Iceland Family Adventure: East to West Highlights & Westman Islands - 10 Days

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, where you will pick up your rental car. There are few places in Iceland as untouched and off the beaten track as the remote Eastfjords. Come here to discover seldom-traveled trails, charming fishing villages nestled within narrow fjords, and a myriad of natural wonders, from graceful waterfalls to wintry glaciers. 

Lying on the banks of Lake Lagarfljót, Egilsstaðir is East Iceland's largest town and perfectly placed to explore the area's remote beauty. After checking in at your hotel, start your family adventure in true Icelandic style with a visit to the serene geothermal Vök Baths— a five-minute drive northwest of the town. Bathe in the clear warm waters that lead directly onto Lake Urriðavatn. Soothe any post-flight aches as you relax with the family in the mountainous surroundings. You can access the lake directly from the pools in the summertime (or winter, if you're brave enough). 

Afterward, drive to your Egilsstaðir accommodation and continue the restful vibe, or explore the tranquil shores of Lake Lagarfjlót. Task the children with spotting the mythical giant serpent that, according to local folklore, has inhabited the lake's mysterious depths since 1345.

Day 2: Eastfjords Villages, Hallormdsstaður Forest ATV Tour

After a quick refresh at your accommodation, it's time for this afternoon's activity. Explore the charming Hallormdsstaður Forest with a local guide who will accompany you and your family as you drive 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.

Day 3: The Eastfjords, Reindeer Safari, Drive to Höfn

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 panoramic view of Mount Snæfell and the Hallormsstaður Forest. A quick twenty-minute drive along Route 931 takes you to the parking lot, and from here, it's a 1.5-mile (2.5 km) gentle hike to Hengifoss Waterfall. Gaze across the valley and spectacular basalt columns as the cascades tumble into the gorge of Hengifossárgljúfur below.

Next on your itinerary is the unmissable Stuðlagil Canyon, created by a mighty river that forced its way from the highlands to the north of the island. Travel back along the lake's western side toward Egilsstaðir and continue northwest on Route 1 toward Grundartún for 30 miles (49 km). A 90-minute journey will reward you with one of the country's most spectacular hidden gems. Discover Iceland's most extensive collection of vast basalt columns that plunge into the aquamarine 90-mile (150 km) sweep of glacial waters below.

After stretching your legs with a gentle hike around the canyon, head back to Egilsstaðir for an experience unique to the Eastfjords and one the whole family will treasure. 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 views of snow-streaked mountains and deep fjords along the way. Afterward, drive 115 miles (186 km) south along the Ring Road to the tiny harbor town of Höfn, where you'll overnight.

Day 4: Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Crystal Blue Ice Cave Tour, Drive to Vík

Today is jam-packed with adventure and unmissable sights, so you'll want to rise early to make the most of an epic day exploring Iceland's stunning southeast coast. Your ultimate destination for today is the seaside town of Vík on the South Coast. Take your time as you drive through scenery dominated by giant glaciers and towering mountain peaks. Your first stop, a 50-mile (80 km) drive from Höfn, is the famous glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón and your starting point for today's ice cave excursion.

Travel with a group by "Super Jeep" across the wintry landscape and learn all about the Vatnajökull ice cap before taking a short walk to the area's ice caves. Experience the magical stillness as you and the kids step into the ancient glacier and marvel 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. 

Before hopping back in the car for the next leg, explore the black sands of Diamond Beach, where the kids can spot glittering iceberg chunks that have broken away and washed ashore. From here, it's around a 45-minute drive to Skaftafall National Park. Break for lunch and discover surroundings reminiscent of fairy tales as you make the 3-mile (5 km) hike to the dramatic Svartifoss waterfall. Next is the magnificent Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon with its ancient two million-year-old steep jagged walls. Continue south for 42 miles (69 km) until you reach your accommodation in Vík.

Day 5: South Coast, Mýrdalsjökull Glacier Snowmobiling, Ferry to Westman Islands

Appetites satisfied, you have time to visit two of the area's most celebrated cascades. Just a few minutes away is the immense Skógafoss. Climb the 527 steps to the viewing platform for a family photo to remember before journeying 19 miles (30 km) to Seljalandsfoss. Watch the kids' amazement as the water thunders 30 feet (9 m) directly ahead as you and your family enjoy the spectacle from the sheltered cave behind the falls. Afterward, head to the Landeyjahöfn Ferry Terminal, a 15-minute drive away, where you'll catch a 30 min ferry ride to the Westman Islands.

Day 6: Westman Islands, RIB Boat Adventure, Travel to Golden Circle

This morning, take some time to explore Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. After breakfast, visit the Eldheimar Museum and learn all about the 1973 Eldfell eruption before hiking to the top of the 720-foot (219 m) high Eldfell Crater that was formed and forever changed the island's landscape. There are numerous trails to cliffs and lava fields, or you can take the kids to Stórhöfði to see firsthand why the island is famous for having the world's largest puffin colony. The incredible Norwegian stave church at Stafkirkjan is worth a visit too.

After a break for lunch, it's time to make the most of the island's unique position and take an exhilarating RIB boat (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) adventure. Explore the island's coast and sail along the new lava from the 1973 eruption that enlarged Heimaey by 1.2 miles (2 km). The younger ones will be fascinated to hear tales of Viking sagas and battles as they learn about the archipelago's history. Visit the sea caves of Fjósið and Klettshellir and keep your eyes peeled for the island's famous puffins as well as orcas, porpoises, and dolphins in the summer months.

Board the ferry, make the quick 30-minute journey back to the mainland and prepare to drive to your accommodation in the Golden Circle. 

Day 7: Golden Circle Highlights, Horse Riding Tour

Today is your opportunity to explore the world-famous 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 before lunching at one of the area's nearby eateries.

This afternoon, spend a leisurely couple of hours exploring the Golden Circle's beautiful surroundings on horseback. You will be matched with Icelandic horses suited to your abilities as you ride through breathtaking scenery and hear history, tales, and anecdotes about the surrounding villages and areas from your expert local guide. Afterward, head back to your accommodation before finding a cozy spot for dinner and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Day 8: Drive to Reykjavík, Whale Watching Tour

 Set off early this morning to spend your last couple of days in the capital of Reykjavík, one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. Check into your hotel, then head out for a bite to eat before strolling the charming downtown area to explore the boutiques, cafés, and galleries. If the younger ones are weary, placate them with hot chocolate and cookies down at the waterfront, where you'll also discover the elegant Sun Voyager Sculpture and the glimmering glass facade of the Harpa Concert Hall.

In the afternoon, make your way to the harbor, where you'll embark on a magical whale watching tour in the nearby bay of Faxaflói. Along with minke whales, humpbacks and dolphins, encounter a vast variety of wildlife, from puffins and gannets to guillemots, as you set sail and learn about the incredible marine life from your expert guide. Afterward, return to shore where the evening is yours to spend as you wish. 

Day 9: Explore Reykjavík, Sea Angling Trip, Faxaflói Bay

It's your penultimate day in Iceland, and the morning is yours to explore the country's stunning capital at your own pace. Indulge in a second breakfast of waffles and hot chocolate in the old town before discovering some of Reykjavík's top museums and galleries. After yesterday's adventures at sea, take the kids to the Whales of Iceland Exhibition to further their newfound marine life passion and the magical Northern Lights Center and Saga Museum.

Day 10: Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon, Depart from Keflavík

It's your last day in Iceland, but there's still time to make more Icelandic memories before catching your flight home. The Reykjanes Peninsula is home to lava fields, hot springs, and the UNESCO-listed Reykjanes Geopark. Visit the geothermal area of Krýsuvík, where the kids will marvel at the hot springs and steam vents, and if time allows, discover the bubbling mud cauldrons at Gunnuhver. Older kids may enjoy the folktale of a four-hundred-year-old vengeful ghost called Gunna, after whom the hot springs are named. 

A more relaxing finale to your Iceland adventure is to finish your trip the way it started, at geothermal hot springs and possibly Iceland's most famous attraction—the Blue Lagoon Spa. Soak in the mineral-rich geothermal seawater and drift away 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.

With hearts full of adventure, it's time to say bless (goodbye). Make your way to Keflavík airport, drop off your rental car and board your flight home. See you soon!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland? Check out these other Iceland itineraries, explore more ways to spend 10 days with the family in Iceland, and learn about the best time to visit Iceland.