iceland road trip october

Iceland in October: Everything You Need For The Perfect Autumn Getaway

There’s a sigh in the air as the crowds subside, the seasons change and the beauty of the northern lights take over the night sky. Let me tell you, Iceland in October is seriously underrated!

But all the epic experiences happen in summer, right?

Nuh-uh! Iceland’s charm doesn’t take seasonal breaks.

It’s time to put on your layers and waterproof gear and come with me as I show you what Iceland in October has in store for you.

Table Of Contents 

Is October a Good Time to Visit Iceland?

Daylight in iceland in october, iceland in october: northern lights, october weather in iceland, what to wear in october, sightseeing availability, driving in october, october festivals + events, things to do in iceland in october.

Despite the cooler weather, you still have A LOT of great things to look forward to. 

Let’s check out a few reasons why October IS a good time to visit Iceland.

• Fewer crowds : Most of the summer visitors have left and the scenic landscapes are all yours to enjoy. Now you can finally get that Instagram-worthy shot without the crazy crowds!
• Budget-friendly : If you plan your trip to Iceland in October, you may find awesome discounts on flights, accommodations, rentals, and tours. High season coming to an end = better deals at your fingertips! ✨
• Accessibility: Luckily for you, most roads and hot spots are still accessible in October, with the exception of the F-roads (highland roads) that close in mid-September. 
• Aurora season : If you’ve been waiting for a chance to witness the magical phenomena of the northern lights, October is an INCREDIBLE time to plan a trip to Iceland. Trust me, catching the aurora will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip!

This autumn month is a total show-stopper! 🙌

The most important thing you need to know when planning your trip is the number of daylight hours Iceland has in October. 

At the start of the month, you can enjoy up to 12 hours of daylight. It usually tapers down to about 8 hours by the end of the month as the weather gets colder. 

Get the most out of your experiences with plenty of time to explore by planning your sightseeing hours based on how much daylight you have.

Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in October? You certainly can – and let me tell you, witnessing these lights is worth ALL the hype. 

October is a fantastic month to see the Aurora flares. Fewer daylight hours means the sky is finally getting dark enough for the lights to be visible.

Fun fact: Did you know that Reykjavik is the only capital city on the planet where you can see the Northern lights?  There are, however, factors that affect visibility like cloud cover, full moon, etc!

In some places, autumn is ushered in with a whisper – a slow and steady transition of weather conditions.

But, in Iceland, autumn in October starts with a bang!

You’ll likely experience all four seasons in a day…and may even witness snow!

October is the rainiest month – with an extra serving of strong wind for good measure. 🙂

Seriously though, I’ve experienced such strong winds that it felt like I was in the middle of a hurricane! 

I suppose you can’t really expect a place known as the land of fire and ice to be subtle, and the weather in Iceland in October is no exception.

Temperatures In Iceland In October

The average temperature in Iceland in October can range from 0-10 degrees Celsius or 32-50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Fall in Iceland can get pretty chilly! And you’re probably wondering…

Does it really snow in Iceland in October ? 

Yep, it definitely can. The north of Iceland and the west sphere are colder, therefore these areas get snow first. While it’s not an everyday show like the winter months from November to March, October sometimes likes to get the party started early and send the first flurries down!

Weather changes can be intense, but don’t let that dampen your plans. 

Pack wisely and make sure that you’re well-prepared for the elements and all the activities you want to do. 

Here are a few things to consider when choosing what to wear:

• Outerwear : Outerwear: Think: waterproof. Trust me, you wouldn’t wanna be caught in a downpour rocking denim. It’s a soggy situation you wanna avoid at all costs. 😂
• Layers : Start with warm thermals that you can add to or remove depending on the weather that day.
• Footwear : You’re probably going to be walking A LOT. Now is not the time to bust out those Jimmy Choos. Invest in some good hiking boots, it’s worth the investment.
• Travel must-haves: Don’t forget to bring your camera and chargers (you’ll be taking lots of pictures, so be prepared). Also, pack a water bottle and backpack rain cover – you’re definitely going to need them!

If you’re not too sure of what else to bring or what to wear in Iceland in October, I’ve put together an autumn packing list of what you may need.

Most areas of Iceland are still accessible during October. So, you’ll still be able to visit popular spots like Reykjavik, Golden Circle, and Ring Road . 

It’s also highly likely that you’d be able to head into the Westfjörds .

When it comes to the Highlands of Iceland, this could be trickier. This region usually gets snow early in the season, so the highland roads usually shut down by mid-to-late September. So I wouldn’t recommend including the Highlands in your October itinerary. But, you can always check to see if trips are possible once you’re here, just in case!

As Iceland’s temperatures dip in October, the landscapes start feeling different. There’s a lot less animal activity as they migrate to warmer places.

As a result, you won’t see puffins in Iceland in October. They usually come here to breed in the summer months and typically leave by late August or early September. If you were hoping to get a glimpse of them, it’s best to plan your trip from early April to early August.

Important note: There are few things as beautiful as the leaves in their autumn colors . But, the wind in October is so strong that there’s usually a very short window to view this transition. The timing isn’t easy to predict, but when you happen to catch the fall colors, let me tell you – they’re absolutely gorgeous! 

Driving in Iceland is still relatively easy in October – if you take the main routes. 

During the end of September and the beginning of October, some of the highland roads start closing down because of strong winds and sometimes even snowfall.  Therefore, make sure you’re checking Road.is every day before heading out.

If you’re keen on checking out the fun events and Festivals taking place in October, here’s the rundown:

• Reykjavik International Film Festival: The festival runs from the end of September through the first week of October with showings happening all around Reykjavik. It’s a must-see for all movie buffs! 🎥
• Halloween : Interestingly, Halloween isn’t such a big deal in Iceland, but it is becoming more popular. You may be able to find a few events going on around Reykjavik.
• Imagine Peace Tower: This memorial to John Lennon from Yoko Ono is located on Videy Island near Reykjavik. The cool thing is that it’s visible from all parts of the city. The tower of light is illuminated into the air starting on October 9th, Lennon’s birthday, and continues until December 8th, the date he was shot. 

October is such a fun month and 🎵these are a few of my favorite things! 🎵

• See the Northern Lights : If you’re visiting Iceland in October, it’s LITERALLY one of the best months to view this spectacular natural light show. Let’s check it off your bucket list, shall we?!
• Do a glacier hike : Popular destinations for glacier hikes include Sólheimajökull, Svínafellsjökull, and Vatnajökull. These hikes are an incredible way to see ice caves and ice formations and you can choose the difficulty level that’s best for you. 
• Tour the Golden Circle : This is one of the main highlights with its scenic routes and stunning landmarks. If you’re traveling to Iceland, you can’t miss this! PLUS I’ve written an entire post for you to binge if you want to discover the stops on the Golden Circle that a lot of travelers miss out on. 
• Enjoy Reykjavik’s bars and cafes : The city has a vibrant weekend nightlife, but if you’re anything like me and prefer to keep it low-key, then the local cafes offer a cozy fall atmosphere to sip on a delicious latte or hot cocoa! ☕️

So as you can see, there are lots of things to do in Iceland in October.

If you found this helpful, make sure to check out my Travel Guides & Maps . It’s a goldmine of insider tips, packing guides, and practical info that only the locals know. 😉

And guess what? All of my digital maps come with over 500 pinned locations – from highlights and hotspots to useful must-know places like rest areas, gas stations, campsites, and health clinics! ➡️ Get Your Hands On My Maps & Travel Guides HERE

Have I convinced you of the awesomeness that is Iceland in autumn? 

Well then, let’s make some memories!

Pin it for later! 👇🏾

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Iceland in October: Weather, Temperature, and What to Do,2024 update

October begins to usher in the winter season in Iceland. Temperatures plummet, moody weather swirls in the skies, and Icelanders begin to brace for the long, dark days ahead. And yet, October may be one of the best months to visit the Land of Fire and Ice.

As a designated shoulder season, this month brings less expensive travel costs and far fewer crowds. Sounds like the perfect time for a road trip! Here are some things you should know about visiting Iceland in October – especially for those who want to rent a car.

Why Choose Iceland in October?

October in Iceland is a time of magic, setting itself apart from the bustling summer months. As the ethereal transition from autumn to winter unfolds, you’re greeted with a blend of pastel skies, icy landscapes, and captivating ice caves.

The contrast between October’s chill and the warmth of the summer months makes the Land of Fire and Ice even more enchanting. While the ice caves beckon with their crystalline allure, the black sand beaches shimmer, taking on a more mysterious hue under the autumnal light.

For those seeking a serene escape and the true essence of Iceland, choosing to visit in October provides a unique blend of its famed natural wonders.

What is the weather like in Iceland in October?

While the weather in Iceland is always relatively unpredictable, October sees little snow and an average amount of rain coming in at about 3.5 inches throughout the month. The average temperature in October hovers around 45°F (7.2°C) as a high and dips down to 36°F (2.2°C) for a low.

The days are growing shorter, for sure, but it’s not quite the polar night in Iceland just yet. October still sees about 10 hours of daylight a day with the sun setting around 7:00 pm (19:00) in Reykjavik. Keep in mind that the weather can turn on a dime almost any time of year but especially as the season begins to turn to winter.

What to wear in Iceland in October

With temperatures just over freezing, October in Iceland will certainly require some cold-weather gear. The name of the game for what to wear in fall is to be sure to wear layers, just in case the temperature warms a bit during the day or turns freezing, which it often does!

Be sure to pack items like wool socks, a warm hat, gloves, rain gear, a winter coat, and comfortable, waterproof boots or trail runners. And don’t forget to grab an authentic Icelandic sheep wool sweater to keep extra warm on your escapades.

Can you see the northern lights in Iceland in October?

Many experts say that October is actually one of the best months to see the northern lights in Iceland! Pair this with more frequent fair weather and you have a match made in heaven.

Because October is on the cusp of the more intense winter weather, skies are more likely to be clear and perfect for viewing the aurora borealis. Back roads that are often closed due to icy conditions may remain open, especially in the first half of October. This means that you’ll have an even better chance of avoiding light pollution and getting a crystal clear view of these verdant ribbons of green dancing through the sky.

• Related reading: 5 best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland with car

Driving in Iceland in October

When considering driving in Iceland in October, it’s an experience unlike any other. The landscapes change rapidly, and the roads may present unexpected challenges. While October in Iceland is relatively mild compared to the deep winter months, it’s essential for visitors, especially those planning to rent a car in Iceland, to be well-prepared.

Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before starting any journey. Iceland’s Road and Coastal Administration offers real-time updates to ensure drivers have the latest information. The phrase “Iceland in October” may evoke a sense of gentleness, but remember that weather shifts can be swift. If you decide to rent a car in Iceland during this month, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, inclusive of blankets, water, and some non-perishable snacks, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

Best 6 Things to Do in Iceland in October

While there’s no bad time to visit Iceland, October might just be one of the best months! From chasing after the elusive aurora borealis to witnessing the majesty of the humpback whale migration, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do and you’ll have some of the best weather to do them. Here are three of the best things to do in Iceland in October.

1. See the Northern lights

The northern lights in Iceland begin to reappear in the month of October as skies darken and temperatures plummet. Whether you’re doing a self-guided road trip or want to take part in a tour group, your chances of catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis are good.

Keep in mind that weather conditions need to be perfect to see the northern lights. Solar activity needs to be high and the skies should be clear but the chase and anticipation is half the fun!

2. Go Whale Watching

The humpback whale migration winds its way right along Iceland’s southern coast. October is one of the last months of the year to try and see these behemoth creatures as they make their way south for warmer waters. Join a whale watching tour or simply try to see a spout or two from southern beaches like the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, easily reached in a rental car.

3. Road Trip Route 1

Spanning over 821 miles in a near-perfect circle around this island nation, Route 1 is the best way to road trip Iceland in October. The sometimes severe winter weather that makes driving difficult should hold off for most of the month, allowing you safe passage on the Ring Road. Some of the best stops along the way include Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Kirkjufell Waterfall, and Diamond Beach.

If you never stopped along the way, the route would take 17 hours to drive, but that would defeat the purpose of seeing all of Iceland’s incredible sights! Most travelers plan for about a week so that they can take their time, stop to see the magnificent natural scenery, and spend a few days in the capital on either end.

4. See Imagine Peace Tower lit in Iceland

The Imagine Peace Tower, conceptualized by Yoko Ono, stands as an enduring symbol of hope and unity in Viðey Island, near Reykjavik, Iceland. Dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, the tower emits a radiant beam of light into the sky, embodying Yoko Ono’s vision of peace and harmony for the world.

This beacon has not only become an iconic landmark in Iceland but also serves as a poignant reminder of the power of imagination and the universal desire for a world at peace. Each year, visitors from around the globe are drawn to its mesmerizing luminance, reflecting on its profound message and the artistic legacy of Yoko Ono.

photo via Wikipedia/ by McKay Savage

5.Enjoy the Cultural Events and Festivals

October is also a month for celebrations. The Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) takes place in late September and early October. Film enthusiasts can revel in screenings of both international and Icelandic films. Another must-visit is the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, which usually graces early November but can have some pre-events in late October. It’s a prime opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant local music scene and witness the magic of October Iceland under the backdrop of soul-stirring tunes.

6. Exploring the Natural Hot Springs

Apart from chasing the northern lights or embarking on a road trip, one of the most blissful experiences is soaking in Iceland’s natural hot springs. October’s crisp air juxtaposed against the warmth of geothermal pools provides an experience that’s both invigorating and relaxing. Popular spots include the Blue Lagoon and the Myvatn Nature Baths. But for a more secluded experience, consider venturing out to the hidden gems like Landbrotalaug or Reykjadalur. These thermal baths provide a serene environment, with the steam rising into the chilly October air creating an ethereal ambiance.

Guide to October Iceland

If we haven’t convinced you already, October is one of the best months to visit Iceland and perfect for a scenic road trip . Book your rental car with Firefly Iceland for the cheapest rates and best customer service.

Cheapest rental cars for October Iceland

Dacia Duster or similar | Manual | 4×4 | 2020-2021 (CFMX)

Group e2 reservations are made by car category only. we cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar.

• 5 Passengers
• Airconditioning

Suitable for the highland F-roads. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features

• 4 Wheel Drive
• 116 C0 2  g/km
• Adjustable Steering
• Electronic Stability Control
• Power Steering
• Power Windows
• Remote Locking

VW Golf or similar | Automatic | 2020-2021 Model (CDAX)

Group: b2 reservations are made by car category only. we cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar.

• 2 Large Bags

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highland F-roads. You must be 20 years of age to drive this vehicle.

• 1 Small Bag
• 2 Large, 1 Small
• 138 cc
• Cruise Control

VW Golf or similar | Manual | 2020-2021 Model (CDMX)

Group: b reservations are made by car category only. we cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar.

• Front Wheel Drive
• 125 C0 2  g/km

VW Polo or similar| Manual | 2020-2021 Model (EDMX)

Group a reservations are made by car category only. we cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar.

• 99 C0 2  g/km
• Satelite Navigation

VW Tiguan or similar | Automatic | 4×4 | 2020-2021 Model (IFAX)

Group: o reservations are made by car category only. we cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar.

VW Up or similar | Manual | 2020-2021 Model (MBMX)

Group: z reservations are made by car category only. ,we cannot guarantee a specific car model. or similar.

• 4 Passengers
• Petrol or Diesel
• 95 C0 2  g/km

Manage Booking

Travel to Iceland

Tours & Vacation

• Aug 31, 2023

Your In-depth Look at October in Iceland

October is the last month of Fall in Iceland, and the last of the shoulder months before hitting the peak festive season. This is exactly why so many choose to plan to spend October in Iceland – you still get a lot of the benefits of the “warmer” months without having to pay an arm and a leg for it.

In this article, we will do a deep dive into what makes spending October in Iceland so great, what to expect from the weather, what you should add to your trip itinerary, and much, much more. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Is October a Good Time to Visit Iceland?

This, of course, is the number one question. And whilst, we believe that it’s a great time to come and visit the island, it might not be the right fit for you. To help you make the decision, we created this nifty overview of the pros and cons:

As the shoulder month before the festive season officially kicks off here on the island, you won’t need to compete with any peak season crowds during your trip in October.

Without any peak season crowds to charge exorbitant peak season fees, you’ll find that your vacay budget will stretch much further during an October trip to the island.

A shoulder month such as October allows you to get the best of both worlds in terms of seasons, whether it’s the weather or activities and attractions.

October is a great month to go road-tripping; road conditions are still not heavily impacted by the winter weather conditions, and most of the roads and routes that are annually closed, are still open.

October gives you the perfect combination of daylight vs darkness. This means that you can still have a pretty jam-packed trip itinerary and also have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland in October.

Whilst the weather is slowly heading “south” as the winter approaches, we’re still not quite there. So, when coming to visit the island in September you’re spared some of the more freezing temperatures and harsher weather elements.

When visiting Iceland in October you’ll be able to catch some of our migratory whale species that only call the island home for a certain period of time each year.

The downside of visiting outside of peak season is that some places, whether shops, attractions, or activities, will have “down season” operating hours. This means that they will either be open for shorter hours each day or only be open on certain days of the week.

If you’ve got experiencing the Midnight Sun on your Iceland bucket list, you’ll need to plan your trip for another time, since there’s not nearly enough daylight hours during October.

Whilst the weather won’t be at winter levels yet, You’ll definitely feel that it’s not summer in Iceland anymore either.

If you’ve always wanted to see the Iceland Puffins, visiting the island in October will also mean that you’ve just missed them. So, if these little guys are a must for your trip to the island, it’s also best to plan it during the Puffin season (May to August).

Driving in Iceland in October

Driving in Iceland in October is a pleasant experience. All roads and routes are open, and you don’t need to be extremely worried about weather conditions causing havoc on the roads. Just keep in mind that you might need a 4x4 vehicle, depending on the specific routes you are planning on taking.

It’s definitely a must if you’re planning on visiting the Westfjords or the Highlands and plan on driving any of the F-roads in Iceland. Some of our most popular road trip routes on the island that you can consider are:

Diamond Circle

South Coast Way

Golden Circle

Westfjords Way

Weather in Iceland in October

As we already mentioned, Iceland’s weather in October might not have you tanning next to a pool, but it’s still a ways off from the extreme cold and extreme weather conditions one can experience during the winter season . The temperature in Iceland in October ranges between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius, whilst the average normally hovers around the 4-degree mark.

Iceland’s daylight hours in October are still at a high, and you will have 12 hours each day to plan your activities and sightseeing . Whilst snow isn’t common in Iceland in October, and you’ll experience sleet at the most in most of the country, the north is a bit of a different story, and it’s well-known that winter hits there earlier.

October is one of the wettest months of the year, though, so you’ll need to come prepared with a raincoat, waterproof clothing, and gear. And whilst you won’t be getting any of our legendary Icelandic winds that will literally rip a car door off its hinges, you will still need to prepare for winds of up to 27 kilometers per hour. But, once again, if you come prepared, this should not be an issue, and if you keep an eye on the Icelandic weather forecast you’ll always be one step ahead.

What to Pack and Wear when Visiting Iceland in October

Packing for a trip to a country that literally has the word ‘ice’ in it, isn’t nearly as hard as one might think. Simply ensure that you bring thermal underwear. Bring enough T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts so you can layer up. Pack waterproof clothing such as a jacket, pants, and hiking boots to keep the wet out .

And remember to pack a towel and your swimwear to take a dip in one of our famous hot springs. Also, double-check that you have all the electronic devices you will need such as a laptop for work, a GPS for hiking, chargers, a power bank, etc. The same goes for your toiletries (and remember to check flight restrictions regarding volume and medication). It’s also a good idea to pack everything in a backpack that’s suitable to use during day outings as well as hikes to save space.

Alternatively, you’ll need to pack a backpack like this. Just remember that there are weight restrictions on your luggage, and we do have places you can wash your clothes, so don’t pack your entire wardrobe only to either unpack at the airport or lug around unnecessary and heavy luggage all over Iceland.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in October

As we already mentioned, Iceland in October allows you to still take advantage of most of the activities of the warmer months even though the island’s technically cooling down. You’ll also be getting some extra perks in the form of local events and celebrations. Here are a few things that you can add to your October trip itinerary:

Soak in a hot spring such as the Secret Lagoon

Check out our rock formations such as Dyrholaey

Take a boat ride on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Visit the very first geyser at Geysir

Explore Iceland on the back of a real Icelandic Horse

Visit an authentic Viking village

Explore the capital city by going on the Reykjavik Food Walk

Go on a hike in one of Iceland’s national parks

Check out our waterfalls such as Svartifoss

Visit our exciting museums such as the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

Go shopping in our famous Laugavegur Street

Marvel at our architecture

Attend an Icelandic festival or event such as Iceland Airwaves or The Lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower

Iceland in October; All the Perks Without the Peak Season Prices

October in Iceland is truly the last chance to visit the island without having to deal with some of our more extreme weather conditions, the peak season crowds as well as the peak season prices.

And with the weather still being pretty nice, the sights to see and the activities to do is absolutely legion. If you don’t want the added hassle of planning transport, outings, or itineraries, you’re welcome to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help you with guided tours in Iceland . See you in October!

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The 8 most spectacular road trips in Iceland

Mar 4, 2024 • 10 min read

Head out on four wheels to explore Iceland's incredible landscapes © janiecbros / Getty Images

Driving in Iceland is a dreamy experience, and having your own set of wheels offers the freedom to explore the country at your own pace.

Picture the scene: you’re gliding along a road curling around a snowy hillside. On your right, a steep, rocky slope, the top shrouded in fog. On your left, the surf beats against vertical cliffs, with sea birds circling overhead. Before you, the crystal blue waters of yet another fjord stretch out to the horizon. 

There’s no better feeling than heading out and seeing where the road takes you. But, should you require a little more structure to your overland odyssey, we’ve selected eight unforgettable Iceland road trips to get you started.

1. Hit the road on the Blue Diamond tourist route

Best road trip for volcanic activity Keflavík International Airport  –  Keflavík International Airport; 75 – 115km (50 – 70 miles); 1 day

From Keflavík International Airport, the Blue Diamond tourist route loops around the otherworldly lava landscapes of Reykjanes Peninsula , through quiet seaside villages and the wondrous Reykjanes Geopark, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015.

Nowhere else are the borders between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates as visible. All around are signs of geothermal and volcanic activity: the milky blue waters of the  Blue Lagoon steam into the sky, while  Geldingadalir (which erupted in 2021 and again in August 2022, but is now inactive) continues to wow visitors. Check safety alerts before you visit. 

There are many more discoveries to be made on the route, including the windswept shore by Reykjanes lighthouse and Kleifarvatn Lake (home, according to legend, to a wormlike monster the size of a whale), and there are myriad hiking trails.

Planning tip: You can do a round trip in less than a day, but it’s worth staying for a few days to fully explore the region.

2. Take Road 435 as an alternative to the Golden Circle

Best road trip in summer Reykjavík – Reykjavík; approx 225km (140 miles), 1 day

For a different take on the Golden Circle – Iceland’s most popular day tour – try Nesjavallaleið (Road 435), which is open in the summer. It slings through moss-covered lava landscapes and up and down steep hills, with a breathtaking view of Þingvallavatn Lake in the distance. Along the road are quite a few marked hiking trails, beckoning road trippers to temporarily ditch the car and get up close and personal with the stunning landscape.

Puffs of steam are the telltale sign that you’re approaching Nesjavallavirkjum Power Plant and the exclusive ION Adventure Hotel . The road continues along placid lakes, including Úlfljótsvatn with a lonely church on its banks. You drive through a summer house region – where city dwellers go for weekend breaks – and then onto the main road past the perfectly circular Kerið crater lake, one of the obligatory Golden Circle stops.

After gawking at Gullfoss waterfall and spying Geysir (from which all other geysers take their name), you can drive back via Þingvellir National Park with a quick visit to the curious cave houses of Laugarvatnshellar.

Local tip: Bookworms should also consider making a stop at Gljúfrasteinn Laxness Museum in Mosfellsdalur. The museum is the former home of prominent Icelandic writer Halldór Laxness, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955.

3. Drive through the remote East Fjords

Best road trip to explore Iceland's maritime heritage Egilsstaðir – Egilsstaðir; approx 820km (510 miles), 5 days

Set up camp in Egilsstaðir and you’ll be in prime position to uncover the magical East Fjords. First, visit the village of Vopnafjörður, home to Selárlaug, a swimming pool on the banks of a salmon-filled river, which is also popular for fishing. In summer, you could cross the spectacular mountain pass Hellisheiði eystri (Road 917) to get here – but with its narrow and steep gravel road, it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Regardless, take the easy way back (Road 85 and Road 1) to Borgarfjörður eystri, and recharge at the village of Bakkagerði with a hotel and spa, puffin-watching house and popular music festival Bræðslan, held in July. It’s also a good base for hiking in the stunning surroundings, with the trek to Stórurð, a turquoise lake enclaved by massive boulders, a particularly popular route.

You must return to Egilsstaðir before moving on to the next fjords on the route: Eskifjörður and Neskaupstaður. Here, the maritime heritage of this region is honored in elegantly renovated historic houses: Randulfssjóhús in Eskifjörður and Beituskúrinn in Neskaupstaður, both of which now function as excellent, atmospheric restaurants. Drive back through Fáskrúðsfjörður to Stöðvarfjörður, where Petra’s Stone Collection museum amazes, showcasing the sheer variety of minerals that can be found in the mountains in the country’s east. From here, it’s a straight run back to Egilsstaðir for the last time – remember to watch out for reindeer!

4. See the Westfjords by road and ferry

Best scenic road trip Reykjavík – Reykjavík; approx 765km (475 miles)

On the way to the Westfjord from Reykjavík , you’ll drive through the rural region of Dalir. Here, dairy farm Erpsstaðir makes for a great first pitstop on the journey, where you can learn about traditional farming life and sample the homemade cheeses and other treats. There are also a number of historical sites nearby, including Eiríksstaðir, a living museum about life in the Viking era, and Guðrúnarlaug , the replica of the pool where the beautiful heroine of Laxdæla saga (one of the famous medieval Icelandic sagas) used to bathe.

Leaving Dalir in the rearview mirror, the first Westfjordian town you’ll reach is Reykhólar, home to Sjávarböðin, a spa specializing in seaweed baths (said to have all manner of healing properties). From here, the drive along the peninsula’s southern coast on steep gravel roads is both awe-inspiring and borderline scary, but your reward is a stroll on red-sand beach Rauðasandur and the view from Látrabjarg, Iceland’s westernmost point. Látrabjarg is also a haven for birdlife, with thousands of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, nesting in the cliffs.

You can take the ferry from Brjánslækur back, via Flatey , an idyllic island that seems to be frozen in time. It used to be the bustling center of the Breiðafjörður islands, but today, only seven people live there year-round. From here, the ferry takes you onwards to Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes , entering via a beautiful harbor overlooked by a distant lighthouse. It’s a view that might tempt you to stay a while.

Local tip:  If you have time to explore Stykkishólmur, check out the Library of Water , a modern art museum, and sample the locally sourced seafood on offer at Sjávarpakkhúsið .

5. Cruise around the otherworldly Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Best road trip for varied landscapes Start/end – Reykjavík; approx 440km (275 miles)

In clear weather, you can see the alluring ice cap Snæfellsjökull from Reykjavík. The drive there is an adventure with ever-changing landscapes. You’ll find sand and pebble beaches, volcanoes, a glacier and rhyolite mountains, lava fields and grassy terrain, caves, bird-filled cliffs and waterfalls.

The peninsula’s southern side is graced by the white-sand beach Löngufjörur, a hot spot for horseback riding, the otherworldly lava landscape around Búðir and the many wonders of Snæfellsjökull National Park .

On the northern side, there are charming fishing villages and Kirkjufell , one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains – particularly popular when the northern lights are out . Although it’s possible to do a whirlwind tour of Snæfellsnes in a day, you can easily spend a few: hiking, bird watching, sailing or simply taking in the views of the immense glacier.

6. Drive beyond the Ring Road on the ancient Kjölur route

Best road trip for Iceland's interior  Reykjavík – Reykjavík; approx 1378km (856 miles), at least a week

Spice up your Ring Road (Route 1) adventure by cutting through the barren interior of the country. Road 35, which splinters off from Route 1 past Gullfoss waterfall , continues along the ancient Kjölur route between glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. It’s an F-road, so it requires a 4WD vehicle and is only open in the summer, but it is not as difficult as some of the other highland routes (for example, there are no river crossings.)

Around the halfway point is Hveravellir , an oasis of sorts in the snowy desert landscape, with a lodge, a natural pool for bathing and a multicolor geothermal area with marked hiking trails, including to Kerlingarfjöll mountains. You enter the Ring Road again about an hour’s drive from Akureyri , the “capital” of the north, which is great for catching up on some culture, visiting galleries or having a night on the town (with at least three bars to choose from!).

The Ring Road will take you from fjord to fjord, past eerie mountains and into quiet seaside villages. Fáskrúðsfjörður is known for a museum that honors the legacy of French sailors, located inside the beautifully renovated French hospital. In Breiðdalsvík drop by microbrewery Beljandi (named after a waterfall by the same name) and in Djúpivogur take a look at the granite egg sculptures in Gleðivík by renowned artist Sigurður Guðmundsson.

7. Explore local legends on the Diamond Circle

Best road trip of north Iceland Húsavík – Húsavík; approx 250km (155 miles), 2 days

North Iceland’s answer to the Golden Circle is the Diamond Circle . Make your base in the whale-watching town of Húsavík and head east to Ásbyrgi at the northern realms of Vatnajökull National Park . The horseshoe-shaped canyon is characterized by vertical cliffs – walk to the top of Eyjan for an amazing view of the sand beaches to the north and the North Atlantic. This is gyrfalcon territory, the largest falcon in the world, so keep an eye out for the majestic raptors.

With its lovely lake, lava fields, steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs, the Mývatn area is an obligatory stop on the drive back to Húsavík. Take time to marvel at the mighty Goðafoss waterfall in Skjálfandafljót. It’s called the “waterfall of the gods” because legend has it that the lawspeaker (a role in ancient Scandinavian society where someone is entrusted to recite the law) Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan sculptures in the falls after deciding that Icelanders should convert to Christianity in 1000 CE. Further upstream is Aldeyjarfoss, another spectacular waterfall surrounded by columnar basalt.

Planning tip: Don’t forget to reserve some time for Húsavík itself, a bustling town with interesting museums and fabulous seafood restaurants. Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths are perched up on Húsavíurhöfði next to a yellow lighthouse with an unobstructed view of the whale-watching boats on Skjálfandi Bay.

8. Take a leisurely drive along the Arctic Coast Way

Best coastal road trip for taking your sweet time Hvammstangi – Bakkafjörður; approx 900km (560 miles), 2 weeks

Designed for slow travel, the Arctic Coast Way slings along Iceland’s northern coastline, encompassing sleepy villages, six islands and amazing natural sites few people get to see. The route starts at the seal-watching town Hvammstangi in northwest Iceland and ends in windblown Bakkafjörður in the northeast. Along the way, drivers will encounter dramatic views, lonely lighthouses and some interesting stories.

At Þrístapar, you can learn about the gruesome fate of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the heroine of Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites who was the last woman executed in Iceland. At Brimslóð in Blönduós, there’s the option to go foraging for your dinner, and in Skagaströnd have your fortune told at the Museum of Þórdís the Prophetess. In summer, the midnight sun bounces off the ocean surface, and in winter, the northern lights dance across the night sky in between blinking stars – far from light pollution.

Other interesting stops include Hvítserkur sea stack, the massive Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn, an ancient stone monument inspired by Norse mythology, and the gannet colony at Stóri Karl on Langanes.

Planning tip: Take your time to explore on foot, and book whale-watching, kayaking or diving tours for a different perspective of this wild coastal region.

This article was first published Oct 6, 2020 and updated Mar 4, 2024.

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October in Iceland – Weather, Fun Activities, What to Pack & More

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Visiting Iceland in October offers a unique and captivating experience, characterized by its transitional weather, diminished crowds, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.

Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland

• January in Iceland
• February in Iceland
• March in Iceland
• April in Iceland
• May in Iceland
• June in Iceland
• July in Iceland
• August in Iceland
• September in Iceland

Weather and Average Temperature

• Temperature Range : October in Iceland sees average temperatures ranging from 2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F). The weather is cool and often wet, with frequent rain showers.
• Weather Variability : Expect variable weather conditions. Days can be crisp and clear or windy and rainy.

Daylight Hours in October in Iceland

• Decreasing Daylight : October marks a significant shift in daylight hours in Iceland. The month starts with about 11.5 hours of daylight and ends with around 8 hours, signaling the approach of the darker winter months.

What to Wear in Iceland During October

• Layered Clothing : Essential for adapting to Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Include waterproof and windproof jackets, warm sweaters, thermal underlayers, and sturdy, waterproof footwear.
• Accessories : Don’t forget hats, gloves, and scarves for extra warmth, especially when exploring outdoors.

My Ultimate Packing Checklist is linked in the show notes and will provide you with everything you need to bring. I recommend following the winter list, especially toward the end of the month because it is noticeably colder and darker.

Road Conditions & Driving in October

• Road Conditions : Generally stable, but be prepared for occasional icy patches or snow, especially in northern regions.
• Driving Tips : Stay updated with the weather forecast and road conditions. Daylight hours are decreasing, so plan your travels accordingly. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for more rugged terrains.

Expert Trip Planning Tip for Iceland in October

Due to decent day light hours, good road conditions, and relatively warm weather, October can be a nice shoulder season month for people to visit who want to avoid the crowds. Driving to different parts of the country is still quite easy, meaning hardly any snow or ice, especially during the beginning and middle of the month. So, I recommend renting a car or a camper van.

The Best Company to Rent a Car or Camper Van in Iceland

Go car rental iceland.

If you plan to explore Iceland on your own when you visit, I highly recommend using Go Car Rental Iceland . They are a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.

I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand.

Go Campers - Camper Van Rental

If you plan to use a campervan, use my code Iceland7 to save 7% and get two free duvets with your GO Campers van rental. Also, I have a great episode coming up soon about how to choose the right camper van for your travels in Iceland, so keep an eye out for that.

Why You Should Visit Iceland in October

• Less Crowded : With the high season tapering off, you’ll find fewer tourists, making it easier to enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty more peacefully.
• Aurora Borealis : The darkening skies increase the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, a truly magical experience.
• Autumn Colors : The landscape turns into a beautiful palette of autumn colors, enhancing the scenic beauty.

Top Activities to Do in October

• Northern Lights Hunting : With longer nights, October is a great time to chase the Aurora Borealis.
• Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools : The cooler weather makes soaking in Iceland’s famous hot springs even more enjoyable.
• Hiking and Outdoor Adventures : Enjoy the stunning autumn scenery with activities like hiking, horseback riding, and glacier tours.

October Events and Holidays in Iceland

• Reykjavík International Film Festival : A popular event showcasing a wide range of domestic and international films. September to October – https://riff.is/en/
• Imagine Peace Tower Lighting : Commemorates John Lennon’s birthday on October 9th and is lit until December 9th, his death anniversary. https://www.imaginepeacetower.com/
• Halloween : Although not traditionally celebrated, it has gained popularity, with various events and parties, especially in Reykjavík.

Iceland Trip Planning Resources

Before hopping into the random fact of the episode, I want to share some Iceland trip planning resources. I’ve received many amazing emails from listeners of the podcast and followers on social media asking me for my advice on what to do in Iceland.

Due to the high demand for this information, I created some resources. All of the ones I will talk about are available through a link in the description of this episode on my website allthingsiceland.com. Also, they can be found on the homepage of my website. There is a tab at the top called “Trip Planning Help”. Click on that and you will find links to everything I am about to share.

Video Consultation with Me for Your Trip

One of the resources is that if you’re interested in getting personalized trip planning advice from me, you can book me for a consultation via this link . After you fill out a survey and pick a time that is available for both of us, we do a one-hour video chat via Google Meet.

During this time, we chat about your interest, parts of the country you want to visit, how to get the most out of your time, helpful information to know about Iceland before coming, and any questions that you have. I always feel delighted when I hear at the end of the call that people feel even more excited about their upcoming trip because of the consultation.

Make Your Own Itinerary with My Iceland Map

Another great resource is to grab full access to my Iceland map. This map was created for those who want to pick out places and hidden gems around Iceland to make up their own itinerary or add to one that they already created.

With full access, you get over 250 places that I recommend in Iceland, along with four itineraries to use for planning your trip. Those itineraries include a 10-day Ring Road trip, a 3-day South Iceland trip, The Famous Golden Circle and a Reykjanes Peninsula Day Trip.

A one-time purchase gives you lifetime access, which includes any updates I make to the map.

Here is a link to my Iceland map: rexby.com/jewells/Iceland .

Random Fact of the Episode

October is when the season for the northern lights really kicks off.

Icelandic Word of Episode

Óktober – October

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A Detailed 1 Week Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Last updated: April 16, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 98 Comments

Heading to Iceland and planning on driving the Ring Road? You’ve come to the right place! Our detailed Iceland Ring Road itinerary will get you to all the sights you want to see, giving you all the information you need to tackle this epic Iceland road trip, including a day by day breakdown of the adventure.

We’ve spent a great deal of time exploring Iceland’s Ring Road in its entirety and we have also visited Iceland in both summer and winter. We’ve already written a number of comprehensive guides to visiting Iceland to help you plan your trip, but this is our first detailed Ring Road itinerary.

During our time exploring Iceland’s ring road we’ve seen the majority of the highlights along the route. Based on these experiences, and our other travels in Iceland, we’ve distilled the adventure down into the perfect Iceland Ring Road itinerary for a one-week ring road trip, starting and ending in Reykjavik.

This post contains everything you need to know to plan your trip, including a detailed day-by-day breakdown of the route, where to stay, what to see along the way, driving distances, and a full route map as well as all the planning information you need!

Let’s get started, first by answering some questions you might have about the route.

What is the Iceland Ring Road?

The Iceland Ring Road, also known as Þjóðvegur 1, or Route 1, is a national road that runs all around the country, connecting all the major towns and cities. The Ring Road is 828 miles long (1,332 kilometres), making it the longest road in Iceland.

The Ring Road is primarily two lanes wide and paved, although some sections are wider than this, and in some cases, particularly for bridges, it may only be a single lane road

Why Road Trip on the Iceland Ring Road?

Iceland’s Ring Road makes for the perfect Iceland road trip because it covers a great deal of the country, and passes right by, or very close to, a great many of Iceland’s most famous and noteworthy attractions, including natural attractions such as waterfalls, epic viewpoints and gorgeous towns and villages.

In addition, as the Ring Road passes through the major towns and cities of Iceland, it’s easier to find accommodation along the route if you follow the Ring Road. Finally, being the main route around Iceland, navigation is easy.

How Long Does it Take to Drive Iceland’s Ring Road?

As mentioned above, Iceland’s Ring Road is 1,332 kilometres long. For the majority of the route, the speed limit is 90km/h, so in theory you could drive the entire Ring Road in 15 – 20 hours.

Of course, we’d advise against that. We’d suggest that one week would be the minimum amount of time to do a Ring Road tour and take in all the sights in this itinerary. This will give you time to do plenty of sight-seeing along the route and not be too rushed. Of course, more time is better – on one trip we spent four weeks doing the full route, with lots of detours and diversions!

If you have less time in Iceland or don’t want to be too rushed, we’d suggest focusing on a specific region so you get the most out of your trip. Take a look at our itinerary for 5 days in Iceland for inspiration.

Which Way Should I Drive the Iceland Ring Road?

Being a circular route, you can drive the Iceland Ring Road in either direction. Our preference would be to drive it in an anti-clockwise direction, tackling the south of the country first.

In our experience, the south of Iceland is the busiest part of the country in terms of visitors, so as you travel, you will go from more busy places (the south) to less busy places (basically everywhere else). We think this will be an easier transition to manage than driving from relatively quiet to more crowded spots.

Of course, you are welcome to drive this route in any direction. Our road trip itinerary is set up in a counter-clockwise direction, but you can reverse it.

Can I Drive the Iceland Ring Road in Winter?

Whilst you can drive Iceland’s Ring Road in winter, we would generally advise against it. Road conditions can change very quickly, and sections of the Ring Road often close in winter, meaning you might have to retrace your route to get back to where you started. A storm can really negatively impact your trip.

In addition, the limited hours of daylight in the winter months mean you won’t have so much time for sight-seeing as you might want. In summer, you will have so many hours of daylight thanks to the midnight sun that you can really pack the sight-seeing in!

Ideally you’d want to do this trip between late April and October.

If you travel in late September or October you will also have the chance to see the northern lights . You won’t have to do anything special to see them – just find somewhere with no artificial light sources, hope for good weather and look up!

Of course, we don’t discourage coming to Iceland in winter in general! It’s the time of year when you have a great chance to see the northern lights, and the landscapes are quite wonderful when covered in ice and snow.

Instead of driving Iceland’s entire Ring Road in winter, we’d suggest you look at our 7 day Iceland winter itinerary , which we think is the best option for visiting Iceland in winter and driving yourself.

We also suggest taking a look at our guide to driving in Iceland in winter , and our guide to what to pack for Iceland in winter .

Another option is to take a guided tour like this . Let someone else handle all the logistics of planning and driving, and you can just enjoy your journey without worrying about driving in poor conditions.

Do you have to self-drive the Iceland Ring Road?

The road trip in this post is based on a self-drive itinerary which means you drive yourself. Driving in Iceland gives you the most flexibility in terms of your itinerary hiring a car; however, it’s not the only option!

One popular option would be to take a group tour of Iceland instead. This means someone else will handle everything for you, including the driving, itinerary and accommodation, and you get to just enjoy the sight-seeing.

If that sounds good to you (we know not everyone wants to drive in Iceland), there are a number of options, which we outline in the following section.

Tours of the Iceland Ring Road

The Iceland ring road is a popular road trip, and as such there are a number of tour companies offering trips, ranging from a few days to a number of weeks. We’d suggest 6 days as being the absolute minimum for a ring road tour, and ideally more like 7 days to 2 weeks.

We recommend this either 8 day tour , this 8 day tour or this 8 day tour with G Adventures.

If you are really pressed for time, this is a 6 day tour that will let you see the highlights. This is a similar 6 day tour .

Do be aware when comparing tours that you need to look carefully at what is included and what isn’t. Even if a tour has a higher price, if it includes all the meals then it might be better value than a cheaper tour without meals as food can be very expensive in Iceland.

Other things to consider include what attractions or experiences are included in the price.

For example, tours might cost more but the price might include higher quality accommodation, wildlife watching tours, Blue Lagoon entry and glacier lagoon boat ride, as well as many other activities.

For more inspiration on tours in Iceland, check out our guide to the best guided tours of Iceland , which will give you loads of ideas for what else you can do in the country for trips between 2 days and 2 weeks!

You can also see a selection of guided tours of Iceland on TourRadar here and on Guide to Iceland here , both of which offer a variety of tours from different companies in Iceland.

Now, having hopefully answered many of your questions about driving the Ring Road, let’s share our week-long Iceland ring road itinerary!

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Now, let’s take a look at a suggested itinerary for one week driving the Iceland Ring Road. This covers 8 days and 7 nights of travel, and we have tried to lay it out so each day has a similar amount of driving, although of course this isn’t always possible.

We’d also advise that you adjust the itinerary to suit your own interests and needs, as well as your arrival and departure times of course!

Day 1: Arrive, Blue Lagoon, part of Golden Circle.

On your first day you’ll arrive in Iceland at Keflavik International Airport. This is around a 40 minute drive to the south west of Reykjavik.

For this itinerary, we’re going to assume you arrive into Iceland in the morning. If you arrive in the late afternoon or evening, you’ll want to tweak this day a little bit.

On arrival, pick up your hire car ( compare prices here ) at the airport and consider heading straight for the famous Blue Lagoon if it is on your must-visit list. This is Iceland’s most well-known geothermal lagoon, and is a huge outdoor bathing area where the water is a funky shade of blue.

As well as the main lagoon (which has a swim up bar), you can also get treatments here and have a meal, as there’s an on-site restaurant. If you plan to visit the Blue Lagoon , you’ll need to pre-book a timeslot, which you can do here .

The Blue Lagoon is a very popular place, so don’t expect to be able to turn up and buy a ticket. See our full guide visiting the Blue Lagoon for more.

It’s only a short drive from the airport, but you’ll want to factor in the time it will take you to get through immigration and baggage claim as well as collect your hire car, which can take a while if the airport is busy. If you arrive in the afternoon or evening, you can either just do the Blue Lagoon and then stay nearby, or skip it and head further along the route towards the Golden Circle – our next adventure.

Another option to consider which is closer to Reyjavik city centre is the Sky Lagoon. This is a newer attraction which offers a similar hot springs experience, and is worth checking out too. You can book tickets for the Sky Lagoon here .

If you choose not to do the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon on your first day, don’t worry, you can also do it at the end of your trip instead. There are also a number of other thermal baths all around the country, and we actually personally prefer the Lake Mývatn Nature Baths in the north of Iceland.

After the Lagoon, our suggestion is to get going on the road trip straight away. A week is not a massive amount of time to drive the Ring Road, so a head start is a good idea. With this in mind, we recommend you head out onto the Golden Circle.

The Golden Circle is one of the more popular short road trips in Iceland. Its proximity to Reykjavik makes it easy to do in a day, and it is a quick way to see some of the best of the country, from cultural attractions to waterfalls and geothermal activity. We have written a full guide to the Golden Circle to help you fully plan your time here.

If you’ve arrived in Iceland in the morning, you’ll have time to see Thingvellir National Park on your first day. Thingvellir, or Þingvellir, is one of the most important cultural sites in Iceland, and is on the UNESCO world heritage list. It’s where Iceland’s parliament met from the 10th to the 18th centuries.

As well as the cultural significance, the national park is interesting for it’s geological features. The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates have their boundary here, and you can see the rifts between these plates in the form of obvious canyons. It’s really interesting to see geography up close like this.

You can even go snorkelling to experience these plates. This is done in dry suits with specialist operators, as the water temperature hovers just above freezing year round. You don’t need to bring any special equipment, but booking in advance is definitely recommended. Here’s a tour booking link if you want to do that.

There’s also a beautiful waterfall here, Öxarárfoss, which is around a 10 minute walk from the car park. Game of Thrones fans will also enjoy visiting Thingvellir National Park as it was used for the filming of a number of Game of Thrones scenes , including the Gates of the Moon. This is found in Almannagjá gorge  which is just near Öxaráfoss waterfall.

Once you’re done with Thingvellir, we’d suggest calling it a day, and heading on to your accommodation for the night. We recommend staying somewhere between Laugarvatn and Flúðir. If you have arrived early however and skipped the Blue Lagoon, you will likely have time to also do the Geysir Park and visit Gulfoss waterfall. For this itinerary though, we will describe these on our second day.

Day 1 Highlights : Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir

Start Point : Keflavík Airport End Point:  Laugarvatn / Flúðir Distance driven : ~140 kilometres / 90 miles

Where to Stay

For your first night we recommend booking accommodation somewhere near Fludir Here are some options to consider.

• Farmhotel Efstidalur – as the name suggests this is found on a farm. Private rooms are en-suite and there’s an on-site geothermal hot tub
• Fludir Icelandair Hotel  – We stayed here on one trip to Iceland and it was very comfortable, with an on-site restaurant.
• Garður Stay Inn by the Secret Lagoon – well reviewed and handy for Fludir’s “ Secret Lagoon “, a lovely geothermal bath
• Farmer’s Guesthouse – just near the town of Hella, this is a good option if you want to complete the Golden Circle and start along the south coast. Another option found on a farm with cabins.
• Stracta Hotel – centrally located in Hella, a well reviewed option with hot tubs and on-site restaurant.
• Midgard basecamp – found in Hvolsvöllur, this highly rated hostel is a great budget option with a hot tub

See more lodging options in this area on  booking.com here .

If you arrive later and want to overnight near the airport, we stayed at the Northern Light Inn , which is right next to the Blue Lagoon and about twenty minutes from the airport. See more Reykjavik options at the end of the itinerary.

Day 2: Golden Circle and South Coast

For the second day in our Ring Road trip we’re going to finish off the highlights of the Golden Circle, and start along the south Iceland coast, taking in some of the most famous attractions in Iceland.

First, we’re going to finish the Golden Circle. There are two more main attractions to see: Geysir and Gullfoss.

Geysir is a geothermal park which is home to the original “Geyser” – a geological feature whereby steam and boiling hot water are regularly ejected into the air. Today, we know this phenomenon as a “geyser”, which was the name given by the Icelanders to the geyser in the Geysir park.

The original geyser is now mostly dormant, but there are a number of other geysers in the park, one of which is regularly active, shooting into the air every few minutes. This is quite a spectacular thing to see, and well worth stopping for. Expect to spend around 20 to 30 minutes visiting this park.

From Geyser you’re going to drive on to Gullfoss. Foss, incidentally, is Icelandic for waterfall, and you’re going to see that word a lot in Iceland, as there are a lot of waterfalls!

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, with two tiers conveying a massive volume of water down a total of 32 metres. There are a number of good viewing areas, and a great deal of parking here, as well as an on-site cafe.

From Gullfoss, it’s time to start heading south where you’ll join the Ring Road, and which you will stay on for the majority of the rest of your road trip.

The first stop on your trip is going to be the Lava Center . This is a relatively new attraction in Iceland, which is well worth visiting if you want to learn about the volcanic activity in Iceland, and get an idea of what it’s like to experience massive geological activities like volcanoes and earthquakes.

The Lava Center is really interesting, and the exhibits here have already won a number of awards. There is a free part as well as a paid part, plus an on-site cafeteria-style restaurant so a good place to get some food. It’s definitely worth popping in to, even if you don’t tour the museum, just to get an understanding of some of the features you’ll be seeing on the rest of your trip.

If you do decide to visit, you can book your tickets online in advance here . Using our link gives you a small discount on the normal Lava Centre ticket price.

The next stop on your trip is Seljalandsfoss.  Seljalandsfoss is the first of the major waterfalls on the south coast you’re going to want to stop at and try to pronounce.

Seljalandsfoss is pretty cool because you can actually walk behind it (although it is sometimes closed due to safety issues). Note that you are very likely to get wet doing this, so make sure you are prepared with with right clothing, sturdy shoes (it can be slippery), and that  your camera or phone is suitably protected! It’s also a pretty waterfall in its own right.

Note that parking charges apply at Seljalandsfoss, when we visited it was 700 krona per car. These can be paid using a credit or debit card, and apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We did see parking officials enforcing these, and as these funds help maintain the facilities and parking here, we definitely recommend you don’t try to avoid paying them.

Whilst you’re at Seljalandsfoss, you might want to walk along the path here to Gljúfrabúi. This is about a ten minute walk north from Seljalandsfoss (it’s signposted and the path is paved).

Gljúfrabúi is a waterfall hidden inside a canyon, and you do have to walk a few metres up a river to access it. It’s worth doing if you have the right footwear and waterproofs, as it’s pretty cool. It’s really wet and slippery inside the canyon, as you might imagine given there’s a waterfall in here!

From Seljalandsfoss, it’s less than half an hours drive to the next location on our itinerary: Skogafoss. As you drive, if you have a clear day, you’ll also be able to admire some of Iceland’s volcanoes, including Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano which erupted in 2010 and caused worldwide air transport chaos!

Skogafoss is another beautiful waterfall, with a massive volume of water cascading over a sixty metre drop. It’s also 15 metres wide, with a sheer drop, so is quite mesmerising to behold. We also like that you can get very close to the crashing base, to really experience the power of nature. Although, be warned, if you get close, you’ll soon be soaked by the spray!

Before you worry that this itinerary is focusing just on waterfalls, fear not. Right next to Skogafoss is the Skogar Museum . This museum, which focuses on the cultural history of Iceland, has over 15,000 artifacts on display across 3 museum buildings. There’s also a large open-air  area with six historic buildings, including some beautiful traditional turf houses. The museum complex is large so you can easily spend 2 to 3 hours here.

From Skogafoss, you’re going to continue your journey eastwards along the Ring Road. Depending on your stamina and the time of day, you might want to stop at the Sólheimasandur plane wreck.

This is about a ten minute drive from Skogafoss, and there’s a large marked parking area here. Be aware though that it’s a 40 minute walk each way to see the crashed plane and nothing much to see along the way.

If the plane wreck is of interest, read our full guide to visiting the Iceland plane crash at Sólheimasandur . Otherwise, continue east!

Our last stop on the second day of this itinerary is Reynisfjara black sand beach. This is one of Iceland’s beautiful black sand beaches, which is particularly notable for having stacks of basalt columns running along the edge of the beach. There are also sea stacks off shore which are pretty.

This is a popular (and often crowded) location, but do be careful here, as the area is known for “rogue waves” – large waves which can appear without warning, and sweep visitors off the feet and, in worst case scenario, out to sea. So just watch out for that.

Finally, we suggest you overnight at either the town of Vik, or head on a little further to Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Day 2 Highlights:  Geyser, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Plane Crash, Reynisfjara Beach

Start Point : Efstidalur II / Flúðir End Point : Vik Distance driven : 207 km / 128 miles

Our suggestion for your second night is to stay either in Vik or Kirkjubæjarklaustur (also called Klaustur). Some options to consider include:

• The Barn – this is a well reviewed and popular hostel in Vik, offering both dormitory accommodation and private rooms
• Hotel Vík í Mýrdal – found just 450 yards from the black sand beach in Vik, this is a well rated hotel offering private en-suite rooms
• Hunkubakkar Guesthouse  – a family run guesthouse found five miles from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. WiFi, on-site restaurant and cute colourful cottages.
• Hotel Klaustur – a modern hotel in Klaustur, with simple but comfortable rooms. We’ve stayed here and had a pleasant experience

See more options in Vik here and Klaustur here .

Day 3: South Coast

On your third day driving the Ring Road in Iceland we’re going to finish the highlights of the south coast, and start to head up the east coast.

First stop on your third day is Fjaðrárgljúfur, a 2 million year old river canyon which has carved an incredible path out of the landscape here, making for a seriously photogenic location. It’s about a five minute drive off the Ring Road just before the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Whilst you can see the canyon from the bridge at the parking lot, we would urge you to take the 15 minute hike up to the main viewpoint, which is a metal viewpoint overlooking the canyon. Here you can see down the length of the canyon for a wonderful view.

From Kirkjubæjarklaustur, continue along the 1. At this point in your journey, you are on the Eldhraun Lava Field. This is the largest lava field in the world, caused by a massive eruption in the 18th century that lasted for a year, and nearly resulted in the whole country being evacuated.

Today, this vast 565-kilometre square site is known for the green moss that has grown over the lava field, which makes for a popular photograph. Just please be aware that it’s taken the moss a couple of hundred years to grow, and it is super sensitive to being stood on. There are dedicated parking areas with marked trails to follow, and sticking to these will help preserve this remarkable environment for future travellers. There are also some picnic tables along here if you are in the mood for a snack.

Continuing on through Eldrahaun, you will notice the massive Vatnajökull glacier in the distance before you. This is the largest glacier in Iceland, covering a staggering 9% of the whole country. This is protected as part of the Vatnajökull National Park.

Naturally, visiting parts of this national park is the the next thing on your itinerary for today!

The first stop in the national park is the Skaftafell region , which has its own visitor center and facilities. There’s a large parking area here, which does charge for parking. Fees when we visited were 700 krona per car, paid at the visitor center using automated machines.

Most people stop here to do a hike or two. One of the most popular is the hike up to Svartifoss, or the Black Falls. This is a 30 – 45 minute hike each way (it’s quite steep) to a beautiful waterfall that tumbles over black basalt columns. It’s fairly unique in this respect, so we think is worth the h

If you don’t want to hike up though, there are other walks in the area, including a flat walk that’s around 90 minutes total, which brings you close to the base of one of the glaciers as well. The visitor center has plenty of maps and staff who can give you assistance with choosing the best walk for you.

This would also be a good location to do a glacier hike or ice cave hike . Availability for these varies depending on the time of year, and you would have to plan accordingly as these guided activities usually last for around 3 – 4 hours. Most departures are from Skaftafell, and you definitely need to book these in advance, which you can do here .

The next stop is a five minute drive further along, to the Svínafellsjökull Glacier. Here there’s an excellent viewpoint from where you can see the tongue of the Svínafellsjökull Glacier – one of the outlet glaciers of the main Vatnajökull glacier.

Continuing further along, and you will come to the well known Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This lagoon is formed off the run off from the Breiðamerkurjökull outlet from Vatnajökull, and is a popular spot for taking a boat tour  (seasonal), which will get you out between the icebergs and up close to the glacier itself, an experience you won’t quickly forget.

Directly across the road from Jökulsárlón Lagoon is the Diamond beach. This is where the icebergs which float out of the lagoon wash up on the shore, creating the impression of a beach littered with giant diamonds. Depending on the time of year you visit, you will find more or less of these (more in winter, less in summer!), but it’s worth five minutes to check it out whenever you visit.

Finally, the last section of the day has you driving on to Hofn, where we recommend you spend the night. If you prefer, you can also drive further, and overnight in Djúpivogur.

Day 3 Highlights:  Fjaðrárgljúfur, Lava Fields, Vatnajökull National Park, Glacial Lagoon, Langoustines

Start Point : Vik End Point : Hofn or Djúpivogur Distance driven : 272km / 170 miles

Where to stay

For your third night on Iceland’s ring road we suggest staying in either Höfn or Djúpivogur. Options to consider include:

• Hotel Framtid in Djúpivogur – we stayed at this lovely hotel overlooking the harbour and enjoyed taking some short walks in the area
• Framtid Hostel – a well reviewed hostel in Djúpivogur offering a shared kitchen and shared bathrooms. A good budget option.
• Hotel Edda Höfn – found by the harbour in Höfn this hotel offers lovely views and rooms with private facilities
• Milk Factory – as the name suggests, this hotel is located in a former milk factory. Rooms all feature free WiFi and private bathrooms
• Höfn Guesthouse – this is a well reviewed centrally located budget guesthouse in Höfn, with shared bathrooms

See more options in Djúpivogur here and Hofn here .

Day 4: East Coast

It’s time to tackle Iceland’s east coast! Jökulsárlón Lagoon, which you visited yesterday, is the last stopping point for the majority of one and two day trips from Reykjavík, so from there onwards you should find that the roads and attractions will be a little less busy.

Your first stop today is the Vestrahorn, a fantastically photogenic mountain. In contrast to the flatter, glacier coated mountains of the south coast, the Vestrahorn is a spikey affair, in fact it is named for it’s “horns”. This is just one of a series of these mountains along the east coast, which makes for a seriously spectacular drive along the coast.

Note that you can see Vestrahorn from Route 1, but if you decide to drive off the 1  do come off the 1 and drive to Stokksnes for more views of the Vestrahorn, this is across private land. The landowner here charges a small fee to vehicles to manage the road and access.

You then are going to continue your drive along the coastal road, which is a really fabulous drive, and you are going to find yourself stopping regularly to take photos of the scenery here. Just be sure to stop at the actual pullouts and marked parking areas.

The first major stop is going to be the small fishing town of Djúpivogur. Here there are a few highlights, including an art installation of stone eggs (Eggin í Gleðivík), with each egg representing a bird you would find in Iceland. Djúpivogur is a popular spot for bird watching too and you can find a couple of hides in the area.

There are also local artists who have opened their quirky studios to visitors, and these are definitely worth a visit.

If you want to see something a little unusual (for Iceland at least), you can take a 15 minute hike from the east end of town to Búlandsnes, where you can see a lovely white sand beach. For more on what to do in Djúpivogur, see the official website here .

From Djúpivogur, continue northwards on Route 1. There are two waterfalls next on your route, Sveinsstekksfoss & Folaldafoss. The first is just off the road, with the best views found if you drive up the steep track a little way to the parking at the top, from where it’s a 1 minute walk to a viewpoint.

Folaldafoss is a five minute detour off the 1 on Route 939, and is viewable both from the car park, or you can walk down to be closer to the falls, which takes about five minutes. Both waterfalls are worth stopping at.

Note that GPS units will often recommend you continue on the 939 if you set your destination as Egilsstaðir. We’d suggest against doing this – the road is a windy mountainous pass, and you are unlikely to save any time. It also often closes in bad weather conditions. Instead, return to the 1 and continue onwards.

Another benefit of continuing on the Ring Road is that you will be able to stop at Petra’s stone collection.

Petra was a lady who lived in the village of Stöðvarfjörður, and who had a real passion for collecting stones. Her stone collection attracted visitors from all over the world, and it grew to take over her house and garden.

Petra died a few years back, but her family have maintained her collection – and it is truly impressive. A great stop if you want to learn all about the minerals of Iceland, plus get an insight into a locals’ life and hobby.

From Petra’s stone house, continue your journey to the town of Egilsstaðir. The stretch of Route 1 from near Reyðarfjörður into Egilsstaðir takes you through a truly stunning valley, which when we drove it seemed to have waterfalls crashing down the valley walls every few hundred meters. A wonderful sight to behold as you head into Egilsstaðir.

Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland, and a good place for shopping if you need to get any supplies. It’s also home to the largest forested area in Iceland, which you might find surprising after seeing so much barren and treeless landscapes!

For a culture fix, Egilsstaðir is where you’ll find the East Iceland Heritage Museum , which tells the story of the history and culture of this region of Iceland specifically.

You can overnight in Egilsstaðir, but, depending on time, you may also consider taking the half hour drive out to the town of  Seyðisfjörður on Route 93.

The road out to this coastal town is truly spectacular, and fans of the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” will recognise this road as the one the character Walter rides his long board down.

On the way there are a number of spectacular waterfalls – we’d definitely recommend stopping at Fardagafoss and taking the time to hike up to it (around 45 minutes round trip).

The town itself is also very pretty, with the rainbow painted high street that leads to the local church being particularly photogenic.

Day 4 Highlights:  Vestrahorn, Djúpivogur, Sveinsstekksfoss, Folaldafoss, Petra’s Stone Collection, Egilsstaðir, Seydisfjördur

Start Point:  Hofn End Point : Egilsstaðir or Seydisfjördur Distance driven : 281 km / 173 miles.

For your fourth night on Iceland’s ring road we recommend staying either in Egilsstaðir or Seydisfjördur.

• Hotel Aldan The Bank – this lovely property is found in two historic buildings in the centre of Seydisfjördur, and was where we stayed. Rooms are en-suite and wonderfully decorated.
• Hafaldan HI Hostel – found in Seydisfjördur, this hostel offers rooms with either private or shared facilities, as well as a shared kitchen. A good budget option.
• Tehúsið Hostel – found in Egilsstadir, this hostel has a restaurant, shared kitchen and lounge. Rooms have shared bathrooms.
• Hótel Eyvindará – this family run hotel is just 2km from Egilsstadir. Rooms ave private bathrooms and some have private terraces
• Icelandair Hotel Herad – this Egilsstadir hotels offers a terrace bar, 24-hour room service and on-site restaurant. Rooms are comfortable and are all en-suite.

See more options in Seydisfjördur here and Egilsstaðir here .

Day 5: North Iceland

The fifth day of our Iceland road trip itinerary takes us out of east Iceland and into northern Iceland. Before you leave this area though, you might consider a Reindeer Safari, as this is the best part of Iceland (well the only actually as all the reindeer live in East Iceland) to see the wild reindeer. We did one of these trips, and were lucky enough to spot two large reindeer herds!

After leaving Egilsstaðir, your first stop on day five will be the Rjukandi waterfall. This is right by the road, around a 40 minute drive outside Egilsstaðir. There’s a parking lot here and it’s a five or ten minute walk up a relatively gentle incline to the best viewpoint.

Not long after the Rjukandi waterfall, you’ll come to a turning signposted for Sænautasel and Möðrudalur. This follows the F970 unpaved mountain road. If you have time and a proper 4×4 vehicle with high clearance, and if the road is open, then we can suggest a detour on this route, which will give you the opportunity to visit these two locations.

Sænautasel is an old restored turf farm house where you can now get coffee and pancakes in an authentic turf house. Möðrudalur also has a number of turf houses, and is a larger village. This detour will add more time to your trip today, but if you do have the time and a suitable vehicle, then we think it is a fun experience.

Our next stop is the waterfall of Dettifoss, which is one of the highlights of Iceland’s Diamond Circle  – a popular circuit of attractions in the north of Iceland. Our Ring Road itinerary will cover some of these, but not all, just for reasons of time.

Dettifoss though should definitely be on your list. This is Europe’s most powerful waterfall by volume of water, with around 500 cubic meters of water passing over the falls every second. The falls are 100 meters wide and 45 metres high, and as you can imagine, are quite the sight.

You can access Dettifoss by taking either Road 864 or 862 off the Ring Road. These two options bring you to different sides of the falls, which offer slightly different views. Route 862, on the west side, is a tarmac road, whilst Route 864 is a gravel road. The views differ, so you should do a little research so you can decide for yourself which will be better for you. Also these roads may close in bad weather.

You can of course continue to explore the Diamond Circle if you wish. North from Dettifoss on the west side is Hljóðaklettar, home to some seriously funky columnar rock formations, which take around an hour to explore.

You could go further north and complete the Diamond Circle, even visiting Húsavík – one of the most popular places for whale watching in Iceland , and then rejoin the Ring Road at Lake Myvatn. If whale watching is high on your list, you might want to do that instead.

For the purposes of this itinerary, we’re going to assume you return to the Ring Road after Dettifoss, and continue to follow it.

You will now approach the Lake Myvatn area of northern Iceland, which is full of attractions, and where you could easily spend a few days exploring. The lake, which was created by a massive volcanic eruption a couple of thousand years ago (practically yesterday in geological terms), is a particularly popular spot for bird watching and is home to a large number of rare duck species.

There are also numerous attractions, from volcano craters to lava fields to areas of geothermal activity.

We would suggest that you split the attractions in the Myvatn area between your fifth and sixth day in Iceland. On this day, we’d advise stopping at Hverir, a geothermal spot which is known for its bubbling pools of mud and steam fumaroles, which is quite an impressive site.

We’d also highly recommend the Lake Myvatn Nature Baths . These baths are some of our favourite geothermal baths in Iceland. They have a similar outdoor feel to the Blue Lagoon, with that beautiful blue colour, but we thought that the view from the bathing area was just perfect. It’s a little way up a hillside here, and you can see right across the whole Lake Myvatn area.

You’ll want to book your ticket in advance , and we can recommend bringing a towel as towel rental is not included, and is a little bit expensive.

Day 5 Highlights : Rjukandi waterfall, Dettifoss, Hverir, Lake Myvatn Nature Baths

Start Point : Seydisfjordur End Point : Lake Myvatn Distance driven : 262km / 162 miles

We recommend spending your fifth night in the Lake Myvatn area. Some options to consider include:

• Laxá Hótel – this is a nice design hotel with great views, just 2km from the lake. We had a lovely stay here.
• Skútustadir Guesthouse – set on a farm, this well reviewed guesthouse offers a shared kitchen as well as rooms with either shared or private bathrooms
• Vogafjós Farm Resort – this well reviewed family-run guesthouse offers rooms with private bathrooms and on-site dining
• Fosshótel Mývatn – this is a very well reviewed hotel offering comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant
• Dimmuborgir Guesthouse – this farm stay offers self-catering cottages as well as rooms with access to a shared kitchen.

See more options in the Lake Myvatn area here .

If you decide to do the Diamond Circle drive instead, we’d recommend staying in Húsavík . We stayed at the  Kaldbakskot Cottages , but there are lots of options, you can see listings here .

Day 6: North Iceland

Wow, day 6 of the road trip already! Today we’re going to continue to explore northern Iceland, starting with some more of the attractions around Lake Myvatn.

Lake Myvatn has a great many attractions to choose from, ranging from geological attractions through to bird watching and fishing. We’ve put a few of our favourite geological attractions here, but there is a great deal to do in this area, depending on your interests.

Depending on where you choose to stay in this area, the order you visit these attractions will vary. However, these are the attractions we’d suggest you visit.

The first attraction along the route is Grjótagjá Cave. This is a hot water filled natural cave which was once a popular bathing area, until a change in the water temperature made it too hot to bathe in.

It was also used as a Game of Thrones filming location, which led to its current popularity.

Unfortunately, due to vandalism by visitors in 2018, the landowner closed all access to the cave;. However, as of 2021 it was open. As it’s on private land and access is down the landowner, just check before your visit to see if it is open. If not, or if you want a cave you can actually swim in, check out nearby Stóragjá Cave.

If you want to climb a volcano crater whilst you’re in Iceland, you’re going to love the next stop on the itinerary: Hverfjall Crater. This is a kilometre wide volcano crater which is a steep 15 minute walk up, and the views from the top are magnificent.

From Hverfjall, you’ll want to head to Dimmuborgir. This is home to an incredible lava field full of interesting rock formations. There are a variety of walks you can take around the area, of varying length, and the paths are easy to follow and well marked. Or you can just get a good look from the viewpoint next to the parking lot. This was also a Game of Thrones filming location.

There’s a cafe and gift shop here, as well as toilets for customers of the cafe.

After Dimmuborgir, we can recommend a stop at Hofdi, a small nature reserve where you can walk near the lake and see rock formations jutting out of the water. Finally, head to Skútustaðagígar, where you’ll find a series of “pseudo-craters”.

These aren’t craters from eruptions, but rather that formed when gas in flowing lava exploded. There are a series of them here, and they are of different sizes. This is also one of the most popular spots for bird watching in the area.

You’ve now seen the major highlights of this area, so it’s time to head on. It’s worth mentioning Aldeyjarfoss, a waterfall around an hour detour to the south of Lake Myvatn, but as this is a fairly lengthy detour (2 hours!) we’d only recommend it if you’re a really keen waterfall hunter. Otherwise, head west on to the one to our next stop: Goðafoss.

Goðafoss is a spectacular horseshoe shaped rainbow which has good viewing options from both sides, and it’s only a couple of minutes drive between the two sides, so it’s not hard to get from one viewpoint to the other. It’s also right off the Ring Road, so you can’t miss it. Short walk from parking areas.

After Goðafoss, your journey will bring you to Akureyri, the largest town in northern Iceland, and where we suggest you spend your sixth night in Iceland. There’s plenty to see and do here, which we’ll cover on the next day.

Day 6 Highlights : Lake Myvatn, Hverfjall Crater, Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar, Goðafoss

Start Point : Lake Myvatn End Point : Akureyri Distance driven : 110km / 70 miles

For your sixth night on Iceland’s ring road we recommend staying in Akureyri. Some options include:

• Hotel Kea – this very central 4* hotel was where we stayed in Akureyri. Rooms were comfortable and we enjoyed the on-site restaurant
• Hotel Akureyri – this central hotel offers en-suite rooms and an on-site restaurant, as well as free parking and WiFi
• Centrum Hotel – this is a well reviewed and centrally located guesthouse with private bathrooms, free parking and a restaurant
• Hafnarstræti Hostel – this very well reviewed hostel offers single and double capsule beds as well as a shared kitchen
• Akureyri Backpackers – a popular and central backpackers offering shared and private accommodation as well as free parking, a bar, cafe and communal kitchen.

See more options for Akureyri here .

Day 7: North and West Iceland

We’re now going to explore the town of Akureyri, and then head across to west Iceland and almost back to Reyjkavik. Time limitations on this trip mean we can’t do things like visit the Trollskagi peninsula or Snæfellsnes peninsula, but if you have a bit more time to spare, these would be worthy additions to your trip for sure!

Akureyri has a lot to offer, particularly if you’re interested in visiting some cultural attractions. The town is home to a large number of museums, including the Motorcycle Museum of Iceland , the Industry Museum , the Akureyri Art Museum , Nonnahús  and Safnasafnið , the Icelandic Folk and Outsider museum.

We took the time to visit a few of these for some indoor time, which is a great option when the weather is not so good outside.

Akureyri is also a good place for  horse riding tours  or a food tour , if these activities are of interest.

From Akureyri, it’s a bit of a drive back to Borganes, although along the way there are a number of worthy stops.

One suggestion, depending on time, is to take a detour to drive the Vatnsnes peninsula (or a section of it). This will take an extra 2 – 3 hours depending on stops, but will give you the opportunity to see the impressive Hvitserkur rock formations. There are also a number of other interesting rock formations and some beaches.

This area is also a great place for a chance to see seals in the wild. If you are interested in seals, stop off in Hvammstangi, where you can visit the Icelandic Seal Center, and learn all about these lovely creatures. Depending on the weather conditions and time of year, you can also take a boat tour to see seals and other wildlife.

If you choose not to do the Vatnsnes Peninsula, then Kolugljúfur Canyon is a beautiful canyon and series of waterfalls just a short drive off the Ring Road. You can also do this if you drive the peninsula, it will just require you to double back on yourself a little.

Finally, finish your day be heading on down to Borgarnes. In Borgarnes you might consider a visit to the excellent saga museum. Or, if you prefer, you can drive all the way to Reykjavik for your final night in Iceland!

Day 7 Highlights : Akureyri, Hvitserkur, Vatnsnes peninsula, Icelandic Seal Center, Kolugljúfur Canyon, Borgarnes

Start Point : Akureyri End Point : Borgarnes Distance driven : 370 km / 230 miles.

For your final night we’d suggest staying in either Borgarnes or Reykjavik.

We’ve stayed at a number of hotels near the Reykjavik city centre which we are happy to recommend, and we’ve included some other popular options as well.

• Grand Hotel,  around 1.2 miles from the city center, offering four star accommodation, free wifi, spa & fitness center and free parking. We’ve stayed here.
• Reyjkavik Natura Icelandair Hotel , near the city airport, this hotel offers free parking, a free city bus pass to all guests, on-site restaurant and spa facilities. We’ve stayed here.
• Guesthouse Galtafell  – A good value option around ten minutes walk from the city center and quick walk from the BSI bus station. Offers both guest rooms in the main house as well as apartments that come with a small kitchenette. We’ve stayed here.
• Galaxy Pod Hostel – this well located hostel offers dormitory accommodation with a twist – each bed is in a self-contained pod, offering more privacy than a normal hostel. Pods vary in standard, but most come with TV’s, power and WiFi.

If you’d prefer to stay near the airport, we’ve also stayed at the  Northern Light Inn . This is conveniently located right next to the Blue Lagoon and is about a 17 minute drive from airport. Travellers on more of a budget will like The Base by Keflavik airport , which offers both hotel and hostel style accommodation, as well as an airport shuttle.

We’ve also stayed in the Icelandair Hotel Hamar near Borgarnes. See more lodging options for  Borgarnes here , and  Reykjavik here .

• Day 8: Reykjavik

For your final day, we’d suggest heading back to Reykjavik and doing a little bit of sight-seeing in the town. This would also be a good day to visit the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon if you didn’t come here on your first day.

There’s a lot to see and do in Reykjavik – from visiting attractions like the Hallgrímskirkja church and the city’s many museums, through to taking whale watching or puffin watching tours .

Finally, it’ll be time to head back to the airport, return your hire car, and head home! You have successfully driven the whole Iceland Ring Road!

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Map

To help you visualise the road trip route we’ve put it together as a map. This includes the suggested route, attractions and recommended lodging options. You can see this on Google Maps here .

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Overview

Here’s a summary overview of each day of this Iceland ring road itinerary.

• Day 1 : Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park
• Day 2: Geysir, Gullfoss, Lava Center, Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skogafoss, Sólheimasandur plane wreck, Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Day 3: Fjaðrárgljúfur, Lava Fields, Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Langoustines
• Day 4: Vestrahorn, Djúpivogur, Sveinsstekksfoss, Folaldafoss, Petra’s Stone Collection, Egilsstaðir, Seydisfjördur
• Day 5: Rjukandi waterfall, Dettifoss, Diamond Circle, Hverir, Lake Myvatn Nature Baths
• Day 6: Lake Myvatn, Hverfjall Crater, Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar, Goðafoss
• Day 7: Akureyri, Hvitserkur, Vatnsnes peninsula, Icelandic Seal Center, Kolugljúfur Canyon, Borgarnes

Planning A Self-Drive Ring Road Trip

We have written a whole guide to planning a trip to Iceland , so we would definitely recommend you take a look at that.

For this trip, if you want to drive yourself as we suggest, you have two major options.

First, you could take a self-drive tour. This is what we have done on all our Iceland adventures. The tour company handle everything for you, from booking the hire car and accommodation, to putting together a suggested itinerary.

This is definitely the easiest way to do a self-drive trip, and saves you the hassle of planning all your hotel stops, finding the hire car and so on.

You can see self-drive trips on Tour Radar here and on Guide to Iceland here , both of which offer a variety of tours from different companies in Iceland.

The other option is of course to book everything yourself. First, you’ll want a hire car, and you can check prices here on Discover Cars or here on Northbound .

Discover Cars compare a number of providers in the country so you can find the best price for you.

Northbound is based in Iceland, and they also search a range of providers with the added advantage that you can add the various insurances that are unique to the country should you so choose. This can help avoid the hard sell that you will otherwise likely get for these insurances at the checkout counter when you pick up your car.

It’s also worth mentioning that Northbound can also help you customise a tour to meet your exact needs, a process you can start here . Feel free to send them this blog post and ask them to help you plan a similar trip!

Once you have your car arranged, you’ll want to book your hotels. We’ve got some tips for booking tools further on the in post, and we have also included suggested hotel stops for each night as part of the route plan.

Finally, if self-driving seems too much, you can also of course do the ring road as part of a guided tour like this .

Where Can You See the Northern Lights in Iceland

You can see the northern lights from pretty much anywhere in Iceland. If you’re driving yourself, you just need to find a spot away from city lights with a good view of the sky, and hope for clear conditions and high solar activity. The  Icelandic Met Office website has an excellent tool to help you find the northern lights in Iceland.

The northern lights are viewable from September through to March – basically, you need dark clear skies to see them. In summer, the days are too long for it to be dark enough to see them.

If you’re in Reykjavik, there are lots of tour operators who offer  northern lights tours . This is a good way to see the northern lights, as the drivers will know the best places to go, and the tours will usually only go if there is a high chance of seeing the lights.

If you are planning on seeing the lights, see our guide to  how to photograph the northern lights  so you are fully prepared to get some great images.

Where to Stay in Iceland?

Iceland has a wide range of accommodation options, to suit a variety of budgets, from backpacker hostels through to more luxury properties.

It’s worth noting that Iceland is far from a budget destination (read our Iceland budget tips for money saving advice), but we found that especially for the mid-range properties, value for money was good.

For our self-drive road trips, our hotels were arranged for us. You can see a selection of self-drive tours like this here.

For the majority of the rest of our accommodation in Iceland, we use Booking.com . We find that they are usually the best option when we travel, as they have everything from hotels to apartments and hostels, with a massive choice, and the user review system makes it easier to find good properties.

We have also used apartment rentals platforms like Vrbo in Iceland. We prefer to use these for longer stays though, we think that for short one-night stops, especially on a road trip where arrival times can vary, the requirement to sometimes arrange arrival times with a host can be a problematic. Still, it can be an option.

Power in Iceland

Iceland uses a 220v system with the same two pin plugs as most of Europe. If you are travelling from the UK or US, you will need some form of travel adapter like this – see our Iceland packing list for suggestions.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters . We highly recommend you pick anything up before you come as Iceland is not cheap.

Internet Access in Iceland

WiFi is generally easy to find in Iceland, and all the hotels and guesthouses we stayed in had good, free WiFi access. In addition, on our road trip with Iceland Travel, we were provided with a pre-paid SIM card which came with data, meaning we could get online easily.

If you want to get online with your phone, a SIM card from a local provider will likely be the cheapest option, and these can be picked up at Keflavik airport when you arrive.

If you don’t have an unlocked phone, take a look at my guide to getting online when you travel for more options.

For more practicalities for your trip to Iceland, including currency and safety, see our guide to planning a trip to Iceland .

Further Reading for Visiting Iceland

And that finished our detailed 7 day Iceland Ring Road itinerary! Hopefully it has everything you need to start planning your own epic road trip in Iceland.

As mentioned at the start of the post, we’ve travelled a fair bit in Iceland, and have written a number of guides to help you put together your trip and plan effectively. We think you’ll find them useful.

• We have a detailed guide to help you  planning a trip to Iceland,  which has everything you could need to help you plan an awesome adventure in Iceland, from budget tips to practical information and more. A must read and a good place to start your trip planning!
• We have a guide to driving in Iceland to help you prepare for the road trip. If you choose to do this self-drive trip in Iceland in winter, we also have a detailed guide to driving in Iceland in winter to help prepare yourself
• We’ve created a list of some of our  favourite photography locations in Iceland  from our travels there to give you some ideas of where to aim to get the best photos
• If you are interested in seeing Puffins in Iceland, check out our detailed guide to Puffins in Iceland , which has everything you need to know!
• Our guide to finding the Iceland Plane crash , which is a fun photography location (if a bit of a walk to get to!)
• If the Ring Road seems like too much to tackle in seven day, or you’d prefer not to drive it in winter, Jess has put together a detailed post outlining a  7 day winter Iceland itinerary  to give you some route ideas.
• We have a detailed guide to visiting the Blue Lagoon to help you plan that experience
• We also have a detailed guide to the Golden Circle for planning that day trip
• If you’re visiting Iceland in Winter, check out our guide to the  best winter activities in Iceland  and my  tips for cold weather photography
• On a budget? Here’s a guide to visiting Iceland on a budget to help you make the most of your trip
• We have a detailed packing guide to help you decide  what to pack for Iceland
• We’ve also got a guide to the  best day trips from Reykjavik  should you wish to base yourself in the capital rather than self-drive around
• For car rental in Iceland,  this website  lets you choose between a range of car rental providers in Iceland
• The weather in Iceland can be fickle – the best website for real-time cloud cover is  this one from the Icelandic Met Office .
• Whilst Iceland is a safe country to travel in when it comes to things like crime, the country itself is home to extreme conditions and all sorts of seismic activity. So to stay safe as you go, check out the  safetravel Iceland page
• Finally, if you’re not sure what camera gear to take with, take a look at both our guide to  picking a travel camera , picking a travel lens , and our personal  travel photography gear

And that’s it! If you’ve got any questions or feedback on the above, just let us know in the comments below, and have an awesome trip in Iceland!

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Anna R says

13th February 2023 at 10:40 pm

Hi. Just a note to say thanks for your amazing blog about driving the Iceland ring road. It was super helpful for informing the planning for our upcoming trip there in September.

Laurence Norah says

15th February 2023 at 8:13 am

It’s my pleasure Anna, have a great trip and let me know if you have any questions!

10th June 2022 at 6:16 am

Hi Laurence,

Thank you for your detailed guide. I will be travelling to Iceland in July and will be following your itinerary as the days line up perfectly. I just had a question with regards to your itinerary and car rentals – are there any stops in your itinerary that would require an SUV with 4 wheel drive capabilities (F-roads) or would a regular city car be sufficient? Thanks again for all the detailed information you’ve provided.

10th June 2022 at 11:38 am

On the map that I’ve shared there shouldn’t be any F-roads and you shouldn’t need a 4WD car for this trip, especially not in summer. For Dettifoss, I’d recommend taking road 862 rather than 864.

F roads are very clearly marked, normally with very large signs, so you shouldn’t find yourself on one by accident 🙂

Have a great time in Iceland! Feel free to stop back and let us know how you found the trip!

Keehyuk says

1st June 2022 at 11:52 pm

Thank you so much for your really detailed guide as well as the other Iceland related content! We just got back from a week in Iceland and worked off a compacted version of your guide here. The result was easily one of the most incredible trips we have ever had! We’ve already talked about going back so we can drive up to the West Fjords and hit some of the spots we missed due to time crunch/weather.

Just something to update your guide, the langostine restaurant you recommended in Höfn (Humarhöfnin Veitingahús) is permanently closed. There is another restaurant in its place now. We were looking forward to trying it but ended up at the Z Bistro down the street instead (fantastic food with generous portions and as fairly decently priced as well).

2nd June 2022 at 2:50 pm

Hey Keehyuk,

Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave your thoughts on the article and your experience in Iceland! I am so pleased to hear that you had a great time! I also hope you guys are able to get back, the West Fjords are absolutely stunning, and very different to the rest of the country.

I must also thank you for your update on the langoustine restaurant in Hofn. To be honest we very rarely recommend restaurants because they seem to come and go more quickly than most other attractions. This was so good that we had to recommend it, and we are sorry to hear it has gone 🙁 I have removed it from this guide, and thanks for the alternative option 🙂

Safe travels!

11th May 2022 at 9:41 pm

Hi there! Some friends of mine and I are planning a trip but we were wondering what you would estimate your budget to be to do the full itinerary for a guided tour versus self drive?? We’re planning on going end of may-June.

12th May 2022 at 8:55 am

Great question. So a tour of around this length, such as this one , is going to cost in the region of $1600 – $2000 per person. Then you will have to figure out what the tour does or doesn’t include, such as meals and attraction entry. Most tours include breakfast but often lunch and dinner at your own expense, so that’s another $20 – $50 per person per day depending on your eating style. Food can be quite expensive in Iceland, especially in restaurants.

When travelling on your own, your main costs will be the car rental, accommodation, fuel and meals. With a group of you, you can obviously split the car rental and fuel, although this would depend on how many you are travelling with. For car rental, this site should give you an idea of the cost at your time of year.

For hotels, I will assume you are sharing, so a room for two will generally run you in the region of $100 – $200 a night for two people. Meal costs will be similar as to being on a guided tour as most hotels include breakfast.

There are quite a few variables to take into account, so I can’t give you an exact answer as it will depend on your group size and the level of comfort you are looking for. I would say that doing it yourself will normally work out a little bit cheaper, especially with a group of around four as you can split costs quite easily. It also gives you more flexibiity. However you obviously won’t have the benefit of a guide, and you will have to do all the planning yourself. So cost is not the only thing to consider.

I hope this helps a bit, let me know if I can offer any further input, and have a great trip!

8th May 2022 at 9:05 am

Dear Laurence, First of all, thanks for all the amazing range of info and all the practical tips you have on your site. It’s really my favorite travel site! We’re going to Iceland this summer and wondering about spending a day in the Westjords. Have you visited the area? Would you recommend going there if we have an extra day or two? What should we see there? Any recommendations where to stay overnight?

9th May 2022 at 6:24 pm

Thanks very much! So yes, we have visited the Westfjords and it is a beautiful part of Iceland. It’s the oldest part of the country geologically speaking, and is definitely very different to the other parts of the country. I don’t include it on this itinerary as you definitely need at least two days to visit. The distances might not look long on the map, but the roads here are very winding as they follow the coastline, so it can take a long time to get anywhere! There’s a lot to see and do here – the cliffs at Látrabjarg are popular, and Djnjandi waterfall is spectacular. We stayed in Isafjordur which was nice, we also did some sea kayaking here and took a boat trip to Vigur island to see puffins which was lovely.

Let me know if I can offer any more information! I can definitely recommend taking the time to visit this area 🙂

Christos & Inge says

6th April 2022 at 8:10 pm

Hello Laurence, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. We indeed plan to spend our last night at Reykjavik. We fly out on Monday, the 18th, at 18.30, so we will have several hours to spend in this nice city. However, back to our arrival day on Sunday the 10th,..We should be done with immigration and rental car, by 16.30, I hope. So, I did look into going to Thingvellir straight from the Airport. I estimate that we would get there at around 18.00…Perhaps, late to actually see things at our leisure after a long day of travelling. Then, I check for possible accommodation close by there, and there are few options only, and most of them pricy even…So, perhaps it will be wiser to book something in Reykjavik anyway, get a taste of the city in the evening, and get a fresh start the next Morning. Come to think of it…My wife actually would not mind seeing the Blue Lagoon again after almost 20 years!! Plus, my 12 year old daughter and myself had not been there at all. Its Iceland…We will try to go to all the hot pools and springs we can find! So, we could indeed follow your advice from your itinerary, and drive straight to the Blue Lagoon from the airport, enjoy it and then head towards Reykjavik…Its all good! Its a holiday after all, Best regards and thanks again, Christos

6th April 2022 at 8:15 pm

Hi Christos

It’s my pleasure! I think your plan sounds good. I think you might feel stressed about having to go to the Golden Circle on your first day. This way you can all relax in the lagoon and then go to the city afterwards for the evening, then be ready for your adventures the next morning 😀 And yes, there is a lot more choice of places to stay (and eat!) in the city.

Have an amazing time!

8th April 2022 at 1:16 pm

Hello again! My plan is coming along, but I would appreciate your recommendation for something. We plan to do the Golden Cirle but, instead of heading back to Reykavik, to join the Ring road after the Kerid Crater. I expect to be there after 16.00 for sure… So, what is your recommendation for our next overnight? What area or town? And if you have any options for accommodation, it’s more than welcome!

Thank you, Christos

8th April 2022 at 2:01 pm

Hey Christos,

This is a great question, and it’s given me the incentive to add all the lodging we recommend to the route map to make it easier to see where it is. You can see the map here with all the hotels added in.

I would say that if you are ok to drive a bit further then heading towards Hella or Hvolsvollur would make the most sense. You have the Famer’s Guesthouse the Stracta Hotel or the Hotel Kanslarinn in Hella, and then Midgard Base Camp in Hvolsvollur. There are other options too of course!

6th April 2022 at 4:09 pm

Hi Laurence! We will fly for Iceland on Sunday the 10th and since we will land at 15.30, i want your opinion on how to begin our trip. I have already booked our car for the Ring road drive we plan to do. We have just 8 nights, and i hope to make the best of it. We want to skip the Blue Lagoon on the 1st day, because my wife has already seen it , plus we plan to visit the less busy option at Lake Myvatn, that you guys also reccomend. Based on the fact that we could be ready to begin at around 16.30, what is your best option for this 1st day? Go towards the Golden Circle, and see a bit of it and spend the night somewhere there or head towards Reykjavik instead and have a fresh start the next morning??

6th April 2022 at 4:25 pm

Great to hear from you! So the answer depends a little on when you leave as well. If you are planning on visiting Reykjavik at the end of your trip, then I would go straight onto the Golden Circle. However, if you think you’ll be missing it at the end, then I would say you should definitely include it. It’s worth at least wandering around for a couple of hours, and there are a wide range of accommodation options to choose from. However, if you plan to do that already at the end of the trip, I’d probably get going towards the Golden Circle.

The first main attraction would be Thingvellir. As you land relatively late (by the time you have gone through security and picked up your car), the visitor centre will likely be closed. However as far as I am aware you can still visit and see the main sights on the trails if you wanted too. Or you could just overnight nearby and visit in the morning when everything is open.

Honestly though, the distance from the city to Thingvellir is not too great, so I think either option would work. It might come down to where you can find to stay 🙂

Have a great trip and let me know if I can help any more!

Barbara says

24th January 2022 at 3:37 am

Hi Laurence, We are planning on spending 3 weeks in Iceland. We will be spending 3 days at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and 3 days at the Golden Circle before beginning our tour of the Ring Road. We also hope to be returning to Rekjavik for 2-3 days before flying out. That leaves us with 9-10 days to spend on the Ring Road. We have your suggested 7 day itinerary, but could use some suggestions to spend extra days. We are active and enjoy hiking, but nothing terribly extreme. We will be staying in hotel, etc. on the road. Our kids will be doing the Ring Road as well, but plan to camp most of the time. We will not necessarily be traveling together. Do you have additional suggestions to extend this trip beyond your 7 day itinerary?

Thanks, Barb Fast

25th January 2022 at 11:41 am

Hi Barbara!

So the good news is that it is very easy to extend this itinerary for as long as you like 🙂 We actually spent four weeks driving the Ring Road when researching this piece, and still could have done more. I would personally recommend adding a bit of extra time in either the east or north, where there is plenty to see and do. Alternatively, a good option would be to spend a couple of days visiting the Westfjords. This is the oldest part of Iceland geologically speaking, and is very different to the rest of the country. There are lots of hiking and other outdoors activities here like sea kayaking. So that would probably be my suggestion.

I hope this helps – have a great time in Iceland!

29th April 2021 at 6:24 pm

You are a star. xxx

24th April 2021 at 10:24 am

Hello to you both from an unusually sunny Noth Wales.

My wife and I have just subscribed to your monthly newsletter, the first time i have subscribed to anything like this, and is testment to the quality of your website, its’s absolutely brilliant.

I have booked 2 weeks in Iceland off the back of your website starting 13th August. We are both fit and are there to celebrate my Wife’s 50th Birthday.

Due to Covid we will pobably have to isolate in a hotel for the fist night (waiting for test results) but then we can get started. I have booked the following 3 nights in Laugarvatn (we lose the day of arrival as a exploring day due to having to Covid isolate) to do everything on the Golden Circle 2 Night near Vik 3 nights 25km beyond Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 3 nights near Mývatn lake 2 night on Snæfellsnes peninsula 1 night near the Airport (due to a stupid O’ Clock flight the following morning)

We love hiking (absolute max of 20km) and want to see as much unusual geology / unusual landscapes / rare nature etc. as possible. We want a minimum 2 nights in a hotel as we don’t want to have to pack, unpack every night. So we have two questions… How would you guys do things differently to our itinerary? What paid tours would you do (ice cave, lava tunnels, snow-mobile, boat trips etc.) as we can probably only afford 2 or 3 max

Thank you for all of the Iceland Information, i have read EVERYTHING and you have made plannig the trip very easy.

24th April 2021 at 3:45 pm

Lovely to hear from you! I was actually born in North Wales and am quite familiar with the area (and the vagaries of the weather!).

So I don’t know how flexible your bookings are. I also assume you are driving. Your itinerary looks good to me, but if I was going to make any changes I might suggest:

– Adding in a night or two on the east coast, between Jökulsárlón and Myvatn. East Iceland is very beautiful and it would be a shame to miss out on that. To stick to your minimum of 2 nights in a hotel, I’d suggest dropping 1 night in Laugarvatn and 1 night in Jökulsárlón perhaps. Seydisfjordur or somewhere in that area might be a good option to stop.

In terms of tours, I would recommend those that you can’t do safely by yourself. An ice cave for example is a great idea, but you can only visit those in winter. You might want to do a whale watching trip for example, or you might prefer snowmobiling, both of which are viable in August. A boat trip on the glacier lagoon is also a good option, although if you prefer something quieter there are also kayaking trips in this area which you might prefer. I’d also personally recommend a thermal spa experience – my favourite is the one in Myvatn which has gorgeous views. I preferred that to the blue lagoon for sure. Of course, there are also more natural pools if you prefer, many of which can be visited for free.

I think otherwise your itinerary looks very good and I am sure you will have a great time! Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help 🙂

25th April 2021 at 7:14 pm

Hello Laurence, Thank you for getting back to us with your advice. We have tweaked our plans accordingly and we are now having a night near Seydisfjordur as you suggested. We will certainly be booking the kayaking in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon so again thanks for the advice. If we could trouble you for one further bit of advice – in the month you spent traveling Iceland which were your favourite walks / hikes (of less than 20km?)

26th April 2021 at 10:56 am

It’s my pleasure! So my favourite hike (so good I did it twice, once in winter and once in summer), was the hike up to the Glymur waterfall. It’s the second highest waterfall in Iceland and makes for a nice few hours of hiking 🙂 Of course, there are many more hikes in Iceland, but most of the ones we did were more like an hour or so rather than anything longer, so you might need to consult a hiking guide for longer walks.

I hope this helps a bit at least 🙂

Jim F. says

29th March 2021 at 5:48 pm

I enjoyed reading about your travels on the Icelandic ring road. I was stationed at the NATO base in Keflavik which is now and was then an airport available to civilian flights as well. During our tour in Iceland we enjoyed driving the ring road three times, although it was not an entirely paved road then. There are so many wonderful things to see in Iceland and places to go that are off the beaten track if you have the time and of course the money. Our children got to see a volcano fissure erupt at 3 AM, up close and personal while there. They walked close enough to feel the heat of the lava while standing in snow up to their knees, I have pictures of them with the look of amazement on their faces. We as a family united like never before and still talk about our trips when we look back over the pictures and movies. One item not mentioned in your description is the Icelandic horses. They will come right up to the fences if you offer a treat. If I remember correctly the Icelandic horses are the only horses in the world that have a 5 step gait. They were also a favorite of our children. One thing I would caution on is driving on the wooden bridges on the ring road ( I assume they are still wooden). They have poor traction and are often wet, you need to drive slowly and be prepared. In addition, I would never ever recommend driving the road in winter. I had to go to Hofn quite often in my duties for what was supposed to be a “two or three day trip” and ended up spending a week or more there because the road was closed due to snow and ice. Would I do it again, in a heart beat.

29th March 2021 at 7:22 pm

Hi Jim – thanks for stopping by and sharing your memories of your time in Iceland. It sounds like you had some really fantastic experiences!

I loved the Icelandic horses too! Somehow I didn’t mention them in this guide but I did include them in some of our other posts on Iceland 🙂

That’s a good tip on the bridges, although I don’t recall that many of them were wooden when we drove it. I also definitely agree about not driving the ring road in winter. Not only is the weather likely to be bad and the road subject to closure, but the long hours of darkness mean you can miss a lot too!

Thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment, it’s appreciated!

Karen Buchsbaum says

25th February 2020 at 4:13 am

Love your blog and have found it very helpful for our planning! We only have 7 nights and I had wanted to do the Ring Drive – but worry it might not give us enough time to enjoy the sights. We are older than your average readers, not too concerned about budget, and definitely not into rigorous active adventures (walks, boat rides, and scenery are of most interest). I was actually considering driving from Reykjavik by the Snafellsnes Penninsula to Akureyri so we can whale watch in Husavik. Then, if possible to drop the car, and fly back to Reykjavik. But, this would mean we would miss the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach as well as the dramatic coast on the east, which I also wanted to see. If we dropped the car, I’ve considered taking a (long) day tour from Reykjavik to the Glacier Lagoon to give my husband a break from driving. Or, alternatively, skipping the Snafellsnes Penninsula and just going for the whole Ring Drive. Do you have any thoughts or input that could help us make the final decision?!

25th February 2020 at 12:44 pm

Thanks very much. So yes, I would agree that with 7 nights it’s either the full ring road OR the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

In terms of input, it will depend a little bit on the time of year you go. If you are visiting between March and September, the days will be much longer and you’ll be able to fit a lot more in. Outside of these months, the days will be much shorter, and the risk of poor weather closing the roads is also higher.

The reason the south coast is so popular is because it’s so accessible. Certainly, the waterfalls / glacier lagoon is impressive, but it’s not “better” than the scenery elsewhere in Iceland in my opinion. It’s just much more visited because it’s closer to Reykjavik, and there are lots of sights relatively close to each other. I’d also add that if you visit in the warmer months, the diamond beach will have very few diamonds on it.

The north, east and west of Iceland gets fewer visitors (basically anywhere that isn’t the south cost to the glacier lagoon), and I think makes for a great adventure. I think your plan of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and north part of Iceland won’t disappoint. The Diamond Circle and attractions around Lake Myvatn are spectacular!

Have a great trip, whatever you choose to do!

25th February 2020 at 8:37 pm

Thanks Laurence! Your thoughts are very appreciated. I neglected to say we are going in early June! I have my plane tickets and now need to get going with booking the rest. It’s a compromise with my husband to just go for a week, since we have some other plans prior. I also blog (non-monetized, independent, just for fun), so I have total appreciation for your excellent detail and photos! Regards, Karen

Chitra says

14th February 2020 at 6:24 pm

Hi We are planning to visit in the last week of June with a 21 month old. Is the 8 day self drive trip feasible with a toddler?

15th February 2020 at 11:32 am

Hey Chitra,

So I have to be honest, we don’t have children so it is hard for us to answer this question definitively. My understanding from talking to other travellers with children is that it very much depends on the individual child as to what they like, and their tolerance for longer journeys. This is certainly a full itinerary with a lot to see and do, and I believe that travelling with a young child can definitely add overhead to a trip, so it may be that you have to skip a few things. You might also prefer to try and focus on a smaller area of Iceland. But really it’s up to you 🙂

Sorry I can’t be of more specific help! Have a great trip though 😀

charissa says

10th February 2020 at 6:44 pm

Your blog is amazing! My girlfriend and I are planning an Iceland trip in June 2020 and want to drive the ring road in 8 days, so we are going to use your ring road itinerary mostly. We are planning to camp during our trip. Do we need to make reservations at camp sites in advance or is there always an extra spot were we can pop our tent up?

11th February 2020 at 1:09 pm

Hi Charissa!

Thanks very much! So June is a popular time, but in our experience you should generally be able to get a spot. However, if you know your dates and where you are going, then reserving will give you peace of mind 🙂

There’s also a camping card in Iceland which might save you money and works at many campsites – we have a guide to that in our post on travelling in Iceland on a budget .

Let me know if you have any more questions, and have a great trip to Iceland!

Sridutt says

11th November 2019 at 4:14 pm

Hi Laurence.. Fantastic guide and great detailing.. We are planning on doing the ring road trip in March.. how many days do u think we should reserve for this trip considering the weather in March? And what are our chances of catching the northern lights? Thank you..

12th November 2019 at 1:23 pm

Hi Sridutt!

So 7 days is the absolute minimum in my opinion for driving the ring road. However, 10 – 14 days would be more comfortable. In March you should still have a good chance of seeing the northern lights, you just have to be lucky with the weather!

Have an amazing trip, and do feel free to pop back with any more questions and to let us know how it went!

23rd September 2019 at 5:17 am

Thank you so much for this detailed post (and the others I have clicked on linked in your post!) I am planning a 7 day trip to Iceland next July and this was incredibly helpful to let me know where to go and where to stay!

23rd September 2019 at 9:55 am

Our pleasure Lisa! Thank you so much for your kind comment 🙂 Have an amazing time in Iceland and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions 😀

Seetul Ghattaora says

18th September 2019 at 12:42 pm

Hi! This is a really useful itinerary, thank you! We plan on going to Iceland in October and following the 5 or 7 day itinerary. Could you give an indication of price? How much did you spend on travel/accomodation/food/petrol in the week?

18th September 2019 at 12:44 pm

Thanks very much! It really depends on your travel style. Iceland is definitely not a budget destination though. We have a break down of various costs in our detailed Iceland budget guide, which you can see here: https://independenttravelcats.com/iceland-budget-tips-how-to-save-money-in-iceland/

Have a great trip!

6th August 2019 at 12:24 am

Such a wonderful site. I am totally planning my road trip in late September using this. I am in Iceland for 9 days/8 nights. I am thinking where should i spend my extra day. Any suggestion?

7th August 2019 at 2:50 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 My suggestion would definitely be to add the Snaefellsnes peninsula to your trip, that would be a great way to use that extra day 🙂

Have a great time and let me know if you have any more questions!

Hazel Marzan says

12th July 2019 at 1:27 pm

Hello Thank you for this wonderful itinerary. We’re thinking of traveling early September with our 6 yr old daughter. Will the 7 day itinerary be too much for a 6 yr old. Should we follow your 5 day itinerary and stretch it to 7 .Any suggestions so we can make this better for her. Thanks.

13th July 2019 at 4:23 pm

This would be quite a full trip for seven days so you might find that your 6 year old finds the pace of the five day itinerary easier if stretched over 5 days. Of course, everyone’s family is different, so I can’t say for certain, but it would definitely be an easier trip with less long hours of driving if you did the 5 day route 🙂

Have a great time in Iceland!

29th June 2019 at 8:37 pm

I am planning to visit Iceland in 1st week of August. Could you please suggest the best and scenic road trip route. I would be very grateful. I would also want to include the peninsula.

29th June 2019 at 8:39 pm

So the best itinerary for seven days, if you want to drive the whole ring road, would be this route. However, we also have a 7 day and a 5 day itinerary that you might find useful, which cover different parts of Iceland. It’s really up to you to customise these routes to your needs and interests, but they should form a great basis to start from. The 7 day and 5 day itineraries can be seen at the following links:

https://independenttravelcats.com/visiting-iceland-in-winter-7-day-iceland-itinerary-by-car/ https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/5-day-iceland-itinerary/

24th June 2019 at 2:50 pm

Good Morning, I am travelling to Iceland the last week of October. Would the Ring Road trip be feasible at this time? I am doing a guided tour of the south the first week of Nov, so I will be strictly driving through this part. If Ring road is not doable at this time of year, what would you suggest as a plan that do not include the south? Thank you

25th June 2019 at 1:43 am

So it is hard to say exactly as predicting the weather is definitely tricky in Iceland. I would say that it might be possible, it might not. The risk is that there are not any alternatives, so if a section of the ring road is closed, your only choice is to backtrack. An alternative to doing the whole ring road would be to fly to Akureyri and base yourself from there, exploring that area and the Lake Myvatn area. There’s a great deal to see in the area, and you wouldn’t be locked in to having to follow the singular route and get back to your start point. So that would be my suggested alternative option 🙂

Have a great trip whatever you choose to do!

Pankhri says

3rd June 2019 at 3:55 pm

Hi, I am a fan of this page, Such detailed itenary and details. I have a quick question. We will be in Iceland for exactly 8 days and we want to do the Ring road trip. We are planning to use this itenary except that we want to relax it a little bit in some places, so we are planning to start driving from Reyjavik to Lake Myvatn area and then drop the rental car at AEY airport. We will take a flight from AEY to RKV. We will miss Snæfellsnes peninsula and Borgarnes if we follow above. Do you think its is worth the trade-off.

3rd June 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hi Pankhir,

Thanks very much 🙂 My response would be that I am always a fan of going slower and trying to see more rather than rushing around, so I think you are making a good choice. I would say that yes, it’s worth the trade off. East and North Iceland area really fantastic, I don’t think you will regret this decision 🙂

Have an amazing trip!

Nirman says

2nd June 2019 at 11:16 am

Perfect blog. Planning to be there in December 2019. This blog made things very easy and doable. Thanks -Nirman

2nd June 2019 at 12:17 pm

Thanks Nirman – have a great trip 🙂

PARASAR KASHYAP says

23rd May 2019 at 7:50 am

Hi Lawrence,

Thanks for the detailed road trip plan. Its the most comprehensive itinerary available on the net.

I am visiting with my cousin towards September end and plan to self-drive this trip. Would this trip be possible then? What kind of precaution would you suggest – choice of cars, places to avoid? We were also hoping to catch the nothern lights but dont want to opt for any tours. Please advise.

Regards, Parashar

23rd May 2019 at 10:56 am

Hi Parasar,

My pleasure. This trip would be possible in September. Snow is possible then, but not common, and it will be around 5C – 10C (it might feel colder due to the wind though, so pack warm clothes!).

So you shouldn’t need to skip anything or worry about having an extreme car, a normal car should work fine.

For the northern lights, it’s just a question of finding somewhere dark enough and hoping for clear skies and northern lights activity. Most of Iceland is going to be dark enough, just drive away from any sources of light like towns or villages and you will be fine. You shouldn’t need to take a tour 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions!

23rd May 2019 at 1:41 pm

Thanks for the quick reply Lawrence. Much appreciated

22nd May 2019 at 11:30 am

Wow…reading this felt I was already there…will do this 7 day round trip while tent camping…will go in two weeks, so I hope I can write a wonderful report when I’m back on the 15th…thanks for all the tips!

22nd May 2019 at 12:46 pm

Hey Jac, our pleasure! Have a wonderful time in Iceland and do let us know how your experience met to expectation!

Mary Anne Sander says

19th May 2019 at 10:53 pm

Thanks for your great guidance. We plan on following your 7/day itinerary. Do you offer a condensed version for easy printing?

20th May 2019 at 10:36 am

Hi Mary Anne,

Our pleasure! That isn’t something we offer right now, but hopefully it shouldn’t be too hard to take the relevant parts and turn them into a document 🙂

17th October 2019 at 6:43 pm

I hope you had a great trip to Iceland! I appreciate this might be a bit late for your trip, but for others reading and in case you use our site in the future for other trips, we’ve now added a print button on all our posts ?

Happy travels!

Gina Davis says

3rd April 2019 at 2:31 pm

Thank you for the great suggestions! We have almost this exact trip planned in July. I noticed that you did not have any cave (lava tube) tours suggested. I wondered if you did any and what you thought about them? I am specifically considering Lofthellir Ice Cave and wondering if it’s worth the time and expense to visit. Thanks!

3rd April 2019 at 6:54 pm

Hi Gina! We did do a Lava cave tour on our trip 🙂 We visited Raufarhólshellir, also known as the Lava Tunnel. You can see there website here: https://thelavatunnel.is/

We enjoyed it, it’s definitely different to a normal cave experience as it is quite close to the surface and formed differently. I haven’t visited Lofthellir though so we can’t comment on that one specifically!

Enjoy your trip!

Husain Pulav says

29th March 2019 at 1:31 am

Thank you for the detailed itinerary. In your itinerary you haven’t mentioned anything about watching the Northern Lights. We’re planning to do the ring road in Sept-Oct which is one of the best times to watch the Northern Lights. So is there a special place where we can see it or just drive away from city lights while on the ring road?

29th March 2019 at 10:25 am

Good point! You are right, September / October are great times to see the northern lights. You just need to find a dark place, which to be honest, is not very hard in Iceland! I actually just wrote a guide to photographing the northern lights, you can see that here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/photograph-northern-lights/

Have a lovely trip, and let me know if you have any more questions!

29th March 2019 at 4:35 pm

Thank you very much Laurence

Johnar Håland says

24th March 2019 at 1:09 pm

Just wanted to ask why you do not include Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this route as you list it as an option for the 5 day route. You think there are other spots that are “better” and worth prioritizing instead?

24th March 2019 at 1:57 pm

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula needs a whole day in my opinion to see, and I don’t think a week would be enough to drive the Ring Road and also to see the Peninsula, so that’s why I left it off. It’s also quite a detour off the ring road, and for the most part (except the Golden Circle), I tried to stick to the path of the actual ring road for the itinerary.

For the 5 day route I listed it as an option instead of visiting Reykjavik, rather than as an addition. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is certainly beautiful and worth seeing, but so are many other parts of Iceland 🙂

24th March 2019 at 12:12 pm

Thanks for a great post! We are going to Iceland in July. We have 6,5 days (excluding flights). Would you recommend us to follow this route or your 5 day trip? We understand it might be a bit rushed, but we do not mind some long drives. Could it perhaps be a good idea to start on this route and see how far we get and just turn around and head back to Reykjavik if we do not have enough time for the whole plan?

Other question is about accommodation. We understand that July is a busy season. Will it be risky to book accomodation on the day as we drive or should we arrange everything in advance? The latter will give less flexibility obviously..

24th March 2019 at 12:33 pm

Our pleasure 🙂 So personally with 6.5 days I would not do the ring road. It is a lot of driving, and whilst you say you don’t mind that, I feel that you should spend a bit more time seeing some areas in depth and having time to get out and explore, rather than sitting in a car. Of course, you get a lot of daylight in July, so it is do-able, but personally I wouldn’t.

I would also say that as it’s a ring, and there isn’t really a shortcut across the middle, you will get to a point where turning around wouldn’t make much sense as it would be further to go back than go forward 😉

If it was me, I would follow my five day itinerary with the extra Snaefellsness Peninsula section added on. So I would start with the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, then the Golden Circle, then the South Coast. If you feel you have more time, you could head further along the south coast past the glacier lagoon to the stunning Vestrahorn mountain.

July is definitely busy. We travelling in June and it was a challenge getting all the hotels we wanted, even booking in advance. I would definitely advise against booking on the day. Whilst there are more hotels being built all the time, and capacity is increasing, I think this would lead to a stressful trip trying to find places to stay rather than enjoying yourself. Again, you might be ok, but it’s not something I would recommend 🙂

I hope this all helps! Have a wonderful trip, and do let us know how it goes – whatever you decide to do!

Victor H says

19th March 2019 at 9:39 pm

Very Interesting post… question, Starting which month after the summer it is possible to see the Northen lights and where?

20th March 2019 at 12:51 pm

So in theory you can see the northern lights in Iceland from late August to late April. However, we’d say September would be a better month, as you get more hours of darkness, and September / October are good months with a higher chance of northern lights activity.

Alberto says

6th March 2019 at 6:49 am

Hi! Thanks for this post. It is helping me a lot to plan my Iceland trip 🙂

I will be travelling in September and have only 6D 6N for the trip – do you recommend doing the ring road or are there better alternatives (I am guessing covering only the Southern part..)?

Thank you 🙂

6th March 2019 at 10:28 am

Hi Alberto,

I’d advise against driving the ring road in 6 days, it would be a bit rushed. My suggestion would be to do a trip from Snaefellsnes, round the Golden Circle, and along the south coast as far as Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon. That will give you more time to see things and less time driving.

If you wanted to have a quieter time, you could also do a road trip starting in Akureyri and focusing on the northern highlights. However, as this is your first time in Iceland, I think the south coast makes more sense as that’s where many of the most iconic sights are.

I’d suggest looking at our 5 day Iceland itinerary: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/5-day-iceland-itinerary/

Which has the option to add on Snaefellsnes. We also have a 7 day itinerary focusing on this region here: https://independenttravelcats.com/visiting-iceland-in-winter-7-day-iceland-itinerary-by-car/

Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any more questions!

7th March 2019 at 6:07 am

Thanks 🙂 Would you recommend renting a camper or rather a compact and staying in hotels/inns? I have read very different opinions on this. We are a young couple so camper should not be much of an issue

8th March 2019 at 2:10 pm

Hi Alberto – so when it comes to cost, you might not find too much difference unless you get a very small camper, as campervans are generally more expensive than vehicles. It’s also illegal to camp in Iceland in a van unless you get specific permission for the landower (see more on this in our guide to travelling in iceland on a budget here: https://independenttravelcats.com/iceland-budget-tips-how-to-save-money-in-iceland/#Can-I-camp-for-free-in-Iceland )

So you will still have to pay for a campsite. So whilst this is obviously cheaper than a hotel, the overall price of your trip once you factor in camper rental might not be that different. So if cost is the reason, I would suggest there might not be much difference – I would choose to camp if that is the style of travel you prefer, rather than as a cost saving measure if that makes sense. Of course, camping gives your the opportunity to cook for yourself too, which can also save money, but you can achieve the same in hostels, airbnb’s and so on 🙂

I hope this clarifies!

Kirk Rydberg says

5th March 2019 at 7:59 pm

Thank you for such a comprehensive itinerary. It really helped me plan for my trip with my daughters coming up in June. I have three questions. First, We will rent a car but we are used to American car sizes. Most rental cars say they are good for one large and one travel bag. Is this accurate? We would have three and three. Should I look at bigger auto for rental? Second, are fuel stations available in most towns and villages on the Ring? Finally, in the eastern and northern regions should we get hotel reservations now or will there be some available during late June? I’m just afraid of being forced to stick to the itinerary if we find places we want to spend more time in. Thank you again for the great info.

5th March 2019 at 8:11 pm

My pleasure. Let me see if I can help with your questions.

First, I would say that yes, the rental car sites are likely to be quite accurate. Compact cars in Iceland (and Europe in general) tend to be quite small, certainly a lot smaller than your standard US car. If there are three adults and three bags, you will want at least a mid-size car I think.

Second, fuel stations are available all around the ring road, yes, we never had a problem finding fuel. I mean, sometimes you’ll want to top off when you see a gas station in more remote areas, just to be sure, but it shouldn’t be a problem. Note that some of them are unmanned and operate with a credit card, but the instructions are available in English on the terminals and easy to follow.

Third – June is a relatively busy time of the year, but the eastern and northern parts of Iceland get far fewer visitors than the busy south coast. So I would recommend booking on the south coast in advance, and you should have more flexibility along the east and north.

Of course, I should add a note that there are fewer hotels in those regions. So one option might be to use a platform like booking.com where you can take advantage of the free cancellation should your plans change.

Hope this helps – have a fantastic trip and don’t hesitate to follow up with any more questions!

5th March 2019 at 8:28 pm

Thank you for the quick reply. This helps me quite a bit. I figured it was pretty accurate on the car so I will get a bigger car.

Thanks again and I’m sure i’ll be asking more questions as we get closer.

Graham Hurst says

17th February 2019 at 8:58 pm

Hi guys. Just wanted to get in touch to say thank you for providing all this useful information regarding the ring road. We are heading to Iceland in April and hope to follow what you have described above.

We plan to rent a small 2WD vehicle to reduce costs. Would you envisage this being a problem in April? Not sure what to expect weather wise ????

18th February 2019 at 11:00 am

Our pleasure, we’re pleased you found it useful 🙂 So a 2WD should be fine for this itinerary, as it’s largely on good sealed roads. The weather in Iceland is very variable – it can be cold even in the summer months. Snow is unlikely in April, but certainly not impossible, although the main roads should be fine to drive on unless you are particularly unlucky! Otherwise, make sure you take plenty of warm layers and waterproof clothing, as rain and wind are a possibility all year round (those waterfalls need to get their water from somewhere!)

18th February 2019 at 12:38 pm

Thanks for the quick reply Laurence. Useful to know. The other thing I was hoping you could help with is which glacier you would recommend visiting (for a 3 hour walk) that is close to the ring road and would fit the itinerary you have listed. Thanks again.

19th February 2019 at 5:03 pm

My pleasure 🙂 I’d recommend a tour on Vatnajokull, where you can do both a glacier hike or an ice cave tour.

These are found just off the ring road on the south coast, and are easy to get to with parking 🙂

21st February 2019 at 8:28 pm

Thank you. Hopefully we can still do the ice caves in April.

sandra says

10th June 2019 at 2:28 pm

Oh, no, I just saw that the ice caves aren’t open when we plan to visit in October??? Are any of them open? I want to go and see. Thanks so much… Sandra

10th June 2019 at 3:24 pm

This ice cave tour runs year round with departure from Vik 🙂

Sandra says

14th June 2019 at 9:06 pm

Can the ice cave tours be done independently or do we have to pay for a tour? Thanks!

15th June 2019 at 10:56 am

I would definitely not advise trying to visit an ice cave by yourself, they can be quite dangerous and you would want an experienced guide who knows the area and conditions well 🙂

Brian Balanoff says

11th February 2019 at 3:53 pm

Hello! We are wondering if you could suggest how you would shorten this just a bit if you only had 7 days including the dates of arrival and departure (arriving in the AM and departing in the early evening). Would your 5 day itinerary be a better idea? Thank you! Brian

12th February 2019 at 5:39 pm

With the shorter time, I’d definitely suggest following our five day itinerary, and not trying to tackle the whole ring road as you’ll be quite rushed and not be able to enjoy yourself fully. You will be able to go at a more leisurely pace for the five day itinerary I suggest, including having time to see the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula 🙂

Enjoy, and do let us know how it goes!

4th February 2019 at 5:17 pm

I echoed with other readers. Your itinerary is very reasonable and covers all major points that we want to visit. Due to our daughters’ different school and work schedule, we plan to visit the Ring Road from May 19 to May 31. Is the weather safe enough for us to drive through the whole ring road? We are from Michigan and are used to driving in snow but were wondering if this is a good time to visit the Ring Road. Thanks in advance for your time in answering our questions. It is very kind and nice of you. God Bless!

4th February 2019 at 5:21 pm

That is an excellent amount of time for the ring road, it will give you plenty of time to see everything on our itinerary plus a few more things if you wish.

May would be a good time for sure. It’s worth being aware that snow is still possible in May, but it’s not that likely. One thing to be aware of is that the highlands roads will still be closed at this time. They’re not featured in this itinerary, but essentially any F road generally won’t be accessible until June.

If you’re used to driving in snow, then I don’t think you’ll experience any difficulties in May. The days are also nice and long by May, so you’ll have lots of time for sight-seeing!

14th January 2019 at 1:46 am

I first started planning my trip to Iceland to include the ring route using the Insight Guide travel book. After awhile I did an internet search of the ring road and came across your wonderful sight. I soon noticed that the attractions I highlighted matched up with a lot of the sights you mention so I then figured I might as well use your route as a guide. I did come across the Iceland Travel self-drive tours, however since I will be travelling alone I found them to be quite expensive for a single traveler. I plan on travelling mid-late August, maybe early September. Do you think it makes sense to book everything myself to save money? I’ve planned self-drive trips to Scotland and Austria so I am used to it. Any suggestions you have will be appreciated. I plan to take 7-8 days for the ring road then another couple of days in Reykjavík.

Thank you in advance.

14th January 2019 at 11:07 am

Great to hear that we’ve been able to help you out with your trip planning 🙂 Certainly, travelling on your own can be a bit more expensive as you can’t split costs of things like rental cars etc with someone else. I would say that booking everything yourself is certainly a feasible option, and likely cheaper as you are not paying for the convenience.

We have provided hotel options for each day to help out with doing that if you follow our itinerary, and we recommend this website for car rental!

Let us know if you have any more questions 🙂

Eksteen Jacobsz says

17th October 2018 at 1:36 pm

Hi, Thank you for the comprehensive info on Iceland. Before finding your site I didn’t have a clue how to tackle this trip but you’ve helped me tremendously. Keep up the good work! Eksteen

17th October 2018 at 7:40 pm

Thanks very much Eksteen! Do let us know if you have any questions we can help with 🙂

17th October 2018 at 4:56 am

Thank you so much for sharing this itinerary & map! Just wondering what type of car you did this trip in? Does it require a 4WD?

Cheers, Emma

17th October 2018 at 7:42 pm

Hi Emma! Our pleasure 🙂

So I would say that generally no, you won’t need a four wheel drive for this trip, particularly if you drive in summer. If you are driving in winter, we’d usually advise against a trip of this duration as the weather can really slow you down. There are a couple of minor detours on the route where a 4WD is a legal requirement, but they are only brief and not essential, so you could definitely skip them.

We did do the trip in a four wheel drive, but we were travelling for almost four weeks in Iceland when researching this itinerary, and we did a lot of more four wheel drive only routes as part of that 🙂

Let us know if you have any more questions!

Brian Weekes says

22nd January 2019 at 12:58 am

I had the same question. As we are going in early July, it is really the F-roads that I’m concerned with. Two stops that I flagged as maybe needing a 4×4 (legally) were Nauthusagil Waterfall and Fladrargljufur Canyon. It’s hard to tell though from Google maps and other maps found online. Do you remember if the roads leading to these two places are F-roads? Any other stops in your itinerary above that take you on F-roads?

Thanks! Brian

22nd January 2019 at 12:09 pm

For Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, I believe that the road to the parking lot is not an F road, it’s just a gravel road that runs to the parking lot. There is an F road that runs from this, which goes to Laki, but as far as I recall and can see from the internet, you shouldn’t have a problem with that one.

Nauthusagil Waterfall on the other hand is definitely on an F road, so legally you would want a 4×4 for that waterfall.

I think that’s the only F road on the itinerary, so you should be fine otherwise with a 2WD 🙂

22nd January 2019 at 2:41 pm

Ok great. Thanks Laurence!

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• About Us

The Ultimate Guide to Iceland in October

Homepage Blog Travel Information

Posted Jul 21, 2023 in Travel Information

Posted Jul 21, 2023

October is the last of the shoulder months before you head into winter here on the island. This is exactly what makes visiting Iceland in October a popular option. You’re not contending with mid-winter weather conditions or daylight hours, and the island hasn’t been hit by the festive season prices yet.

If you are considering traveling to Iceland in October , this article is for you. We tell you everything there is to know about Iceland in October – from the weather, and what to pack, to everything there is to do and see. 

Is October a Good Time to Visit Iceland?

Well, as you might’ve already guessed by our intro, a visit to Iceland in October has many benefits. But, for you to decide whether October is the right fit for you, we’ve created this handy overview of pros and cons:

• As a shoulder month right before the official start of the festive season here on the island, October isn’t considered a peak season month. This means that you can do your Christmas shopping in peace without all that peak season crowd foot traffic, and you also don’t need to get such an early start just to miss the peak season crowds at local attractions and activities.
• As we already touched on; no peak season crowds means no peak season pricing , which means that your budget can stretch much further when you travel to Iceland in October.
• Referring to a month as a shoulder month is just another way of saying that it’s in-between seasons. This also has its perks since you often get to experience the best of what both seasons have to offer here on the island . And because it’s not peak season, you essentially get the best of both worlds at a fraction of the price.
• If road tripping the island is on your Icelandic bucket list, October is also a good month to visit since road conditions are not as tricky to navigate as during the mid-winter months , and all the roads and routes that are closed during the colder months each year are still open.
• The combination of daylight hours and darkness during October allows you to still have a pretty jam-packed trip itinerary (which can become tricky during the mere 4 hours of daylight mid-winter), yet y ou will still have enough darkness to be able to see the Northern Lights in Iceland in October.

• Whilst it’s very clear that the weather is moving into winter mode, it’s still not official winter weather conditions. That means that you will be spared some of the harsher winter weather elements and you won’t need to brace yourself for those constant below-0 temperatures.
• If you have a special interest in wildlife, visiting Iceland in October just might blow your socks off with our array of migratory whale species calling the island home during this time
• Since it’s not peak season, operating hours may have changed for everything from different types of transport to local attractions and activities. So, before heading out, double-check to make sure that you don’t end up in front of a ‘closed’ sign.
• Whilst the amount of daylight hours in October still works in your favor, it’s no longer enough to experience another one of Iceland’s most famous natural phenomena; the Midnight Sun . This is when the sun never quite sets and you get to experience, as the name suggests, sunlight at midnight.
• As we already mentioned, you won’t be experiencing the extreme weather conditions that winter on the island brings, but it’s definitely not summer either. So, you’ll need to come prepared for some chilly temperatures as well as some rainfall and stronger winds.
• If you enjoy wildlife, there is a downside to visiting Iceland in October; whilst you get to see the migratory whales, you’ve just missed another famous creature here on the island; the Puffins. The Iceland Puffins make the island their home during their breeding season, which is between May and August in Iceland.

Driving in Iceland in October

As we already mentioned, driving in Iceland in October is still fairly easy for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the extreme winter weather hasn’t hit the island yet . That means that road conditions are not in such a state that nervous drivers or those not used to driving in such conditions feel like they need trauma counseling by the time they reach their destination.

Secondly, the extreme winter weather in Iceland hasn’t started causing sudden road closures all across the island yet (causing havoc on trip itineraries and road trips that aren’t flexible enough). And, thirdly, most roads and routes that are kept closed throughout the colder months on the island are still open.

This means that you also don’t need to accommodate all sorts of road closures when planning your road trip, and you are still able to explore the regions hardest hit by these closures, such as the Westfjords and the Highlands. Since some of the F-roads in Iceland might still be open during early October, you highly recommend that you discuss your planned road trip route(s) with your rental agent to advise you on which vehicle to use.

Certain roads (such as the F-roads) can only be accessed legally with a 4x4 vehicle . Then there are other roads and routes which may not have a legal requirement to drive a 4x4 vehicle, but any local will advise you not to attempt the drive with a normal 2-wheel drive vehicle.

The roads and routes you decide to take on will also impact the rental insurance you take out . For example, you cannot road trip the south coast of Iceland without taking out additional Sand and Ash Insurance. If you, just like us, believe the best way to explore the island is via road trip, the following are some of the most popular road trip routes here on the island:

• Golden Circle
• Diamond Circle
• Westfjords Way
• South Coast Way

Weather in Iceland in October

In October, Iceland experiences its highest rainfall, averaging 101-127 mm (4-5 inches). Temperatures range from a low of 3°C (37°F) to a high of 7°C (45°F), with frequent drizzles and overcast skies being common throughout the month.

How Cold is Iceland in October?

The temperature in Iceland in October no longer reaches summer highs, but you can still enjoy temperatures ranging between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius. The average temperature in Iceland in October is usually around 4 degrees Celsius. There is a bit of a misconception that the Reykjavik weather in October is somehow better than that of the rest of the island.

Although Reykjavik which is situated in the south of the country, will always have slightly nicer weather than the colder, northern regions of the island, the fact that people think Reykjavik boasts better weather is merely an illusion.

This is because the buildings create a sort of shelter against the harsher weather elements, making the capital feel warmer than on its outskirts. But this illusion is also not limited to Reykjavik and can be felt in most of the bigger cities here in Iceland.

Iceland’s Daylight Hours in October

As we already mentioned, Iceland in October still has more than enough daylight hours each day for you to create a pretty amazing trip itinerary. Each day, you’ll have at least 12 hours of daylight to work with.

Does it Snow in Iceland in October?

The more north you plan on exploring, the more likely you are to experience some snowfall . But, generally, the most you’ll need to worry about during the month of October is a little bit of sleet.

Rainfall in Iceland During October

October is considered to be one of our wettest months on the island , so you are guaranteed to experience some rainfall during your October trip to Iceland. The rainfall throughout October usually totals about 77 millimeters.

How Windy is it in Iceland in October?

As with the overall weather, the winds have also started to pick up speed and strength, leaning more and more toward the winter season side of things. And even though wind speeds have not yet reached mid-winter levels where the Icelandic winds have been known to rip car doors straight off their hinges, you’ll need to prepare yourself for average wind speeds of around 27 kilometers an hour .

What to Pack and Wear when Visiting Iceland in October

If you’re wondering what to wear in Iceland in October, you won’t be the first. For most, packing to a country that is called Iceland can get pretty confusing. That’s why we’ve created this handy Iceland packing list that you can use as a guide. Just also keep the following in mind for your trip to Iceland in October:

• There’s a good reason why you need to bring a raincoat and not a travel-sized umbrella. Because of the winds here on the island, an umbrella won’t even be able to make it through one day here.
• Ensure that you’ve packed all your waterproof clothes and accessories – like we already said, you’re guaranteed to get some rainfall and without the right clothes or gear, you’re going to have a wet, cold, and pretty miserable trip.
• You’ll also need to ensure that you keep your waterproof clothes and accessories close, irrespective of what the weather forecast says . Not only can the weather be quite unpredictable here on the island, but you’ll need your waterproof gear for much more than just rain. 

Waterproof clothes are lifesavers at any of our magnificent waterfalls that create powerful mist and spray. And waterproof hiking boots will stop you from losing a flip-flop or ruining your favorite pair of shoes when walking on the wet and muddy trails of the hot springs.

• Pack a backpack that is suitable for both day outings as well as hikes . You can also consider taking a multi-functional travel bag that can also be used as a backpack. This way you save on packing space.
• We’re not telling you to take t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts to wear just the t-shirts or just the long-sleeved shirts. Here on the island, with its “four seasons in one day” and temperature differences between the indoors and outdoors, layering is the name of the game. That means wearing both T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts. This way, you’ll always be able to put something on or take something off depending on the situation.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in October

If you’re wondering what to do in Iceland in October, the following suggestions will help you compile your trip itinerary:

Check Out Our Rock Formations

In a country with ever-evolving and contrasting terrain, we have some incredibly interesting rock formations (most with an equally interesting backstory or legend attached to it). Some of our most popular rock formations are Elephant Rock, Dyrholaey, and Hvitserkur Sea Stack . 

October in Iceland is your last chance to go camping without worrying about the harsh winter weather interfering. Camping in Iceland is also not just a way to immerse yourself in the Icelandic landscape and get a front-row seat to some of the island’s most-loved attractions, it’s also a great way to save on accommodation costs. 

You also don’t need to be the next Bear Grylls to enjoy this type of outdoor lifestyle. By renting a campervan, you can take care of both transport as well as your accommodation and go camping in comfort. Some of our go-to camping sites are:

• Skógar Campsite
• Reykjavik Campsite
• Skaftafell Campsite
• Egilstadir Campsite
• Vogar Campsite

Cruise the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a magical destination here on the island. It is a gigantic body of water where huge icebergs can be found bobbing around , originating from the massive glacier in the distance. 

But whilst all this can be seen from shore, a boat cruise on the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon can take you to within touching distance of these incredible sights, and you can cruise right next to sheets of drifting ice with lazy seals sleeping in the sun. 

Have a Soak in a Hot Spring

Iceland has many hot springs all across the country because of the volcanic activity on the island heating up the underground water supply. Whilst some of these hot springs can still be found and used in their original and natural forms, other hot spring water has been utilized to create geothermal pools. 

Taking a relaxing soak in one of these hot springs (or geothermal pools) is c onsidered to be one of the best things to do in Iceland in October , and some of the must-visit spots include the Blue Lagoon , Myvatn Nature Baths , and Reykjadalur . 

Visit the Very First Geyser

Another interesting fact about Iceland is that it was the place where the very first geyser was discovered. In fact, it’s also the reason why we call geysers geysers in the first place . The very first geyser discovered in Europe was named Geysir, and although this geyser is dormant today, it’s still a pretty impressive place to visit due to it being the origin story of all geysers. 

But a visit to Geysir doesn’t mean that you won’t actually get to see a geyser eruption. Stokkur is just a short walk from Geysir and is still incredibly active today. Go and see how hundreds of liters of water erupt high into the sky. 

Become a Viking

There are a variety of ways that you can get to live out your wildest Viking dreams here on the island. You can go sailing on an authentic Viking ship . Or get dressed in traditional Viking gear and have your portrait taken at Mink Studios . Or you can walk the streets of a Viking village and join in a real Viking feast for dinner. 

Explore the Island on Horseback

This is probably the best way to take “the road less traveled” and get to see things that most keeping to the main routes on the island will never get to see. Another reason why horseback riding is such a unique experience here on the island is the fact that Iceland actually has its own breed of horse. 

These horses are called Icelandic Horses (very original, we know), and are famous for their pony-like statures despite being full-grown . They are incredibly friendly and can perform an extra gait called the tölt. If you visit the island in October you’ll also see that they get a thick, fluffy coat during the winter months to keep them protected against the harsh weather conditions throughout the winter. 

Visit Our Museums

If there’s one thing you can’t accuse Iceland of its boring museums. Whilst many keep museum visits for days when the weather isn’t working in their favor, we highly recommend that you set aside at least a couple of days to visit some of our most popular museums. These include:

• The Saga Museum
• The Icelandic Phallological Museum
• The Reykjavik Art Museum
• The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

Go on a Hike

In a majestic landscape such as Iceland, it’s no surprise that the island boasts a myriad of hiking trails . Just by visiting one of the national parks in Iceland , you’ll have your pick of trails ranging from day hikes to multi-day hikes, and ranging from those suitable for beginners of all ages to pro climbers. 

Max Out That Credit Card

Okay, not really, but you actually might be tempted to when going shopping in our famous shopping street; Laugavegur. This is one of the much-loved things to do in Reykjavik in October before the festive season masses descend on the capital for their Christmas shopping. In Laugavegur Street you will find anything from clothes, and souvenirs, to home décor items, outdoor gear, and much, much more . 

Check Out Our Waterfalls

Well, not all of them, since it will be impossible to tick off visits to all 10,000 of them. But there are a few waterfalls that simply can’t be missed , each with its own unique features. These include:

• Svartifoss Waterfall
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Skogafoss Waterfall
• Dettifoss Waterfall
• Godafoss Waterfall 

Marvel at Our Architecture

As one of the most creative nations in the world, living in a country with such rich history, it’s no surprise that the island has a few pretty impressive architectural gems. If you have an appreciation for art and architecture, make sure you stop by Hallgrimskirkja , Budakirkja , and the Nordic House during your stay here on the island. 

Explore the Capital City

When visiting Reykjavik in October, we cannot recommend enough exploring the capital city by going on the Reykjavik Food Walk . There truly is no better way to learn about Reykjavik than have a knowledgeable guide giving you the lowdown on the city whilst stopping along the way to stuff your face with delicious local dishes and craft beers. 

Icelandic Festivals and Events in October

Icelanders don’t need an excuse to celebrate, and you’ll find plenty of festivals and events to join in the month of October:

The Lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower

If you’re a fan of John Lennon or his ideals, this one’s for you . The Imagine Peace Tower was erected in John’s memory as a reminder of what he stood for. This tower isn’t really a tower at all, but multiple beams of light forming a giant column reaching into the night sky. 

This “tower” is only lit during certain periods throughout the year, and October is one of those times. The lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower also has some fanfare and celebrations attached to it.

Iceland Airwaves

Iceland Airwaves is one of the island’s biggest music festivals and attracts visitors from all over the world. It is held in the capital city of Reykjavik, lasts four days, and boasts the best of both local and international acts from a variety of music genres . This is the one event that you’ll need to double-check the dates of since the festival is sometimes held at the beginning of November instead of the end of October.

Visiting Iceland in October; All the Benefits on a Budget

As a shoulder month between seasons, there are plenty of things to do and see in Iceland in October at much more budget-friendly rates. To up the stakes on your savings as well as explore the country properly, you can rent a campervan in Iceland and road trip some of our most popular routes and stop at some of our most famous attractions along the way. October might be the start of the Icelandic winter chill in the air, but the island still promises you thrills everywhere!

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Iceland in October: the self-drive travel guide

Planning a trip to Iceland in October? October is a great time to visit Iceland as it’s the end of the busy summer season, so you won’t have to compete with as many tourists when it comes to viewing attractions. Flights and accommodation tend to be cheaper at this time of year as well, plus you may even get a chance to glimpse the northern lights!

But before you book your Iceland trip in October, there are some important things you need to know. In this self-drive travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know for your trip to Iceland in October including the weather, road conditions, best things to pack, best activities for October, and some of the events in Iceland in October.

Related links: Search for a rental car in Iceland ; Read more travel guides to Iceland

Table of content

• What is the weather like? The average temperature and daylight hours
• What are the road conditions?
• What is the best rental car in Iceland for an October road trip?
• What to wear?

Is October a good time to visit Iceland?

Best things to do in iceland in october, best events in iceland in october, picture of iceland in october, what is the weather like in iceland in october.

October marks the end of summer in Iceland and the beginning of the unpredictable autumn season. You likely won’t experience snow, but the temperature and weather conditions can vary dramatically throughout the day. You could see sun, clouds, rain, and wind all in the same day. But don’t worry, you won’t get stuck in a snowstorm!

The average temperature

The average temperature in Iceland in October is between 2°C (36°F) and 7°C (45°F).

The daylight hours

In October, daylight hours in Iceland fall between 7:30 am and 7 pm at the beginning of October and 9:00 am and 5 pm at the end of October.

What are the road conditions like in Iceland in October?

The road conditions in Iceland in October are generally clear, especially if you’re sticking to Route 1. There is a slim chance of snow in the north and eastern parts of Iceland, and the Westfjords. If you’re planning to visit those areas then just be aware that if there is snow the roads could be slightly slippery. The same goes for the southern coast and Snæfellsnes. You can check out road.is for up-to-date information about the road conditions.

What is the best rental car in Iceland for an October road trip in Iceland?

When choosing a rental car for your self-drive Iceland road trip in October you first need to consider where you’re interested in traveling to. If you are interested in visiting the north or east of Iceland or plan to venture to more remote areas in the Westfjords then we recommend a 4WD vehicle . If you’re in a small group then you can rent an economy , compact or intermediate size 4X4 .

If you’re only planning on visiting Reykjavik, the south coast, or Snæfellsnes then a 2WD may be all you need. Although we still recommend a 4×4 in case of unexpected snowfall.

But you may be unsure of exactly where you’d like to visit Iceland on your self-drive tour. In that case, you can use your group size and volume of luggage to determine the best rental car for you.

What to pack and wear in Iceland in October?

Since Iceland is a hub for outdoor adventure, the most important thing is that you’re dressed in weather-appropriate clothing so that you’ll be comfortable when exploring the outdoors. In October, some of the best things to pack include:

• Sturdy, waterproof shoes with good grip
• Thick socks
• A waterproof outer layer
• Waterproof, functional backpack
• Activewear (pants and tops that are breathable, comfortable and quick-dry)
•  Thermal underlayers
• Scarf and warm gloves
• A fleece sweater
• Swimwear and towel

October is a fantastic time to visit Iceland for many different reasons. Here are some of the top reasons that you should travel to Iceland and do a self-drive tour:

1. One of the quietest months of the year

One of the top reasons that October is a great time to visit Iceland is that it’s one of the quietest months of the year. The rush of the summer is over, and there aren’t as many tourists as possible in the country. That means you won’t have to deal with huge crowds at Iceland’s main attractions, and you may even have some spots all to yourself! It also means you’ll have more options when it comes to choosing your accommodation or picking time slots for tours because they won’t be all booked out.

2. Flights are inexpensive

Due to low demand, the flights to Iceland are substantially cheaper during October. There aren’t any huge holidays during the month of October, other than school holidays, but Iceland is not your typical school holiday spot. You can snag some great deals on flights during this month which can help you stretch your budget further.

3. You might spot the northern lights!

October is the first month of northern lights season. Most people who come to Iceland specifically to see the northern lights visit in the winter months, as that is when you’re most likely to catch a glimpse. But it’s definitely possible to see the northern lights during October, especially if you’re visiting towards the end of the month. One of the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon or one of the black sand beaches in the south.

4. Hotel and tour prices are cheaper

For the same reason as flights are inexpensive, the low demand in October means that hotel and tour prices are also cheaper. Iceland is notorious for being an expensive travel destination. That’s because we have to import almost everything into the island, driving costs up. But October provides an opportunity for many to come to Iceland and experience it all without breaking the bank.

5. Mild weather

While temperatures in October aren’t as warm as in the summer months, they are still relatively mild and bearable (especially when compared to the harsher winter temperatures). On top of that, you don’t have to worry about any crazy snowstorms which could lead to major setbacks when you’re on a self-drive trip. If a road is closed because of snow it could disrupt your itinerary.

6. Rental car availability

In the summer there are many people renting cars to do self-drive tours of Iceland. If you don’t book far enough in advance you could find yourself without a car, or at least without a car you like. With less demand in October, it’s easier to get an appropriate rental car for your trip that suits your needs.

So, are you convinced to come and visit Iceland in October yet? Since October is on the cusp of both the summer and winter seasons you can enjoy some activities and attractions that are available in both seasons. Here are some of the top things that you don’t want to miss when you travel to Iceland for a self-drive tour in October:

1. See the northern lights

The northern lights, or the Aurora Borealis is one of the top attractions that people come to see in Iceland. It’s a bucket list item for many travelers and there are only a few places in the world where they are visible, Iceland being one of them. While there is never a 100% guarantee you will see them when you visit, you have a pretty decent chance of seeing the northern lights in Iceland in October. You’re most likely to see them when there are clear skies and when there is a new moon since the light from the moon can interfere with the visibility of the northern lights.

2. See Icelandic nature – waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and volcanos

Iceland is home to incredibly diverse natural landscapes and features that you can visit throughout October. Iceland is incredibly popular for its hot springs , all of which you can visit and enjoy in October. These include the Blue Lagoon,  Vök Baths, and Mývatn Nature Baths.

You can also travel to many of the beautiful waterfalls in Iceland during a self-drive tour in October. Don’t miss out on Gullfoss, one of the top ten waterfalls in the world, and Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

Iceland isn’t called the land of ice and fire for no reason. Iceland is a volcanic island, formed by tons of volcanic eruptions. You can visit Iceland’s volcanos in October including Eyjafjallajökull and Krafla. Iceland also has lots of glacial terrains, hence the ‘ice.’ So don’t miss the opportunity to visit glaciers in October.

3. Whale watching

Many species of whales live in the waters surrounding Iceland all year long, and as the water is relatively calm in October, it’s a great time to see them. You can take a whale-watching tour right from Reykjavik and see whales like humpbacks, blue whales and minke whales.

4. Glacier hiking

Hiking on Iceland’s glaciers is truly an experience you don’t want to miss out on. It’s much easier to hike in October while the weather is still mild and enjoyable. You can book a tour to hike both Sólheimajökull glacier and Vatnajökull glacier. And don’t worry if it sounds daunting, there are a range of different hike lengths to suit all ages and skill levels.

5.     Self-tripping the Route 1 Ring Road

While it’s always nice to take a guided tour, there’s really nothing like exploring Iceland via a self-drive tour. Renting a car and driving yourself gives you the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace, and stop at the attractions that interest you and your group the most. If you’re going to do a self-drive tour of Iceland in October the best route to take is the Route 1 Ring Road. It’s well maintained and passes by most of the top destinations in the entire country.

If you drove the Route 1 Ring Road straight through it would take between 14 to 16 hours. But that would mean not stopping anywhere! If you only want to make limited stops we would still recommend around 7 days minimum to complete the loop. To really get the true Icelandic experience then it’s best to spend between 10 to 15 days driving the Ring Road. That way you can see every attraction without having to rush or worry about days with back weather.

Check out our full guide to driving the Iceland Ring Road here .

October is a great time to visit Iceland as there are a few events happening throughout the month that will allow you to experience Icelandic culture. Here are two main events that you can enjoy in Iceland every October:

1.     The lighting of the Yoko Ono Imagine Peace Tower

The Imagine Peace Tower was created by Yoko Ono to represent a beacon of peace. It truly is a work of art. A huge beam of light shoots up from the tower and into the sky, and if you’re in Iceland on October 9 you can watch them light it up. Because of the variable weather in Iceland the beam never looks entirely the same. Yoko Ono chose to place this memory to John Lennon I Iceland as it’s a peaceful nation, and the light is powered using renewable energy.

2.     The Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF)

The Reykjavik International Film Festival runs every year, featuring films from 40 countries or more. It runs from September 29 th until October 9 th , so if you’re visiting in the first week of the month you’ll likely be able to catch some of it. The cost of the entire pass is 18,900 ISK (approximately $138), which will give you access to all shows, excluding special events. Beyond screenings, there are also workshops, live music shows and other exhibits. If you’re a film buff, then you don’t want to miss this!

Here’s a glimpse of what Iceland looks like during the month of October

Now that you’re prepped with all the information you need to visit Iceland in October it’s time to book your trip! With unbeatable prices on hotels, flights and rental cars, October is one of the best times of year to visit Iceland. Plus, you can still enjoy many of the summertime activities, with less tourist traffic. Make sure that you always book your rental car online, and in advance to ensure that the best option for you is available. Don’t forget to Check out tons of resources and tips for how to book the best rental car for your Iceland trip .

Recommended Cars

Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Ifai | group: n3 (ifai).

• Airconditioning

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. NOTE: Allowed on roads no.35 and 550. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features

• 3 Large Luggage
• 4 Wheel Drive
• 46 C0 2  g/km
• Adjustable Steering
• Cruise Control
• Electronic Stability Control
• Power Steering
• Power Windows
• Remote Locking

Land Rover Defender Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Pfai | group: l6 (pfai).

Suitable for highlands, Please read the Terms & Conditions. You must be 25 years of age to drive this vehicle.

• 77 C0 2  g/km

Tesla Model Y or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Ugdc | group: v1 (ugdc).

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

• 4 Large Luggage
• Traction Control

Skoda Octavia Wagon or similar | Manual | 4×4

Iwmn | group: e (iwmn).

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. But It is allowed on roads no.35 and 550.

• Petrol or Diesel
• 153 C0 2  g/km

KIA Sportage or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Ifar | group: o (ifar).

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

• 156 C0 2  g/km

KIA Sorento or similar | Automatic | 4×4

Sfan | group: o2 (sfan).

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

• 164 C0 2  g/km

Manage Booking

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Detailed itineraries + travel guides

Ultimate 8 Day Iceland Itinerary – An Iceland Road Trip Guide

Last Updated April 18, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » Ultimate 8 Day Iceland Itinerary – An Iceland Road Trip Guide

I’m just going to put this out there.  Iceland is ridiculously beautiful.  There’s been a rise in tourism there and a ton of hype.  Over these past 5 years, you couldn’t go on Facebook without seeing one of your friends sharing photos of Iceland.   I needed to see for myself and now that I’m back, I can confidently say that everything they say is true.  This Iceland road trip is one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.  Overrated?  Hell no!

The inspiration for this 8 day Iceland itinerary guide came from the trip planning process.  There was a lot of information out there on individual attractions and  of the country.  So if you also just so happen have 8 days to work with in Iceland, this is for you.  Even if not, I think there’s a ton of insight here as I was pretty careful about writing down every small detail about the trip along the way where I went “this would be TOTALLY helpful for my readers”.

Deep dive into planning your Iceland trip

• Top 5 Hotels in Rekyjavik on a Budget
• 12 Best Things to do in Iceland
• The 6 Day Iceland Itinerary
• Reasons to go to Iceland
• 12 Icelandic Souvenirs You Need To Buy

How to get the best deals in travel

• Hottest deals  – Bookmark the  travel deals page .
• Car rentals  – stop getting ripped off and  learn about car rental coupon codes .
• Hotels  – Use  corporate codes  or get  Genius 2 tier  with Booking.
• Flights  – Have you ever heard of the  “Everywhere” feature ?
• Insurance  – Make sure you’re covered and learn more about  where to buy the best travel insurance .

Table of Contents

This Iceland guide is broken into three main parts – trip planning decision points, the comprehensive itinerary and my personal planning tips.

Getting Started is a small section devoted to some of the trip planning struggles that I encountered and my thought processes around it.   Itinerary covers the 8 day journey on the island in September.   Valuable Trip Planning Advice  started as a laundry list of notes I typed into my phone as the trip unfolded.  It contains the need to knows, things you probably didn’t think about, and everything else in between that’ll make your trip kickass.

• Getting Started

Day 1 – Black and Blue

Day 2 – exploring reykjavik + buubble, day 3 – golden circle, day 4 – snaefellsnes surprise, day 5 – foss and truly secret pool, day 6 – beauty of the south, day 7 – glacier climbing, day 8 – rewind.

• How The Itinerary Changed During The Trip
• How The Itinerary Kicked Ass

Driving in Iceland

Recommended gear, photography, getting your iceland itinerary started.

I’ve been putting a lot of thought into this and if I were to sum up into words what makes Iceland so incredible, it’s this –   Every corner of the land is so vastly varied and completely stunning because it’s a a visual wonderland of landscapes that covers all the elements.  Iceland is somewhere you thought only possible in fairy tales or science fiction movies but it’s totally real.

I was skeptical before the start of the trip.  I mean how could I not be.  Everyone and their Mom has been to Iceland.  Could it be really THAT good?  The worry I had was whether it was going to be over-hyped or  just a haven for tourists.

Having gone there and back, I can safely tell you that my trip there was everything I was hoping it would be and more.

Trust me, Iceland is a place you have to go.  It’s the best road trip you’ll ever go on.

The section below details out some of the basics that you’ve already been thinking about as you start planning your epic Iceland road trip. It covers the high level stuff but if you want to get into more details, I have a  Valuable Trip Planning Advice  section which has even more information.

If you’re a fan of this itinerary, make sure to check out other incredibly detailed ones like this.  Here are a few to get you started:

• Greek Islands 14 day itinerary
• 12 day Japan itinerary
• 14 day Tahiti itinerary
• 12 day Taiwan itinerary
• 10 day Patagonia itinerary

To Ring Road or Not?

Iceland is almost perfectly designed to allow drivers to fully explore the island.  At 1,332 kilometers, you can easily just start driving on Route 1 and if you don’t stop, you’ll arrive back at the same spot that you started 17 hours later.   The entire island is insanely beautiful all the way around so it’s a no brainer to do the full loop right?

Thing is, it was a much more complicated question than that and at the beginning of putting together this 8 day Iceland itinerary , this was probably the most hotly debated topic.  With 8 days to work with, it seemed completely do-able to drive the Ring Road but the more and more I dug into it, the more and more it didn’t make sense.  The bottom line is that it was possible but we’d be rushing from one place to the next.  We’d be crunched for time which would mean less time for random stops (oh we made many) and we’d have to make careful choices about what to see and what to skip.

Here’s why we didn’t do Ring Road:

• Excursions – Once you introduce any sort of excursion, this was almost out of the question.  The problem is that almost all activities originate from Reykjavik so if you plan on doing any of them (most are full day), you’ll have to plan to base yourself in the capital for a few days before hitting the road.  The only exception for us was our ice climbing experience in Skaftafell which we were able to meet with them on-site.
• Pick and choose – As I was building out a test itinerary for doing the Ring Road, it felt that I was continuously making compromises on where we could stop.  For instance, if a secret hot spring was too far from the main road and add too much time, you just had to cut it even if it was spectacular.  FOMO completely taking over in this case.
• Race to the next destination – What I didn’t like about doing the Ring Road in roughly a week was the fact that every day seemed to be a rush to get to the next hostel.  The prospect of seeing only a few things along the way and the rest focusing on getting to the next town would be too stressful.
• Weather – This wasn’t much an issue for September but it definitely crossed my mind.  There was some risk that if there was heavy snowfall that roads would be closed and that we’d be snowed in or have to bypass an area.

Ultimately for us, it made more sense to do a smaller portion of the island really well than to rush through it all just to check off the list.

That being said, it totally sucks we didn’t get to do the north or Westfjords.  I really wanted to go there but couldn’t swing it.  If we had 12+ days, I think we could’ve done it but it is what we had to work with.  More of a reason to go back right?

Do I regret not doing Ring Road?   Nope, not at all .

When To Go?

When planning your Iceland itinerary, it’s pretty critical to think about what time of the year you’re going to be going because it will make a big difference.  The three main factors to think about are: weather, northern lights and seasonality.  These will dramatically change the type of experience you’ll have in Iceland.

For all intents and purposes, you can think of Iceland as having two primary seasons – cold and not as cold/borderline warm with frequent weather changes sprinkled in.  For simplicity, let’s just call it summer and winter.

Seriously though, Iceland is not as chilly as its namesake sounds.

During the summer months, the weather is actually quite pleasant.  Hovering around 20C (70F), you’re totally in the t-shirt zone but of course, the fickle nature of the climate means that things can change on a dime and before you know it, you’re in the middle of torrential downpour.

Another thing that is unique to the summer months is that you’re looking at almost continuous daylight.  Midnight sun can totally trip your sleep schedule but what’s great about this is that you have all 24 hours to do and see stuff if you really wanted to.  Imagine that!  That being said, you will not be able to see the aurora borealis because it relies on darkness and clear skies.

Summer is of course high season .  This means that there will be a larger amount of tourists on the island which drives prices up and the bring large crowds to the popular sights.

All roads are open in the summer and ferry schedules are better so you can get to pretty much every part of the island.  In particular, Westfjords becomes very much accessible and places like Hornstrandir (Iceland’s northernmost peninsula, situated in the Westfjords) open up.

If you’re hoping to see puffins , you’ll find them from May to August each year.

It gets cold in the winter especially when that polar wind sweeps its way down.  That means you’ll want to make sure you bring ALL of your warm clothing and then some when you come in this season between October and April.

Winter is pretty much the polar opposite to summer.  Instead of midnight sun, you get extremely shortened days (4-6 hours).  This means less daylight to explore but you have extremely high probability to see the northern lights.

What you’ll need to deal with in the winter is the fact that there will be road closures due to snowfall.  Areas like Westfjords will be difficult to get to because the ferries basically don’t run there and access to any areas that are way off the Ring Road may be blocked off.

There will also be fewer tours offered in the off-season so self-drive becomes the most viable option.  With that though, you’ll have to be very careful behind the wheel because the roads can be hazardous and there’s always the possibility of small towns being snowed in.

However, what you gain in the winter is the majestic ice caves which aren’t accessible in the summer due to structural stability.   The snow covered landscape is also stunning and gives the island and completely different look.

As the low season, you’ll deal with much smaller crowds and prices to drop (particularly flights).  Don’t expect any price breaks on car rentals except if you use the Blue Car Rental coupon code which you’ll find in the Driving in Iceland tips.

In between you have the shoulder season in May and September.  These are the transitional months between summer and winter.  What’s great about this season is that you get the best of both seasons.

With light becoming normalized with sunrise at 7PM and sunset at 8PM, you get decently long days but with enough twilight to get the chance to see the northern lights.  Depending on the year, you might also

What you’ll have to contend with is more tumultuous weather though.  During our time in Iceland in September, we experienced many overcast days where we were always on the precipice of rain (made for a lot of rainbows though).  The rain was very on and off though where some pockets of the island would be rainy but if we kept driving along Ring Road, it would clear up.

What’s great about shoulder season is that tourists drop off in these months pre and post summer so you don’t have to deal with as many crowds.  Temperatures are also quite reasonable in the high teens (C)/50s (F).  This is a great time for an Iceland road trip.

How Many Days Do You Need?

As many as you can take would be my answer to everyone that asks.  There’s a temptation to treat Iceland as a stopover destination based on how flight packages are bundled these days but seriously Iceland is the main event – there’s no question.

I may be a bit biased here but I feel that you need at least 7 days to see a substantial part of Iceland.  This gives you time to do at least one excursion and at a minimum see the southern part of the island which is where a majority of the popular destinations are located.

If you have less than 7 days, you will have to decide whether you want to base yourself in Reykjavik the entire time and do day trips through tours or you have to hit the road right away and see what you can along Ring Road and the Golden Circle.

For the full Ring Road, I’d recommend at least 12 days for a road trip itinerary.

Things To Pack and Prep

Lots of layers  – Weather is constantly changing in Iceland and you never know when it’ll change.  The best way to handle this and pack efficiently is to bring layers.  Bring t-shirts for when it’s warm and layer up with base layers, sweaters, hoodies, long johns, and jacket as necessary.  More must-pack gear can be found in the  Valuable Trip Planning Advice  section.

Waterproof everything – There’s no rainy season per say but chances of rain peak in October – February.   I would include September in the mix as well from personal experience.  Since everything you’re doing in Iceland is outdoors, I was so glad I was fully decked out in waterproof exterior clothing.  I was so glad to have my Columbia waterproof jacket and waterproof pants , and Keen waterproof shoes .

Mapping  – You’ll quickly realize that as simple as it is to drive around Ring Road, finding places is not as easy as you think.  The reason is that Icelandic names are crazy difficult to pronounce and type in.  As a result, GPS is a must.  You’ll rely on GPS to either do an address, point of interest or coordinate search (your first time I am sure).  When that fails (oh and it will), you’ll want a backup and that’s when your phone comes in.  Assuming you don’t have any cellular data like us, we heavily relied on the Google Maps app to pre-pin our daily itinerary and use the “OK maps” trick   to save maps offline.  Since GPS signal is free, you can track your blue dot and use that as a navigation signal to get to where you need to go.  If I knew about the app beforehand, I would’ve used the maps.me app on this trip.

Track the weather  – Particularly important in the winter, you’re going to want to know the weather and road conditions.  There is a super helpful aurora borealis tracker  that will tell you what the chances are of seeing the northern lights.  What you’re looking for is white space.  This page also gives very accurate weather forecasts for the entire island. For road conditions, you’re going to want to head here to figure out whether the roads you’ll be driving are passable or not.

Money – I didn’t believe at first when my friends told me but Iceland is dominated by the credit card.  I withdrew 10,000 ISK at an ATM in Reykjavik and that was it.  I honestly can’t remember any instances where I was forced to use cash.  The only time that it came in handy was the toll for the Hvalfjörður Tunnel when we made our way up to Snaefellsnes. However, this tunnel is now free as of September 2018!

Where to Stay?

Accommodations in Iceland get scooped up quick .  Once you lock in your dates and your itinerary, you’ll want to making your bookings ASAP.

In some ways there are a lot of choices for accommodations and in other ways, it can be quite limited.  There a couple of routes that you could take.  There’s the traditional hotel, youth hostels, Airbnb, guest houses, and campervans.  The underlying thing about all of these options is that you’re not really going to find a “bargain” in Iceland.  Account for every night to be at least $100 USD a night.

Hotels are typically going to be the nicest in terms of providing full-service accommodations.  They’ll be clean, provide all the basic facilities, and usually have an attached restaurant.  The flip side of them is that they’re typically the most expensive option in Iceland.

Luckily, I still have a stash of hotel points and I found a pretty good cash & points rate with the Hilton .

Hotel we used:

• Hilton Iceland Nordica

Hostels, Guest Houses, Airbnb

The truth is that you won’t find too many big hotel chains outside of Reykjavik and that means you’ll have to look at other options.  In the absence of big properties, Icelanders have gotten pretty savvy in terms of converting property into guest houses or hostel type accommodations.  With the vast amount of land and space, old farms are looking to tourism and so you’ll find a lot of farm holidays as options.  Airbnb has also grown significantly on Iceland.

For us, most of all of our searches started with Booking.com which  seemed to have the most complete inventory.  We then augmented this with searches on Hey Iceland , and Airbnb.  Ultimately it came down to what was available in the location we wanted to end off in each day and picking one that had low cost without going into sketchy territory.

With the exception of the youth hostel, I was pleasantly surprised about every guest house we stayed in.  The guest houses in Iceland are very well done in terms of the renovation work, cleanliness, and service.  A few even had free breakfast included which was always a nice bonus.

In regards to Airbnb, you’ll of course find a ton of options between the airport and Reykjavik.  Beyond that circle, you’ll see diminishing results.  In certain parts of the island such as Snaefellsnes, you’ll barely find anything and in the south you’ll find a bit more.

Ultimately farm houses were way out of budget for us so we never got to stay in one.  Our most expensive accommodation ended up being the one by Skaftafell (Hof 1 Hotel) simply because there aren’t many options in that area.

Alternative accommodations we used:

• Öxl in Budir
• Hostel Sjónarhóll
• Hekla Room No. 2. (Airbnb)
• Hof 1 Hotel
• Hofn Guesthouse
• Private Room with Private Entry Airbnb in Reykjavik (Airbnb)

Camping and Campervan

If you’re looking to rough it out a bit more, a potentially cheaper option for you that also gives you more control in terms check-in/check-out time and where you can stay.  By camping or renting a campervan, you can literally sleep right where you want to be the next morning to catch that beautiful sunset and hit the ground running.

Campervans may not be for everyone but these vans that have their own beds built into the rear compartment are going to be your best bet in terms of saving money because you’ll be able to combine the cost of a car rental and accommodations all together.  It may not be glamorous but it is very practical and if I were to do Iceland again, I’d definitely go this route.  Give companies such as Happy Campers and Campervan Iceland  a browse!

You’ll find out in our itinerary below that we picked up a few hitchhikers along the way and what we learned from these ambitious kids is that camping is totally viable.  What’s beautiful about Iceland is that there’s this culture of camping and so the country has built a ton of facilities around the island which gives you free access buildings where you can clean up and land to set up camp.  On the hitchhiking front, they told us that they had a lot of trouble getting rides especially when in more remote areas.

8 DAY ICELAND ITINERARY

Now with the basics out of the way, you’re part of the way through your planning.  The next step is to start figuring out how you’re going to be laying out your Icelandic adventure .

The following is a high level outline of everything we did, sights we saw, and all the things I learned that I wish I knew.  By no means is this meant to be a copy and paste job but if you’re tight on planning time, you’re certainly welcome to it and grab the spreadsheet by signing up .

For a more personal recounting of our Icelandic experience head over to my other article.

If you’re coming in from North America, you’ll most likely land super early in the morning as we did.  Pick up your rental car at the airport and head into the city.  You’ll be tempted to take a nap but try your best to stay up.  The best way to do this is to book an adrenaline-filled excursion like  Black and Blue  which combines lava tube caves with snorkelling Silfra.  Crash early your first day and get ready for tomorrow.

If Black and Blue isn’t available, this is a recommended snorkeling experience that just focuses on the Silfra fissure.

What You’ll See

• Thingvellir National Park
• Lava Tube caves
• Silfra fissure
• Hradlestin  – Surprisingly awesome Indian restaurant in the city
• Hilton Iceland Nordica  – To my surprise, we were able to check in at 9AM (unheard of!)

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Booze – Before you leave the airport, make sure you pick up your alcohol supply.  This is the duty free that you have to cross through before you get your bags and not the duty free that is in the gate area.  You can’t miss it.
• Check before you drive off  – Make sure everything works in the car and you do a thorough walk around.
• Renting cars in Iceland – Make sure you read the Car Rental section below to learn about companies I researched and the importance of built-in insurance coverage.
• Excursions in Iceland – Most excursions start and end in Reykjavik so when you plan your itinerary, make sure you plan things out accordingly.
• Snack on – Always have a healthy stash of snacks with you.  Particularly for Black and Blue, it was nice to have a bunch of bars on hand since no food was included
• Black and Blue – It’s not very clear in any of the trip instructions but you’re going to want to make sure you wear long johns and dry-fit-type top.  One thing to note is that there’s no private area to change so expect to be stripping down out in the open or in the Arctic Adventures van.  In terms of valuables and your shoes, you’ll be able to leave everything behind in the van which will be guarded by your driver/guide.  They recommend brining waterproof clothing but you don’t necessarily need it.  I ended up taking off my waterproof pants in fact and just went into the drysuit with my long johns.  Oh and if you’re planning on recording the experience, don’t make the same mistake as I did and use a head mount.  You’re better off using putting your GoPro or better yet, Insta360 X4 on an invisible stick.
• Alternative Black and Blue – Similar tour offering can be found on Guide to Iceland .

Reykjavik is a vibrant and artsy city that has much to offer.  Spend the day to get to know the capital.  I recommend orienting yourself by taking a free city walking tour with CityWalk .  Make sure to try the hotdogs here.

While you’re in the capital, also make a point to do any of the shopping you want to do and to buy the Icelandic souvenirs for yourself of friends and family back at home. This could also be your only opportunity to buy any outdoor gear you forgot.

Before you hit the road, stock up on supplies at the Bonus grocery store in town and start making your way towards Selfoss.  Grab dinner here like we did and then make your way to one of the most unique stays here – the Bubble Hotel.  Time permitting, you can also squeeze in 1) a shower and 2) relaxation at the Secret Lagoon.

While there were no guarantees when I made the booking at Buubble, we were lucky enough to watch the Northern Lights this evening.  It was a light show to remember.

• Downtown Reykjavik
• Hallgrímskirkja Church
• Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
• The Sun Voyager
• Secret Lagoon /Gamla Laugin
• Northern Lights (cross your fingers!)
• Tryggvaskali Restaurant  – Highly reviewed restaurant that’s converted from an old hotel.  Excellent seafood!
• Buubble Hotel
• Parking in Reykjavik – There a few quasi-lots in the city but these are really just street parking spots by North American standards.  We did our drive around to see if there was any free parking which we were told were closer to the residential areas but we couldn’t find them so we just settled for a spot right off of Laugavegur.
• Free Walking Tour –  Make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time online.  There are a number of time slots available  and I’d recommend doing this at the beginning of your trip as a way to orient yourself in Reykjavik.
• Secret Lagoon – I thoroughly enjoyed this hot spring experience.  Sure it was $30 (2,800 ISK) but I would take this any day over Blue Lagoon to deal with less crowds, a much more natural experience, and the ability to bring your own booze.  We learned afterwards that the Secret Lagoon was also a brilliant idea when paired with our Bubble night because we didn’t have shower facilities there.  Coming out of the hot springs, we showered at the lagoon and head back just in time for the northern lights show which worked out beautifully.  Note, no need for a combination lock here since it’s one of those lockers that give you a key.

• Bonus – The go-to grocery store to pick up supplies in Iceland.  We literally planned our resupply trips around when we could drop by a Bonus.  More on this in the Eating section below.
• Bubble Hotel – More details about Buubble to be more precise can be found in my review post .
• Northern lights – There’s no real formula here other than to get yourself outside of the city which we did.  September is tough because it’s overcast all the time so the best you can do is just give you the most chances to see them and check the aurora borealis tracker religiously.

What Should You Pack?

Not sure what to pack for your trip? Make sure to check out our handy packing list for Iceland!

Every Iceland itinerary is going to have the famed Golden Circle.  Despite this route being heavy on tourists, you can’t miss the trio of Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park.

The awesome thing about our bubble is that it’s right along the Golden Circle so all you have to do is hop in your car and start driving counterclockwise.

From here you’ll be making the drive all the way up to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to get away from the crowds and part of the country that has some of the most epic dynamic landscapes.  Arrive in the Budir area and crash for the evening.

• Faxi Waterfall
• Icelandic Horses
• Thingvellir National Park
• Hotel Budir (their bread and butter is to die for)
• Golden Circle  – The big bus tours are pretty much unavoidable but I’m sure if you start right at the morning, you should be able to dodge most of them.  Another thing to note is that you’ll definitely want to account more time than you think you’ll need here (kind of applies to everything in Iceland).  Blame the photography.
• Driving to Snaefellsnes – The drive itself is pretty straightforward but if you set yourself to get there in the shortest amount of time, the GPS will take you through the Hvalfjörður Tunnel. This used to be a tolled tunnel but it is now free (as of September 2018).
• Gullfoss – For the most part, we didn’t have any bathroom problems but I do distinctly remember that the washrooms were paid here so make sure you relieve yourself at Geysir or at Thingvellir’s information center.

Weather permitting, I personally feel that the 4th day around Snaefellsnes offers the most stunning of landscapes.  You’ll be driving along the coast and making many stops along the way.  Start the day off with the Arnarstapi hike and make your way around to eventually the iconic view of Kirkjufell.  End off in Stykkishólmur to close out the day.

On a personal note, this is the day that I proposed to my now wife. The weather didn’t quite co-operate but it sure made a memorable proposal.

• Hotel Budir
• Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge
• Arnastapi Coastal Walk
• Snaefellsjokull National Park
• Djupalonssandur Beach
• Stykkishólmur Lighthouse
• Sjavarpakkhusio
• Rain  – I’m speaking from September experience here but rain definitely puts a damper on things.  Good thing I had waterproof gear on me or otherwise, we would have skipped a ton more spots along the way.  With Iceland, you have to be prepared and just work with what the weather gives you.

On this day, you’ll be leaving Snaefellsnes and dropping down to the south.  Watch the landscape dramatically change as you make your way along this popular route.  Here, waterfalls are going to dominate your view including the impressive Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.

If you can swing it, look for Seljavallalaug Pool which is set in the middle of a canyon and quite the tranquil experience.  Best part is that it’s free.

• Stykkishólmur town
• Seljalandsfoss
• Seljavallalaug Pool (Seljavellir)
• Bar Bistro (by Skogafoss) – We ended pretty late this day and there weren’t many options so we ended up at this casual restaurant.  Prices are reasonable and the Skyr cake was phenomenal.
• Seljavallalaug Pool   Directions – This one was one heck of a place to find.  As you’re driving along the ring road and going eastbound, you’re going look for Road 242 marked Raufarfell.  Start looking for it right after you pass by the Iceland Erupts exhibition that will be on your right.  Take the road all the way to the end and there should be a sign that says Seljavellir (GPS: 63.558878 N, -19.622353 W).  Park your car in this large dirt lot and you’ll want to walk 20 minutes.  The trail is not marked at all and for us we were thankful to bump into various people along the way to confirm we were going the right way but looking back on it, we were essentially hugging the left side of the valley, crossing a few small streams and hiking over a rocky ground.  You won’t see the pool until the very end so keep going and you’ll eventually see it.  Just before, you’ll also pass by a small water pumping machine.  If you’re heading there near sunset or sunrise, make sure you bring headlamps.

•   Seljavallalaug Pool Facilities  – In terms of facilities, it’s pretty bare bones here and the concrete building there is in a bit of decay.  There are “rooms” with doors but don’t expect to find any benches.  What they do have are some hooks so you can hang your clothes inside.  Other people simply changed at the back of the building away from the pool.

Continue the drive along the south and feast your eyes on unique basalt columns, gorgeous canyons, and rugged plains.  Luckily there isn’t too much driving until you make that final stretch to Skaftafell National Park.  There aren’t too many accommodations in this region unfortunately and in fact Hof 1 Hotel turned out to be the most expensive of the entire trip.

There will still be quite a bit of tourists along this section with day trip tourist busses from Reykjavik so be prepared for some crowds.

• Reynisdrangar
• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Service station cafeteria just outside of Skaftafell National Park
• Dyrholaey – I thought there wasn’t much to see here other than the arch but turns out there are a lot of interesting view points here no matter what direction you’re looking at.  Make sure you account for more time here.
• Reynisdrangar – Similar with Dryholaey, I found ourselves spending more time here than I thought we would.  We were here a good 1.5 hours and some of that was accounted by us posing around the basalt columns.  Also note that there are bathroom facilities here and they are free.
• Fjadrargljufur Canyon – This one may seem hard to find as there isn’t too much information on it but right off of Ring Road, past the small village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur is Road 206 that goes to Lakagígar.  Once you’re on this road, you’re only 2KM out.  Eventually you’ll make it to an intersection where left will lead to the canyon and right leads to   Lakagígar.  I remember the signs to be pretty clear here so you won’t get lost.  Technically after, this turns into an F-road but to be honest it’s doable with any car.  Just drive slow and carefully.  While we only hiked the top part of the canyon, the bottom of the canyon is accessible and in the summer a great spot for wading in the river.  There’s also an eco-friendly bathroom here which is free.

The whole reason why you want to stay near Skaftafell National Park is so that you don’t have to do a long drive in the morning to make the glacier climbing excursion.  Expect most of the day to be dedicated for this.  

At the time of our visit, we were on Falljökull Glacier which is in Vatnajökull . The names can be a bit confusing but to set things straight, Skaftafell National Park was integrated with the newly established Vatnajokull National Park in 2008 so they’re really one and the same. Most tours don’t mention the glacier you’ll be on but a popular one is Falljokull.

I highly recommend this 4 hour glacier experience which also includes ice caves if they’re in-season.

If you want to make sure ice climbing is included, there’s ice climbing on Vatnajokull from Skaftafell which is very close to what we did. The other one I’d recommend is ice climbing Solheimajokull which is a slightly different location. 

The tour we did was called Glacier Xtreme which has been rebranded as Blue Ice since they operate out of Solheimajokull now.

Finish the day with a sunset at Jokulsarlon iceberg lagoon before driving the furthest east as you’ll go in Iceland.

What You’ll See and Do

• Skaftafell National Park
• Falljökull Glacier ( Glacier hiking and ice climbing )
• Jokulsarlon Lagoon
• Pakkhus Restaurant  – Known for their langoustine
• Glacier Xtreme – The costs were adding up for Iceland but this was one of those experiences we didn’t want to miss out on.  On top of glacier hiking, this was the only one where you could also ice climb as well.  When talking to the locals, they said the Falljökull Glacier was much better than the others due to less traffic and being able to get way closer to the icefall.  How about things to pack and all of that?  I found that the booking sites weren’t very good about explaining this so let me clear the air.   Do you need waterproof pants?  I would say no unless it’s raining that day.  We had a beautiful sunny day and so any hiking appropriate pants are fine.   What else should I bring?  Bring gloves.  They don’t necessarily have to be waterproof but the ice can be sharp when you’re trying to keep balance or even during the ice climbing.  Also bring sunglasses.  The sun will reflect intensely off of the white ice but more importantly you want your sunglasses to protect you from the flying chips of ice that will be coming at you when you dig your ice axe into the wall.   Any other tips?   That main parking lot at Skaftafell fills up FAST.  I would show up early to get a good spot in the main lot.  Otherwise you’ll have to go to an adjacent one that is a bit farther away.
• Glacier Guides – The operator that runs Glacier Xtreme is Glacier Guides which in turn is owned by the larger company, Arctic Adventures .  That is why you can’t find a separate website for Glacier Guides if you’re as confused as we were.
• Jokulsarlon Lagoon – This place gets pretty busy around sunset so you might have to jockey a little for tripod space.  From a photography perspective, don’t be afraid to move around as there are a ton of different angles to shoot at.  If you’re not doing a whole lot of photography here, you could be done in 15 minutes or if you’re like me, 2 hours.  Lastly, be on the lookout for seals in the water.  They pop their head up once in awhile or sometimes you can catch them swim.  Let me know how many you find!  If you’d rather get out on one of those boats that take you right up to the icebergs, I recommend tours like this amphibian boat tour .

The last day has a lot of driving but the nice part about it is that you’ll be able to hit up all the spots that you missed.  For instance, you’ll be able to do Svartifoss and the Sólheimasandur plane wreck.  Treat yourself at the very end with a little bit of rest and relaxation at Blue Lagoon .

• Mossy Lava Rocks
• Vik Red Church
• Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck (aka Crashed DC 3 Plane)
• Blue Lagoon
• Svartifoss – From the research, I always thought these falls were like the others where you could drive up to alas it’s a 20 minute hike there and back.  Instead of the up and back down path that we took, there are alternative paths you can take on the way down to make it more of a loop.  We read that these had some pretty good views and interesting sights along the way but unfortunately they would’ve taken too much time so we had to do the most optimal route.  When you get to the falls, there’ll be a metal barrier to prevent you from going closer to the falls.
• Plane Wreck – The specific GPS coordinates are 63.4912391,-19.3632810, but nowadays this is such a well-known sight in Iceland that you’ll be able to find the pin on Google Maps and you’ll also see the pile of cars on the side of the road (past Skogafoss if you’re coming from the west).  Yes it’s true that the landowners have fenced off the area from cars to drive through (can’t blame them).  This means that you have to do the 50 minute hike each way so make sure you have plenty of time to work with.  Also, remember to relieve yourself before going because there isn’t going to be a bush out there to use since it’s completely flat there.  Lastly, while we were taking photos of the plane, I remember seeing a big truck pull up at the end of the road, presumably to patrol the area and make sure nobody somehow gets passed the fence by vehicle or does anything stupid at the plane.  Photography wise, I recommend bringing a tripod as the lighting may not be the greatest if it is as overcast as it was for us. Read the latest reviews to see what the situation is like.

• Blue Lagoon – Everything in my research about Blue Lagoon was true.  Sure it’s a bit of a zoo but it’s still a unique experience that can be a great way to relax.  With that in mind, I had decided that it made the most sense to put this at the very end of the trip which allowed us to do all the (in my opinion) better ones earlier.  The one thing that everyone suggested was to reserve in advance and I’d say the same thing.  You’ll notice that bookings 2 hours prior to closing are cheaper so if you want to save a bit of money, I’d go with that. We only needed 1.5 hours and I felt like we got to see and try all the different spaces.  Bonus on top of that is that if you go at 6PM, you’ll be able to watch the sunset as well.  Package wise, I’d recommend getting the Comfort package which primarily is good for that free drink and extra algae mask.  There’s the towel too but I was very frustrated with the fact that our towels were flat out stolen when we finished up at the lagoon.  I can’t blame the person that did it but that area in front with all the towel racks is not a good solution with the amount of people that are there.  It’s hard to remember where you put it and of course all the towels look the same.  If I were you, put your towel in a separate area away from everyone else’s.  Lastly, show up 30 minutes earlier than your time slot because there’s going to be a line to check-in.  This way you can maximize your time.

How The Iceland Itinerary Changed During The Trip

The fun part about travel is just how unpredictable it is sometimes and how you’ll need to improvise and adjust based on things that happen along the way.  You might meet some interest people along the way, bad weather might roll in, or maybe you love one place so much that you decide to stay longer.

For us, the Iceland itinerary largely stayed the same with a few exceptions.  As with what happens with my trips every time, I always took too long at every single destination.  Thank goodness I loosened up the itinerary to account for this, all the random side-of-the-road-stops, and surprise view points/monuments that we encountered.  In most cases, you need to account for at least 2 hours in each main spot and Google Map drive times need to be bumped up by 30 minutes.   The lesson : Being less ambitious is a good thing.

Where I had to make adjustments to the schedule:

• I had naively assumed that the hike to  Svartifoss inside Skaftafell National Park was few minutes walk from the parking lot.  It is in fact 20-30 minutes away.  Since we got to the park pretty late on Day 6 there was no way we could complete it.  Instead, we used our make-up day to see this waterfall.
• We spent too much time at  Dyrholaey and Reynisdrangar on Day 6 that we had no time to stop in Vik .  Again, we remedied this by visiting on our way back.
• On Day 3, I thought we were going to have enough  Kerið Crater but as it turns out, we passed it along our way up to the Bubble Hotel.  In the interest of time, we started Day 3 by going counterclockwise up to Geysir first instead of dropping down to Kerið and then back up.
• There were a number of lunch restaurants selected initially but as the days went on, we realized that 1) proper lunches were too expenses and 2) we couldn’t afford the time to stop and it’d be more efficient to eat while driving so we more or less cut all of them from our itinerary.
• Originally there was the idea that we could do sunrise at Jokulsarlon for sunrise on Day 7 before the Glacier Climb but as the trip went on, sleep was more precious and we ended up doing this as a sunset.  The same can be said for Sólheimasandur plane wreck where I thought it’d be cool to do this for sunrise.  I’m glad we didn’t because it would’ve been quite miserable to walk the entire 50 minute stretch in the dark.
• Mossy lava rocks was on our itinerary and we would’ve stopped by on Day 6 but we had no idea how long the stretch was in the south and whether there’d be a better place to stop ahead.  That’s why it make sense to do it on our way back on Day 8.
• Lastly, rain did a number on several days where we really had to quickly run out of the car to take a peek or brave the pouring.  I wish we got to see more of the cliffs in Snaefellsnes and had better views  Dyrholaey but it is what it is.

Why This 8 Day Iceland Itinerary Kicked Ass

This was honestly the perfect  8 day Iceland itinerary road trip in September.  We hit up everything we wanted to see and we did it at a pace that wasn’t crazy.  Sure, the weather could’ve been more cooperative but that’s kind of what you’d expect during the shoulder season.

Initially I thought that we’d be doing a lot of wasted driving because we had to double back twice – once to go up to Snaefellsnes and then another in the south, driving all the way out to Hofn and back.  What ended up being a disadvantage of not doing the full loop around the island turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  We never felt rushed throughout and in the south, we had the advantage of skipping a few things (some due to weather) on the way out east to Hofn and making them up when we drove back to Reykjavik.

The Iceland itinerary itself was very well balanced between seeing the natural beauty of the country and also trying out local activities.  It was also a balance between the popular sights that were tour bus central to a few spots that we really struggled to find and when we were there, the path wasn’t clear or marked – going truly off the beaten path.

Budget wise, we controlled it as best as we could without roughing it too much.  Ultimately cost cutting came down to food where we snacked on grocery food for breakfast and lunch, and “splurged” on dinner.

VALUABLE TRIP PLANNING ADVICE

Oh so much information I want to share with you guys here.  As I was travelling I literally had an Evernote note set up just for tips and tricks.  I’ve cleaned it up considerably and so here’s everything you need to know before you go to Iceland.

Driving is a must in Iceland.  The only other way to get around to see the island is through tour buses and you really don’t want to go there.  With your own car, you will have the freedom to follow your own schedule and more importantly, stop whenever you wish.  Trust me, you’ll want to stop A LOT .

When picking a rental car, you’ll have to decide on a few things including the car rental company, transmission, whether you want a 4×4 or not, and size.

Read this first: We have a full guide on how to rent a car in Iceland including secret car rental coupon codes.

Car Rental Companies

I researched a number of companies when I was looking for my car rental including the large international brands and the smaller local ones.

While price is one thing you’ll have your eye on, what’s more important to pay attention to is the insurance coverage that they offer and build in.  There are a lot of unknown factors when driving in Iceland and you want to make sure you’re covered because I’ve heard stories of other travellers wishing they had the insurance or glad that they had it.

We cast a wide net when looking for car rentals in Iceland. We started with what we knew and checked out companies like National and Avis but we found that they didn’t include any extended car insurance so then we turned to local car rental agencies. That’s when we discovered Blue Car Rental . They had the most positive reviews, actually had good availability, and reasonable rates.

Most Popular Car Rental Company in Iceland

Blue Car Iceland is the most reputable brand in Iceland and we would definitely rent from them again. Book through our special link below to save 5% on your rental.

Check out Blue Car Rental

Blue Car Rental as a base includes:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance – This covers the bodywork of the car.
• Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) Insurance – Deductible on bodywork damage in collisions is 90,000 ISK on 2WD and 120,000 on 4WD.
• Gravel Protection (GP) Insurance – This protection includes damage to windscreen, headlights and the car when gravel or rocks get thrown on the vehicle by another car. The deductible is 20,000 ISK.
• Theft Protection (TP) Insurance – The likelihood of this happening on Iceland is low but this covers theft of rental. No deductible.

There’s an option Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) Insurance which covers against ash and sandstorm damage but we elected to not add it. In retrospect, we learned quite quickly how erratic the weather can be in Iceland. While we didn’t encounter any sand or ash damage, I could totally see it happening out of the blue.

Some rental car companies also have a Liability Waiver (LW) which brings down the deductibles down to zero.

Something they also made clear is that the the underside of the car nor damage caused by wind pulling hard against the door is covered. This means that you want to be careful when there are heavy winds and also be careful driving on gravel roads and potholes.

The bottom line is to make sure you do your research and run the math on total cost of renting a car.  Some companies bundle insurance together while others make it an option.

Transmission

Most cars available will be in the manual transmission format.  I wasn’t surprised about this since most of Europe is like this.  What this means is that there’ll be more affordable options and increased availability if you’re able to drive a manual car.  If not, you’ll definitely want to make sure you reserve early.

Do I Need a 4×4?

The reason why you’d want a 4WD is because you can only drive on Iceland’s infamous F-roads which are mountain roads in the highlands.  These are off-road terrain roads that have restrictions on the type of vehicles that can drive them, are only open certain times of the year, and also have restrictions on time of day.  Only an SUV can power through these roads and you certainly don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere.

That’s great and all if you take one of these roads but I’ll be honest with you, the itinerary that I followed didn’t take us through any of these types of roads.  Our path stuck primarily to the main roads and there were only a few times where it felt like we actually went off-path.

I remember the road to Saxoll Crater and Fjadrargljufur Canyon were perhaps the most bumpy and pothole ridden but everywhere else was well paved and easy to get around.  While it was certainly nice to have the spaciousness of an SUV for our road trip, we would’v been just fine with a compact sedan.  In fact even on the most challenging roads, I saw the tiny cars get by just as fine with a little careful driving.

Driving The Roads

Driving   in Iceland isn’t hard per say but as with anywhere, you need to be smart and careful.  A few things you’ll want to be mindful of are lane passing, singe lane bridge crossings, side of road stops, gravel driving, and night time driving.  Each of these of course get augmented in the winter time when you have to deal with snow, limited visibility and black ice.

• Lane Passing – Icelandic roads are thin and mostly one lane.  Pass when safe and definitely not at bends or uphills.  Common courtesy is to signal to show intent, speed up, and once you’ve passed the vehicle, turn your emergency blinkers for two flashes to thank the driver behind.
• Single Lane Bridge Crossing – There quite a number of single lane bridges especially in the south.  Make sure you stop where at the drawn line in order to wait for oncoming traffic to come through.  When crossing, double check to make sure there are no cars on the other side or they have stopped.  At night time, be extra careful here and flick your high beams or use your horn to let other cars know you’re crossing.
• Side of Road Stops – The week I was in Iceland, there was a fatality from someone stopped at the side of the road to take a photo at night.  Look out for side roads to stop safely and turn on your emergency blinkers.  When getting in and out of the car, make sure there are no cars on the highway.
• Gravel Driving – Some areas are going to have pretty deep potholes so make sure you drive slowly over them, take them at an angle, or avoid them altogether if possible.
• Night Time Driving – There aren’t any street lights outside of the main towns so expect to rely on your low-beams and high-beams.  Make sure you obey high-beam etiquette as to not blind any oncoming drivers.

For safety, make sure you also know where you spare is and you know where your tools are.  Worst case, you get a flat while on the road and you’ll need to replace the flat on your own.  Also make sure you know what the emergency and roadside assistance numbers are.

Another common question I get is about speeding and cops.  Officially the speed limit is 90 km/h on the highway.  Unofficially 100 km/h is acceptable as long as the roads are clear.  On empty roads though, I was cruising upwards to 120 km/h.  During our time in Iceland, we did not encounter any speed traps but I have heard from people that they have gotten ticketed.  The only police we saw were typically around the larger towns.

There are actual speed cameras along ring road in the south in and around towns.   There are signs that warn you about upcoming cameras along the road.  Some are real and others are duds.  To be cautious, I’d recommend slowing down when you’re in a speed camera zone.

Filling Up Gas

This was supposed to be an easy task but for some reason we had a ton of trouble filling up at the N1 gas stations.  Whereas we had no problems entering the PIN number for our credit card on the machines at the pump, N1 was just not going to take any of our cards.  We tried ALL of them.

Ultimately, at N1 specifically, we needed to buy their prepaid cards inside the station first.  They sold the cards in 3,000 and 100,000 ISK denominations.  Since we didn’t know if we’d spend 100,000 (we did), we just bought 3,000 every time we filled up at N1.  With the prepaid card, we were then able to pay at the pump.

We later learned that debit cards worked without any issue so give that a shot if you’re okay with that.

I’ll start off by saying that the food in Iceland is amazing.  I don’t know what blog or review I read that said the food is terrible but having spent 8 days there, I can definitively tell you that you don’t need to worry about having good food.

Now where you’re going to have a bit of a shock dealing with is the exuberant price you’ll be paying for a meal in Iceland.  Throw away everything you know about your own standards of eating back home because it’s easily double and often times triple here.

The good news is though that despite dishing out Michelin-restaurant level money for meals, the quality of the food makes it all a bit more swallowable.   Something about the freshness of seafood and world-class chefs has something to do with it.  I don’t remember any meal where we came out of it disappointed.  The way we thought about it was that every dinner was equivalent to a nice meal out in the city.  On average, dinners were on average $50 a person.

The way we offset this was to have less full meals.  This meant we ate our own breakfast and lunch using the supplies we brought from home or purchased at the grocery store.  We picked up things like sandwiches, fruit, cookies, snack bars, juices, and yogurt to keep our energy up during the day and we’d reward ourselves with a good meal at the end of the day.

Grocery Stores

The friend we met up with in Reykjavik strong encouraged us to only pick up food at this grocery store. We were warned not to be tempted by the convenience of the 10-11 convenient store which can be block to block. As a result, we more or less stuck with Bonus throughout the trip.  Look for the piggy logo.  You can’t miss it!

Food You Have To Try

Being a seafaring nation, anything related to seafood is a must.  We found that time and time again, fish whether grilled or fried was a winner.

Other recommendations would be:

• Water – Don’t buy water EVER on the island.  I can’t believe I’m raving about water but seriously the H2O in Iceland is the freshest I’ve had.  Pro tip:  Before filling up your water bottle at the tap, run the cold water for 10 seconds to lush out the hot water since some parts of the island bring them in from a local spring which may have some traces of sulphur smell.
• Skyr – This has to be my biggest find of the trip.  Think Greek yogurt but even richer and thicker.
• Icelandic hotdog – The most popular hotdog stand in Reykjavik is of course Baejarins Beztu Pylsur but there are other places in the city where you can try these traditional hotdogs topped with ketchup, a sweet brown mustard, raw onions, fried onions, and remoulade.
• Fish jerky – This may not be for everyone but we very much enjoyed trying different types of dried fish.  They made for great snacks on the road and sometimes to keep me awake during those long night time drives.
• Fish and chips – The restaurant Icelandic Fish and Chips in Reykjavik we had on our last day was delicious.  The Halibut in particular was very tender and flaky.
• Langoustine – These are large prawns with claws or miniature lobsters that Hofn is well known for.  They’re expensive but I hear is quite succulent.
• Liquorice – Not sure what the story is here but liquorice is everywhere here.  Almost all the chocolate here involves some sort of liquorice as well (so be careful if you’re not a fan).

If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t have any issues with eating shark, whale, puffin, or horse, those options are available although we stayed away from these.

While packing for a trip like Iceland was business as usual as I cover in a number of my packing guides , it was also challenging in a number of ways because of the time of year we went and the constraints we had to work with since we were flying WOW Air.

NOTE: WOW Air has since gone under so your best way to fly to Iceland is with Icelandair or your own local carrier. In Canada for instance, Air Canada does have direct routes to Reykjavik.

Suitcase or Backpack?

A common question.  Do you you lug around a big suitcase or do you go nimble with a backpack?  The easy answer is that it honestly doesn’t matter on a road trip like this because you’re going to be travelling with a car the entire time.  You’re going to have the luxury of space and you won’t be running around with everything on your back.

I say if you prefer to travel with a backpack, go for it.  Otherwise, a suitcase will suit you just as well.

The only thing to consider is a case like ours where we were flying WOW Air and it was the most economical to check in one bag.  With us sharing the space, a suitcase was just a lot easier organizationally.

I’m not going to list out everything we packed.  Instead, I want to focus on the things that you absolutely have to have on any trip to Iceland.  For some items, we learned the hard way that we wished we had packed them.

• Waterproof everything – I debated for a long time whether I should bring my waterproof pants along with waterproof jacket and shoes.  I’m so glad I did because we needed almost every day of the trip.  My fiance didn’t have waterproof pants and it really sucked .  Things got so desperate that one point, we had to make our own make-shift pant cover out of clear plastic bags.  Waterproof all the things.  I highly recommend Columbia’s OutDry collection including their pants and jacket that I wore all trip.
• Gloves – These are necessary to keep your hands warm.  Experiencing as much rain as we did, I wish I had more than just my thin fabric gloves.  If I were to do it again, I’d definitely bring waterproof gloves.
• Layer layer layer – Weather is dynamic out here so have layers to stay warm when you need to and strip down when it gets too hot.  Layers also allow you to pack more efficiently.  I recommend a thermal base layer + t-shirt + zip-up + fleece + jacket to complete all your layers.
• Good hiking shoes – This goes without saying.  My Keen Aphlex  hikers were amazing at keeping my feet warm, provided grip even in slippery conditions and were also completely waterproof which is a mandatory feature in my opinion for a trip like this.
• Headlamp – This was super handy when we were staying at the Bubble Hotel where we were out in the dark.
• Swimsuit – This one’s easy to forget but remember there’ll be all those hot springs in Iceland.
• Towel – Glad we packed this one as it was a must-have when we went to Seljavallalaug Pool.
• Flip flops/sandals – In the same vain as the towel, you’ll want flip flops if you’re going to Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon to avoid having to walk around bare feet.  Also, if you’re staying at anywhere other than a hotel, you’ll want flip flops to act as your slippers and also something to wear to the communal bathrooms.
• Snacks – You’ll see below in the cost breakdown that food is a heck of an expense.  The more you can bring from home, the better.  I recommend bringing granola bars, trail mix, and chocolate.

What about long johns?  September wasn’t quite cold enough to need these thankfully so we did not pack them but I can see these being necessary as you go deeper into winter.

Hand Washing

I’d say this is pretty much inevitable so you might as well be prepared to do this during your trip.  Thing is that you just won’t have time to waste finding a laundromat.  In fact, I don’t think I saw any at all.

The good thing is that you won’t be sweating a whole lot out here so you won’t need to wash as often.  What worked for us is a daily routine before we slept where we washed our underwear and socks.  To dry our clothes, we made good use of the radiator heaters that are used all over the country (thanks to all the hot springs) by draping the clothes over them.  By morning they were usually fully dry and good to go.

If you haven’t yet, check out my video on how to wash your clothes while on the road .

Throughout our trip, I did our best to keep a tally of our expenses.  I may have missed a few things here and there but this should give you a high level view of how much it would cost to spend 8 days in Iceland.

For simplicity, I’ve converted everything to USD .  Also keep in mind that these are for 2 travellers.

• Air – $1,316.82 (includes stopover in Alicante)
• Accommodation – $781.52
• Car Rental – $792.08
• Auto Expenses – $202.34
• Souvenirs – $139.45
• Food and Drink – $697.59
• Excursions – $895.37

TOTAL = $4,826.17 ($2,413.09 per person)

I’m not going to sugarcoat it, unless you’re planning on doing some serious roughing out and you don’t care for any excursions, be prepared to pay a lot of money on this trip.

Iceland is not a cheap trip .  Flights are getting cheaper and cheaper to get to the island but what most people don’t realize until they get to Iceland is just how expensive everything else is.  Food is expensive.  Gas is expensive.  Excursions are expensive.  Hotels are expensive.  Car rentals are expensive.  You get the picture.

There are definitely ways to cut costs through food and car rental/accommodations hacks to a certain extent but once you introduce any sort of guided excursion and the inevitable good meal here and there, it adds up quite quickly.

To Tip or Not To Tip

The simple answer here is that no.  There are no customs or expectations of tipping and you are completely in the clear if you leave no tips.  Of course, it’s not illegal to tip so if you’ve had exceptional service, feel free to round up or leave a bit extra behind.

Remember Tax-Free

If you buy 6,000 ISK or more at a single store, you’re eligible for tax refund (only at certain stores).  You’ll want to take advantage of this since you can get a whopping 24% back in tax.

It goes without saying that the photography here is  out of this world .  There are so many opportunities and special moments that you’ll want to capture.  Landscape wise you have the waterfalls, black sand beaches, mountains, glaciers, cliffs, volcanoes, canyons, icebergs and northern lights.  In Reykjavik, you get you fix of urban photography with its abundance of interesting architecture, sculptures, and graffiti.  Then you have the wildlife where you’ll have a ton of fun shooting sheep, Icelandic horses, and of course the puffins.

Planning vs. Spontaneity

While travelling, I always struggle with wanting to plan for specific shoots because light and time of day matters but the truth is that if you’re not on a photography-centric trip, you’ll drive your travel partner(s) mad and you’ll limit the flexibility of what you’ll see.

That being said, if you’ve got a specific shot in mind, you could totally plan it in your schedule.  Just remember to make sure you watch the time because it’s so easy to spend a lot of time in one place or likewise very easy to get away with side of the road stops.

Sunsets and Sunrises

As much as I wanted to do a sunrise, it never ended up working out for me because we were simply too tired or good weather wasn’t a guarantee.  If you’re up for it, I’d definitely try to work one or two in.

Sunsets are a lot easier to see but from my experience hard to schedule just because you’ll always be on the go and it is hard to be disciplined with time.  For us the only time we got to watch the sunset was at Jokulsarlon Lagoon which as far as sunsets go was average because of the amount of overcast we had.

Camera Gear

The most important part is that you want to have all the gear you need to be set up for success in Iceland.  Here are a few things you’ll want to think about and the specific gear that I brought.

As much as you can, make sure your gear can stand the wild weather that Iceland can and will throw at you.   Rain is going to be your biggest enemy both in damaging your gear and getting rain spots all over your lens.  Luckily my Olympus set up is fully weather sealed but it was incredibly frustrating when it was almost impossible to keep the front of the lens clean.  I got to the point where my Lenspen  and microfibre cloths were completely useless because they would either create water streak marks or were completely soaked with water.  I didn’t come prepared with enough it and it got to the point where I was forced to use the inside of my thermal layers or my Buff.

Cold is another aspect you’ll want to think about.  Freezing temperatures do a number on batteries whether it be for your camera or your phone.  One second you’ll be at 80% and the next it’ll be completely dead.  Now this only applies if you’re travelling to Iceland in the winter but make sure you account for this and either bring lots of batteries or have a way to keep your batteries warm.  I suggest travelling with a lot of these heatpacks .

What You’ll Want to Bring

• Camera – I am the least likely to discriminate the type of camera you bring.  I’m going to be focusing on mirrorless and DSLR because those are what I know best.  For those wanting a super lightweight set up, I’d recommend micro four thirds .
• Lenses – Unless you’re shooting puffins, I feel that bringing a long zoom lens will be a waste.  I’d recommend a good all-around lens in the 24-70mm range (12-40mm in the M43 world) and pair that with a super wide angle like the 16-35mm (7-144mm for M43).  A fun addition for your trip would be a fisheye lens.  I brought the Olympus 8mm f1.8 Fisheye  which worked out very well for my northern lights shoot.
• Filters – If you want to have any hope of shooting silky smooth water shots, you’re going to need to bring the right ND filters.  I’d recommend an ND8 at a minimum.  Another filter that you’ll want to have is a circular polarizer to cuts glare and reflections, allowing deep, natural colours to show through with great saturation.  Lastly, if you have the money, you can also invest in a more sophisticated glass plate kit such as the one by Formatt Hitech .
• Tripod – Key for any sunset, sunrise, star trail, geyser, long exposure water, or northern lights shots.  I recommend bringing a lightweight carbon fibre one to make it easy to carry in your pack while hiking.  I travel with the  Sirui T-024X  which isn’t exactly a well known brand but it is affordable, sturdy, and gets the job done when travelling.
• Microfibre cloths – Bring lots and lots of these.  As I mentioned above, all of mine were soaked when I was out shooting in the rain.
• Lots of batteries and memory cards – Depending on your camera, bring what you think you’ll need and then some.
• Car charging accessories – Remember you’ll be driving around the island in a car and to keep up with my battery demands, I always made sure I was queueing up the next dead battery.
• Protection from water – If your camera isn’t weather sealed, you’ll want to protect it somehow.  If it’s your camera, you should consider picking up  rain sleeves .  If it’s your phone, one of these waterproof cases should do.
• Carrying bag – Last but not least is a good backpack.  Yes it’s true that you’ll have the luxury of keeping your gear in the car most of the time but once you’re out and about, you’ll need to bring your selected gear with you.  I travelled with the discontinued  Kata 3N1-30 which I quite liked.  I’ve since retired it and right now the best travel bag out there on the market has to be the Peak Design Everyday Backpack which I review here .

Want to learn how to shoot the northern lights?

Step By Step How-To

What you should read next

• Iceland 6 Day Itinerary Road Trip
• Top 5 Hotels in Reykjavik On A Budget In Iceland
• Reasons To Go To Iceland
• Top 12 Things You Absolutely Must Do In Iceland
• Iceland Bubble Hotel Review – Unique Stays

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Bjorn Hansen

Beautiful geography! Highly recommend if you want to see some incredible sights on a short schedule. Gylfi was great, professional and ran a tight schedule.

I really enjoyed the small group tour we had! There was a bit of current towards the end that made it difficult to swim in the lagoon, but overall Lillian was quite accommodating and made sure we all felt at ease throughout the tour. There was some time to explore at the end of the tour on our own, and the tour is well paced, and there was an option to turn back if we weren’t feeling well. They provide the snorkels, masks, and drysuits, as well as something that went under the dry suit. My base layers did get wet, but thankfully they mentioned to bring a change of clothes so I was able to change after the tour. Overall, a wonderful way to see the tectonic rift and visibility was great in the water! Just be warned it is a little cold.

Wonderful Aurora Hunting Tour Experience! Although the aurora was not very visible, it still made for a fantastic memory. The tour was initially set for three hours, but due to poor visibility that evening, the team didn't give up. They continued to search for the northern lights and managed to capture some faint camera lights after 2 AM. Despite running overtime and it being very late, they provided ample opportunity for those still energized to get off the bus and try their luck at spotting and photographing the lights. It was the last day of the aurora season, and on the way back, the guide explained that this time didn’t count as a successful sighting and offered a chance to join another tour within the next two years. I’m truly grateful for the team's dedication and effort. Thank you for making it a memorable experience!

Artidtaya Piriyasopagul

It’s such a great tour, highly recommended to directly book with company! Ann, staff helped me booking the tour just late evening before date of our trip because the agency had failed the booking (months advance booking but inform failure of booking in the morning of the day before the tour date). Thor, the guide of our trip, is professional, nice, funny, careful and very kind to my mother-in-law and her friend who senior with age of 68-70. We also have nice accompanies from Poland. Thank you everyone for the good experience.

Visiting Iceland in October

October is a month of transition and deepening beauty in Iceland. As autumn takes a firm hold, the island's landscapes transform with vibrant shades of orange and red, offering a new perspective on the already stunning vistas. The cooler temperatures bring out the best of the natural hot springs , making them even more inviting, while the diminishing daylight gives rise to longer nights, setting the stage for the northern lights to dance across the sky. Visiting Iceland in October allows one to experience the country's natural wonders without the peak season crowds.

The weather this time of year is crisp, with a chill in the air that hints at the coming winter. Travelers can expect a mix of rain and clear skies, with the occasional early snowfall, particularly in the northern regions and highlands . Road conditions can be variable, and while most of the main attractions remain accessible, preparation for sudden weather changes is critical. This unpredictability, however, doesn't detract from the experience but instead adds a sense of adventure to the journey, whether you're driving the Ring Road or exploring the Golden Circle.

Culturally, October is a reflective month in Iceland, marked by events celebrating the nation's heritage and international connections. From the Imagine Peace Tower's illumination in memory of John Lennon to the cozy yet festive atmosphere of Reykjavik's cafes and museums , the month offers a quieter yet equally enriching experience. For those seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural engagement, and a hint of the wild edge of winter, October in Iceland is a uniquely rewarding time to visit.

Frequently asked questions

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Iceland road trip: The ultimate guide

An Iceland road trip seems to be on everyone’s list these days. Putting the road trip together though is an adventure on its own, as Iceland offers countless things to see and do, making one feel overwhelmed about it quite easily.

During the last three years, we spent close to two months in Iceland over multiple trips. And no, we haven’t visited all of Iceland, but we’re working on that! We must confess, Iceland ranks easily among our all-time favorite destinations .

With the experience acquired in the land of ice and fire, we decided to put together the ultimate guide for an Iceland road trip, including all you need to successfully plan your own! If you’re looking into itineraries, when to go, trip duration, must-see sights, useful tips, and juicy extras, look no further, you are in the right place.

What this guide includes

• Base itinerary
• Extras and off the beaten path
• Planning tips and suggestions
• Map with points of interest
• Car rental and driving
• Packing and accommodation
• ..and more!

Let’s look at what you need in order to start planning today your Iceland road trip.

Trip duration and itinerary

Trip duration is crucial to determine how ambitious you can be for your trip. Anything is possible, really. Iceland has plenty to offer for any trip duration.

For this guide, we’re focusing on helping to prepare for the essential Iceland road trip itinerary, which involves going around the country, mostly using the famous ring road or road no 1, and seeing many of the impressive natural features. This means that something in the range of at least 8 to 12 days is recommended to tackle this itinerary. Many more days for the extras we have besides the essentials.

If you don’t have the time required for this, don’t give up on Iceland just yet. You can visit for a shorter time and still have a blast. For this, stick to one or two regions of the country. We’ll write about shorter trips to Iceland in a future article.

Choosing when to go is very important and greatly affects the duration needed for your trip. Two important things to bear in mind are the number of daylight hours and the weather .

The high-season in Iceland starts from mid-June and peaks in July until the end of August, when it slows down. The weather is notoriously unpredictable, but the Summer months bring the best of it and also a lot of daylight hours, almost 24h in fact – which is perfect for long days of exploration and the midnight sun. The interior of Iceland, known as the Highlands, also has its roads open. The prices are higher, sometimes dramatically, and most of the scarce accommodation sell out well in advance. May and September are usually great months to visit.

On the contrary, Winter months have fewer daylight hours and rougher weather, leading to road closures and a need for a plan B in case the main itinerary cannot go ahead. During this time, the cold and dark bring the possibility of seeing the northern lights . The prices are lower and most of the places even quieter. Early or late winter, such as October and March are also very suitable for a visit.

Be sure that Iceland is a great place to visit both Summer and Winter, it’s just a whole different experience.

Essential Iceland road trip

The essential Iceland road trip is around 12 days and we’ve prepared a detailed itinerary to make your trip a success. This itinerary includes day-by-day information about sights to see, things to do, where to sleep and lots of tips.

This itinerary of 12 days can be shortened or extended. Read below for more on how to achieve this.

Day 1 – Reykjavík

The capital Reykjavík is usually the first stop on any trip to Iceland. The area around it is where the majority of the Icelandic population lives and offers a vast range of amenities and things to do, from museums to restaurants and shopping. Reykjavík is the ideal place to stock up for your Iceland road trip.

Central Reykjavík is very small and ideal for walking. The two major highlights are Hallgrimskirkja , an impressive church that offers excellent views from the top of its 73 m high tower, and Harpa , the modern concert hall just by the sea. Don’t forget to visit Harpa at night to see the color of the façade changing.

The main shopping area is at the most famous street, Laugavegur , where many restaurants are located. Lake  Tjörnin , just next to the city hall, is a very pleasant area to visit and the ideal place to relax on a bench while enjoying the views of the city across it.

In terms of museums, the National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafnið) is where you can find all about the history of the country. Worth a visit. Also worth going are the Saga Museum and  871±2, the settlement exhibition . Recently opened, Whales of Iceland is also a great exhibition to see, as it showcases full-scale whale replicas!

A bit further afield from the city center are Perlan and Grotta. The first is a futurist building offering spectacular views of Reykjavík and the surroundings, whilst Grotta is a lighthouse on a tiny island where many birds can be found.

To fully enjoy Reykjavík, don’t forget to walk its streets, including at the seafront.

Find out more about Reyjkávik and how it serves as the perfect introduction to Iceland .

Harpa, Reykjavík

Reykjavík skyline

Day 2 – Golden Circle

Without a doubt the most popular day in Iceland. In just a few hours, the Golden Circle route allows you to visit at least 3 places:  Þingvellir , Geysir , and Gullfoss . This is as touristy as Iceland can get, and by Icelandic standards, it’s not that much. In order to avoid the “crowds”, try to make it there before 10 am, when the tour buses start to arrive, or later in the day. For example, Gullfoss after 6 PM is likely to be empty or close to it.

Þingvellir is a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its importance comes from the fact that it’s located in a rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian plates drift apart, and also due to being home to the seat of the original Icelandic parliament (Alþingi). If you fancy an adventure, try snorkeling or scuba diving between tectonic plates at Silfra .

Geysir is the father of all geysers and is located on a very active geothermal area. Eruptions have decreased and if you’re looking for some activity, look for the neighbor geyser Strokkur which erupts every few minutes.

Þingvellir National Park

Gullfoss is a spectacular waterfall and it really needs to be seen. Try the different viewpoints to get multiple perspectives. It can be reached from the top at different positions and at a lower level as well. Be careful as the lower level one, close to the waterfall, will be frozen in the winter and slippery in the summer, making a lot of water spray.

One bonus place to visit is  Kerið , a beautiful volcanic crater lake. A track goes around the top of the crater and it’s also possible to go down to the water level.

After visiting these 4 places, it is recommended to stay in the area, since the next day the itinerary of the Iceland road trip goes further South. Around road 35 there are many accommodation options available.

If you want to relax, pay a visit to the  Secret Lagoon  hot springs in Flúðir .

Day 3 – The South

To head South, get back on road 1. You’ll be passing by a couple of small towns which offer a gas station and supermarket.

First stop of the day is at  Seljalandsfoss , a magnificent and unique waterfall. What makes Seljalandsfoss unique is the fact that you can go behind it! Yes, there’s even a perfectly marked path and stairs on the left-hand side of it. In order not to ruin your day, be prepared if you really want to go behind it. There’s a lot of water spray and you’ll get drenched without proper waterproof gear. See clothing for more.

Most people leave immediately after seeing Seljalandsfoss. Don’t do it. Instead, walk 500 m following the footpath across the small bridge and you’ll reach Gljúfrabúi , also known as the hidden waterfall. This is due to the fact that it’s hidden behind a cliff and inside a canyon, which is pretty amazing, and the best to way experience it is to go inside the canyon. This requires some caution and, again, proper waterproof gear. Going inside it is unbelievable.

Back on road 1, a very popular place these days is the  Eyjafjallajökull Erupts museum. Here you can watch a short film about the eruption, from the family across the road that experienced it first hand, and the damage that was caused to their farm.

The next stop is at  Skógafoss , another breathtaking Icelandic waterfall. You’ll definitely feel very tiny when getting close to it. A good way to explore Skógafoss is to take the stairs on the right-hand side that lead all the way up to the top of the waterfall. And, if you have time there’s a hiking path that follows the river upstream with many other smaller waterfalls along the way.

Nearby Skógafoss is Skógar, a tiny settlement where the main attraction is the Folk Museum . This is an open-air museum with a few interesting historical buildings, namely turf houses.

If you want to do glacier hiking, there’s a chance to do it at Sólheimajökull glacier, accessible on road 221. Even if not doing a glacier walk, you can do a short hike to see the glacier up and close.

One of the most intriguing places on your Iceland road trip will definitely be the wreck of the Dakota plane at  Sólheimasandur . To get there, you need a 4×4 car and to find the correct gate entrance, on the right-hand side of the road 1, just 2 km after passing the turn to road 221. UPDATE : as of 2016 it’s no longer possible to drive all the way to the plane wreck. You must park your car and walk.

Seljalandsfoss

Shortly before reaching Vík , there are two must-visit places, Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara . Dyrhólaey   is a peninsula with interesting cliffs housing many birds, including puffins in the Summer. You can go up to the lighthouse for magnificent views, but mind the road as it’s not suitable for regular cars. Reynisfjara is a black sand beach with basalt stacks. Very popular and also very dangerous, so don’t ignore the warnings and get too close to the sea.

The highlight of Vík is going up to the cemetery for great views of the ocean and cliffs, which include the very photo-friendly church. Don’t forget to stop at the beach as well.

Reynisfjara

Sleep around Vík. Vík also has a gas station, supermarket and a couple of dining options. Every time we’ve been to the area, we’ve stayed at the Guesthouse Steig , a friendly family-run hotel very close to Vík and, especially, Dyrhólaey.

Day 4 – Vatnajökull

This day covers our favorite stretch of road 1. Seriously, the scenery is out of this world! Many opportunities to stop for a photo.

Often overlooked,  Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is one of the most beautiful places you’ll find during your Iceland road trip and is definitely worth a stop. We’ve written all about  Fjaðrárgljúfur  in the past, including how to get there.

The next stop, Skaftafell will keep you busy for at least half-day. Part of Vatnajökull National Park , there are many things to do here. The essentials are hiking to Svartifoss , which takes around two hours return at a comfortable pace, hiking to  Skaftafellsjökull glacier, which takes around 1 hour return, and going on a glacier hiking tour, that departs next to the National Park information center.

Around mid-afternoon, you should start heading east towards Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Shortly before is  Fjallsárlón , another amazing glacier lagoon. These places will definitely blow your mind with their beauty.   Jökulsárlón is a glacier lagoon that we’ve covered in the past and is a mandatory stop, particularly at sunset. In the winter, ice cave tours depart from here. Be sure to book well in advance! Don’t forget to go across the road to the iceberg beach known as the diamond beach.

The day ends here and there are not that many options for accommodation available before  Höfn . If you don’t want to drive all the way there, Hali is an option very close by.

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

Glacier walking

Jökulsárlón

Day 5 – East Fjords

The East Fjords of Iceland are characterized by a dramatic winding coastline of narrow fjords where tiny fishing villages take harbor. The drive along the coast is one of the most scenic of any Iceland road trip and well worth the detour off road 1.

Before heading to the East Fjords, stop first at Stokksnes , just outside Höfn, to admire the beautiful mountain  Vestrahorn .

There are many opportunities to stop along the way, including at the villages. Some of the most interesting are  Djúpivogur , Fáskrúðsfjörður , Neskaupstaður , and  Seyðisfjörður . The French heritage at Fáskrúðsfjörður is particularly interesting and so are the road and views to Neskaupstaður.

Sleep around Egilsstaðir , the hub of the region for those passing by.

Icelandic horses

Day 6 – Dettifoss and Húsavík

This day takes you through the lunar landscape of the Jökuldalsheiði plateau. Before leaving Egilsstaðir, there’s a possible detour around Lake  Lagarfljót  in order to hike to Hengifoss waterfall, the third highest in Iceland.

The first major stop will be at Dettifoss , Europe’s most powerful waterfall . It can be accessed both from West and East, something we highly recommend doing. Next to Dettifoss is Selfoss , another waterfall.

Head north to the  Ásbyrgi canyon. With enough time, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in the vicinity.

Húsavík , the whale-watching capital of Iceland, is the final stop of the day. Embark on one of the tours for a chance to see some whales! Be ready for the rough sea and the cold.

You can sleep in Húsavík or south in Mývatn, which is under an hour away.

Day 7 – Mývatn

Mývatn is one of those places where you could spend many days. It will be for sure one of the highlights of your Iceland road trip. The number of things to see and do is quite substantial and we decided to dedicate an entire day to it.

On a side note, when we visited, we could see in the distance a red flame in the sky from the  Bárðarbunga eruption.

Let’s start with the lake. Lake Mývatn is gorgeous and has a very high population of birds, including many and diverse species of ducks. When closer to the water and during the Summer months be aware that there is a higher risk of being bothered by midges. Try not to eat them!

There are many possibilities for hiking. A relatively easy one is the  Hverfjall volcano. Loose rock makes it a bit tougher to get to the top, but the views are definitely rewarding. You’ll be able to see the lake and the pseudo craters, which require a visit on its own as well.

Slightly outside Mývatn is Hverir , a hot spring area with marked walking paths. If you head further out past  Krafla Power Station , you’ll get to the Krafla volcano area. This includes the beautiful crater lake Víti and the  Leirhnjúkur lava fields. Exploring the lava fields on foot is an amazing experience. Allow a couple of hours for this.

To relax at the end of a long and active day, go to the  Mývatn Nature Baths .

If you want to splurge, taking a scenic flight is a great way to experience Mývatn.

Sleep around Lake Mývatn.

Lake Mývatn

Day 8 – Mývatn and Akureyri

For this second day in Mývatn, take half-day to explore a bit more of it and then start heading to Akureyri.

Our main suggestion is to go to Dimmuborgir , another truly spectacular lava field. This one has the weirdest shapes and rock formations, including some caves, plus a nice setting with lots of vegetation. There are clearly marked walking paths throughout the lava field.

Don’t forget to stop at the  Skútustaðagígar  pseudo craters before going back to road 1.

Once back on the road, you can’t miss  Goðafoss , the waterfall of gods. It sits right next to the road, with plenty of parking and different viewing angles.

The road towards  Akureyri  is also very scenic. Once you reach the second biggest settlement in Iceland you’ll have time to walk around and explore the city center. The main highlights are the church  Akureyrarkirkja , which has a good view of the downtown area, and the botanical gardens.

Sleep around Akureyri.

Dimmuborgir

Day 9 – Northwest

To start this day, you face two possible itineraries. The shortest and least interesting one follows road 1 out of Akureyri. The second and highly recommended one heads North towards Dalvík and the  Tröllaskagi peninsula, before joining the road 1.

The Tröllaskagi peninsula makes a beautiful drive and includes a couple of tunnels as well. It’s a very mountainous region with plenty of high peaks and stunning nature. A couple of villages are also worth taking a look,  Siglufjörður , and Hofsós . In Hofsós, there’s a very picturesque swimming pool with incredible sea views.

You’ll eventually make it to  Varmahlíð where you can visit a couple of places of interest nearby. The farm of  Glaumbær  is famous due to its well-preserved turf houses, and the  Víðimýrarkirkja  turf church is lovely.

Back on road 1, head towards Blönduós . A detour we recommend is the  Vatnsnes  peninsula, where the Hvítserkur arch is located. The west coast of the peninsula is also very pretty and nature-friendly. Maybe you’ll spot some seals!

Sleep around  Laugarbakki or  Hvammstangi .

Day 10 – Snæfellsnes

Head early to the  Snæfellsnes peninsula. This region of Iceland is a personal favorite due to the number of amazing things to see in such a small area, particularly the westernmost part of it.

Start with by driving to the North of the peninsula. Admire the landscape while on the way to  Stykkishólmur and then  Grundarfjörður . At Stykkishólmur, you can see the  Breiðafjörður bay and at Grundarfjörður, Iceland’s most famous and photographed mountain  Kirkjufell and the  Kirkjufellfoss waterfall.

The west of the peninsula is totally worth spending a good amount of time. There are lava fields all the way to the ocean and the  Snæfellsjökull volcano and glacier in the background. The beaches of  Skardsvík   and  Dritvík are a must. If you like lighthouses, there are a few of them to be seen.

South Snæfellsnes has a couple of mandatory stops at Hellnar and Anarstapi , with plenty to do in the area. The narrow Rauðfeldar Canyon is also worth a quick visit.

Sleep in the peninsula, preferably on the South tip.

Kirkjufellsfoss

Ingjaldshólskirkja

Day 11 – West

In the morning, you’ll have time to explore a little bit more of the  Snæfellsnes peninsula while heading east. The  Gerduberg basalt columns and the Eldborg crater will keep you busy.

Head towards Borgarnes and optionally to  Bifröst . Here you’ll find a couple of waterfalls and a lava field. The best part of the day will be at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss . The colors of Hraunfossar are amazing!

It’s time to go back towards Reyjkavík. The fastest way is getting back on road 1 and then through the toll tunnel. The best way is around the bay to get a chance to hike to the Glymur waterfall, the tallest in Iceland.

For those not visiting during the winter, there’s still a possibility to experience an ice cave , the man-made one at the Langjökull glacier.

Sleep around Reykjavík.

Abandoned farm

Hraunfossar

Day 12 – Reykjanes

This is the final day of your Iceland road trip. Time for some last minute shopping in Reykjavík before heading out to explore the Reykjanes peninsula. Worry not, there will be time for some relaxation at the famous Blue Lagoon . Just remember that it is required to book in advance.

The highlights of the Reykjanes peninsula are the Krýsuvík geothermal area and the neighbor lakes, the beautiful south coast all the way to the Reykjanes hill lighthouse and bird cliffs, and the bridge between two continents.

If you’re feeling adventurous and have the time, you may want to try something unique like  going inside Thrihnukagigur , a dormant volcano whose last eruption was 4000 years ago and that is now open for tourists. The tour involves descending 120 m into the depths of the volcano, an expensive yet extraordinary experience.

Reykjanes lighthouse

Miniature Iceland

What can be changed

With 12 days you can:

• change the first couple of days (Reykjavík and Golden Circle) to the end of your Iceland road trip
• head to the Blue Lagoon on the first day

If you don’t have 12 days available for the essential Iceland road trip, it can be shortened by sacrificing some sights and places, plus driving for long hours and rushing a little bit. Here’s what can be changed:

• spend only 1 day in Mývatn
• go straight from Mývatn to the West, only passing by Akureyri and not sleeping there
• skip Snæfellsnes
• skip the East Fjords
• skip Reykjavík

There are other options, some crazier than others.

Do you have more days? Great, your Iceland road trip deserves it. Here are a few suggestions.

Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and one of the most popular highland destinations in Iceland. You can get there on your own 4×4 rental or by bus. Whatever transport you choose, there will be plenty of nature-related activities to keep you busy for at least a day, including short to medium distance hikes and hot springs. It’s here that the hiking trail Laugavegur starts. Find out more about

Find out more about Landmannalaugar .

Landmannlaugar hut

Westman Islands

The Westman Islands are a small archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. For your Iceland road trip, you can reach Heimaey , the main island, by ferry from Landeyjahöfn in 35 minutes (Summer only) or Þorlákshöfn. Flying there is also possible from Reyjkjavík. Embark on a day trip to the archipelago and discover more about  Heimaey and the Westman Islands .

Heimaey, Westman Islands

The Westfjords are the most remote inhabited region of Iceland. This unexplored part of the country has stunning raw landscapes and beauty, and the perfect addition to your Iceland road trip. Allow 2 to 3 days to go there and, if you visit during the right time of the year, you can even see some adorable Puffins .

To get a  glimpse of the Westfjords read our article about it.

Þórsmörk/Thórsmörk

Þórsmörk is a nature reserve on the edge of the highlands of Iceland, between Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. It is one of the most beautiful places in the country with spectacular vistas and still not very popular among most travelers. There are plenty of hiking options available ranging from day to multi-day trails. Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls, two of the most famous Icelandic trails, pass through Þórsmörk.

Getting there is the tricky part because of the rough terrain and multiple river crossings, including the dangerous Krossá river that only experienced drivers with real 4x4s should attempt to cross. The best alternatives are leaving your own 4×4 before the river and using the seasonal wooden bridges, or the bus from Reykjavík, which stops along the way at Hvolsvöllur and Seljalandsfoss, the two most convenient stops closer to Þórsmörk.

Find out more about  Thórsmörk .

Stakkholtsgjá

Kjölur is an ancient route in the highlands of Iceland connecting the south and the north of the country alongside two glaciers, Langjökull and Hofsjökull. If you like scenic drives, then this desert plateau is for you. Two mandatory stops along the way are Hveravellir , a set of hot springs and other geothermal features, and  Kerlingarfjöll , a beautiful and colorful rhyolite mountain range of volcanic origin.

This route is only open in the summer but despite that, it’s one of the easiest Highland roads in Iceland, even suitable for small SUVs. Kjölur is known as road 35.

Find out more about the Kjölur route .

Hveravellir

Kerlingarfjöll

Other options

There are many other options. Here are some we haven’t visited yet:

Mapping the Iceland road trip

We’ve mentioned many places throughout this guide and not to make you feel lost, we’ve mapped all of them so you can easily find them.

As a travel companion for your Iceland road trip, we highly recommend the map created by International Photographer .

Choosing a car and driving

Rest assured, driving in Iceland is not difficult. If we exclude Reykjavik and some sections of the ring road, traffic is virtually non-existent and the further afield you go, the calmer it is. So calm that you will encounter sheep on the road.

In short, there are paved and gravel roads. Paved roads are of a very good quality and well signaled, including most of the sights you’ll want to be stopping at, and the speed limit is 90 km/h. Gravel roads are limited to 80 km/h and are generally in good shape, but may be bumpy at times and include potholes. These roads can be further split into another category, mountain roads or tracks, commonly identified with the F prefix. These will include much rougher terrain and potentially rivers to ford.

Winter driving

The biggest threat while driving in Iceland is getting distracted by the scenery. Paying attention to the road is important as in most cases there are no side protections on the road. Always drive to the conditions. Look at the weather forecast and road closures. If traveling during the winter months there can be temporary road closures and the mountain roads will definitely be closed.

To check for road conditions, visit the official the site of the Icelandic road and coastal administration site at road.is . They provide up to date information about all the road conditions. Check this daily before traveling.

Choosing a car needs not to be complicated. If you don’t plan to drive any of the mountain tracks (F roads) then you can stick to a normal 2×2 car as you don’t need a 4×4. If you do, keep in mind that some city grade 4×4 cars are not good enough for the majority of the rougher tracks.

One thing to remember: never drive off-road ! It’s forbidden and besides damaging the environment you can incur on heavy fines.

Gas is available throughout the country, but sometimes the gas stations are far apart. We recommend that you fill your tank once it gets close to half capacity. Most of the rural gas pumps will be automatic and work with debit and credit cards that have a pin code. Without a pin code, it won’t work.

We often get asked which car rental company we used for our trips to Iceland. The answer is Blue Car Rental . Good price, quality, and friendly service. You can’t go wrong with these guys.

We’ve mentioned the weather and seasons a few times. The best way is to be ready for everything and check the weather forecasts regularly. The best source is the Icelandic MET Office .

Packing is always important and even if you’re a seasoned traveler, going on an Iceland road trip requires some preparation. The weather is tricky and there is a common saying that if you’re not happy with the weather, you just need to wait five minutes. The rule of thumb is to dress in layers and have a good wind and waterproof jacket.

We’ve written in detail what to pack for a trip to Iceland . Make sure to read it.

Accommodation

Accommodation is heavily dependent on the travel style and budget. Iceland has a range of hotels, hostels, country hotels, farms, and b&bs. One thing to keep in mind is that accommodation in Iceland is on the expensive side, similar to other higher standard of living countries.

When it comes to searching for accommodation,  Booking.com is our engine of choice for Iceland with plenty of options available for all styles and budgets. Airbnb is also very popular in Iceland.

Due to the increase in tourism in recent years, the offer available is not enough at the peak of the Summer despite a recent boom in construction. It is recommended to book well in advance for July and August. During the Winter, some accommodation will be closed for the season or for same day bookings and will only be available in advance. This applies to the most remote areas.

Camping is also widely available and is by far the cheapest option, albeit not very practical during the Winter months.

We loved food in Iceland. You’ll find plenty of excellent quality fish and lamb, the traditional meat soup (Kjötsúpa), the super popular Icelandic hot dog, and the delicious yogurt-like Skyr, which we became addicted to. In Reykjávik, you’ll find all kinds of cuisine, whilst around the country, especially in rural areas, the choice becomes more limited.

Taste our experience with Icelandic food .

Money saving tips

Traveling to Iceland is not a cheap affair, with pretty much everything at the highest end of the European price scale. There are more options these days that cater to different types of budgets but still with prices above average if compared to other popular destinations.

Some tips to keep the costs down for those with a tighter budget:

• Shop for food at the supermarkets (main chains are Bónus and Krónan)
• Sandwiches for lunch
• Don’t eat out often and stay at a place where you can make your own meals
• Don’t spend too much on drinks (they are very expensive)
• Stay at places with shared bathroom or camp
• Visit during the shoulder seasons

Ready for your Iceland road trip? Let us know if you have any questions or something to add!

Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing something, we get a small commission. We never recommend or link to a product we don’t use or haven’t tried ourselves.

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91 comments.

Wow, who knew there were so many diverse and amazing spots to visit all over Iceland! I love the Kerið volcanic lake and all the waterfalls. Thanks for all the awesome suggestions! – Emme @ Green Global Travel

Iceland is an amazing and very diverse country. We wanted to showcase that there’s a lot there that often gets overlooked.

The collection of waterfalls is out of this world. So many and in different shapes! 🙂

This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing websites that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free.

Hello Hugo, Wishes from India. I am planning to travel to Europe in April 2016 for maybe 18-20 days. Initially i was hinking of visiting some major 6-7 cities in Europe. I also had this secret wish to visit Iceland and Norway, as i had been collecting pics of wonderful northern lights and Icelandic waterfalls.While searching in internet about it i found your website. After going through your information i feel like just visiting norway and iceland. I am a person who loves natural landscapes…And iceland and Norway just happen to have lots of them. I am writing this to thank you for the information you have provided. And it would be nice to know more about norway too.. Thanks and love

Thank you for your kind words. We’re glad we can inspire people to travel to the destinations we write about and love.

If you love natural landscapes, Iceland is the perfect place to go. It’s amazing!

Unfortunately, we have yet to visit Norway, but it is definitely on our must-visit list due to the stunning landscapes.

Wauw! What a perfect website for information when you’re planning a holiday to Iceland. Thank you very much and we will definately use this info 🙂

Hey, Brenda!

Thank you for stopping by. Glad you find this guide useful and our blog inspiring for planning a trip to Iceland.

Stay tuned as we have more good stuff about Iceland coming soon!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! What a helpful article. My wife and I are starting to plan our own trip to Iceland for next June and happened across your site. This is just the kind of trip we were hoping to plan ourselves. You’ve made things much easier for us–and even recommended a good map! Hope you two can make it to Canada someday. Lots to see and do here.

Hey! You’re very much welcome. We’re glad it’s useful!

June is a good month to visit and you’ll have a blast there. It’s a gorgeous country. The map is really cool because it highlights lots of places with a focus on photography.

Let us know if you have any questions!

We have Canada high in our must-do list, but we feel we would need to put aside a considerable amount of time to make a proper visit. We’re looking forward to all of the amazing nature Canada has.

I love photography, so the map and ebook will be a great resource. I’m already debating my lens selections.

Canada is such a big country, unless you have months to commit to it, you’ll need to come several times. We recently toured Newfoundland for two weeks. Think of it as Iceland-lite. Marvellous landscapes. We live in Calgary, which it only an hour from the Rocky Mountains which is where I grew up. So many great hikes there. Feel free to ask us any questions about Canada if you start planning your trip.

Yes, Canada is huge and amazingly beautiful. Probably 3 weeks for a first-timers road trip! We definitely need to think about it.

If you’re a keen photographer, Iceland is heaven on earth. Bring your gear and a decent tripod. Lot’s of waterfalls and landscapes to shoot!

We are planning to visit Iceland next year, but I didn’t even think about a road trip. This would be the perfect way to explore the country with my kids.

Road trip is, in our opinion, the way to go. It allows for a lot of freedom. Your kids would definitely love it!

You’re right – it seems like everybody is going to Iceland these days! Lots of my friends have been there or are planning a visit 🙂

Tourism has been growing like crazy over the past 5 years or so. Fortunately, the majority of visitors only visit the area around Reykjavík.

You’re missing out 😉

Very comprehensive post about a road trip to Island. I am a photographer and Island is on my list of great places to visit. There seem to be so many amazing spots to visit.

Since you’re a photographer, Iceland is the place to go! So many photo opportunities all over the country.

Skógafoss is on my list. so stunning!

It’s one of the many amazing waterfalls in Iceland! Good choice.

Iceland is a place I would like to visit. Thank you for the great tips. Especially about the best times to go.

Hope you make it there and that our tips are useful!

There is no better way to explore Iceland than with a roadtrip, easily one of the most spectacular countries I’ve visited.

We’re on the same boat!

What an incredible road trip! I’m not big on road tripping but I were going to do it, I’d definitely do it in Iceland! So much to see and do, you could probably go on for months. 🙂

We’re big on road trips and doing it twice in Iceland ranks really high on our all-time favourite trips.

It can definitely go on for months! We’re planning on visiting again next year.

Can you believe I’ve been to Iceland six times and have never even gone beyond Jökulsárlón? There’s just so much to see on the southcoast …. one day I’ll head up north, but most likely my next visit will be to the Westfjords first!

Definitely can! My second time was 10 days long and also didn’t go past Jökulsárlón (after 2 weeks around the country 6 months before).

I’ve seen some of your posts about Iceland over the past months and know you really love the country. I’m a happy member of that club as well!

The whole country has so many things that I can’t even choose a favourite region.

My plan is to head back next year and do one week in the Westfjords after only having been there a couple of days.

– Hugo

This is a really great guide – lots of info. We went to Iceland in winter so we could do the drive. I sort of wish we’d waited til summer, but that just means we should go back! I really loved Reykjavik.

There’s your chance to go back! Iceland in the winter is also quite enjoyable (weather permitting).

Your Iceland adventures look amazing. Makes me sad because my husband and I were supposed to go Sept 23 (that awesome WOW fare deal) but our houses we are building in Panama were delayed (last minute touches to being complete) so we were unable to go at that time. Your trip was epic, you’ve covered all the details. The best Iceland post i’ve seen.

Thank you so much, Melody.

What a shame! Well, at least, you can enjoy the warmer temperatures of Panama!

Hope you guys make it to Iceland soon, we think you’ll love it. The WOW fare deal has been getting a lot of attention. Lots of new tourists to Iceland thanks to them.

Fantastic info, I am trying to make up my mind whether to go to Iceland for the first half of April this year to celebrate a milestone birthday….can I do pretty much everything you’ve mentioned at that time of year or will some of it be inaccessible?

Hello, Sue!

Thanks for reading and enjoying our article!

Answering your question. In short, maybe.

Bad news first. The highlands (central part of the country) will definitely be closed and access to certain areas may be difficult (like the Westfjords).

This being said, the classic ring-road is possible but still very weather dependent at that stage of the year. If you’re lucky, it can work out just fine. A recommendation we always give when travelling before late May or After late September is that the weather can have an impact on your trip. Road closures can happen and you need a plan B, and, in general, takes longer to do the circle around the country.

How many days were you thinking about for this?

Hope it helps.

Oh, I had somehow missed your reply until I got an email about the latest comment – thank you so much! 😀 I have booked my flights and will arrive in Iceland on March 31st, departing on April 13th. I haven’t actually booked anything beyond that, but am planning to have the first two nights in Reykjavik (to check out the city and maybe try to do a Northern Lights tour), then depart on the road trip on April 2nd. I would aim to arrive back in Reykjavik on April 11th or 12th (maybe spend the night of the 12th near the Blue Lagoon). I know it is quite a short time for the road trip (10 days or so), especially if the weather doesn’t play ball, but I guess I will just have to make the most of it. I am ok with not going up to the highlands or to the Westfjords – am happy just to concentrate on the ring road. I sort of wish I had more time as I live in New Zealand and probably will never get back there! But I decided to add a few days in London onto the end of the trip, which cut Iceland a little bit short. Because I’m worried about the weather, though, I am thinking about NOT booking accommodation in advance and just seeing where we end up each night (with a vague plan, of course). Is this a bad idea in April, do you think? I’d be happy with hostel accommodation or whatever we can find, really. So excited! 🙂

You’re right. Weather can be tricky. March/April still is very much winter in Iceland. Obviously not as bad as other months yet still very unreliable.

A couple of days is Reykjavík is enough. Not booking is possible during that time but I would advise you to book at least one or two days in advance to avoid disappointment.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast and road conditions daily. It may be problematic to pass on the east of Iceland if there’s snow on the mountain passes.

The highlands are closed until mid/late June and the Westfjords still hard to reach during those months. Enjoy!

Great piece! We are planning to do a Iceland road trip somewhere in September/October this year. Thanks so much for all the info. But what a difficult names to remember…

Thank you, Judit!

September is probably safer weather-wise. It all depends on what your plan is and what you’re interests.

The names are the funny part! 🙂

Let us know if you have any questions.

Dear Hugo and Cristina,

Thanks for all the awesome suggestions! My friend and I planned a trip to Iceland in July 2016 and we almost have 16 full days to spend on the island. We booked a Airbnb for the first three nights in Reykjavik, and after that we hire a camper for 11 days to travel the ring road. And then we still have two more nights to spend somewhere…

We definitly want to do some excursions. We thought about of the whale watching tour, the Blue Ice Glacier hike and the pórsmörk Volcano hike. The glacier hike takes about 4 to 5 hours, and the volcano hike 12 hours. I already got information about transport and pick-up locations, but was wondering if a 11 day car-trip is enough if you want to do these excursions? We really don’t want to rush. Do you think it’s a good idea to do one or two excursions with a pick-up from reykjavik to save some time?

Thanks in advance and kind regards, Loes

Hello Loes,

Thank you for visiting. We’re glad you enjoyed reading our article!

You raise a valid point. Without knowing much about your global itinerary, it sounds that at least the glacier hike should be fine within the 11 days road trip (btw, is this in Skaftafell?). The Thórsmörk hike being a full-day affair may change things a bit, but not much! It depends on how your itinerary is looking.

One idea is to use the last full-day in Reykjavík to go to the Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir) and, with this you can save a day. 3 days in Reykjavík is a probably a bit too much.

There are lots of day trips from Reykjavík (in fact 90% of them start there). One suggestion is doing one to Landmannalaugar, a beautiful place in the highlands that you can’t get to on a camper.

Cheers, Hugo

Thanks for your answer. Our departure time in Iceland is at 12:00 P.M, so we stay 3 nights in Reykjavik, but we only have two days before picking up our camper. But maybe that’s too long as well? The whale watching tour, the glacier hike (Sólheimajökull) and kayaking are possible on our trip. But is a 11 day-trip enough, our should we extend our camper booking with one more day…? Did you some excursions on your 12 day trip? And are all above locations on your trip reachable without a 4X4?

We were thinking to arrange a pick-up in Reykjavik for the volcano hike, because we have two days before, and two days after our 11 day ring-road trip.

Have a nice evening! Loes

No problem. Glad to help.

If you’re only planning to see the highlights of Reykavík, then 1 day is enough. If you rather also visit some museums, then 2 days is perfect. More than that is not necessary, in my opinion.

Is extending a possibility? That would be great. Otherwise, we can work with what you currently have.

This 12-day itinerary is 90% similar to what we did, but since I already visited Iceland twice (and going again in June), we made some changes and tweaks to improve it.

Yes, we did glacier hiking and whale watching. Those are the two big ones that take half-day.

All the locations of the main 12-day itinerary are accessible except the roads between Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi (think they were improving those two roads, at least, the one west of Dettifoss!). The extras have some parts that I wouldn’t recommend on a camper.

I think day trips from Reykjavík are a great idea. Especially for those place where you can’t take the camper. Like Thorsmork or, as I suggested previously, Landmannalaugar.

Is it possible to do the ring road in reverse (clockwise, heading north first)?

Yes, of course. Most people tend to do it anti-clockwise but it’s mostly a matter of preference. Minor adjustments and the itinerary should be fairly similar.

Hi Hugo and Cristina

This is a fantastic compilation.Comprehensive and yet very precise.Having gone through loads of stuff on internet i can safely say that this is the best piece of information on how to plan a iceland tour i have come across.I am travelling to iceland this june with my wife and two teen age sons and doing a self drive ring road trip.I wanted a little suggestion where i am a bit confused.I will briefly layout my itinerary for better understanding

day 1– reykjavik reaching ate in the evening day 2- golden circle.sleep in reykjavik day 3– reach vik day 4- reach hofn day 5– reach egilstadir day 6- reach olafsfjordur day 7– reach grundarfjordur day 8– back to reykjavik day 9- fly back in the afternoon

After going through your post i feel that we are cutting it very fine on day 6 with lots to do and cover.normally people spend couple of days in myvatn area and akyurei.on the 7th day the journey is more than 400km.Though i have booked my hotels but i can still make changes.Can i leave west fjords completely and spend day 6 and 7 in myvatn area and head back to reykjavik on day 8 or I leave the itinerary as it is and cut on a few attractions on both these days.Would be grateful for your suggestions.

thanks Arun

Hello, Arun

We’re glad you found this guide to be useful! And thanks for your kind words.

Day 6 is a bit crazy. It’s a very long drive.

You don’t have the Westfjords on your itinerary. Perhaps you mean the Snaefellsnes peninsula? (day 7 Grundarfjörður)

I would do like you said. Don’t do the Snaefellsnes (Grundarfjörður) and, instead, stay in Myvatn one night and the next one slightly west of Akureyri.

A suggestion. On the Golden Circle day, you can sleep further south instead of Reykjavik.

Hello Hugo thank you so much for your quick response.

Yes I meant Snaefellsnes peninsula which I will skip now as you suggested but if I book near myvatn area then on day 8 i have a straight drive of around 470 km from myvatn to reykjavik where i have to reach by the evening to take the next morning flight back.This will become too taxing especially when you are ending the tour. Basically I have to re organize day 6 and 7 so that on day 8 i dont have to travel more than around 200 kms to reach reykjavik.pl let me knw if you have any suggestions on this.

I am returning to reykjavik from golden circle tour just to explore the city and night life in the evening otherwise I will be left with no time in reykjavik.

thanks once again for your valuable suggestions

cheers Arun

Makes sense. That’s why I suggested one night in Myvatn and the following somewhere west of Akureyri. Something like Hvammstangi.

Hi Arun, I hope nobody minds me chiming in here (and I hope I’m replying to the right comment!). I just wanted to second the suggestion to spend a night in Hvammstangi after the night in Myvatn. I was in Iceland last month, and in the north I spent two nights in Akureyri (not too far from Myvatn) and then one night in Hvammstangi (then I went on to Grundarfjordur). Hvammstangi is a lovely little town with a nice view of a fjord! You could easily drive from Myvatn to there in one day, and then from there to Reykjavik the following day. I got to see the Northern Lights and also ride an Icelandic horse there. 🙂 I know you wouldn’t see the Northern Lights in June, but that’s ok. It’ll be lighter for you! We stayed in a little cottage – highly recommended! I think they were just called Hvammstangi Cottages. They are small, but can sleep four or five people (two bunk beds and one fold out sofa bed). If you like space and you can afford it, maybe you could try to hire two. But two rooms in a guest house might be cheaper. Partly due to the cute little cottage, though, this was actually my favourite night stop in Iceland, probably. And I did the whole Ring Road! I’m so envious of your trip – I totally fell in love with Iceland and want to go back! But I live on the complete opposite side of the world, so it’s a bit hard! Hope you have an amazing time! 🙂

P.S. Hugo and Cristina, thank you so much for the advice you gave me earlier about weather, trip timing, etc. Everything worked almost perfectly! I’m actually kind of glad some things were closed when we were there because there was so much else to do that it would’ve been hard to decide what to miss!

No problem at all!

Glad to hear you had such a good time and that our tips were useful.

Hvammstangi is a great place. I’ve stayed there once and staying there again (at the cottages) in a month. With a bit of luck, you can also see some seals there.

Hi Sue Thank u so much for the insights..i am planning to do exactly as you and Hugo suggested and will change my itinerary accordingly. Good to hear that u had a wonderful time in this absolutely beautiful country and I am looking forward to my days under the sun (literary) but would miss the northern lights experience. May be next time…

Regards Arun

Hi Hugo did some changes in the itinerary.Though was not able to book a suitable place at myvatn area and Hvammstangi.I guess i was a bit late and the places are sold out.Instead booked one night at Husavik and the next night at Varmahild. Now I am giving grundarforjodur a miss and will spend two days in north before heading back straight to reykjavik from varmahild on my last day of the ring road trip.pl let me know if you have any suggestions as i am using booking.com and changes till the last day are possible.my revised itinerary is as follows

day 1– reykjavik reaching late in the evening day 2- golden circle.sleep in reykjavik day 3– reach vik day 4- reach hofn day 5– reach egilstadir day 6- reach husavik day 7– reach varmahild day 8– back to reykjavik day 9- fly back in the afternoon

Also i had a few queries

how is the whale watching trip at husavik. what are the chances of sighting?

any suggestions on the must do trips or excursions based on my itinerary.

Since i have only one day (barely) at myvatn area what should i do and what do i skip ?

thanks for all your help.

Looks good to me.

Husavík is the best place in Iceland for whale watching but it’s nature.. there are no guarantees. They have a pretty high success rate, though.

One of the most interesting things you can do is glacier hiking. A good place to do it is at Skaftafell.

Drive around the lake and there are plenty of reasons worth stopping for. Don’t miss dettifoss or Krafla (search for these).

Hi, thank you for such a detailed itinerary! Serves a great help to us. Just to check with you, as we will be driving a 2WD in winter and would love to follow your itinerary above, is there any places above which are not accessible?

I still faced difficulty figuring out the F-road. Appreciate your help. Thanks

In how many days? and when? Don’t forget the days are shorter. In general, if you stick to route 1/ring road, it should be possible to do it but you need to pay attention to the weather and road closures. The eastern part from Egilstadir to Myvatn may be closed.

All of the highlands will be closed and this includes all F roads. So, no worries about f roads.

You can find out more about driving in Iceland here: https://breathewithus.com/driving-in-iceland/ . It has a lot more detail and it’s meant to complement the road trip guide.

Thank you for your prompt response. We will reach on March 20th and intend to be there for 11- 13 days (still deciding on the itinerary). So do you means that i could follow all the itinerary above except for the day 5 – East Fjords?

I researched and realized that march will have about 12 hours of daylight so it should be fine isn’t it?

No worries about daylight hours in March.

In theory, 11-13 days is good enough but road closures can happen, even in March. They should not last long unless the weather is really bad. Don’t rush it and have some spare time in case you need to wait some hours or a day.

yup daylight hours shouldn’t be an issue to us! very much thanks for your help 😀

What a lovely and detailed blog. Looks like the two of you had a fantastic time. Did you have any problems crossing one lane bridges? We know there are many visitors who are not familiar with them (nor the one lane bridges) and gets nervous passing them. Happy travels

Thanks. Not really, it’s just a road 😉

True. Still they are the cause of many accidents 🙁

This is so helpful as I plan out an itinerary!! If possible, I would love your advice 🙂 I’m planning a trip to Iceland from April 2-18, and have a few questions about accessibility: (1) Is it possible to hike in Skaftafell in early April (not glacial hike).. Just a regular hike on your own without a guide? (2) Do you think it’s possible to venture here: Dalvík and the Tröllaskagi peninsula? (3) Are there any paid tour activities you recommend (glacier hiking, etc…) for that time of year? Thank you!!!

Hi Sabrina,

Glad it’s helpful!

Answering your questions.

1. It should be possible but it really depends on how much snow. At least the svartifoss hike (2h return) and the glacier face (1h return) should be ok. The visitor center has information about the trails conditions.

2. Yes. It’s possible and recommended. Beautiful part of Iceland. Do take a look at road conditions. Although there are tunnels in the region, it’s best to be prepared.

3. Glacier hiking is always a good idea. Takes around 3h and you can combine it with your trip to Skaftafell. Whale watching? You can do it in north in Husavik.

Hi Sabrina, with regards to your question #2, I drove the Tröllaskagi Peninsula around April 9th last year (east to west) and it was definitely accessible. As Hugo said, there are a lot of tunnels, and you should definitely check the road conditions before travelling, but it was absolutely fine for us and well worth it! There was only one slightly scary part when we were driving around the very northern tip of the peninsula (wind and sleet), but it didn’t last long and we survived! We just drove very slowly and carefully. 😉 There was still a lot of snow around and it was quite beautiful in parts. Hardly any traffic on the road. I found it really different and fascinating to the rest of the trip with all the tunnels! You’d pop out into a different world. 🙂 Hope you enjoy Iceland – it is such an amazing country and I am dying to go back.

Thank you, Sue! Great information 🙂

Thank you so much for your help!! I can’t wait to explore your other guides :)!

Enjoy your trip!

We went to Iceland last spring, it was really amazing! Thank so much for your work and info! It was my second time i have visited Iceland but after reading your inspiration and want to jump on the plane again.

Just do it 🙂

This is probably one of your best posts. EVER!

Thanks for these tips – we’re doing an Iceland road trip with our kids this summer so saving this as we want to see as many of these places as possible! We’ve got about 10 days – think we’ll have to leave out the East Fjords and the far west but hopefully we should get to the rest!

10 days in the summer is pretty good and you can go around the country if you skip a couple of things. The guide should be very helpful for your trip 🙂

Iceland seems so magical with all of its breathtaking views and natural attractions. Bookmarked your page for future reference! Keep it up, guys!

It is! Thanks.

Thank you so much for the detailed information. I just wanted to know if you are driving in June for about 3 days on the Route 1/Ring Road, is it necessary to have a phone with SIM card or a data plan?

You’re welcome! Not necessary. There is wifi pretty much everywhere like gas stations, restaurants, etc. We never felt the need to have 100 internet coverage.

Your phone should work normally in case you need to make calls.

Oh sorry I meant to say do you think it’s doable to forego phone service in Iceland if travelling for 3 days in June.

I’d advise against it. It’s useful to have at least the possibility to make calls. Your network should be able to roam in Iceland.

Thank you. 🙂

Hi guys 🙂 I’m currently planning our September Ring Road trip and found your guide really helpful, thanks for your awesome work! I have a question regarding day 10 in Snaefellsnes. I can’t find the Ditrivik beach on Google Maps or just googling it also has no real results. As I don’t want to miss a single awesome thing, can you tell me if you made a typo or help me to locate it. Thanks a lot.

You’re welcome. It should definitely be ditrivik but I can’t confirm right now since we’re traveling. Shoot us an email and we’ll get back to you in a couple of weeks!

Omg thank you for this!!! i was having a hard time finding things to do in some regions and this article totally helped! I feel a lot more prepared for our trip! thanks again!!

Glad it’s useful!

Hello. Next year i would like to visit Island and make the best photos. How much is the travel and a place to stay. A group to visit the best places in Island. Because i cant drive. And the mounth to go from Portugal and how many days! Thanks

Without driving, you need to join some tours and there are plenty available. Checkout guidetoiceland, extremeiceland, reykjavikexcursions.

At least 10days to go around the country!

Thanks for the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon tip. Look amazing and didn’t have it in my list. I’m going in July!

Enjoy Iceland!

Amazing description ! It is helping me a LOT ! I really thank you ! Regards from Portugal 🙂

You’re welcome, Pedro 🙂

Thank you very much for this wonderful information. I love road trips very much because it makes me more integrated into the country I travel to and feel more free thank you for the advices

Thank you very much for this wonderful information. I love road trips very much because it makes me more integrated into the country I travel to and feel more free thank you for the advice

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

The Ultimate 5 Days In Iceland Itinerary (Road Trip Guide + Hidden Gems!)

March 1, 2022 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   16 Comments

While 5 days in Iceland might not seem like enough time to fully enjoy this amazing country, we are here to walk you through the perfect itinerary to make the most of this limited time.

You could explore Iceland for months and never see it all, but if you can only visit Iceland for 5 days, that is still plenty of time to see the main sites, plus some hidden gems.

Planning your trip to Iceland last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Iceland in advance to ensure availability! The longer you wait, the more difficult it gets. Here are my top picks for your trip :

Top Experiences And Tours In Iceland:

• Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik (Likely to sell out!)
• Silfra Snorkeling Tour (Includes photos + only small group)
• South Of Iceland Full Day Trip (Our pick!)
• Whale Watching In Reykjavik (On a luxury yacht)
• Northern Lights Bus Tour (Great to go with a local)
• Ice Cave Tour And Glacier Hike (Likely to sell out)

Tickets You MUST book in advance:

• Keflavik > Reykjavik Bus Airport Transfer (Skip the line!)
• Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket (Includes 7-step spa ritual)
• Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket With Drink (Likely to sell out!)

Top picks for places to stay in Iceland:

• Hotel South Coast (Great central location)
• Grandi Reykjavik (Includes free breakfast)
• Hotel Kria (Close to black sand beach)
• Hotel Skaftafell (Mid-range price)

Iceland is a truly wonderful country and every travel fan dreams of visiting it at least once in their lives. Of course, Iceland can be a more expensive country to visit. Because of this, an Iceland 5 day itinerary could save you money.

This itinerary can be adapted to any season. Feel free to skip some stops or spend longer in others to make this 5-day trip to Iceland better for your needs.

Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private  Iceland Facebook Group  and sharing your photos and asking for tips and tricks.

Is 5 Days Enough In Iceland?

Yes, Iceland in 5 days can be enough time, but only if you dedicate yourself to it. This may not be the itinerary for you if you like to travel at a very leisurely pace and rest between activities. The itinerary we layout here is very go, go, go! If you suffer from the Fear Of Missing Out and have no problem squeezing a lot into each day, then this trip will be great for you.

The Golden Circle And Why It Is Left Off

As you do research for your Iceland trip, you will come across the term “ The Golden Circle .” This is a popular route many tourists embark on when they visit Iceland. This loop hits places such as Thingvellir National Park , Gullfoss Waterfall, and Strokkur Geyser. There are many tours that will take you along the Golden Circle.

Even though the Golden Circle is popular, we have decided to leave it off this 5 days in Iceland itinerary for a couple of reasons. Mostly, the Golden Circle is overrun with tourists. Our route will allow you to see some more quiet and isolated places. Also, the Golden Circle leaves off the Southern Coast, which would be a shame to miss!

Do I Have To Drive in Iceland?

Iceland is a country where you can get away with not driving, but only if you book tours . However, the 5 days in Iceland itinerary we provide in this article is written as a self-driving road trip . To follow our plan exactly, you will need to rent a vehicle, drive yourself from place to place, and stay in a different hotel each night.

If you are nervous about driving in Iceland , don’t be! As long as you take usual driving precautions, account for the weather, and drive safely, you will be fine. The roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate so you should have no problem completing your 5-day self-drive itinerary for Iceland.

The Ultimate 5 Days In Iceland Itinerary (Road Trip Guide + Hidden Gems!)

Day 1: south coast hidden gems.

After landing at the Keflavík International Airport and renting your vehicle, it is time to start your Iceland road trip in 5 days! The first day of your trip will consist of seeing some of the hidden gems along the South Coast of the island.

Total Driving Time for Day 1: Approximately 6 hours

Stop 1: Check Out Reykjanesviti & Valahnukamol

From the airport, drive about 30 minutes to the southern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula where you will find a couple of Iceland’s hidden gems. The first is Reykjanesviti Lighthouse.

This red and white building stands out starkly against the open landscape. This is the oldest lighthouse in Iceland and an interesting stop on your 5 days in Iceland itinerary.

Past the lighthouse, you will find a beautiful and dramatic shoreline. Here the giant rocks of Valahnukamol create an amazing backdrop for moody photographs. There will not be a ton of tourists here since it is off the beaten path, and it will give you a great introduction to the mighty nature of Iceland.

The peninsula has many other attractions including churches and museums such as the Reykjanes Art Museum, Viking World, and the Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll. For some more nature, check out the Reykjanesfólkvangur nature preserve. Here you can find crater lakes, lava formations, and plenty of wildlife.

Stop 2: Hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs

Keep driving east on Route 427 for about 1.5 hours until you reach the incredible Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River . This is not a traditional hot spring pool. Instead, it is a whole geothermal river. This gives you more room to spread out and find a private spot to soak and relax.

To reach these hot springs, you will have to hike for about 45 minutes to an hour. The path is well-maintained and clearly marked. While it is a relatively easy hike, there are some steep sections.

Stop 3: Take a Soak in Hrunalaug Hot Spring

From one hot spring to another, drive about an hour on Route 30 to reach the Hrunalaug Hot Spring outside of the town of Flúðir. While it is near the Secret Lagoon Hot Spring, the Hrunalaug Hot Spring is more of a secret and offers a secluded area to relax.

This spring is not very big, so it provides a perfect private getaway. Only about ten people max can enjoy this water at a time. Make sure you leave the place as you found it and clean up after yourselves so the next visitors can enjoy it.

This is one of the easier and more affordable hot springs on this 5 days in Iceland itinerary so make sure to put it on your list and be respectful to the landowners!

Stop 4:  Discover the Þjóðveldisbærinn Saga-Age Farm

Keep driving east for about 35 minutes to find the fascinating Þjóðveldisbærinn, or Reconstructed Farm, which is a replica of the real Saga-age farm called Stöng. You can imagine what it was like to live as an ancient Viking while enjoying the view of the quaint buildings, including a moss-covered farmhouse and church.

It costs about $7 to visit Þjóðveldisbærinn and the museum, but it is worth it! There is a senior discount and children under 16 are free! You will definitely want to snap a picture of this beautiful location during your 5 day Iceland road trip.

Stop 5: Relax at Gjain Valley

About 25 minutes more on Route 327 will take you to the Gjain Valley. Make sure to rent a 4×4 vehicle, especially if you visit in the winter , so you can arrive in one piece on the rough roads. This is also a good place to get away from the tourist crowds.

This area is a great place to hike and relax. The landscape is full of waterfalls and amazing volcano views. If you come in the summer, expect to find layers of beautiful greenery and flowers. This will be one of your favorite stops during your 5 days in Iceland.

Stop 6: Become Awed by Haifoss Waterfall

Keep driving on the same road for about 30 minutes to get to the first of many magnificent waterfalls on this Iceland itinerary in 5 days. Haifoss is one of the top five tallest waterfalls in Iceland at 400 feet, and it will not disappoint.

Walk from the parking lot along the gorge to get amazing views of Haifoss and another nearby waterfall called Granni. If you want a different perspective of these waterfalls, you can also hike down into the gorge.

Almost all waterfalls are free to see in Iceland, so they are perfect stops if you are doing 5 days in Iceland on a budget.

Overnight in Hella or in Selfoss

For your first night in Iceland, you have a couple of choices of where you can book your accommodation. Each of these towns is about an hour and a half south of Haifoss.

Places to Stay in/near Hella:

Affordable: Loa’s Nest . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Hekla Cabin 2 Volcano and Glacier View . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Mid-range: Hótel Lækur . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Stracta Hotel Hella . Check Rates: Booking.com

Places to Stay in/near Selfoss:

Affordable: Guesthouse Bitra B&B . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Hotel South Coast . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: House on the Golden Circle, close to Flúðir . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Luxury: Vörðufell . Check Rates: Booking.com

Day 2: South Coast Highlights

Day two of your 5-day trip to Iceland will bring you to some of the more popular must-see locations along the South Coast. Make sure your camera batteries are charged because you will be taking a ton of photos!

Total Driving Time for Day 2: Approximately 3 hours

Stop 1: Fall In Love With Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

From your hotel, it should be about 30 minutes to an hour to get to Seljalandsfoss depending on which town you overnight in. When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland.

Cascading 200 feet over a cliff, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is a sight to behold. One unique thing about this waterfall is the cave that is hidden behind it where you can hike for really cool views and photo ops. Bring a poncho or something similar to protect you from the spray!

Stop 2: Discover the Hidden Gljufrabui Waterfall

Just about a ten-minute walk north of Seljalandsfoss, you will find a canyon worth exploring. Wear water-proof shoes because the path does involve wading through a river. When you get to the prize at the end of the canyon, though, you will not mind getting wet.

The Gljufrabui Waterfall is about 130-feet tall and almost seems to fall from the sky into the dark canyon. To get the most Instagram-worthy photo of yourself in front of this waterfall, climb onto the boulder that lays before it.

Stop 3: Hike Through Nauthusagil Canyon

For the next stop on your Iceland itinerary, drive about 15 minutes north to find another canyon-trapped waterfall in the mossy Nauthusagil Canyon . You will need a 4×4 vehicle to reach this spot since it involves traversing an f-road.

Again, make sure you wear waterproof shoes when you embark into this hidden gem of Iceland. The Nauthusagil Waterfall can be a bit hard to reach, so come prepared. You will have to scramble over rocks, walk through water, and even use ropes to climb. Once you reach the end of the hike, though, you will be amazed by the view.

Stop 4: Take a Dip in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

After exploring the canyon, hop back in the car for 30 minutes until you get to the picturesque Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool. This scenic pool is tucked into the mountains and was built in 1928. Though it is man-made, it is fed by a natural hot spring. However, the temperature is much cooler than a true spring.

To reach the pool, hike for about twenty minutes from the parking lot. The path is unmarked but easy to follow and mostly flat. Plus, the views along it are amazing! This Iceland trip itinerary in 5 days includes many hot springs and this is one of the most scenic.

Stop 5: Chase Rainbows at Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss Waterfall is truly magical and is only about 15 minutes from the last stop. This powerful waterfall is just under 200 feet tall and is 82 feet wide. Depending on the lighting conditions, you may find a rainbow stretching across the torrent of water.

This is another location where you should don your poncho or risk getting soaked if you walk close to the waterfall. You can also climb to the top of the waterfall for a different perspective of this South Coast Iceland star.

Stop 6: Check Out Kvernufoss Waterfall

Even though Kvernufoss Waterfall is only a couple of minutes from Skogafoss, not as many tourists visit it. This is a shame because it is really not to be missed! The walk to the waterfall from the parking lot is about 10 to fifteen minutes.

This 98-foot natural wonder is set into a canyon that is very green in the summer. A rocky path leads behind the falls so you can see it from either side.

Stop 7: Visit Solheimajokull Glacier

You will be in the car for another 20 minutes before you park in the lot for Solheimajokull Glacier. From there, hike about 15 to 20 minutes to make it to the ice. Then, just stare in awe! Don’t forget to check out our tips for Solheimajokull Glacier!

This crazy type of landscape is one reason to visit Iceland, and you should definitely check it out on your 5 days here. To see the glacier properly and learn something as well, make sure to book a tour. Do not go on the glacier without a guide to keep you safe.

Book Here: Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike

Stop 8 OPTIONAL: See the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

This next stop is really only optional in our opinion. Over the last few years, it has become so overcrowded by tourists it has almost lost its wonder. However, if you do choose to visit, the well-known Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is about a 15-minute drive from the Solheimajokull Glacier. While the drive is short, you will then have to walk an hour each way to reach the plane.

The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck gained popularity through social media and is great for moody, haunted photos, but only if you are lucky enough to be there without any other people. The plane is of U.S. origin and has sat abandoned on the black sand beach since 1973.

If you do your 5 days in Iceland in winter, you might even see the Northern Lights here, which adds magic to the scene.

Stop 9: Find Awesome Views at Dyrholaey

Keep driving on the Ring Road for 30 minutes to get to Dyrholaey. This arched peninsula is amazing on its own and also offers drop-dead-gorgeous views of the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach below.

It can get really windy up here, so be prepared to push through it to get to the best viewpoints. If you are lucky, you may even spot some puffins in this area. This is truly one of the best things to do in Vik!

Stop 10: Visit Loftsalahellir Cave

Loftsalahellir Cave is only a few minutes from Dyrholaey and is located on the same road. After you park, you will have a short walk up a steep hill. This will be a quick stop on your Iceland itinerary but worth it since it is on the way. Take some time to enjoy the view from the cave, looking back down at Dyrholaey and the coast.

Stop 11: Enjoy Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Return to the Ring Road and drive for about 20 minutes to reach the final stop of day two. You already saw Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach from Dyrholaey, but now it is time to explore it on ground level.

Along with the black sand, this beach is known for its towering black basalt columns and craggy rocks sticking out of the sea. If it is foggy when you are there, you will love the overall mood. The ocean waves can get big as well, so watch out. Under no circumstances should you swim here!

Overnight In Vik

Vik is an adorable small town right next to Reynisfjara, so you will not have to travel far from your last stop. This idyllic town is topped with a quaint church and there are lupine flowers if you do 5 days in Iceland in summer. There are plenty of places to stay in Vik .

Places to Stay in/near Vík:

Affordable/Mid-range: Þakgil Campground . Check Rates: thakgil.is

Mid-range: The Garage Apartments . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Kria . Check Rates: Booking.com

Day 3: Southeast National Parks And Glaciers

Iceland has its share of amazing National Parks , and you will be exploring some today. You will also witness some of the icier sides of the Land of Fire and Ice. Strap on your hiking boots and hop back into your car!

Total Driving Time for Day 3: Approximately 4 hours

Stop 1: Geek Out at Hjorleifshofdi Promontory And Yoda Cave

You will not have to drive far for your first stop of the day. Hjorleifshofdi is only about 17 minutes down the Ring Road, and you can see it looming up from the surrounding flat land long before you arrive. This rock formation is about 220 feet high, and it is possible to hike to the top.

If you are a Star Wars fan or just like cool caves, there is one here known as the “Yoda Cave” because a hole above the entrance is shaped like the Jedi Master’s head. Interestingly, the area around the rock was also used for some of the opening scenes for the movie Star Wars: Rogue One . This is truly one of the best photography locations in Iceland!

Stop 4: Explore Skaftafell National Park

Keep driving on the Ring Road for just under 2 hours until you arrive at Skaftafell National Park, one of the best National Parks in Iceland. This scenic area will give you the opportunity to become one with nature. There is plenty to do here, so you will probably spend at least a couple of hours at this park.

First of all, you MUST see Svartifoss Waterfall! This 65-foot wonder is surrounded by black basalt pillars and is just too pretty to miss. To get here, you will need to hike about 3.5 miles round-trip from the visitor’s center.

While in the park, you can also hike to some of the many glaciers here, including Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Or you can book an ice cave tour. Crystal Ice Cave is especially stunning if you do your 5 days in Iceland in winter.

Book Here: Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike

Stop 3: Photograph the Pretty Turf-Roof Hofskirkja Church

Back on the Ring Road, drive 20 minutes to the small town of Hof. Iceland has its share of super cute churches , and Hofskirkja is high on the list of best ones! With a natural turf-covered roof, this church looks like it was pulled from a fairy tale.

Though you cannot go inside this church, you will want to snap some photos of it. If you complete 5 days in Iceland in summer, the church and surrounding area is very lush and green, adding to the overall storybook feel.

Stop 4: Feel the Calm Atmosphere at Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

After 25 minutes on the Ring Road, you will find the Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon. If we had to choose one glacier lagoon in Iceland as our favorite, this would be it! Though it is smaller than the nearby and more visited Jokulsarlon, you should NOT pass up Fjallsarlon. With fewer tourists, you will have this icy landscape more to yourself.

Here is your chance to really take in the majesty of Iceland. From the lagoon’s shore, you can listen to the icebergs crack and break. If you want to get closer to them, though, you can take a boat tour out into the water.

Stop 5: Check Out Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Just 15 minutes from Fjallsarlon is the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon . This lagoon is larger than the last and is a popular stop for tour buses, so do not expect to have this place to yourself.

Walk along the beach and take in the sight of giant icebergs floating serenely across the water. In the summer months, it is possible to join the ‘bergs by boarding a tour boat. No matter the season, though, make sure to bundle up because it gets cold down by the water.

Stop 6: Walk Along Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is just across the road from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, so it only takes a couple of minutes to get there. This law-dropping black sand beach is named after the chunks of ice that sparkle along the shoreline. If you can time it right, come at sunset for the best photo opportunities.

While there is ice dotting the sand here all year long, there will be more in the winter. Make sure to snap a photo of yourself standing next to some of the bigger pieces of ice to show just how big they are.

Overnight In Hofn

Hofn is just over an hour from Diamond Beach and makes the perfect place to spend the night before you continue your 5 days in Iceland. There are great places to stay in Hofn .

Places to Stay in/near Hofn:

Affordable/Mid-range: Old Airline Guesthouse . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Glacier World-Hoffell Guesthouse . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Lambhus Glacier View Cabins . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Mid-range/Luxury: Dima Studio Apartments . Check Rates: Booking.com

Day 4: South East Coast Hidden Gems

The first stop of the day will be the farthest east you go on your 5 days in Iceland trip. From there, you will turn around and hit more hidden gems as you backtrack in the direction of Reykjavik. This will give you a chance to stop by any of the sites you may have missed the day before or were not able to photograph properly because of bad weather or light.

Total Driving Time for Day 4: Approximately 5.5 hours

Stop 1: Stand in Awe at Stokksnes

Where the mountains meet the sea, you will find Stokksnes, just a 20-minute drive from Hofn. To get to the private beach, you will have to pay a fee of about $6 per person. This might seem high, but it is worth it if you plan to spend at least an hour here taking in the gorgeous view.

Try to wake up early and come for sunrise for the best light and colorful sky. From the black sand beach, you can photograph Vestrahorn Mountain and the other rugged peaks surrounding it. Keep an eye on the waves, so you don’t get drenched.

Stop 2: Soak in the Hoffell Hot Tubs

Drive west on the Ring Road for about 30 minutes to get to the Hoffell Hot Tubs. Set into the rocky ground with amazing views of the mountains, these four man-made hot tubs provide the perfect place to lounge.

There is a small fee to use the hot tubs, and you must take a quick shower before you dip into the water. There usually are not a ton of people here, so this is your last chance to soak in relative solitude.

Stop 3: Hike Mulagljufur Canyon

After relaxing, it is time for some adventure! Drive for an hour to reach the Mulagljufur Canyon. This Iceland hidden gem is a great place for an incredibly scenic hike. You will be able to enjoy rugged cliff views and discover amazing waterfalls.

The Hangandifoss and Mulafoss Waterfalls here are worth the 1.5-mile hike to see them. Flowing over the ridges of the lush, green canyon, the sight of the waterfalls will make you will feel as if you are walking in a painting.

Stop 4: Take Photos at Lomagnupur Mountain

From one imposing landscape to another, keep driving for an hour to find Lomagnupur Mountain. Though you will see this looming behemoth long before you reach it as it stands at 700 meters. It is interesting to note that this mountain is said to be home to a giant according to Icelandic myth.

Do not be one of the many people who simply drive on by this great landscape. Instead, you will want to stop and take some photos. If you have a drone, make sure to fly it here to get some scale.

Stop 5: Find Magic at Fjadrargljufur Canyon

The next stop is about 40 minutes away and features another epic canyon. In the summer, Fjadrargljufur Canyon is full of lush greenery and flowers. In winter, it is a snowy wonderland pulled from some high fantasy novel.

With a river rushing through the bottom and many viewpoints along the top ridges, you are bound to take a ton of photographs here as you hike. Please make sure to stay on the marked paths. This will protect both yourself and the delicate ecosystem.

Stop 6: Discover Þakgil Canyon

Drive the Ring Road for just under 1.5 hours until you get to Þakgil, or Thakgil, Canyon. This is another hidden gem in Iceland waiting to be discovered. There are a ton of nature-filled hiking trails here to explore. While hiking, try to find the perfect view of the Kotlujokull Glacier.

There is also a great campground at Þakgil if you want to spend the night roughing it. You could not choose a more beautiful place to set up your tent . There is even a natural cave with picnic tables.

You will spend another night in the picture-perfect town of Vik. If you have anything you weren’t able to see the first time through or want to spend more time somewhere special, now’s your chance. Remember, Vik is right next to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Where to stay in/near Vík:

Affordable/Mid-range: Þakgil Campground . Check rates: thakgil.is

Mid-range: The Garage Apartments . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Kria . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 5: Anything You Missed and Optional Locations

Day five will lead you back to Reykjavik before you fly home. As you drive the 2.5 hours to Reykjavik from Vik, you will have the opportunity to see any of the stops you might have missed on day two. Or you can check out some optional areas.

Stop 1: Hit Any Remaining South Coast Stops You Missed

Since day two of your itinerary was so busy and full to the brim with things to do and see, there is a chance you ran out of time to do it all. Luckily for you, we took this into account and left time today for you to amend that. For instance, if you choose to skip the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, you can see it now.

Stop 2: Explore Reykjavik If Desired

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in Iceland so there are plenty of things to do here to fill your time. Reykjavik is a cute, modern city with colorful houses and a ton of cafes, restaurants , shops, and museums.

You will want to stop by the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church to witness its unique architecture. It is also the tallest building in the city and about $7 will get you to the top for awesome views.

If you want to learn more about Icelandic life and history, make sure to check out some of the museums, including the National Museum of Iceland, the Perlan Wonders of Iceland museum, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, and the Arbær Open Air Museum.

If you want to get out of the city and see some nature, take time to schedule a whale watching tour . The ocean around Reykjavik is known for having a diverse amount of whale species and other sea creatures.

Book Here: Reykjavik: Whale Watching Excursion

Stop 3: Relax in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the most well-known hot spring in Iceland. With gorgeous milky blue and mineral-rich water, soaking here is good for the body and soul. Plus, there is a world-class spa retreat if you really feel like treating yourself!

There are different spa packages to choose from, and it can get a bit pricey, so budget for this if you plan on visiting. It is great to come here right before you fly home because it will give you a chance to fully unwind after your busy and sometimes tedious 5 days in Iceland itinerary.

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers

Overnight near Keflavik Airport or in Reykjavik

For your last night in Iceland, you will want to stay near the airport so you don’t have far to travel the next day. Alternatively, you can stay in Reykjavik, which is only a 45-minute drive from the airport. There are tons of places to stay in Reykjavik for any budget.

Places to Stay in/near Reykjavik:

Affordable: Hotel Klettur  Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Downtown Penthouse Apartment . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Mid-range: Fosshotel Reykjavik  Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Keflavik Luxury Apartments . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Luxury: Hotel Borg  Check Rates: Booking.com

Optional Day 5 Ideas

If you are looking for even more options for your last day in Iceland, we have you covered. These two choices are farther away from the Reykjavik area but are worth the travel time to enjoy during your five days in Iceland.

Explore Snaefellsness Peninsula

Snaefellsness Peninsula is two hours north of Reykjavik and features some of the best-known landscapes in Iceland. Here you will find the postcard-worthy Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall with Kirkjufell Mountain as a backdrop. Kirkjufell translates to “Church Mountain” and is a common image result if you google Iceland. You will want to see it in real life!

There are also a couple more cute churches on this peninsula, including Ingjaldshólskirkja and Búðakirkja. After photographing these buildings, drive to the Snæfellsjökull volcano near the tip of the peninsula for a scenic hike.

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

Explore Westman Islands

You can visit the Westman Islands on your way to Reykjavik from Vik as they are off the south coast, not far from Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and the Ring Road. You will need to take a 45-minute ferry ride to reach the largest island, Heimaey .

While on the island, make sure to find the only 100% black church in Iceland, the Heimaey Stave Church, which is super photogenic. You can also search for puffins along the sea cliffs or hike to the top of the Eldfell Crater.

Multi-Day Group Tours in Iceland

If you do not want to deal with the logistics of planning your own trip or would rather someone else does the driving, you can always book a multi-day group tour for your five days in Iceland (or more or fewer days if you want!).

Your experienced guide will make sure you get where you need to be and will answer any questions you have along the way. Booking a 5-day tour of Iceland is a great way to have a seamless and relaxing time.

From Reykjavík: 4, 5, 6 or 7-Day Small-Group Ring Road Tour

Iceland: 3-day golden circle, south coast, & glacier tour, reykjavik: 4-day south coast, golden circle, and snæfellsnes, iceland 6-day ring road adventure.

Now you have reached the end of your amazing itinerary for Iceland for 5 days. Hopefully, you had a trip full of amazing experiences and made memories to last a lifetime!

Iceland is a country full of unique, wild landscapes and a ton of history. You will be bragging to your friends and family about how much fun you had for a long time. Maybe you can even convince them to come with you on your next Iceland adventure!

Reader Interactions

July 25, 2021 at 9:38 pm

Thank you for all of the wonderful information. I love the itinerary but being in our 50s and 60s we may have to skip a few things. We were hoping to check out the volcano. Do you think we could do that on day 5 plus do Sky lagoon or Blue lagoon?

July 26, 2021 at 3:46 am

I would say yes! The Volcano will be a few hours hiking and the Blue Lagoon is nearby so yes! I would do volcano earlier in the morning day and then BL in the evening to relax! My thoughts! Enjoy!

October 7, 2021 at 11:09 pm

great read! thanks. Can I ask, how feasible would this trip be in late December? All the photos appear to be in summer, thanks, Ceril

October 9, 2021 at 8:09 pm

Yes! This can be done in the winter months 100% Just keep an eye on weather to ensure all roads are open, they should be!!! I have done this exact trip in winter!

October 12, 2021 at 12:00 am

Do you have a map for this itinerary? Thank you so much for the details and awesome recommendations!

October 14, 2021 at 1:52 am

Hello! I don’t at this time but this is a good reminder that I should add one 🙂

July 30, 2023 at 5:37 pm

Hi, This is great! Any update on the map?

October 25, 2021 at 8:23 pm

What is the average cost for this trip?

October 26, 2021 at 3:33 am

Hello Mike! It can be done as cheap [stay in hostels and eat food or camp] or as expensive [luxury 5 star hotels] so it TOTALLY depends! Here is a good blog post on it! https://icelandtrippers.com/prices-in-iceland/

October 12, 2022 at 6:05 pm

Hello ! This has been so helpful. What outfits would you suggest. We are thinking March for our Honeymoon. Which what would you suggest for a honeymoon getaway ?

January 7, 2023 at 6:14 pm

Hi, we are thinking to travel early April and was wondering if we need 4×4 for this trip or is 2×2 car is enough ? We are also considering a camper van – have you done this route in a camper van ? Will the campsite be open this time of year ?

Thank you Katarina

January 7, 2023 at 9:44 pm

You can do this with a 2×2 car perfectly fine. And this is a great route to do with a camper van!! Enjoy!

September 5, 2023 at 2:19 am

Hey, this looks amazing! We are flying out on October 8th from the East Coast arriving on the 9th, and leaving Iceland on the 14th. Any updates to this 5 day trip? we are trying to map it out.

October 2, 2023 at 5:48 pm

Nope!! This is perfect and what I currently do myself!!!

November 5, 2023 at 8:32 pm

When are the best times of year to do this 5 day trip?

November 16, 2023 at 8:11 pm

Depends on what you want! Cheaper price? Lower crowds? Northern lights? Midnight sun?? which is your preference 🙂

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7 days in Iceland: Amazing Itinerary, Map & Tips for a Self-Drive Trip

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 20, 2024

Thinking of spending a week in Iceland and wondering how to plan your time and what’s the best 7 days Iceland itinerary ? We have been to Iceland six times, in different seasons, and I can tell you that there is no one ‘best’ itinerary that covers all the nicest places in Iceland in 7 days. For that, a week is simply not enough.

That being said, with seven days in Iceland, you can see some of the most stunning scenery and have some of the most unforgettable experiences that will make you fall in love with this unique country. In this article, we’ll show you one of the best ways to do that.

In this guide, you can find a detailed 7-day Iceland itinerary that brings you to some of the best places in Iceland in one week. At the bottom of this article, you can find the map of this itinerary – it indicates all the places mentioned in this guide.

Good to know: This self-drive Iceland tour starts and ends in Keflavik airport (near Reykjavik) and can best be done between May and September. It includes all the musts as well as some lesser-visited places that will make your trip more special. We also share lots of practical tips and some alternative suggestions, plus, we made a detailed map to help you plan your trip. Find out!

!!! Visiting Iceland in summer or in winter is like traveling to two different countries. So you can’t just rely on a summer itinerary if traveling during the winter months… If you are visiting Iceland between October and April, please see our detailed Iceland winter itinerary for one week – it covers all the best places in one week, taking into account shorter days, (even more) unpredictable weather, and winter-specific activities.

Below, is an overview of our suggested 7-day Iceland itinerary and you can find all the details per day if you scroll further down. As you can see, this itinerary covers all the best places in the southwest of the country but doesn’t go all around the island. In my opinion, you need at least 9-10 days to actually enjoy the entire Ring Road, so with just 7 days, I recommend driving less and exploring more without trying to see ‘everything’.

Still, this itinerary covers a lot of ground and so your days will be quite packed. At the same time, this is a trip that gives you enough time to actually explore the main attractions and not just take a picture and move on to the next place. We also included some additional suggestions such as a glacier hike or a whale-watching tour. If you do one or two of these activities, it will make your Iceland trip even more special.

TIP: If you absolutely want to drive the entire Ring Road of Iceland in a week , we have also included a suggested alternative itinerary at the end of this article. Driving the whole Ring Road in such a short time will be very rushed and you risk getting overwhelmed with the planning and too tired from all the driving to still be able to enjoy it. We recommend at least 10 days for a self-drive trip around the entire country – see Iceland Ring Road itinerary for more details.

Good to know: You’ll need a car for this trip! We recommend renting a car at Keflavik airport for the entire duration of your trip. We personally use and recommend the RentalCars website for your car hire. It allows you to easily compare several suppliers and find the best deal for your trip. In addition, they offer excellent insurance coverage that is much cheaper than what you pay when booking with local companies directly. Check it out! And no, you don’t need a 4×4 for this itinerary (and if visiting in summer), but it’s always nice to have an SUV or a 4WD in Iceland.

Iceland 7 Days Itinerary:

• DAY 1: Arrival & Blue Lagoon

DAY 2: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day 3: golden circle, day 4: heimaey island or icelandic highlands, day 5: south coast to jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

• DAY 6: Icebergs & Glaciers
• DAY 7: Reykjavik + whales/puffins or Reykjanes Peninsula
• Alternative itinerary – Ring Road in 7 days

Good to know: There are many ways to plan a 7-day trip in Iceland and driving times and distances will highly depend on what you choose to do and where you stay each day.

In this itinerary, we include some of the best places that we think are worth your time the most, without having to cover huge distances each day. For every day, we include several suggestions on where to stay, explaining the benefits and disadvantages of each choice.

Without further ado, this is our suggested 7-day Iceland itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon & drive to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Driving distance/time depends a bit on where exactly you choose to stay. It’s about 220 km/ 3 hours drive from Keflavik airport to Snaefellsnes Peninsula or 115 km/ 1h15 to Borgarnes (more info below).

Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal pool near Reykjavik and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Since it’s located close to Keflavik airport (20 min drive), many people choose to visit the Blue Lagoon right upon arrival in Iceland and before continuing their trip or heading to Reykjavik city which is about 45 minutes drive from the airport.

Indeed, it might be a nice way to relax after a flight, especially if you arrive in Iceland early in the morning on a red-eye flight from the US. Going to your hotel in Reykjavik isn’t a good option anyway as most hotels don’t allow early check-in, so Blue Lagoon can be a nice place to visit on your first day in Iceland.

Good to know: Blue Lagoon is extremely popular and you really have to book your tickets in advance . Count 2-3 hours for a visit, but you can easily spend more time, especially if you decide to have lunch at their restaurant as well.

2024 update: Due to recent volcanic activity on Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon is sometimes forced to close without much prior notice. Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik is a wonderful alternative and many people actually prefer the latter. Just be sure to book it well in advance because it usually sells out for weeks, especially in the high season!

After visiting the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon, you could head to Reykjavik and explore the city a bit. However, I only recommend this If your flight arrives late. If your flight arrives early in the morning or during the day and you want to make the most of this trip, just skip Reykjavik altogether and drive straight to Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the first day already .

It’s about 1h 45 – 2 hours drive from Reykjavik city and so easily doable on the first day. We once did this even though our flight only arrived at 7 PM (but I’d only risk this in summer and wouldn’t stop for a swim first, of course)…

Driving straight to Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Keflavik Airport will give you a head start for the next day allowing more time to explore this beautiful part of Iceland. And you can visit Reykjavik at the end of the trip. It’s better to end your trip in Reykjavik than to start it there anyway.

Where to stay: If you don’t mind switching hotels every night, you could stay anywhere on Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this day. If you like to be in nature and immediately see some stunning scenery upon arrival, we recommend staying in either Hotel Budir or Hotel Arnarstapi .

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a beautiful place to start your Icelandic trip! Both these hotels have very good restaurants, so no need to worry about food on your first day (although you may want to ask them to reserve a table for dinner in advance). Alternatively, see this guide for more suggestions on where to stay in Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

Alternative option: If you rather have the same accommodation for this and the next night or if you want to be in a bigger town, consider staying in Borgarnes for two nights. It’s located along the Ring Road, just before Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Staying here would mean that you have less driving on day 1 and you can still easily explore Snaefellsnes from here on day 2. Accommodations in this town are also cheaper than in Snaefellsnes, there are supermarkets and restaurants, and also a nice public pool with hot tubs where you could relax after a day of sightseeing. This pool could be a nice alternative to the Blue Lagoon, not to mention that it’s much cheaper.

Good to know: In Iceland, almost every bigger town has a swimming pool with geothermal water. Most pools are really nice, usually very quiet, and they also have hot tubs and saunas. Furthermore, they cost a fraction of what the famous tourist-oriented geothermal baths cost. It’s usually not more than 1000-1200 ISK (8-10 USD) per person, kids are often free of charge or pay just a minimal fee. Also, most of these pools are open late in the evening, but it’s always good to check opening times online in advance.

TIP: Be sure to pack a quick-drying towel and swimwear for your trip to Iceland! More info and tips on what to pack for Iceland in summer and what to pack for Iceland in winter .

Driving time/distance depends on where you stay. If you start and end in Borgarnes, the whole tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula and back will be about 300 km. If you start in Budir and end in Akranes (Hotel Laxarbakki), you’ll cover about 225 km. As for how long it takes, be sure to start early and plan the whole day to explore all the amazing places in Snaefellsnes.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a wonderful place that has so much to offer – amazing scenery, beautiful coastlines with several lighthouses, stunning waterfalls, picturesque churches, and endless lava fields. You couldn’t choose a better place to start your road trip in Iceland!

Most of the main sights are located at the far end of the Peninsula, are quite close to each other, and can be visited by driving the circular loop. It doesn’t matter that much in which direction you drive, but most day tourists arriving from Reykjavik start in Budir and continue clockwise. So if you go in the other direction, you could avoid the biggest crowds in some areas. Either way, if you want to see all the main sights in a day, be sure to start early. You’ll want to stay longer everywhere!

Must-see places are: Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss, Saxholar Crater, Djúpalónssandur, Londrangar View Point, Arnarstapi Cliffs, Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, Búðakirkja, and Bjarnarfoss. But there’s so much more than that!

TIP: For more information on what to see and where to go, please see our guide to the best places to see in Snaefellsnes Peninsula . For practical tips and a suggested one-day itinerary, please see our guide below.

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Visiting Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Where to stay: If you stayed in Borgarnes on day 1 of this itinerary, you could stay at the same hotel on day 2 as well.

If, however, you stayed in Arnarstapi or any other place on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you may want to continue your trip a bit more in the direction of the Golden Circle. That way, you don’t have to drive too far the next day. In that case, you could either stay in Borgarnes (see suggestions above) or choose a hotel a bit closer to the Golden Circle already.

One of the best-rated hotels in this area is Hotel Laxarbakki . They have apartments for all group sizes and they also have a restaurant where you can have dinner and breakfast. The location of this hotel would fit this itinerary quite well.

In fact, it could be good accommodation for day 1 as well – everything really depends on how much you want to drive on which day and how many different hotels you want to stay in. This hotel is about a 1-hour drive from Snaefellsnes Peninsula and about 45 minutes drive from your first stop on day 3 of this itinerary.

Driving time/distance is about 250 km, 3h of driving time not including any stops. Count an entire day for this area.

Golden Circle is the most popular destination in Iceland, after the Blue Lagoon. This is one of those places that every tourist visiting Iceland will include in their itinerary. The reason is quite simple – there are lots of really nice natural landmarks here and it’s close to Reykjavik. Some people find it too touristy and too crowded, but if this is your first time in Iceland, you’ll definitely want to see this area as well.

The three main places that you have to see along the Golden Circle are Thingvellir National Park , Gullfoss Waterfall , and Geysir geothermal area with the active Strokkur Geyser that erupts at regular intervals every 5-7 minutes.

Other nice places include Öxarárfoss waterfall and Kerid Crater . If you are looking for a special place to eat, Fridheimar Tomato Farm and Restaurant is a very popular choice. If you are looking for a unique activity, you may want to consider Silfra Snorkeling in Thingvellir National Park.

There are also a few geothermal baths in this area – Secret Lagoon and Laugarvatn Fontana. It could be a nice way to end your day, but you can also just opt for a hotel with a hot tub or go to the public swimming pool in Hella town where I recommend staying on this day.

Your itinerary for this day could look like this: visit Thingvellir National Park (+ Silfra snorkeling if that’s your thing), don’t miss Öxarárfoss at Thingvellir, Geysir area , Gullfoss waterfall , late lunch at Fridheimar Tomato Farm , (maybe Secret Lagoon), Kerid Crater . Drive to Hella and visit a local pool in the evening instead of going to Secret Lagoon – see below.

If you are looking for even more details about visiting this area, please check out day 1 in our 4-day Iceland itinerary .

Where to stay: There are many accommodations in the Golden Circle area, but probably the best location for this itinerary would be staying in Hella town along the south coast. It’s close to the Golden Circle and in the direction of the places that you’ll be visiting next.

There are quite some accommodations and good facilities in and near Hella and also a nice public swimming pool . This is also a great place to stay if you want to take a day trip to the Icelandic highlands the next day – see below. So you could stay in Hella for two nights and not have to change hotels every night.

TIP: The nicest luxury hotel in this area is Hotel Ranga . On a mid-range budget, check out Stracta Hotel Hella (some rooms here have private hot tubs!) or Hotel Kanslarinn Hella (one of the top picks in the area). Here you can find the best deals for all Hella accommodation .

Driving time/distance depends on where you choose to visit. If you go to the highlands, go with a tour and they’ll do all the driving. In that case, your day trip will probably take about 10 hours in total. If you go to Heimaey Island, it’s about 45 km/ 30 minutes drive to the ferry from Hella, so 90km/ 1 hour of total driving time on this day.

On day 4 of your Iceland trip, I recommend that you get a bit off the beaten path and do something special by either taking a day trip to the Icelandic highlands or visiting Heimaey Island just off the south coast. I have to be honest with you – most first-time visitors do not include any of these two places in their Iceland itinerary. But I think that visiting one of these places will make your entire trip so much more special. If you have 8 days in Iceland, consider visiting both of these!

Good to know: As already mentioned, this 7-day road trip is recommended in summer (+- from May to September), and that’s also a great season to visit both – the highlands and Heimaye Island.

However, the highlands are usually not accessible before mid-June, so if you are planning a trip in May or early June, visit Heimaey Island instead. It’s also an excellent time to see puffins there (they are usually around between May and August). If you are visiting later in the summer, you’ll have to choose just one of these places as they both require an entire day. Or, plan 8 days in Iceland and do both.

The Highlands or…

If you decide to go to the Icelandic highlands , we recommend that you visit Landmannalaugar . It’s one of the most beautiful relatively easily accessible places in the highlands and it fits this itinerary very well. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and it’s like no other place you’ll see during this week in Iceland. It’s well worth it!

The best way to do this is by joining this popular tour to Landmannalaugar that can pick you up from Hella. Upon booking, choose the Reykjavik pickup option and afterwards send them a message to say that you’ll actually be in Hella. By starting here, you save about 2 hours drive each way (so 4 hours in total), so your day isn’t nearly as tiring as doing this tour from Reykjavik.

Good to know: You could also visit this part of the highlands on your own, but driving here requires a good 4×4 and insurance coverage that allows you to drive on the F roads. So because you don’t really need an expensive 4×4 for the rest of this itinerary, we recommend renting a cheaper car and visiting the highlands with a tour. Plus, these days, you have to make a reservation in order to book a parking spot at Landmannalaugar (more info here ).

TIP: If you have a higher budget, you could also opt for a private day tour instead . In that case, also contact the tour company to arrange to pick you up at your accommodation in Hella and not in Reykjavik.

Alternative option is to visit the Thorsmork area – it’s also in the highlands, but very different than Landmannalaugar. It’s located close to the Ring Road and can be visited in the colder season as well (so not only in the summer ). But since you have to cross a very unpredictable river, you definitely need to go by a super jeep. You can find lots of tour options . For example, this highly-rated tour starts very close to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall so it’s very easy to add it to this itinerary.

… or Heimaey Island

Heimaey Island is the only inhabited island of the Westman Islands archipelago, just off the south coast of Iceland. To get here, you’ll need to take a ferry from Landeyjahöfn, about a 30-40 minutes drive from Hella. The ferry ride also takes about 40 minutes and you need to get there about half an hour in advance as well.

Here you can find ferry schedules and prices . If you want to be sure that you can visit the island on the day and on the ferry that you want, it’s best to reserve in advance!

Once on the island, there are quite some interesting places to see – Eldheimar Museum and Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary are a must. You can also go hiking on Mount Eldfell , take a boat tour around the island, explore the village , or go looking for puffins .

Please note that you don’t need to bring your car to the island if you are just planning to stay close to town. So you can leave your car at the ferry terminal in Landeyjahöfn.

However, if you want to see puffins, the best location is about 5-6 km away from town. You can either walk (count more than an hour one way), rent a bike, bring your own car on the ferry (which is more expensive and spaces are limited), or go on a local tour. I recommend that you join this great 2-hour tour from Heimaey Harbor that not only brings you to the puffins but also gives you a great overview of what life is like on Heimaey Island.

TIP: In the article linked below, you can find all the details and practical information on how to visit Heimaey Island and what to see and do there.

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Visiting Heimaey Island

Where to stay: In the late afternoon or in the evening, take the ferry back to the mainland and drive back to your accommodation in Hella where you stayed last night. Alternatively, you could also choose to stay on the island (not really a must and you’d lose some time the next day) or choose a place close to Seljalandsfoss waterfall .

But the driving distances aren’t big and I think you’ll have a more relaxing trip if you just stay at the same hotel as the previous night.

TIP: If you visited Heimaey Island on this day, be sure to stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall on your way back to the hotel (see more info about it on day 5 below). It’s just on your way and it’s likely to be much less busy here in the evening than the next morning.

Driving time/distance between Hella and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is about 300 km/ 3.5 hours driving time, not including sightseeing.

Iceland’s South Coast is another extremely popular region that is included in most Iceland itineraries and is also one of the most popular tours from Reykjavik .

The way this 7-day Iceland itinerary is designed, you will be driving the south coast twice – first to get to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and then back in the direction of Reykjavik. So there are many possibilities on how you spend days 5 and 6 of this itinerary, depending on your interests, where you decide to stay, and the activities you choose. The itinerary suggested below is just an example, so use it just as an indication of what’s possible and adjust it if needed.

The main places you have to see along the South Coast are Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the black sand beach in Vik – Reynisfjara, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Skaftafell National Park, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the famous Diamond Beach next to it.

Also nice to see is the scenery at Stokksnes, Hofskirkja church, Skogar Museum, Dyrhólaey lighthouse, Eldhraun Lava Fields, and Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon. In addition, there are some nice activities like glacier hiking or ice caves that you can visit here as well. In this itinerary, we split all these areas and activities over two days.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do on the South Coast of Iceland

So on day 5 of this itinerary, I suggest that you visit the south coast and drive all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon . You could also visit Stokksnes on this day (the furthest point of this itinerary).

It might look like a lot to do in just a day, but most of these places are located right next to Ring Road and don’t require that much time to visit. And if you find that it’s too much for one day, you can also visit a few of these places on the way back in the direction of Reykjavik the next day.

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, best known as a waterfall where you can walk behind the falling water. It’s a very popular place along the South Coast, so if you haven’t visited it on the previous day, get here as early as you can.

Just a 5-minutes walk to the left from this waterfall, you can find a real hidden gem – Gljúfrabúi waterfall . It’s indeed hidden inside the gorge, so many people miss it. Be sure to check it out!

After that, stop at Skogafoss Waterfall (also try to beat the crowds by getting there early). While it’s not a must, I highly recommend that you also pay a visit to Skogar Museum , just a 5-minute drive from the waterfall parking. It’s an open-air museum where you can see Icelandic turf houses – well worth a visit (opening times and more info here ).

Continue along the south coast to Vik and visit the famous black-sand beach Reynisfjara . Also the nearby Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and Kirkjufjara Beach are worth a short visit.

Another nice stop along the Ring Road in the direction of Jokulsarlon is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon . Also, if you are interested in visiting Stokksnes , you probably want to go there first before coming back to the Jokulsarlon area where I recommend staying for the night.

If you can time to be at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon around sunset, that would be amazing. The Diamond Beach across the road from the glacier lagoon is usually wonderful when icebergs are lit by the evening sun.

During the day, you can also take boat tours on the glacier lagoon (the last ones run around 6-6.30 PM). So if you want to do that, be sure to book the last tour in advance and plan your day in such a way that you can get there on time. Alternatively, you can take the very first tour the next morning. Or simply walk around and enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the glacial lagoon from the shore.

Where to stay: I recommend spending a night close to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. By staying nearby, you can visit this incredible place late in the evening or early in the morning when there are no day tourists around. It’s also amazing being able to see the glacier lagoon and the icebergs at sunset!

The nicest and best-located hotels in this area are Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon and Hali Country Hotel . Here you can find more suggestions on where to stay near Jokulsarlon .

Alternative – if you prefer fewer hotels on this road trip – you could stay in the area around Kirkjubæjarklaustur for two nights and visit the places mentioned for this and the next day in a somewhat different order. Just take a look at the map, places you want to visit, and activities you want to do, and see what makes the most sense for you. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is located about halfway between Vik and Jokulsarlon and is a good base for this area.

Good to know: There are very few accommodations in this area and they tend to sell out fast. If you are traveling in the high season, booking long in advance is essential! To give you an idea, in some years, all the hotels in this area for the summer months are fully booked by February – March. So if you find something that suits your travel dates, reserve asap!

DAY 6: Skaftafell, Glaciers, Vik

Driving time/distance between Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Vik is about 190 km/ 2.5 hours driving time, not including sightseeing.

Today, you can visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (if not done yet) and then continue back along the South Coast in the direction of Vik. If there were any places that you skipped the previous day, you could stop there on your way back. In addition, you can go hiking, book a glacier hike, or go on an ice cave tour.

This is what your day could look like: visit Jokulsarlon , stop at Hofskirkja , do a short hike at Skaftafell – Vatnajökull National Park , book a glacier hike near Skaftafell OR an ice cave tour from Vik . If none of this interests you, check out Icelandic Lava Show in Vik instead.

In the morning, head to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and explore Diamond Beach if you didn’t see it the night before. Even if you did, it’s a really special place that you’ll likely be glad to return to again, also because the scenery here changes all the time.

You can also take a boat tour on the lagoon (if not done the day before), just be sure to go on the very first tour in the morning so that you have plenty of time for other activities afterwards. The earliest tours usually start at around 9-9.30 AM and some of them only take half an hour, so you can easily do that if you want to.

TIP: You can also visit a smaller glacier lagoon nearby, Fjallsarlon . It’s just a few minutes drive from Jokulsarlon, but it’s less known and there are usually hardly any people there. Also, Hofskirkja turf church is a nice short stop along the Ring Road.

Next, I recommend that you choose to either visit Skaftafell, aka Vatnajökull National Park (there are many hikes in Skaftafell), go on a glacier hike, or visit an ice cave .

If you plan well – and depending on tour times and availability – you could visit Skaftafell first and then book an ice cave tour in the afternoon, or you could first go hiking on a glacier and afterwards decide if you also want to hike at Skaftafell NP before driving to Vik.

Skaftafell – Vatnajökull National Park is about 60 km/ 45 minutes drive from Jokulsarlon, back in the direction of Reykjavik. There are many hiking trails here, of various lengths and difficulties (pop in at the visitor center and ask for suggestions).

If you are short on time, I recommend either an easy hike to Skaftafellsjökull for a nice view on the glacier (count 1-1.5 hours) or a moderate hike to Svartifoss (the Black Waterfall). This is the most popular hike, it’s about 3 km (2 miles) in total, goes uphill (and downhill on the way back), and takes about 1.5-2 hrs in total.

There is also a popular glacier hiking tour that starts at Skaftafell. This tour takes about 3 hours and it runs (almost) daily. Usually, there’s at least one departure in the morning and one in the afternoon. If you decide to go in the afternoon, you can easily do a short hike in Skaftafell before that.

If you rather go in the morning, then be sure to plan your Jokulsarlon visit very early (and skip the boat) so that you can get here in time. For more information and practical tips, please check our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Glacier Hiking in Iceland

Alternatively, you can also opt for an ice cave tour . Yes, even in summer (although it’s always better in winter)! While the majority of natural ice caves in Iceland can only be visited in winter, the Katla ice cave near Vik can normally be visited the whole year (still, remember that it’s a natural phenomenon and so the situation can change at any time).

You can only get there with a tour and this is the best-rated tour that I was able to find . It’s a relatively easy tour, it runs from Vik, and it also takes just 3 hours. You also get to walk on a glacier on this tour, but it’s a different experience than a glacier hike. This one is just meant to get to the cave and is not the most beautiful glacier.

Depending on the season, they have several departure times every day (around 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM). Since Vik is about 1.5 hours drive from Skaftafell NP, you should be able to catch the late afternoon tour even if you go hiking in Skaftafell first. If you aren’t interested in hiking, you could even drive to Vik for an earlier tour or simply do the drive in a more relaxed way, stopping at some other attractions that we mentioned on day 6 of this itinerary.

On the way to Vik, stop at Eldhraun lava field . It’s a nice photo stop and a good place to stretch your legs a bit. Just be respectful of nature and stay on walking paths.

TIP: If none of the glacier tours interest you and you have some time to spare on this day, you can visit Icelandic Lava Show in Vik . It’s open until 8 PM and is great for the whole family. The Katla ice cave tour starts and ends here as well, so you could definitely combine the two!

Where to stay: In theory, you could just drive straight to Reykjavik in the evening (about 2.5 hours drive from Vik). However, if you do one of the glacier tours mentioned above, you’ll likely be quite tired. So we suggest that you stay in Vik for a night. You can easily drive to Reykjavik the next morning and still have plenty of time to explore the city.

There are quite some accommodations in Vik . Some of the nicest hotels are Hotel Kria and Hotel Katla , and there are many more places to stay for all budgets.

TIP: If you are in Vik at around sunset, I suggest that you go (back) to Reynisfjara beach which we also mentioned on day 5 of this itinerary. It’s spectacular at sunset – a great way to end your day!

DAY 7: Reykjavik or Reykjanes Peninsula

Driving distance/time from Vik to Reykjavik is about 190 km/ 2.5 hours. If you decide to drive to Reykjanes Peninsula instead, it’s pretty much the same distance. In that case, don’t drive to Reykjavik, but leave the Ring Road in Selfoss and take the road next to the coast.

On the last day of your week in Iceland, you can drive to Reykjavik and visit the city. Alternatively, if you are more interested in Iceland’s natural attractions, you can also head to Reykjanes Peninsula (where also Keflavik airport is located for your flight back home).

Reykjavik or…

If you choose to visit Reykjavik , you can easily see the main highlights of the city in one afternoon. Take a walk along the harbor and check out the Sun Voyager statue and Harpa concert hall building. Then walk in the direction of Lake Tjörnin and check out the tiny building of the Icelandic Parliament. There are also several museums in this area.

Be sure to walk through the city center (Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur streets and the area around them). Don’t miss Hallgrimskirkja Church and take an elevator to the top of the church tower for amazing views over Reykjavik and its surroundings.

The FlyOver Iceland Experience is located quite centrally, close to the Harpa Concert Hall, and is one of the most special experiences in Reykjavik.

Another nice place to visit is Perlan – Wonders of Iceland Museum , a bit outside the city center. If you want to see it, you could drive there upon arrival in the city before going to the center.

Another possibility is booking a puffin and whale-watching tour from Reykjavik harbor. Most tours take 2-3 hours and there are multiple departures during the day. In summer, you can even go on a midnight sun whale-watching tour .

Where to stay: If you decide to stay in the city, please check our guide to where to stay in Reykjavik . It has all the information you need, including the best hotels with parking.

PRO TIP: No matter what you choose to do during the day, reserve tickets for Sky Lagoon in the evening. It’s one of the nicest (if not the best) geothermal pools in Iceland and the ocean views are stunning. Their 7-step ritual is a must. This is a great place to end your trip in Iceland!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik & Itinerary for 1 Day in Reykjavik

or… Reykjanes Peninsula

Important ! If you want to visit Reykjanes Peninsula or the Blue Lagoon, be sure to check the most up-to-date information on recent volcanic activity! Most places are not impacted at all, but the Blue Lagoon has been closed on several occasions recently.

Reykjanes Peninsula is another really nice area to see before you leave Iceland. It’s like the whole country in a nutshell. If your 7-day Iceland trip indeed ends on this day, then you could visit a few places here on your way to the airport. Alternatively, you could also come here before your flight the next day.

There’s a lot to see and do on Reykjanes Peninsula, so you can always find something interesting depending on how much time you have. Some of the main highlights include Valahnúkamöl Cliffs, Reykjanes Lighthouse, Gunnuhver, Bridge Between Continents, Seltún Geothermal Area, Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs, Strandarkirkja, and Garður Lighthouse.

The Fagradalsfjall volcano which erupted in March 2021 and July 2023 is also located here, just like the Meradalir volcano which erupted in August 2022. There have been many more eruptions in this area in late 2023 – early 2024 so the landscape is changing all the time…

The famous Blue Lagoon is located on Reykjanes Peninsula as well. If you haven’t visited the Blue Lagoon on your first day in Iceland, you’ll probably want to do it on the last day. Count 2-3 hours for a visit. And be sure to book your timed tickets in advance !

For more information about all these places and also hotel suggestions if you decide to stay close to the airport, please check our detailed guide to this area via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Reykjanes Peninsula

TIP: If you only have time for one – Reykjavik or Reykjanes Peninsula, please see our article ‘ Is Reykjavik worth it ‘. It might help you decide. In all honesty, it’s a tough choice and if this is your first trip to Iceland, you’ll likely feel like you absolutely have to see its capital city. But if you prefer nature destinations as we do, then you really can’t go wrong with Reykjanes Peninsula.

On our last 10-day trip to Iceland , we didn’t even stop in Reykjavik at all. It was a very different trip, more off the beaten path, but we also started our trip in Snaefellsnes and ended in Reykjanes (just as I suggest in this itinerary) and we all loved it. So it’s really your call.

If you have a full 7 days in Iceland and your flight departs on the 8th day, maybe you can visit both, the city and the Peninsula.

So, this is our suggested self-drive itinerary for one week in Iceland. You can quite easily adjust it depending on your flight times and your interests, and you can also flip it around if you prefer.

As you can see, there’s so much to see and do in the south and the west of Iceland that you’ll already have difficulties choosing where to go and what to skip.

7 Days in Iceland Itinerary on the Map

TIP: To make your trip planning easier, I also created this map , indicating all the places mentioned in our detailed 7-day Iceland itinerary above.

As you can see, we gave each day a different color so that you have a better idea of where everything is and how it all fits in this itinerary. Only for the last day of the trip, we split Reykjavik attractions and Reykjanes Peninsula attractions by indicating them in another color. As already mentioned, you could opt to visit both these places on different days if it better fits your flight schedule.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Alternative Itinerary: Ring Road of Iceland in 7 Days

Because so many of our readers ask for an itinerary for Iceland’s Ring Road in a week, below is an overview of a suggested itinerary.

Once again, you can drive the entire Ring Road in 7 days, but I really recommend that you opt for fewer places and explore more rather than spend the majority of your time in a car.

If you absolutely want to see ‘everything’ in Iceland in one week, then you could use this alternative 7-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary :

• Day 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon/Sky Lagoon, Reykjavik.
• Day 2: South Coast to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
• Day 3: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Eastfjords.
• Day 4: Lake Myvatn area .
• Day 5: The North Coast of Iceland (don’t miss Hvitserkur ).
• Day 6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula .
• Day 7: Back in Reykjavik and departure.

If you decide to do this, keep in mind that it will be rushed and you’ll have to plan very well in order to be able to see just the main places everywhere. We recommend this 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary instead.

So, this is my suggested one week Iceland itinerary. These suggestions are based on our various trips to Iceland, including recommendations for all the best places in this part of Iceland. It’s not a standard copy-paste itinerary that you’ll find described anywhere else, but I have no doubt that you’ll absolutely love it!

And when you do this trip, please come back to our blog and leave a comment under this article telling us how it went – we love to hear feedback from our readers !

TIP: If you are looking for more information for your trip to Iceland, practical tips, clothing advice, etc. please check our complete travel guide to Iceland .

If you have any questions about this 7-day Iceland itinerary, feel free to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help. Alternatively, please join our Facebook group for Iceland & Scandinavia Travel – it’s a great place to meet other travelers, ask questions, and share experiences.

READ ALSO: Iceland Travel Tips

More tips for your trip to Iceland:

• What to see: Best Places to See in Iceland
• Airport transfers: How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Iceland & Where to Stay in Reykjavik
• Packing: What to Wear in Iceland in Winter and What to Pack for Iceland in Summer
• Tours: Best Tours and Day Trips in Iceland and Best Half Day Tours from Reykjavik
• More itinerary suggestions: Iceland Itinerary for 1 to 14 Days
• Winter trip: Iceland in Winter (travel tips and useful Info) & Best Winter Day Trips from Reykjavik
• More: Check out our Iceland travel guide for even more inspiration and tips for your trip.

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: personal collection and Depositphotos.com

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Tuesday 19th of March 2024

Thank you for such a thorough review of touring Iceland in 7 days! It is overwhelming for sure. Can you comment on how much the current volcano activity would impact your suggested itinerary? It is hard to tell if this itinerary allows much time for hiking. What hikes are must do's for the best scenery? We are planning a trip in July and hoping we can find hotels/cottages at this point.

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

Hi Natalie, the recent volcano activity shouldn't influence most travelers visiting Iceland. It's concentrated in Reykjanes Peninsula around Grindavik, so if you follow this itinerary, you may want to skip Reykjanes Peninsula and visit Reykjavik instead (see day 7). The only major tourist attraction that you may not be able to visit is the Blue Lagoon which has been closed on quite a few occasions due to the volcanic activity recently. So to be safe, I would book Sky Lagoon instead (or book both and see how the situation is when you visit). As for hiking, so much depends on your interests and when you visit. But yes, there are some possibilities for short hikes in various places in this itinerary, especially if you are visiting in summer and don't mind staying up late (it stays light all the time in the early summer). However, if you want to do longer hikes (half a day or longer) then I recommend planning some extra time in Iceland. In this itinerary, you could do a hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (day 2), a short hike to Öxarárfoss Waterfall on the Golden Circle (day 3), there are quite some hiking possibilities on both - Heimaey Island and Landmannalaugar (day 4 - or add another day and visit both places), you can also hike a bit along the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (day 5) and there are a few nice 2-4 hour hikes to choose from at Skaftafell National Park, plus, you can do a glacier hike in this area (day 6). Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning and yes, book accommodations asap. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 12th of March 2024

This post has been my North Star in my planning. Thank you for the wonderful information! Would you recommend langjokull ice cave over Katla? or maybe Katla over Langjokull? doing both is a bit outside our price range, but we do have time.

Monday 18th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thank you! We are following your advice on staying Borgarnes the first night, thinking of stopping at the Perlan after Blue Lagoon on our way to the airbnb. What would you say is the minimum amount of time to enjoy the Perlan?

Wednesday 13th of March 2024

Hi Marina, the ice cave that most tours visit at Langjokull is a man-made ice tunnel inside a glacier (see the pictures of this tour) except for this tour which goes to a recently-discovered natural ice cave. Katla Ice Cave is also a natural cave - see the pictures here. At Langjokull, you know more or less what to expect whereas natural ice caves might look quite different depending on when you visit them. Having said that, my personal preference always goes to natural ones, but that's also because we have visited dozens of man-made ice tunnels in our travels and they all look similar. I'd say take a look at the pictures, see what appeals to you the most, and also check which tour you could best fit into your itinerary (check availability!) and decide based on that. You can't really go wrong with any of them - it will always be worth it. PS If you want to see a more affordable man-made ice tunnel in Iceland, you can also visit the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik. The tunnel they have there is made of real ice. Plus, they have an amazing Arora show as well. Hope this helps!

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Hello! Thank you so much for this! I've seen lots of information for one week in Iceland and yours seems to really hit all the marks! We have 7 nights, so I'm trying to decide how to space everything out...we were thinking we might do the food tour and Blue Lagoon when we land on Saturday in July. Then drive to Snaefellsnes. Would 2 nights there be too much? Then, 2 nights in Hella, and two nights in Vik? Then, drive back for our 5pm flight the following Saturday (maybe hitting the Sky Lagoon before our flight). Thanks!

Wednesday 28th of February 2024

Hi Katy, your plan sounds good if you want to minimize the number of hotels during the trip. Just a few things. First, because of the location of the Sky Lagoon (in the city) and the Blue Lagoon (close to the airport), I would switch those two around. So visit Sky Lagoon on the first day and the Blue Lagoon at the end of your trip. Also, be sure to book both of these well in advance because they always sell out. Second, book your accommodations and car rental asap. Especially hotels outside Reykjavik!

Ornella Zaatar

Monday 19th of February 2024

Thank you for this helpful itinerary. I am trying to plan one of the date in the south coast (Vatjankul National Park). I am still debating if it is worth it to do the Katla ice cave tour and the Jokulsarlon Glacier lagon zodiac tour (which i believe this one is nice) or any other must seen tours/places? So far thats my itinerary. Any advice will be highly appreciate it.

- katla ice cave tour? (3h) -Fjaorargljufur canyon -Skaftafell-Svartifoss -jokulsarlon glacier lagon ( book a zodiac tour) any compagnie in particular? -diamond beach

Thank you in advance.

Wednesday 21st of February 2024

@Jurga, Thank you so much for your help really appreciate it.

I have one more questions regarding the Snaefellsness Peninsula we are going for one day and I made a rough draft: -arrival at 1pm to Stykkisholmur -3pm Kirkjufell and kirkjufellsfoss waterfall -5pm Bjarnarfoss buoir -6:30pm Arnarstapi -8:30pm Saxholl crater

1)Is it a good one? 2)is there places that we must see that I did not put?I just want to make sure we are seeing the must sees in our time there

Thank you so much for all your help. I really appreciate it. Planning Iceland is so exciting but also overwhelming. It is the first trip that I planned that took me a long time to finish the planning haha. Your blog helped me significantly Thanks again!

@Jurga, yes so we are going in summer. My only concern is that we wont make it to the boat tour the last one i checked available was at 4:45pm.

how I calculate it with some buffer time in case of delays or anything -9:30 am to 1:30pm Katla ice cave around 2 hours buffer to arrive and have a stop for snack -3:30-4:40pm: Fjaorargljufur Canyon -6pm Skatafel and Svartifos -7:30 or 8pm:Jokulsarlon glacier lagon -8:30-9pm diamond beach

1) Do you know any zodiac boat tour that starts at later time like 8pm? 2)It might be a stupid question but if we do not do the zodiac boat tour can we still go see the jikylsarlon glacier lagon by ourselfs? 3)Knowing the following itinerary which one would you give up the Katla ice cave or the Jokulsarlon glacier lagon zodiac tour?

Hi Ornella, you forgot to mention when you are traveling, where you are planning to stay, and where you are going the next day, so it's a bit difficult to give tailored advice. But if you are traveling in the summer when the days are long and can get to Vik in time for the morning tour to Katla (this tour starts at 9.30 AM, at least for the days I checked), you should be able to do all this in a day. If you stay close to Jokulsarlon at the end of that day, you can also do the boat trip on the lagoon the next morning. It doesn't matter which company you choose - the main difference is the type of boat you choose - an amphibian boat or a speedboat. In some seasons, there are also kayak tours, but those take longer and cost even more. Hope this helps. Just book any tours you want to do and especially accommodations asap.

Christiana Debono

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and tips !

trying to opt for the 7 day itinerary in september, do you still recommend the same places if a toddler aged 2 yrs is going to tag along or shall we omit from visiting a few places?

Monday 8th of January 2024

Hi Christiana, it's hard for me to say what you can/can't do - so much depends on your family, and how you guys like to travel, but also how you visit certain places. For example, you can visit the highlands with a young kid on your own (in a 4x4), but it's probably not the best idea to book a hiking tour with a group. Yet another thing to consider is accessibility and whether you will be taking a stroller. Many places in nature will be hard to impossible to access with a stroller. Also, you won't be able to do some excursions like e.g. glacier hiking. Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik doesn't allow little kids either. So you'll have to do a bit more research based on your interests, but as far as nature sights go and general itinerary, yes, you can do it with a young child as well. Hope this helps.

10 Best Road Trips in Europe [2024 Europe Road Trips Guide]

F act: road trip destinations don’t get much better than Europe. From the winding alpine roads of Switzerland and France to the spectacular coastal routes in Italy and Ireland, there are more incredible road trips in Europe than you can shake a stick at!

Furthermore, there are road trips for all occasions and interests. The best road trips in Europe take you through wine country, around lakes, into ancient towns, and up sweeping mountain passes. Truly, whether you have an afternoon or an entire month available, if you’re looking for an epic adventure, a cultural experience, or a simple break from the city, there’s a European road trip that’s up to the task.

The tricky part’s deciding which one to do first! To help, we’re going to reveal 10 of the best Europe road trips available – whether you go in a car, a campervan , or on a motorbike. Let’s dive in.

The Best Road Trips in Europe

Wild atlantic way in ireland.

The Wild Atlantic Way is an epic road trip that runs 1600 miles (2600km) along the west coast of Ireland. One of the world’s longest-defined coastal routes, it starts from Derry in the north and ends at the pretty town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south.

Wild in both name and nature, driving the entire distance will reveal the very best of Ireland’s rugged, ancient, and weather-beaten coastline. You’ll pass through stunning countryside and picturesque villages, bearing witness to historic monuments, towering cliffs, and legendary landscapes at every turn.

A few highlights of the route include:

• The magical Cliffs of Moher
• Slieve League (a mountain in Country Donegal whose name in Irish means “mountain of stone pillars”)
• The lively and historic town of Galway, and
• The Ring of Kerry (another famous European road trip)

North Coast 500 in Scotland

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is Scotland’s answer to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Widely regarded as the best road trip in Scotland, it brings together 500+ miles of the country’s most impressive scenery, sights, and attractions.

Passing through the notorious Highlands, your mind will boggle at the remote and unblemished beauty on display. Quaint fishing villages, sugar-soft white sand beaches, age-old lochs, rugged mountains, and sites of historical significance are just a few of the hidden gems you can expect to encounter.

Starting and finishing in Inverness – the UK’s northernmost city – you hug the coast of Scotland along a series of existing roads that form a loop around the top of the country. This road trip was actually only established in 2014 but quickly became popular among locals and visitors alike. A few highlights of the route include:

• The huge Smoo Cave, which was formed by both sea and rainwater (making it unique in the UK)
• The ruins of Ardvreck Castle at Loch Assynt
• The wildlife (especially the infamous highland deer!)
• The mile-long Corrieshallock Gorge, complete with a Victorian suspension bridge that crosses it

Check out our guide to things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland .

Atlantic Road in Norway

Often referred to as one of the most beautiful drives on the planet, the Atlantic Road in Norway is a real sight to behold. A unique route and remarkable feat of engineering, the road connects Averoy with the mainland, snaking out over the ocean in a series of small islands and bridges.

Proof that the best road trips in Europe aren’t always the longest, the Atlantic Road itself is only 5 miles (8km) long. Officially, it runs from Karvag to Vevang. However, it forms one section of a longer National Tourist Route between Bud and Kristiansund – the entirety of which is worth driving.

A phenomenal road trip, it’ll be a struggle to keep your eyes on the road as you gaze at the coastal scenery – views that chop and change depending on the weather conditions you happen to experience at the time.

Explore more of Norway! Here are the best things to do in Oslo , family-friendly things to do in Bergen , and our guide to exploring Norway’s fjords .

Almafi Coast in Italy

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular travel destinations. And for a good reason! This 30-mile (50km) stretch of coastline is unlike any other on the planet.

Colorful old villages sit atop sheer cliffs, with cerulean waters below reflecting the blue skies and blazing sun above . Beautiful beaches and hikes litter the area, matched only by the mass of restaurants, bars, shopping opportunities…and tourists!

Trust us, a road trip along this inimitable coastline is hard to beat. Driving down the Amalfi Coast road, otherwise known as the SS163, will leave you speechless.

A staggering stretch of tarmac, it hugs the cliffs and winds through pristine, pastel-colored towns – starting in Sorrento and heading south past Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Vietri sul Mare. Take it slow, stop to explore each town, and fall in love with the aptly-named Divina Costiera (AKA the Divine Coast).

Arctic Coast Way in Iceland

You’ll find another of the best road trips in Europe in Iceland. One of the most picturesque countries on earth, it’s full of incredible sights and natural wonders – as well as infamous driving routes that take you past some of its most iconic attractions.

Chief among Iceland’s famous road trips is the Arctic Coast Way. This epic, 560-mile (900km) journey runs along the country’s northern coast, encompassing six peninsulas and just as many islands. The whole route takes anywhere from 3 to 12 days to drive, and a 4×4 is recommended for the trip.

This is nature at its finest, and you’ll pass a huge array of unforgettable attractions. Indeed, it’d require an entire article to provide a complete list of Arctic Coast highlights! To keep things short, here are a select few items to add to your Iceland road trip itinerary:

• The Hofsos swimming pool, with its mindblowing views over the ocean
• The Hofsos basalt columns that rival the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
• Humpback whale watching
• The geothermal sea baths at Husavik
• The Arctic Henge in Raufarhofn

Transfagarasan Highway in Romania

Welcome to what’s arguably Romania’s best-known road – not to mention one of its most popular tourist attractions.

Over 93 miles (150km) in length and with countless twists and turns, the Transfagarasan Highway looks like it was built solely to please road trippers! Expect switchback after switchback through a stunning landscape , leading up to an impressive high point of 6500 feet and exceptional views over the surrounding area.

The road cuts a striking sight – especially from above. Another amazing feat of engineering, it winds back and forth up a beautiful natural gorge, passes through tunnels, and crosses the Vidraru Dam (offering a fantastic look at the eponymous lake in the process).

Be sure to take your time and stop at the viewing points as you go. This is partly to stay safe on the ascent! But, with so much beauty on display, it’s mainly so you can make the most of the Transfagarasan Highway’s unbelievable scenery.

Ready to explore the Romanian capitol? Here are 10 great activities in Bucharest, Romania to enjoy with kids .

Route Napoleon in France

Route Napoleon isn’t just one of the best road trips in Europe. It’s also one of the most famous.

Following an escape route that Napoleon Bonaparte took in the early 19 th Century, the journey takes you 200 miles (325km) from the coastal town of Golfe-Juan, in the French Riviera, all the way north to the city of Grenoble.

The route’s as scenic as it is historic, too, passing a wide range and ever-changing landscapes from sweet-smelling lavender fields and pine forests to rolling hills, rocky outcrops, gorges, and mountains. Get ready for stunning vistas and equally impressive roads at every turn.

Trekaroo Tip: You can stick with tradition and attempt this Europe road trip in the same direction as Napoleon (from south to north). Yet many people choose to do it from north to south instead. That way, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea when you approach the French Riviera at the end.

Romantic Road in Germany

Romantic in both name and nature, this wonderful road trip is one of the very best in Germany. The Romantische Straße , as it’s called there, is 285 miles (460km) long and takes you through a slew of charming towns and jaw-dropping countryside, complete with ancient castles that look like something straight out of a Disney movie!

As for how long this road trip takes, consider giving yourself between three and four days to go from the start, in Wurzburg, until the end in Fussen. To prolong your German adventure, we recommend spending another couple of days in Munich afterward. Located just over 1.5 hours away from Fussen, the Capital of Bavaria is a popular travel destination in its own right.

Oberalp Pass in Switzerland

Searching for another iconic European road to drive down? Look no further than Oberalp Pass (AKA Route 19) in Switzerland.

Located at over 6,719 feet (2,048m) above sea level, this high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps connects the Graubunden and Uri cantons. However, all you really need to know is that it’s utterly phenomenal! Just under 20 miles long, the pass runs from Disentis to Andermatt and provides unbelievable views of the surrounding mountains at every twist and turn in the road.

Steep and riddled with switchbacks, the pass is magnificent. Take note, though: Oberalp Pass is usually impassable between the end of October through April (although the final dates depend on how much snow and meltwater are present).

Read our full guide to visiting Switzerland with kids .

Glossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Last but not least on this list of the best road trips in Europe is the Glossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria – the highest paved mountain road in the country.

Popular with cyclists and sports car enthusiasts alike, this memorable toll route climbs up to an almighty 8215 feet (2504m) above sea level in a mere 30 miles (48km), with no fewer than 36 hairpin bends along the way. It runs from Fusch-Furleiten in Salzburg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, taking you into the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park in the process.

Once again, this European road trip isn’t available all year round. It’s usually open from the start of May until the end of October, although inclement weather conditions can restrict access to the road at any time of year.

As you can tell, thanks to its countless scenic roads and awe-inspiring landscapes, this diverse continent across the pond is a haven for anyone with a penchant for road trips. In fact, there are so many routes available that picking one can feel impossible!

With any luck, the options in this post will have given you some useful inspiration for which European road trip to do first. From the stunning Swiss Alps to the rugged coastline of Ireland, any of them is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Danny Newman is a digital nomad and freelance writer with a deep passion for travel. He’s also mad about #vanlife and offers fellow enthusiasts wide-ranging advice and inspiration on the topic over at campervantips.com .