ymca iceland trip

Enchanting Iceland Tour

Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice because of its dramatic natural beauty. On this enchanting Europe land tour, you can witness nature’s might in a country carved by glaciers, volcanoes, and slowly shifting tectonic plates.

The Golden Circle tour promises to be a key highlight of your Iceland trip. This day tour will take you to the legendary sites of Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geyser, and Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall that shines on sunny days. End your day with tours of Fridheimar geothermal greenhouse and horse farm, and watch a horse show.

Explore the Reykjanes peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark famous for its birds and unusual geological formations including volcanoes. The following day, visit the black sand beaches of the tiny village of Vik on The South Coast of Iceland. This day also includes a trip to the spectacular Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, two of the best-known waterfalls in the country.

You will also visit Europe’s largest hot spring, Deildartunguhve. This natural power source provides the hot water for homes and businesses within a 40-mile radius. Learn about Iceland’s more ancient history at the Settlements Center. Before your Iceland tour comes to an end, take an optional visit to the famous Blue Lagoon, then hunt for the Aurora Borealis on a late-night Northern Lights pursuit!

Unveil Europe’s cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes with our captivating land tours and cruises on European rivers, where history and beauty intertwine at every step.

• Tour the iconic Golden Circle
• Stroll the black sand beaches of quaint Vík
• Tour the greenhouses and watch the Icelandic horses at Fridheimar farm
• Stop at waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, and exposed continental plates
• Take a late-night Northern Lights outing
• Convenient stay in one hotel for your entire tour—no need to pack and unpack!

What Guests are Saying

Wonder of the Ice Caves and Latrabjarg Museum with Dinner

Spend an evening at the top of Öskjuhlíð hill in Perlan, an experience center with interactive exhibits.

Blue Lagoon Day Trip with Comfort Package

Our Blue Lagoon Excursion features a stunning introduction to Iceland’s otherworldly landscape.

Activity level

• Very Active

Tour Includes

Sightseeing

• Thingvellir National Park
• Strokkur Geyser
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Deildartunguhver

Hotel Accommodations

• Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy
• Daily Breakfast, 3 Lunches, and 1 Dinner
• A professionally trained English-speaking local tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.

Baggage Handling

• To and from your hotel room throughout your land tour for one piece of Checked Baggage per person.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Your journey begins on your overnight flight.

Welcome to Reykjavík, one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. This tiny Nordic nation is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and near continuous summer daylight. Iceland has grown into one of the most desirable travel destinations in the world in recent years, and for good reason. Guests arriving at the hotel by noon will join the guided tour of Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Join us for tonight’s welcome dinner. (D)

Centerhotel Miðgarður or similar

Experience the rugged natural beauty of Iceland on its most popular day trip—the legendary Golden Circle tour. See Thingvellir National Park, where evidence of Iceland’s dramatic geological and cultural past is laid bare. Thingvellir is a rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. It is also the meeting place of Iceland’s parliament, the first in the world, established by 10th century Viking settlers. Strokkur Geyser is the next stop, and one of the most active geysers in the world, where you can watch volcanically heated glacial water explode up to 130 feet in the air several times an hour. Finally, see Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall that shines a coppery brown on sunny days. Gullfoss is located in the canyon of the Hvítá river, and its dual stage, 105-foot drop, is an impressive conclusion to the Golden circle tour. Take a tour of Fridheimar geothermal greenhouse and horse farm, where you will see how Icelandic farmers utilize technology and inventive techniques to grow food year-round. You will also have the chance to watch a horse show starring a team of Icelandic horses—petite yet lionhearted steeds that have been raised throughout Iceland since the tenth century. (B)

Explore the Reykjanes peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark famous for its geothermal activity and unusual formations. These include different volcano types, open faults and fissures, hot springs and more. There is abundant bird life, and you might spot ravens, golden plowers and ptarmigans against the jagged backdrop of the volcanic rock which surrounds you. (B, L)

The South Coast of Iceland is full of outstanding scenery, much of which you’ll see today. Travel to Vík, a village located on the country’s very tip, dramatically flanked between two mountains. With its tiny size, sparse development, and deep black sands, the stunning small town will unveil the less touristy side of Iceland. Today also includes a trip to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, two of the best-known waterfalls. (B, L)

Today you will witness Europe’s largest and most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. It sits on farmland and has long been a vital resource for neighboring towns—providing enough hot water for homes and businesses within a 40- mile radius. Its scalding water bubbles out of a rough, algae covered outcrop of rocks, creating a steamy source of power whose might you can see and hear. You’ll also visit the spectacular 0.5-mile wide Hraunfossar waterfall, and tragic Barnafoss. During your stop at the Settlements Center, learn about Iceland’s early history, or learn the story of Egil, the Icelandic poet, farmer, and legendary fighter who has become one of Iceland’s most famous “tall tales.” (B, L)

Your last full day in Iceland will give you a perfect chance to relax and take in the splendor of Reykjavík or to participate in an exciting optional day trip (at an additional cost). But before your tour ends, you’ll enjoy one final highlight — the included Northern Lights pursuit! (B)

Note:  Northern Lights pursuit may be moved to another day, if conditions are better for optimal viewing. Seeing this natural phenomenon cannot be guaranteed. The bus will depart after 8:00 PM and return after midnight

Add-On : Blue Lagoon Day Trip With Comfort Package

Add-On : Wonder of Ice Caves & Latrabjarg Museum

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

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Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare. Passport required.

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Greatly enjoyed the tour

This trip was so very cleverly organized, tammy and tiffany were awesome...

Unfortunately, additional nights are not available from YMT Vacations for this tour. Your YMT Sales Consultant will confirm the specific hotel related to your departure date, and you can then contact the hotel directly to arrange an extended stay.

Yes, triples are permitted (depending on availability) in 2 beds.

You should arrive in Reykjavík no later than 12pm, and arrange your return flight to leave no earlier than 12pm at the end of the tour.

No, not at this time.

Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Call us for pricing, and remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Spend an evening at the top of Öskjuhlíð hill in Perlan, an experience center that boasts some of the city’s best views and interactive exhibits. First, explore Wonders of Iceland, an exhibit devoted to Iceland’s dramatic natural history. Start at the Látrabjarg Cliff, a large-scale replica of one of northwestern Iceland’s most fertile bird breeding grounds.

Enjoy augmented reality views of native plants, puffins, and more. Next, visit the indoor Ice Cave—the first of its kind in the world. Travel the length of a football field through 350 tons of snow and ice, as you experience the sub-freezing temperatures (14°F) of Iceland’s glaciers and ice caves. Finally, head to Perlan’s top floor for a three-course dinner at Út í Bláinn restaurant, below the building’s iconic glass dome with sweeping views of the city. Indulge in fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared in dishes fusing classic European and traditional Icelandic recipes.

• Transportation to and from Perlan
• Admission to Wonders of Iceland Exhibit

Duration: Approx. 4 hours (evening)

Activity Level: Easy

Price: $239 USD

The Blue Lagoon Excursion is a stunning introduction to Iceland’s otherworldly landscape. Take a scenic drive from Reykjavík to the vibrant Blue Lagoon, which owes its existence to the nearby geothermal power plant. Spend two hours soaking in the reviving, mineral rich waters. The temperature of the water stays between 99°F and 102°F, and it is renowned for its healing properties. Breathe in the restorative steam and enjoy the privacy afforded by the 12-foot high lava wall surrounding the Lagoon.

• Admission to the Blue Lagoon
• Towel, mud mask, and one drink of your choice
• Sightseeing in Reykjavík)

Note : This tour runs with English-speaking guides only. For hygiene purposes and in line with local customs, guests must take a shower without swimwear before entering the lagoon. Dressing rooms and showers for men and women are separated. High water temperatures may pose a risk to those with certain health issues; please consult your doctor. The lagoon’s bottom is rocky and may pose a challenge to those with mobility concerns. Wheelchair users must be accompanied by a paying helper to provide assistance with getting on and off the coach; wheelchairs must be collapsible/foldable since the coach has neither a ramp nor a lift.

Duration : approx. 5 hours (afternoon)

Activity level : Easy

Price : $199 USD

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YMCA Iceland

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Date of foundation of the YMCA:

(no date available)

Iceland YMCA and YWCA engage in children’s and youth development. They operate summer camps, around 30 youth departments, and they offer leadership training and various events throughout the year. The YMCA and YWCA actively participate in the collaborative platform called the Youth Forum (ÆV), which involves the Youth Association of Iceland, the Icelandic Scout Association, the YMCA and YWCA in Iceland, and the Landsbjargar Accident Prevention Association.

YMCA ADVENTURERS

Adventures Await! 

NEW ADVENTURES ARE COMING SOON! 

Make sure to mark your calendars for the following trips!      

Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise

• June 19-30, 2024
• Cost: $5,799
• The physical level on this trip is rated a  Level 1 - Walking for 30-45 min. at a time over a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to flights of stairs.

REGISTER NOW FOR ALASKA

Canadian Rockies

• Sept. 3 - 9, 2024
• Cost: $3,999
• The physical level on this trip is rated a  Level 2 - Walking for 30-45 min. at a time over a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to flights of stairs.

REGISTER NOW FOR CANADIAN ROCKIES    

Christmas in Pigeon Forge & The Great Smoky Mountains

• Dec. 3-5, 2024
• Final payment due Sept. 12, 2024
• Price valid through Dec. 3, 2024
• Travel insurance available ($45 per person)

REGISTER NOW FOR PIGEON FORGE

Iceland's Northern Lights

• Feb. 1 - 7, 2025
• Cost: $4,029
• The physical level on this trip is rated a  Level 3

REGISTER NOW FOR ICELAND

• March 29 - April 6, 2025
• Cost: $2,999

REGISTER NOW FOR SPAIN

Italy & Sicily

• Oct. 3 - 15, 2025
• Cost: $6,629

REGISTER NOW FOR ITALY

European Christmas Market 

• Dec. 4 - 12, 2025
• Cost: $3,629

REGISTER NOW FOR EUROPE 

For more information, contact Cecil Brodie  at [email protected]  

Mark your calendars for the following 2024-2025 trips!  

• Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise June 19-30, 2024  
• Canadian Rockies Sept. 3-9, 2024  
• Christmas in Pigeon Forge & The Smoky Mountains Dec. 3-5, 2024
• Iceland's Northern Lights Feb. 1-7, 2025
• Spain March 29-April 6, 2025
• Italy & Sicily Oct. 3-15, 2025
• European Market Dec 4-12, 2025

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Our Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. 

Our Mission to Inclusion: At the YMCA, we strongly believe we should all work together toward achieving a member environment that is welcoming for individuals, regardless of age, religion, abilities, gender or socioeconomic status. To achieve our mission of empowering all people to reach their full potential, the Y is committed to providing an environment that embodies our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. 

YMCA/YWCA Iceland

YMCA/YWCA Iceland is a non-profit and non-governmental (NGO) youth organization based on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. It was founded in 1899 by a young theologian and later pastor, Friðrik Friðriksson. The goal of YMCA/YWCA Iceland is to enable children, youth and young adults to develop and nurture their social, physical and spiritual well-being.

YMCA/YWCA runs five summer camps in Iceland, offers around 40 weekly children, youth and young adult meetings in various locations in the winter time and offers extensive youth leadership training. It also has regular adult meetings, has a men’s choir, and offers weekly praise and prayer services. YMCA/YWCA operates a preschool, Vinagarður (in Icelandic) , in Laugardalur in Reykjavik.

YMCA/YWCA organizes the project Christmas in a Shoebox (Jól í skókassa) in cooperation with YMCA in Ukraine and is active in promoting and organizing various youth and social projects every year.

Summer Camps

Vatnaskogur is the largest summer camp in Iceland, located an hour drive north of Reykjavik. Vatnaskogur offers week long overnight camps for 9-14 year old boys in June and July. It also has offers week long overnight camps for teenage boys and girls in August. ( Vatnaskogur in Icelandic )

Vindáshlíð is a girl camp about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. Vindashlid has a six days overnight camps for girls from 9-16 years old in June, July and August. ( Vindáshlíð in Icelandic )

Kaldársel is for both boys and girls from 7-14 years old depending on the week. It is only 15 minutes drive from Hafnarfjörður and it offers overnight camps in June and July and one week long day camp in July. ( Kaldársel in Icelandic )

Ölver is located between Akranes and Borgarnes, 50 minutes drive from Reykjavik. It is a girl camp offering week long overnight experience for 7-14 years old girls. It also has a three days long overnight camp for 6-9 year old boys in beginning of June. ( Ölver in Icelandic )

Hólavatn is for both boys and girls from 7-14 years old depending on the week. It is around 40 minutes drive from Akureyri in the northern part of Iceland. It offers overnight camps in June and July. ( Hólavatn in Icelandic )

YMCA/YWCA Summer Day Camps for 6-9 year old are offered in Reykjavik, in Kópavogur and in Reykjanesbær. ( Summer Day Camps in Icelandic )

Hólavatn, Vatnaskógur, Ölver and Vindáshlíð also offer various family camps, Sometimes for the whole family and from time to time for mother-daughter(s), father-son(s), father-daugther(s), or mother-son(s).

YMCA/YWCA meetings for Children, Youth and Young Adults

YMCA/YWCA has weekly meetings from September-April called YD for 9-12 year olds . YD KFUM is for boys only, YD KFUK is for girls only, and YD or YD KFUM og KFUK is for both boys and girls.

YMCA/YWCA has weekly meetings from September-April called UD for 13-16 year olds . All UD meetings are open to both boys and girls.

YMCA/YWCA works closely with the Christian Student Movement which offers regular meetings for 15-20 year olds, called Kristileg skólasamtök (KSS) and for 20-30 year olds called Kristilegt stúdentafélag (KSF) .

If you are interested in learning more about YMCA/YWCA Iceland or if you have questions regarding the organization please don’t hesitate to call (+354) 588 88 99 or e-mail to skrifstofa (at) kfum.is.

The office is open Mondays till Fridays from 9-17 (GMT).

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6-Day Iceland Itinerary: The Perfect Trip for First-Timers

Posted Nov 06, 2023

Itineraries

Planning a 6-day Iceland itinerary ? You're in for a treat! At Reykjavík Cars , we've been navigating adventurers like you through Iceland's mystical landscapes since 2013. From geysers to glaciers and the mesmerizing Northern Lights, we've seen it all.

And, drawing from our personal escapades (including that amusing time we mistook a particularly tall pile of snow for a new mountain), we're here to ensure your Icelandic journey is nothing short of epic. Ready to embark on an adventure with a touch of our local expertise? Let's hit the road!

Introduction to Iceland

Before embarking on your 6-day Iceland itinerary, it's essential to get acquainted with the basics of this enchanting land. From its unique geography to its rich culture, here's what you'll need to know:

Get set for a geographic marvel during your 6-day Iceland itinerary. Comparable in size to Kentucky, Iceland boasts a tableau of over 130 volcanoes, extensive glaciers, and a unique sight where two tectonic plates meet above sea level. Indeed, this volcanic and geothermal hotspot nestled in the North Atlantic is a real treasure trove!

As you plot your 6-day itinerary of Iceland, don't be fooled by the country's frosty moniker. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland is surprisingly temperate. Winter sees temperatures below freezing, while summer stays cool around 10-15°C (50-59°F). Remember, if you dislike the weather, just wait a bit; it's infamously unpredictable, with rain, snow, sun, and wind all possible in one day. And let's not overlook the magical Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer.

Delve into Iceland's vibrant culture during your 6 days in Iceland tour. This island is renowned for its rich history, arts, and folklore rooted in Norse traditions. With globally recognized sagas, a high literacy rate, an impressive number of authors per capita , and celebrated music artists like Björk, Iceland's culture is truly captivating.

Don't miss their wide variety of Icelandic festivals , and do watch this entertaining YouTube video for a comprehensive feel.

Things to Know Before You Go

Before you zip up your suitcase and embark on your Iceland itinerary for 6 days, here are some insider tidbits to make your trip smoother: 

• Currency: Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK). Credit cards are widely accepted, even in remote areas.
• Language : Icelandic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
• Tipping : Tipping in Iceland is not customary! Service charges are included in bills.
• Plugs : They use the Europlug (Type C & F), so pack an adapter if you're coming from elsewhere.
• Water : Tap water is pure and safe to drink. No need for bottled water here!

When to Visit Iceland

Choosing the perfect time for your 6-day Iceland itinerary can be like picking the perfect pair of socks - it can make or break the experience! So, before you pack your woolly socks, let's tune into the rhythm of Iceland's seasons to determine the best time to visit Iceland .

Best Time of Year To Visit

A 6-day trip to Iceland can be a mesmerizing experience year-round, but timing can enhance your adventure further. Let's prod Mother Nature a bit to find out when she's at her best in Iceland:

• Summer (June to August): These months bring out Iceland's true colors, offering long daylight hours (up to 24 during the Summer Solstice) and access to F-roads that are otherwise impassable. It's an ideal time for hiking and wildlife spotting.
• Winter (December to February): If witnessing the Northern Lights is high on your bucket list, winter is your golden ticket. Be ready for shorter days and icy roads, though. Puffin sightings? Count them out in winter.
• Spring and Autumn (March to May & September to November): These shoulder months offer a balance of moderate weather, fewer tourists, and reasonable prices. It's a good compromise for a 6-day trip to Iceland, although the weather can be unpredictable.

Things To Pack for Different Seasons

Packing for a 6-day tour of Iceland can feel like preparing for a trip to Narnia, thanks to Iceland's diverse weather conditions. Here are some essential items you'll need for each season:

• Summer: Don't be deceived by the word ' summer '; temperatures still average around 10-13°C (50-55°F). Light, layer-able clothing, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots are must-haves.
• Winter: This season calls for maximum insulation. Pack thermal clothing, a heavy winter jacket, gloves, and a hat. Don't forget a good pair of waterproof boots for those snowy escapades.
• Spring/Autumn: These transitional seasons require a mix of summer and winter wear. Always pack layers and rainproof gear. After all, Icelandic weather is as unpredictable as a plot twist in a thriller!

How to Get Around Iceland

Now that we've got you prepped for your 6-day Iceland itinerary, let's navigate the various modes of transportation to help you explore this Viking wonderland with ease.

• Rental Car: Rental cars offer freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. It is ideal for reaching secluded places without worrying about tour schedules.
• Buses: Buses in Iceland are a hassle-free and cost-effective transportation option covering popular tourist destinations. Ideal for those who prefer not to drive. However, it may lack the flexibility of self-driving.
• Tours: Tours provide guided, curated experiences with expert insights into Iceland's wonders. Transportation and sometimes meals are included. However, they may be restrictive and lack spontaneity, especially for adventurous travelers.

Where to Stay in Iceland

Mapping out your 6-day Iceland itinerary also means pinpointing the perfect places to rest after each day's adventures. From cozy hotels to rustic guesthouses, let's explore where to lay your head in Iceland.

• Hotels: Hotels offer comfort and convenience for those on a 6-day Iceland itinerary. From luxury establishments in Reykjavík to charming boutique hotels, the variety is vast. Some hotels, like Hotel Rangá , offer Northern Lights wake-up calls. 
• Guesthouses: These family-run establishments provide a homely atmosphere and a chance to experience traditional Icelandic hospitality. Guesthouses like Héraðsskólinn Historic Guesthouse offer stays in historic buildings and are usually in prime locations.
• Camping: Ideal for those wanting to embrace the wild side of Iceland in 6 days. Despite unpredictable weather, well-equipped campsites are available. There are also glamping options that offer a comfortable wilderness experience.

Must-See Places in Iceland

As part of your 6-day Iceland itinerary, there are awe-inspiring locations that you simply cannot miss. Let's dive into these enchanting destinations that are a testament to Iceland's unrivaled beauty.

Golden Circle 

A 6-day trip to Iceland isn't complete without exploring the Golden Circle . This iconic route showcases geothermal wonders , the powerful Gullfoss waterfal l, and Þingvellir National Park , where tectonic plates visibly drift apart. It's a snapshot of Iceland's natural majesty in just one day.

South Coast

During your adventure in Iceland in 6 days, the South Coast beckons with its dramatic landscapes. From the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara to the cascading Skógafoss waterfall , it's a stretch of coastline that encapsulates Iceland's raw beauty and diverse geological wonders.

The Westfjords , often dubbed Iceland's hidden gem, are a must on any Iceland in 6 days itinerary. This remote region boasts rugged cliffs, serene fjords, and the mesmerizing Dynjandi waterfall . It's a slice of untouched wilderness , offering a tranquil escape from the usual tourist trails.

North Iceland

During your 6 days in Iceland, don't skip North Iceland, an area renowned for its otherworldly landscapes. From the bubbling geothermal fields of Mývatn to the thunderous Dettifoss waterfall , the north promises dramatic volcanic scenery and opportunities for whale watching in Husavik.

Activities in Iceland

As you shape your 6-day Iceland itinerary, it's not just about the places, but the thrilling activities that bring the landscape to life. Let's delve into the best things to do in Iceland !

Hiking 

No Iceland 6-day itinerary is complete without an invigorating hike through its extraordinary natural scenery. From the volcanic landscapes of the Laugavegur trail to the glacier gorges of Vatnajökull National Park , each step unveils an awe-inspiring view. It's a breathtaking way to fully immerse yourself in Iceland's raw, untamed beauty.

Whale Watching

A 6-day tour of Iceland isn't complete without whale watching. Especially popular in the North, like Húsavík, these tours offer a chance to witness majestic humpbacks, orcas, and minke whales in their natural habitat , making it an unforgettable experience amidst Iceland's vast oceanic backdrop.

Glacier Hiking

On a 6-day Iceland tour, glacier hiking is a thrilling must-do. Going on a glacier hiking tour of either Vatnajökull or Sólheimajökull is a unique way to experience the country's stunning ice formations , from crevasses to ice caves. With experienced guides leading the way, it's an adventure that will leave you in awe.

Hot Springs

Hot springs are a natural wonder that you must explore during your 6-day Iceland tour. These geothermal marvels offer a relaxing retreat, with some , like the Blue Lagoon , boasting healing properties. For a list of unique and lesser-known hot springs, check out our guide to the best hot springs in Iceland . 

Budgeting for a Trip to Iceland

When planning your 6-day Iceland itinerary, it's crucial to set a realistic budget. Whether you're aiming for luxury or traveling to Iceland on a budget , we've got you covered in the upcoming sections.

How Much Does It Cost To Travel to Iceland?

Planning your budget for an Iceland itinerary for 6 days can be intimidating. However, we've taken the liberty to break down the costs so you're not taken aback. Here's an overview of what you can expect for your expenses:

• Accommodation Costs: Depending on your comfort preferences and location, the cost of accommodation can vary. On average, you could spend around $120-$240 per night in a mid-range hotel.
• Travel Expenses: Car rentals or public transportation, fuel, and parking fees add to your travel expenses. Typically, expect to budget around $60 per day for travel.
• Food and Beverage: Iceland is known for its exquisite cuisine, but dining can be pricey. A meal at a mid-range restaurant could cost around $20-$40.
• Tour Costs: Adventure tours like glacier hiking or whale watching could range from $100-$300, depending on the season and tour operator.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Trip

During your 6-days in Iceland, a little savvy can help your money stretch further:

• Self-Catering: Save on food costs by preparing meals. Local grocery stores have a broad range of produce and Icelandic specialties.
• Off-Peak Travel: Visit outside of the high season (June to August) for better deals on accommodation and tours.
• Public Transport: Utilize public transport if you want to save on car rental fees.
• Book in Advance: Book your accommodation and tours in advance for better deals.
• Free Attractions: Explore free natural wonders like waterfalls, geysers, and beaches.

Planning Your 6-Day Iceland Itinerary

Now that we've taken a tour of Iceland's stunning landscapes and activities, let's roll up our sleeves and dive into crafting the perfect 6-day Iceland itinerary. This will be our roadmap for your unforgettable Icelandic adventure.

Day 1: Reykjavík

Kick off your adventure in Iceland in 6 days by exploring Reykjavík's vibrant streets . Begin with the enlightening Walk with a Viking Tour ,  diving deep into the city's history and culture.

As the day unfolds, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing Lava Show , witnessing the raw power of molten rock. Round off your day with some local cuisine, and explore the Old Harbor area f or a glimpse of the city's maritime heritage.

Day 2: Golden Circle

On the second day of your 6-day itinerary of Iceland, dive into the heart of the Golden Circle. After marveling at the historical wonders of Þingvellir National Park and the cascading beauty of Gullfoss waterfall , amp up the adventure with the thrilling Geysir Buggy Adventure .

Feel the rush as you navigate the rugged terrains, getting up close to Iceland's geothermal marvels. Take a rest at the famous Geysir hot spring area before heading back to Reykjavík.

Day 3: South Coast

As you venture further into your 6-day Iceland itinerary , the South Coast unveils its treasures. Start by witnessing the cascading beauty of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls .

The black sand beaches of Reynisfjara beckon next. But the day's highlight? Delving deep into the mesmerizing Katla Ice Cave with a super jeep tour . Limited to just six adventurers, it's an intimate journey into Iceland's icy heart. End the day in Vik with memories of nature's grandeur.

Day 4: North Iceland

On the fouth day of your 6-day trip to Iceland, North Iceland beckons with its geothermal marvels and Arctic charm. Dive into the region's history with a visit to the 1238 Battle of Iceland experience.

Explore the beauty of Lake Mývatn and the bustling town of Akureyri. As the day winds down, find solace in one of Akureyri's cozy accommodations, recharging for the adventures ahead.

Day 5: Westfjords 

Your Iceland 6-day tour continues to the remote beauty of the Westfjords. Here, the landscape is dotted with rugged cliffs and tranquil fjords. A visit to the picturesque village of Ísafjörður sets the tone. But the day's standout experience?

The Seal Watching at Rauðasandur . Witness seals in their natural habitat, a truly sensational and serene encounter. As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in one of Ísafjörður's charming guesthouses or hotels, ensuring a restful night amidst the beauty of the Westfjords.

Day 6: Back to Reykjavík

Concluding your 6-day Iceland tour, return to Reykjavík with a splash by joining the Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching tour. Witness the majestic marine giants in their natural habitat.

Later, indulge in relaxation at the world-famous Blue Lagoon . As night falls, Reykjavík's vibrant streets offer a mix of Nordic culture and cuisine, ensuring a perfect end to your Icelandic journey. Rest up in one of the city's welcoming accommodations.

Unpacking the Magic of a 6-Day Iceland Itinerary 

Embarking on a 6-day Iceland itinerary is a journey through nature's grand theater, from roaring waterfalls to serene fjords. As we've journeyed together, it's clear that to embrace Iceland's wonders truly, freedom is key.

Renting a car in Reykjavik offers that unmatched liberty to explore at your own pace. Your road to the extraordinary starts here. Don't just dream about it. Start planning your Icelandic adventure today!

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Reserve a rental car in iceland instantly.

Planning a Trip to Iceland for the First Time (Your Easy 10-Step Checklist!)

Glacier hikes, puffin sightings, thundering waterfalls, and geothermal wonders: there is so much to be excited about when planning a trip to Iceland!

A trip to the Land of Fire and Ice is truly a vacation like no other, and we were smitten with it from the moment the plane touched down and we got to admire the lupines growing along the runway (seriously).

Iceland is an incredibly unique destination and offers a magnificent array of once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, all in a (fairly) compact location.

However, to best take advantage of all that beauty within a limited time frame, you’ll need to do quite a bit of planning before you take off on your first trip to Iceland.

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While you could certainly arrive with little advance planning and see some incredible sights, experiencing the best things to do in Iceland isn’t as easy as hitting the open road with no (literal or figurative) plan.

The country’s extreme popularity coupled with rural attractions and weather unlike what most people experience in their day-to-day lives means that you’ll have a much better time if you carefully plan your trip to Iceland!

Follow this step-by-step Iceland travel checklist, and you’re bound to have an unforgettable adventure when visiting Iceland for the first time.

Step 1: Check visa and entrance requirements.

Toto, it is definitely not 2019 anymore: while checking visa and entrance requirements has always been important before visiting a foreign country, it’s safe to say that we’ll all be paying a bit more attention to it in years to come than we did pre-2020!

As of late 2023, there are no travel restrictions to visit Iceland–but just in case, this official website provides up-to-date requirements for entering Iceland, including any testing requirements.

Icelandair also has a detailed page on entry requirements.

Don’t forget to check any requirements that your home country has for returning, too!

In addition to these more topical necessities, don’t forget the usual needs, like having more than 6 months of validity left on your passport.

Step 2: Book your flights (the biggest step when planning a trip to Iceland!).

Without a doubt, booking flights is one of the most exciting parts of planning a trip to Iceland (or anywhere else)!

Once you book flights, your trip is official and you can start building the details of your adventures in Iceland around the states of your flights.

If your dates are somewhat flexible, we suggest checking prices a few days before and a few days after your intended arrival and departure dates when shopping for flights to Iceland.

You never know what deals you may happen to come across!

As the vast majority of all international flights in Iceland go through Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik (KEF), shopping for flights to Iceland is a fairly straightforward process.

Step 3: Reserve your rental car (and read the fine print).

While some travelers to Iceland may choose to base themselves in Reykjavik and only take organized tours outside the city, for most visitors, visiting Iceland means that it is time for a road trip!

Whether you want to drive Iceland’s legendary Ring Road (it’s incredible), explore the popular South Coast in-depth (also incredible), or get off the beaten path in places like the remote Westfjords (again, incredible), renting a car will deeply enhance your trip to Iceland.

Given Iceland’s extreme seasonality, rental cars can be a bit of a hot commodity in the summer, so book as far in advance as you can!

We use and recommend Discover Cars to find out which company has the most competitive prices and best rental contracts.

On our recent Iceland road trip, the best choice ended up being Global Rent a Car, and we had a great experience with them.

Wondering if you need to rent a vehicle with 4-wheel drive?

For a traditional Ring Road itinerary , a standard 2-wheel drive vehicle is just fine–but to drive on Iceland’s unpaved “F” roads, 4-wheel drive is required!

We made use of our 4-wheel drive option several times on our road trip, but I wouldn’t consider not having one a dealbreaker unless you have your heart set on driving yourself into the Highlands or to a particular offbeat spot.

We would’ve had a great trip to Iceland with or without F-road access!

Shop rental cars for your trip to Iceland today!

Step 4: Plan your Iceland itinerary.

With a seemingly limitless number of beautiful places to explore, there are as many possible Iceland itineraries as there are visitors!

A few tried-and-true options, though, include these amazing routes.

Iceland Ring Road Trip

The most classic Iceland itinerary, a Ring Road trip is perfect for visitors who have 10+ days in Iceland and want to see it all.

This is what we did, and honestly, we plan to go back and do it again one day–maybe more than once.

From the iconic attractions of South Iceland to the lesser-visited corners of the Eastern Fjords and North Iceland , the Ring Road makes for an incredible Iceland vacation.

Iceland South Coast Road Trip

Have a week or less in Iceland and want to take an epic road trip?

Try the popular South Coast!

This is where you’ll find many of Iceland’s most famous attractions, such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajökull National Park, and the iconic Skógafoss–just to name a few!

Reykjavik-Based Trip

Only have a few days in Iceland?

Don’t worry!

By basing yourself in Reykjavik and taking well-planned day trips, you can enjoy some of the most iconic sights in Iceland (like the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle ) very quickly.

While we’d always recommend a longer trip to Iceland if possible, for the right traveler, even a 3-4 day Iceland vacation is well worth the effort it takes to get there.

Step 5: Finalize your Iceland travel budget.

There’s simply no getting around this one: taking a trip to Iceland is expensive!

To save money when traveling to Iceland on a budget, you can make some concessions like shopping in grocery stores for food (and eating lots of gas station hot dogs–a must-have Iceland experience on any budget), staying in basic lodging, and prioritizing only the experiences that are important to you.

But… even with all that, the price tag is still high.

Before booking your lodging and attractions (more on that in a few paragraphs), be sure to run the numbers and see exactly what you have to spend.

Better to make informed decisions along the way than have a nasty surprise bill at the end of your Iceland vacation!

This guide to budgeting for a trip explains how we budget for our travels in a step-by-step way and can help you create an Iceland budget that works for you.

Step 6: Decide where to stay and make reservations.

If you’re taking an Iceland road trip, especially during the summer, booking your hotels and/or vacation rentals as far in advance as possible is essential.

Most of Iceland’s most popular attractions are found in rural areas, and there are often only a few hotels or guesthouses nearby.

In order to complete your road trip efficiently–for example, driving the Ring Road–you’ll want to have your lodging chosen and booked before starting your trip.

We use Booking.com to find and book lodging in Iceland!

A few hotels that stood out on our recent Iceland road trip are Hotel Vík í Mýrdal (fantastic central location in Vik), Hótel Laxá near Mytvan (rural but convenient), and Fosshotel Nupar (perfectly located for glacier hiking in Vatnajökull National Park and visiting the glacier lagoons).

Step 7: Book bucket list tours and activities in advance.

Glacier hikes, snorkeling between tectonic plates , soaking in the famous Blue Lagoon, riding Icelandic horses: many of the absolute best things to do in Iceland require booking a tour or ticket!

And, like rental cars and hotels, tours and activities have a tendency to sell out in the summer.

If there are any bucket-list Iceland experiences you want to make sure you don’t miss, be sure to book them when planning your Iceland trip!

Here are a few popular options that are great to book in advance:

Silfra Snorkeling Tour — Want to snorkel between Europe and North America?

Iceland is the only place you can, and we will never forget this incredibly unique experience !

Glacier Hiking in Skafatell National Park — Hiking on a glacier is one of the most incredible experiences in Iceland, and we loved this tour .

Blue Lagoon — The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous places in Iceland, and you can’t simply show up for the day–especially during the summer.

South Iceland Day Trip — Basing yourself in Reykjavik and don’t want to drive during your first time in Iceland?

This popular day trip will show you Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and beyond.

Step 8: Make a packing list (and shop).

More than most destinations, packing for Iceland requires some advance planning!

The country’s extreme climate paired with the fact that most people who plan a trip to Iceland are planning to do things they’ve never done before–like a hike on a glacier , perhaps–means that you’ll likely want to purchase some gear before taking off!

While you can certainly find most of what you would need in cities like Reykjavik and Akureyri, most of the best places to visit in Iceland are quite rural, with few stores around.

And, Iceland is not exactly a budget-friendly place to shop!

A detailed breakdown of what to pack for Iceland requires a whole other blog post (and packing for Iceland in winter is even more intense), but here are a few things we recommend bringing:

Travel Adaptors for Iceland — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics!

Waterproof Jacket — Mine is no longer available but is similar to this popular jacket , and Jeremy loved this one in Iceland.

Sleep Mask — Midnight sun during the summer in Iceland is no joke, and a sleep mask is a must!

I don’t typically like to wear sleep masks, but I was so glad to have one during our summer trip to Iceland.

Lonely Planet Iceland — We don’t use travel guides in every destination, but in rural, widespread, land-of-confusing-spellings Iceland, we loved having one!

Waterproof Pants — Perfect for hiking on glaciers with! I use these ; Jeremy uses these .

Waterproof Boots — There’s nothing like having warm and dry feet! I adore these boots and have been wearing them for years.

Reusable Water Bottle — Avoid plastic waste, cut your expenses, and enjoy even more of Iceland’s fantastic tap water. Win/win/win.

Step 9: Purchase travel insurance for your trip to Iceland.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance when planning a trip to Iceland!

While Iceland is an incredibly safe country to travel in, traveling in general opens you up to vulnerabilities you simply don’t have at home.

If you lose your luggage, have a fender bender in your rental car, get pickpocketed, or–heaven forbid–get injured, you’ll be glad you have the insurance.

Given how inexpensive travel insurance is when purchased in advance (especially as compared to the cost of flying to and then renting a car in Iceland), we consider it well worth the investment.

However, that being said, travel insurance companies have been about as prone to changing requirements over the last couple of years as borders have been.

Safety Wing is generally considered a reliable option, but be sure to double and triple-check coverages for any travel insurance policy these days, especially if you’re looking for protection from COVID-19-related issues.

Check travel insurance prices and coverage for your Iceland vacation now!

Step 10: Make an arrival plan for your trip to Iceland.

Once you finally finish planning your trip to Iceland and board your plane bound for the Land of Fire and Ice, you’ll still have one final logistical hurdle to overcome before kicking off your adventures: getting from the airport to wherever you’re going next.

For many travelers, that will mean walking or hopping the shuttle over to whatever rental car office they’re using (that’s what we’ve done).

However, if you’re not renting a car on the day you arrive in Iceland, you’ll likely still need to get from the airport to the center of town, which is about a 45-minute drive (there isn’t a train).

Bus transfers like this are the most popular and economical option to get from KEF to central Reykjavik for those who aren’t driving.

If you’re looking to splurge as you put your Iceland travel plan into action, though, private transfers like this are also available and will get you to your hotel faster.

Both options have their pros and cons, but the time to decide isn’t when you’re jetlagged, exhausted, and desperate to be done traveling.

A little advance planning can go a long way, and ensure you step off the plane confident that you’ve planned the perfect first Iceland trip!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “Planning a Trip to Iceland for the First Time (Your Easy 10-Step Checklist!)”

Thank you for your Iceland guides! The info is incredibly helpful as we opted for a DIY trip instead of booking a pre-planned tour. We are heading out in Oct. Since we are native Minnesotans :-), we should be able to handle the weather (fingers crossed). Thanks again! I look forward to checking your guides to other destinations.

That’s wonderful to hear, thank you, Elaine!

I suspect you guys will definitely be just fine with the weather. 😉

Have a fantastic trip!

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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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Janelle says

April 13, 2022 at 4:11 PM

I wanted to thank you for your very detailed itinerary and helpful tips! We just got back from a 9.5 day trip to Iceland over the first part of April. We followed your itinerary very closely and found it worked really well even in the winter/spring season. Buying waterproof pants was a gamechanger — super useful for hikes behind waterfalls, the rainy weather, and for keeping warmer with some of the intense windy days we had. I think it was a bit colder than your trip so we also wore a wool base layer pretty much every day. Overall it was so helpful to have an itinerary from adventurous/thorough travelers like us!

William Tang says

April 14, 2022 at 6:08 PM

Hi Janelle! Thank you so much for coming back and leaving your experience! I’m so glad that the itinerary was helpful and totally jealous you got to go recently!!

Joan Lindsay Kerr says

July 18, 2021 at 1:44 AM

Hi, Will, we are going to Iceland in August and we have 13 days, so we doing the Ring Road and have already planned out our itinerary. But I want to compliment you on this very helpful post. You included a huge amount of very useful information that will definitely help guide our packing and sights to include. One little note of advice from a fellow travel writer and retired English teacher, the phrase is “For all intents and purposes…” (I didn’t understand it myself until I was in high school. It’s easy to misunderstand if you’ve never seen it written down.) Best of luck to you on your future travels!

Will Tang says

July 18, 2021 at 3:39 PM

Thanks for your feedback Joan! Yes, I realized my mistake on this but never went back to fix old articles so I just made that correction. I’m glad that you found this helpful and if you have any follow up questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

June 23, 2021 at 12:34 AM

Would it be possible to rent an AirBNB in one location and be able to day trip to see all important areas? If not, what about 2….staying 4 days in each?

June 28, 2021 at 2:10 PM

Hey! Great question. It’s certainly possible to stay in one location but your reach by rental car for the day will be limited because of how stretched out all the sights are. I like your idea of staying in one rental for say 2 nights at a time instead and plan around exploring that way. So for instance you could find a central place in Southern Iceland for 2 nights, 2 nights in Reykjavik, and then another 2 nights in say Snaefellsnes.

Wenyan Wang says

May 28, 2021 at 3:55 PM

I am planning a trip to tour Iceland with my best friend and I found your blog so thoughtful, fun and informative! Thank you for sharing the tips and advice.

May 29, 2021 at 10:41 AM

Thank you so much! I appreciate you spending the time to drop a comment and I’m so glad that you found it helpful! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Melissa says

May 3, 2021 at 5:17 PM

Just wanted to say that I’ve visited your site frequently while researching our coming trip to Iceland. Thank you so much for all of the suggestions and information you’ve shared.

May 6, 2021 at 12:32 AM

Hey Melissa, I’m so glad that this has been helpful! If you have any specific questions, don’t be afraid to ask!

February 13, 2019 at 4:50 AM

Hi Will! Thank you for writing such an amazing and detailed Iceland Experience. I read it today since I am planning to travel exactly for 8 days to Iceland in May. I loved your Bubble experience. But when I tried to book for the night it said I have to book their one night tour which is exorbitantly priced and more than that it takes you in their car from Reykjavik. Is there a way to book only for the night stay? Thanks.

February 13, 2019 at 6:52 PM

I reached out to the owner and unfortunately that’s true – he’s trying to bundle the stay with activities. HE said in the future that he’ll try to bundle it with car rentals. I personally don’t think that’s a good move but not much I can do. It’s too bad!

Lindsey says

August 26, 2018 at 12:49 PM

Seriously… THANK YOU for this incredibly thorough guide! We’re currently working on our trip plan to Iceland and this was so helpful.

August 26, 2018 at 4:06 PM

You’re most welcome! I tried my best to pack it in with information I learned from my own trip. If you could, would love any shares of this article on Facebook because you never know, your friends my be able to make use of it as well!

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ICELAND with kids: a 5 day self-drive itinerary

Posted on Last updated: 29 January 2024

When people told me they had been to Iceland with kids, their eyes widened, followed by a disbelieving shake of the head before they launched into a list of the things they had done.

Since returning from our first Iceland family holiday, I now understand that look. The breathtaking beauty of this island has to be seen to be believed, and with all its open space, magical geography, charming Icelandic horses, and hot dogs, there are so many things to do in Iceland with kids , and our boys (aged 3 and 4) enjoyed it so much that we returned exactly a year later to do another Iceland road trip with kids; this time a North Iceland itinerary !

Disclaimer: Our visit to Iceland with kids was hosted by Hey Iceland , with complimentary 4×4 car hire from Europcar Iceland (we paid for our car insurance).  However, as always, these are all my own words and opinions. This post also contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, although I receive a small commission.

Where would we be without our Lonely Planet Guide ? There’s also a specific Iceland Road Trip edition .

• Thiruvengadam, Meena (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 352 Pages – 03/15/2024 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)

• Averbuck, Alexis (Author)
• 128 Pages – 04/15/2022 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)

We also recommend you purchase a good Iceland road map ( click here ), in case your tablet or Google Maps fails.

• Marco Polo (Author)
• 1 Page – 03/25/2020 (Publication Date) – MAIRDUMONT GmbH & Co. KG (Publisher)

A trip to Iceland with kids had escaped us for so long as we thought it would be too expensive for us budget travellers. But cheap Easy Jet airfares tempted us and, alongside some Iceland money saving tips from fellow bloggers, it made us realise that a visit to The Land of Fire and Ice does not need to break the bank. Admittedly accommodation and car hire are the largest outgoings, and we found grocery costs to be double compared to the UK, but there are so many free outdoor activities to do in Iceland to help outweigh this cost.

This 5 day Iceland family itinerary is aimed at those who want to keep costs down, get away from it all and self-drive. I’ve also included an extension at the end of this itinerary for those that have more time.

Check out our trip highlights of our 5 day Iceland with kids itinerary in this video:

Self-drive Iceland with kids

We love a good road trip. Self-drive is the best option for exploring Iceland with children as you’re on your own schedule, with the flexibility to linger or move on as you please. Europcar Iceland provided us with a 4×4 rental on arrival at Keflavík airport. If you are following the below itinerary and driving in the winter months, a 4×4 is essential as roads can be icy and you may be driving on snow!

READ: Road trip essentials with kids

Planning the route for 5 days in Iceland

Hey Iceland put together this fantastic 5 day Iceland self drive itinerary for us. We explained that we wanted to see the sights, but also wanted to feel we were getting off the beaten track and away from it all . And as we were travelling with kids (our boys were aged 3 and 4), we didn’t want to cram as much as possible into our days and overtire the boys. Hey Iceland certainly delivered and I couldn’t fault their itinerary.

Check out this guide from Monkey and Mouse if you’re looking to visit the South West of Iceland.

Online routing from your car

We were provided with a  tablet displaying an online map with GPS to follow . This is much better than relying on Google Maps as some of  the roads we drove along do not exist on Google Maps! Moreover, it was very easy popping back into the car after visiting each spot and pressing a button to lead us to our next location, rather than consulting a paper map.

You can also search for cafes, petrol stations and geothermal pools using the tablet, change your route as you go, and check road conditions ahead. If you get really stuck, there’s even an online chat to speak with someone back at the Hey Iceland office in Reykjavik. The tablet also comes with inbuilt WiFi , so you can still be connected to the world when you’re out in the sticks.

Child friendly accommodation in Iceland

As we travelled to Iceland end of October / beginning of November, camping really wasn’t an option as temperatures dropped below freezing. Hey Iceland booked us two nights at Sel Guesthouse and two nights at Kast Guesthouse . It was really nice not having to pack up and move each morning, instead returning to a base on Day 2 and Day 4, and it didn’t feel like we did much back-tracking.

We stayed at a self-catering cottage at Sel Guesthouse, which has a homely charm and felt nicely remote. This had one bedroom which we all slept in, and a separate kitchen/lounge area.

In contrast, Kast Guesthouse has a more modern feel, with spacious rooms, bunk beds for the kids, a powerful shower, and a large window to watch the Northern Lights dance over the mountains (if you’re lucky!)

For both accommodations a buffet breakfast was provided, which included cereals, fresh breads, cheese, fish, cured meats, fruits, fresh juice, tea and coffee. If you book in advance, an 8pm dinner can also be arranged for you at these accommodations, although we found this rather late for our boys and opted to self-cater at Sel Guesthouse, and had a picnic in the room each night at Kast Guesthouse.

When to visit Iceland with kids

Many people suggest visiting Iceland in summer when the weather is warmer, and long hours of daylight mean that you can pack more into your visit. However, we visited during the UK October half term . This meant there were far fewer tourists (we enjoyed many places completely to ourselves) and gave us the chance of seeing the Northern Lights (although we weren’t quite that lucky).

At the time we visited, sunrise was around 9am and sunset 5pm. For young kids (our boys were 3 and 4 years old), this is more than enough daylight hours for sightseeing. They were shattered by the end of each day, and fitting any more into an evening would really have been pushing it (for us parents too). Although we did find that after 3pm, the temperature dropped and it became bitterly cold. So we advise getting out on the road for 9am each morning.

Plus, we were also fortunate enough to have snow! Snow is a huge novelty for our family and we absolutely loved it. It makes everything look so pristine and pretty, it’s fun to play in, and Daddy Lynn even got to drive on the snow!

What to pack for an Iceland family holiday

Check out this post – What to pack for Iceland . But the key is layers! We took (and wore) thermals, waterproofs (we love these 3-in-1 jackets from Mountain Warehouse ), woolly hats and gloves, and good walking shoes. Don’t forget a spare battery and memory card for your camera (you will be taking A LOT of videos and photos).

Our 5 day self drive Iceland with kids itinerary

Day 1: The road South

Overnight stay at: Sel Guesthouse

Aim to land at Keflavík Airport in the morning to maximise the first day, and collect your hire car (we had pre-booked with Europcar and collected our 4×4 from straight outside the airport). Many tourists then head straight to the Blue Lagoon or on to Reykjavik . However, we wanted to get out into the open countryside as soon as possible!

If you do arrive the night before, we recommend staying at Guesthouse Keflavík . It’s a great budget option for families. 

Take the 20 minute drive South to the ‘ Bridge Between Continents ‘ where you can walk from the European to North American plate and back again, via a wooden bridge spanning a black-sand gulf. Then on to the steamy hot springs of Gunnuhver . Around this area, a handful of power plants have been built to exploit the geothermal heat.

Feel the bracing power of the Atlantic Ocean crashing on to the coastline and spot the lava pool of Brimketill , before making your way towards Sel Guesthouse on the Golden Circle, via the Lutheran church of Strandarkirkja  and the seaside town of Stokkseyri .

Day 2: The Golden Circle

Today you will tick off some of the major sites of Iceland, so expect to see a few more tourists and coach parties; although we did have our first couple of stops totally to ourselves. The first of these is the  beautiful historic church of Skálholt  and then the eco-village of Sólheimar .

Once we arrived at  Kerið, a volcanic crater lake , we started to see more tourists. Surprisingly, we had to pay entry to walk around the top of the crater. This is the only outdoor natural attraction we had to do pay, and unfortunately due to the biting cold wind and icy footpath, we weren’t able to stay long and didn’t really get our money’s worth. We did see some people wearing crampons ( like these ). This was a very good idea.

Drive on to the  Þingvellir National Park , the setting of Iceland’s original parliament, to explore the waterfalls, fissures, church and lake of this historical site, along a boarded footpath.

Next pop for some organic home-made  ice-cream at  Efstidalur Farm , before heading to the hot springs of Geysir . This was a huge highlight for my Go Jetters fans (the Strokkur Geyser features in the first series). Thankfully there was no Grand Master Glitch to be seen, and the main geysir (Strokkur) was free to shoot boiling water up in the air at any given moment. Very exciting to witness. The geysir blows every 6-10 minutes, sometimes up to 40 metres high.

The last stop is the magnificent Gullfoss waterfalls , before heading back to the warmth of your cottage at Sel Guesthouse.

Day 3: To the West Coast

Overnight stay at: Kast Guesthouse

If driving in the winter months, you will need a 4×4 for this day. We visited at the end of October and drove on snow-covered roads. It was magical. However, we had the peace of mind of a 4×4 with specialised snow tyres. Otherwise, you should take the road West to Gljúfrasteinn, just north of Reykjavik.

First stop at Laugarvatn to marvel the hot spring lake from it’s black sand beaches. It’s also worth making time to visit the Fontana Geothermal Baths on the lake shore here. It’s one of the best Blue Lagoon alternatives in Iceland .

Then head north on the spectacular F550 (also known by us as the ‘snow road’) to the waterfalls of Hraunfossar . If you get an early start, you can also walk INSIDE a glacier. Check out our experience with Into the Glacier here . But you’ll have to decide between Into The Glacier or Fontana Geothermal Baths. You won’t really have time to do both in the same day if travelling with young kids. If you do want to do both, we suggest staying over night at Guesthouse Hvítá .

Next stop is  Hestalanda Farm  to ride an Icelandic horse! If your kids have experience riding horses or are older, you can pre-book riding tours. As my boys had no riding experience and were 3 and 4 years old, they enjoyed a gentle ride around the indoor paddock. Call or email ahead to book.

Day 4: Snæfellsnes Peninsular

Today you will drive a loop around the Snæfellsnes Peninsular, returning back to Kast Guesthouse.

First head to the church at Búðir . Park up and follow the coastal paths for a morning walk along the Atlantic coast, backed by dramatic mountains. Then head to  Rauðfeldsgjá  where you can walk up to a large crack in the mountain face. We had deep discussions of whether dragons lived in there. Watch your footing if icy on the way back down, but do stop to admire the spectacular view in front of you.

Back in the car, pass through the hamlets of Arnarstapi and Hellnar , stopping to marvel their sea-sculpted rock formations, and on to the pair of pinnacles at Lóndrangar . There’s a lot of hopping in and out of the car here, which little ones may get a bit fed up with. If you need to just chose one view point here, Lóndrangar is the best.

You may then wish to visit the underground lava cave of Vatnshellir . However, at ISK3570 (approx £24 per person), we decided against it as we had so much natural beauty to explore this day that was free.

Instead we drove on to the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur , where we found the poignant shipwrecked remains of a fishing trawler from Grimsby (where Daddy Lynn was born!) The boys had so much fun here chasing the waves and jumping in the pebbles.

Finish the day at iconic Kirkjufell and follow the footpath up behind the waterfalls, before driving back to Kast Guesthouse to warm up with a hot shower and hot chocolate.

Day 5: Back to the airport

If you’ve booked an evening flight from Keflavík Airport, you still have a whole day up your sleeve. Head to the  Borgarnes Swimming Pool , an hour from Kast Guesthouse and on the way to Reykjavik. Entry is a fraction the cost of the Blue Lagoon and by arriving at 10am, we had the place to ourselves! Entry is IKR1240 per adult (approx. £7.12) and the boys were FREE (although their website does state IKR390 for children).

There are three heated pools (the hottest is 41°C ), a kids’ pool and slides (although they were closed for our visit as the water that runs down the slides had frozen), an outdoor sauna, an outdoor lap pool and an indoor pool. There are free arm bands for children, should you need them. Ensure you follow the correct etiquette on entry to pool and wash thoroughly – yes, that does mean getting naked in the shower and washing your bits with soap in front of everyone.

It’s then a one hour drive to the centre of Reykjavik , via the free tunnel.

Spend your last hours wandering along the sea front and check out the concrete masterpiece of  Hallgrímskirkja . If you need to escape indoors from the weather, head to the  Viking Maritime Museum or Saga Museum .

If you do have longer in Reykjavik, check out our post – Things to do in Reykjavik with kids .

Ensure you leave enough time to get back to Keflavík Airport, allowing for the rush hour (4-6pm).

If you’re flight leaves the next day, we recommend staying at Guesthouse Keflavík . It’s a great budget option for families.

Day 5-10: 10 day Iceland itinerary option

If you have got the time to extend your Iceland with kids road trip to 10 days, then we recommend venturing up to Northern Iceland.

On Day 4, instead of heading back to Kast Guesthouse, travel onwards to Stóra-Ásgeirsá for the night. Then follow this North Iceland itinerary from Day 3.

More tips for visiting Iceland with kids

• Don’t bother taking cash with you to Iceland or getting cash on arrival. Iceland is a cashless society and your card can be used (virtually) everywhere.
• Pick up food/snacks whenever you see a supermarket as they are few and far between. Or even better, bring them with you from home.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up with water from taps (perfectly safe to drink).
• Don’t try and cram too much in to your day as little ones can get overtired, especially in the fresh cold air.
• Wear layers and make sure the kids are wearing good hiking boots .

You may also like to read: How to save money on a family trip to Iceland NORTH ICELAND ITINERARY: a 7 day family road trip Things to do in Reykjavik with kids

The Perfect Camping Tour Around Iceland

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland

Day 2: golden circle, day 3: golden circle & thjorsardalur valley, day 4: south coast to kirkjubaejarklaustur, day 5: vatnajokull glacier to hofn, day 6: jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, day 7: eastfjords, day 8: lake myvatn, day 9: lake myvatn and husavik, day 10: siglufjordur & troll peninsula, day 11: skagafjordur fjord.

• Day 12: Snæfellsnes peninsula and Stykkishólmur

Day 13: Snaefellsnes peninsula and Vatnshellir cave

Day 14: reykjavik, day 15: departure.

Iceland is the ideal destination for a long stay camping holiday, with a wide array of popular attractions, fantastical landscapes and the majestic midnight sun. To make the most of your camping journey, follow this jam-packed 15-day camping itinerary and take advantage of the rich selection of daily adventure options that we have compiled for your convenience.

Acclaimed fantasy writer and admirer of all things Icelandic, J.R.R Tolkien , once famously wrote, “ Not all those who wander are lost. ” He was, perhaps, alluding to his characters, strong-headed adventures celebrated for their skill in navigating an unknown wilderness.

Top Budget Self Drive Tours

Best 7-day northern lights self drive tour through south iceland to jokulsarlon ice cave, amazing 6-day northern lights winter self-drive tour on iceland's south coast with ice caving, 5-day northern lights winter self-drive tour with the golden circle & jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

Well, forgiving Iceland’s aesthetic similarities to the Misty Mountains , Tolkien was evidently not accustomed to the large swathes of underprepared campers who, over recent years, have begun setting up their tents across our fair land. If he had, he might have written "Not all those who wander are lost... some, though..." 

Iceland is, after all, 40,000 square miles of volcanic land, known for its volatile weather , diminutive population, and, quite often, scarcity of passing assistance. In fact, without a fairly large degree of prior planning, the chances of becoming lost whilst sightseeing here rise significantly, an outcome that’s not only dangerous but also an exasperating waste of time - both for the rescue teams and yourself.

This is why, dear reader, we have taken the time to prepare this custom guide for a 15-day self-drive camping tour across Iceland. 

• See also: Camping in Iceland - all you need to know

15 days is more than ample time for you to visit Iceland's most popular attractions, with our itinerary covering such amazing locations as the Jökulsárlón  glacier lagoon, Skaftafell  nature reserve, the basalt columns of Reynisfjara , the  Snæfellsjökull glacier, Hallormsstaðaskógur  national forest, the  Gullfoss  waterfall, and many more.

There are numerous advantages to keeping yourself self-sufficient throughout your camping holiday: a sense of autonomy, time management, family bonding, serenity, and the opportunity to get up close and personal with the island's nature.

Whatever type of camper you might be, it's a decent bet you are here for the same reasons as the rest; the countryside, the adventure, and the matchless challenge.

Like the vast majority of arrivals here, you will first land at  Keflavik International Airport , located on the northern tip of the  Reykjanes peninsula , approximately 50km west of the capital. Here, your  rental car  awaits, but your choice of vehicle will, of course, determine the number of outcomes for your trip, so it’s wise to make sure you are renting the vehicle that best suits your needs.

Before taking to the road, there are a number of points about  driving in Iceland that is worth drawing your attention to. Vehicles always drive on the right-hand side of the road (same as the USA, opposite to the UK), and are obliged by law to keep their headlights on at all times. This law applies whatever season, whatever time of day.

You will also notice that roads here are often elevated in order to help keep them open during heavy snowfalls in the winter. This has, however, lead to cars slipping from the road and rolling over, so make sure to approach each curve, blind corner, and hill slowly! The speed limit for driving here is 50km/hr in urban areas, 90km/hr on tarmac rural roads, and 80km/hr on gravel rural roads.

Please be aware that off-roading driving in Iceland is illegal and destroys the delicate balance of nature. Violators of this rule will, without hesitation, be subject to heavy fines.

When, finally, you are ready to set out on your camping adventure, you will soon discover that Reykjanes is a sampling platter for all that lies ahead on your camping trip. The Reykjanesbraut road (Route 41) is a vein that runs down the length of the peninsula, with smaller side roads branching off toward the southern coast . Most of these roads are paved but don’t be surprised to meet the odd gravel section.

10 minutes off the Reykjanes main road, you will find the incredible sulfur fields of Krýsuvík. Here, enclosed within a ring of bright and colorful mountains, a boardwalk guides you over hot, volcanic vents and geothermal hot springs. Signs positioned along the route provide information on the area’s geology and offer a greater understanding of Iceland’s environmental makeup.

Only a short trip away, you can drive to the Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs,  which plummet vertically into the North Atlantic Ocean , making this one of the most dramatic areas on Iceland’s south coast. At the precipice, you can view nesting seabirds such as kittiwakes and razorbills , a peaceful sight before you head back to the footpaths above.

Next on your to-do list is  Kleifarvatn  geothermal lake, the largest lake in the Reykjanes peninsula and the namesake of Arnaldur Indriðason’s 2004 crime novel. The lake began to diminish after an earthquake at the beginning of the millennium, cutting it in size by 20%. Aside from its apparent loveliness, you will also find that Kleifarvatn is notable for its variable water temperature and numerous underwater springs.

From here, your journey will take you through jagged lava fields to the Reykjanesviti lighthouse . This was the second lighthouse built in Iceland (the first having been damaged by sea water, and eventually demolished in 1908.) Given the variety of its landscape – the lapping blue of the North Atlantic, the steaming geothermal vents, the coastal rock formations - Reykjanesviti lighthouse has become a favorite spot amongst visitors and locals alike. Make sure you don't miss it!

Despite their diminutive size, Icelandic horses have a celebrated reputation for playfulness, intelligence and strength, having been purely bred on the island as early as the 10th century. To this day, Iceland does not allow the importation of horses, nor does it allow any horse that’s left the island to return.

Horse riding tours are a fantastic opportunity for you to not only meet and learn more about this distinctive breed but to also experience what travel must have been like for the island’s earliest settlers .

For the first night, you can choose between camping out in Sandgerði or Grindavík . 

Time to charter your course along Route 1 – “ The Ring Road ”! This popular tourist run takes you along the entire Icelandic coastline, providing numerous and welcome sightseeing destinations along the way. 

The Ring Road's first attraction is undoubtedly The Golden Circle Tour , Iceland’s most well-loved tourist route. Here, you will cover 300 kilometers (190 miles), first reaching the geothermal valley of Haukadalur , home to the geothermal springs, Geysir and Strokkur . Visitors will be privy to great torrents of water routinely pushing out from underground caverns, again bearing witness to the hot-blooded energy of Iceland’s makeup. Your journey continues past the awe-inspiring waterfall Gullfoss , and finally, Þingvellir National Park .

It will soon become apparent that Þingvellir is one of Iceland’s premier highlights. It is the largest national park in Iceland, and the only one protected with UNESCO world heritage status.

The reasons for this are twofold. First of all, Þingvellir is the former location of Iceland’s parliament, founded in 930 and locally described as the  Alþingi . In 1884, the Alþingi was reinstated, this time in Reykjavik, where it still resides to this day. 

The second reason behind Þingvellir’s renown is its untouchable beauty and important geological position. The park is situated directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge , a field of dried magma located in between two of the planet’s tectonic plates, the North American tectonic plate, and the Eurasian tectonic plate, which sit roughly 3km apart from one another. This area is intricately intercut with valleys, rifts, and gorges, many of which are walkable and offer fabulous insight into the history and culture of this area.

If walking seems a little too much effort for you, it is also possible to take snorkeling and diving tours in Silfra Fissure , located only ten minutes from the Alþingi historical site. Here, you have the chance to swim directly between both tectonic plates (and even touch both simultaneously), whilst revelling in the incredibly clear visibility of Silfra’s glacial water.

By the end of day 2, you will be spending the night near the town of  Flúðir  and can choose between the campsites at  Brautarholt  or  Skjól . In the meantime, off the beaten track, you can find a natural hot pool - commonly referred to as 'the hot river' - to relax in the evening. It's located very much out in the sticks and requires a small hike, so you'll have to ask locals for directions.

The pool used to be used as an old  sheep station , where the herd could be bathed for some much-needed defrosting. There is a small, wooden hut that can be used for changing into your swimwear – but don’t expect any amenities! The pool is located on a farmer’s land, though he is happy for visitors to use it, as long as they respect that right. Make sure to take away any litter you might accumulate.

If you're more inclined toward the sumptuous 'good life', thankfully there is a little more luxury in terms of bathing still on offer. Iceland is littered with  geothermal pools , both natural and man-made, and in Flúðir you can find one that’s a nifty combination of both with  The Secret Lagoon.  Here, the water keeps a tantalizing 38–40 degrees celsius, providing rejuvenation and an organic Icelandic experience.

There are also numerous other tours available on this leg of your trip, all of which provide a unique method for experiencing your stops on the Golden Circle. Again, horse riding is a popular attraction, as are the Gullfoss snowmobile tours , where you will glide across fields of fresh snow like agents in a Bond movie (in fact, Pierce Brosnan's 007 did just that in Die Another Day , which used  Jokulsarlon glacier as its dramatic stage.)

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Soon it will be obvious to you that Iceland has no shortage of campsites . In fact, there are over two hundred of them scattered across the country, the majority of which are stocked with amenities; running water, first aid kits, electrical outlets, BBQ grills, children’s playgrounds – sometimes, a little café!

It is best to check prior to departing your journey exactly what each campsite offers if only to avoid disappointment on the day. Before heading out, you should also be aware of these  basic tips .

If you just have a tent, you may be able to find spots of uncultivated public land along the main roads to camp on during your trip. This, however, is not legal if you are in a campervan, tent trailer, or collapsable camper, and you must stay at a campsite if you are using such a vehicle. Regardless of how you are camping, staying on private land is a strict 'no' without the landowner’s permission.

If you have finished visiting all the locations on the Golden Circle tour, your third day will take you to the municipality of  Rangárþing eystra , in the Southern Region of Iceland. Here, there are a number of campsites to choose from, and among popular attractions in the area are the charming waterfalls of Hjálparfoss  and Háifoss , the latter being one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland.

A short drive away is the gorge, Gjáin , where you are likely to discover many other smaller waterfalls, interesting rock formations, and hidden ponds.

From here (weather permitting,) you might have the chance to get your first look at the volcano, Hekla , standing mighty on the horizon at an impressive 1491m. In the Medieval ages, European monks often wrote of Hekla as “the gateway to Hell”, or “the prison of Judas”, due to its reputation for erupting unexpectedly; a reputation that quickly spread into poetry, art, and folklore.

To this day, there are still whispered legends of  witches , who on Easter’s day, gather on Hekla's peak to meet the devil himself. Regardless of the superstition, Hekla has erupted over twenty times since Iceland was settled and still to this day arouses some level of concern. Try not to worry too much though - you wouldn't be let near if there was an immediate danger.

Only a short drive away, we recommend Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng , where you will find an actual, reconstructed Viking settlement . In 1104AD, it was thought that this farmstead was lost under the volcanic ash of Hekla’s eruption.

With full-scale buildings and an exact longhouse replica, the reconstruction was completed in 1974 and stands as a testimony to what life must have been like for those first, Icelandic settlers one thousand years before. If there was any concern about the luxury awaiting at the campsites, Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng should, at the very least, make you feel grateful.

You would be well advised to pitch your tent by Hvolsvöllur , for example at the campsite Langbrók in Fljótshlíð. You could also choose to journey North West of Hvolsvöllur to  Landmannalaugar, a geothermal nature reserve located in the southern  highlands . This area is famous for its spectacular scenery and hiking routes; visitors can choose a variety of lengths, ranging from the one-hour jaunt to the four-day trail called the Laugavegur.

The Iceland Touring Association operates a mountain lodge to provide hikers respite, though be aware that this must be booked a long time in advance of your stay.

On the south coast, you will find that campsites become a little more sparse. However, the  Kleifarmörk  campsite, 2.5 kilometers outside of  Kirkjubæjarklaustur , does not disappoint for its natural splendor, nor for practicalities, which include: picnic benches, bathrooms, and a football field.

For the intrepid mountaineers out there, hiking trails are prevalent in this area, such as to Systrastapi , (or “sister’s mesa”), a historical location where rumor claims two nuns were killed for breaching ethical decorum. There is also a waterfall extremely close to the camp itself, and a swimming pool where visitors can enjoy dipping themselves into the warm water.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a good venue for you to venture off the beaten path. Hiking through the wild here is one of your best opportunities to have a friendly encounter with one of Iceland’s semi-feral sheep, an animal that could teach us all a thing or two about surviving the harsh Arctic conditions. A handy tip here; avoid angering any rams!

Soon, you will discover the greater area’s main attraction in the stunningly beautiful, but unforgiving, Reynisfjara . For those that have seen it, it is perhaps unsurprising that it's often touted as Iceland’s “coolest beach”. Here, the shoreline is entirely black sand , with huge basalt columns named Gardar that create fantastic natural sculptures into the rock.

Make sure to take the time to revel at the basalt sea stacks that tower 66m from the water’s surface. These stacks are lashed routinely by cruel Atlantic storms, causing the rock to erode into the peculiar shapes that have so come to define the beach. Don't forget your camera - photographs from here will fit nicely on your wall at home.

When you’ve finished strolling up and down the coastline (whatever you do, don’t try to paddle in the water,) the Southern town of Vik is a short drive away, providing amenities and its own visual style, with houses and churches built all along the steep hill faces surrounding the community.

Day 5 is the perfect day to visit Vatnajökull , Iceland’s largest glacier  - covering a staggering 8% of the country - and the second biggest glacier in Europe. With a total area of around 8000km squared, and ice averaging 400m thick, there are a wide number of operators using Vatnajökull as their prime location for glacier tours .

On these trips, you will experience firsthand how earthquakes, underground springs, and ice-melts all came together to form the matchless, structural magnificence of the glacier. Don't worry about slipping - your guides will take you through, step by step, how to navigate the ice.

Some tours even offer the opportunity to climb sheer walls with ice axes; just another example of the adventure lying in wait on your camping tour. Talking of axes, Vatnajökull was one of many shooting locations for the most recent series of HBO’s Game of Thrones.  Here, more than ever, you can truly imagine yourself as a member of the Night's Watch, scaling the enormous face of The Wall. Thankfully, no enemies on top!

Health has always been seen as one of the benefits of camping, far more so at least than staying in a downtown hostel. It’s in the fresh air, the long walks, the physical obligations that come with living life in the wild. And, there is no place wilder in Iceland than Skaftafell , where you will spend the night.

Historically a farmstead following the settlement of Iceland, the entire community was destroyed following the 1362 eruption of Öræfajökull. Since that day, the region has been anglicized to ‘wasteland,’ or Öræfi in Icelandic.

Nowadays, you will find the preservation is anything but a wasteland, nestled in the mountainous Öræfasveit region of Southern Iceland. It was, until 2008, its own national park, before being merged into Vatnajökull National Park .

Discover how this is an area of stark contrasts, and in many respects, differs from the rest of the island dramatically. The warmer temperature and longer sunlight hours make Skaftafell a haven for humans and animals alike, with a large number of Arctic foxes , mink and bird species (eg; redpoll, redwing, wren, etc.) calling the area home.

Unlike anywhere else in the country, Birch and Willow trees are now beginning to slowly colonize the land, spurred on by a constant underground flow of glacier water.

And so we snake our way through the south and towards one of Iceland’s more breathtaking regions, the glorious Eastern Fjords. The glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón , will be your number one stop, a location where enormous icebergs bob up and down in the vermillion blue waters resting at the base of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier .

Standing on the shores of this lagoon, you are certain to be filled with an enormous sense of serenity and peace. To take a look at these icebergs up close, the Zodiac Boat Tour is a necessary purchase. Prepare to be donned in protective suits and life jackets before the boat glides effortlessly across the water, getting closer to the icebergs than ever before, and even sailing right to the glacier’s edge.

Seals are a common sighting here, playing in the surf, as are the red-throated loons, who are ferociously protective of their nesting grounds (best to keep on the designated paths if you wish to avoid having your head pecked.) At the end of the day, you will arrive at the campsite of  Egilsstaðir , the largest settlement in the Eastern Region, and that is where you will spend the night.

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If you were to look at the Austfirðir region on the map, the first thing you might notice is how wavy and indented the landscape is against the ocean. This is because we’re in Fjord country now, the East of Iceland . Here, you might notice how historical settlement has subtly changed the culture of the communities that live here.

In Fáskrúðsfjörður, signposts are written in both French and Icelandic and in Seyðisfjörður , where you'd be well advised to spend the night, the architecture is conspicuously Norwegian. Nevertheless, the activities on offer in the East are as Icelandic as Hákarl  –  making it an absolute essential stopover on anyone’s visit.

Taking a scenic hike up  Mt. Snæfell is one of the most popular activities in the Austfirðir region. Outside of the glaciers, this is the tallest freestanding mountain in Iceland, with its peak reaching a colossal 1853 meters. As a matter of fact, the peak is so high that the snow never leaves, even in the summer months. It will tower on the horizon throughout your time here.

That's extremely good news if you happen to be a backcountry skier. But alternatively, if that sounds like a bit of a slog to you, there’s always the option of hopping aboard a super jeep , being driven up Mt. Snæfell as part of a day tour, and concluding your trip with a tranquil bath in a geothermal hot spring.

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One of the most enjoyable things (or, maybe, lack of things) about camping in Iceland is the fact there are no mosquitos . There are, in reality, barely any insect species at all. The only exception to this is the tiny midge (or gnat), a six-legged nuisance you will find near most bodies of water across the Nordic states. In summer, you will no doubt meet millions of these little residents.

Fittingly, Mývatn (midge lake) takes its name from this pesky camping companion. If you decided to visit in the summer months, it might be sensible to consider wearing a fly net or other added protection, if only to prevent any feelings of annoyance whilst trying to enjoy the scenery.

Mývatn is one of Iceland’s most stunning and wild natural preserves on the island. The Mýtvatn area itself acts as something of a natural museum. Volcanic landscapes - the Námaskarð Pass , the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters , the fantastical Dimmuborgir (‘Dark Castles’) lava formations – all give this region a new flavor and a new bump to your trips’ motivation. Whenever you think Iceland has shown you all it has to offer, it comes back and surprises you!

On day eight you can stay at either Fjalladýrð or Heiðarbær .

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Given, by now, the physical exhaustion you are bound to be feeling from your trip, a day of pampering and relaxation in the Mývatn area is almost a necessity. Why not throw in a spa day at the nearby Mývatn Nature Baths ?

105km from the northern capital Akureyri, these natural pools are the perfect spot for letting your hair down, taking a few deep breaths, and relaxing those muscles! The sulfur rich baths are excellent for respiratory repair, healthy for the skin, and, again, provide ample rest from the road and the camper van. The beautiful scenery of Mývatn and its surrounding areas can easily be enjoyed from the pool, making it a faultless engagement for the road-weary traveler.

After reenergizing at the Mývatn Nature Baths, there is the opportunity for you to experience whales in their natural environment with the Gentle Giants Whale Watching company  or North Sailing Whale Watching Company , both based in Húsavík .

Whale watching up north is widely regarded to be superior to that down south – whale/dolphin sightings are more frequent, more varied, and complimented by the surrounding mountains, whilst boats tend to be less crowded, making for a more personal, intimate experience with the whales.

  Other options for the day include driving yourself through the Jökulsárgljúfur area of the Vatnajökull National Park , taking in the breath-taking beauty of the verdant, horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon (where folklore dictates that Óðinn’s horse, Sleipnir , tread his hoof down while running through the sky.) Also, in the area is the spectacular waterfall, Dettifoss , Europe’s most powerful waterfall, which you might remember from the opening of Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’ .

You can continue your stay at Fjalladýrð or Heiðabær campsites, or change it up with a stay at the Lónsá guesthouse , situated just by Akureyri.

Top Akureyri Tours

Siglufjörður is best known for a massive mid-20th-century boom in herring fisheries and the town still upholds the legacy of those years with an annual Herring festival and a herring museum. For ardent fish fans out there (...and I know you're out there somewhere), this is a crucial mark for the calendar.

Off the coast of Sauðárkrókur , you have the island of Drangey , where it is said that the legendary outlaw strongman Grettir of Grettissaga  once lived, hiding from both the authorities and, somewhat less convincingly, undead wraiths.  Quite the tall tale, but then, quite the tall island... At Drangey you have the chance to get up close and personal with the large population of puffins and other seabirds, who use this isolated outpost as a regular nesting ground.

Both are charming, authentic fishing villages with a lot of character and, of course, great seafood.  The north offers a range of activities such trout and salmon fishing in the Hólsá river or white water rafting in Jökulsá.

For day 10, your options for campsites are limited to Siglufjörður or Sauðárkrókur .

Today you will be camping out at  Hvammstangi  where you can visit Borgarvirki , the natural basalt fortress which Viking settlements indicate may have been used for military purposes. You can also check out the Vatnsnes peninsula , home to the largest seal population in Iceland, with views over the majestic Hvítserkur basalt stack.

If you are a fan of seals the Icelandic Seal Center at Hvammstangi is bound to delight. Acting as both a museum and tourist information bureau, visitors hear can learn about the variety of breeds in Iceland, their behavior how their produce was historically used by fishing settlements in the North.

It is also another chance for the family to delve further into Icelandic folklore and see for yourselves how this blubbery creature has affected the traditions and myths held so dear by the local population.

Or perhaps, you’re growing a little tired of all this epic wildlife and wish, instead, to learn more about the people who call these rugged shores home. Why not make a trip to Hofsós and learn about the dramatic story of the Icelanders who, escaping famine, sought a better life sailing west to Canada and the United States? Or, alternatively, shut that inquisitive mind off to lounge in the Hofsós pool , which boasts one of the finest views in all of Iceland.

Day 12: Snæfellsnes peninsula and Stykkishólmur

On day 12, make your way to the Snæfellsnes peninsula , where you can choose between spending the night at Ólafsvík or Hellissandur.

Bedtime is a long way away, however. First, the crown of Snæfellsnes, the glacier Snæfellsjökull . This dormant stratovolcano is over 1446m high with a 200 m deep crater. Legends abound about this mysterious place; some claim for the glacier’s healing properties, others that it is an extra-terrestrial rendezvous point.

In Jules Verne’s classic science fiction novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth , Snæfellsjökull serves as the entrance point for Prof. Lidenbrock’s subterranean journey – “Descend, bold traveler, into the crater of the jökull of Snæfell, which the shadow of Scartaris touches (lit: tastes) before the Kalends of July, and you will attain the center of the earth.” This truly is the place of legends.

Snæfellsnes is also a rich area for  foodies . Take a sip from some of Snæfellsnes’ many natural mineral springs, taste the delicious ice cream and Skyr confectionaries at the Erpsstaðir creamery, or visit the Bjarnarhöfn shark museum , where you can learn about the wonders of the Greenland shark and how Icelanders have processed and eaten the fermented delicacy for centuries.

Also make sure to stop in at the Viking Sushi Adventure for the chance to taste fresh scallops and sea urchins, straight from the Atlantic Ocean. Fresh seafood does not come much fresher.

Finally, in the town of Stykkishólmur (the largest town in Snæfellsnes), you will find numerous boat tours to leisurely take you around the scenic Breiðafjörður . From within the fjord, you will able to see a number of uninhabited islands that, in the past, have been used as monasteries and trading posts. The largest inhabited island, Flatey, can be reached by ferry in summer, and makes for a short but memorable break from the mainland.

Top Snaefellsnes Tours

For your second day on Snæfellsnes, we recommend Iceland’s cave systems for a new burst of adventure. Iceland is positively teeming with thousands of mind-blowing caves, crevasses, and underground tunnel networks – and exploration is available at every skill level.

Down in this subterranean universe, visitors will have to walk, crawl and climb their way past dazzling rock formations, underwater streams, and stalagmites. Guides are quick to point out historical tidbits and interesting stops - an ancient sheep skeleton, for instance, or perhaps some rare underground fauna. Soon, you too will be mesmerized by this parallel world hidden beneath your feet.

The ideal cave to visit on Snæfellsnes is Vatnshellir Lava Cave , opened to the public in 2011 and fairly typical of most caves in Iceland. Measuring 200m in length, the cave is split into two large sections. The top is filled with interesting lava sculptures built in and around the lava tube itself, whilst the bottom (only recently discovered) is a place of gloom and mystery.

Here, your guides will have you sit down, turn off your headlamps and listen. This is experiencing darkness like never before. Almost complete sensory shutdown allows the drip drip drip of water to echo both through the void of the cave... and the void of your mind. 

When, finally, it’s time to feel the sunlight on your face once again (or, at least, get some fresh air – this is Iceland, after all), you can drive a short distance to the deserted farmstead, Ytri -Tunga , a beach spot well known for spotting seal colonies. Here, both grey seals and common seals congregate, playing together in the surf, or lounging on the where they, like us, enjoy the rare spells of sunny weather.

If not seal spotting, Snæfellsnes still has plenty to offer you. One can take a romantic stroll down the golden beaches of Langaholt , or stop by the natural harbor, in the fishing town of Arnarstapi , with its beautiful rock formations and large Arctic Tern colony.

On day thirteen you can choose between staying at campsites in Ólafsvík, Hellissandur, or  Eldborg .

Finally, you make your way back to the capital city, Reykjavik  where you would do well to spend the night in the Laugardalur Campsite .

When making your way down from Snæfellsnes to Reykjavík, you will pass by the Reykholt settlement of famed medieval poet, Snorri Sturluson . Twice speaker of the Alþingi, Sturluson contributed art, poetry, and politics to the newly formed country and was early, but defining, catalyst toward the culture we know and love today. Here, you can find relics of his bathhouse, his own geothermal pool, and farm. From there, only 20 km from Reykholt, lies the Hraunfossar waterfall and the gloomy cave of Víðgelmir.

Just on the outskirts of Reykjavík, in the satellite town of Mosfellsbær , you will pass by the museum of Gljúfrasteinn . Gjúfrasteinn is the former home of Nobel Prize-winning novelist, Halldór Laxness (1902-1998), author of the classic Icelandic novel, Independent People , amongst many others.

Discounting the historical sagas, Independent People is perhaps the most important book in modern Icelandic literature and can be found in bookshops and homes across the country. Laxness shaped the world of his characters and changing culture meticulously, leaving behind a work that offers precise, insider insight into the Icelandic national character. His home has been maintained beautifully since his writing days, and now the museum celebrates the life of legacy of his literary influence. Why not give it a read during the quieter moments on your trip?

Finally, we reach the northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavik! The city has everything a capital could offer: fine dining, theatres, museums, delicious street food, swimming pools, retail outlets, super malls, bars, cafes, cinemas, parks, and music halls. By day 14, it might come as a relief to take a break from the wild of Iceland’s nature – go for a swim, put on your finest suit (if you still have one!), and take to Reykjavik’s streets.

Once you arrive in Reykjavík, opportunities to diversify your trip soon become apparent. Don’t be surprised to find yourself lost amongst the choices city living provides. Not only this is a good opportunity to visit the local stores and pick up some souvenirs and warm wool clothing, but also to visit the museums and galleries sprinkled around 101.

There should be something for everyone:  The National Museum , showcasing Icelandic heritage, new and old, or Whales of Iceland , which hosts full scale replicas and interactive educational. If neither of those takes your fancy, perhaps the Reykjavík Art Museum , displaying the best in local and international art throughout three separate locations across the city.

Finally, there is the charming Árbæjarsafn outdoor living-history museum . Having opened in 1957, this living, breathing museum provides a fascinating insight into the working lives of settlers and those who struggled to survive the earliest, harshest days of Iceland's history.

Top Reykjavik Tours

And so we come to the end of our journey. We have traveled by camper car over 1300km, sampling the full range of wonders that Iceland has to offer. If you are lucky enough to have a late flight, then check out the famous Blue Lagoon for a final soak. By now, you will be well acquainted with the pleasure of relaxing your body into Iceland’s naturally warmed pools, but it doesn’t hurt to have one last dip before your flight!

If you wish to add a few more days, just let us know, and we'll help to arrange it for you. Keep safe out there!

• Check out our guide to Camping in Iceland | All You Need to Know
• Pack your tents for an  8 Day Self Drive Tour | Circle of Iceland Camping Trip
• Follow the link to get the best Tips for Backpacking in Iceland
• See also:  Tips for backpacking in Iceland

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