you can incorporate into your itinerary.

We started this day with a bit of bad luck with our camper van and lost a couple of hours because of that.

STOP 1 – Fjadrárgljúfur

There’s no better way to start the day than by hiking alongside one of the most majestic canyons in entire Iceland . Make sure to put on your cramp ons cause the trail leading up can get very slippery during the winter. When following the trail do respect the barriers put in place. They are there not only to protect you from plumetting to your sudden death but also to protect the fragility of the area.

Stop 2 – Svartifoss

Ever seen a waterfall surrounded by basalt columns? Well here is your chance! The hike to Svartifoss starts at the Visitor Centre in Skaftafell and is about 1,5km long. And as an icing on the cake you’ll come across 3 other waterfalls on your way to Svartifoss.

Stop 3 – Fjallsárlón

This magnificent glacier is one of my all time favorite place in entire Iceland! Imagine this: you drive up to the parking lot to see it empty. You start a small hike up the hill and then you see it. A glacier so beautiful it actually brought tears to my eyes ! I can’t emphasize enough on how magical this place actually is. It’s what I call: Iceland at its very best.

Stop 4 – Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón, also known as Glacier Lagoon is located close to Fjallsárlón but definitely worth a visit. It’s one of the top attractions in Southern Iceland and one of the most beautiful stops on this 12 day road trip around Iceland. At Jökulsárlón you can walk around the lagoon as far as you like , take a boat tour, grab a bite to eat, or use the restrooms.

This evening we’ll drive a little back towards Skaftaffel where we will set up camp for the night. Even though you can park your car in this campsite all year around, the facilities are only open from 1 May to 30 September . The surroundings are absolutely beautiful and the campsite is spacious and comfortable, with designated areas for camper vans.

If you don’t want to stay in a camp site this evening here are some excellent alternatives:

• Fosshótel Glacier Lagoon – The location is perfect for nature lovers, as the hotel is between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, two of Iceland’s most spectacular natural attractions. Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon offers 125 rooms with all necessary amenities.
• Ekra – This 7 bedroom, 8 bathroom home has an estimated 3,500 total square feet with amazing views over Europe´s biggest glacier and several waterfalls in the backyard.
• Adventure Hotel Hof – Adventure Hotel Hof in Öræfi is located in one of the most beautiful and extraordinary regions in Iceland, often referred to as „Sveitin milli sanda“, which loosely translates as „The Land Between the Sands“.

Day 5 – Diamonds and Glaciers

Today we’ll do a bunch of driving but we’ll also go on a fun activity! But let’s start at the beginning, a sunrise visit to Diamond Beach!

Stop 1 – Diamond Beach

You can find Diamond Beach right next to Jökulsárlón and this is where the ice washes up to the coastline. The icebergs against the black sand make for the perfect contrast and photograph opportunity. The amount of ice you find on this beach depends on how much ice has fallen off the glacier recently, the current  t ide cycle, etc. Because of this, some people will find a beach completely covered in ice, while others might find almost no ice at all.

Stop 2 – Exploring a Glacier Cave

This is an unforgettable experience that you absolutely can’t miss if you’re visiting Iceland during the winter. There are daily tours leaving from Jökulsárlón which includes glacier hiking, snow mobiling and cave exploring. I’ve listed some of my favorite tours below:

• Skaftaffel Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike
• Super Jeep Tour and Crystal Blue Ice Cave From Jökulsárlón
• Skaftafell Small Group Tour

Stop 3 – Höfn

Don’t expect to do a lot of sightseeing in the town of Höfn itself. But I do have a good reason for you to make a pit stop here! What about the most delicious lobster sandwich you’ve ever had? Grab a bite at Hafnarbudin and thank me later🦞.

Stop 4 – Vestrahorn

Our final stop of the day before we head to our next camp site is Vestrahorn, also known as Stokksnes . It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset but you do have to be a bit lucky with the weather. Vestrahorn loves to cover itself in the clouds but it’s always worth it top wait some time cause in Iceland the weather can clear up very fast. The entrance fee is 800 ISK but it’s well worth it! You’ll get to see one of the most iconic mountains in entire Iceland and you get to visit a viking village, which was formerly used as a film set.

This evening we’ll drive all the way towards Egilsstaðir , which is 2,5 hours driving from Vestrahorn. Egilsstaðir is considered the “capital of the East” and this charming town offers everything you need, from mini golf to spas. The campsite is located towards the town center and is close to gas stations and grocery stores.

Day 6 – Myvatn

Myvatn is a large volcanic lake in Northern Iceland and today will be all about relaxing and exploring some top sights close by.

STOP 1 – Lake Myvatn

The stunning lake Myvatn is a beautiful sight to behold and definitely worth a closer lake. However if you want to go swimming/soaking in hot water then this lake isn’t the option for you. Then you have to go to the Myvatn Nature Baths . The spa is open all year round and it costs 5700 ISK to enter.

Stop 2 – Grjótagjá Cave

While several websites pointed out that this was closed since april 2018 the entrance to the cave is still open this very day. This natural hot spring was highly featured in Game of Thrones as the place where Jon and Ygritte went swimming and you know…😆. However, the actual water temperature is around 45°C and it’s forbidden to go bathing in it.

STOP 3 – Hverir

Hverir is a geothermal located right next to Myvatn and it’s one of the most “out of this world” sites in Iceland. At the foot of the Namafjall volcanic mountain, the Namaskard geothermal area displays fumaroles, large mud pools, steam vents and a bare orangy-red landscape. And as stunning as this area is, the smell you’ll encounter here is also “out of this world”, and not in a good way 🤣.

STOP 4 – Viti Crater

Our last stop for today will take us into Krafla area, where you can find the stunning turquoise Viti crater. It’s a short walk to the top from the parking lot and you’ll be treated to an absolutely stunning view.

Viti Crater is only worth a visit if you’re going at the very start of winter . Otherwise the lake inside the crater will be completely frozen over and snowed on.

And I promised you that today would be an easy day of exploring without a lot of driving so it’s time to head towards our campsite for tonight. The Vogar campsite is a lovely little campsite by the popular Lake Myvatn. Indoor toilets and hot showers are included in the price and easy access to outdoor kitchen sinks.

Day 7 – Highlights of Northern Iceland

Today there’ll be some more driving compared to yesterday. We’ll visit some of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls and in the evening we’ll make our way to Akureyri.

STOP 1 – Dettifoss

Dettifoss is one of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland and is said to be the second most powerful waterfall in all of Europe . You can visit Dettifoss from both sides but the West side is definitely the most convenient and stunning. When visiting Dettifoss during the winter time make sure to wear your cramp ons! The trail leading up to the waterfall can become very icy and slippery during the winter months and you really don’t want to fall down this cliff.

Stop 2 – Selfoss

You can find another stunning waterfall only 10 minutes walking from Dettifoss. Again, make sure to wear your cramp ons during the winter cause you’ll be hiking on an icy trail right next to the cliff side.

STOP 3 – Godafoss

Godafoss has to be one of the most impressive waterfalls I have ever seen in my entire life. You can admire the waterfall from both sides and there’s also a small pathway leading down which lends you the opportunity to stand in front of this spectacular waterfall in Iceland.

READ ALSO >> THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS TO VISIT IN ICELAND DURING THE WINTER

If you have a little extra time today and if the roads are good I highly recommend a visit to the beautiful fishing village of Husavik . If it’s name rings a bell that’s quiet normal. Husavik got bombarded into stardom due to its prominent feature in the Netflix film ‘Eurovision’ starring Will Ferell and Rachel McAdams. Stroll around the beautiful coastal town or relax at GeoSea .

If you want to incorporate Husavik into your itinerary and spend a little more time here you can also visit Dettifoss and Sellfoss on the previous day. That way you can start day 7 by visiting the fishing village and then go and marvel at Godafoss before you head further to the campsite in Akureyri.

Hamrar is a peaceful campground by the forest kjarnaskógur, at the southern end of Akureyri. The camping is well equipped with excellent facilities.

Day 8 – Hidden canyon and Kirkjufell

Today is a big drive day again with only three stops before we reach our next campsite. In total we’ll be driving nearly 5 hours and we’ll even take a little detour off the ring road to reach our very first stop of the day. But I promise you it will be well worth it!

STOP 1 – Kolugljùfur

This is one of those hidden gems in Iceland that not too many people know off. You’ll have to make a small exit from the main ring road but after only 20 minutes you’ll arrive at a small bridge which you can easily cross with your camper van. Kolugljùfur is both a canyon and a waterfall.

💡 TIP – If you. can muster a very early wake up call it’s definitely worth it to be here for sunrise!

STOP 2 – Kirkjufell

One of Iceland’s most photographed mountains and top things to see on the SnaeThfelsness Peninsula is Kirkjufell and its nearby waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss. Don’t expect to have this place to yourself and compared to all the places we saw in the past days you definitely won’t feel like you’re in “wild” Iceland anymore. There’s even a man made pathway leading up behind the waterfall and you’ll be greeted by a bunch of photographers all lined up in the same exact spot to take the same photo. Not gonna lie, I was one of them🤣.

STOP 3 – GRUNDARFJORDUR

Finish today with a visit to Grundafjordur. It’s a small town but the perfect place to enjoy an evening dinner and marvel at the sun setting behind Kirkjufell.

For tonight we’ll stay right outside of the Snaefelsness Peninsula at the Búðardalur Campground . The Budardalur camping site is located within a beautiful grove and has many features such as a convenience store, coffee shop, soccer field, playground and a beach volley ball field.

Day 9 – Snaefelsness Peninsula

The Snaefelsness Peninsula is one of those places you have to visit if it’s your first time visiting Iceland! This is also one of our final regions after returning back to Reykjavik. It’s often referred to as Miniature Iceland as you can see everything the country has to offer in one area: volcanic craters, lava fields, a glacier, waterfalls, fjords, hot springs, black and golden sand beaches, lush meadows, and cute fishing villages of colorful wooden houses.

STOP 1 – Ingjaldshólskirkja

This has to be one of the prettiest churches in entire Iceland and there are a lot of them!

💡 TIP – You can take amazing photos here but the best ones will be with a 70-200mm zoom lens!

STOP 2 – Lóndrangar

The Lóndrangar cliffs are a beautiful place to go for a little walk after all of that driving. The pinnacles rise up from the sea and add a lot of drama to the landscape. Mind the doors of your car or camper van here cause there can be very strong winds!

STOP 3 – Arnarstapi

Another gorgeous cliffside that you absolutely can’t miss is Arnarstapi. Here you get great views of the  Snaefellsjokull glacier and stunning coastal scenes.

STOP 4 – Budakirkja

Budakirkja, also known as Budir, is a famous black church on the Snaefelsness Peninsula. It’s mostly famous as an iconic photo spot so don’t expect to spend a lot of time here.

Now it’s time to slowly start driving towards Reykjavik and we’ll spend the night at the Snorrastaðir campsite. This campsite is located only 2.5 km from the volcano Eldborg, a 60m tall crater in the midst of a lava field.

Day 10 – The Last Waterfalls

Stop 1 – hraunfossar.

Hraunfossar, which means lava waterfalls, is located only 1 hour driving from Reykjavik . The waterfalls of  Hraunfossar  are a real treasure. It’s best described as a collection of countless creeks and cascades small and big streaming out of the lava over a distance of about 900 metres. What I love about this phenomenal lava flow is the color of the water or the river. Sometimes its dazzling and turquoise but occasionally you will see it as milky white. Whatever the color is its an impressive scene both worth enjoying or photographing.

STOP 2 – Barnafoss

Above  Hraunfossar  (lava falls) there is another famous waterfall called  Barnafoss  (children´s fall). According to legend Barnafoss takes its name from two children who fell into the waterfall. 

STOP 3 – Glymur

Glymur is with its height of 196 meters one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls and it can only be reached by hiking.

From the carpark , the hike takes approximately three and a half hours to do in total. It is largely through nature, without any paved roads, and at some points can be a little challenging; the most used route, for example, involves wading across a river with the help of a rope, passing through a cave, and walking along a narrow mountainside path.

STOP 4 – Bárðarfoss

One of the lesser known waterfalls in Iceland but that doesn’t mean it’s not a spectacular one! On our way back to Reykjavik we won’t take the tunnel underneath the peninsula. While it does go a lot faster we would also miss a lot of beautiful views along the way such as this hidden gem!

STOP 5 – Thorufoss

Thorufoss is another Game Of Thrones filming location! It’s just a short drive from Iceland’s famous golden circle, but the gravel nature of the road puts many off. There are also limited signs directing you here but it’s well worth the visit!

This evening we’ll set up camp again at the Reykjavik Campsite and tomorrow is our last day of exploring this beautiful country before we hand over our camper van again.

Day 11 – Blue Lagoon, Reykjanes Peninsula and returning your camper van

Stop 1 – blue lagoon.

After all of that exploring you definitely deserve some relaxing! The Blue Lagoon is the most popular hot spring in entire Iceland due to its proximity to Reykjavik and Keflavik airport. It’s said that its water will nourish, heal and rejuvenate your mind and body. I really liked trying out one of their face masks and to indulge a little at the pool bar.

You can book your tickets for a visit to the Blue Lagoon here!

STOP 2 – Garður Old Lighthouse

Garður is known for its lighthouses and the most beautiful one of them all is the Garður Old Lighthouse. It especially serves as a nice photography spot so don’t expect to spend a lot of time here!

Alternative option for Day 11

As of 2021 there has been the eruption of the Fagradasfjall volcano and for now you can still visit the eruption site. There are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind when visiting:

• There are several hiking trails leading up to different viewpoints. Route C is the short (1 hour both ways) and easy hike to the flowing lava in the Nátthagi valley. From Nátthagi it is possible to continue on a more difficult hike up to Langihryggur where hikers get view over the crater opening (adding 1-2 hours of hiking). Keep in mind that the best viewpoint over the crater can change in an instant due to lava flow. It’s best to keep a look out on safetravel.is where you can find all of the latest updates.
• Check the weather before you go. Sometimes the conditions are so bad that you can’t see the crater at all. You can see a live webcam of the Fagradasfjall volcano here .
• For additional weather info and insights if it’s safe due to the gas that gets released check volcanoweather.is

After all of the action it’s time to hand over our camper van! And if you book a hotel in the area of Keflavik Happy Campers will also arrange a drop off for you!

Below I’ve listed some of my personal favorites:

• The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland – Stay at the Blue Lagoon Hotel and have your own personal spa to jump into when you step outside of your room.
• BB Hótel by Keflavik airport – The hotel is located right next to Keflavik airport and the ideal place if you don’t want to spend too much cash on your last night in Iceland.
• Northern Light Inn – This hotel is located very close to the Blue Lagoon and to Fagradasfjall volcano.

Day 12 – Fly Home

Depending on the time of your flight you can add a visit to the Blue Lagoon on your last day in the morning since they also have storage space for suitcases. However if you’re flying back to Belgium your flight will be at 7am in the morning.

🛣Iceland Road Trip Tips

Here you can find some useful tips that will ensure you have the best time on your road trip in Iceland in the winter.

• Always have snacks on hand – Often there isn’t a place to eat in plane sight, especially when you’re driving through the more rural parts of Iceland. Make sure you don’t go hungry during one of your hikes. I would even go as far that you buy your snacks at home and put them in your suitcase to save some money at the grocery store.
• Mind your car doors when you open them – The wind in Iceland can be brutal at times and it wouldn’t be the first time a car door flies off due to strong wind gusts. The image below show which way is best to park in case of strong winds.

• Bring your camera – I am not exaggerating when I say that there’s a beautiful photo opportunity every 100 meter in Iceland. Make sure to bring your camera to capture this one of a lifetime trip! If you need some inspiration you can read exactly what’s in my camera bag .
• Bring dryer sheets – After sleeping and spending a lot of time in a camper van it can start to smell after a while which is completely normal. If you put a dryer sheet between the sofa it will always smell like fresh laundry.

💳 Currency & ATM’s in Iceland

The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK) and €1 equals ISK147. It’s not necessary to take out much cash upon your arrival cause you can pay nearly everywhere with your credit card of debit card.

📚 More Iceland Blog Posts

I have visited the land of ice and fire 3 times in 3 years and I loved adventuring and driving around the country.  On my blog you can find a ton of free resources to help you plan the perfect trip to this beautiful c ountry.

• The 12 Most Unique And Cool Places To Stay In Iceland
• 12 Best Tours In Iceland
• 13 Crazy Beautiful Hidden Gems in Iceland
• The Ultimate Iceland Summer Road Trip Itinerary
• 15 Very Best Day Hikes In Iceland (Map Included)
• 7 Best Places To Visit In The Highlands In Iceland – A Complete Travel Guide
• Hiking to Múlagljúfur Canyon – A Hidden Gem in Southern Iceland
• The 21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Iceland By Region
• 2022 Fagradalsfjall Hiking Trail – How To Visit The Active Volcano in Grindavik Iceland
• The Ultimate 2 Week Iceland Winter Ring Road Itinerary – Plan The Perfect Iceland Road Trip
• 10 Reasons Why You Have To Visit Iceland in Summer
• The Best Thakgil Hiking Trail – Discover The Remundargil Canyon And Thakgil Campsite
• The Best Hike In Landmannalaugar – The Mount Blahnukur Hiking Trail
• How To Visit Kerlingarfjöll And The Hveradalir Geothermal Area In One Day
• Travelling with Happy Campers: an honest review.

Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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Nicole Claesen says

September 21, 2019 at 6:07 pm

I can’t wait to visit Iceland! It’s been on my bucket list for a long time. Your pictures are stunning and thank you for all the tips, hints and the map!

Charlotte says

September 21, 2019 at 6:44 pm

Thank you so much for reading Nicole!! If you ever book that trip let me know!

September 21, 2019 at 8:39 pm

This is such a detailed, helpful post. It answers pretty much every question I’ve had about Iceland. It looks amazing and I know I need to get there soon

September 21, 2019 at 8:43 pm

Thank you so much Emma!

Rachael says

September 21, 2019 at 9:35 pm

Iceland looks like something from a dream world! Your photos are stunning

September 21, 2019 at 10:46 pm

Thank you so much! It’s one of my favourite countries in the world!

Kelsey says

September 21, 2019 at 11:52 pm

Ugh Iceland is still just SO beautiful. The Diamond Beach is literally out of this world. Such a unique and amazing place!!

Vanessa Shields says

September 21, 2019 at 11:59 pm

Oh I love all your photos, you captured Iceland beautifully! I really want to visit Iceland and am hoping to go in the next year or so. I will save this itinerary for when I do, thanks!

I know!! It’s one of my favourite spots in Iceland!

September 22, 2019 at 12:00 am

Thank you so much Vanessa! Oh yes! You really have to book that trip! Iceland is one of my favourite countries!

Brenda van Gerven says

September 22, 2019 at 12:12 pm

I LOVE your Iceland photos. Especially, your pops of color throughout the photos. Really well done. And such useful information in your blog post. Iceland has been on my bucket list for a long time!

September 22, 2019 at 1:52 pm

Thank you so much Brenda!! That really means a lot to me! 🙂

September 22, 2019 at 3:08 pm

Looove this guide!! Your photos are amazing! Cant wait to go back to Iceland 🙂

September 22, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Thank you so much Tina! <3

September 22, 2019 at 6:42 pm

What a superb post, very informative and some beautiful photography!

Christine says

September 22, 2019 at 7:08 pm

I so want to go back to Iceland in the winter. It looks so different, and I want to see the Northern Lights one day. Love all your photos and that you give exact locations!

September 22, 2019 at 7:32 pm

Thank you so much!!

You would love it in the winter! Although Katie and I were there for 2 weeks and we didn’t see the Northern lights :p

Andrea Peacock says

September 23, 2019 at 12:55 am

I love that you included so many helpful tips in here, and also the exact locations on Google Maps! Planning an Iceland trip can seem pretty intimidating, but this is super helpful!

CORRITTA LEWIS says

September 23, 2019 at 4:07 am

Island is in my top 3 places to visit. I love that you included so much information with packing guides, apps, and even google maps.

September 23, 2019 at 2:35 pm

Yeah, I really wanted this guide to have everything! We almost crashed because we didn’t know about these weather apps!

Thank you Andrea! Yes, I wanted it to be super easy for people to see as much as possible! 🙂

Joke Lybaert says

August 9, 2021 at 7:39 am

In één keer uitgelezen!! Geeft me veel zin om nog eens naar Ijsland te gaan!

August 9, 2021 at 8:29 am

Oooh super tof om te horen! Dikke merci!!!

Hannah Musshoff says

September 18, 2021 at 12:21 pm

Can I ask, how much did the whole trip for 2 persons with campervan cost?

September 20, 2021 at 6:04 pm

Hi Hannah! It totally depends on which type of camper you choose actually 🙂 You can check all of the different pricings on the Happy Campers website. For camping you should calculate between €12 to €20/night, filling up a tank of gas can cost up to €80 but if you do groceries at Bonus or Kronan you can cut a lot of costs on food 🙂

Amelia says

September 1, 2022 at 4:41 pm

Hello, Great post, very informative. Which month did you travel in and did you have any scary experiences on the road? Im planning on going in November but i keep reading that the ring road is unsafe during this time…. Thanks!

September 21, 2022 at 11:30 am

Hi! Well you do need to keep an eye on all of the weather websites that I mentioned in this post! If the roads are green then it’s all good but they have a different color coding system for road conditions. The weather in Iceland can change in a matter of minutes so there’s no way for me to know what it will be like when you’re there. On our trip we had one scary evening with a lot of wind gusts and then an icy mountain road which was pretty scary but for the rest our trip was smooth sailing. 🙂

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Epic Iceland Road Trip Itinerary for 12 days

by Stace | Oct 25, 2016 | Roadtrips

Download Our Iceland Map & Route Now!!!

You guys, we literally saving you hours here. We are sending you our route that we took so all you need to do is download our map and you are all set! You are welcome! We promise you won't receive any spam, we are really excited to share this with you!

Thanks for downloading our Iceland map!

Tips for driving in iceland, our iceland itinerary.

Our actual route for our epic Iceland roadtrip

Day 1: Arrive at Thingvellir National Park

We landed at Keflavik at 2.30pm, went to  Camper Iceland  to pick up our Jeep Super Camper. We definitely reccomend heading to the nearest Bonus Supermarket to do your groceries before heading out on your Iceland road trip.

Day 2: The Golden Circle

We spent our second day exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle . The Golden Circle is about an hour away from Reykjavik and is definitely worth including on your Iceland itinerary. Here are some of our top things to see when visiting the Golden Circle:

• Thingvellir National Park: Walked through the tetonic plates and dive Silfra.
• Eat ice cream from Efstidalur.
• Watch the geysirs, Strokkur and Geysir.
• Visit Gullfoss.
• Visit the Secret Lagoon
• Visit Kerid crater.

Gullfoss was the high point of our Golden Circle day

Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Iceland’s South Coast is absolutely stunning and one of our favourite drives on our Iceland road trip. There were so many waterfalls along the way. Here are a few places you can’t miss along Iceland’s south coast:

• Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• FJAÐRÁRGLJÚFUR MASJID
• Skaftafell National Park

Rainy morning at Seljalandsfoss

Day 4: Svartifoss Waterfall, Hofn and Iceland’s East Fjords

Our morning started with an early wake up call and we hit the trails to see Svartifoss, a stunning waterfall surrounded by basalt columns located in Skaftafell National Park. We highly recommend leaving at the crack of dawn so you can be the first to reach the waterfall. The highlist of our day along this part of Iceland’s South Coast was definitely Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon, these bays are where icebergs break off of the glacier and head out to sea and it was magical! It is definitely worth making this a stop on your Iceland road trip no matter how short you are on time! Our top things to do between Skatafell National Park and the Eastern Fjords were:

• Svartifoss.
• Fjallsarlon
• Jokulsarlon
• Egilsstaðir

Looking back to Svartifoss

Day 5: Seyðisfjörður to Lake Myvatn

We were dying to visit the small fjord town of Seyðisfjörður so the next morning we took a drive out to check it out and it did not disappoint! The Eastern Fjords of Iceland were stunning, but today’s drive was taking us to the North . Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss:

• Seyðisfjörður
• Krafla Volcano
• Dimmuborgir
• Lake Myvatn
• Myvatn Nature Baths

We spent our evening lounging at the nature baths which we thoroughly enjoyed. We would definitely choose this over the Blue Lagoon any day.

Crazy views on the drive up North

Day 6: Dettifoss, Asbyrgi Canyon, Husavik, and more waterfalls!

The North did not disappoint, we back tracked and headed towards Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe and then continued onto Asbyrgi Canyon before taking the coastal route to Husavik and then down to Aldeyjarfoss and Goðafoss. These were definitely the highlights of the day:

• Asbyrgi Canyon
• Husavik. If you have time, book some whale watching!
• Aldeyjarfoss

Selfoss at sunrise

Day 7: Hvitserker and the Westfjords

No better way to end the day than a nice swim, hot shower, some wine and a beautiful sunset

Day 8: Dyjandi and Hot Springs

Beautiful views of the Fjords driving to Bildudalur

Day 9: Patreksfjodur to Stykkishholmur

After a hike up Dyjandi we headed to Patreksfjodur in search of fuel. Make sure to always fill up at a gas station when you see one. We ended up rolling into Patreksfjodur on fumes, hoping the town was big enough to have a gas station! Here are some top things to see today if you have a full tank of gas and good weather:

• Latrabjarg Cliffs
• Raudasandur Beach
• Patreksfjodur

Day 10: Snaefellsness Peninsula

Our main goal today was to get amazing shots of Kirkjufell which we managed to do between the clouds and rain. Unfortunately we had terrible weather again that made us miss the whole peninsula due to road closures. Here are some things to add to your Iceland road trip itinerary that we missed:

• Selvallavatn
• Kirkjufellsfoss
• Snaefellsjokull

The iconic Kirkjufell

Day 11: Reykjavik

Drive to Reykjavik ! We loved this city, it had such a cool vibe to it! Here were some of our favourite things to do in Reykjavik:

• Try Brennivín and Kæstur hákarl (fermented shark)
• Visit Hallgrímskirkja
• Walk around the city

To round up our Iceland road trip itinerary we headed towards Grindavik to camp for an early morning at the Blue Lagoon.

Rainy day in Reykjavik. View from the top of Hallgrimskirkja

Day 12: The Blue Lagoon

Don’t forget to pin this for later, 20 comments.

No, if only somebody could do something about the weather in Iceland, eh? But you managed to fit a lot into 2 weeks and I’m guessing staying at campsites saved a lot of money too. Hotels are expensive.

Yes and most of the camp sites were technically closed so they didn’t even charge anything! which was great! We got through so much it was quite exhausting but it was an amazing trip!

Absolutely beautiful trip & page you have done. XXxx

How much fun would that be? An Icelandic Road trip sound like a great pleasure and your photoes are stunning, there is so much beautiful scenery in Iceland and I can’t wait to go in Late winter. Although, I think it will be more of a boozing trip to check out the ice bars 🙂 Wouldn’t mind finding West Fjords to see the hot springs!

Ahhhh It was beautiful! That sounds fun too! Im going to do a post on eacg area including the westfjords and the springs we found!

I love Iceland it’s such a beautiful country. I did the golden circle tour and then also visited the south coast. Next time I would love to go back in summer and hire a car and see the rest of the country, it looks stunning from your pics 🙂

Trolls & Elves! Actually in Norway they’re big on trolls there too. My Dad has a growing collection of trolls from our trips to Norway (my grandfather was from Bergen). Iceland is probably the number one destination on my bucket list so thanks for this information! I would love to do an Icelandic road trip!

How lovely! I love the fact that the locals believe in elves and trolls. It reminds me of the leprechaun houses in the Aran Islands of Ireland! I would love to get to Iceland someday! It truly looks gorgeous.

Wow, wow, wowww I NEED to get to Iceland! Every day on your roadtrip sounds amazing, and your photos are so great! I love that they believe in elves, trolls and ghosts as well 😀

Ahh go as soon as you can. It was stunning!

wow Iceland is one of the places Im dying to go to. Your roadtrip is awesome

well that is indeed a hell of a epic journey! wow. You did the whole iceland experience quite deeply! Bookmarked for sure!

This is absolutely so fun. Visiting Iceland is a dream for me but doing a road trip is a much more of a heavenly desire. ICELAND is stunning and places are really jaw dropping. JM | Man Of Wanders

amazing pictures, i would love to do the same adventure one day <3 can't wait for the next adventure

Love this post! I’m dying to go to Iceland and reading this has just made me want to go even more! Looking forward to reading more of your posts!

In a moment of insanity prior to our trip to Iceland, we decided to rent a camper van and drive the ring road in three days. It ended up being the BEST decision we’ve ever made. Although it was a ton of driving, we loved every second of our time there! Unfortunately we didn’t have time, nor were the F-roads open, to see the Westfjords. Must get back someday!

You just can’t go wrong with Iceland, can you? I mean so many people tell us about it and we simply can’t wait to visit. We are totally afraid of the cold, but we reckon it’s so worth it, especially because we want to rent a car and just explore. Saving your article!

i Love this post! I am to go to Iceland and reading this has just made me want to go even more! Looking forward to reading more of your posts! now a days i am in Dubai .

Looking to go to Iceland in a couple months. Do you know the names of the campsites you stayed at? I’m intrigued by this camper idea! Is there anywhere you weren’t able to drive the camper? Thanks for your help!

Oh I would need to check with some of the places we stayed. We didnt book any in advance because it was October and most were closed so we just pulled up. I’ll double check the areas and see if I can spot! We didnt get into the highlands on our trip because the weather was pretty bad. A lot of the roads (F roads) are normally closed after August

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Plan unforgettable road trips!

Iceland Winter road trip tips (planning, driving, itinerary)

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Let’s plan your Iceland Winter road trip! ​ Below is your step-by-step guide to start planning:

• when and where to go,
• renting your car,
• creating your Iceland Winter itinerary,
• booking accommodations
• and getting ready to drive and travel. 

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:

• Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
• Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
• Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal

STEP 0 – ESSENTIALS to know for an Iceland Winter Road Trip

Planning an Iceland road trip in Winter is quite different from organizing one for Summer ( see my other article ). If you don’t want to read the full article, below is the list of essentials to keep in mind:

• Itinerary – Don’t plan too much. From November to January the days are short! For example in January you have only 4h30 to 7h of daylight- But February and March offer better balance between days and nights
• Driving – If you have never driven on snow before, starting in Iceland might not be a good idea – take a class or book a small group tour  instead (to relax while looking at the scenery) 
• Accommodations – There are less tourists in Winter, but less accommodations are open – so you still have to book in advance
• Weather – It is not as cold as one might think – plan layers of clothes
• Ice caves – If you want to see an ice cave, book early as places are limited – see my article
• Northern lights – To have a better chances at seeing the auroras, avoid traveling during the full moon
• As you are approaching your Iceland road trip, stop watching the weather forecast . It will change everyday and also during the day, so just go with the flow of your planned Itinerary.
• Note – if you don’t want to plan your whole Iceland road trip on your own, you can head to my article about choosing a self-drive package .

STEP 1 – Decide the best Winter month to visit Iceland

Iceland is beautiful and magical all Winter. And the weather is always unpredictable. You can have areas with hardly any snow and just a few kilometers further be surrounded by white. So, I don’t think weather should be too much of a factor when deciding when to visit Iceland (unless it is because you are uncomfortable driving on snow). To my opinion the best time to plan your Iceland Road Trip is based on what you want to see.

Those 2 pictures were taken on the East coast the same day:

The most important criteria to consider is daylight! It impacts how many places you can visit everyday and how much driving you can do. Which is why my favorite time is the second half of February and the most crowded time is March.

Here are the daylight lengths you can expect:

• November – 8h at the beginning of the month, 5h at the end
• December – 5h at the beginning of the month, 4h around the 21
• January – 4h30 at the beginning of the month, 7h at the end
• February – 7h at the beginning of the month, 10h at the end
• March –  10h at the beginning of the month, 13h30 at the end

If you still hesitate between Summer or Winter, check out  my comparison article or my full article on the Best time to visit Iceland .

STEP 2 – Where to go – Maps – Ring road and regions

Video – what you could see on your iceland winter road trip.

Before I tell you in more details about the different regions you could enjoy, below is a video that gives you an idea of what you could enjoy while traveling around Iceland in Winter…

About road tripping the Ring Road in Winter

The most classic road trip to do in Iceland is to tour the Ring Road, also known as Route 1. It is great to get an overview of the country. The road is 1332km (828mi) long – Without stopping at all and staying only on Route 1, it would take you 16 to 17h to drive all around Iceland in good conditions (longer with the Winter snow).

A lot of the most famous sights are along the Road: Waterfalls, glaciers, lagoon, geothermal areas, volcanoes.

Can you drive the Ring Road in Winter? Yes, it is a great road trip. A few things to know if you are planning such a trip:

• As I said before, take into consideration how long the days are (it will take you more days).
• The North has a lot more snow that the South
• However the North has less tourists

Choosing the Icelandic regions to visit

Below is an introduction of the different regions in Iceland and what you could see in each of them during the Winter months (some attractions are not accessible in Winter). This should help you narrow down for the planning of your itinerary.

South-West Iceland in Winter

• The region – Reykjavik , the Golden Circle and the Reykjanes peninsula
• The main towns – Reykjavik (capital city), Keflavik (airport), Selfoss (gateway to South Coast)
• The scenery to enjoy – Town of Reykjavik, waterfalls and many geothermal areas
• Famous things to do – Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir national park, Geysir, Gullfoss
• Check out my article about the Golden Circle in Winter

Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Winter

• The region – Peninsula North West of Reykjavik, called the ‘Iceland in miniature’
• The main towns – Borgarnes before entering the peninsula, Grundarfjordur on the North Coast
• The scenery to enjoy – fjords, a glacier, mountains, waterfalls, giant lava formations, volcanic craters, black beaches…
• Famous things to do – Kirkjufell mountain and its waterfalls, Arnarstapi lava cliffs
• Check out my article about the Snaefellsnes in Winter

South Iceland in Winter

• The region – the South coast of Iceland
• The main towns – Vik and Höfn
• The scenery to enjoy – Black sand beaches, giant waterfalls, glaciers, lagoons, mountains
• Famous things to do – Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara beach, Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach, ice caves
• Check out my article about the South Coast in Winter

North Iceland in Winter

• The region – The Northern half of Iceland, North of the Highlands
• The main towns – Akureyri (the capital of the North) and Egilsstadir between the East Fjords and the North
• The scenery to enjoy – Volcanic landscapes, lakes and coastal mountains
• Famous things to do – Hverir geothermal area, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Lake Myvatn, Godafoss waterfall
• Check out my article about Lake Myvatn in Winter

The East Fjords in Winter

• The region – The East Coast
• The main towns – There are no big towns – it is between Höfn and Egilsstadir – each fjord has a small town or tiny village
• The scenery to enjoy – mountains plunging into the water, black sand beaches
• Famous things to do – Mostly driving around and enjoying the views

West Fjords & Central Highlands in Winter

Those regions have closed roads or very difficult access.

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

STEP 3 – How long to plan for your Winter road trip in Iceland

The first criteria are of course:

• How much travel time you can have… 
• How long the days are (as I said earlier)

If you have a minimum of 7h of daylight per day I would recommend:

• Reykjavik & Golden circle – 2 to 3 days (1 more day if you want to do the Reykjanes peninsula)
• Snaefellsnes peninsula – 2 days
• South Iceland – 2 to 3 days
• East Fjords – 1 to 2 days
• North Iceland – 2 to 3 days

The other important thing to remember is that weather conditions are unpredictable, and road closures can happen any day. So you will have to be flexible with your itinerary – enjoy whatever you are lucky to see and be ready to miss some of the places…

STEP 4 – Book your flight

So now that you have chosen when to go,  where to go and for how long, you are ready to book your flight.

First, check the visa requirement for your passport. Iceland is part of the Schengen Visa Agreement Here is the list of countries where a visa is needed to visit Iceland 

Note that all international flights arriving in Iceland land at the Keflavik airport. It is a 40min drive to reach Reykjavik – they have shuttles and private transfers if you are not renting a car right away. Whereas the regional airport for the few internal flight options (such as going to Akureyri in the North) is located near Reykjavik.

STEP 5 – Create your Iceland winter driving itinerary

Now you can start creating a rough overview of your itinerary, with the regions you selected.

To help you plan your itinerary you can:

• Check out my suggested itineraries  
• Check out my selection of the best things to do in Iceland
• Go through my 20+ articles about Iceland in Winter
• Get my my eBook with practical maps and all my favorite places to make the planning easy:

Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide

• 6 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 75+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Winter tips to make the most of your time
• 115+ original photos to help you choose

When planning your itinerary don’t forget to consider the following essentials:

• DRIVING TIMES – Always plan more time to go from point A to point B than what Google says. You will want to stop all the time + road conditions will impact your days, allow for some flexibility
• DAYLIGHT HOURS – I am repeating myself, but check out the daylight time you have available when you are traveling.
• ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS – You can’t just stop you itinerary on one day in the middle of no-where, you might not find accommodation. So try to plan around the big hubs as listed in the next steps.

STEP 6 – Rent the right car from driving in Iceland in Winter

Now that you have a rough idea of where you are going and what type of roads you are going to take, you can decide on the car to rent. Here are a few tips to consider when renting a car in Iceland:

• TIMING – Iceland is a popular destination – for choice and good price, book as early as possible
• 2WD / 4WD – You can drive around the Ring Road with a 2WD, but you will feel safer and more ready to face anything with a 4WD
• RENTAL COMPANIES –  When choosing the company, don’t just look at price consider age of the fleet, included mileage, 24/7 customer service, servicing availability…
• INSURANCES – Check all types of insurance and decide on the level of risk you are ready to take. For peace of mind, I strongly recommend the Gravel Protection one
• BOOK –  There are some great quality local companies; They have a better understanding of the Iceland road specificities than the international ones in my opinion.  Compare the vehicles and price offers from local companies on this Icelandic website   or compare offers form well-known international rental companies on Discovercars.com   (one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!)

For more information, head to my  complete guide to selecting your rental car and driving in Iceland in Winter .

Renting a Campervan in Winter

In theory, it is possible to travel around Iceland in a campervan in Winter. However many campsites are closed in Winter because there is less demand. It is recommended to book in advance. See the campsites open in Winter here .

STEP 8 – Book accommodations

As one of my taxi drivers mentioned, with the boom of tourism in Iceland, accommodations are appearing everywhere, especially guesthouses. The options are as usual: camping, hostels, guesthouses, hotels and farm stay.

A few points to keep in mind:

• In Winter, many are closed so it can also be hard to find accommodations in some areas if you look at the last minute
• If you want to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights, choose accommodations outside of towns
• A lot of rooms in Guesthouses have share bathrooms – I have seen many reviews by people who were surprised. So when you book, check the details!
• Wifi is overall very good in Iceland (I was able to upload pictures every evening)

Practical accommodation hubs to stay around Iceland:

• SOUTH-WEST – Reykjavik of course – Check out the best rated accommodations in Reykjavik
• SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA – Grundarfjordur is a great location, especially for photographers since it is 5 min away from the magnificent Kirkjufell – Check out the accommodation options
• SOUTH ICELAND – Vik is the main touristic hub on the South Coast. Located between the waterfalls and the Lagoons, it has its own interest with basalt columns and black sand beach – Check out the best rated accommodations in Vik
• SOUTH ICELAND – at the East end of the South Coast is Höfn. A good place to stop along the Ring Road before or after the East Fjords – Check out the best rated accommodations in Höfn
• Egilsstadir  – between fjords and North Iceland –  see best rated accommodations
• NORTH ICELAND – Lake Myvatn has so much to offer. It is a fascinating place to explore. I recommend staying several night in the vicinity to be able to see all it has to offer – Check out the best rated accommodations in Reykjahlid – or head to the main town Akureyri ( see options )

For information about where to stay in Iceland and for suggestions, check out my  Iceland Accommodations Article.

STEP 9 – Get all the equipment you need

Wondering what to pack for Iceland? The main thing to know is to bring Layers, Layers, Layers. This way, whenever the weather change during the day you can easily adapt what you are wearing – layers to get warm, to protect against the wind or to protect against the rain/snow.

Check out my complete article with detailed suggestions and tips on what to wear and pack for Iceland – detailed lists for both Summer and Winter.

STEP 10 – Get ready for Winter driving in Iceland

The main driving rules to know are:

• Driving on the right side
• Alcohol limit almost at 0
• Lights shall be turned at all times
• No cell phone while driving
• Speed limits is 50 km/h in urban areas. Outside towns, it is 90 on paved roads and 80 on gravel roads (although I rarely was driving at 80 on those…)
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all

You can learn more and get ready with my article about driving in Iceland in Winter

Below is a video to give you an idea of what driving in Iceland looks like:

Fill your GPS with the coordinates

What I hate the most when traveling is wasting time. Turning around to find a place, missing an exit. Sometimes it leads to adventure, but most of the time it just leads to frustration.

This is why I don’t rent a GPS with the car. I have my own Tom Tom. This way I can use the MyDrive system on my computer to add all the hotel GPS coordinates as well as the carpark coordinates for all the attractions I would like to see.

Get it on Amazon

All the locations in my eBook include the GPS coordinates of the nearest carpark, exactly for that reason:

Want to see more of Iceland in Winter:

• Best things to do in Iceland in Winter – read article
• 35 pictures of Iceland in Winter – read article
• Iceland Ice Cave Tours and tips – read article
• 7 Iceland waterfalls in Winter – read article
• Tips for visiting Iceland in Winter –  read article
• Iceland Winter itinerary suggestions – read article

Planning a trip to Iceland in Winter

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of ICELAND in WINTER?

PREVIOUS: 

Visiting Iceland in Winter

NEXT: 

Iceland Winter itinerary suggestions

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How I planned my trip to Iceland

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written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 06.06.2024

Some travelers claim that planning a trip can be more fun than the trip itself. While I wouldn't go that far, I believe that planning is necessary and it can also be enjoyable, and my recent trip to Iceland was a prime example of that. Determined to explore beyond the typical tourist destinations, I was eager to immerse myself in the famously unspoiled beauty of Iceland's landscapes. As a consequence, I delved deeper into research, scouring for the most stunning sights, unique experiences, and invaluable advice from locals. There's no arguing that preparation is the key to a great trip, so let's immerse ourselves in the enchanting atmosphere of Iceland! Here's how I carefully crafted an unforgettable Icelandic adventure and how you too can create your extraordinary trip.

First, I outlined the main goals of my trip

Then i wondered when is the best time to go, next, i determined the length of my trip, i booked accommodation and attractions, i took advantage of the perks of the internet, i made sure to take only the essentials, how i budgeted my trip, i had learned about cultural specifics beforehand, i booked transport from the airport to the hotel.

• I made sure I didn't have any problems with payments

Mistakes I still made while traveling (and how to avoid them)

This is perhaps one of the most important steps when planning a trip to Iceland. Starting with a clear idea of your travel goals is key to not being disappointed with your trip.

I realized that I wanted to experience both Iceland's unique urban culture and its stunning natural landscapes. Iceland's cities, with their vibrant artistic life and charming architecture, offer a rich cultural experience that complements the country's natural beauty .

In my mind, I definitely wanted to visit Reykjavík , the northern city of Akureyri , and then of course head out into nature to see the majesty of Gullfoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, hike the scenic trails of Þingvellir National Park, and relax in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon .

This planning approach helped shape my entire itinerary, ensuring that it was well-rounded and aligned with my interests.

So, first and foremost, you should spend time thinking about what you are most passionate about on your trip. Make a list of must-see places and activities , both in cities and outdoors. Knowing your goals will make the planning process smoother and more enjoyable.

It goes without saying that the weather can have a significant impact on your trip. You can plan to visit any places you want, but if the weather is unfavorable, it can ruin your experience. Always check the best time to visit your destination.

If we talk about Iceland, I found out that the ideal time to visit in terms of enjoying nature is the summer months from June to August . During this period, there are longer daylight hours, milder temperatures, and better conditions to explore breathtaking landscapes.

However, I kept in mind that summer is also the peak tourist season, so I had to book accommodation and activities well in advance to get the best deals. If you want to save money and don't mind colder weather, consider visiting during the “shoulder” seasons - late spring ( May ) or early fall ( September ).

But if your goal is to see the magical Northern Lights , your best bet is winter, from November through February . Just be prepared for shorter days and more challenging weather conditions.

Northern Lights, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

Iceland is one of those places where you could easily spend months exploring its wonders, but alas, time is often limited. No matter how carefully you plan, there always seems to be not enough time.

Ideally, it would be worth allocating at least three to four weeks to immerse yourself in Iceland's diverse landscapes and experiences fully. If you allocate less time, you'll have to prioritize and possibly miss out on some incredible sights. Fortunately, traveling around Iceland is relatively straightforward, albeit a bit expensive, thanks to the availability of efficient transportation options.

When it comes to transportation, the best way to get around Iceland is by renting a car. It allows you to explore remote areas and go on spontaneous adventures.

As for my trip, I was able to dedicate 4 weeks to Iceland and this allowed me to accomplish most of the points on my bucket list. Having enough time allowed me to enjoy every moment without feeling rushed.

My advice : Give yourself the gift of time while exploring Iceland. A leisurely pace allows for a deeper and more meaningful connection to this wonderful place.

Boat parking at the jetty of the town in Siglufjorour. Northern Iceland © Jordan Lye/Shutterstock

While spontaneity in travel has its zest, I still stand by my belief that booking popular attractions and accommodations in advance can greatly enhance the experience. Not only does this approach reduce hassle, but it often results in better prices.

Take Iceland, for example. Golden Circle tours and accommodations in Reykjavik are in high demand, especially during the summer months and holidays.

I didn't want to miss out on major activities or waste time waiting in long lines or looking for a place to stay. By booking tours and accommodations in advance, I was able to plan the rest of my adventure with peace of mind.

My advice : Book your accommodation in advance, this is especially important during the high season (June-August) as the earlier you start booking your accommodation, the more likely you will be able to find something at a better price.

By that, I don't mean taking selfies at the Blue Lagoon to share on social media. I'm talking about buying a local SIM card or using an eSIM if your device has that feature. While traveling away from technology has its charms, this approach is not always practical.

Using a local SIM card has made it much easier for me to plan on the go. I used it to map out itineraries and book various unplanned activities. It also came in handy for finding the best bars and restaurants in Reykjavik .

My tip : If you do want to limit yourself from using the internet while traveling for the full immersion, still download a map of your destination ahead of time. It will make your life a lot easier especially in Iceland with its many diverse routes.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland @ Shutterstock

Iceland's challenging climate, even in the summer, can be confusing when packing for a trip. In part, I share the desire to be prepared for everything and to bring the maximum amount of stuff for all occasions. However, my previous travels have shown me that such over-preparation is almost never useful, but only leads to carrying extra weight.

So this time traveling to Iceland, I focused on the essentials. Since I was traveling in the summer, I took lightweight, quick-drying clothes, a good raincoat and sturdy walking shoes. Even in the summer, the weather can be cool and wet, so being prepared for those conditions is key. I also included layered clothing like sweaters and thermal t-shirts in my pack in case the temperature drops unexpectedly, which is not uncommon in Iceland.

My advice : pack smart and travel light. For a comfortable and enjoyable trip, equip yourself according to Iceland's unique climate.

Planning travel expenses is probably the least favorite part for a lot of people and I'm no exception, however, there's no getting away from it. After COVID, the prices of flights, accommodation and even food have increased significantly, and this is also why proper calculation of expenses is still extremely important for your preparation.

In the case of Iceland, you should immediately be prepared that it is quite an expensive country. Expect to spend at least $200 per day, including accommodation, food and transportation. If you rent a car, it will be a bit more expensive, especially when you factor in fuel and insurance.

Of course, the cost depends on your travel style, who you're traveling with (e.g. family or kids), and what and how many activities you have planned.

My advice : If you've chosen Iceland to travel to, don't be afraid to go a little outside of a strict budget. The thrills this country has to offer are definitely worth it.

Iceland Ring Road @ Shutterstock

Some may find it a bit dull, but I think understanding the cultural specifics of a destination country is important. I am often surprised, and not always in a good way, by some travelers who, judging by their behavior, have no idea where they are going, and in the worst cases are disrespectful of local culture.

Fortunately, the cultural differences in Iceland are not extreme, but they are noticeable. Before my trip, I learned about the Icelandic concept of “ þetta reddast ”, which translates to “everything will work out”.

“ Þetta reddast ” is not just a phrase. It is a way of thinking that emphasizes resilience, optimism, and a calm approach to life's challenges. This is how the locals live, and it's best to adopt this attitude while you're here. In practice, it can mean being patient with unpredictable weather, occasional travel delays or the laid-back pace of life in small towns. Just go with the flow!

After a tiring flight, the last thing you want to do is search for a cab stand and haggle over the fare, ending up overpaying. The money that in theory you will have to spend on an overpriced cab will come in handy for more pleasant spending.

To make your arrival in Iceland go more smoothly, pre-book transportation from the airport to your accommodation. There are many options, such as Flybus , which offers reliable transfers from Keflavik Airport to various destinations in Reykjavik and beyond. You can book online and the bus will be ready for your arrival.

Personally, I used a cab service, namely Hreyfill , which can be booked in advance to avoid trouble at the airport.

My advice: Avoid catching a cab on arrival and organize your airport transfer in advance, and you can start enjoying Iceland from the moment you land.

Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral City, Reykjavik, Iceland @ Shutterstock

I made sure I didn't have any problems with payments

Dealing with payments can be tricky in a foreign country, but in Iceland, it's relatively simple. Iceland is one of the most cashless societies in the world, so you don't have to worry about carrying around large amounts of cash.

It's best to use a credit or debit card for most transactions. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, from large hotels and restaurants to small cafes and even cabs. Make sure your card is equipped with a chip and PIN, as these are the most commonly used.

However, I made sure to also still have a small amount of Icelandic króna (ISK) on hand in case I needed it, and I was right, as some remote gas stations and small village stores preferred cash.

My tip: Inform your bank before traveling to avoid problems with international transactions. Also, check to see if your bank charges foreign transaction fees, and consider getting a card with no fee to save on additional costs.

It's hard to admit, but even as an experienced traveler, I still made a few planning mistakes that taught me valuable lessons. From packing my itinerary too tightly to misjudging weather conditions, these mistakes affected my trip in one way or another. Here's what I'll keep in mind for next time.

Planning travel times

Iceland may seem small on a map, but travel time can be deceiving. Weather, road conditions, and the route you choose can make a big difference in the time it takes to get from one place to another. For example, on my trip, I planned to drive from Reykjavik to Akureyri. I had originally intended it to be a relatively quick 4-hour trip. However, I didn't take into account that the frequent photo stops and tantalizingly unexpected sights would turn the trip into an 8-hour journey. 

Take this into consideration and always leave extra time for the trip as well as check road conditions regularly on the Icelandic Road and Coast Authority website .

Strokkur, Iceland

Overloading your itinerary

Like many I was tempted by the desire to cram as many sights and activities as possible into my Iceland itinerary. However, as a result, in some cases this only resulted in rushing and unnecessary stress. 

Fortunately I quickly realized that it is much more enjoyable to fully enjoy fewer places and activities than to exhaust myself by overloading my itinerary to the detriment of my enjoyment. A trip to Iceland like no other showed me that the beauty of traveling lies in the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Ignoring the weather

You may notice that I've written before about the need to prepare for Iceland's unpredictable weather. I'm ashamed to admit, but even keeping the climatic nuances in mind, I still managed to experience the sometimes brutal fickleness of the local weather on my own skin.

While trekking to Glymur waterfall one sunny day, I naively didn't bring rain gear and got caught in a sudden downpour halfway through. As a consequence I got soaked and cold because I was not prepared accordingly. No matter how sunny the weather seems to be, don't make the same mistake as I did, always take waterproof clothing with you, even if the weather seems fine when you set off.

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide For The South

Last Updated April 25, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide For The South

This 7-day Ireland itinerary guide is broken into three main parts – trip planning decision points, the comprehensive breakdown of each day, and my personal planning tips.  This is meant to be super comprehensive and is everything I would have wanted to know when I planned this South Ireland road trip, along with what to see in 7 days.

Ireland is a place where legends, epics, and science fiction become reality.  Ireland is a breathtaking ancient landscape, rolling green hills and craggy sharp rock. Ireland is céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes).

Read more about Ireland

• Things you have to see and do on your Ireland road trip
• 6 of the Best Things to do in Galway
• Must-read Ireland travel guide

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING IRELAND

• Our favorite spot – You’ll discover this as you go through the itinerary but if I had to pick, I’d say it was our day at Skellig Michael , not only as a Star Wars nerd, but our timing in being able to see the puffins in droves.  Truly a special day.
• Where to stay – We used Booking.com for all of our stays and is great for finding those charming B&Bs. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
• Renting a car – An important part to a road trip is obviously a car. Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
• Flights – International flights are never cheap, but with the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature you can find the best deals. Check how much it would be for you to get to Ireland!
• Insurance – This is a must for a road trip! Check out the best travel insurance .
• Hottest deals – Bookmark our frequently updated travel deals page .

In This Article

Recommended travel time

Areas to focus, best time to go, packing essentials, where to stay, flying into ireland, interactive map, itinerary day 1 – a peek inside the ancient east, itinerary day 2 – from castles to a ring called kerry, itinerary day 3 – magic on skellig michael, itinerary day 4 – a day in killarney, itinerary day 5 – coastal adventures on dingle peninsula, itinerary day 6 – mighty cliffs and the burren, itinerary day 7 – clash of gaelic sport and dublin delight, itinerary flexibility and changes, frequently asked questions, travel resources for your next trip, ireland road trip planning.

Planning a South Ireland road trip isn’t hard.  There’s a few things to consider as you put everything together before you start planning.

For more details make sure to read everything you need to know when you plan a trip to Ireland .

There’s three scenarios here: 1) You have limited vacation days, 2) you found a flight deal with specific dates, or 3) there’s flexibility.

If it’s #1 or #2, you already know your answer but if it’s #3, things become intriguing.  It’s in part dictated by your decision on how much you’d like to see and the pace at which you travel.

Our week in Ireland wasn’t enough to see everything we wanted in the south but was the perfect amount to see the highlights.  I’d say Ireland in 7 days is a bare minimum and your itinerary will be decently packed.  Any less, you’ll have to focus on less regions or drive aggressively which isn’t recommended.

Two weeks is the perfect amount whether you decide to deep dive in a specific area or see the whole island.  For the sake of keeping this guide focused, let’s say you only have 7 days to work with.

A week in the Emerald Isle is certainly not enough but if you’ve got limited time like we did, you’ll have to make a pretty critical decision.  Do you focus on the North, South, or the whole island?  Do you want to take it slow or hit up as much as you can? 

The island of Ireland is divided into two parts.  The majority of the land is covered by the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland) and the other sixth is Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom to the northeast.

One of the most recognizable places of Ireland is Giant’s Causeway and it’s the reason you’ll want to come to this part of the island.  The unusual basalt pillars are incredibly unique and will boggle your mind.  In the north, it’s cities like Belfast and Derry which present the most compelling and fascinating political history if you’re interested in learning about that and the complicated past around Ireland’s independence.  There is plenty to see here and it’s just as beautiful as the southern part of the island.

Other highlights include:

• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Dark Hedges
• Donegal – There’s a reason why this region was picked as ‘Coolest Place on the Planet for 2017’ by  National Geographic Traveler

There is no official “southern Ireland” borderline but we’re labeling that as everywhere below the line connecting Galway to Dublin.

Southern Ireland is dramatically different in terrain and sights than the north.  The south is where you’ll find a majority of the larger cities of Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Galway city, and Limerick.

Our main reason for doing a South Ireland road trip is to experience the Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael, Dingle, Connemara National Park and explore castles and ancient ruins.

The full loop

The island itself isn’t that large (area wise, it is in fact smaller than Iceland) and doing a loop is certainly possible in 7 days.  It’s an ambitious schedule but definitely possible.

Ultimately we chose to do the south because we had done Northern Ireland on a separate short stopover trip and wanted to see a different side to Ireland.

The summer months are short and in the winter most things in the country are shut down.  As a result, it kind of makes it simple in terms of when to plan your trip.

July and August are the peak of high season; school is out and you contend with the large hoards of tourists, both domestic and international.  On average these months have a high of 20C.

Spring and fall are going to be a bit temperamental but, if you’re okay with rain, you’ll find awesome flight deals and cheaper hotels.  Expect the temperatures to be colder though with highs of 15C.

The sweet spot, however, has to be June .  It’s during the summer solstice with the longest days of the year and it’s the start of high season.  You get the best of amazing weather and smaller crowd sizes.  It was incredible that there was enough light to sightsee until 10PM.

Packing for a South Ireland road trip shouldn’t be too hard as you’ll be staying at B&B’s and hotels all the way through.

Since you’ll have access to a car you don’t have to pack ultra-light.  You will want to rent the smallest car possible though, which means minimal trunk space.

Waterproof – You’re not going to skip every spot you have on your itinerary because of rain.  This means that you’ll have to brave the elements.  Have rain gear with you in case you need it.

GPS – If you have a data plan, using your smartphone for GPS will be your first choice so you can leverage any traffic information to take the most optimal route.  If not, a stand-alone unit will work just as well. Don’t assume your car will have GPS built in.  Before your trip, make sure you save areas offline on Google Maps and Save/Star all your destinations.  Google Maps will work offline (minus traffic adjustments).

Money – Ireland is part of the EU and as such, Euro is the currency.  Cash or credit is widely accepted.  If you’re from Canada, make sure you have the right credit card to either minimize on foreign exchange fees or maximize points.

Always cool – In the summer, it tops out in the low 20Cs.  Evenings drop down to the 10Cs or lower so pack accordingly.  I had a light Quiksilver hoodie always ready to go in the car in case things got chilly.

You can find other gear that I recommend for a trip to visit Ireland below.

• Columbia Women’s Outdry Ex ECO Tech Jacket  – Whether it’s this or another waterproof jacket, the key is to have a light and durable outer layer that will at least keep your upper body dry.
• Helly Hansen rain pants – We were lucky enough to never needs these on our trip but have learned from Iceland, it is always good to have pants that you can slip on.
• Columbia Conspiracy Titanium OutDry Trail Running Shoe – To round out the waterproofing gear, having good shoes that perform well during hikes, walks, and rain is so important.  We love these shoes because they’re breathable, low profile which is good for summer, and very comfortable.
• Travel towel – B&B’s are great at providing amenities like towels, but the one instance for us where we needed this was at Galway Glamping .  Whether you need it or not, these are super compact and can be useful in other scenarios like if you get wet from the rain, decide to go to the beach, or do surfing lessons.
• Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set  – These are awesome for any travel you do.  We’ve been using this set for awhile to keep our shirts organized, underwear together, and all our random loose cables and chargers in one spot.
• Victorinox Travel Organizer – Ireland was so safe that we didn’t feel the need to travel with a money belt so organizers like this were perfect to keep my passport and travel papers nice and tidy.
• Toiletry kit – The hanging toiletry organizer is a must for any traveler.  We’re a big fan because the hook allows you to hang this off of a vanity mirror or towel rack in a hotel/hostel and gives you counter space.  Kits like this are small but surprisingly allow you to pack a ton of things inside.
• Travel power bar – Surge protectors such as this that take 1 outlet into 3 is helpful especially if you have to charge a bunch of things at night. You never know how many outlets your B&B or hotel is going to have so this is super handy.
• Cigarette USB adapter – USB plugs in cars are notorious for being slow charging.  Get one of these chargers for the cigarette adapter to allow two USB devices to be charged at the same time and at a faster rate.  The one we used was unfortunately a slow speed one.
• Power bank – If you have more devices you want to charge on the go and you’ve run out of ports/adapters in the car, it’ll be smart to have a basic power bank as your back up.  This Xiaomi one has a ton of capacity (10,000 mAH) and is super light.
• Car phone holder – If you’re going to be using your phone as your GPS, don’t forget to bring a holder. Our favorite are these magnetic ones which clip to an air vent.  The unfortunate thing for us was that we didn’t account for our rental car to not have a regular air vent which made it near impossible to mount.  We eventually found a way but it was at a weird angle and the phone would periodically fall off.  The kind of things you don’t really think about when you’re packing right?

After deciding the focus area of your trip and having a rough idea of the spots you want to see, the next step is figuring out where to stay.

The best part about Ireland is the hospitality and it’s a big reason we had such a great time.  The scenery blew our minds, but those conversations with the owners of the B&Bs and hotel staff made for a lasting impression.

B&B’s:   You’ll only find hotels in the big cities. In the country-side you’re going to rely on family owned B&B accommodations.  Each one is unique and the best part is the delicious breakfast included.

Hotels:   In the bigger cities you’ll have the option to stay at a hotel.  We quite enjoyed our big rooms, luxurious beds, and room cleaning when we had the opportunity.  Not to say we didn’t have that at the B&Bs, but it was nice to go into a hotel knowing the level of service and quality that you’d expect.

Glamping:   When I found out about Galway Glamping with Mongolian yurts, I knew we had to try it.  You get an experience that gets you into the charming countryside setting while not sacrificing the comforts of a hot shower, kitchen, and lounge rooms.  Similar to B&Bs, the hosts are just as accommodating, friendly, and helpful.

Places we stayed across Ireland in 7 days:

• Kilkenny – Newlands Lodge
• Portmagee – Skellig View White Room Airbnb
• Killarney – The Lake Hotel
• Dingle – An Portán
• Lisdoonvarna (near Doolin) – Slieve Elva B&B
• Galway – Galway Glamping
• Dublin – The Croke Park Hotel

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Tips and Advice:

• Be careful about check-in times.  Typically there are very specific time slots where they expect you to come in.  If you aren’t able to, make sure you reach out to them beforehand, give the owners an estimate of when you’ll arrive, and get approval.
• When glamping, make sure to ask what facilities are available so you come prepared.  In Galway Glamping’s case, they did not provide towels so we had to bring our own travel towel .

The main international airport is Dublin (DUB) but there are also airports in Shannon (SNN), Belfast (BFS), Cork (ORK), and Knock in West Ireland (NOC).

Coming from Canada, Dublin airport will be your primary access point into Ireland.  Our choice of airline is Air Transat .  We flew economy and were greeted with great leg room, a solid entertainment system, excellent service and amazing food.

If you’re coming from another part of Europe, you have even more airports open to you.

• Kerry Airport : Served by flights from Dublin, Manchester, London-Luton, London-Stansted and Frankfurt.
• Waterford Airport:  Served by flights from London-Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bordeaux, Lorient.
• Galway Airport:  Served by flights from Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradfort, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton.
• Donegal Airport
• Sligo Airport
• George Best Belfast City Airport
• City of Derry Airport

These options allow you to get creative with your itinerary.  For instance, instead of doing a round trip journey in and out of Dublin, you could start in Dublin on the East side of the island to Shannon on the West.

Table of Contents

The 7 Day Ireland Itinerary

With the basics covered, the next step is to plan your day by day Ireland itinerary.

This high level outline shows everything we did across the 7 day road trip including sights, restaurants we tried, where we stayed, and invaluable insight we learned through adventure and misadventure.

This is meant to be a guideline because everyone’s situation will be different.  That said, if you’re looking for a baseline to start from, this guide is probably the best out there.  Sign up to become an insider and get access to the downloadable spreadsheet .

If you’re coming from North America, you’ll most likely be taking a red-eye flight, flying out in the evening and arriving the next morning.  This means you may be too tired to hit the ground running.  For us, we tried to sleep through the flight so that we’d have enough energy to last the first day.

Upon landing in Dublin and out of the airport by 1PM, we made an explicit decision to hit the road right away.  There’s more details in the driving section of our road trip guide but since I knew driving in Dublin was going to be a headache, it seemed more logical to finish there, return the car in the city and then rely on local transportation.

After picking up our rental car from Europcar we found our way to Glendalough in the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains region.  Glendalough Monastic City ruins were very impressive and almost fairytale-like with the Round Tower, Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, the high crosses in the graveyard, and the priest’s house.  Make sure not to miss the walk up to the Upper Lake which has a postcard worthy view.  It’s roughly a 30 minute walk each way.

We then drove to the city of Kilkenny, our final destination of the day.  We arrived too late to do the Kilkenny Castle tour but there was plenty to see walking around the grounds, including the massive green park on one side and the rose garden on the other.

After dinner, we treated ourselves to Murphy’s Ice Cream.   Our favorite flavor has to be their Dingle Sea Salt, try it!

If we had more time:

Smithwick’s Experience – Smithwick’s ended up being our beloved beer for the trip and would have loved to have done this tour.  They also had an evening experience that sounded fun.

PETRONELLA RESTAURANT & CAFE

Quaint restaurant down a small alleyway in Kilkenny that serves excellent European dishes that span Irish to Italian.  Ordered the Baked Goatsbridge trout and Pappardelle pasta and both were very good.  Loved the decor here as well.  Best part was when the manager, Frank, came out to greet all the customers to see how everything was.

TripAdvisor

NEWLANDS LODGE

Just outside of Kilkenny, this B&B is a lovely property that will exceed all expectations whether it comes to the spacious rooms that are impeccably clean, friendly service from owners Mairead and Jimmy, and delicious all-inclusive breakfast.

Booking.com

Tips and Tricks:

• Car rental and driving tips – See everything you need to know to plan a trip to Ireland . We found our car rental via Discover Cars .
• Parking at Glendalough – We parked at the first parking lot we saw which turned out to be the Glendalough Hotel.  The parking was “free” and we weren’t ticketed although I’d say in high season it may not be as easy as it was for us.
• Glendalough Monastic City – No admission required.
• Relieve and hydrate – The walk to the Upper Lake is long and there isn’t much cover at the main site so either use the visitor center or Glendalough Hotel for the bathroom facilities.
• Kells Priory – This is an off-the-beaten-path spot that would be worth considering in your itinerary.  Read more about it here .

With a full stomach from our Irish breakfast, we hopped into our car and made our way to the Rock of Cashel .  

On a green hill with banded limestone, ancient fortifications create a ring around the Gothic cathedral, round tower, and chapel.  We were able to walk through the open, yet remarkably intact, ruins while also enjoying the rolling countryside of Tipperary.

Next stop was the famed Blarney Castle just outside of Cork.  The grounds of Blarney Castle and Gardens are huge and require a half day to fully explore everything.  We walked straight to the castle tower to line up to kiss a stone famed for giving the gift of eloquence.  

Wrapping up at Blarney Castle, we rushed through Killarney and connected to the Ring of Kerry to start our counter-clockwise rotation.  

The scenery at this point dramatically changed from tree lined country roads to coastal cliffs and crashing waves.  This is where you’ll appreciate having your own car .

After a few impromptu stops along the way, we made our final stop of the night at Kells Bay House & Gardens .  Here, we had a lovely and surprisingly authentic Thai meal at their in-house Sala Thai Restaurant.

We had the Summer Solstice on our side and there was still a ton of light out after dinner.  This made navigating the road to Portmagee and over to our Airbnb much easier.  Sadly, we had to skip pretty much everything along the way along this part of the Ring of Kerry except a quick stop at a gas station to pick up breakfast and snack items for the next day.

• Cork – It would’ve been nice to explore Cork and their English Market and visit the Cobh Heritage Centre.
• Blarney Gardens – I would have loved to have spent more time doing the various walks around the Poison Garden, Fern Garden, Arboretum, and the endless other garden walks that explore the mystical and magical landscapes.
• Killorglin – This is the first town we passed by along the Ring of Kerry.  We zipped right through but I would have loved to have stopped here even for a few minutes to get a feel for a small town like this one.
• Cahirciveen – This is home to the Ballycarbery Castle and the Old Barracks which is built in the Schloss style.  Legend says they mixed up plans for this and a building designed for somewhere in Punjab, India.

SALA THAI RESTAURANT

This is the in-house restaurant as part of the Kells Bay House property.  As someone that’s had a lot of Thai food, I have to say that the curries, noodles, and skewers we had were all very good and very authentic.  The only knock I’d have on this place is the service.  Our order took way too long to get to the table and only after following up did they realize that they missed our order completely and had to make it from scratch at that point.

SKELLIG VIEW WHITE ROOM AIRBNB

A no frills kind of Airbnb that I booked pretty early on because I was worried that the town of Portmagee would sell out.  Our host, Marie, was very accommodating of our late check-in request and I appreciated the free passes to Kerry Cliffs.  The room was just the right size and in relatively clean condition.  Wifi included as well.

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Tips and Tricks :

• Rock of Cashel – Parking is right up the narrow road right at the base of the hill.  It’s an automated parking system where you pay the machine when you’re leaving.  This parking costs 4.50 EUR.  To save money you could park in town and walk up.  Entrance is 8 EUR per person.
• Blarney Castle  – Be ready for lines to kiss the Blarney Stone.  If you’re not in a rush, I recommend doing the other parts of the garden, waiting for the line to subside and then doing the castle itself.
• Blarney Gardens –   Entrance is 14 EUR per person booked online.

Thinking about what to see in Ireland in 7 days, this is my #1 must-do.  The entire pilgrimage experience of zipping across the North Atlantic to discover that the white tipped Little Skellig was in fact covered by white gannets and adorable puffins that made Skellig Michael their home.  Then following in the ancient footsteps of Luke Skywalker and Rey up to the monastery itself was pure magic.

The 2.5 hours we had on the island seemed like a lot initially but once we started climbing the steps and exploring the beehive huts of the monastery, time passed quickly.

Back on the mainland and after lunch, we explored the lesser-known Valentia Island.  We wouldn’t have known about this part of the Ring of Kerry if it wasn’t for incredible photos I had seen from this area.  With the higher vantage points of Geokaun Mountain (5 EUR per car) and the slate quarry behind Valentia Lighthouse (5 EUR per person), the scenery was as close to postcard perfect as it gets.

We then continued along our ring road journey by joining up with the Skellig Ring where we stopped by Kerry Cliffs (4 EUR per person) which is an impressive view of the jagged edged rocky coast.  It’s at the edge of the peninsula where the land rises and then sharply drops into the ocean.

The driving adventure continued along until rejoining the main Ring of Kerry.  Due to time, we couldn’t stop in the towns along the way.  From Waterville and onwards, it was straight driving.  Since we weren’t close to the coast there wasn’t much to stop and see.

At Molls Gap , we took a quick break before descending into Killarney National Park with sunlight starting to wane.  We were able to make quick stops at Ladies View where you can see where the glaciers carved through the valley before the opening into Killarney itself.

It was late by the time we checked into The Lake Hotel so no restaurants were open.  We hopped downstairs to the Devil’s Punchbowl Bar , grabbed a pint, and ordered a sandwich.

• Waterville, Sneem, Caherdaniel, and Kenmare – It would’ve been nice to take our time through these idyllic coastal towns but I feel the trade off of spending more time on Valentia Island and the Skellig Ring was worth it.

THE BRIDGE BAR

With barely any time to snack on Skellig Michael, we were famished by the time we arrived back in Portmagee.  Right along the main street is this nice little local restaurant which gets all the Skellig tourists.  Their fish and chips definitely hit the spot.

THE LAKE HOTEL

A historic hotel that is full of character but doesn’t show its age.  The rooms here are incredibly spacious and comfortable.  Breakfast as part of the B&B package was of the highest quality and the perfect charge-up for the day.  Location wise, it can’t be beat either being practically on Killarney National Park Grounds with that amazing view of the old castle ruins at the footsteps of Lough Leane.

• Booking:  You must book at least 4-5 months in advance in order to guarantee a spot for a specific date.  If you haven’t, don’t fret because cancellations happen all the time.
• Casey’s Tours to Skellig Island
• Skellig Michael Cruises
• The Skelligs – Force Awakens Boat Trip – Leaves from Ballinskelligs which is a totally different pier from Portmagee
• Skellig Boat
• Skellig Walker Cruises
• Skellig Michael Voyage
• The Skelligs Tour – Departs from Caherdaniel
• Skellig Experience Visitor Centre also has a page for boat tours here .
• Weather:  If the weather is poor for the boats, they’ll cancel the trip.  That’s why Skelligs Rocks ensured we called the morning of to confirm whether the trip would be a go or not.  There’s not much you can do here other than perhaps planning 2 days in the Ring of Kerry area so that if one day doesn’t work, you can reorganize things so you can have a second day to attempt a trip out.
• Boat ride:   With the speed of the boat, you’re not going to get that rocky, nausea inducing feeling that folks sensitive to being on the water get.  That being said, the water does get choppy especially on the way out which is why you have to wear the waterproof gear provided by the boat.  For those that get sea sick easily, they do offer medicine on board prior to leaving the pier if you need it but nobody on our boat ride had issues.  Make sure you tuck your camera away once the boat is out in open water because you will get very wet especially if you sit near the back.  The captain was also nice enough to provide big zip-loc bags in case.
• Difficulty:   There are two main sets of steps to the Monastery but I would say it’s relatively easy.  The first set slowly winds up with some natural spots for breaks.  The steps are wide enough to allow people to pass.  The second set of steps are more steep but if you take your time, you’ll make it up with no issues.  Compared to the Inca Trail where altitude was in effect , this felt very easy since it only required short spurts of energy.
• Tour:  Make sure you stick around for the educational talk given by one of the rangers when you get to the Monastery.  I don’t think there’s a fixed schedule but I could be wrong.  It felt like it was every hour.
• Valentia Lighthouse  – Admission to here was 5 EUR per person but didn’t think it was worth it.  The lighthouse and the small museum weren’t too interesting and the views weren’t anything special.  What was a nice view was in fact from the slate quarry which is visible when you look back inland from the lighthouse.  From here you get sweeping views of the lighthouse and the sprawling peninsula fingers that meet here.
• Skellig Ring – The Skelligs are in view for most of the drive around here and was honestly more of a joy to drive through compared to the Ring of Kerry because the large coaches don’t come here.  There weren’t designated stops per say but it was a joy to find pullovers to see the villages below.
• Ring of Kerry –  I would recommend driving counter-clockwise which is the official designated route for all the coach buses.   I’d much rather be stuck behind one and feel comfortable that opposing traffic will have to yield and when the opportunity arises to pass.  The driving section will cover this in more detail but I’ll say two things. 1) The speed limit is way too high so don’t feel pressured to drive that fast and 2) As scary as everyone made driving the ring sound, it wasn’t that bad because you’re never at a cliff’s edge and there are usually tiny pull offs for oncoming cars.

After a hearty breakfast at The Lake Hotel , we ventured about the hotel grounds.  The hotel backs right into the largest lake of the national park and as part of that, there’s also the ruins of The McCarthy Mór Castle.

You’ll need a full day exploring Killarney National Park because it’s huge.  For us, we wanted to hit up the main sights.  We were able to see Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and Ross Castle.  I was probably most impressed with the Abbey and its courtyard that must’ve inspired Tolkien.

Wanting to spend time in the town of Dingle, we hit the road right after we finished at the castle.  The drive through the southern coast of the peninsula was amazing with views of the water as you winded through.  The Ring of Kerry side was always visible across the water and we made quite a few stops along the way.

We quite enjoyed our time in Dingle as we were able to take a relaxing stroll along the main streets of town, popping into the small shops that were painted in a variety of colors.   After dinner, we also made sure we tried a few more flavors at Murphy’s Ice Cream.

• Killarney National Park – I would’ve loved to have done a few hikes in the park.  I was also sad that we weren’t able to take the boat across from Ross Castle to the Meeting of the Waters and Old Weird Bridge.
• Gap of Dunloe – This was part of the plans but had to be cut.  There’s an awesome hike there that takes around 2 hours with breathtaking views of the lake, a heritage cottage, and the surrounding mountains.
• Killarney City – If there’s one city we completely skipped because of time, it was Killarney.  It’s supposed to be a charming city with great food options like Quinlan’s Seafood Bar and Lane Cafe Bar.

OUT OF THE BLUE

If you love seafood, this is your spot.  The seafood chowder is out of this world.  The fish is all locally caught and fresh and it comes through in the two dishes we had – sea bass and pollock were probably the best of the entire trip.

This is one of the few B&Bs located on the western part of Dingle Peninsula which is the perfect spot to launch into the main sights along Slea Head Drive and the ferry out to the Blasket Islands.  The owners, Rónán and Geraldine are warm and friendly hosts that also serve up delicious breakfast.  The rooms are spacious, clean, and even come furnished with a rocking chair.

Starting in Dunquin, which is where our B&B was located, was a bit of a blessing and a curse because it allowed us to jump right into Dunquin Harbour and The Blasket Centre but since driving counter to traffic is highly inadvisable as we were told, we had to cut across the mountain in order to drive on Slea Head Drive in the clockwise direction.

When it comes to Slea Head Drive , there really wasn’t a specific sight that you’re looking for.  It’s very much a look out into the ocean as you’re driving around.

We were told that the Famine Cottages are a tourist trap so we skipped that.  There are also beehive huts along the way but because as we had done Skellig Michael, we passed as well.  Cross at Slea Head is a good spot for a quick stop where you’ll see great views of the Blasket Islands.  From there, you can see Coumeenoole Beach .  The beach is a good spot for a picnic and there’s a nice hike to the peninsula’s edge.

We continued around the peninsula with stops at Clogher Head, which is more or less another beach, and the Louis Mulcahy Pottery studio (good for a bathroom break and quick peek).

We drove back into town for another quick stop before detouring north to cross Conor Pass.  At the peak, there’s a carpark where we stopped briefly to check out the magnificent sights here.  You can see the coast in the distance, farms at the valley floor, along with lakes and cliffs.

This is when the heavy driving started as we had to wind up Northeast towards Limerick before turning Northwest.  Along the way, we stopped in the city of Ennis where it started pouring but we ducked into Cruises Pub for dinner.

• Gallarus Oratory – This was on our itinerary for the drive around Dingle but because we didn’t have enough time, I quickly flew the drone and continued along our way.
• Quaint small towns of Dingle – Our B&B hosts recommended that we stop by Ballydavid but short on time, we had to skip them.
• Blasket Islands – This is a full day kind of event but if you had a couple of days in the area, we recommend getting a ferry over to the Great Blasket Island to create your own eco adventure.

CRUISES PUB

This spot was a bit of a happy accident for us.  Originally we wanted to eat at The Cloister Restaurant & Bar but they weren’t taken anyone without reservations.  This pub was full of energy when we stepped in with a Gaelic football match televised with live Irish music.  There was a good selection of local beer here on top of comfort Irish bar food.  The Guinness meat pie and bangers and mash were perfect.

SLIEVE ELVA B&B

Just outside the town of Lisdoonvarna is this amazing B&B which features cosy guest rooms which are both spacious, clean, and modernly renovated.  What makes any stay special is the hospitality of the owners Kris and Ireen who will go out way to make you feel at home.  Their breakfast is marvelous and you will love their personal touch of home made bread and jams.  On top of that, each room gets Ireen’s homemade biscuits.  This would be my B&B of choice for anyone want to visit Cliffs of Moher or The Burren in County Clare.

• Driving in Dingle – Having done the drive myself, I can confidently say that you do not want to drive counter-clockwise.  Slea Head Drive is designated as a two way road but some parts along the coast are only wide enough for one car.
• Tarbert to Killimer Ferry – Instead of driving through Limerick as we ended up doing, there’s an alternative route that involves a ferry from Tarbert and goes across to Killimer.  We were originally going to do this but it didn’t save us any time so we just kept on driving.  However, if you plan it well or just have a more flexible schedule, check the schedule beforehand and this’ll be a great way to cut down driving time.  It costs 19 EUR per car or 17.10 if you book online .

We started off by crossing through the countryside before dropping to the coast.  Where there were rolling valleys before, large forested areas popped up and the ground burst with streams of sharp jagged limestone.

The Cliffs of Moher were staggeringly impressive with its continuous sheer drop of 214 meters that winds out as far as the eye can see.  Where the vistas truly opened up was beyond the fences of the maintained park.  There, I only dared to walk to the death-defying edges a few times before following the ridge line down to the most northern point.   We ended up spending quite a bit of time here.

Our next stop was Burren Smokehouse .  What we learned was that the Smokehouse itself is just a store and next to it on the same street is the Storehouse.  We grabbed a sample platter to eat one of our few lunches on the trip.  It was so good that after lunch we picked up a few for home.  The tricky part was figuring out how to keep it refrigerated the remainder of the trip.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in Burren National Park , followed by a quick walk around the portal tomb, Poulnabrone .  The Burren region is out of this world.  Even though we didn’t get to do a full hike in this geopark, it shows the power of glaciers that carved through and left behind limestone pavement with fissures created by rainwater dissolution.  The end result is something that is so dramatically different from anywhere else in Ireland.

We closed out the day in Galway , my favorite city in Ireland.  We didn’t get to stay there long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core, making it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners and get a full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with an eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cozy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

We closed out the day in Galway which has got to be my favorite city in Ireland.  It’s not like we even got to stay there that long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core which made it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners where they gave us the full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cosy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

• I put together an article about top things to do in Galway .  Head over there for more ideas.
• Ballyvaughan Fairy Fort – A hidden spot in The Burren, this ring fort is said to be on the road up to Poulnabrone, just opposite the left hand turn into the Ailwee Caves. Access is restricted but it’s supposedly easy to walk in.
• Ballyvaughan – Pretty thatched cottages, nice crafts shops, and restaurants.
• Aran Islands – The easiest way to get there is by catching a ferry from Doolin.  I’d recommend staying overnight at a minimum.  There are 3 islands in the chain but the most interesting is Inis Mór which features the cliff tops prehistoric ring forts.  A ton to see and explore here.
• Burren National Park – I’m still a bit disappointed in the hike we attempted here.  With a little better planning, I would’ve picked a better marked hike.
• Aillwee Cave/Pollnagollum  – Pollnagollum is a secret spot but if you know where to look, you can find the cave that inspired Lord of the Rings’ character, Gollum.  Entrance to the longest cave in Ireland, the more accessible way is through Aillwee Cave which is open to the public.  The best way to see it is to join up with a local caving tour ( Back West Adventures ).

THE BURREN STOREHOUSE

Everyone raved about The Burren Smokehouse and their restaurant (Storehouse next door) and it sure didn’t disappoint.  After our morning at the Cliffs of Moher, we made our way over here for a quick bite.  While they have a ton of other great menu items such as their pizza, what we really wanted to try was a sampling of their smoked fish. Luckily they have the Smokehouse Platter which has 6 of their products.  Two of us shared one plate and it was just right for a half lunch.  There’s often live music playing here as well.

GALWAY GLAMPING

The most unique accommodations of our Ireland itinerary.  Who would’ve thought we’d be able to stay in a Mongolian yurt in the middle of the Irish countryside.  What used to be an estate in ruins, the grounds have now been converted to this eclectic mix of yurts, axe-throwing, group games, party rooms, and other funky rooms.  What makes it glamping is that all rooms are furnished and powered while also including super clean bathroom, kitchen, and lounging facilities next door.

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• What the entry ticket is actually for – The entry ticket is only to get into the mass lot across the street.  Once you’re parked, all you do is cross the street and that’s it.  This kind of makes sense because there’s no way to police the cliffs to the north and the south.  Anyone can walk in.  They just bank on everyone driving.  You do have to get in the same line as everyone regardless if you purchase your ticket online ahead of time.
• How to get in for free – There’s a farmer that has land right next to the most northerly edge of the cliffs who is apparently super cool with people parking along the road as long as his car can still drive through.  The photo below is the spot that you should be looking for.  If you’re coming from the north, you’ll see this before the mass parking lot.  You can use either side as you can see.
• Best time to go – If I were to do it again, I’d definitely plan to go after 4PM.  During the middle of the day, there are way too many tourist buses and the sun is right above you which creates incredibly harsh shadows.  I’ve seen the photos and sunsets are epic here.
• Best spots for photos – To get that postcard perfect shot, you need to leave the official bounds of the tourist site (there are signs that let you know).  We couldn’t do both ends but chose to hike to the northern edge which gives a full view of the pinnacle and a long depth of cliffs front to back.

• Burren National Park – This park is unique because there aren’t any specific boundaries and isn’t run like a national park that we’re used to.  That’s why the visitor center is in the nearby town of Corofin.  We didn’t go there and just plotted a route to the park via Google Maps.  In retrospect it wasn’t a good idea because I had no clue where the hike trails were.  At the Gortlecka Crossroads, we saw a bunch of cars parked here so we did as well.  Thing is, there’s only one board here that indicated there was a trail here.  We tried to follow it but eventually got side tracked by a gate opening that we thought was the right way.  Long story short, we gave up and turned back.  Either we are terrible at hiking or the trails are just poorly marked.  Lesson learned:  Get a trail map from the visitor center first.
• Tunnel toll – When driving up to Galway, we hit an unexpected toll since there’s a tunnel you have to go through.  This is an unattended machine so you have to make sure you have enough coins for this.  The toll is 1.90 EUR.
• Galway parking – You’re probably not going to find free parking here.  We circled around for a bit to see if we could get free parking to no avail.  In the end, we found a paid lot.

On our last full day in Ireland we started early.  We had an exciting morning planned with Clash Gaelic Games and we needed to travel East to get there.  While that sounds daunting, it was mostly on the motorway (highway) and took about 2 hours.

One thing you need to understand about Ireland is that while European football is popular, it pales in comparison to the Gaelic sports.  Gaelic Football and Hurley are the top two sports in the country and what better way to end off the trip than to get to learn how to play these two sports.  I had found out about Clash Gaelic Games through my research and I thought it was such a fun way to learn about culture while burning a few calories and making a fool of ourselves.  

After our mini workout, we had to get into the city, check into our hotel, cab over to Kilmainham Gaol prison, then make it late to Trinity College’s Old Library to see the Book of Kells .  We were able to stroll the streets and get some retail therapy at the hyper cheap Penny’s following.

With one night to make it count, we had dinner at L. Mulligan Grocer and spent the rest of the night drinking Guinness and listening to live Irish music at The Temple Bar .

• Dublin  – I would have liked to have seen St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Green, done more shopping, tried more restaurants, and drank a little harder.
• Pubs – The Temple Bar is the most popular one in the city but there are so many other good ones including The Dame Tavern and The Brazen Head.
• Guinness – While we weren’t big fans at the beginning, this famous stout grew on us throughout the trip.  The Guinness Storehouse is in Dublin and would be a fun place to visit for any lover of this beer. You can get advance tickets here .
• Newgrange – While technically not in Dublin, north of the city is a large and ancient burial site built of stone and architectured to only let light into the ritual chamber at sunrise on Winter Solstice.
• Howth – This is a village north of Dublin and near Portmarnock.  Located on a bulbous peninsula and featuring sweeping coastal views, it includes a superb food and crafts market.  It’s a place that gives you a flavor of everything we saw on the west coast without driving too far from Dublin.
• Malahide Castle & Gardens – While I’m sure this would’ve been impressive, we couldn’t fit this in with how long Clash went.  I wasn’t too sad in this case though since we had seen Blarney Castle & Gardens and I imagine it would be somewhat similar.

L. MULLIGAN GROCER

It’s a peculiar name for sure and it’s a bit far from the city centre but well worth it for the wide range of craft beers on tap and menu items.  We tried a most interesting watermelon wheat beer which tasted like…you guessed it…watermelon!  Our Moules Frites and Free Range Chicken Kiev were most excellent.

THE CROKE PARK HOTEL

This Doyle Collection hotel is located right next door to the famed Croke Park stadium where all the biggest Gaelic sport matches are held.  This signature hotel in the Dublin is a contemporary hotel that is big on comforts.  Their mattresses are heavenly with velvety duvets, there’s good table space to work, comfy furniture to relax, and the marbled bathrooms.  If you get the packing that includes breakfast, you’ll be treated to a wide buffet selection including honey straight from the honeycomb and my favourite, the croissants, which were delightful.  The staff was incredibly friendly and lastly, parking is included for free.  It’s the perfect hotel to launch your Dublin adventures from.

• Clash Gaelic Games  – While it was a bit of a specialized session with just the two of us, if you’re traveling with a big group of friends or if you’re a family, this is a great way to stay active and honestly try something you’d never be able to do anywhere else.
• Driving in Dublin – Everyone said “don’t do it” and they were right.  The core is a mess especially with the construction going on.  You do not want to drive in the city.  Taking a cab or local transit is the way to go so make sure you either return the car rental, wait to rent the car later, or your hotel has free parking.
• Uber – I experienced the most peculiar thing with Uber in Dublin.  There were numerous times when I’d order a cab and while it was on its way, they could cancel the ride.  I couldn’t understand why this kept happening until I realized that all the Uber drivers were regular cabbies essentially.  Every cab had Uber and another local app running on their phones and so they had to allegiance to any one of them and if they found a more convenient ride along the way, they’d take it.  On top of that, Uber also doesn’t display prices because it’s all standard meters.  At the end of the day, just understand that hailing a cab or ordering an Uber is no different.  In Dublin, I’d say hailing is just easier if you’re in a busy area because you won’t get canceled on.
• Kilmainham Goal is 8 EUR per person (plus booking fees online) and Book of Kells is 10 to 13 EUR depending on peak or off-peak hours per person.

Trips never go as planned.  This one was no different.  For the most part though, nothing dramatically changed where we had to restructure things around.  This trip was one where I simply packed too much in and had to make the call to fast forward if time was running low.

Here’s a little insight into why I feel that our plans deviated to help in your own planning:

• Not starting the day early enough – We could’ve fit more in if we hit the road after breakfast by 8AM instead of 9 or 10AM on most days.
• Taking too long in each spot – Between photos, videos, drone, and eyes, we spent more time than we had planned for.
• Driving time according to GPS is inaccurate – If you drove by Ireland’s ridiculously high speed limit and didn’t stop, sure, but the reality is that you’ll be making stops to take photos of the views and you’ll be slowing down around all corners and when there’s opposing traffic.
• Skipping meals – This is more of what happened as a result of a packed schedule.  Since we always had breakfast included by our B&Bs or hotels, lunch was the first thing to go out the window.
• Unexpected stops – You can’t plan for these but we stopped along the Ring of Kerry to help a couple with their flat tire which put us behind.  Alternatively, I didn’t have much planned for Dingle but we got a long list of suggestions from the B&B, so we ended up spending more time there before driving out of the peninsula.
• Losing track of time – As much as it was a massive advantage to have incredibly long days (usable light up until 10PM), it was also easy to just keep going.  As a result, there were a few times where we got to our dinner spot too late and had to make alternate plans.

So there you have it, the itinerary guide for a south Ireland road trip.  It was an ambitious trip for sure, but we only covered a small portion of everything Ireland has to offer.

Hopefully you’ll be able to use this as a starting point for your trip planning and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

Make Trip Planning To Ireland A Breeze Make sure to read this companion travel guide to planning the best road trip in Ireland.

No, as long as you have a valid driver’s license you do not need an international one. A valid driver’s license allows you to rent a car as well. Note that there are different age requirements in Ireland when it comes to renting a car, be sure to look into that if concerned.

The amount of days really depends on what parts of Ireland you’d like to see and if you’d like to take your time seeing them all or not. You’ll need to decide if you want to do the north part, the south or the full loop. In our case, 7 days was barely enough to tour southern Ireland, but to do the full loop we would recommend more.

The best month to travel Ireland is June. There’s not as much rainfall during this month and the days are longer due to summer solstice, therefore you get more time to do and see more.

What you should read next

• A Week in Ireland – Enchanting Castles, Wild Coastline, and Star Wars
• 10 Must-See and Do Things For Any Road Trip in Ireland
• Ireland Road Trip Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know
• Why You Absolutely Must Do A Road Trip Around Ireland In Photos

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If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

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

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Laura Baker says

March 8, 2023 at 11:41 PM

Thank you sooooo much for your informative guide on Southern Ireland. I truly enjoyed reading about your adventures. Keep on adventuring and sharing it with all of us!!

William Tang says

March 9, 2023 at 1:18 PM

Thanks for stopping by! You’re welcome and oh how I miss the southern part of Ireland. Hope you have an amazing time when you go!!

Sara Riobom says

June 22, 2022 at 12:21 PM

Really cool article, William. As a fellow travel blogger I am finding it hard to find really informative and honest articles to plan my trip to Ireland, and yours helped a lot. Thanks! :)

June 23, 2022 at 8:48 PM

I’m so glad Sara!!

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Experience the Land of Fire and Ice on This 7 Day Iceland Itinerary

The writer was hosted.

Get ready for an exciting adventure through the land of fire and ice with a carefully crafted 7-day Iceland itinerary along the famous Ring Road. From the dramatic landscapes of the Golden Circle to the enchanting waterfalls of the South Coast, this itinerary offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Prepare to immerse yourself in the surreal beauty of Iceland as you explore volcanic lava fields, soak in the Blue Lagoon and witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights in the night sky.

Day 1: You’ve Arrived in Iceland!

After landing at Keflavik Airport, grabbing your bags and picking up your rental car, you’re ready to start your Iceland adventure. But, of course, you’ve likely just spent the night on the airplane and a bit of refreshing is required. Fortunately, Iceland’s famed hot springs, The Blue Lagoon, is just a 22 minute drive away. Make your reservations before you arrive and head straight to The Blue Lagoon for a dip in this geothermal hot spring because no trip to Iceland is complete without this experience.

Once refreshed, a driving time of 40 minutes brings you to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city. If a self drive road trip isn’t part of your itinerary, bus service is available from Keflavik Airport to the Blue Lagoon and on to Reykjavik.

A guided tour by locals is an excellent way to spend your first day in Reykjavik as an introduction to the capital city and Iceland in general. We chose the free tours by locals , a company with knowledgeable and entertaining local guides that lead walking tours of  downtown Reykjavik. The “tip what you think the tour was worth” concept is unique and the tour focuses on highlights like the stunning Hallgrímskirkja church, historic buildings and the city’s colorful neighborhoods. The guided tours introduce visitors to the stories of one of Europe’s most unique countries.

Whale watching tours provide another interesting experience in Reykjavik. Departing from Reykjavik Harbor, the tours not only search for whales but also keep an eye out for puffins and other migratory birds that visit Iceland seasonally.

Day 2: Drive the Golden Circle

Depart Reykjavik on Day Two of your self drive road trip to experience the natural wonders of the Golden Circle. The first stop, Thingvellir National Park harbors history and the marvels of nature within its boundaries. The park sits in a rift valley where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe meet.

Another must-see along the Golden Circle, the geyser geothermal area houses several geysers including Strokkur – Iceland’s most visited active geyser. Walk alongside the geysers and feel the steam as it erupts. Or stretch your legs on the hiking trail for a view overlooking the geothermal area.

Another must-see, Gullfoss Waterfall  – which translates as Golden Falls – is one of Iceland’s most beloved waterfalls. Gullfoss is fed by the waters of Hvítá River that travel from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 105 feet down the Gullfoss Waterfall’s two dramatic stages.

Continue Along the Ring Road

Next up on the Golden Circle, a stop at South Iceland’s Kerid Crater  seems almost otherworldly. This volcanic lake with deep blue-green water surrounded by red rock and lush mossy vegetation formed over 6500 years ago after an eruption. Allow yourself enough time to explore the hiking trails the circle the rim of Kerid Crater. Or venture down the hiking trails to the waters of the Kerid Crater for another perspective.

Continue east along the Ring Road on a two-hour drive to Vik. Of course those two hours may become three with all the sightseeing possibilities along the south coast of Iceland. Highlights include the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach and the Fjadrargljufur Canyon.

Overnight near Skaftafell nature reserve and get ready for the next day’s big adventures.

Day 3: Experience Black Sand Beaches and an Ice Cave Tour

Day Three unveils a full day of adventure. Start with a walk along one of Iceland’s most striking black sand beaches. Framed by dramatic basalt columns, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is a must-see. As you make your way along your Ring Road itinerary to Vik, take the turn off to Dyrhólaey to view the spectacular arch in the sea. During nesting season it’s possible to spot puffins and other bird life here. A 19 minute drive east from here leads to the lovely village of Vik.

For an experience off the typical tourist track, book an Ice Cave Tour with Southcoast Adventure . The experience begins with a pick up location in central Vik and a drive through ancient lava fields. You’ll then strap on some crampons for a short glacier hike on the mighty Myrdalsjokull glacier and into the ice cave. Plentiful shops, restaurants and lodging options make Vik an ideal place to overnight before continuing on your Ring Road itinerary.

Day 4: Waterfalls, a Glacier Lagoon and Europe’s Largest Glacier

As you continue east on the Ring Road, a drive time of under two hours brings you to Svartifoss waterfall – another gorgeous must-see waterfall framed by black basalt columns. Continue east to reach the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon where massive icebergs can be seen floating in the lagoon. For an up close view of the floating icebergs, consider taking a glacier lagoon boat tour. Be sure to allow enough time to see nearby Diamond Beach as you follow the road to the breathtaking east fjords. Overnight in a hotel or guesthouse in Höfn and rest up for the next day. From Höfn you’ll have a clear view of the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.

Day 5: Driving and Sightseeing on the Ring Road

Today you’ll continue your Ring Road itinerary driving north to Lake Myvatn. Detour onto Iceland Road 864 for an additional drive time of about an hour to capture spectacular photos of the Dettifoss waterfall.

When you reach Lake Myvatn, more geothermal areas await exploration at Hverir and Kfafla. A must-see, Godafoss waterfall, located in the river Skjálfandafljót in north Iceland, falls from a height of 39 feet and has a width spanning 98 feet. Hiking trails provide an ideal way to see more of this region considered part of the Diamond Circle for sightseeing.

Continue traveling on Ring Road another 45 miles to overnight in Akureyri, the largest city outside of the greater Reykjavik area. Akureyri is a renowned cultural center with many galleries and museums. It’s also home to the world’s northernmost botanical gardens.

Day 6: Travel the Iceland Ring Road to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Driving in Iceland is an adventure in itself and today’s 230-mile drive from Akureyri to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula proves my point. Drive time typically runs about 4 hours and 30 minutes without stops. But the jaw-dropping vistas along the way beckon you to stop and take photos. A couple of not to be missed sights along the way are Hvítserkur and Kolugljúfur Canyon.

Visible from the impressive black sand beach at Húnaflói Bay, Hvítserkur is a distinctive rock formation often referred to as the Troll of Northwest Iceland. The 49 ft tall basalt sea stack features two unusual holes at its base and creates a silhouette often likened to a dragon drinking from the sea.

A short detour off of Ring Road, the breathtaking Kolugljúfur Canyon and Kolufossar waterfalls make an ideal stop to stretch your legs and take in these beautiful wonders of nature. It’s a short walk from the parking lot to the canyon which is accessed by a footbridge.

As you continue to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you’ll leave the Ring Road behind to take route 54 at Borgarnes. Overnight nearby to rest up for a full day of adventure on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Day 7: Exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

While day tours are available from Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes Peninsula deserves a nearby overnight stay to allow a full day to explore this gorgeous peninsula. Home to Kirkjufell – the country’s most photographed mountain – the landscapes leave you breathless. Just steps from Kirkjufell the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls add to the serenity of this place.

A counter-clockwise drive along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula leads you through picturesque fishing villages, miles of lava fields, a volcanic crater and new discoveries at every turn. The peninsula is home to Snaefellsjokull National Park – a park filled with all the geological wonders Iceland offers along with intriguing human history. You’ll find black sand beaches, picturesque churches, soaring cliffs, volcanic craters and miles of lava fields.

When your explorations conclude, an hour’s drive time along Iceland’s west coast leads you back to Reykjavik.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

Deciding when to visit Iceland presents a few choices. If your focus is chasing the Northern Lights, visiting in the aurora season that runs from October until April gives you the best chance. Of course, mid-winter guarantees dark skies for hours, increasing opportunities to view the elusive Northern Lights. But, the downside to a winter visit is limited daylight. So if you want to cover as much of Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscapes in seven days, you may need a season with more light.

Also, for those hoping to self drive on a road trip along the entire Ring Road, winter often means unsafe road conditions due to heavy snow and ice in some areas. For a winter visit, consider guided day trips from areas along the south coast of Iceland.

In summer months, the Northern Lights aren’t visible. But, the midnight sun extends your day giving you more time to explore each destination you visit. If there’s a downside to spending the mild summer months (mosquito free by the way) in Iceland, it’s the crowds. You know that Golden Circle you want to see? Everyone else wants to see it too. That means bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Personally, I prefer the shoulder season. And on our recent visit to Iceland, we arrived in mid-April for a week exploring this magnificent country minus the crowds. It’s early for bird and whale watching, but not impossible to catch a glimpse of some of the early arriving puffins and whales on a boat tour. Lingering Northern Lights are also possible on a clear night in April. Autumn presents another viable option for a crowd-free Iceland road trip.

What to Know Before You Go

Most travelers who visit Iceland arrive at Keflavik Airport. Located 50 kilometers outside the capital city of Reykjavik, Keflavik Airport is a relatively small airport compared to some of our mega-sized airports in the US. It’s also easy to navigate and rental car counters are located inside the airport.

Unless you plan to use a tour company for guided day trips, a rental car is the best way to really explore this magnificent place. Always up for a self drive road trip, we reserved a rental car in advance of our arrival. Small vehicles make the most sense on the narrow-ish roads throughout Iceland, but if you’re venturing outside Reykjavik in search of secret lagoons, lava fields and black sand beaches, it’s best to rent a small SUV with 4-wheel drive. Some roads are unpaved and road conditions are unpredictable so that extra power comes in handy.

Although I don’t typically use the extra insurance offered for rental cars, Iceland’s extreme wind and unpredictable weather warranted the need for rental car insurance just for peace of mind.

Camper vans provide another option for intrepid travelers up for a rugged adventure. Campgrounds throughout Iceland  offer various types of hook-ups and facilities.

Packing for Iceland

Your packing needs for Iceland vary greatly depending on whether you visit in the winter or summer months or the shoulder season I chose. One thing remains the same – you need layers! You also need a waterproof rain jacket. And, of course, pack a swimsuit for soaking in the country’s hot springs. You’ll find more information to aid in planning your packing list here .

The Ultimate 10 Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Thundering waterfalls, soothing geothermal springs, glistening glaciers, and snowcapped peaks: these are just a few of the otherworldly things to see on a 10 day Iceland Ring Road trip itinerary!

Iceland’s landscapes absolutely blew us away: this magnificent island is home to some truly awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife.

Add in easily accessible adventure activities like hiking on a glacier, snorkeling between two continents , and horseback riding through magnificent landscapes, and you have a recipe for a destination that truly deserves the moniker “once in a lifetime experience” (until you get tempted into booking your next trip back, anyway).

Planning to spend 10 days in Iceland and want to conquer the full (and iconic) Iceland Ring Road (technically named Route 1)?

I won’t lie–it’s an ambitious plan, and you’ll be exhausted by the end.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

But it is doable (especially with the help of Iceland’s famous midnight sun), and we’ll show you exactly how to plan your itinerary for Iceland’s Ring Road to ensure you can make the most of your 10 day trip.

Given the amount of information needed to plan 10 days in Iceland, this turned into one of the longest travel guides on our site!

Feel free to use the table of contents below to navigate as you plan your road trip in Iceland.

Here’s exactly how to have a blast driving the Ring Road in Iceland in 10 days!

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

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We’ve structured this Iceland Ring Road itinerary as a counter-clockwise loop.

You’ll start with some of Iceland’s most iconic attractions, like the Golden Circle and South Coast, before exploring the less-touristed north and east of the country.

At the end, you’ll loop back around and take a minor detour from the Ring Road to experience the gorgeous Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

For each day of the trip, we detail the top places to visit on the Ring Road (and nearby) that you’ll want to prioritize!

You can easily reverse this itinerary if you prefer–in fact, we actually drove it the opposite way–but we personally recommend getting the “wow” factor of Iceland’s postcard sights within the first few days.

We spent a lot of our road trip anticipating those views, and in retrospect, I wish we had done them first before settling into the more leisurely pace of other areas.

It also would have been nice to experience fewer crowds as our Ring Road trip in Iceland wore on, rather than visiting the most crowded sights on our final days in the country.

Iceland in travel is extremely seasonal, so keep that in mind as you plan!

This Iceland Ring Road itinerary is designed for the summer months of June, July, and August.

We personally took the Iceland road trip that we designed this itinerary around over the course of the first 2 weeks of July and absolutely loved it.

Most of this itinerary, with the possible exception of seeing the puffins at Borgarfjörður Eystri, will still be viable in the shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October (excluding random weather events, which–this being Iceland–are always possible).

In the winter, though?

We’d recommend sticking to the western and southern parts of the coast (and definitely sign up for an ice cave tour for an incredibly unique winter experience)!

Basing yourself in Reykjavik in winter and using it as a base for day trips is a low-stress way to have some incredible adventures in Iceland.

Given that it’s an island in the middle of the Atlantic, it’s safe to say that just about everyone reading this Iceland blog post will need to rent a car for their road trip!

We highly recommend booking your rental car for Iceland as soon as you possibly can–essentially, as soon as you confirm your flight dates!

That is even more true if you happen to need an automatic car.

While Iceland is accustomed to plenty of visitors, it’s still a fairly small country at the end of the day, and there are only so many rental cars to go around.

Add in the extra complications from disruptions in the industry over the last couple of years, and you have a recipe for visitors who scramble at the last minute to get the cars they need for their Iceland Ring Road trips!

To compare prices and inclusions for several rental companies at once (including local outfits), we recommend searching through Discover Cars .

You don’t need a 4×4 for this Iceland itinerary, especially assuming you’re visiting in the summer, but if you think you’d like to visit some more rural spots located on Iceland’s F-roads (AKA 4×4 only roads), you certainly can.

We had a 4×4 for our road trip and made good use of it.

Check prices & shop rental cars for your Iceland road trip today!

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik and enjoy the city.

The thrill of landing in Reykjavik to kick off your 10 day Iceland trip is incredible!

This itinerary assumes that you are landing in the morning, as most international flights do.

Unlike many of our road trip itineraries here on Our Escape Clause, I recommend picking up your rental car right away if you’re getting it from the airport.

You’ll be able to park it overnight while spending one day in Reykjavik, and it will save you time doubling back (KEF Airport is about 45 minutes south of the capital, and out of the way to head back to), as well as serve as your transportation into the city.

If you happen to be picking up your car from a branch in the city, you can take a bus to the center.

Once you get into Reykjavik, shake off the jetlag and enjoy a day of sightseeing!

While it’s tempting to skip over the city and head right to Iceland’s famous natural beauty, it’s really worth spending a day getting to know the capital (and it will allow you to rest up before driving too far).

Here are a few things to do during your one day in Reykjavik!

Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church and climb the tower.

If you’ve seen photos of Reykjavik, you’ve no doubt seen photos of–and from–the remarkable Hallgrímskirkja Church.

Be sure to climb to the top for its impressive view of the city!

Consider visiting a museum.

From the National Museum of Iceland to the (in)famous Icelandic Phallological Museum, Reykjavik has some extremely memorable museums to choose from.

This itinerary for Iceland is fairly light on museums overall, but if you’re looking for an indoor activity and/or hoping to gain some context on the country before exploring it in-depth, a museum can make for an interesting introduction.

Stroll down the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall.

These remarkable features of modern Reykjavik are definitely worth a look, and walking there will allow you to enjoy views of the city (possibly with a stop in one of the many excellent coffee shops you’ll find along the way).

… or go for a soak in Sky Lagoon.

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon is much closer to the airport than to central Reykjavik, and partially for that reason, we’re saving it for the grand finale of this Iceland itinerary.

However, if your idea of the perfect first day in Iceland is a relaxing soak in a geothermal spring, consider checking out the incredible Sky Lagoon !

This newer destination is only a short drive from central Reykjavik and is undoubtedly the most laid-back way to spend your first day (or afternoon) in the country.

Book tickets to the Sky Lagoon today!

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

When deciding where to stay in Reykjavik, ideally you’ll want a hotel that is both in a walkable location and has parking on-site or available nearby.

We chose to stay in the popular 22 Hill House and had an excellent experience!

The crisp, clean room, excellent hotel breakfast, and location near the best things to do in Reykjavik made for a fantastic stay, and we’d definitely be happy to stay again.

Check rates & book your stay at 22 Hill House today!

Amount of driving as written.

About 45 minutes (50 kilometers), not including visiting Sky Lagoon .

Day 2: Explore the Golden Circle (and go snorkeling in Silfra Fissure).

As you head out of the city to start your road trip in Iceland, you won’t have to wait long to have a thrilling adventure!

Your first stop is less than an hour outside the city…

Snorkel between two continents.

Snorkeling Silfra Fissure inside Thingvellir National Park is–no hyperbole–one of the most unique things to do in Iceland!

Here, in a narrow fissure, you’ll float between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, and the experience is absolutely unforgettable!

It’s also–fair warning–a bit uncomfortable, but completely worth it.

We have a full guide to the experience here , and this is the tour we took and recommend!

Book your Silfra snorkeling experience today!

Check out more of Thingvellir National Park.

While Silfra fissure is located inside Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park, it’s far from the only thing to see in this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thingvellir National Park is known as the origin of Iceland’s culture and government and was the seat of Iceland’s government (with various levels of power) from 930 until the 18th century.

A scenic drive past Þingvallavatn lake is incredibly memorable, and with enough time, you could go for a short hike, stop at Hakið Visitor Center, and see Öxarárfoss Waterfall.

Marvel at the Geysir geothermal area (Haukadalur Valley).

As you’ve been planning your trip to Iceland, odds are that you’ve come across plenty of mentions of Geysir (a magnificent geyser) as one of the top spots to visit on the Golden Circle Route.

While this is technically true, unfortunately, you probably won’t see it at its most impressive: Geysir isn’t very active these days, and last erupted in 2016.

Luckily, Haukadalur Valley where it is located is home to plenty of other geysers, mud pots, and more that make it worth visiting in order to experience Iceland’s famous geothermal activity.

Admire the power of Gullfoss.

The first of several iconic waterfalls that you’ll visit on your Iceland road trip, Gullfoss is known for its beauty and power.

“Gullfoss” is translated to “Golden Waterfall”.

Depending on when you visit it, you may see that the water has taken on a distinct “gold” (or yellow, but that doesn’t sound as lovely) color.

Where to Stay on Day 2 of Your Iceland Road Trip

Ideally, we recommend traveling all the way to Vik on the South Coast to check into your next place to stay in Iceland.

We loved our stay at Hotel Vík í Mýrdal !

The layout of the hotel was slightly confusing, but the rooms were comfortable, the location and included breakfast excellent, and the customer service was lovely.

While driving all the way to Vik will mean doubling back a bit on Day 3 in order to visit Seljalandsfoss (or, if you have the energy, you can squeeze it into Day 2–more on that below), it will also allow you to spend 2 nights in one place.

Checking into and out of several hotels is an unavoidable part of driving the Ring Road in 10 days, but it’s best to stay 2 nights in one place when you can!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Vík í Mýrdal!

About 4.5 hours (300 kilometers).

Day 3: Visit the South Coast and some of Iceland’s most iconic beaches and waterfalls.

Iceland’s mesmerizing South Coast is where you’ll find some of its most famous attractions, from black sand beaches to iconic waterfalls like Skogafoss.

The furthest western point on this day as written is Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrafoss, which are about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Vik.

If you have the time and energy, you can shave off a small amount of driving if you move these waterfalls to the second day of this Iceland itinerary!

Here are the best stops on the third day of your Iceland road trip!

Explore the charming town of Vik.

The small town of Vik is one of the most popular places to stay in Iceland, and it deserves a bit of your attention!

Be sure to stop by the beautiful Vik Church, and admire the stunning views of the surrounding area (if you’re visiting during the summer, there are also plenty of lupines up here!).

You’ll also want to visit Dyrhólaey Peninsula to soak in its incredible views–and if you get lucky, spot some puffins.

Vik is also a great place to stock up on any groceries and gear you might want, as it’s the largest town you’ll be seeing for several days!

Stroll along Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Visiting he famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is one of the best things to do in Vik –in fact, you’ll probably be able to walk there from where you’re staying–but it deserves a separate mention.

If you’ve seen photos of dramatic black sand beaches framed with basalt columns from Iceland… you’ve almost certainly seen photos of Reynisfjara.

Take your time to savor this gorgeous place with plenty of long walks. It’s truly something special.

That being said, absolutely do not try to enter the water here–the currents make it very dangerous.

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss.

Seljalandsfoss is incredibly famous, in large part because it’s one of only a few waterfalls in Iceland that you can walk behind!

If you visit on a sunny day, there’s also a very good chance that you’ll be treated to rainbows glittering near the falls as you do so.

Visiting Seljalandsfoss exceeded our high expectations!

That being said, prepare to step very carefully on the slippery ground and get wet from the mist.

You won’t get fully soaked, but be sure to protect your cameras and phones as you snap photos.

… and check out Gljufrafoss.

Accessed from the same parking lot as Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrafoss is not nearly as famous–but it is incredible.

Tucked into a small canyon, most of Gljufrafoss is hidden at first, which is part of its charm.

It’s well worth the short stroll to visit this remarkable waterfall, whether you duck into the canyon it hides in or not.

Visit the iconic Skogafoss.

Falling for a whopping 60 meters (197 feet), the powerful Skogafoss Waterfall is one of the most–if not the most–famous waterfalls in Iceland.

Here, you can walk right up to the base of a true natural wonder (and yes, you will absolutely get soaked while doing so).

If you want to admire Skogafoss from a different angle, you can even climb up the steps to the right of the waterfall and admire it from above!

Regardless of which angle you choose, there’s no doubt that time spent at Skogafoss is deeply memorable.

Optional: Explore the abandoned DC3 Plane Wreck.

Iceland’s famous abandoned plane wreck on the beach is quite the sight–but it requires a bit of a commitment to get to for what is essentially a photo op.

To visit, you’ll need to park about 2 miles from the wreck, and then walk (it’s–somewhat shockingly for Iceland–not a scenic walk), bike, or take a shuttle bus (assuming you’re visiting in the summer) to the plane and back.

Alternatively, you could book an ATV tour like this !

If the focus of your Iceland road trip is on natural beauty, this probably isn’t a must-see, but if you’re fascinated by the eerie view of the 1973 crash (it is striking), you can build it into your trip.

Where to Stay on Day 3 of Your Iceland Road Trip

Tonight, sleep in Vik for the second night in a row–that’s right, no need to repack and unpack again.

We loved and recommend staying at Hotel Vík í Mýrdal .

About 1 hour, 45 minutes (125 kilometers).

Day 4: Put the ice in Iceland with a glacier hike + explore the glacier lagoons.

As you continue to travel east along Iceland’s South Coast, you’ll soon be treated to several more of the best things to do on the Ring Road–including a glacier hike!

Peer into Fjadrargljufur Canyon (Fjaðrárgljúfur).

Your first stop of the day is the famous Fjadrargljufur Canyon–another one of Iceland’s iconic photo spots!

Like a surprising number of Iceland attractions, you’ll find it just off the Ring Road, with no hike required to reach it.

You can stroll along the top to enjoy the incredible views, but note that you can’t climb down as close to the edge as was once possible.

The closest edges of the canyon have been blocked off (no doubt for safety reasons), but the views from a bit further back are stunning all the same.

Optional: Take a short hike to Svartifoss.

Not everyone driving Iceland’s Ring Road in 10 days will want to build in a trip to Svartifoss–but those who do will love it!

Unlike the waterfalls yesterday, Svartifoss requires a fairly short hike (30-45 minutes each way) to reach.

Considering the next activity on this list, if you’re not an avid hiker, it may not be for you!

Svartifoss is stunning, though, framed by basalt columns on either side, and is located in Vatnajökull National Park, not far from where you’ll meet up with your glacier hiking group.

Hike on the largest glacier in Europe.

A glacier hike is one of the top Iceland bucket experiences on this itinerary and barring any physical limitations, you should absolutely prioritize it!

Skaftafell, located in a southwestern section of the gigantic Vatnajökull National Park, is a popular spot for glacier hikes and where you’re headed today.

Despite the name, a glacier hike in Iceland is a fairly tame activity, with tour groups being highly regulated and focused more on admiring the incredible landscape than physical exertion (if you want something more adrenaline-pumping, consider ice climbing !).

We took this 3-hour glacier hiking tour and absolutely adored it.

Fair warning, though: like at Silfra, a large chunk of the tour time is dedicated to sorting out gear, putting on crampons, etc.

If you want more time on the glacier, you may want to skip Svartifoss and opt for a 5-hour glacier hiking tour instead.

Book your glacier hike in Iceland today!

Where to Stay on Day 4 of Your Iceland Road Trip

We loved our stay at the extremely comfortable Fosshotel Nupar , which is a short drive west (ie, out of your way) from Skaftafell, and can highly recommend it.

In order to avoid doubling back, though, and to better position yourself for sightseeing tomorrow, we recommend instead staying at the also highly-rated Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon !

Check rates & book your stay at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon!

About 2.5 hours (180 kilometers).

Day 5: Marvel at glacier lagoons, puffins, and the East Fjords on your Iceland road trip.

As you reach the halfway point of your Iceland 10 day itinerary, it’s time for one of the longest days of driving included on this route.

There is a very, very good reason, though: puffins!

Here’s how to make the most of your fifth day in Iceland–and yes, you’ll want an early start.

Optional: Visit Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Honestly, I’m quite hesitant to include Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon on this itinerary, simply because there is barely time for it!

However, this slightly-lesser-known glacier lagoon is gorgeous and right on your route, so if you get an early start and are hoping to see as much as possible, you can squeeze in a quick stop!

The lagoon itself is smaller than Jokusarlon (which you’ll visit next), but having such an impressive view of the glacier itself makes Fjallsarlon an incredible destination!

Admire Jokusarlon Glacier Lagoon (Jökulsárlón), and maybe take a boat ride.

If you’ve seen photos of Iceland’s incredible glacier lagoons, you’ve probably seen Jokusarlon.

This magnificent lagoon is dotted with icebergs that have broken off from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier and are–slowly–making their way out to sea.

The lagoon is growing as the glacier continues to recede, and like many of Iceland’s natural attractions, will likely look quite different a few decades from now.

While admiring Jokusarlon from the shore is an incredible experience itself, if you’d like to get even closer to the magnificent icebergs, you can sign up for a zodiac boat tour of the lagoon while you’re there!

Soak in otherworldly views at Diamond Beach.

Located right across the street from Jokusarlon, the wildly photogenic Diamond Beach is where the icebergs from Jokusarlon eventually congregate at the end of their long journey out to sea.

Here, you can famously see chunks of ice–sparkling like diamonds, hence the name–nestled on the black sand, and even being jostled by the waves.

Diamond Beach is one of those special Iceland travel experiences that is probably unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!

Hang out with puffins Borgarfjörður Eystri.

Borgarfjörður Eystri is a long drive from your starting point this morning, nestled up in northeast Iceland.

It’s also one of the furthest places from the Ring Road on this Iceland itinerary… and it is so, so worth the effort.

At the edge of a fjord by the same name, the small village of Borgarfjörður Eystri plays host to 10,000 mated pairs of puffins from mid-April to mid-August each year.

It’s widely considered one of the best places to see puffins in Iceland, and visiting was one of the highlights of our Iceland road trip!

The drive there is fantastic as well, with magnificent scenery in all directions.

Once you arrive to view the puffins, you’ll be able to park and walk a short distance to a series of boardwalks and platforms (free of charge), where you’ll be able to admire the puffins to your heart’s content.

There are a couple of restaurants in town, as well, so it makes for a good place to grab dinner before continuing on.

Drive back to the Ring Road and head to Seydisfjordur (Seyðisfjörður).

Known for its picturesque location on one of Iceland’s eastern fjords, its whimsical rainbow street, and its historic 19th-century wooden buildings, Seydisfjordur is a fantastic place to base yourself in Iceland for a night!

The drive from your puffin-watching extravaganza to Seydisfjordur will bring you back much closer to the Ring Road once again, with plenty of waterfalls, glaciers, and more to admire along the way.

Where to Stay on Day 5 of Your Iceland Road Trip

We had a comfortable stay at the cozy Media Luna Guesthouse in Seydisfjordur and would have no problem recommending it based on availability.

However, we’d also love to stay in one of the traditional wooden houses in Seydisfjordur!

They were sold out for our trip, but when we return, we’d love to check into the gorgeous Við Lónið Guesthouse (which also happens to be one of the highest-rated guesthouses in town).

Check rates & book your stay in Seydisfjordur!

About 6.5 hours (450 kilometers).

Day 6: Drive the southern edge of the Diamond Circle to Myvtan.

On day 6 of your Iceland Ring Road trip itinerary, you’ll start working your way back west across the country, this time exploring the north.

Along the way, you’ll visit a few–but not all–of the sights clustered around Iceland’s northern “Diamond Circle” route.

Enjoy the morning in Seydisfjordur.

Before heading west, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and stroll through the colorful town of Seydisfjodur.

Don’t miss the town’s famous Rainbow Street!

(Not that you’re likely to–the town is quite small).

There’s also a grocery store in Seydisfjordur where you can restock food for the drive if you like.

Explore Stuðlagil Canyon.

The wildly beautiful Stuðlagil Canyon is exactly the sort of destination that Iceland is famous for: striking, unexpected, and absolutely gorgeous.

Here, the mesmerizing turquoise river is framed by soaring basalt columns, for incredible contrast.

It’s a bit of a pain to get there–if the photos don’t move you, consider skipping it–but we loved our visit and were so glad to have visited.

You can visit either the west side (for a view from above) or the east side (to approach the river).

We recommend following these directions .

Stare in awe at Dettifoss and Selfoss.

Dettifoss (often called the most powerful waterfall in Europe) and Selfoss (its more elegant counterpart), are two of the most popular stops on the Diamond Circle.

Selfoss is beautiful, but in the context of just how many beautiful waterfalls there are in Iceland, it’s the powerful Dettifoss that makes these waterfalls worth going out of your way to visit.

The only word I can use to describe Dettifoss is mesmerizing: it’s simply hard to look away from.

To visit, you can choose to visit the west or east side of the falls. We picked the west (and more popular) side.

It’s about a 2.5-kilometer walk round-trip to visit both falls.

While these are undoubtedly among the top waterfall destinations in Iceland, visiting will add over an hour to your drive today–so if you’re feeling burned out, this might be a good place to pass on.

Stroll through the Namafjall Geothermal Area.

Bubbling mudpots, brilliant colors, and a landscape unlike most others on this planet: the Namafjall Geothermal Area is located right off of the Ring Road/Route 1, and is a great, quick stop during your 10 day Iceland vacation!

… and you’ll want it to be quick, too!

The smell of sulfur is incredibly strong here, and not particularly pleasant.

Where to Stay on Day 6 of Your Iceland Road Trip

Modern, spacious, and boasting an absolutely fantastic breakfast spread, we adored our stay at Hótel Laxá and would happily rebook when visiting Myvatn again.

Check rates & book your stay at Hótel Laxá!

About 4 hours, 45 minutes (315 kilometers).

Day 7: Soak in the Myvtan Nature Baths and take a whale watching tour.

After several days in a row of long drives and packed schedules, today is designed to be slower-paced… for the most part.

The day’s schedule will also see you driving almost completely around Lake Myvatn, offering up stunning views and side stops along the way.

Have a long, relaxing soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths.

After plenty of active sightseeing, it’s time to relax.

Head to the Myvatn Nature Baths for a long, steamy soak in a geothermal spring, complete with views of the Hverjfall volcano crater and Lake Myvatn.

Often called the “Blue Lagoon of the North”, you’ll find a cafe on-site and not much of a reason to leave for at least a couple of hours.

Book your tickets for the Myvatn Nature Baths today!

Admire the power of Godafoss.

Gorgeous Godafoss is located just off of Route 1, an easy stop as you drive the Ring Road from Myvatn to Akureyri.

Curved like a horseshoe and absolutely stunning, Godafoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland!

Take a whale watching tour from Akureyri.

A whopping 11 species of whale call the water around Iceland home, and the north part of the island is the best place to see them!

Set out from Akureyri for a magnificent whale-watching excursion .

In the summer, boats leave as late as 8:30 PM, making whale-watching easy to fit into your busy itinerary for Iceland’s Ring Road.

Book your whale watching excursion in Akureyri today!

Where to Stay on Day 7 of Your Iceland Road Trip

We had a very comfortable stay at Lava Apartments & Rooms in Akureyri!

Here, we enjoyed the benefit of free parking on-site while also being in the center of town, within walking distance of plenty of shops and restaurants.

Some options also come with kitchens.

Check rates & book your stay at Lava Apartments & Rooms!

About 1 hour, 30 minutes (110 kilometers).

Day 8: Ride a unique Icelandic horse and learn local history.

Today begins with a very memorable ride and will end with the final (very) long drive of your trip!

To fuel up, grab a delicious brunch at one of Akureyri’s many trendy cafes before getting started.

We can heartily recommend the brunch at Cafe Berlin !

Ride an Icelandic horse and experience the unique “tölt” for yourself!

Small, fluffy, and utterly charming, Icelandic horses are a unique breed that is perfect for a ride through some of the world’s most stunning scenery!

Icelandic horses famously have 5 gaits rather than 3 or 4, and most visitors will be able to experience the “tölt”–think of it as a smoother form of a trot–during their ride.

We adore riding horses wherever we go in the world, but whether you love to ride or are hoping to try it out for the first time, Iceland is a fantastic place to do so.

There are many wonderful farms throughout the country, but we can’t recommend Polar Hestar near Akureyri enough.

Our ride with them was one of the most memorable trail rides of my life, and one of our absolute favorite Iceland travel experiences.

Learn some Icelandic history at Old Farmhouse Laufas (Turf House).

Less than 30 minutes north of Akureyri, you’ll find a fascinating example of Iceland’s traditional turf houses!

While the current building (which you can explore the interior of) dates to the 19th century, the site has been occupied for around 1000 years.

It’s a fascinating peek into traditional Icelandic culture and well worth a visit if you have time to add it to your itinerary for Iceland in 10 days.

Check hours and entrance information here .

Drive to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

After an exciting horseback ride and a dose of Icelandic history, it’s time for the last long drive of your trip.

Head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula–more on where to stop below–in order to position yourself well for exploring more of the best things to do in Iceland tomorrow.

You likely won’t have the time or energy for more detours at this point, but if you do, the fishing village of Stykkishólmur is considered one of the most picturesque in Iceland and would be a fun place to grab dinner.

Where to Stay on Day 8 of Your Iceland Road Trip

Essentially, your goal for tonight is to find a comfortable place to stay that is very close to Kirkfujell.

The areas Grundarfjordur and Stykkishólmur (the surrounding area, not necessarily the center, as it’s out of your way) are good places to look.

This charming guesthouse , as well as this one , are both excellent options that are extremely highly rated.

Check rates & book your stay on the Snaefellsness Peninsula today!

About 5 hours, 45 minutes (440 kilometers).

Day 9: Round out your trip by exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature”, and is home to some magnificent sights, including the famous Kirkjufellsfoss, arguably Iceland’s most famous photo spot.

It’s technically not on the Ring Road, but it’s special enough to warrant being featured during your road trip in Iceland regardless!

I’ve outlined the top don’t-miss spots below, others you may want to add on include Bjarnarfoss, Budakirkja (a charming Icelandic church), and Ytri Tunga (also known as Seal Beach).

As you drive, you’ll be treated to plenty of gorgeous views of Snæfellsjökull, the peninsula’s scenic glacier.

Snap photos at the Iceland icons of Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss.

Kirkjufell (the mountain) and Kirkjufellsfoss (the waterfall) pictured here are famous, in large part, because of how they fit together.

While both sights are beautiful individually, it’s really the combination of them both in one frame that has caused this to explode into being one of the most famous places to photograph in Iceland!

While climbing the mountain requires quite a bit of skill and isn’t done by the average visitor, it’s extremely easy to walk the short path from the road to this incredible view on an Iceland road trip!

Drive to the end of the world and visit the Svortuloft and Ondverdarnes Lighthouses.

As you drive out to the Svortuloft and Ondverdarnes Lighthouses on the northwest corner of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you may feel like you’re approaching the end of the world!

While these spots are fairly popular, many travelers skip them in favor of a more direct route.

All that means, though, is that the views are even more rewarding for those who make the trek.

Along the way, you’ll also pass the golden Skarðsvík Beach, which is also worth a stop!

While both lighthouses are striking and feature excellent views from the surrounding area, the sea cliffs next to Svortuloft made it our personal favorite of the two.

Stroll along Djúpalónssandur.

One of Iceland’s most famous black sand beaches, this was once a popular fishing port.

Today, you can either admire the beach from the viewpoint above or walk through the black sand to the water’s edge.

Pay a visit to Arnarstapi and the Arnarstapi Cliffs.

The small village of Arnarstapi is home to some of western Iceland’s most scenic (and easily accessible) coastline.

From basalt columns to arches to dramatic beaches to swoopng birds, this cliff walk is a can’t-miss stop on an Iceland road trip.

Technically, the cliff walk runs for 2.5 kilometers each way, from Arnarstapi to Hellnar, but most people stick around the Arnarstapi section, which is considered the most scenic area.

Plus, you may be in Hellnar soon enough anyway…

Where to Stay on Day 9 of Your Iceland Road Trip

If your flight doesn’t leave until late tomorrow night or the following morning, you may want to simply stay on the southern side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula!

If so, the Fosshotel Hellnar is a popular, well-reviewed option just a short drive from Arnarstapi.

It also belongs to the same brand as the hotel from the Skaftafell/Jokusarlon area!

Alternatively, if your flight leaves earlier in the day tomorrow, you may want to sleep by the airport– this is the airport hotel we stayed in (more on that below).

Check rates & book your stay at Fosshotel Hellnar!

About 2 hours (95 kilometers).

Day 10: Say goodbye to Iceland with a soak in the Blue Lagoon.

On the final day of your Iceland road trip, your priorities are simple: get close to KEF Airport with enough time to spare so that you’re not stressed… and experience one of the top attractions in Iceland.

Relax at the Blue Lagoon.

Iceland’s iconic Blue Lagoon is one of its most famous landmarks, and since it’s much closer to the KEF Airport than it is to Reykjavik, it makes the ideal way to say goodbye to Iceland.

Whether you have 2 hours or 6, the Blue Lagoon is worth your time–especially as you’re no doubt exhausted after spending a full 10 days road tripping Iceland.

You can also add on extras, such as massages, if you feel like treating yourself before heading home.

Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, especially during peak season.

The Blue Lagoon is known to sell out!

Book your tickets to the Blue Lagoon today!

Where to Stay on Day 10 of Your Iceland Road Trip

If you need a hotel room by the airport as you prepare to say goodbye to your 10 days in Iceland, we stayed in and can recommend the Aurora Hotel at KEF .

The interior is a bit dated, but it’s comfortable enough for one night and–most importantly–is within walking distance of both the terminal and car rental offices.

In other words, you can turn in your rental car once you check in to the hotel, and not have to worry about handling it before your flight.

The covenience can’t be beaten, and we’d happily use this hotel again.

Check rates & book your stay at Aurora Hotel KEF today!

About 3.5 hours (260 kilometers) if you’re starting from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

While this 10 days in Iceland itinerary is jampacked as it is, if you’re lucky enough to have 2 weeks or more to explore Iceland, you’ll find plenty of other adventures to enjoy!

Here are a few more incredible places to visit in Iceland that would be excellent additions to a Ring Road trip.

Located on the north coast of Iceland, charming Husavik is known as the Whale Capital of Iceland (and now, for being featured in the 2019 Netflix movie, Eurovision).

We chose to include a whale watching tour from Akureyri on this Iceland itinerary instead of Husavik, as Akureyri is located on the Ring Road and it’s hard to justify any more extra driving on this already long road trip!

However, Husavik is a delightful place to visit and is about 45 minutes (57 kilometers) north of Myvatn, so if you’d like to swap something else on this itinerary out in order to visit Husavik, you absolutely can.

Book your Husavik whale watching tour today!

The Highlands

By definition, an Iceland Ring Road itinerary skips the center of the country.

If you have time to venture further inland, though, that’s where you’ll find the wild and wonderful highlands.

The highlands are primarily accessible during the summer months, and you will need either a 4×4 vehicle or a guided tour in order to access them.

With one day to explore, incredible Landmannalaugar, with its rainbow-colored hills, is a popular destination.

Fagradalsfjall Volcano

In 2021, Iceland gained a new tourist attraction with the incredible eruption of the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, which lasted a whopping 6+ months.

Though the eruption is now officially over , the volcano–thanks in part to its proximity to Reykjavik–is still a very popular addition to Iceland itineraries.

Several guided tours have popped up to help visitors find the best (and safest) hikes and viewpoints at this new destination. This tour is among the most popular.

Book your visit to the Fagradalsfjall Volcano today!

Glymur Waterfall

At almost 7 kilometers long, hiking the Glymur Waterfall Trail is the longest hike mentioned in this Iceland travel guide!

However, it’s also gorgeous and the second-tallest waterfall in Iceland!

If you have 3-4 hours to spare (plus a bit of drive time) when traveling from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula back to Reykjavik/KEF, hiking Glymur Waterfall is an incredibly memorable stop on your last day in Iceland.

Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss is about an hour and a half south of Myvatn, and while I couldn’t find a way to justify the drive when putting together this 10 day Iceland itinerary, we absolutely loved visiting!

This remote waterfall is far less crowded than many of Iceland’s most popular spots and is incredibly striking.

Note that–especially if you want to visit the lesser-visited side pictured here–you will need a 4×4.

Less is more.

Driving the full Ring Road in Iceland in 10 days is doable… but extremely ambitious.

Essentially, it’s the minimum amount of time that most travel writers would recommend driving the full loop in, as opposed to focusing on the easier-to-access South Coast and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

As a result, I’ve written this 10 day Iceland itinerary for an ambitious and excited traveler who is hoping to see it all–which means taking advantage of Iceland’s midnight sun in the summer in order to maximize sightseeing.

Long story short? You’ll be exhausted by the end.

If there are certain stops that don’t appeal to you, or days where driving an extra 40 minutes to look at your 50th waterfall just doesn’t sound as good as an early night, don’t sweat it!

Seeing absolutely all of the best places to visit in Iceland in one trip is never going to be doable (many of them aren’t even listed here due to time!), so focus on what you can do rather than on what you can’t squeeze in.

Keep an eye on the clock.

This is essential when road tripping Iceland in the summer.

It is very, very easy to look down at the dashboard and suddenly realize that you’re visiting a waterfall at 9:30 PM when you planned to check into your hotel by then!

The photo of Seljalandsfoss with bright blue skies behind it that is at the top of this blog post?

We snapped it at 8:37 PM.

Be flexible with what you see.

Weather not cooperating? Tours sold out?

Run out of time and have to skip a few Iceland road trip stops?

Don’t worry too much!

A simple reality of traveling in Iceland is that its remarkable environment is remarkably unpredictable, and things can certainly go sideways!

The good news is that there’s always another otherwordly viewpoint or magnificent waterfall around the next corner, so you’re essentially guaranteed to have plenty of wonderful and unforgettable experiences while traveling Iceland.

Bring a sleep mask.

… And make it a good one!

I’ll be honest: we found the midnight sun very daunting during our summer road trip in Iceland.

It’s beautiful, of course, and incredibly cool to photograph waterfalls at 9:30 PM… but when it’s time to go to sleep, that same daylight can be painful!

And, unfortunately, the fantastic metal shutters that are popular throughout much of Europe and block out all light while sleeping aren’t easy to find in Iceland (which definitely took us by surprise!).

Jeremy loved this sleep mask , though he said he wishes it was slightly thicker, and I used this handy one that doesn’t press against your eyelids.

Keep an eye on the weather.

Iceland’s weather is famously intense, and it is absolutely worth planning your 10 days in Iceland around!

If you have a clear morning and a chance of clouds in the afternoon… get up as early as possible to make the most of what clear weather you have.

Don’t plan on getting anywhere fast.

Long driving distances combined with sublime scenery and a temptation to pull over to take photos or admire the view every 800 feet or so does not result in a very efficient road trip!

It does result in a very memorable one, though.

How’s the driving?

In the summer, driving the Ring Road in Iceland is quite simple for confident drivers!

The Ring Road, while popular, is also very long–so while you may deal with some congestion around iconic attractions, you’ll also spend plenty of time amongst wide open spaces.

You will absolutely want a GPS for navigation, though.

How far in advance should you book your Iceland Ring Road trip?

As soon as you possibly can!

Iceland contends with 3 distinct challenges–for lack of a better word–that all add up to a fairly competitive tourism environment where you want to claim your rental car, lodging, and even tours as soon as possible.

First, it’s extremely popular!

Second, even with a flurry of construction as its fame has risen in the last couple of decades, Iceland is ultimately a fairly rural place outside of its major cities, and there’s only so much accommodation to go around.

And third, this extremely popular place condenses the vast majority of its tourism into a very short time period, as the summer weather for a “traditional” Iceland trip only sticks around so long.

All of this adds up to visitors having a much more fun–and far less stressful–trip to Iceland if they’re able to plan ahead.

Is driving the Ring Road possible during winter in Iceland?

Technically it is, but it’s not recommended for travelers who aren’t a) used to driving in snowy, difficult conditions and b) very comfortable with unpredictability, as you never know when a storm will hit.

For most visitors taking their first trip to Iceland, it’s best to stick with the summer months for driving Iceland’s Ring Road.

Should you drive the Iceland Ring Road clockwise or counterclockwise?

Both are wonderful options, but we recommend doing it counterclockwise!

… And we say that because we actually did it clockwise and (mildly) regretted it.

It would’ve been nice to kick off our road trip in Iceland with some of its most iconic sights, rather than spending 10+ days anticipating them before arriving!

Plus, by starting with the most popular destinations, you’ll slowly lose the crowds as you make your way around the Ring Road, which certainly beats the alternative.

Try not to overthink this too much, though–it is a circle, after all.

Either way works!

Do you need a 4×4 to drive the Ring Road in Iceland?

No, you don’t!

In the summer, you can drive the full Ring Road, including all of its most iconic stops, without a 4×4.

That being said, if you want to visit some hidden gems and more offbeat spots, you may want to have one.

We had a 4×4 for our Iceland road trip and enjoyed having the extra freedom.

Don’t forget these essentials when packing for your 10 days in Iceland!

… But don’t worry if you forget something, either.

You’ll find well-stocked clothing and outdoor shops throughout your trip, particularly in Reykjavik, Vik, and Akureyri.

That being said, clothing and equipment in Iceland are–like virtually everything else in the country–very expensive, so it’s best to come prepared!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and an epic Iceland Ring Road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for trips to Iceland.

Iceland Guidebook — It’s pretty rare that we choose to carry a paper guidebook these days, but Iceland was an exception!

Long, difficult-to-pronounce (for English speakers) names and attractions literally around every corner meant that having a guidebook with us as we explored came in handy!

We used Lonely Planet Iceland during our trip.

Travel Adaptors for Iceland — If you’re coming from outside of Europe (or from the UK), you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

We use these and have never had any issues.

Waterproof Jacket — A must in Iceland, for both practical and photography reasons!

I love this yellow rainjacket that I’ve had for a few years, and Jeremy loves his Marmot waterproof jacket .

Layers — Layers are key when visiting Iceland, even in the summer!

We had exceptionally good weather during our trip, and most days I still stuck with a long-sleeve shirt or light sweater, with a jacket to throw over it.

Sometimes I also included my favorite Northface fleece that has been with me for 10 years and counting.

Comfortable Walking Shoes — Depending on exactly what you plan to do during your 10 days in Iceland, you may want a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair of hiking boots.

I mostly stuck with my trusty Ugg Kesey Motorcycle Boots , which are waterproof, warm, and extremely comfortable. I’ve been wearing them for years!

For activities like glacier hiking, I switched to hiking boots .

Bathing Suit — When thinking about bundling up with plenty of layers in July, it’s easy to forget that you’ll also want a bathing suit with you in Iceland!

Waterproof Pants — While we didn’t use these as much as we feared we would need to (we got very lucky with the weather on our July trip!), they came in very handy for our glacier hike and were very comfortable.

I used these pants , and Jeremy wore these .

Eye Mask — We mentioned this above, but getting good sleep when contending with the midnight sun was a challenge for us during our time driving Iceland’s Ring Road.

You will absolutely want a good sleep mask like this with you during your summer trip to Iceland.

Sea-Bands + Non-Drowsy Dramamine — If you get motion sickness like me, you’ll definitely want to come prepared for any and all boat rides in Iceland (like whale watching tours, for instance).

Binoculars — Iceland is home to all sorts of delightful creatures, including a wide variety of birds (like puffins!) and, of course, whales.

Binoculars are an inexpensive and easy addition to your Iceland packing list, and they’ll greatly enhance your trip to the coast!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

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About Kate Storm

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

5 thoughts on “The Ultimate 10 Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary”

Thank you very much. I like your informative blog.

Thank you for the information. This is wonderful and we plan on using this as a guide on our upcoming trip. One question – we would like to include Husavik in our trip. We were thinking of not doing the horse back riding – where would you recommend fitting Husavik into the trip? Thanks!

You can do a fairly simple 1:1 swap for Husavik instead of the horseback riding excursion.

If you’re heading up to Husavik, I’d also recommend doing your whale-watching tour from there instead of Akureyri. 🙂

Everyone ALWAYS says make reservations as early as possible. So when did you make yours and was that date too late for anything? What date is really late for summer visits? thanks

The problem with exact parameters is that it’s different every year depending on how many visitors there are, the week you’re going, etc, and also how strict your budget and hotel requirements are. Iceland has built more hotels over the last decade, but it has also gotten much more popular over the same time period (with the obvious 2020 exception).

We booked our trip a couple of months in advance and had an amazing time, but we did have to compromise on a few places to stay, including staying in the countryside vs in Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, for example. Vik is also known for selling out, and we didn’t get our first choice of hotel there, though the one we stayed in ended up being a solid option as well.

I’d recommend securing your rental car first, especially if you plan to rent an automatic, and then sketch your trip out from there.

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7 days in Iceland: Amazing Itinerary, Map & Tips for a Self-Drive Trip

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 6, 2024

Thinking of spending a week in Iceland and wondering how to plan your time and what’s the best 7 days Iceland itinerary ? We have been to Iceland six times, in different seasons, and I can tell you that there is no one ‘best’ itinerary that covers all the nicest places in Iceland in 7 days. For that, a week is simply not enough.

That being said, with seven days in Iceland, you can see some of the most stunning scenery and have some of the most unforgettable experiences that will make you fall in love with this unique country. In this article, we’ll show you one of the best ways to do that.

In this guide, you can find a detailed 7-day Iceland itinerary that brings you to some of the best places in Iceland in one week. At the bottom of this article, you can find the map of this itinerary – it indicates all the places mentioned in this guide.

Good to know: This self-drive Iceland tour starts and ends in Keflavik airport (near Reykjavik) and can best be done between May and September. It includes all the musts as well as some lesser-visited places that will make your trip more special. We also share lots of practical tips and some alternative suggestions, plus, we made a detailed map to help you plan your trip. Find out!

!!! Visiting Iceland in summer or in winter is like traveling to two different countries. So you can’t just rely on a summer itinerary if traveling during the winter months… If you are visiting Iceland between October and April, please see our detailed Iceland winter itinerary for one week – it covers all the best places in one week, taking into account shorter days, (even more) unpredictable weather, and winter-specific activities.

Below, is an overview of our suggested 7-day Iceland itinerary and you can find all the details per day if you scroll further down. As you can see, this itinerary covers all the best places in the southwest of the country but doesn’t go all around the island. In my opinion, you need at least 9-10 days to actually enjoy the entire Ring Road, so with just 7 days, I recommend driving less and exploring more without trying to see ‘everything’.

Still, this itinerary covers a lot of ground and so your days will be quite packed. At the same time, this is a trip that gives you enough time to actually explore the main attractions and not just take a picture and move on to the next place. We also included some additional suggestions such as a glacier hike or a whale-watching tour. If you do one or two of these activities, it will make your Iceland trip even more special.

TIP: If you absolutely want to drive the entire Ring Road of Iceland in a week , we have also included a suggested alternative itinerary at the end of this article. Driving the whole Ring Road in such a short time will be very rushed and you risk getting overwhelmed with the planning and too tired from all the driving to still be able to enjoy it. We recommend at least 10 days for a self-drive trip around the entire country – see Iceland Ring Road itinerary for more details.

Good to know: You’ll need a car for this trip! We recommend renting a car at Keflavik airport for the entire duration of your trip. We personally use and recommend this website for your car hire. It allows you to easily compare several suppliers and find the best deal for your trip. In addition, they offer excellent insurance coverage that is much cheaper than what you pay when booking with local companies directly. Check it out!

And no, you don’t need a 4×4 for this itinerary (and if visiting in summer), but it’s always nice to have an SUV or a 4WD in Iceland.

Iceland 7 Days Itinerary:

• DAY 1: Arrival & Blue Lagoon

DAY 2: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day 3: golden circle, day 4: heimaey island or icelandic highlands, day 5: south coast to jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

• DAY 6: Icebergs & Glaciers
• DAY 7: Reykjavik + whales/puffins or Reykjanes Peninsula
• Alternative itinerary – Ring Road in 7 days

Good to know: There are many ways to plan a 7-day trip in Iceland and driving times and distances will highly depend on what you choose to do and where you stay each day.

In this itinerary, we include some of the best places that we think are worth your time the most, without having to cover huge distances each day. For every day, we include several suggestions on where to stay, explaining the benefits and disadvantages of each choice.

Without further ado, this is our suggested 7-day Iceland itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon & drive to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Driving distance/time depends a bit on where exactly you choose to stay. It’s about 220 km/ 3 hours drive from Keflavik airport to Snaefellsnes Peninsula or 115 km/ 1h15 to Borgarnes (more info below).

Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal pool near Reykjavik and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Since it’s located close to Keflavik airport (20 min drive), many people choose to visit the Blue Lagoon right upon arrival in Iceland and before continuing their trip or heading to Reykjavik city which is about 45 minutes drive from the airport.

Indeed, it might be a nice way to relax after a flight, especially if you arrive in Iceland early in the morning on a red-eye flight from the US. Going to your hotel in Reykjavik isn’t a good option anyway as most hotels don’t allow early check-in, so Blue Lagoon can be a nice place to visit on your first day in Iceland.

Good to know: Blue Lagoon is extremely popular and you really have to book your tickets in advance . Count 2-3 hours for a visit, but you can easily spend more time, especially if you decide to have lunch at their restaurant as well.

2024 update: Due to recent volcanic activity on Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon is sometimes forced to close without much prior notice. Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik is a wonderful alternative and many people actually prefer the latter. Just be sure to book it well in advance because it usually sells out for weeks, especially in the high season!

After visiting the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon, you could head to Reykjavik and explore the city a bit. However, I only recommend this If your flight arrives late. If your flight arrives early in the morning or during the day and you want to make the most of this trip, just skip Reykjavik altogether and drive straight to Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the first day already .

It’s about 1h 45 – 2 hours drive from Reykjavik city and so easily doable on the first day. We once did this even though our flight only arrived at 7 PM (but I’d only risk this in summer and wouldn’t stop for a swim first, of course)…

Driving straight to Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Keflavik Airport will give you a head start for the next day allowing more time to explore this beautiful part of Iceland. And you can visit Reykjavik at the end of the trip. It’s better to end your trip in Reykjavik than to start it there anyway.

Where to stay: If you don’t mind switching hotels every night, you could stay anywhere on Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this day. If you like to be in nature and immediately see some stunning scenery upon arrival, we recommend staying in either Hotel Budir or Hotel Arnarstapi .

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a beautiful place to start your Icelandic trip! Both these hotels have very good restaurants, so no need to worry about food on your first day (although you may want to ask them to reserve a table for dinner in advance). Alternatively, see this guide for more suggestions on where to stay in Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

Alternative option: If you rather have the same accommodation for this and the next night or if you want to be in a bigger town, consider staying in Borgarnes for two nights. It’s located along the Ring Road, just before Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Staying here would mean that you have less driving on day 1 and you can still easily explore Snaefellsnes from here on day 2. Accommodations in this town are also cheaper than in Snaefellsnes, there are supermarkets and restaurants, and also a nice public pool with hot tubs where you could relax after a day of sightseeing. This pool could be a nice alternative to the Blue Lagoon, not to mention that it’s much cheaper.

Good to know: In Iceland, almost every bigger town has a swimming pool with geothermal water. Most pools are really nice, usually very quiet, and they also have hot tubs and saunas. Furthermore, they cost a fraction of what the famous tourist-oriented geothermal baths cost. It’s usually not more than 10 USD per person, kids are often free of charge or pay just a minimal fee. Also, most of these pools are open late in the evening, but it’s always good to check opening times online in advance.

TIP: Be sure to pack a quick-drying towel and swimwear for your trip to Iceland! More info and tips on what to pack for Iceland in summer and what to pack for Iceland in winter .

Driving time/distance depends on where you stay. If you start and end in Borgarnes, the whole tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula and back will be about 300 km. If you start in Budir and end in Akranes (Hotel Laxarbakki), you’ll cover about 225 km. As for how long it takes, be sure to start early and plan the whole day to explore all the amazing places in Snaefellsnes.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a wonderful place that has so much to offer – amazing scenery, beautiful coastlines with several lighthouses, stunning waterfalls, picturesque churches, and endless lava fields. You couldn’t choose a better place to start your road trip in Iceland!

Most of the main sights are located at the far end of the Peninsula, are quite close to each other, and can be visited by driving the circular loop. It doesn’t matter that much in which direction you drive, but most day tourists arriving from Reykjavik start in Budir and continue clockwise. So if you go in the other direction, you could avoid the biggest crowds in some areas. Either way, if you want to see all the main sights in a day, be sure to start early. You’ll want to stay longer everywhere!

Must-see places are: Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss, Saxholar Crater, Djúpalónssandur, Londrangar View Point, Arnarstapi Cliffs, Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, Búðakirkja, and Bjarnarfoss. But there’s so much more than that!

TIP: For more information on what to see and where to go, please see our guide to the best places to see in Snaefellsnes Peninsula . For practical tips and a suggested one-day itinerary, please see our guide below.

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Visiting Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Where to stay: If you stayed in Borgarnes on day 1 of this itinerary, you could stay at the same hotel on day 2 as well.

If, however, you stayed in Arnarstapi or any other place on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you may want to continue your trip a bit more in the direction of the Golden Circle. That way, you don’t have to drive too far the next day. In that case, you could either stay in Borgarnes (see suggestions above) or choose a hotel a bit closer to the Golden Circle already.

One of the best-rated hotels in this area is Hotel Laxarbakki . They have apartments for all group sizes and they also have a restaurant where you can have dinner and breakfast. The location of this hotel would fit this itinerary quite well.

In fact, it could be good accommodation for day 1 as well – everything really depends on how much you want to drive on which day and how many different hotels you want to stay in. This hotel is about a 1-hour drive from Snaefellsnes Peninsula and about 45 minutes drive from your first stop on day 3 of this itinerary.

Driving time/distance is about 250 km, 3h of driving time not including any stops. Count an entire day for this area.

Golden Circle is the most popular destination in Iceland, after the Blue Lagoon. This is one of those places that every tourist visiting Iceland will include in their itinerary. The reason is quite simple – there are lots of really nice natural landmarks here and it’s close to Reykjavik. Some people find it too touristy and too crowded, but if this is your first time in Iceland, you’ll definitely want to see this area as well.

The three main places that you have to see along the Golden Circle are Thingvellir National Park , Gullfoss Waterfall , and Geysir geothermal area with the active Strokkur Geyser that erupts at regular intervals every 5-7 minutes.

Other nice places include Öxarárfoss waterfall and Kerid Crater . If you are looking for a special place to eat, Fridheimar Tomato Farm and Restaurant is a very popular choice. If you are looking for a unique activity, you may want to consider Silfra Snorkeling in Thingvellir National Park.

There are also a few geothermal baths in this area – Secret Lagoon and Laugarvatn Fontana. It could be a nice way to end your day, but you can also just opt for a hotel with a hot tub or go to the public swimming pool in Hella town where I recommend staying on this day.

Your itinerary for this day could look like this: visit Thingvellir National Park (+ Silfra snorkeling if that’s your thing), don’t miss Öxarárfoss at Thingvellir, Geysir area , Gullfoss waterfall , late lunch at Fridheimar Tomato Farm , (maybe Secret Lagoon), Kerid Crater . Drive to Hella and visit a local pool in the evening instead of going to Secret Lagoon – see below.

If you are looking for even more details about visiting this area, please check out day 1 in our 4-day Iceland itinerary .

Where to stay: There are many accommodations in the Golden Circle area, but probably the best location for this itinerary would be staying in Hella town along the south coast. It’s close to the Golden Circle and in the direction of the places that you’ll be visiting next.

There are quite some accommodations and good facilities in and near Hella and also a nice public swimming pool . This is also a great place to stay if you want to take a day trip to the Icelandic highlands the next day – see below. So you could stay in Hella for two nights and not have to change hotels every night.

TIP: The nicest luxury hotel in this area is Hotel Ranga . On a mid-range budget, check out Stracta Hotel Hella (some rooms here have private hot tubs!) or Hotel Kanslarinn Hella (one of the top picks in the area). Here you can find the best deals for all Hella accommodation .

Driving time/distance depends on where you choose to visit. If you go to the highlands, go with a tour and they’ll do all the driving. In that case, your day trip will probably take about 10 hours in total. If you go to Heimaey Island, it’s about 45 km/ 30 minutes drive to the ferry from Hella, so 90km/ 1 hour of total driving time on this day.

On day 4 of your Iceland trip, I recommend that you get a bit off the beaten path and do something special by either taking a day trip to the Icelandic highlands or visiting Heimaey Island just off the south coast. I have to be honest with you – most first-time visitors do not include any of these two places in their Iceland itinerary. But I think that visiting one of these places will make your entire trip so much more special. If you have 8 days in Iceland, consider visiting both of these!

Good to know: As already mentioned, this 7-day road trip is recommended in summer (+- from May to September), and that’s also a great season to visit both – the highlands and Heimaye Island.

However, the highlands are usually not accessible before mid-June, so if you are planning a trip in May or early June, visit Heimaey Island instead. It’s also an excellent time to see puffins there (they are usually around between May and August). If you are visiting later in the summer, you’ll have to choose just one of these places as they both require an entire day. Or, plan 8 days in Iceland and do both.

The Highlands or…

If you decide to go to the Icelandic highlands , we recommend that you visit Landmannalaugar . It’s one of the most beautiful relatively easily accessible places in the highlands and it fits this itinerary very well. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and it’s like no other place you’ll see during this week in Iceland. It’s well worth it!

The best way to do this is by joining this popular tour to Landmannalaugar that can pick you up from Hella. Upon booking, choose the Reykjavik pickup option and afterwards send them a message to say that you’ll actually be in Hella. By starting here, you save about 2 hours drive each way (so 4 hours in total), so your day isn’t nearly as tiring as doing this tour from Reykjavik.

Good to know: You could also visit this part of the highlands on your own, but driving here requires a good 4×4 and insurance coverage that allows you to drive on the F roads. So because you don’t really need an expensive 4×4 for the rest of this itinerary, we recommend renting a cheaper car and visiting the highlands with a tour. Plus, these days, you have to make a reservation in order to book a parking spot at Landmannalaugar (more info here ).

TIP: If you have a higher budget, you could also opt for a private day tour instead . In that case, also contact the tour company to arrange to pick you up at your accommodation in Hella and not in Reykjavik.

Alternative option is to visit the Thorsmork area – it’s also in the highlands, but very different than Landmannalaugar. It’s located close to the Ring Road and can be visited in the colder season as well (so not only in the summer ). But since you have to cross a very unpredictable river, you definitely need to go by a super jeep. You can find lots of tour options . For example, this highly-rated tour starts very close to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall so it’s very easy to add it to this itinerary.

… or Heimaey Island

Heimaey Island is the only inhabited island of the Westman Islands archipelago, just off the south coast of Iceland. To get here, you’ll need to take a ferry from Landeyjahöfn, about a 30-40 minutes drive from Hella. The ferry ride also takes about 40 minutes and you need to get there about half an hour in advance as well.

Here you can find ferry schedules and prices . If you want to be sure that you can visit the island on the day and on the ferry that you want, it’s best to reserve in advance!

Once on the island, there are quite some interesting places to see – Eldheimar Museum and Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary are a must. You can also go hiking on Mount Eldfell , take a boat tour around the island, explore the village , or go looking for puffins .

Please note that you don’t need to bring your car to the island if you are just planning to stay close to town. So you can leave your car at the ferry terminal in Landeyjahöfn.

However, if you want to see puffins, the best location is about 5-6 km away from town. You can either walk (count more than an hour one way), rent a bike, bring your own car on the ferry (which is more expensive and spaces are limited), or go on a local tour. I recommend that you join this great 2-hour tour from Heimaey Harbor that not only brings you to the puffins but also gives you a great overview of what life is like on Heimaey Island.

TIP: In the article linked below, you can find all the details and practical information on how to visit Heimaey Island and what to see and do there.

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Visiting Heimaey Island

Where to stay: In the late afternoon or in the evening, take the ferry back to the mainland and drive back to your accommodation in Hella where you stayed last night. Alternatively, you could also choose to stay on the island (not really a must and you’d lose some time the next day) or choose a place close to Seljalandsfoss waterfall .

But the driving distances aren’t big and I think you’ll have a more relaxing trip if you just stay at the same hotel as the previous night.

TIP: If you visited Heimaey Island on this day, be sure to stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall on your way back to the hotel (see more info about it on day 5 below). It’s just on your way and it’s likely to be much less busy here in the evening than the next morning.

Driving time/distance between Hella and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is about 300 km/ 3.5 hours driving time, not including sightseeing.

Iceland’s South Coast is another extremely popular region that is included in most Iceland itineraries and is also one of the most popular tours from Reykjavik .

The way this 7-day Iceland itinerary is designed, you will be driving the south coast twice – first to get to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and then back in the direction of Reykjavik. So there are many possibilities on how you spend days 5 and 6 of this itinerary, depending on your interests, where you decide to stay, and the activities you choose. The itinerary suggested below is just an example, so use it just as an indication of what’s possible and adjust it if needed.

The main places you have to see along the South Coast are Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the black sand beach in Vik – Reynisfjara, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Skaftafell National Park, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the famous Diamond Beach next to it.

Also nice to see is the scenery at Stokksnes, Hofskirkja church, Skogar Museum, Dyrhólaey lighthouse, Eldhraun Lava Fields, and Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon. In addition, there are some nice activities like glacier hiking or ice caves that you can visit here as well. In this itinerary, we split all these areas and activities over two days.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do on the South Coast of Iceland

So on day 5 of this itinerary, I suggest that you visit the south coast and drive all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon . You could also visit Stokksnes on this day (the furthest point of this itinerary).

It might look like a lot to do in just a day, but most of these places are located right next to Ring Road and don’t require that much time to visit. And if you find that it’s too much for one day, you can also visit a few of these places on the way back in the direction of Reykjavik the next day.

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, best known as a waterfall where you can walk behind the falling water. It’s a very popular place along the South Coast, so if you haven’t visited it on the previous day, get here as early as you can.

Just a 5-minutes walk to the left from this waterfall, you can find a real hidden gem – Gljúfrabúi waterfall . It’s indeed hidden inside the gorge, so many people miss it. Be sure to check it out!

After that, stop at Skogafoss Waterfall (also try to beat the crowds by getting there early). While it’s not a must, I highly recommend that you also pay a visit to Skogar Museum , just a 5-minute drive from the waterfall parking. It’s an open-air museum where you can see Icelandic turf houses – well worth a visit (opening times and more info here ).

Continue along the south coast to Vik and visit the famous black-sand beach Reynisfjara . Also the nearby Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and Kirkjufjara Beach are worth a short visit.

Another nice stop along the Ring Road in the direction of Jokulsarlon is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon . Also, if you are interested in visiting Stokksnes , you probably want to go there first before coming back to the Jokulsarlon area where I recommend staying for the night.

If you can time to be at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon around sunset, that would be amazing. The Diamond Beach across the road from the glacier lagoon is usually wonderful when icebergs are lit by the evening sun.

During the day, you can also take boat tours on the glacier lagoon (the last ones run around 6-6.30 PM). So if you want to do that, be sure to book the last tour in advance and plan your day in such a way that you can get there on time. Alternatively, you can take the very first tour the next morning. Or simply walk around and enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the glacial lagoon from the shore.

Where to stay: I recommend spending a night close to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. By staying nearby, you can visit this incredible place late in the evening or early in the morning when there are no day tourists around. It’s also amazing being able to see the glacier lagoon and the icebergs at sunset!

The nicest and best-located hotels in this area are Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon and Hali Country Hotel . Here you can find more suggestions on where to stay near Jokulsarlon .

Alternative – if you prefer fewer hotels on this road trip – you could stay in the area around Kirkjubæjarklaustur for two nights and visit the places mentioned for this and the next day in a somewhat different order. Just take a look at the map, places you want to visit, and activities you want to do, and see what makes the most sense for you. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is located about halfway between Vik and Jokulsarlon and is a good base for this area.

Good to know: There are very few accommodations in this area and they tend to sell out fast. If you are traveling in the high season, booking long in advance is essential! To give you an idea, in some years, all the hotels in this area for the summer months are fully booked by February – March. So if you find something that suits your travel dates, reserve asap!

DAY 6: Skaftafell, Glaciers, Vik

Driving time/distance between Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Vik is about 190 km/ 2.5 hours driving time, not including sightseeing.

Today, you can visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (if not done yet) and then continue back along the South Coast in the direction of Vik. If there were any places that you skipped the previous day, you could stop there on your way back. In addition, you can go hiking, book a glacier hike, or go on an ice cave tour.

This is what your day could look like: visit Jokulsarlon , stop at Hofskirkja , do a short hike at Skaftafell – Vatnajökull National Park , book a glacier hike near Skaftafell OR an ice cave tour from Vik . If none of this interests you, check out Icelandic Lava Show in Vik instead.

In the morning, head to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and explore Diamond Beach if you didn’t see it the night before. Even if you did, it’s a really special place that you’ll likely be glad to return to again, also because the scenery here changes all the time.

You can also take a boat tour on the lagoon (if not done the day before), just be sure to go on the very first tour in the morning so that you have plenty of time for other activities afterwards. The earliest tours usually start at around 9-9.30 AM and some of them only take half an hour, so you can easily do that if you want to.

TIP: You can also visit a smaller glacier lagoon nearby, Fjallsarlon . It’s just a few minutes drive from Jokulsarlon, but it’s less known and there are usually hardly any people there. Also, Hofskirkja turf church is a nice short stop along the Ring Road.

Next, I recommend that you choose to either visit Skaftafell, aka Vatnajökull National Park (there are many hikes in Skaftafell), go on a glacier hike, or visit an ice cave .

If you plan well – and depending on tour times and availability – you could visit Skaftafell first and then book an ice cave tour in the afternoon, or you could first go hiking on a glacier and afterwards decide if you also want to hike at Skaftafell NP before driving to Vik.

Skaftafell – Vatnajökull National Park is about 60 km/ 45 minutes drive from Jokulsarlon, back in the direction of Reykjavik. There are many hiking trails here, of various lengths and difficulties (pop in at the visitor center and ask for suggestions).

If you are short on time, I recommend either an easy hike to Skaftafellsjökull for a nice view on the glacier (count 1-1.5 hours) or a moderate hike to Svartifoss (the Black Waterfall). This is the most popular hike, it’s about 3 km (2 miles) in total, goes uphill (and downhill on the way back), and takes about 1.5-2 hrs in total.

There is also a popular glacier hiking tour that starts at Skaftafell. This tour takes about 3 hours and it runs (almost) daily. Usually, there’s at least one departure in the morning and one in the afternoon. If you decide to go in the afternoon, you can easily do a short hike in Skaftafell before that.

If you rather go in the morning, then be sure to plan your Jokulsarlon visit very early (and skip the boat) so that you can get here in time. For more information and practical tips, please check our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Glacier Hiking in Iceland

Alternatively, you can also opt for an ice cave tour . Yes, even in summer (although it’s always better in winter)! While the majority of natural ice caves in Iceland can only be visited in winter, the Katla ice cave near Vik can normally be visited the whole year (still, remember that it’s a natural phenomenon and so the situation can change at any time).

You can only get there with a tour and this is the best-rated tour that I was able to find . It’s a relatively easy tour, it runs from Vik, and it also takes just 3 hours. You also get to walk on a glacier on this tour, but it’s a different experience than a glacier hike. This one is just meant to get to the cave and is not the most beautiful glacier.

Depending on the season, they have several departure times every day (around 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM). Since Vik is about 1.5 hours drive from Skaftafell NP, you should be able to catch the late afternoon tour even if you go hiking in Skaftafell first. If you aren’t interested in hiking, you could even drive to Vik for an earlier tour or simply do the drive in a more relaxed way, stopping at some other attractions that we mentioned on day 6 of this itinerary.

On the way to Vik, stop at Eldhraun lava field . It’s a nice photo stop and a good place to stretch your legs a bit. Just be respectful of nature and stay on walking paths.

TIP: If none of the glacier tours interest you and you have some time to spare on this day, you can visit Icelandic Lava Show in Vik . It’s open until 8 PM and is great for the whole family. The Katla ice cave tour starts and ends here as well, so you could definitely combine the two!

Where to stay: In theory, you could just drive straight to Reykjavik in the evening (about 2.5 hours drive from Vik). However, if you do one of the glacier tours mentioned above, you’ll likely be quite tired. So we suggest that you stay in Vik for a night. You can easily drive to Reykjavik the next morning and still have plenty of time to explore the city.

There are quite some accommodations in Vik . Some of the nicest hotels are Hotel Kria and Hotel Katla , and there are many more places to stay for all budgets.

TIP: If you are in Vik at around sunset, I suggest that you go (back) to Reynisfjara beach which we also mentioned on day 5 of this itinerary. It’s spectacular at sunset – a great way to end your day!

DAY 7: Reykjavik or Reykjanes Peninsula

Driving distance/time from Vik to Reykjavik is about 190 km/ 2.5 hours. If you decide to drive to Reykjanes Peninsula instead, it’s pretty much the same distance. In that case, don’t drive to Reykjavik, but leave the Ring Road in Selfoss and take the road next to the coast.

On the last day of your week in Iceland, you can drive to Reykjavik and visit the city. Alternatively, if you are more interested in Iceland’s natural attractions, you can also head to Reykjanes Peninsula (where also Keflavik airport is located for your flight back home).

Reykjavik or…

If you choose to visit Reykjavik , you can easily see the main highlights of the city in one afternoon. Take a walk along the harbor and check out the Sun Voyager statue and Harpa concert hall building. Then walk in the direction of Lake Tjörnin and check out the tiny building of the Icelandic Parliament. There are also several museums in this area.

Be sure to walk through the city center (Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur streets and the area around them). Don’t miss Hallgrimskirkja Church and take an elevator to the top of the church tower for amazing views over Reykjavik and its surroundings.

The FlyOver Iceland Experience is located quite centrally, close to the Harpa Concert Hall, and is one of the most special experiences in Reykjavik.

Another nice place to visit is Perlan – Wonders of Iceland Museum , a bit outside the city center. If you want to see it, you could drive there upon arrival in the city before going to the center.

Another possibility is booking a puffin and whale-watching tour from Reykjavik harbor. Most tours take 2-3 hours and there are multiple departures during the day. In summer, you can even go on a midnight sun whale-watching tour .

Where to stay: If you decide to stay in the city, please check our guide to where to stay in Reykjavik . It has all the information you need, including the best hotels with parking.

PRO TIP: No matter what you choose to do during the day, reserve tickets for Sky Lagoon in the evening. It’s one of the nicest (if not the best) geothermal pools in Iceland and the ocean views are stunning. Their 7-step ritual is a must. This is a great place to end your trip in Iceland!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik & Itinerary for 1 Day in Reykjavik

or… Reykjanes Peninsula

Important ! If you want to visit Reykjanes Peninsula or the Blue Lagoon, be sure to check the most up-to-date information on recent volcanic activity! Most places are not impacted at all, but the Blue Lagoon has been closed on several occasions recently.

Reykjanes Peninsula is another really nice area to see before you leave Iceland. It’s like the whole country in a nutshell. If your 7-day Iceland trip indeed ends on this day, then you could visit a few places here on your way to the airport. Alternatively, you could also come here before your flight the next day.

There’s a lot to see and do on Reykjanes Peninsula, so you can always find something interesting depending on how much time you have. Some of the main highlights include Valahnúkamöl Cliffs, Reykjanes Lighthouse, Gunnuhver, Bridge Between Continents, Seltún Geothermal Area, Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs, Strandarkirkja, and Garður Lighthouse.

The Fagradalsfjall volcano which erupted in March 2021 and July 2023 is also located here, just like the Meradalir volcano which erupted in August 2022. There have been many more eruptions in this area in late 2023 – early 2024 so the landscape is changing all the time…

The famous Blue Lagoon is located on Reykjanes Peninsula as well. If you haven’t visited the Blue Lagoon on your first day in Iceland, you’ll probably want to do it on the last day. Count 2-3 hours for a visit. And be sure to book your timed tickets in advance !

For more information about all these places and also hotel suggestions if you decide to stay close to the airport, please check our detailed guide to this area via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Reykjanes Peninsula

TIP: If you only have time for one – Reykjavik or Reykjanes Peninsula, please see our article ‘ Is Reykjavik worth it ‘. It might help you decide. In all honesty, it’s a tough choice and if this is your first trip to Iceland, you’ll likely feel like you absolutely have to see its capital city. But if you prefer nature destinations as we do, then you really can’t go wrong with Reykjanes Peninsula.

On our last 10-day trip to Iceland , we didn’t even stop in Reykjavik at all. It was a very different trip, more off the beaten path, but we also started our trip in Snaefellsnes and ended in Reykjanes (just as I suggest in this itinerary) and we all loved it. So it’s really your call.

If you have a full 7 days in Iceland and your flight departs on the 8th day, maybe you can visit both, the city and the Peninsula.

So, this is our suggested self-drive itinerary for one week in Iceland. You can quite easily adjust it depending on your flight times and your interests, and you can also flip it around if you prefer.

As you can see, there’s so much to see and do in the south and the west of Iceland that you’ll already have difficulties choosing where to go and what to skip.

7 Days in Iceland Itinerary on the Map

TIP: To make your trip planning easier, I also created this map , indicating all the places mentioned in our detailed 7-day Iceland itinerary above.

As you can see, we gave each day a different color so that you have a better idea of where everything is and how it all fits in this itinerary. Only for the last day of the trip, we split Reykjavik attractions and Reykjanes Peninsula attractions by indicating them in another color. As already mentioned, you could opt to visit both these places on different days if it better fits your flight schedule.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Alternative Itinerary: Ring Road of Iceland in 7 Days

Because so many of our readers ask for an itinerary for Iceland’s Ring Road in a week, below is an overview of a suggested itinerary.

Once again, you can drive the entire Ring Road in 7 days, but I really recommend that you opt for fewer places and explore more rather than spend the majority of your time in a car.

If you absolutely want to see ‘everything’ in Iceland in one week, then you could use this alternative 7-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary :

• Day 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon/Sky Lagoon, Reykjavik.
• Day 2: South Coast to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
• Day 3: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Eastfjords.
• Day 4: Lake Myvatn area .
• Day 5: The North Coast of Iceland (don’t miss Hvitserkur ).
• Day 6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula .
• Day 7: Back in Reykjavik and departure.

If you decide to do this, keep in mind that it will be rushed and you’ll have to plan very well in order to be able to see just the main places everywhere. We recommend this 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary instead.

So, this is my suggested one week Iceland itinerary. These suggestions are based on our various trips to Iceland, including recommendations for all the best places in this part of Iceland. It’s not a standard copy-paste itinerary that you’ll find described anywhere else, but I have no doubt that you’ll absolutely love it!

And when you do this trip, please come back to our blog and leave a comment under this article telling us how it went – we love to hear feedback from our readers !

TIP: If you are looking for more information for your trip to Iceland, practical tips, clothing advice, etc. please check our complete travel guide to Iceland .

If you have any questions about this 7-day Iceland itinerary, feel free to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help. Alternatively, please join our Facebook group for Iceland & Scandinavia Travel – it’s a great place to meet other travelers, ask questions, and share experiences.

READ ALSO: Iceland Travel Tips

More tips for your trip to Iceland:

• What to see: Best Places to See in Iceland
• Airport transfers: How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Iceland & Where to Stay in Reykjavik
• Packing: What to Wear in Iceland in Winter and What to Pack for Iceland in Summer
• Tours: Best Tours and Day Trips in Iceland and Best Half Day Tours from Reykjavik
• More itinerary suggestions: Iceland Itinerary for 1 to 14 Days
• Winter trip: Iceland in Winter (travel tips and useful Info) & Best Winter Day Trips from Reykjavik
• More: Check out our Iceland travel guide for even more inspiration and tips for your trip.

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

Images: personal collection and Depositphotos.com

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Tuesday 19th of March 2024

Thank you for such a thorough review of touring Iceland in 7 days! It is overwhelming for sure. Can you comment on how much the current volcano activity would impact your suggested itinerary? It is hard to tell if this itinerary allows much time for hiking. What hikes are must do's for the best scenery? We are planning a trip in July and hoping we can find hotels/cottages at this point.

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

Hi Natalie, the recent volcano activity shouldn't influence most travelers visiting Iceland. It's concentrated in Reykjanes Peninsula around Grindavik, so if you follow this itinerary, you may want to skip Reykjanes Peninsula and visit Reykjavik instead (see day 7). The only major tourist attraction that you may not be able to visit is the Blue Lagoon which has been closed on quite a few occasions due to the volcanic activity recently. So to be safe, I would book Sky Lagoon instead (or book both and see how the situation is when you visit). As for hiking, so much depends on your interests and when you visit. But yes, there are some possibilities for short hikes in various places in this itinerary, especially if you are visiting in summer and don't mind staying up late (it stays light all the time in the early summer). However, if you want to do longer hikes (half a day or longer) then I recommend planning some extra time in Iceland. In this itinerary, you could do a hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (day 2), a short hike to Öxarárfoss Waterfall on the Golden Circle (day 3), there are quite some hiking possibilities on both - Heimaey Island and Landmannalaugar (day 4 - or add another day and visit both places), you can also hike a bit along the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (day 5) and there are a few nice 2-4 hour hikes to choose from at Skaftafell National Park, plus, you can do a glacier hike in this area (day 6). Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning and yes, book accommodations asap. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 12th of March 2024

This post has been my North Star in my planning. Thank you for the wonderful information! Would you recommend langjokull ice cave over Katla? or maybe Katla over Langjokull? doing both is a bit outside our price range, but we do have time.

Monday 18th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thank you! We are following your advice on staying Borgarnes the first night, thinking of stopping at the Perlan after Blue Lagoon on our way to the airbnb. What would you say is the minimum amount of time to enjoy the Perlan?

Wednesday 13th of March 2024

Hi Marina, the ice cave that most tours visit at Langjokull is a man-made ice tunnel inside a glacier (see the pictures of this tour) except for this tour which goes to a recently-discovered natural ice cave. Katla Ice Cave is also a natural cave - see the pictures here. At Langjokull, you know more or less what to expect whereas natural ice caves might look quite different depending on when you visit them. Having said that, my personal preference always goes to natural ones, but that's also because we have visited dozens of man-made ice tunnels in our travels and they all look similar. I'd say take a look at the pictures, see what appeals to you the most, and also check which tour you could best fit into your itinerary (check availability!) and decide based on that. You can't really go wrong with any of them - it will always be worth it. PS If you want to see a more affordable man-made ice tunnel in Iceland, you can also visit the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik. The tunnel they have there is made of real ice. Plus, they have an amazing Arora show as well. Hope this helps!

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Hello! Thank you so much for this! I've seen lots of information for one week in Iceland and yours seems to really hit all the marks! We have 7 nights, so I'm trying to decide how to space everything out...we were thinking we might do the food tour and Blue Lagoon when we land on Saturday in July. Then drive to Snaefellsnes. Would 2 nights there be too much? Then, 2 nights in Hella, and two nights in Vik? Then, drive back for our 5pm flight the following Saturday (maybe hitting the Sky Lagoon before our flight). Thanks!

Wednesday 28th of February 2024

Hi Katy, your plan sounds good if you want to minimize the number of hotels during the trip. Just a few things. First, because of the location of the Sky Lagoon (in the city) and the Blue Lagoon (close to the airport), I would switch those two around. So visit Sky Lagoon on the first day and the Blue Lagoon at the end of your trip. Also, be sure to book both of these well in advance because they always sell out. Second, book your accommodations and car rental asap. Especially hotels outside Reykjavik!

Ornella Zaatar

Monday 19th of February 2024

Thank you for this helpful itinerary. I am trying to plan one of the date in the south coast (Vatjankul National Park). I am still debating if it is worth it to do the Katla ice cave tour and the Jokulsarlon Glacier lagon zodiac tour (which i believe this one is nice) or any other must seen tours/places? So far thats my itinerary. Any advice will be highly appreciate it.

- katla ice cave tour? (3h) -Fjaorargljufur canyon -Skaftafell-Svartifoss -jokulsarlon glacier lagon ( book a zodiac tour) any compagnie in particular? -diamond beach

Thank you in advance.

Wednesday 21st of February 2024

@Jurga, Thank you so much for your help really appreciate it.

I have one more questions regarding the Snaefellsness Peninsula we are going for one day and I made a rough draft: -arrival at 1pm to Stykkisholmur -3pm Kirkjufell and kirkjufellsfoss waterfall -5pm Bjarnarfoss buoir -6:30pm Arnarstapi -8:30pm Saxholl crater

1)Is it a good one? 2)is there places that we must see that I did not put?I just want to make sure we are seeing the must sees in our time there

Thank you so much for all your help. I really appreciate it. Planning Iceland is so exciting but also overwhelming. It is the first trip that I planned that took me a long time to finish the planning haha. Your blog helped me significantly Thanks again!

@Jurga, yes so we are going in summer. My only concern is that we wont make it to the boat tour the last one i checked available was at 4:45pm.

how I calculate it with some buffer time in case of delays or anything -9:30 am to 1:30pm Katla ice cave around 2 hours buffer to arrive and have a stop for snack -3:30-4:40pm: Fjaorargljufur Canyon -6pm Skatafel and Svartifos -7:30 or 8pm:Jokulsarlon glacier lagon -8:30-9pm diamond beach

1) Do you know any zodiac boat tour that starts at later time like 8pm? 2)It might be a stupid question but if we do not do the zodiac boat tour can we still go see the jikylsarlon glacier lagon by ourselfs? 3)Knowing the following itinerary which one would you give up the Katla ice cave or the Jokulsarlon glacier lagon zodiac tour?

Hi Ornella, you forgot to mention when you are traveling, where you are planning to stay, and where you are going the next day, so it's a bit difficult to give tailored advice. But if you are traveling in the summer when the days are long and can get to Vik in time for the morning tour to Katla (this tour starts at 9.30 AM, at least for the days I checked), you should be able to do all this in a day. If you stay close to Jokulsarlon at the end of that day, you can also do the boat trip on the lagoon the next morning. It doesn't matter which company you choose - the main difference is the type of boat you choose - an amphibian boat or a speedboat. In some seasons, there are also kayak tours, but those take longer and cost even more. Hope this helps. Just book any tours you want to do and especially accommodations asap.

Christiana Debono

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and tips !

trying to opt for the 7 day itinerary in september, do you still recommend the same places if a toddler aged 2 yrs is going to tag along or shall we omit from visiting a few places?

Monday 8th of January 2024

Hi Christiana, it's hard for me to say what you can/can't do - so much depends on your family, and how you guys like to travel, but also how you visit certain places. For example, you can visit the highlands with a young kid on your own (in a 4x4), but it's probably not the best idea to book a hiking tour with a group. Yet another thing to consider is accessibility and whether you will be taking a stroller. Many places in nature will be hard to impossible to access with a stroller. Also, you won't be able to do some excursions like e.g. glacier hiking. Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik doesn't allow little kids either. So you'll have to do a bit more research based on your interests, but as far as nature sights go and general itinerary, yes, you can do it with a young child as well. Hope this helps.