After landing at Keflavík International Airport, take the Flybus to Reykjavík’s main terminal or your accommodation’s designated bus stop. The journey takes about 50 minutes, though allow longer for baggage collection and multiple hotel drop-offs. Tickets are typically around ISK 3,500–4,500 one way and can be bought online or at the airport; check the departure schedule against your flight. From the city terminal, walk if your accommodation is central or take a short taxi ride—there is no need to rent a car for this arrival day.
Once settled, walk down to Sun Voyager on Sæbraut, roughly 15–25 minutes from most central hotels. Spend half an hour by the waterfront, where the sculpture’s polished steel lines up beautifully with Mount Esja across the bay. If the weather is brisk, this is an easy first outing: Reykjavík’s wind can feel much colder than the temperature, so bring a waterproof outer layer.
Continue uphill through the center to Hallgrímskirkja, about 20 minutes on foot from the waterfront. The church is generally open into the early evening, but tower hours vary by season; admission to the tower is usually around ISK 1,300 for adults. Go up if visibility is good—the view over colorful rooftops, the harbor, and surrounding mountains is worth it, but skip the tower if cloud has settled in. Afterwards, wander downhill through Skólavörðustígur and the old center toward Reykjavík Old Harbour, allowing about 20 minutes for the walk.
Finish with dinner at Sægreifinn, a relaxed, famously no-frills seafood spot in the harbor area. Try the lobster soup and a grilled seafood skewer; expect roughly ISK 3,500–6,000 per person. It is popular and seating is limited, so arrive before the main dinner rush if possible. Afterward, take an unhurried walk among the harbor buildings and maritime shops, then return to your accommodation on foot or by taxi—central Reykjavík is compact, and this is a good evening to keep gentle after the flight.
Pick up your rental car early in Reykjavík—around 7:30–8:00 is ideal—and take Route 1 east before turning onto Route 36 toward Þingvellir National Park. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes in normal conditions. Start at the visitor centre, where parking is generally paid (around ISK 1,000 per vehicle), then follow the marked paths through the rift valley to the historic Alþingi assembly site. Allow about two hours, and bring a waterproof layer: the exposed valley can feel much colder and windier than Reykjavík. Check road conditions at road.is before leaving, particularly if early autumn weather brings rain or strong winds.
Continue to Laugarvatn Fontana, about 35 minutes away, for a late-morning soak beside the lake. The geothermal baths usually open around 11:00, with admission commonly around ISK 5,000–6,000; booking ahead is sensible for a preferred entry time. Give yourself roughly 90 minutes, including time in the steam rooms and, if conditions are comfortable, the traditional cold-lake dip. For lunch, drive about 25 minutes to Friðheimar in Reykholt. Reserve well in advance—the greenhouse restaurant is popular—and try the tomato soup, fresh bread, or tomato-based pasta while dining among the plants. Expect around ISK 4,000–7,000 per person.
From Friðheimar, it is approximately 20 minutes to the Geysir Geothermal Area. Park at the roadside visitor area and spend about an hour watching Strokkur erupt every few minutes; stay behind the ropes, as the ground around the hot springs is unstable and scalding. Continue five minutes to Gullfoss, where the marked upper and lower paths offer different perspectives of the two-tier waterfall. Allow about an hour, wear shoes with good grip, and expect spray even on a calm day. The site is free to visit, with toilets and refreshments near the car park, though cafés may close earlier outside peak season.
Return to Reykjavík via Route 36 and Route 1, allowing roughly two hours of driving without stops. You should be back around 18:30–20:00 depending on your Fontana and waterfall timings. If you still have energy, finish with an easy dinner around Hverfisgata, rather than trying to add another major attraction; Kaffi Loki near Hallgrímskirkja or Hlemmur Food Hall are convenient options, though check September opening hours before setting out.
Leave Reykjavík around 7:00–8:00 by rental car on Route 1, allowing roughly 2.5–3 hours of driving before stops. Your first stop is Seljalandsfoss, where the path behind the waterfall is usually the highlight if conditions allow—expect spray, slippery ground, and strong wind, so waterproof trousers and a proper rain jacket are worthwhile. Parking is paid, and the nearby facilities are basic; allow about an hour, including the short walk to the smaller neighboring falls.
Continue about 25 minutes east to Skógafoss. The falls are especially impressive in the morning light, and the staircase beside them gives a wider view over the coastal plain, though it is steep and often wet. Afterward, walk or drive the short distance to Skógar Museum, which is a good sheltered midday stop. Its turf-roofed houses, old farm buildings, transport collection, and regional-history exhibits take around 1–1½ hours; admission is generally about ISK 2,500–4,000, with seasonal opening hours worth checking before you go.
From Skógar, drive roughly 35–40 minutes toward Dyrhólaey, stopping at the upper viewpoint first for views of the sea arch, black cliffs, and coastline. September can still bring seabirds, although sightings are less predictable than in summer. Continue to Reynisfjara Beach for the basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks, but treat the shoreline seriously: stay far above the waterline, never turn your back on the waves, and follow local warning signs. After this, it is only about 15 minutes to Vík í Mýrdal. Check in, then have dinner near the village center—Suður-Vík is a dependable choice for local-style comfort food and pizza, while The Soup Company is useful for a casual, warming meal; budget roughly ISK 4,000–7,000 per person. Keep the evening unhurried, since the coast is often windy and you will have had a full day outdoors.
Leave Vík around 7:00 in your rental car and follow Route 1 east toward Fjaðrárgljúfur, allowing roughly an hour of driving before the turnoff near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Spend about an hour on the marked rim trail, taking care around the edges and checking safetravel.is for closures before setting out; the canyon has occasionally been restricted to protect its fragile moss. This is a good place for a quick packed breakfast, since facilities are limited. Continue east for around 90 minutes to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. Park at the visitor centre—parking is generally paid, with a small daily fee—and allow about three hours for the out-and-back hike to Svartifoss. The trail is moderately uphill and can be wet or windy in September, so waterproof layers and sturdy shoes matter more than speed.
After Skaftafell, drive roughly 45–50 minutes along Route 1 to Jökulsárlón. Give yourself about 1½ hours to walk the lagoon viewpoints and watch seals and icebergs move toward the sea. Boat tours, when operating, are booked separately and are weather-dependent; reserve ahead if you want an amphibian or zodiac trip, but the shoreline is rewarding without one. Cross Route 1 on foot or by car to Diamond Beach, where translucent pieces of glacial ice lie against the black sand. Allow around 45 minutes, keeping well back from the surf—the waves here can surge unexpectedly. From the beach, it is approximately an hour’s drive to Höfn, with dramatic views of the glacier-covered mountains as you approach town.
Check in and head to Pakkhús Restaurant by Höfn harbor for dinner, ideally with a reservation in September. The specialty is local langoustine, with seafood dishes generally costing about ISK 5,000–9,000 per person before drinks. Service is relaxed rather than rushed, so allow around 1½ hours. Afterward, take a short stroll around the harbor if the weather is calm; Höfn is compact, and you can easily walk between the waterfront, restaurants, and most central accommodation. For tomorrow’s longer drive, fuel tonight and check road conditions and wind forecasts before bed.
After leaving Höfn, make Vestrahorn at Stokksnes your first stop, ideally around 8:00. Allow about two hours for the gravel tracks, black-sand shoreline, and changing views of the mountain—early light is especially good here, before the wind usually picks up. Entry is commonly collected at the Viking Café area, so carry a card and check the current access fee; stay on marked paths because the fragile dunes are easily damaged. From Stokksnes, continue east on Route 1 toward Djúpivogur, allowing roughly 1½ hours of driving.
Take a relaxed harbor break in Djúpivogur, where an hour is enough to stretch your legs and see Eggin í Gleðivík, the outdoor collection of large stone eggs beside the waterfront. Continue along the fjord road to Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður. The small private museum is packed with Icelandic minerals and unusual local finds; allow about an hour, and check the seasonal opening schedule before setting out, as September hours can be limited. Afterwards, drive onward to Fáskrúðsfjörður for a gentle harbor walk and a look at the village’s French fishing connections. This is a good place not to rush—fog, fishing boats, and brightly painted buildings are part of the experience.
Continue to Salt Café & Bistro in Reyðarfjörður for an early dinner, cake, or coffee; budget approximately ISK 2,500–5,000 per person and confirm closing time on the day, since Eastfjords businesses often shorten hours outside summer. From there, allow about an hour on Route 1 to reach Egilsstaðir. Check in, refuel if needed, and keep the evening quiet after a long coastal drive; shops and restaurants can close early, so buy any breakfast supplies before leaving the town centre. Check road.is and safetravel.is throughout the day, particularly if wind or low cloud is forecast along the fjords.
Leave Egilsstaðir around 6:30–7:00 in your rental car, allowing roughly 3.5–4.5 hours of driving overall before Akureyri. Make Dettifoss your first stop, checking road.is before choosing the eastern or western approach—conditions can change quickly in September, and the access roads may be rough. Allow about two hours for the viewpoint and walk, with sturdy waterproof shoes and a windproof layer; there are limited facilities, so carry breakfast, water, and fuel up before leaving town.
Continue toward the Mývatn area and stop at Námaskarð for around 45 minutes. The steaming vents and vividly colored ground are close to the parking area, but stay strictly on the marked paths because the mud and geothermal water are dangerously hot. A short drive brings you to Dimmuborgir, where the easy marked trails through twisted lava formations make a good one-and-a-half-hour walk; the shorter Kirkjuvegur loop is enough if the weather is wet or daylight is fading. Bring a packed lunch or eat before leaving Egilsstaðir, as options around the sights can be limited and seasonal.
Afterward, unwind at Mývatn Nature Baths at Jarðböðin, ideally with a reservation for a roughly 90-minute visit. Admission is commonly around ISK 6,000–7,000 for adults, with towel rental extra; opening hours vary by season, so confirm the September schedule online. Keep valuables in the lockers and allow time to shower before entering the mineral-rich water. From the baths, Akureyri is about 75 minutes by Route 1; arrive, check in, and leave the car parked, since the compact centre is easiest on foot.
Have dinner at Strikið, a central restaurant known for modern Icelandic dishes and broad views over Eyjafjörður. Reserve ahead for an evening table, particularly if you want a window seat; budget roughly ISK 5,000–9,000 per person before drinks. After dinner, stroll along Hafnarstræti and the waterfront while the town is quiet. September evenings are cool and can be windy, so carry a warm layer even if the afternoon at the baths felt mild.
Leave Akureyri around 8:00 by rental car, following Route 1 east briefly to Goðafoss before turning west toward Öxnadalur. The waterfall is a straightforward roadside stop with parking on both sides of the river; allow about an hour to walk between the viewpoints, keeping well back from the spray and slippery edges. Continue back toward town for the Akureyri Botanical Garden, where a relaxed hour among northern and alpine plants makes a good contrast to the open landscapes. It is usually open from around 9:00 into the evening in summer, though September hours can be shorter; admission is generally free, and the café is useful for coffee if open.
From the garden, it is a short drive or roughly 20-minute walk downhill into central Akureyri for the Akureyri Art Museum. Allow about an hour for its contemporary exhibitions, but check the current schedule before setting out, as autumn opening days and hours vary. Afterward, have a quick lunch in the compact center—Bláa Kannan is a dependable café option—or pick up something portable before continuing west. Leave town by late morning or around noon, allowing roughly 1.5–2 hours of driving, including the planned stop, to reach the Hraundrangi viewpoint along the Route 1 corridor through Öxnadalur.
Pause for about 30 minutes at Hraundrangi viewpoint for the dramatic mountain panorama, especially if the valley is clear; the weather can change quickly, so use the turnout carefully and avoid lingering if wind or visibility deteriorates. Continue west on Route 1 to the Hvammstangi area, arriving in the late afternoon. Have dinner at Geitafell Restaurant, or at the dining room of your guesthouse if the restaurant’s seasonal hours have changed—budget approximately ISK 4,000–7,000 per person and reserve ahead, since options around town are limited. Finish with a 45-minute walk along Hvammstangi harbor; the waterfront is quiet in the evening, and seals may sometimes be visible offshore, though binoculars are more useful than expecting them close to shore. Dress warmly and check local conditions before walking, as the harbor can be exposed.
Leave Hvammstangi around 7:00–7:30 and follow Route 1 south, then turn toward Kolugljúfur Canyon. Allow roughly 45 minutes to reach the viewpoint, plus an hour to walk the marked paths beside the basalt gorge and its waterfalls. The approach can be muddy and windy in September, so sturdy shoes and a waterproof layer are worthwhile. Continue toward Eiríksstaðir Viking Longhouse in Haukadalur; check the seasonal opening schedule before setting out, as September hours can be limited. Plan about 1½ hours for the reconstructed turf house and storytelling about Erik the Red and Leif Erikson.
Drive onward to Borgarnes, arriving around lunchtime. At the Settlement Centre, allow about 1½ hours for the exhibitions on Iceland’s settlement and Egill Skallagrímsson, followed by lunch at the on-site restaurant—budget approximately ISK 3,500–6,000 per person. Afterward, continue to Krauma in Reykholt, roughly a 40-minute drive. Reserve a two-hour bathing session in advance; the geothermal pools, steam rooms, and quiet relaxation areas are ideal after several long driving days. Admission is commonly around ISK 7,000–8,000, with towels and swimwear available to rent. Check road.is before leaving Hvammstangi, particularly if wind or rain is forecast.
Continue to Reykjavík and head first to Perlan, ideally arriving by about 17:00–18:00. Its exhibitions and observation deck usually remain open into the evening, but confirm the exact September closing time when booking; allow two hours and expect roughly ISK 5,000–6,000 for admission. The 360-degree view is especially rewarding at the end of a ring-road journey, with clear sightlines across the city and surrounding mountains. From Perlan, take a taxi or drive about 10 minutes to the Grandi harbor district for dinner. Matarbar is a good casual choice for seafood and small plates, while Bryggjan Brugghús offers harbor views and a broader menu; reserve if dining at peak hours and budget approximately ISK 5,000–9,000 per person. Parking is easier around Grandi than in central Reykjavík, though some lots charge in the evening.