In Iceland’s East Fjords, you’ll find many peaceful fjords, small fishing villages, and scenic trails tucked away in the hollow of towering mountains. Often overshadowed by more hyped, nearby attractions like the Glacier Lagoon and Myvatn Lake, make no mistake--the East Fjords are definitely worth a few days' trip. Day excursions will take you hiking past waterfalls, kayaking through the fjords, or exploring emerald ponds.
The Drive from Egilsstaðir (east) to Vik (south) offers some incredible scenery past calm fjords, thundering waterfalls, beaches with interesting formations, cool cliffs, and spectacular canyons. While it’s possible to drive this stretch in a single (long) day, you would miss some of the best places that Iceland has to offer. Slow down, enjoy the journey, and spend your time exploring the unique places below.
Iceland's hot springs are world-famous, as many travelers flock to the country to soak in the hot and healing geothermal pools. You'll find hot springs in every corner of the country, including popular baths like The Blue Lagoon and Fontana near Reykjavík. Or, you can venture out of the west and visit unique pools like Vök Baths and GeoSea. If you want a true adventure, you'll also find baths that require hikes, like the scenic Seljavallalaug pool.
The East Fjords are known for their sweeping landscapes, calm scenic fjords, and picturesque tiny fishing villages. Supplement your explorations with delicious meals made with local ingredients from the waters and land.
Winter in Iceland offers many unique activities that you can't always experience in other seasons. Make the most out of the limited daylight with wintry adventures, such as kayaking amongst icebergs, exploring electric-blue ice caves, dogsledding with a pack of Huskies, snowmobiling atop glaciers, hiking in the snow, or tracking the country's wild reindeer population during their annual migration.
East Iceland is home to some of the best hiking in the country, including a vast trail system that traverses black sand deserts, ruins of ancient homesteads, and dramatic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most dynamic and accessible treks in the area is this three-day trek from Borgarfjörður to Seyðisfjörður.
Perfect for families with older children in search of adventure and a digital switch-off, this seven-day road trip combines breathtaking excursions and a tour of Iceland's remote Eastfjords region. Discover wild reindeer, wintry glaciers, narrow fjords, towering basalt cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls as you venture from east to west. Along the way, you'll ride Icelandic horses, step inside a volcano, and relax in a geothermal infinity pool, ending your holiday restored, relaxed, and refreshed.
Drive Iceland's famous Ring Road on this quick, seven-day trip designed for warmer travel (so there are no slowdowns due to weather and lack of daylight in the winter). Head south to the most-visited highlights—massive waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glaciers. Enjoy the scenic route through the East Fjords, before arriving at Lake Myvatn, surrounded by geothermal and volcanic wonders. Join a whale-watching trip from Husavik, the whale watching capital, and spend time in Reykjavik exploring the best of the city, along with enjoying a soak in the Blue Lagoon.
Make the most of your limited time by driving one way from Egilsstaðir to Vík to Reykjavík—without retracing your steps. On this six-day road trip, take in the dramatic landscapes of the Eastern Fjords, from Seyðisfjörður to Vatnajökull National Park, and enjoy more time seeing new places along the South Coast (Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls) and Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park), rather than doubling back. You can embark on this route in either direction, but a domestic flight to Egilsstaðir at the beginning of your trip is more efficient, without large crowds, to explore remote areas on your own terms.
This seven-day, self-drive winter adventure in Iceland starts with a visit to the Golden Circle, where you'll hike among waterfalls and volcanic craters. From there, take a guided, off-road ATV tour for a wild ride across tundra fields and unbridged streams, then head to the East Fjords to tour the Streiti coastline via Jeep. Relax in the nature baths at Lake Mývatn before concluding your travels with an evening cruise under the dancing lights of the aurora borealis.
With just a few days to explore Iceland, make the most of your time by driving one way from Egilsstaðir to Vik to Reykjavik—without retracing your steps. Relish the chance to see the dramatic landscapes of the Eastern Fjords and more time in new places (rather than doubling back). While you can embark on this route in either direction, taking a domestic flight to Egilsstaðir at the beginning of the trip is recommended, so you can leave the larger crowds behind and explore remote areas on your own terms.
This relaxed, 10-day road trip is perfect for outdoor-loving families wanting to explore Iceland's stunning natural highlights with a sprinkling of adventure. Recharge at the geothermal Vök Baths in the untouched and remote Eastfjords before journeying west via the South Coast, Westman Islands, and stunning Golden Circle. You'll wind up whale watching in Reykjavík but not before you've hung out with native reindeer, whizzed along a glacier on a snowmobile, and ventured inside a magical ice cave.
If you're looking for a thrilling winter trip to Iceland that traverses all the highlights via the famous Ring Road, look no further. Experience glittering snowy landscapes and the bucket-list sight of the magical northern lights with this 14-day, excursion-packed itinerary. Perfect for families with adventurous older kids, you'll dogsled your way across snowy vistas, climb ice walls, hang out with a herd of wild reindeer, and relax in the therapeutic geothermal waters of Mývatn.
Drive Iceland's famous Ring Road on this quick, eight-day trip, which includes a detour to the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Head south to the most visited highlights, including massive waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glaciers. Enjoy the scenic route through the East Fjords before arriving at Lake Mývatn, surrounded by geothermal and volcanic wonders. Visit the whale-watching capital of Husavik and venture west into the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, with its small fishing towns, easy cliffside walks, and lava fields, and end by exploring the Icelandic capital city of Reykjavík.
This five-day, self-drive tour provides the perfect winter exploration of Iceland. Start with a drive along the Ring Road to the sights and sounds of crashing waterfalls, then search the night skies for northern lights via horseback. Spot wild reindeer herds along the shores of eastern Iceland, or head to Jökulsárlón glacier Lagoon with its massive floating icebergs. Visit Mosfellsdalur and take a dogsled ride along snow-covered trails before ending your tour with views along the Reykjanes Peninsula.
This 13-day, self-drive adventure takes you along Iceland's famous Ring Road, which circles the entire country. Start in the Golden Circle for views of erupting geysers, iced-over crater lakes, and natural hot springs. Then, head to the southern coast for massive waterfalls, icebergs drifting in the sea, and black-sand beaches. Drive snowmobiles across icy glacial landscapes, search out herds of wild reindeer and close your tour in the modern city of Reykjavík with its vibrant cultural scene.
Most people visiting Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, and East Fjords spend about 9 to 10 days in Iceland, which usually includes some time in Lake Mývatn and Laugarbakki as well. If you're only headed to Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, South Coast, and East Fjords, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in six to seven days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, South Coast, and East Fjords and beyond.
Perfect for discerning travelers looking to venture beyond the tourist trail, this two-week itinerary bookends off-the-beaten-path luxury in the remote Eastfjords with spa days outside Reykjavík and the highlights of the Golden Circle. Start with scenic flights and adventurous excursions along the southern coast before going off-grid to explore the raw beauty of the Eastfjords with a private driver. Finish things off in style with a helicopter trip back to the capital and an afternoon of pampering at the Blue Lagoon.
Nothing compares to Iceland in winter, and this 10-day self-drive tour takes you to some of its most breathtaking natural wonders and historic sites. Visit Þingvellir National Park for snorkel tours of the Silfra fissure and gushing geysers, then see the Streiti Coastline via Jeep, where you'll traverse remote roads and cross unbridged rivers. Hike the winter shores of Lake Mývatn, completing your trip with a spa day at the Blue Lagoon, where you'll soak in mineral-rich waters and enjoy a mud mask.
Perfect for families with energetic older kids, this exhilarating 10-day road trip takes in the best of the country's natural wonders as you tour Iceland's famous Ring Road. Discover the beauty of the Golden Circle before hiking the black-sand beaches and waterfalls of the South Coast. Explore the wild Eastfjords and raft glacial whitewater in the north as you adventure among volcanoes, canyons, glaciers, and lava caves to create family memories that will last a lifetime.
With its countless natural wonders forged by ice and fire, Iceland was built for road trips. And while it's possible to embark on short sections of this nation's most scenic drives, this epic 10-day journey doesn't skimp on the action. You'll drive around the whole country, stopping for adventures as you marvel at waterfalls, snorkel in Arctic waters, explore the rugged Eastfjords, go horseback riding on black-sand beaches, brave whitewater rapids, soak in volcanic hot springs, and more.
This 10-day, self-guided tour of Iceland's winter landscapes combines the natural wonders of waterfalls, mountains, and volcanoes with plenty of wildlife and marine life viewing. Start in North Iceland, where you'll soak in the healing waters of Mývatn Nature Baths. Then, it's off to Húsavík for whale watching tours and the East Fjords to search out reindeer herds. Conclude your travels in the city of Reykjavík for more whale watching and an evening cruise to view the vibrant and colorful northern lights.
On this self-drive adventure, you'll spend 10 days exploring all four corners of Iceland. Dive deep into the culture of Reykjavík before hitting the road north to volcanic beaches, historic landmarks, and geothermal sites like the bubbling mud pools at Lake Mývatn. After touring Iceland's eastern fjords, you'll head south to explore ice caves, visit waterfalls, witness lava flows, and take a drive along the famous Golden Circle.
See glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, and more on this two-week luxury adventure that takes you counterclockwise around the country's famed Ring Road. With a private driver and guide, you'll spend your days exploring the black-sand beaches of the south coast, the rugged Eastfjords, lesser-traveled villages of the north, and the diverse Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Meanwhile, nights are filled with stays at boutique gems in remote locations while 5-star luxury starts and finishes your holiday in Reykjavík.
Iceland is famous for its scenery, and it's only while road-tripping down the famous Route 1 (Ring Road) that you can fully appreciate the "land of fire and ice." This self-drive adventure takes you on an epic journey around the country's iconic waterfalls, sea cliffs, glaciers, and lava fields as you follow famous circuit routes like the Golden Circle. Other highlights include stops at the scenic Eastfjords, soaks in geothermal springs, whale watching, hiking rugged sea cliffs, and more.
Make a complete circle of Iceland, plus explore the Westman Islands, on this 12-day self-drive itinerary that takes in a vast wealth of geological wonders, exciting activities, and cultural highlights. From whale watching, snorkeling the Silfra fissure, and a boat journey on the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon to soaks in the Mývatn Nature Baths and Blue Lagoon, you'll experience Iceland in all its facets, north, south, east, and west.
Enjoy an array of diverse regions, geological wonders, and exciting experiences on this 12-day self-drive itinerary, which explores Iceland's north, west, and south in the winter months. Wander through ice caves on the Vatnajökull glacier, snowmobile on the Myrdalsjokull ice cap, view seals on the Vatnsnes Peninsula, and even sample cheese at a goat farm. Add soaks in geothermal hot springs, hikes to iconic waterfalls, and drives through the majestic fjords of Westfjords for a comprehensive, in-depth self-drive exploration of Iceland.
Packed with exciting activities from the off-beat to iconic experiences, this 12-day self-drive adventure also explores a long wishlist of Iceland's top sites, from Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and the geological wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Gullfoss, Dettifoss, and Godafoss waterfalls. You'll thrill to ziplining, rides by ATV and horseback on black-sand beaches, hiking in Þórsmörk and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyons, and soaks in geothermal lagoons and even a beer-filled hot tub.
Follow an arc from eastern to western Iceland via the north coast on this 12-day active self-drive adventure. You'll pack in many of the country's most iconic sites, from Godafoss waterfall and the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn to the dizzying Látrabjarg cliffs and world-famous Kirkjufell mountain. Plus, you'll thrill to mountain hikes, "Super Jeep" adventures, and even snorkeling in the Silfra fissure of the Mid-Atlantic Rift.
Eight to 10 days is a great length for an Iceland trip with stops in Reykjavík, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include the Golden Circle, Westfjords, or West Iceland. Get inspired with the below trip ideas for Reykjavík, the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri.
Go off the beaten path on a road trip through Iceland's remote and rugged landscapes. Over 14 days during the pleasant summer months, you'll drive from Reykjavík up the scenic west coast, visiting national parks, fjords, waterfalls, geothermal areas, and more. Then continue to Iceland's east and south, where you'll go whale watching, explore lava caves, and soak in the famous Blue Lagoon.
This two-week self-drive adventure will take you around the whole of Iceland—north, south, east, and west. It starts with city tours and nightlife in Reykjavík, then a trip south for off-roading, glaciers, lava caving, and hunting the northern lights. Continue up the rugged Eastfjords and tour the geothermal wonderland of the north before finishing the trip at western waterfalls and the relaxing Blue Lagoon.
This active two-week journey through Iceland goes beyond sightseeing and immerses you in its untamed nature. After soaking in the Blue Lagoon and touring the colorful capital of Reykjavík, you're off on a multiday trek through mountain highlands and lava fields. Continue the adventure on a road trip to the Eastfjords, far off the tourist trail, where you'll marvel at waterfalls, go ice-caving, and see a "lava show."
Gear up (literally) for a rugged adventure that will take you into Iceland's untamed highlands. Meet your expert driver/guide and go off-roading around wildly beautiful landscapes, which include dried lava fields and towering basalt cliffs. When you're not in the Jeep, you'll enjoy other adventures ranging from ice climbing and glacier hikes to waterfall visits and long soaks in mineral hot springs.
Bring your perfect Icelandic vacation to life with this deluxe two-week odyssey that hits all the country's highlights by land and sea. You'll spend your first week aboard a luxury chartered yacht sailing around the west coast with kayaking and hiking excursions around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords. Then, with your driver and Super Jeep, spend a week discovering waterfalls, canyons, hot springs, glaciers, and beaches as you make your way south toward the famed Golden Circle.
This itinerary packs a lot into 8 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.
With two weeks in Iceland, you can complete the entire Ring Road and add incredible 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.
Hit the road on Iceland's main highway for a 15-day self-drive adventure. You'll arrive in the west and, from there, head south, stopping at waterfalls, glaciers, and black-sand beaches. As you travel up to the east and north, you'll pass scenic fjords, go whale watching, brave river rapids, hike along sea cliffs, and explore lava caves before completing the circuit back in Reykjavík, Iceland's capital.
Take a 15-day self-drive tour of Iceland's phenomenal landscapes and natural vistas, starting with a trip along the Reykjanes Peninsula and a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Visit the Golden Circle and hike through the stunning Reykjadalur Valley, then see beluga whales and puffins in the Westman Islands. Continue counter-clockwise around the entire Icelandic coast as you scale thunderous waterfalls, traverse otherworldly lava fields, ride horses along black-sand beaches, and overnight in colorful fishing villages.
Nine to 10 days is a great length for an Iceland trip with stops in Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Westfjords, Hvammstangi, or the Reykjanes Peninsula. Get inspired with kimkim's Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, East Fjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri trip ideas below.
To see the most out of Iceland, you need to go off the beaten path, and to do that, you need the right vehicle. That's why, over 10 days, you'll explore the most ruggedly beautiful parts of Iceland's famed highlands in a specially outfitted "Super Jeep." Along with your personal driver, you'll traverse soaring coastal cliffs, black-sand beaches, plunging waterfalls, and volcanic valleys—plus make stops for ice hikes, snowmobile rides, zipline tours, soaks in natural hot springs, and much more.
For road trip enthusiasts, it doesn't get much better than encircling Iceland along its infamous Route 1 (Ring Road). This quick-paced, self-drive itinerary will take you to the best spots along the 828-mile (1,332 km) route with plenty of detours to work the leg muscles and camera batteries. With a bit more than a week, you'll experience a variety of landscapes, like geysers, hot springs, black sand beaches, volcanoes, lava fields, small fishing towns, and massive glaciers in protected national parks.
If you want to see Iceland's top natural highlights, a self-drive tour is by far the most popular option. Travel at your own pace with plenty of changes to head off the main road in search of your own adventures. This tour also includes the Snaefellsnes peninsula which many call "mini-Iceland" as almost every natural phenomenon in Iceland can be found there, albeit on a smaller scale than elsewhere.
This Icelandic self-drive itinerary covers territory on both horizontal coastlines, from Snaefellsnes to Seydisfjordur, with fun detours along the southern portion of the Ring Road. With a bit more than a week, you'll experience volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, black sand beaches, small fishing towns, and massive glaciers in protected national parks. Start and end the trip in Reykjavík for culture and nightlife in Europe's most northerly capital.
This 11-day self-drive tour by 4WD delivers an array of geological and cultural treats as you explore Iceland more or less in its entirety. From iconic sites such as Seljalandsfoss, Dettifoss, and Godafoss waterfalls, plus the Fjaðrárgljúfur and Stuðlagil canyons, to Kirkjufell mountain and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you'll check off a long wish-list as you circle the island. Horseback riding, snowmobiling, and whale watching are a few of the exciting ways you'll discover the island of fire and ice.
Eleven days of adventure await on this action-packed itinerary taking in a wealth of iconic Icelandic experiences and sites of the "Golden Circle," South Coast, and Highlands. Explore the Þórsmörk Valley by "Super Jeep," the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon by Zodiak, and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier by snowmobile. Plus, enjoy hikes through the geothermal wonders of the Reykjadalur Valley, the remote and rugged Kerlingarfjoll Mountains, plus the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and Þakgil Valley.
10 days on the road in Iceland is enough time to discover its highlights and off-the-beaten-path wonders. Loop around the famous Route 1 (Ring Road) on a relaxed self-drive adventure, stopping at big cities, active volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, dried lava fields, black beaches, quaint fishing towns, massive glaciers, and the star landmarks along the famed Golden Circle. It's guaranteed to be a gorgeous ride.
Sit back and soak up Iceland's most astonishing landscapes as your private driver loops around the country on this 10-day luxury itinerary. Starting and finishing in the southwest's Reykjanes Peninsula, you'll tour geysers and volcanic craters in the Golden Circle and visit the dramatic waterfalls and coastal cliffs of the north's Diamond Circle. Punctuate your sightseeing with lots of pampering downtime at geothermal spas and stays at a series of chic destination hotels.
Pack your best camera for this scenic self-drive adventure to the far corners of southern Iceland. Things kick off in the capital of Reykjavík with a visit to a natural hot spring before hitting the road to see waterfalls, volcanoes, and geothermal fields on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Golden Circle scenic route. Continue around the coast, stopping at colorful villages and visiting other marvels like canyons, glacial lagoons, and a "diamond beach" before ending with a soak in the legendary Blue Lagoon.
On this spectacular self-drive itinerary, you'll hit the four cardinal points of Iceland as you loop clockwise around the famous Ring Road. Stop to explore volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, and glaciers from Reykjavik to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and beyond. Finish the adventure with a rewarding soak in the Blue Lagoon before you depart.
The best of eastern and southern Iceland awaits on this 11-day self-drive adventure that follows the Ring Road and explores the top sites of Lake Mývatn, the Eastfjords, the South Coast, and the Reykjanes Peninsula. You'll thrill to such fun activities as whale watching from Húsavik, hiking on Skaftafell glacier, and snorkeling the Silfra fissure. Plus, you'll have time to discover Reykjavik and Iceland's fascinating cultural history dating back to the Viking era.
This epic 12-day road trip is a perfect way to absorb Iceland as you traverse all four corners of the country. You'll visit popular spots along the famous 828-mile Ring Road, and head off the beaten path to detour through the Westfjords (great for mountain biking and kayaking). The self-drive loop also includes stops in Iceland's two biggest cities, and numerous natural sites like volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, glaciers, and more.
Spend 12 days discovering the beauty of Iceland with this guided and self-drive combo tour. Start in the city of Reykjavík to discover classic and modern Icelandic cuisine in a true foodie's paradise. Then it's off to Fagradalsfjall to walk among ethereal lava fields and see rivers of flowing lava from the active volcano. Hike the blue glacier ice of Skaftafell, see whales and other marine life in their natural habitat, and close your trip with a cliffside trek through the rocky crags of Gatklettur.
See the magic of Iceland's Ring Road with this 13-day self-drive tour. Start in Reykjavík for whale watching and a vibrant downtown scene. From here, drive the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with its crashing waterfalls and black-sand beaches, then ferry to the Westfjords. Hike the cliffs of Látrabjarg, kayak to Vigur Island, and ride horses along the Westfjords' "Alps." Walk among icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, visit breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and end with a dip in the iconic Blue Lagoon.
Summer means fun in the sun and time spent outdoors and at beaches—even in a far-north country like Iceland. It's the perfect time for a road trip, and on this 13-day self-drive tour, you'll experience this Nordic nation's volcanic marvels, natural hot springs, shimmering ice caves, and breathtaking waterfalls. The adventure begins with a hike to an erupting volcano and continues with Zodiac boat rides and whale watching before ending on Iceland's famous black-sand beaches.
