How many days do you need in Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri?
- Most travelers spend 7-8 days in Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri combined
- With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Westfjords, Vatnsnes Peninsula, and Varmahlid
How Many Days to Spend in Iceland
Recommended Itineraries for Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Hike in Glymur Falls, & Visit Borgarnes | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Black-Sand Beaches & Fishing Towns | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 4 | Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 5 | The North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Big Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 7 | Akureyri, back to Reykjavik / KEF | Reykjavík |
On this scenic road trip, you'll skip Iceland's busier south coast in order to explore the lesser-known Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the northern beauties of Akureyri, Húsavik, and Lake Mývatn. This all-season itinerary is especially ideal for anyone interested in the unique geological features of Iceland, with lava fields, volcano hikes, massive waterfalls, and geothermal pools—all there for the taking. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive to Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Hike in Glymur Falls, & Visit Borgarnes | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Black-Sand Beaches & Fishing Towns | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 4 | Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 5 | The North: Goðafoss, Whale Watching, and Big Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Geological Wonders of Lake Mývatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 7 | Drive back from Akureyri to Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 8 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart Reykjavík |
This photogenic self-drive adventure along the Ring Road travels from Iceland's capital to its second largest city on the sunnier north coast, with stops in lesser-known Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Húsavik, and Lake Mývatn. This all-season itinerary is especially ideal for anyone interested in the unique geological features of Iceland, with lava fields, volcano hikes, massive waterfalls, and geothermal pools, not to mention cool cultural sites and Scandinavian cuisine. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
8-Day Itinerary Including South Coast & East Fjords
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | North to Glymur Falls and Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 4 | The North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Big Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 5 | Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Scenic Eastern Fjords | Seydisfjordur |
| Day 7 | Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 8 | Back from South Coast, Reykjanes Peninsula, Departure |
This itinerary packs a lot into eight days, but if you have limited time and have your heart set on driving the entire Ring Road, then this guide will be your best friend for the journey. Read more
10-Day Itinerary Including Golden Circle, South Coast & East Fjords
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | North to Glymur Falls and Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 4 | The North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Big Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 5 | Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Scenic Eastern Fjords | Seydisfjordur |
| Day 7 | Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 8 | South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches & the Start of the Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
| Day 9 | Golden Circle & Back to Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 10 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart From Reykjavík |
With 10 days on the road, you can discover a variety of regions and landscapes as you loop around Iceland's famous Route 1 (Ring Road). This moderately paced self-drive itinerary will take you to the best spots along the 828-mile (1,332 km) route, with stops in its two biggest cities, as well as volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, small fishing towns, and massive glaciers, as well as major attractions in the Golden Circle. This is going to be one gorgeous ride! Read more
10-Day Itinerary Including Golden Circle, Seydisfjordur & Kirkjubæjarklaustur
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | North to Glymur Falls and Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 4 | The North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Big Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 5 | Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Scenic Eastern Fjords | Seydisfjordur |
| Day 7 | Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 8 | South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches & the Start of the Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
| Day 9 | Golden Circle & Back to Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 10 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart From Reykjavík |
With 10 days on the road, you can discover a variety of regions and landscapes as you loop around Iceland's famous Route 1 (Ring Road). This moderately paced self-drive itinerary will take you to the best spots along the 828-mile (1,332 km) route, with stops in its two biggest cities, as well as volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, small fishing towns, and massive glaciers, as well as major attractions in the Golden Circle. This is going to be one gorgeous ride! Read more
How to travel between Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
How to get to Lake Mývatn
Northern Iceland is home to the geothermal area of Lake Mývatn, a main stop on the country's "Diamond Circle'" comprised of Húsavík, the canyon of Ásbyrgi, and Dettifoss waterfall. International travelers arriving at Keflavík Airport (KEF) can either rent a car and make the trek north via the Ring Road (Route 1) or transfer to Reykjavík's domestic airport for a short (45-minute) flight to Akureyri. Read more
How to get from Reykjavík to Akureyri
Venturing the 241 miles (388 km) from Iceland's capital city of Reykjavík to the "capital of the north," Akureyri, can be done either by self-driving or flying via domestic airports. The northern city offers much by way of cultural and outdoor experiences, including some of the best whale watching in the world. It's also possible to arrange for a private or group transfer, though it's not the most flexible or affordable choice. Read more
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
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