Leave Reykjavík around 8:00–8:30 for Þingvellir National Park, roughly a 45-minute drive via Route 36. Start at the main visitor centre, where parking costs about 1,000 ISK, then follow the easy path through the Almannagjá gorge to the historic Alþingi site. Allow about 1½ hours; the walk is straightforward, though sturdy shoes and a waterproof layer are useful in September. The visitor centre generally opens around 9:00, but the outdoor area can be visited earlier.
Continue about 45 minutes to the Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur. Strokkur usually erupts every 6–10 minutes, so there is no need to hurry—stay behind the marked ropes and keep phones protected from the wind and spray. After about an hour, drive 10 minutes to Gullfoss, where the paved viewpoints lead to impressive views of the two-tier waterfall. Parking is free, and the café near the upper viewpoint is handy for coffee or a quick snack, although the paths can be slippery.
Drive roughly 30 minutes to Friðheimar in Reykholt for lunch inside the warm, fragrant tomato greenhouse. Book ahead, especially for a September visit; the restaurant is usually open from late morning into the afternoon, with tomato soup, bread, ravioli, and other tomato-based dishes costing approximately 4,000–6,000 ISK per person. This is a good place for an unhurried meal rather than a quick stop. After lunch, allow about 1½ hours for the experience, including time to look around the greenhouse and meet the resident Icelandic horses if available.
From Friðheimar, it is about 1 hour 15 minutes to Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur, just outside Reykjavík. Reserve an entry time in advance—late afternoon is ideal after the Golden Circle—and allow two hours for the lagoon and the seven-step Skjól ritual if included in your ticket. Standard admission commonly starts around 7,000–10,000 ISK per adult depending on date and package; towels and swimwear rental may cost extra. Drive directly to the lagoon rather than returning into central Reykjavík first, and leave valuables in the car only if securely hidden—lockers are available on site.
After Sky Lagoon, the drive into central Reykjavík takes about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Have a relaxed dinner in Miðborg, perhaps around Laugavegur or Hverfisgata, rather than trying to add another attraction. Keep the evening flexible: September weather changes quickly, and the family will have covered a full day of driving and walking. Check road conditions on road.is before setting out in the morning, and fill the rental car before leaving the capital if you have not already done so.
Pick up the rental car early and leave Reykjavík around 7:00–7:30, following Route 1 east toward Seljalandsfoss. Allow roughly three hours of driving overall, but today’s stops are best treated as a full-day outing rather than a direct transfer to Vík. At Seljalandsfoss, park in the marked lot and allow about an hour for the short walking paths and the famous route behind the falls. Waterproof jackets and sturdy shoes are essential—the spray can be intense, and the rear path may close in poor conditions. Check the warning signs rather than trying to force it.
Continue about 25 minutes east to Skógafoss, where the waterfall is especially impressive in the late-morning light. The lower viewpoint is easy for everyone, while the staircase beside the falls leads to a higher lookout if knees and weather allow. Afterward, spend around 90 minutes at Skógar Museum, just a few minutes away by car. Its open-air collection of turf-roofed houses and old farm buildings gives a useful sense of how demanding life was along this coast; indoor exhibits are a good shelter if the weather turns. The museum generally opens around 9:00–10:00 in September, with admission commonly around 2,500–3,000 ISK for adults and reduced rates for children, but verify seasonal hours before setting out.
From Skógar, drive roughly 35–40 minutes toward Dyrhólaey. Spend about an hour at the viewpoints overlooking the sea arch, black cliffs, and broad southern coastline. September can still bring seabirds, though sightings are less reliable than in summer, and the upper road may be rough or restricted in wet or windy weather. Continue to Reynisfjara Beach, where the basalt columns and black sand are striking in the late afternoon. Stay far back from the shoreline—even on calm-looking days, sneaker waves can surge much farther up the beach—and never turn your back on the sea. Allow about an hour, then drive 15 minutes into Vík for dinner at Smiðjan Brugghús, a relaxed brewery on Smiðjuvegur with burgers, local beer, and straightforward family-friendly dishes. Budget approximately 4,000–7,000 ISK per person; booking is sensible for an early evening table, especially if your accommodation is nearby. Expect to arrive in Vík around 18:00–19:00, leaving the rest of the evening free to settle in rather than adding another attraction.
Vík around 8:00 on Route 1 and make your first stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur, near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The drive takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes, and the overlook trail takes about an hour. Stay on the marked path—the moss here is extremely fragile—and allow extra time if the car park is busy or the trail is muddy. Continue east for about an hour to Skaftafell, inside Vatnajökull National Park. Park at the visitor centre, where the fee is generally around 1,000 ISK, and spend approximately three hours on the trail to Svartifoss. It is a moderately hilly walk, so sturdy shoes, water, and a packed snack are worthwhile; September weather can shift quickly.
From Skaftafell, it is about 45 minutes along Route 1 to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Give yourselves around 90 minutes to watch the icebergs move through the lagoon and, if conditions and availability suit you, take a 35–40-minute amphibious or Zodiac boat tour. Reserve ahead if you want the boat, but keep the schedule flexible in case wind or weather affects departures. Walk across the road afterward to Diamond Beach, where chunks of blue and white ice wash onto the black sand; 45 minutes is enough for the main shoreline, though the eastern side is often quieter. Continue roughly an hour to Höfn and have dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant by the harbour. The langoustine is the local specialty, with mains typically costing about 6,000–10,000 ISK per person; book ahead for an early evening table, especially in September, and check the kitchen hours before setting out.
Leave Höfn around 8:00 and make Vestrahorn at Stokksnes your first stop, before the Eastfjords road begins in earnest. The private access fee is usually around 1,000 ISK per person, payable at the nearby Viking Café; allow about two hours to photograph the sharply ridged mountain, black beach, and wind-shaped dunes. Stay on marked paths, as the dunes are fragile, and bring a warm outer layer—the coastal wind can be fierce even in September. Continue west on Route 1 to Hvalnes Nature Reserve, roughly 35–45 minutes away, for a short coastal pause and views of the orange Hvalnes Lighthouse. Allow around 45 minutes, taking care near exposed cliffs and the often-windy parking area.
The drive through the Eastfjords is scenic but slow, with narrow sections, blind bends, and frequent sheep near the roadside, so keep generous time in hand. Around early afternoon, stop at Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður, a charming house-and-garden museum assembled by local collector Petra Sveinsdóttir. Plan about an hour; admission is typically around 2,000–3,000 ISK, and September opening hours can be limited, often roughly 10:00–17:00, so check on the morning of your visit. Continue along the fjords to Fáskrúðsfjörður French Museum, where an hour gives you time to explore the exhibits about French fishermen and the town’s long connection with France. The museum is housed in historic buildings near the waterfront; seasonal hours vary, so verify them before setting out.
From Fáskrúðsfjörður, allow roughly an hour and a half to reach Egilsstaðir, depending on photo stops and road conditions. Settle in with dinner at Kaffi Egilsstaðir, a relaxed café-style stop for soup, cakes, sandwiches, and light Icelandic fare, generally around 2,500–5,000 ISK per person. It is a practical choice after a long driving day, but evening service can finish early outside the summer peak—check the same day and arrive before closing rather than relying on a late meal. Refuel in Egilsstaðir tonight, since options become sparse once you leave town, and check road.is and SafeTravel.is for the next day’s conditions.
Leave Egilsstaðir by about 7:00 to make Stuðlagil Canyon your first stop; the drive to the east-side trailhead takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes, followed by a walk of about 30–45 minutes each way. Use the marked route to the main viewpoint and allow around 2½ hours in total. The basalt columns are most dramatic in the morning light, but the canyon’s river level and colour can change after rain. Wear proper waterproof shoes and bring layers—the exposed Jökuldalur valley is often windy. Check road.is before leaving, particularly if the forecast includes rain, as the access road can be rough.
Continue west on Route 1 toward Hverir, at Námafjall, stopping for a quick picnic or coffee from your car rather than counting on services in this remote stretch. Spend about 45 minutes on the marked paths around the bubbling mud pots and steaming vents; stay strictly behind the ropes, since the ground can be dangerously hot. The sulphur smell is strong, so this is a good place to keep the car windows closed. There is no entrance fee, but the gravel parking area can be busy in the middle of the day.
Drive a few minutes to Krafla and Víti, where a short trail circles the vivid volcanic crater and gives broad views over the lava fields. Allow about 1½ hours, with sturdy footwear for loose, uneven ground and wind protection for the crater rim. Later, continue toward Dimmuborgir beside Lake Mývatn. Choose one of the easy marked loops through the twisted lava formations and spend roughly 1½ hours wandering at an unhurried pace; the shorter paths are ideal if the family is tired after the canyon hike. Parking is generally straightforward, though facilities are seasonal, so carry water and a small snack.
Finish with dinner at Vogafjós Farm Resort, a short drive from Dimmuborgir. Reserve ahead for September, especially if you want an early table, and expect approximately 4,000–7,000 ISK per person. The menu focuses on local farm produce—lamb, trout, homemade bread, and traditional Icelandic specialities—and the glass-fronted dining room looks into the cowshed. It is a relaxed, genuinely local-feeling end to a long sightseeing day; allow about 1½ hours before continuing to your accommodation near Akureyri or Lake Mývatn.
Leave Akureyri around 8:00 for Goðafoss, about a 35-minute drive east on Route 1. The waterfall is close to the road, with parking on both sides of the river; allow an hour to walk between the viewpoints and watch the water divide around the rocky island. September mornings can be chilly and windy, so bring waterproof layers and take care on the damp paths. Check road conditions before leaving, particularly if early snow or strong winds are forecast.
Return to Akureyri for the Akureyri Botanical Garden, usually open from 8:00 until 22:00 in summer and early autumn, with free admission. Give yourself about 1½ hours for the paths and glasshouses; September still brings good colour, although some borders will be beginning to fade. From the garden, walk or drive roughly five minutes into the centre to Akureyrarkirkja, the landmark church above the town. It is generally open during daytime visiting hours, but services may restrict access; allow about 30 minutes and enjoy the view down toward the fjord.
Have lunch at Rub23 near Akureyri harbour, a good choice for seafood, sushi, and international dishes. Reserve ahead if possible, especially for a family table, and budget roughly 5,000–9,000 ISK per person. After lunch, drive north through the Troll Peninsula toward Siglufjörður, allowing around 1½ hours without long stops. The road is scenic and winding, with mountains dropping sharply toward the water, so leave plenty of time rather than trying to keep to a strict schedule.
Spend about two hours at the Siglufjörður Herring Era Museum, a particularly engaging stop even for visitors who are not normally museum-goers. The restored harbour buildings, boats, machinery, and preserved workers’ quarters make the town’s fishing boom easy to understand. Check the September timetable before setting out, as autumn opening hours are often shorter than summer hours; admission is commonly around 2,500–3,000 ISK for adults, with family tickets usually available.
Continue south to Hofsós Swimming Pool, roughly an hour from Siglufjörður, and aim to arrive with enough daylight to appreciate the view across Skagafjörður. The pool is usually open into the evening, though September hours can vary, so verify the schedule on the day; admission is generally around 1,500–2,000 ISK for adults. Bring a towel or hire one locally, shower thoroughly before entering, and keep valuables secured. This is a relaxing final stop rather than a rushed attraction—afterward, allow roughly 1½ hours to return to Akureyri, depending on weather and road conditions.
Start with Eiríksstaðir Viking Longhouse in Haukadalur, allowing about an hour for the reconstructed turf-and-timber home associated with Erik the Red and Leif Erikson. Check the seasonal opening schedule before setting out—September hours can be limited—and expect an admission fee of roughly 2,000–3,000 ISK per adult. From here, continue west toward the southern side of the peninsula and Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge. The walk into the cleft takes about an hour, but wear waterproof shoes: the interior is often wet, slippery, and uneven, and you may need to scramble over rocks.
Drive on to Arnarstapi for the Arnarstapi–Hellnar Coastal Trail, one of the most enjoyable walks on Snæfellsnes. Allow around two hours for the out-and-back route, stopping at the basalt cliffs, sea arches, and viewpoints along the coast; in September, wind can make the trail feel much colder than the temperature suggests. Have a packed lunch or a simple café meal around Arnarstapi before continuing into Snæfellsjökull National Park. At Djúpalónssandur Beach, spend about an hour among the black pebbles and lava formations, and look for the historic lifting stones, but keep well back from the surf—sneaker waves are a real danger here.
Head east toward Grundarfjörður for Kirkjufell, timing your visit for the softer late-afternoon light. The viewpoint beside the mountain and its small waterfalls is reached from the parking area in just a few minutes; allow about 45 minutes and take care crossing the road. Finish in Stykkishólmur with dinner at Narfeyrastofa, a welcoming choice for seasonal seafood and traditional Icelandic dishes. Budget approximately 5,000–9,000 ISK per person, and reserve ahead if possible—September evenings are quieter than summer but the restaurant’s dining room is small. Keep the evening unhurried; Stykkishólmur’s harbor and colorful old houses are particularly pleasant for a short post-dinner stroll.
Start at Stykkishólmur Harbour, where the red-roofed waterfront and fishing boats make for an easy, atmospheric wander before the day’s drive. Walk across to Súgandisey and follow the short path up to the lighthouse—allow about 1½ hours, with sturdy shoes for the exposed, occasionally windy trail. The views over Breiðafjörður are especially good in the morning light. Check seasonal opening times for any harbour cafés, but Nesbrauð is a dependable local bakery stop for coffee and something portable if you have not eaten. Afterward, drive south on Route 54 toward Eldborg Crater; allow roughly 1½ hours behind the wheel and keep an eye out for sheep near the roadside.
Park at the Eldborg Crater trailhead and allow about 2½ hours for the walk through the mossy lava field and up to the crater rim. The route is moderate rather than technical, but September weather can make the ground wet and slippery, so bring waterproof layers and do not stray onto the fragile moss. From here, continue toward Deildartunguhver in Reykholtsdalur, roughly an hour away. The powerful hot spring is viewed from marked platforms and takes about 30 minutes; stay behind the barriers, as the water is dangerously hot. Just nearby, Krauma makes an excellent two-hour pause: reserve an entry slot in advance, bring swimwear and a towel, and expect roughly 6,000–8,000 ISK per adult depending on the date. Its changing rooms, restaurant and quiet geothermal pools are ideal after the crater hike.
Drive to Borgarnes and spend the evening at The Settlement Centre, usually open until around 18:00 in the shoulder season, though September hours should be checked before setting out. Allow 1½ hours for the exhibitions on Iceland’s settlement history and Egill Skallagrímsson; the audio guide adds useful context without making the visit feel like a lecture. Finish at The Settlement Centre Restaurant, where dinner generally runs about 4,000–7,000 ISK per person. Try an Icelandic comfort-food dish such as lamb or fish, and reserve if you are arriving after 19:00, as Borgarnes has limited evening dining outside the main hotels.
Leave Borgarnes early enough to reach Hraunfossar and Barnafoss before the Reykjavík part of the day—around 7:30 is sensible. The drive is roughly 45 minutes each way, and you’ll need about an hour at the falls. At Hraunfossar, water appears to seep from beneath the lava before tumbling into the river, while nearby Barnafoss is narrower and more forceful. Stay on the marked paths, as the riverbanks can be slippery in September. Afterward, drive via Route 1 into Reykjavík; allow around 1 hour 15 minutes, plus time for city traffic and parking.
Park near Hallgrímskirkja—the paid underground garage at Hverfisgata is generally more convenient than searching for a street space—and spend about an hour around the church and its interior. The tower viewpoint is weather-dependent and normally costs roughly 1,300–1,500 ISK for adults; check the day’s opening hours before committing, as services or wind can affect access. From here, walk downhill through the Miðborg area to Hlemmur Food Hall on Laugavegur, about 15–20 minutes, or drive if the parents would prefer to conserve energy. Allow 1½ hours for lunch, with stalls offering Icelandic seafood, lamb, noodles, and vegetarian dishes; budget approximately 3,000–6,000 ISK per person.
Continue to Perlan, a short drive southeast of the centre, and allow about two hours. The exhibitions focus on Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and geological landscape, and the observation deck gives a wide view over Reykjavík and the surrounding coastline. Admission is commonly around 5,500–6,500 ISK for adults, with family tickets sometimes available; verify current pricing and last entry for September. If the weather is clear, spend extra time on the outdoor deck, but keep a layer handy—the hilltop can feel considerably windier than downtown.
Leave Reykjavík by around 16:30–17:00 for the Bridge Between Continents, following Route 41 toward Reykjanes and then the signed turn near Sandvík. The drive is about 50–60 minutes, and the short walk to and across the symbolic bridge takes roughly 45 minutes. Treat it as a viewpoint rather than a dramatic canyon: the significance is standing across the visible rift between the North American and Eurasian plates. Check road.is and SafeTravel.is before leaving, since volcanic activity or closures can affect the Reykjanes roads. Finish in Grindavík with dinner at Bryggjan Grindavík, if operating; seafood is the natural choice, and expect around 4,000–8,000 ISK per person. Because local businesses may have altered hours, call or check the restaurant’s latest update before driving over.
Use the morning for Gunnuhver Geothermal Area, about 45 minutes from Grindavík by car. The boardwalk is short, but the steaming vents and vividly stained ground feel properly otherworldly—stay strictly on the marked path, as the mud and steam are dangerously hot. From there, it is roughly a 10-minute drive to Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, where you can stretch your legs beside Iceland’s oldest lighthouse and look out over the cliffs toward the open Atlantic. Allow around 45 minutes at each stop, and check road.is and SafeTravel.is before leaving, since Reykjanes conditions and access can change with little notice.
Continue along the south coast to Brimketill, approximately 20–25 minutes away. The viewing platform gives a good perspective on the wave-carved lava pool and black, battered shoreline; do not climb down toward the water, especially in September swells. Allow about 30 minutes, then drive inland toward the Blue Lagoon near Grindavík for your prebooked 2½-hour soak. Reserve a timed entry in advance, arrive 20–30 minutes early, and bring flip-flops and a waterproof phone case if useful; admission commonly starts around 10,000–15,000 ISK per adult depending on the package and time. The lagoon’s café is convenient, though Moss Restaurant is the more polished option if you have booked ahead.
Leave the Blue Lagoon around 15:30–16:00 for Reykjavík via Route 41. The direct drive is about 50–60 minutes, but allow 1¼–1½ hours for weather, traffic, refuelling, and the rental-car return process. If you are returning the car in the city, allow extra time for the company shuttle or a short walk with luggage; if you are continuing to Keflavík International Airport, confirm the drop-off procedure before departure. Check the latest volcanic-area and road guidance on road.is before setting out, and keep any final Reykjavík plans deliberately light after the drive.