11 Days in Iceland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Self-Drive Iceland Ring Road Adventure

Spend 11 days circling Iceland on this self-drive adventure by 4WD, exploring many of its most iconic waterfalls, geothermal areas, and geological marvels, including whale watching, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and hiking.

Begin by soaking in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon Spa before exploring Reykjavik's sites. Then follow the "Ring Road" along the South Coast, visiting Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and thrilling to snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull glacier. You'll also view the Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara sea stacks, go horseback riding on Víkurfjara beach, hike Þakgil and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyons, and don crampons to hike Skaftafellsjökull glacier. And the next day, explore an ice cave inside the Vatnajökull glacier. Plus, you'll explore the iceberg-studded Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon by boat or kayak.

For week two, snake your way through the Eastfjords, including hikes to Folaldafoss and Hengifoss waterfalls, before heading through the "Northern Volcanic Rift Zone," starting with Stuðlagil Canyon. Continue to Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, then explore the geological wonders around Lake Mývatn. Next, spend a morning whale watching out of Húsavik, then marvel at the picture-perfect Godafoss waterfall as you head west to the Vatnsnes Peninsula—with its Hvitserkur sea stack—and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with its iconic Kirkjufell mountain. Finally, head back to Reykjavik. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Active Iceland North to South

This 11-day active adventure delves into western Iceland's top nature experiences, adventure activities, and iconic sites, from Westfjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the north to the "Golden Circle" and the many treasures of the South Coast.

Arriving at Keflavik airport, fly to Ísafjörður to explore the wild Westfjords, beginning with remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to view puffins and Arctic fox. Then drive west via the magnificent Dynjandi waterfalls to the Látrabjarg promontory, with its millions of seabirds, before continuing to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Highlights include iconic Kirkjufell, the clifftop basalt pillars and sea-arch at Lóndrangar and Gatklettur, and a horseback ride on Löngufjörur Beach. Then head through the Borgarfjörður region, visiting Hraunfossar waterfall and hiking to geothermal Husafell Canyon Baths.

Arriving at the Golden Circle, you'll hike the Mid-Atlantic Rift gorge and perhaps snorkel the Silfra fissure before viewing the Strokkur geyser and Gulfoss waterfall. Then, along the South Coast, explore the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, dramatic coastal formations of Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara, and the glacial wonders of Vatnajökull glacier. You'll hike Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, and to Skaftafellsjökull glacier, and Svartifoss waterfall, and explore Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon by Zodiak or kayak. End with hiking Reykjadalur valley to bathe in geothermal pools before heading to Reykjavik. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Hiking Iceland: Golden Circle & South Coast 

This 11-day experiential itinerary provides a comprehensive immersion in southwest Iceland's "Golden Circle" and South Coast regions. Packed with iconic sites that are a microcosm of Iceland's natural wonders, it combines hiking with snowmobiling and exploration by "Super Jeep" and Zodiak.

Set off from Keflavik airport in a 4WD rental for Hveragerði to hike the Reykjadalur Valley, including bathing in a geothermal river. Then hike the multi-colored Kerlingarfjoll Mountains—a cauldron of mud pools, hot springs, and fumaroles—and to the Gýgjarfoss waterfall. Next, take a ferry to Heimaey, in the Westman Islands, to view puffins and hike the dormant Eldfell volcano before returning to the mainland for a "Super Jeep" tour to hike the Laugahraun lava field and active Hekla volcano. Then enjoy a two-day adventure by Super Jeep into the Þórsmörk Valley, where hikes include a trek to the Gígjökull glacier.

Then drive east along the South Coast, visiting such iconic attractions as Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Svartifoss waterfalls and dramatic coastal formations of Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara. You'll also ride snowmobiles on Mýrdalsjökull glacier and tour Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiak, as well as hike Fjaðrárgljúfur and Múlagljúfur canyons and atop the Skaftafellsjökull glacier. Then head back along the Ring Road for more hiking in off-the-beaten-path Þakgil and Remundargil canyons before ending in Reykjavik. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Iceland South & West Coast Highlights

Whale watching for orcas off the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and an amphibian boat tour of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are just two highlights of this action-packed 11-day self-drive adventure that checks off the top sites and experiences of western and southern Iceland.

After picking up your 4WD upon arrival, and sightseeing in Reykjavik, head to the Snæfellsnes peninsula to explore the coastal basalt formations of Arnarstapi and Lóndrangar and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. Whale watching for orcas will be a highlight before heading south to the Borgarfjörður region, including Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls and the Glymur waterfall. Next, hike in Þingvellir National Park, be awed by Strokkur geyser, bathe in the Secret Lagoon, and perhaps snorkel the Silfra fissure while touring the Golden Circle. Then head to the South Coast via the Ring Road.

Marvel at the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, explore the Skógar Folk Museum and view puffins atop the Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara cliffs. Then hike the sinuous Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and explore Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon by amphibious boat before donning crampons to hike atop the Sólheimajökull glacier. Next, spend two days exploring Heimaey island, including viewing puffin colonies and the Beluga Whale Sanctuary. Then hike the Reykjadalur geothermal valley before heading back to Reykjavik, where depending on your departure flight time you might explore the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Active Iceland Ring Road Adventure

This 11-day self-drive active adventure loops around the country via the Ring Road, combining visits to all the must-see sites with such exciting adventures as whale watching, snowmobiling across the Langjökull Glacier, and even snorkeling in the Silfra fissure.

Upon arrival, soak away travel stress at the Blue Lagoon, then head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to explore Kirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur black-sand beach, and Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Then head east via the Vatnsnes Peninsula (including the Hvítserkur sea stack) to explore the "Diamond Circle," taking in Godafoss and Detifoss waterfalls and the volcanically active Lake Mývatn region. You'll relax in geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths and whale watch from Húsavík. Continue via Stuðlagil Canyon and the Eastfjords to Jökulsárlón for a boat tour, then hike the Skaftafell glacier and an ice cave.

Next, hike Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and head along the South Coast via Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey (each with dramatic coastal formations), the heritage Skógar Museum, and Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Then, two days in the Golden Circle include visits to Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area, snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier, hiking the Mid-Atlantic Rift, and snorkeling the Silfra fissure. There's even an option to overnight in a transparent globe at the Bubble Hotel! Plus, you'll get plenty of time back in Reykjavik to indulge in cultural pursuits for a day. Learn more

More Great Iceland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland? Check out these other Iceland itineraries, with self-drive trips, active adventures, and cultural and nature-focused experiences.