How many days do you need in Reykjavík, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri?
- Most travelers spend 8-10 days in Reykjavík, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri combined
- With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Golden Circle, Westfjords, and West Iceland
How Many Days to Spend in Iceland
Recommended Itineraries for Reykjavík, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | North to Glymur Falls and Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 4 | The North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Big Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 5 | Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Scenic Eastern Fjords | Seydisfjordur |
| Day 7 | Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 8 | Back from South Coast, Reykjanes Peninsula, Departure |
This itinerary packs a lot into eight days, but if you have limited time and have your heart set on driving the entire Ring Road, then this guide will be your best friend for the journey. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
10-Day Itinerary Including the Golden Circle
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | North to Glymur Falls and Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 4 | The North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Big Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 5 | Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Scenic Eastern Fjords | Seydisfjordur |
| Day 7 | Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 8 | South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches & the Start of the Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
| Day 9 | Golden Circle & Back to Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 10 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart From Reykjavík |
With 10 days on the road, you can discover a variety of regions and landscapes as you loop around Iceland's famous Route 1 (Ring Road). This moderately paced self-drive itinerary will take you to the best spots along the 828-mile (1,332 km) route, with stops in its two biggest cities, as well as volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, small fishing towns, and massive glaciers, as well as major attractions in the Golden Circle. This is going to be one gorgeous ride! Read more
2-Week Itinerary Including the Golden Circle & Westfjords
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | North to Glymur Falls and Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Black-Sand Beaches & Fishing Towns | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 4 | Ferry From Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the Westfjords | Patreksfjörður |
| Day 5 | Southern Westfjords: Látrabjarg & Dynjandi | Ísafjörður |
| Day 6 | Isafjordur or Hornstrandir Hiking | Ísafjörður |
| Day 7 | Scenic Drive from Isafjordur to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 8 | The North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Big Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 9 | Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 10 | Scenic Eastern Fjords | Seydisfjordur |
| Day 11 | Seydisfjordur to Djúpivogur | Djupivogur |
| Day 12 | Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 13 | South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches & the Start of the Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
| Day 14 | Golden Circle and back to Reykjavik / KEF |
With two weeks in Iceland, you can complete the entire ring road and add some great detours. This grand tour will take you to all the best places giving you plenty of time to hike, explore, and soak it all in. This 14-day itinerary covers all the major regions except the highlands, which you can see with a couple more days or by spending less time in some of the areas below. Read more
How to travel between Reykjavík, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
How to get to Lake Mývatn
Northern Iceland is home to the geothermal area of Lake Mývatn, a main stop on the country's "Diamond Circle" comprised of Húsavík, the canyon of Ásbyrgi, and the Dettifoss waterfall. International travelers arriving at Keflavík Airport (KEF) can either rent a car and make the trek north via the Ring Road (Route 1) or transfer to Reykjavík's domestic airport for a short (45-minute) flight to Akureyri. Read more
How to get from Reykjavík to Akureyri
Venturing the 241 miles (388 km) from Iceland's capital city of Reykjavík to the "capital of the north," Akureyri, can be done either by self-driving or flying via domestic airports. The northern city offers much by way of cultural and outdoor experiences, including some of the best whale watching in the world. It's also possible to arrange for a private or group transfer, though it's not the most flexible or affordable choice. Read more
How to get to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is easily accessed by driving, and it's possible to tour the entire area in a full day—however, it's wise to allow for more time to really explore the expansive beauty. Read more
How to get to the South Coast of Iceland
The South Coast of Iceland, spanning from just outside the capital city of Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón, is easily drivable along the Ring Road (Route 1). The beginning of the route is easily accessible from both the international airport in Keflavík and the domestic airport in Reykjavík, or via downtown Reykjavík, with a 45-minute drive. Read more
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