Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Westman Islands: Best Itinerary Ideas
How many days do you need in Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Westman Islands?
- Most travelers spend 8-11 days in Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Westman Islands combined
- Visiting Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Westman Islands in 7 days is possible, but will feel rushed
- With 12 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Thórsmörk, Reykjanes Peninsula, and West Iceland
How Many Days to Spend in Iceland
Recommended Itineraries for Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Westman Islands
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Reykjavík & Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 2 | Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Black-Sand Beaches & Fishing Towns | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Travel to Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
| Day 4 | Drive the Golden Circle & Ferry to Westman Islands | Westman Islands |
| Day 5 | South Coast, Waterfalls, Black-Sand Beaches, & Cliffs | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 6 | Discover Skaftafell, Svartifoss, & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 7 | Tour the South Coast and Explore Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 8 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart From Reykjavík |
Enjoy four scenic regions of Iceland in just over one week. Upon arrival, head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to take in your first glimpses of the lava formations, black-sand beaches, and waterfalls that make this region famous. Travel the Golden Circle to discover the tectonic plates meeting, geothermal wonders, and a warm lagoon soak. Ferry to the lesser-known-yet-stunning Westman Islands to visit the sea caves, cliffs, a decorated puffin colony, and more—by boat and foot—followed by additional waterfalls, beaches, and incredible arches and cliffs along the South Coast. Venture into the heart of several glaciers and their accompanying lagoons. Tour Reykjavík and make a few final stops in the Reykjanes Peninsula to close out the trip. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Keflavik, Explore Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | The Wonders of Snæfellsnes | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Orca Whale Watching from Ólafsvík, Stykkishólmur | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 4 | West Iceland & Borgarfjörður | Golden Circle |
| Day 5 | Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon | Golden Circle |
| Day 6 | South Coast Waterfalls & Black-Sand Beaches | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 7 | Skaftafell Natural Reserve & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 8 | Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike, Ferry to Westman Islands, Heimaey | Westman Islands |
| Day 9 | Explore Heimaey, Beluga Whale Sanctuary | Westman Islands |
| Day 10 | Ferry to Landeyjahöfn, Drive the South Coast, Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 11 | Reykjanes Peninsula & Lava Tunnel Tour, Depart |
Explore the wonders of western and southern Iceland on this action-packed 11-day self-drive itinerary. Thrill to orca whale watching off the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, hiking atop the Sólheimajökull Glacier, and exploring Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon by amphibian boat. You'll also savor a wealth of other iconic sites and experiences, from Kirkjufell mountain and Strokkur geyser to Skógafoss waterfall and the geothermal wonders of the Golden Circle, plus meet belugas at a sanctuary in the Westman Islands. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
9-Day Itinerary Including Thórsmörk
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Reykjavík & Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 2 | Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Black-Sand Beaches & Fishing Towns | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Travel to Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
| Day 4 | Drive the Golden Circle & Ferry to Westman Islands | Westman Islands |
| Day 5 | South Coast, Waterfalls, Black-Sand Beaches, & Cliffs | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 6 | Discover Skaftafell, Svartifoss, & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 7 | Bus to Thórsmörk & Hiking Trails | Thórsmörk |
| Day 8 | Drive the South Coast & Explore Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 9 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart From Reykjavík |
In nine days, enjoy Iceland's best waterfalls, black-sand beaches, cliffs, fishing towns, and hiking in the highlands, along with a trip to a locals' island hideaway. The itinerary includes minimal driving, scenic trails, and a nice balance of popular sights—like the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Thórsmörk—and lesser-known gems—including the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Westman Islands. Explore several glaciers, soak in hot springs and warm lagoons, enjoy the highlights of the capital city, and more. Read more
12-Day Itinerary Including East Fjords, Lake Mývatn & Laugarbakki
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Keflavík, Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon | Golden Circle |
| Day 2 | Westman Islands | Westman Islands |
| Day 3 | South Coast waterfalls & black sand beaches | Vík |
| Day 4 | Skaftafell Nature Reserve & Glacier Lagoons, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour | Höfn |
| Day 5 | The Eastfjords | Egilsstaðir |
| Day 6 | The wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 7 | Dettifoss, Jokulsargljufur & Husavik, Myvatn Nature Baths | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 8 | North West Iceland, Akureyri & Godafoss, Akureyri Whale Watching | Laugarbakki |
| Day 9 | The wonders of Snaefellsnes | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 10 | West Iceland & Borgarfjordur, Iceland Thermal Bath Experience | Reykjavík |
| Day 11 | Reykjavik City, Activity options for Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 12 | Reykjanes peninsula, Departure |
Make a complete circle of Iceland, plus explore the Westman Islands, on this 12-day self-drive itinerary that takes in a vast wealth of geological wonders, exciting activities, and cultural highlights. From whale watching, snorkeling the Silfra fissure, and a boat journey on the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon to soaks in the Mývatn Nature Baths and Blue Lagoon, you'll experience Iceland in all its facets, north, south, east, and west. Read more
How to travel between Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Westman Islands
How to get to Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is easily accessed by driving, and it's possible to tour the entire area in a full day—however, it's wise to allow for more time to really explore the expansive beauty. Read more
How to get to the South Coast of Iceland
The South Coast of Iceland, spanning from just outside the capital city of Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón, is easily drivable along the Ring Road (Route 1). The beginning of the route is easily accessible from both the international airport in Keflavík and the domestic airport in Reykjavík, or via downtown Reykjavík, with a 45-minute drive. Read more
How to Get to the Westman Islands
Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands, is an archipelago off Iceland's south coast known for wildlife like whales, seals, and puffins. Of the 16 islands in the chain, only the main island of Heimaey is inhabited. Read more
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