Itinerary #1: Iceland Extended Ring Road Self-Drive Adventure
Perfect for first-time visitors to Iceland, this 10-day road trip brings you on an incredible journey along the country's four coastlines. On the southern and eastern coasts, you'll hop between waterfalls, boat on iceberg-filled waters, and ATV through wilderness trails. Then, explore the volcanic regions of Lake Mývatn and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in northern and western Iceland before wrapping up your adventure back in Reykjavík.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Iceland, Drive to the Golden Circle, Silfra Snorkeling | Golden Circle |
Day 2 | Drive to Vík via South Coast Beaches & Zipline Adventure | Vík |
Day 3 | Drive to Höfn via Skaftafell Nature Reserve & Lagoon Zodiac Tour | Höfn |
Day 4 | Drive to the Eastfjords, ATV Tour | Egilsstaðir |
Day 5 | Drive to Lake Mývatn, Hiking & Hot Springs | Lake Mývatn |
Day 6 | Day Trip to Húsavik: Waterfalls, Canyons & Horseback Ride | Lake Mývatn |
Day 7 | Drive to Laugarbakki via Akureyri, Goðafoss & Whitewater Rafting | Laugarbakki |
Day 8 | Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Wildlife Hike | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
Day 9 | Drive to Reykjavík via West Iceland Waterfalls & Lava Caves | Reykjavík |
Day 10 | Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon, Depart Iceland |
Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins at the Keflavík International Airport, where you'll collect a rental car and drive along the famous Golden Circle to the Silfra fissure. Here, you'll snorkel between two continents and overnight before hitting the road to Vík, stopping en route to admire puffins and thundering waterfalls. Over the following two days, continue your journey to the Eastfjords town of Egilsstaðir, pausing for thrilling nature excursions like glacier boat tours and hikes alongside fjords. Next, it's time to head north to the volcanic region of Lake Mývatn for a two-night stay.
Your time based in Lake Lake Mývatn is filled with unique excursions, including a hike amid lava-rock formations and a drive along the spectacular Diamond Circle. Afterward, continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and along the way, break for a thrilling rafting trip and a night in the village of Laugarbakki. A day dedicated to hiking Snæfellsnes Peninsula's quiet coastal trails gives you the opportunity to see fascinating marine mammals; then, it's time to complete your Iceland loop with a drive to Reykjavík. Here, you'll check out city sights and soak in the Blue Lagoon before bidding farewell. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Epic Iceland: Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, South Coast, Westman Islands, & Thorsmork
Hike, boat, 4WD, and ferry your way around Iceland's famous and lesser-known landscapes on this 10-day self-drive adventure. Focusing in on the country's west and south coasts minimizes driving distances so that you can focus your time on the rugged landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the waterfalls dotted along the Golden Circle, and the glacier lagoons near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Other highlights include a soak in the Secret Lagoon, an overnight in the Westman Islands, and a hike among the gorges of Þórsmörk.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Reykjavík, Downtown Tour | Reykjavík |
Day 2 | Drive to Borgarnes & Snæfellsnes, Hike Glymur Falls | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
Day 3 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula Beaches & Villages | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
Day 4 | Drive the Golden Circle, Visit the Secret Lagoon | Golden Circle |
Day 5 | Ferry to Westman Islands, Optional Activities | Westman Islands |
Day 6 | South Coast Waterfalls, Beaches & Cliffs | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
Day 7 | Jökulsárlón Lagoon & Waterfalls | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
Day 8 | Þórsmörk 4WD Tour & Hiking | Þórsmörk |
Day 9 | Drive the South Coast to Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
Day 10 | Visit Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon, Depart |
Your adventure begins in Reykjavík, which is an excellent place to shrug off jetlag while hopping between city highlights. The next morning, with a rental car on hand, you'll hit the road to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Two days here gives you ample time to hike to the staggering Glymur Falls, explore the black sand Djupalonsandur beach, and visit the Shark Museum. Afterward, emabrk on a superb drive along the Golden Circle, pausing along the way to admire the powerful Strokkur Geyser and soak in the Secret Lagoon before boarding a ferry bound for Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands.
In Heimaey, choose between a Zodiac boat ride and a trip to the Eldfell's volcanic cone before ferrying back to the mainland and driving eastward to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Break up the drive with a thrilling hike behind Seljalandsfoss and a visit to the intriguing Reynisdrangar sea stacks; then, after a night's sleep, you'll seek out more of the area's glacier landscapes. The rugged mountain ridge of Þórsmörk is your next destination, and here, a guide will lead the way through the region's gorges and ravines. Afterward, return to Reykjavík, where a trip to the Blue Lagoon wraps up your adventure. Learn more
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Itinerary #3: Best of West Iceland & Scenic Westfjords
Crafted for travelers eager to leave the trodden path, this 10-day Icelandic adventure is all about discovering the remote villages and isolated landscapes of western Iceland. With two nights each based in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Patreksfjörður, Ísafjörður, and Holmavik, you'll have time to soak up local culture and dedicate entire days to sightseeing and hiking. Notable highlights include a picnic near the Dynjandi waterfall, a group trek in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, and a day trip to the fishing village of Djúpavík.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Iceland, Drive to Borgarnes & Snæfellsnes | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
Day 2 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula Beaches & Villages | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
Day 3 | Lava Fields & Ferry to the Westfjords | Patreksfjörður |
Day 4 | Hike the Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs & Visit Rauðasandur Beach | Patreksfjörður |
Day 5 | Picnic at Dynjandi Waterfall, Drive to Ísafjörður | Ísafjörður |
Day 6 | Day Trip to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve | Ísafjörður |
Day 7 | Drive to the Eastern Westfjords & Hólmavík | Holmavik |
Day 8 | Day Trip to Djúpavík & Eastern Westfjords | Holmavik |
Day 9 | Drive to Reykjavík, Optional Activities | Reykjavík |
Day 10 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula, Depart |
Upon arriving at Keflavík International Airport, your 10-day road trip begins with a drive north to Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This region is the perfect place to get your first taste of the country's pristine beauty, and with two days here, you'll have plenty of time to visit the Gerðuberg Cliffs and hike the Berserkjahraun lava fields. Afterward, catch a ferry to the Westfjords and continue to Patreksfjörður, where a memorable trek along the cliffs of Látrabjarg awaits. Continuing north, you'll soon find yourself settling in for a two-night stay in the historical fishing village of Ísafjörður.
While based in Ísafjörður, seize the opportunity to join a group hike in the hard-to-access Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Afterward, pack up your vehicle for a scenic drive east to Hólmavík, pausing to visit the Saltverk Salt Factory and the Arctic Fox Center en route. Once you've reached Hólmavík, spend the evening at the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, then wake early for a leisurely day of hot springs hopping and sightseeing. With your trip winding down, drive back to Reykjavík and spend your final days checking out the city's highlights and surrounding geothermal wonders. Learn more
Itinerary #4: Active Iceland Winter Road Trip
Experience the serenity of Iceland in winter on this 10-day road trip along the country's southern coast. Ideal for travelers who'll happily buddle up in return for quiet trails and unique experiences, you can look forward to hiking atop glaciers, navigating ice caves, trekking to frosted waterfalls, and snowshoeing amid snowy plains. In between, rejuvenate while soaking in hot springs, tucking into cozy restaurants, and chasing northern lights onboard a minibus.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Keflavík, Drive to Reykjavík via Blue Lagoon & Reykjanes Peninsula | Reykjavík |
Day 2 | Drive to Hella via Hot Springs, Geysers & Waterfalls | Hella |
Day 3 | Þórsmörk Super Jeep Tour | Hella |
Day 4 | Drive to Vík via Beaches, Waterfalls & Canyons | Vík |
Day 5 | Drive to Skaftafell via Yoda Cave, Waterfalls, Jökulsárlón Lagoon & Ice Caving | Skaftafell |
Day 6 | Skaftafell Glacier Hike | Skaftafell |
Day 7 | Drive to Hella via Waterfall Hike, Lava Fields, Beaches & Dyrhólaey Arch | Hella |
Day 8 | Snowshoeing Adventure, Drive to Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
Day 9 | Whale Watching & Northern Lights Tour | Reykjavík |
Day 10 | Sky Lagoon, Drive to Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart |
Your wintery Iceland road trip begins with a drive from the Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík, and along the way, you'll get a superb introduction to the country's geothermal wonders during stops at the Blue Lagoon and the Gunnuhver hot springs. Next, venture through snowy landscapes to Þingvellir National Park and the mighty Strokkur Geyser on your way to Hella, and after a restful evening, join a 4WD tour featuring Þórsmörk's waterfalls and dried lava fields. Your road trip then continues to Vík, but before arriving, you'll have paused to explore the frosted waterfalls of Urriðafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Next on your agenda is a scenic drive to Skaftafell, and although it's under a two-hour trip, you'll make a day of it by visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and joining an ice-caving experience. The excitement continues over the following days, with a bucket-list-worthy glacier hike in Skaftafell Nature Reserve on the agenda, as well as a brisk trek in Vatnajökull National Park, an overnight in Hella, and a snowshoeing excursion in the Hengill volcanic area. Then, with two days left on your journey, return to Reykjavík and round off your winter escape with a memorable whale watching and northern lights tour. Learn more
Itinerary #5: Iceland West to North: Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Husavik, Akureyri & More
Perfect for travelers who enjoy the freedom of a slower-paced self-drive adventure, this 10-day Iceland trip is all about embracing the natural beauty of the country's remote west and far north. There's no need to hurry as you make your way from Reykjavík up to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and east to Lake Mývatn. Instead, pause to admire numerous cascading waterfalls, learn about ancient traditions at Glaumbær Farm, test your luck at spotting whales in Húsavik, and plenty more.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Keflavík, Drive the Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
Day 2 | Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
Day 3 | Snæfellsnes Beaches & Villages | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
Day 4 | Drive the Arctic Coast to Varmahlíð | Varmahlid |
Day 5 | Drive to Goðafoss Waterfall & Húsavik, Whale Watching Excursion | Húsavik |
Day 6 | Day Trip to Asbyrgi Canyon & Dettifoss | Húsavik |
Day 7 | Explore Lake Mývatn, Drive to Akureyri | Akureyri |
Day 8 | Drive to Grábrók Crater & Borgarnes | Borgarnes |
Day 9 | Glymur Falls Hike, Drive to Reykjavík & Explore | Reykjavík |
Day 10 | Visit Reykjanes Peninsula & Blue Lagoon, Depart |
Upon landing at Keflavík International Airport and picking up your rental car, your Icelandic journey kicks off with an afternoon exploring the highlights of the Golden Circle. Settled in, you'll trade the trodden path for the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Two days based here ensures you have plenty of time to explore amid its many wonders, including the Gerðuberg Cliffs and the black sand Djupalonsandur beach. Afterward, embark on a memorable drive along the Arctic Coast to Varmahlíð, stopping along the way to learn about traditional houses at Glaumbær Farm and to ponder the mighty Goðafoss waterfall.
Your next destination is Húsavik, a fishing village known for its whale population, and while based here, you'll join a boat cruise in search of these gentle giants and dedicate a day to the Diamond Circle's spectacular canyons, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. Next, drive further north to Lake Mývatn to take in the region's numerous geothermal sights. Afterward, it's time to return to Reykjavík. Break up the trip with overnights in Akureyri and Borgarnes, then spend your final night hopping between Reykjavík's intriguing museums and prepping for your departing flight. Learn more
More Great 10-Day Iceland Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland? Check out these other 10-day Iceland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.