Highlights
- Marvel at Iceland's waterfalls and glaciers as you drive the famous Golden Circle
- See glacial ice sparkling in the sand at Diamond Beach and go whale watching
- Soak in geothermal hot springs and hike around thundering waterfalls like Gullfoss
- Hike along sea cliffs on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and explore the hidden Eastfjords
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Iceland, Drive to Bubble Hotel & Golden Circle Tour | Golden Circle |
Day 2 | Drive to Vík via South Coast Waterfalls & Sea Cliffs | Vík |
Day 3 | Drive to Höfn via Glaciers, Beaches & Ice Caves | Höfn |
Day 4 | Drive to Egilsstaðir & via Villages & Waterfalls | Egilsstaðir |
Day 5 | Day Trip Around Egilsstaðir & Vök Baths | Egilsstaðir |
Day 6 | Drive to Lake Mývatn via Dettifoss, Afternoon at the Nature Baths | Lake Mývatn |
Day 7 | Day Trip to Hverir Geothermal Area, Grjótagjá Cave & Pseudocraters | Lake Mývatn |
Day 8 | Drive to Akureyri via Whale Watching in Húsavik | Akureyri |
Day 9 | Drive to Laugarbakki via Fishing Villages & Turf Houses | Laugarbakki |
Day 10 | Drive to Ísafjörður via Witchcraft Museum & Kayaking | Ísafjörður |
Day 11 | Westfjords Tour: Shipwreck & Dynjandi Waterfall | Ísafjörður |
Day 12 | Visit Látrabjarg Cliffs, Ferry to Stykkishólmur & Snæfellsnes | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
Day 13 | Snæfellsnes Tour: Beaches, Villages & Waterfalls | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
Day 14 | Drive to Borgarnes via Gerðuberg Cliffs, Krauma Geothermal Spa | Borgarnes |
Day 15 | Drive to Reykjavík, Downtown Food Tour | Reykjavík |
Day 16 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula, Depart Iceland |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Iceland, Drive to Bubble Hotel & Golden Circle Tour
![](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/56030337ff37d908e1b0ea0c61bef59fcb7611f4/original-46c33a8c206c3137b4635f3b18562bb3.jpg)
Welcome to Iceland! This volcanic island in the Arctic Circle has become quite a popular destination in recent decades. Travelers come to explore a land forged in ice and fire and which has preserved its most famous landscapes and natural landmarks. Fuming volcanoes and thundering waterfalls aside, Iceland is also a modern marvel of a country, whose capital of Reykjavík, is the very model of the progressive European capital city.
You'll experience all of Iceland's fascinating dimensions during this trip. It begins with your arrival at Keflavík Airport in the country's southwest. There, you'll pick up your rental car and hit the road. The thrills start immediately as you embark on one of the most scenic circuit routes in the nation: the Golden Circle. This 190-mile (300 km) scenic route follows Route 1 (Ring Road) to some of southern Iceland's most popular natural attractions. Highlights include the steam vents and geysers of the Geysir geothermal area, the canyons of Þingvellir National Park, and the golden waterfalls of Gullfoss.
After spending a couple of hours on the road, you'll turn off the main highway and travel into the wilderness, where your overnight accommodation awaits. To say this lodging is unorthodox would be an understatement. You'll be staying in a large, igloo-like bubble, fully transparent and offering 360-degree views of the surrounding wilderness. Equipped only with a large bed, it's the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and stare up at the stars twinkling in the sky. And if you're here from September through to April, you'll stand a great chance of seeing the famous aurora borealis (northern lights)— so don't forget your camera!
Day 2: Drive to Vík via South Coast Waterfalls & Sea Cliffs
![Skogafoss](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/trip_plan/days/photos/d32b8ce93a99a71d6aa0cae4540b703fc4a1208d/big.jpg)
Rise and shine! Hit the road again this morning as you continue to the southern end of Iceland. You'll continue south along the Ring Road to Vík, the southernmost village in the country. The drive takes a couple of hours, but you'll stop at plenty of dazzling landmarks. One example is Seljalandsfoss, a romantic waterfall that plunges 200 feet (60 m) into a lagoon. A real highlight is the hiking trail leading behind these falls.
Next up is Skógarfoss. Located a mile outside the town of Skógar, this thundering waterfall cascades 200 feet (60 m) over a cliff into the Skógá River. According to local legend, a Viking hid a treasure chest behind these falls. Many have searched for it over the years, but it remains elusive—perhaps you'll be the lucky one to find it. Closer to Vík, you'll stop on the coast at Reynisfjara. This beach is famous for its Reynisdrangar sea stacks—huge basalt hexagonal formations rising up out of the sand.
Also near Vík is Dyrhólaey, a massive rock promontory and natural arch home to colonies of puffins. You can stop to admire the panoramic clifftop views looking out to the ocean, plus the arch is one of the most Instagrammable coastal features in Iceland. Afterward, continue to nearby Vík, where you'll overnight. Feel free to spend the rest of the day exploring the town on your own.
Day 3: Drive to Höfn via Glaciers, Beaches & Ice Caves
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Leave Vík early and head east on the Ring Road to Skaftafell Nature Reserve, home to Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier at 3,130 square miles (8,100 sq km). Here, you can embark on a scenic 3-mile (5 km) hike up to Svartifoss. This awe-inspiring waterfall plunges 65 feet (20 m) over towering basalt cliffs. You can also stop to admire the rock formations of the Fjaðrárgljúfur river canyon and visit other impressive waterfalls.
Later, you'll arrive at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon on the coast. At 656 feet (200 m), this is the deepest lake in Iceland. The icebergs floating on its surface are over 1,000 years old, and pieces of them break off and wash up on the adjacent Diamond Beach. A stop at this black-sand beach reveals iceberg fragments that gleam like diamonds in the sunlight.
The ice theme continues later in the day with a three-hour tour of Crystal Blue Ice Cave, located in Vatnajökull. This is Iceland's largest glacier, which flows down from the mountains and actually feeds the Jökulsárlón lagoon. Inside the cave, you'll be led by an expert guide for about an hour on an unforgettable exploration of shimmering walls and chasms of ice. Afterward, you'll drive to your hotel in Höfn, a charming fishing village on a narrow peninsula.
Day 4: Drive to Egilsstaðir via Villages & Waterfalls
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The road trip continues this morning as you leave Vík and travel up and around the south of Iceland to the wild and remote Eastfjords region. There will be plenty of stops along the way, first at Stokksnes, a scenic headland on the southeastern Icelandic coast. Part of Vatnajökull National Park, the area is known for its remote black-sand beaches and coastal mountains. You'll also find cultural heritage here in the form of an ancient Viking village with traditional turf buildings.
Continue up the coast into the Eastfjords region and Djúpivogur. This idyllic small town sits on a fjord and, like Stokksnes, offers great photo opportunities. While here, you can take a short walk along the shore to an old lighthouse on the rocks. You can also travel to the glacier-carved Breiðdalur Valley. Backed by soaring mountains, this coastal area features plenty of natural wonders, from romantic waterfalls to salmon-filled rivers. There are also pleasant villages worth visiting, like Breiðdalsvík and Fáskrúðsfjörður, the latter of which was settled by French and Belgian sailors
Feel free to stop at other landmarks, like Lake Lagarfljót and Hengifoss (Iceland's third-tallest waterfall), on your way to Egilsstaðir, the capital of the Eastfjords. Here, you'll transfer into your accommodation and will have the rest of the day free.
Day 5: Day Trip Around Egilsstaðir & Vök Baths
![](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/05c3f2093f1e119ae01614eafcca5405b3a7c02c/original-768d0520bf3e31f4fcea26961ed4f085.jpg)
Day 6: Drive to Lake Mývatn via Dettifoss, Afternoon at the Nature Baths
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Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today's drive takes you to the north of Iceland and Lake Mývatn. This is one of the stops on the Diamond Circle, a 155-mile (250-km) circuit that passes the most incredible geothermal sites on this side of the country. Head first to Stuðlagil Canyon, where a stunning blue glacial river flows between sheer walls of polygonal basalt columns. Nearby is Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful cascade. You can drive between the two waterfalls or hike atop the ravine.
Upon arrival in Lake Mývatn, you'll check in to your hotel and will have the rest of the day free. Another great activity you can enjoy is a nice long soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a hot-spring lagoon. The soothing waters here remain at ideal temps between 97-104°F (36-40°C). There's even an on-site café where you can relax with a light lunch or dinner.
Day 7: Day Trip to Hverir Geothermal Area, Grjótagjá Cave & Pseudocraters
![](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/c4b529e624162ee4377f215facb47b1fe90372cd/original-e5efc2e919ed34fe03d53fcfefa76ee7.jpg)
Day 8: Drive to Akureyri via Whale Watching in Húsavik
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This morning, you'll continue driving a couple of hours northeast to the colorful fishing village of Húsavik. On the way, you'll stop at Goðafoss waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods." Located on the right side of Route 1, this natural wonder spans a width of 98 feet (30 m) and plunges 12 m (39 feet) into a river gorge. There are different vantage points around the falls from which you can take great photos, so don't be shy about hiking around.
Later, continue to Húsavik. Not only is this a lovely harbor town, but it's also the whale watching capital of Iceland. Here, you'll hop in a carbon-neutral boat for a quick cruise, during which you might spot humpback and sperm whales as well as harbor porpoises and dolphins. Get lucky, and you might even glimpse an orca or two.
Afterward, drive to Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city, known as the "Capital of the North." Here, you can visit city highlights. Perhaps take in the art and history scene with a visit to the Church of Akureyri and the Akureyri Art Museum. You can also visit its botanical garden, which is filled with almost every species of plant native to Iceland. Then, head just outside the city to Forest Lagoon, a geothermal spa nestled in the green wilderness. Here, you can relax in natural hot springs, plus swim in its two infinity pools with swim-up bars. Later, you'll return to Akureyri and your hotel.
Day 9: Drive to Laugarbakki via Fishing Villages & Turf Houses
![Glaumbær Farm and Turf Houses](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/5487d9432a4d4ff0f90c41c029de067d8bd1665b/original-2486734073b5e5bae37343be7566ece2.jpg)
Today is all about Icelandic culture and communities. First up is a drive north to the edge of Iceland and Siglufjordur. This colorful town has been steeped in the fishing industry since its founding in the 17th century. During a stop, you can learn more about its rich maritime heritage at its fine museum. Beyond the exhibits, it features old boats and historic machinery used in the fishing trade.
Afterward, return south to Glaumbær, a historic farm and open-air museum. It's an excellent opportunity to view historic Icelandic architecture through its turf houses—traditional dwellings that date to the 18th century and feature turf walls, timber framework, and wooden roofs. On a guided tour of this open-air museum, you'll step back in time, strolling amid homes, barns, and other farm buildings. You'll also see the different artifacts, tools, and historical items used in the daily lives of the Icelanders who once farmed these lands.
When the tour is over, continue to Kolugljúfur, a rugged gorge famous for its network of impressive waterfalls. After admiring them from an observation platform, you'll drive west to the town of Laugarbakki, where you'll overnight.
Day 10: Drive to Ísafjörður via Witchcraft Museum & Kayaking
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After breakfast, continue the road trip into the northern Westfjords region and Hólmavík, a small fishing village on the Steingrímsfjördur fjord. Fans of the occult will love the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft here. It recounts the history of the craft and its place in Icelandic folklore, plus the witch craze that swept Iceland in the 17th century. About 20 minutes north of town, you'll find the Sorcerer's Cottage, which makes up the second part of the museum.
Then, continue to the historic fishing village of Ísafjörður, where you'll overnight. On the way, you can stop at the Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík to learn about the only terrestrial mammal native to Iceland and meet orphaned foxes. Once in Ísafjörður, you'll head to the waterfront, meet a guide, and commence a three-hour kayak ride along the fjord. As you cruise the coast, you'll be treated to magnificent views of the town and surrounding mountains. Plus, you can spot seals and endemic bird species like oystercatchers, elder ducks, Arctic terns, and more.
Day 11: Westfjords Tour: Shipwreck & Dynjandi Waterfall
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Drive down through the Westfjords this morning as you make your way to the village of Bildudalur, a small town and hub for fish farming. Bildudalur is also home to an active music culture, and the town hosts a yearly folk festival and has an exhibition of Icelandic music memorabilia.
Farther south of Bildudalur is the famous Gardar BA 64 Shipwreck. Iceland's oldest steel ship was purposely run aground in 1981 and now lies forever beached on the side of the road. Feel free to get out and stretch your legs on a walk around the ship.
Afterward, continue on to Dynjandi, where a quick 20-minute hike takes you to the base of this famous waterfall. The cascades here are nearly 100 feet (30 m) wide at the top, extending to nearly 200 feet (60 m) at the bottom. The word Dynjandi translates to "thunderous," an apt name for these resounding waters! At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to your accommodation in Ísafjörður.
Day 12: Visit Látrabjarg Cliffs, Ferry to Stykkishólmur & Snæfellsnes
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Start this morning with a drive to the end of the road and the far northwestern point of Iceland. Here, you can take a stroll along the famous Látrabjarg sea cliffs and marvel at the panoramic views over the coast. An added treat is that this area is a nesting site for a variety of birds, including puffins.
Later, take a ferry across the Breiðafjörður fjord to Stykkisholmur, a beautiful town on the north side of the famous Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This 56-mile (90 km) long peninsula is often referred to as "Iceland in miniature" as it boasts many of the country's famous wonders, from volcanoes to waterfalls to sea cliffs. Upon arrival, you'll check into your accommodation in town and can spend the rest of the day exploring.
Day 13: Snæfellsnes Tour: Beaches, Villages & Waterfalls
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If you like, begin today's Snæfellsnes tour with a morning hike along the cliffside paths at Arnarstapi. These offer some of the most ruggedly beautiful coastal scenery in the country. Afterward, set off on a day trip around Snæfellsnes to experience its various other highlights.
A short drive up the coast is Djupalonsandur. This beach is also dotted with towering rock formations, but its volcanic black sands are the real star. It claims an interesting history in the form of a shipwreck from 1948, and back in the Middle Ages, the area was a prominent fishing village. Left on the beach from that era are four stones of various sizes that sea captains used to test the strength of potential sailors.
One of the day's highlights is a visit to the three-tiered waterfall of Kirkjufellsfoss, which is backed by the rounded peak of Mount Kirkjufell (famously featured in "Game of Thrones"). You'll also want to make a quick detour to the Saxholar crater, where you can stretch your legs with a walk up the stairs that take you right to the top of the crater and great views of the countryside. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to your hotel.
Day 14: Drive to Borgarnes via Gerðuberg Cliffs, Krauma Geothermal Spa
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Leave the Snæfellsnes Peninsula this morning on a drive south to the coastal town of Borgarnes. On the way, you'll stop at the Gerðuberg Cliffs. The area is famous for its row of basalt columns that stand up to 46 feet (14 m) tall and run along a sea cliff for over half a mile. What really makes these rocks stand out is their symmetry, as it looks as if they've been sculpted by hand. In reality, these columns are the result of a lava flow thousands of years ago that poured over a cliff and was quickly cooled by seawater. While here, you can follow a short hiking path around the cliffs.
Once you arrive in Borgarnes, you can visit the Settlement Center on a tour. Located in two of the town's most historic buildings, the center recounts Icelandic history and recreates fascinating folklore. Next, you'll head over to Krauma. This geothermal spa takes boiling water from the nearby Deildartunguhver spring and mixes it with chilled glacier waters to create perfect 100-107°F (38-42°C) bathing temperatures in its five baths. Afterward, retire to your hotel in Borgarnes.
Day 15: Drive to Reykjavík, Downtown Food Tour
![A view over Reykjavik](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/8d9841ab99827b72f625581c7dbe17c21a391f12/big-37f2ee81d3d552a611230cf4b8f1f152.jpg)
At last, your road trip comes full circle as this morning you make the hour's drive south to Iceland's capital of Reykjavík. Upon arrival, head to the colorful downtown area to discover the joys of Iceland's dining scene on a small-group food tour. Highlights include browsing the Fiskmarkaðurinn (Fish Market), followed by dinner at one of the city's famous restaurants. You can opt for gourmet cuisine at a chic eatery, try traditional Icelandic seafood, or stop at a family-run gem for rustic dishes like lamb soup and pancakes rolled with sugar. There are also plenty of vegan options, so dive in!
Day 16: Visit Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon, Depart Iceland
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Squeeze in a few more adventures before your trip home. Wake up early and drive 45 minutes toward the airport and the Reykjanes Peninsula. The geothermal fields here are the site of Iceland's most famous destination: the Blue Lagoon. During a visit, you'll soak in its milky blue waters, which hover around a luxurious 98-104°F (37-40°C). The water is rich in mineral content and, combined with its algae and silica, offers myriad health benefits, including as a psoriasis treatment.
After the Blue Lagoon, if there's still time, you can visit other locales in the area, like the Krýsuvík and Gunnuhver geothermal fields or the Bridge Between Continents, a footbridge over a fissure separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. A walk across it means you're taking a stroll between two continents. Later, continue to the airport, drop off your car, and catch your flight home. Safe travels!
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