East to West Iceland Family Adventure -7 Days

Highlights

• Delight in the company of wild reindeer 
• Venture inside a crystal blue ice cave 
• Tour the black sands of Vík on an Icelandic horse
• Explore the depths of the dormant Þríhnúkagígur Volcano

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Keflavík, Fly to Egilsstaðir via Reykjavík, Geothermal Vök Baths

Velkominn til íslands (welcome to Iceland)! Arrive in Keflavík and catch a transfer to Reykjavík for your flight to Egilsstaðir in the mountainous eastern corner. There are few places in Iceland as untouched and off the beaten track as the remote Eastfjords. Come here to discover seldom-traveled trails, tiny fishing villages, wildlife, and a myriad of natural wonders, from graceful waterfalls to wintry glaciers. 

Lying on the banks of Lake Lagarfljót, Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland and ideally placed to explore the remote beauty of this area. You'll find the serene geothermal Vök infinity pools a five-minute drive northwest. Bathe in the warm, crystal clear waters that lead directly onto Lake Urriðavatn. Soothe any post-flight aches as you relax with the family and enjoy the mountainous surroundings. In the summertime (or winter, if you're brave enough), you can access the lake directly from the pools. 

Afterward, travel to your accommodation and continue the restful vibe, or drive around Lake Lagarfjlót. Task the children with spotting the mythical giant serpent that, according to legend, is said to inhabit the lake's mysterious depths. 

Day 2: Explore the Eastfjords Villages, Reindeer Safari

Today, journey into the heart of the Eastfjords region, where you'll be captivated by charming fishing villages nestled within narrow fjords against a mountainous backdrop. A 34-mile (55-km) drive southeast of Egilsstaðir reveals the beautiful and remote Mjóifjörður. Visit the tiny village of Brekkuþorp before journeying toward the Dalatangi Lighthouse at the end of the fjord. Stop to admire the coastal views from Iceland's most easterly point by road before continuing to Seyðisfjörður, a fjord-side gem with colorful houses contrasting against the snow-capped peaks. 

This afternoon, take part in an experience the whole family will treasure, one unique to the Eastfjords area of Iceland. Starting in Egilsstaðir, spend an enchanting four hours in the company of the country's only herd of wild reindeer in their natural habitat. Led by a local specialist, track these magnificent creatures into the wilderness and enjoy sweeping views of snow-streaked mountains and deep fjords along the way. Sightings are best in winter when the herds migrate into the valleys.

Day 3: Discover the Eastfjords, Hallormsstaður Forest ATV Tour

After breakfast, spend the morning getting acquainted with the towering landscape of the Eastfjords and navigate your way through one of the most scenic stretches of the country's Ring Road. Start on the eastern side of Lake Lagarfljót and pass a scenic view of Mount Snæfell and the Hallormsstaður Forest. Continue along Route 931 to the parking lot, and from here, it's a 1.5-mile (2.5-km) gentle hike to Hengifoss waterfall. Look out across the valley and the spectacular basalt columns as the cascades tumble into the gorge of Hengifossárgljúfur below.

Make your way north up the Jökuldalur Valley to Stuðlagil Canyon, created by a mighty river that forced its way from the highlands to the north of the island. Discover the towering basalt rock columns that plunge into the jade-blue, 90-mile-long (150 km) glacial waters of one of Iceland's hidden gems.

In the afternoon, it's time to explore the charming Hallormdsstaður Forest with a local specialist who will guide you across the rugged tracks by 4WD ATV. Spend an exhilarating hour as you traverse terrain only accessible by ATV and enjoy scenery and sights rarely seen by tourists. You'll make several stops along the way as you hear about the history of Hallormdsstaður from your guide. Afterward, drive 115 miles (186 km) south along the Ring Road to your hotel in the tiny harbor town of Höfn, a glittering hamlet set against the Vatnajökull ice cap.

Day 4: Skaftafell National Park, Crystal Blue Ice Cave Visit

Rise early this morning for an epic day exploring Iceland's stunning southeast coast, dominated by mountain peaks, rivers, and giant glaciers. Your ultimate destination for today is the seaside town of Vík on the South Coast. With the road trip along Iceland's southeastern side comprising some of the country's most spectacular scenery and unmissable sights—you'll want to take your time.

First up on your itinerary is the famous glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón, a 50-mile (80 km) drive away and your meeting point for today's ice cave excursion. Travel with a group by "Super Jeep" across the glacial landscape and prepare to make the short walk to the area's ice caves. You'll learn about the Vatnajökull ice cap along the way before stepping into the ancient glacier and marveling at the natural blue ice cave inside. Iceland has many pinch-yourself moments, and this is firmly one of them. Your guide will decide on the day which caves to visit based on safety and weather conditions. 

Day 5: South Coast, Horse Riding in Vík, Drive to the Golden Circle

After yesterday's exploring, take a leisurely start to the day and head for a second breakfast at one of Vík's cafés. Be sure to try the local vinarbrauð, a delicious flaky pastry filled with custard and flavored with almonds. Don't dally too long, as the kids will be eager for today's excursion—a gentle family horse-riding tour across Vík's black-sand beach. Visit the stables, where the children can meet their sweet-tempered ponies before setting out for a ride. You might even have the opportunity to try some tölt, the distinctive running gait of the Icelandic horse. 

Afterward, continue onto the next leg of your family road trip—the Golden Circle via Iceland's famous South Coast. Make time to stop at the striking Reynisfjara Beach, where you can wander the vast basalt hexagonal columns rising from the sand and explore the beach's large caves. Fire the kids' imagination as you play trolls in homage to local folklore and the origins of the 216-foot (65 m) Reynisdrangar rock pillars that jut out from the ocean's depths. Known for its spectacular waterfalls, this stretch is home to two of the country's most celebrated cascades.

First up is the immense Skógafoss—with a drop of 196 feet (59 m) and a width of 82 feet (25 m), it's one of the largest in Iceland. Climb the 527 steps to the viewing platform for a family photo to remember. Another 30 minutes in the car, and you'll reach Seljalandsfoss—button up your raincoats as you witness the water roaring 30 feet (9 m) in front of you from the safety of a cave under the cliff. Another hour in the car along Route 1, and you'll reach the iconic Golden Circle area. Make your way to your hotel for some downtime before dining at one of the many nearby eateries.

Day 6: Explore the Golden Circle, Inside the Volcano Experience, Drive to Reykjavík

Today is your opportunity to explore the Golden Circle at your own pace. Discover landscapes woven with dramatic cliffs, mysterious legends, and ancient folklore as you drive to the first stop on the circle. The majestic Gullfoss, Iceland's "Golden Falls," cascades 105 feet (32 m) over two dramatic tiers into the glacial waters of the Hvítá River below. Continue on for another 10 minutes, and you'll reach the Geysir geothermal area, where the Strokkur Geyser regularly blasts warm water to heights of up to 130 feet (40 m).

Explore the surrounding hot springs and steam vents between eruptions before heading back in the car toward the  Þingvellir National Park. Kids will be amazed to be able to walk the path between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and discover the geological wonders created along the spectacular Mid-Atlantic Rift. If time allows, take a short hike along the ridge toward the stunning waterfall of Öxarárfoss. The park and surrounding area have plenty of lunch options so you can catch a breather before your next excursion.

It's your final day in Iceland. Depending on your flight time, you have several options. Spend the morning exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula and experience geological wonders such as the green-hued volcanic crater lake of Grænavatn and the colorful geothermal areas of Gunnuhver and Krýsuvík. Or take a stroll through Reykjavík and discover some of the city's main sights, including the towering Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral and the Sun Voyager Sculpture. Make your way to the main street of Laugavegur and the town square before heading to the charming old harbor for a coffee.

For a more indulgent end to your road trip, finish your Icelandic experience in the same way you started, unwinding in the geothermal waters of the world-famous and family-friendly Blue Lagoon Spa. Soak in the mineral-rich seawater and drift away in contemplation as the turquoise silica and algae-rich waters work their rejuvenating magic. Take a dip with the kids under the lagoon's waterfall and enjoy the in-water bar before seeking refreshments at the on-site café and restaurant.

More Great Iceland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland? Check out these other Iceland itineraries, explore more ways to spend a week in Iceland with your family, and learn about the best time to visit Iceland.