Highlights
- Splash around in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon
- Strap on some crampons for a kid-friendly hike across the icy Snæfellsjökull glacier
- Road trip past waterfalls and canyons as you follow North Iceland's Diamond Circle
- Spot whales and puffins with an eco-friendly cruise off Húsavik
- Play among the black sands and volcanic sea stacks of the Vatnsnes Peninsula
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Keflavík, Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula via Blue Lagoon | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 2 | Drive to Laugarbakki via Snæfellsnes Glaciers, Beaches & Waterfalls | Laugarbakki |
| Day 3 | Drive to Lake Mývatn via River Rafting & Akureyri | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 4 | Diamond Circle Day Trip with Húsavík Whale Watching Adventure | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 5 | Drive to Laugarbakki via the Vatnsnes Peninsula | Laugarbakki |
| Day 6 | Drive to Reykjavík via Húsafell & Langjökull Glacier Tour | Reykjavík |
| Day 7 | Drive to Keflavík via the Reykjanes Peninsula, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Keflavík, Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula via Blue Lagoon
Velkominn til íslands (welcome to Iceland)! After arriving at Keflavík airport and picking up your 4WD, it's time to start your vacation in style with a trip to the family-friendly Blue Lagoon Spa, helpfully positioned 20 minutes drive from the airport. Soak in the mineral-rich geothermal seawater and drift away in contemplation as the turquoise silica and algae-rich waters work their rejuvenating magic. Take a dip with the kids under the lagoon's waterfall and enjoy the in-water bar before seeking refreshments at the on-site café and restaurant.
Now the adventure really begins. The first stop on your road trip is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, sometimes called "Little Iceland," containing all of the country's diversity and natural wonders within 56 miles (96 km). From waterfalls, lava caves, and black-sand beaches to volcanic craters and tiny fishing villages, the West Coast offers plenty of attractions for outdoor-loving families.
Day 2: Drive to Laugarbakki via Snæfellsnes Glaciers, Beaches & Waterfalls
Prepare for a day exploring the wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula before driving to your overnight destination of Laugarbakki, around three hours away. You have two options, depending on your family's energy levels and preferences. In the summer months of July and August, join an exhilarating guided family hike along the Snæfellsjökull glacier, which dominates the peninsula. Suitable for children eight years and above, it's the perfect opportunity to strap on some crampons and get up close and personal with this 700,000-year-old glacier volcano.
Outside of the summer months and for a slightly more sedate (but no less scenic) trip, make your way to the small fishing village of Grundarfjördur to discover the famous Mount Kirkjufell with its steeple-like peak and the dramatic falls at Kirkjufellsfoss—both featured in "Game of Thrones." Journey west toward Snæfellsjökull (enjoying the view of the glacier rather than experiencing it firsthand!) and continue in an anticlockwise loop to reach the coastal rock formations between Hellnar and Arnastapi.
Day 3: Drive to Lake Mývatn via River Rafting & Akureyri
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
The next leg of your Icelandic family adventure starts today as you head 3.5 hours east toward the often-overlooked beauty of North Iceland. There are several must-see highlights on the way toward your destination of Lake Mývatn, and you have a couple of options: drive to Hafgrímsstaðir to spend a few hours rafting down a glacial river, replete with riverside hot springs, or head straight to Akureyri, where you can explore plenty of attractions nearby.
Set at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, and backed by picture-perfect snowcapped peaks, Akureyri is known as the beating heart of North Iceland. Wander the beautiful Lystigardurinn Botanical Gardens, explore the charming downtown area, or visit one of the town's numerous art galleries and museums. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the car and making your way to the unmissable Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods). Nicknamed "The Beauty," it's one of Iceland's prettiest falls and an easy 30-minute drive from Akureyri.
You'll find the waterfall just off Route 1, Iceland's famous Ring Road. After parking your car, enjoy a quick, easy walk to the falls. Or, you can opt for a slightly longer trek along a path offering multiple views from different perspectives. When the kids have had their fill of spotting waterfall rainbows and marveling at the sights, make the 28-mile (45 km) drive to Lake Mývatn, your base for the next few days. Head to your hotel and enjoy some family downtime before tomorrow's adventures
Day 4: Diamond Circle Day Trip with Húsavík Whale Watching Adventure
Set off early this morning for a day trip along the iconic Diamond Circle, a 160-mile (260 km) route that serves as an impressive alternative to Iceland's famous Golden Circle. First up is Dettifoss; head to the Vatnajökull National Park to see Europe's most powerful waterfall before continuing through the park to the 15-mile (25 km) glacier river canyon of Jökulsárgljúfur—and onward to Ásbyrgi canyon, known for its unusual horseshoe shape. Kids will love hearing about the local legend, which credits Ásbyrgi's unusual shape to Odin's eight-legged horse, said to have stamped the canyon into existence.
You can pause to explore or take a short hike from the Visitor's Center here, but don't tarry too long: it's around a 50-minute drive to Húsavík, where a highlight of the trip awaits. Considered Iceland's whale watching capital, more than 23 species are found in and around this fishing town's sheltered bay. If you're visiting from April through October, you'll step aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship for an afternoon of sailing, with opportunities to spot minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises.
The kids are also sure to love the trip past "Puffin Island," where they'll get a front-row view of the colorful birds nesting, flying, and diving for food. Refuel with hot chocolate and cinnamon buns as you cruise back to port, then hop in the car and circle back to Lake Mývatn. For a relaxing end to a long day of exploring, spend a couple of hours at the family-friendly Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can gaze at views of the lava fields and craters as you soak in the therapeutic, alkaline water and geothermal steam vents.
Day 5: Drive to Laugarbakki via the Vatnsnes Peninsula
It's time to pack your bags and continue your journey, leaving North Iceland behind as you follow the Ring Road back to Laugarbakki. This time, take a detour along the 3.5-hour drive to explore the Vatnsnes Peninsula en route. Surrounded by the waters of Miðfjörður to the west and Húnafjörður to the east, the peninsula is one of the best places to see seals in Iceland. If the kids are restless, task them with spotting these jolly creatures as you continue to explore the peninsula until you reach Hvammstangi.
Stretch your legs with a visit to the village's Icelandic Seal Center, with exhibits that detail the lives and history of these marine mammals. If time allows, there are plenty of opportunities for guided seal-watching and wildlife tours (including native Arctic foxes and puffins). From here, it's about a 30-minute drive to the vast Borgavirki Fortress, a volcanic plug and one of the country's notable historical sights. According to the Sagas, the fortress was a strategic military point for the Vikings. The views from the summit are worth the rocky climb to the top.
After the kids have played Vikings atop the fortress, head 10 miles (17 km) north and follow the signs for the Hvítserkur sea stack, arguably the peninsula's most famous attraction. A nearly 50-foot (15 m) monolith rising from the sea, legend has it that Hvítserkur was once a troll, terrorizing the nearby convent of Þingeyraklaustur until he was captured by the sun's rays and turned to stone. Finally, you'll pull into the small village of Laugarbakki, where you can settle into your hotel and then stroll to a local restaurant for dinner.
Day 6: Drive to Reykjavík via Húsafell & Langjökull Glacier Tour
It's your last full day in Iceland, and this morning you'll drive from Laugarbakki to Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital and one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. En route, detour to the town of Húsafell, a two-hour drive from Laugarbakki and your starting point for today's icy adventure.
Prepare to be enthralled as you venture into the raw, striking beauty of Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier. Kids will adore this adventure of a lifetime as you journey up the icy landscapes in specially modified glacier vehicles. Explore the views from the top of the ice cap and venture deep inside the human-made ice tunnels leading to the blue heart of the glacier. Enjoy a guided tour before heading back down the frozen slopes. Afterward, let the kids nap while you drive the 82 miles (132 km) to your hotel in Reykjavík.
Depending on your arrival time, either head straight out for a bite to eat or take a stroll through Reykjavík and discover some of the city's main sights, including the towering Hallgrímskirkja cathedral and the waterfront Sun Voyager sculpture. Make your way to the main street of Laugavegur and the town square before heading to the charming Old Harbor for a hot chocolate.
Day 7: Drive to Keflavík via the Reykjanes Peninsula, Depart
It's your last morning in Iceland, and depending on your flight time, you have several options. Spend the morning exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula and discover geological wonders such as the green-hued volcanic crater lake of Grænavatn and the colorful geothermal areas of Gunnuhver and Krýsuvík. Venture one last time across the peninsula's lunar-like lava landscape as you make your way to Kleifarvatn Lake on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and wander the lava fields of the Reykjanes National Park.
Alternatively, squeeze in one more excursion with a family-friendly ATV tour. Spend an exhilarating hour venturing across historic lava fields, abandoned shipwrecks, and to the summit of Mount Hagafell, where you look out over the Blue Lagoon, the volcanic crater formations of Svartsengi, Mount Fagradalsfjall, and Eldey Island. Afterward, it's time to make your way to Keflavík airport, drop off your rental car, and board your flight home. Safe travels!
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