15 Days in Iceland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Iceland Highlights & Ring Road Adventure 

This busy 15-day highlights tour circles the entire island and hits all of the most popular spots in Iceland. Snowmobiling, hiking, kayaking, and more around geothermal wonders like the national park in Vík and Grjótagjá lava cave and hot springs.

Jump right into your Iceland adventure on the first day by checking out the natural wonders of the Golden Circle: taking in the canyons of Þingvellir National Park, the waterfalls of Gullfoss, and the geysers of the Geysir geothermal area before a mountain horseback adventure. Day 2 zips along with a snowmobile trip across the breathtaking Langjökull glacier. Then enjoy a scenic drive down to Vík to explore waterfalls, the charming town, and the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Get up close to the icebergs on a guided kayak tour of the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, finishing with a relaxing soak in the Vök Baths.

Next, head to lake Mývatn to check out the Grjótagjá lava cave and hot spring. Whale watching is on the agenda in Húsavík on Day 8 before heading to the stunning Goðafoss waterfall. Save time for a white-water rafting trip on the East Glacial River, then drive to the Westfjords region to greet the seals and puffins before kayaking the Ísafjörður for more excellent wildlife viewing. Day 12 brings you to the unforgettable scenery of the sea cliffs of Látrabjarg and the red sand of Rauðisandur Beach. Finally, enjoy the snow-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano and soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Iceland Relaxed South Coast Self-Drive

A more laid-back 15-Day trip for those who want to (literally) soak up more of what makes Iceland unique. The slower pace keeps you near Reykjavík for a home base but lets you explore the marvels of Vík and the coast during whale watching, snorkeling, and national park tours.

Your trip commences in Reykjavík, where you can view inspiring architecture and perhaps do some shopping before a visit to the iconic Blue Lagoon. The following day you'll safely hike with a guide to Fagradalsfjall, an active volcano. A tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula delights, with bubbling mud pots and fumaroles in the geopark and a charming fishing village to explore. On Day 5, you'll take a boat ride to spot whales, puffins, and other fascinating sea creatures. Then you'll drive to Þingvellir National Park for some Viking history before a guided Jeep tour of the rugged landscapes of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. 

Week two begins with a hike to the stunning mountain vistas of Thórsmörk. Then drive to Vík, where natural wonders like black-sand beaches and spectacular rock formations abound. You'll take a trip to a glistening ice cave, then hike the country's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Visit Dyrhólaey, a natural rock arch and the perfect photo opportunity, then check out the Skógafoss waterfall. The next couple of days will be spent on the water, with a whale watching tour and a snorkeling adventure in Silfra, with an impressive 393 feet (120 m) of visibility. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Iceland Best of the West: Snæfellsnes & Westfjords

This 15-day trip along the island's west coast is great for history and wildlife lovers. Enjoy nature at the cliffs and waterfalls of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and learn about the Vikings in the Westfjords. The hot springs and other geothermal phenomena of Lake Mývatn and Askja round out your journey.

Welcome to the land of fire and ice! Your adventure begins in Reykjavík, where you'll soak up the town, then soak your troubles away in the legendary Blue Lagoon. A trip to the many wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is next, where you'll explore lava fields, seaside cliffs, waterfalls, a historic chapel, and more. Explore the 16th-century town of Stykkishólmur, then take a ferry to the towering sea cliffs and wind-swept beaches of the Westfjords. A guided walking tour along the cliffs of Látrabjarg and a trip to the Dynjandi waterfall round out your first week.

Spend Day 8 in Ísafjörður, hiking to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to spot an arctic fox. Then on the following day, enjoy an epic road trip to the country's best-kept secret: northern Iceland. You'll see Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, in Akureyri. Head to Húsavík for a horseback ride across the cliffs, then to the canyons, waterfalls, and hot springs of Lake Mývatn. On Day 13, you'll explore the otherworldly crater lake of Askja via a Jeep tour before a helicopter tour over the rugged lava fields gives you a new perspective. Learn more

More Great Iceland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland? Check out these other Iceland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.