After arriving in Reykjavík, head first to Hallgrímskirkja in Skólavörðuholt, the city’s most recognizable landmark. The church is usually open from around 10:00 AM, though hours can vary around services; entry to the nave is free, while the tower viewpoint costs roughly 1,300–1,500 ISK for adults. Allow about an hour, and walk up Skólavörðustígur afterward for colorful houses, small design shops, and an easy introduction to central Reykjavík. If driving, use paid street parking nearby rather than trying to stop directly outside the church.
For lunch, make your way to Reykjavík Food Hall at Hlemmur, a short walk or quick bus ride from the church. The stalls generally operate from late morning into the evening, with meals typically costing about 3,500–6,000 ISK per person. It is a useful first-day choice because everyone can choose something different without committing to a formal restaurant. After eating, take a relaxed walk along Sæbraut to Sun Voyager, the elegant steel sculpture beside the bay. The waterfront is especially pleasant in daylight, with views toward Esja; allow around 30 minutes, but leave time for the changing light and photographs.
Continue west along the waterfront to Harpa Concert Hall, where the geometric glass facade reflects the harbor and surrounding mountains. The public areas are generally open during daytime and free to enter, although concert or event access may be restricted; 45 minutes is enough to explore the foyer and coastline-facing windows. From there, drive or take a taxi to Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur—roughly 10–15 minutes by car from central Reykjavík, with on-site parking. Reserve an evening entry in advance, allow about two hours for the lagoon and seven-step ritual, and bring a swimsuit; towels are normally available with the booking, while drinks are charged separately. This is a particularly good arrival-day finish: keep dinner light beforehand or eat afterward back in central Reykjavík, rather than trying to add another major sightseeing stop.
Collect your rental car in Reykjavík around 7:00 AM and begin with Þingvellir National Park, allowing roughly 45 minutes via Route 36. Park at the main Hakið viewpoint area; parking is paid, generally around 1,000 ISK, and the ticket covers the park’s main lots. Spend about two hours walking toward Almannagjá, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart, then continue to the historic Lögberg area. Wear waterproof shoes—boardwalks and paths can be slippery, and September weather changes quickly.
Continue about 50 minutes to the Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur. Strokkur usually erupts every 5–10 minutes, so an hour is enough to see several eruptions and circle the steaming pools; stay strictly behind the ropes. From here it is only about 10 minutes to Gullfoss, where the marked paths lead to several viewpoints over the two-stage waterfall. Allow an hour, and bring a rain jacket—the spray can be intense even on a calm day. Both sites are free to enter, though parking arrangements can vary.
Drive approximately 20 minutes to Friðheimar in Reykholt for lunch inside its warm tomato greenhouse. The tomato soup, fresh bread, and tomato-based dishes are the local favorites, with lunch typically costing around 4,000–7,000 ISK per person. Reservations are essential, particularly for the popular greenhouse seating; if you have not booked, call before leaving Gullfoss rather than relying on walk-in space. After lunch, allow about 1 hour 20 minutes to Borgarnes—a substantial detour from the direct route to Hella, but worthwhile if you want Icelandic history rather than another waterfall stop.
In Borgarnes, spend around 90 minutes at The Settlement Centre, usually open from roughly 10:00 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM depending on the season. Its exhibitions explain Iceland’s early settlement and the story of Egill Skallagrímsson; admission is commonly around 3,000–4,000 ISK for adults. From the museum, it is about 1 hour 15 minutes to Hella via Route 1 and Route 30. Arrive in the late afternoon, refuel in town, and keep the evening easy—after this long loop, your accommodation is the right place for dinner and an early night.
Leave Hella around 8:00 AM on Route 1, allowing roughly 1 hour 40 minutes of driving overall, though today’s waterfall stops will turn it into a full, leisurely day. Begin at Seljalandsfoss, where the short path behind the falls is the highlight if wind and spray conditions are safe. Waterproof layers and shoes with good grip are essential; the parking area generally charges around 1,000 ISK. Continue about 25 minutes east to Skógafoss, arriving late morning when the light often catches the broad curtain of water. The staircase beside the falls is steep but worthwhile—allow an hour, and take care on wet steps.
Just across the road, spend around 90 minutes at Skógar Museum, one of the best small museums on the South Coast, with turf-roofed farm buildings, historic homes, and exhibits on Icelandic transport and daily life. It usually opens around 10:00 AM and admission is commonly about 3,000–4,000 ISK for adults, though check current hours before setting out. After lunch in Skógar or from a packed picnic, drive roughly 30 minutes toward Reynisfjara Beach. Enjoy the black sand and basalt columns from the designated viewing areas, but stay far back from the shoreline: sneaker waves are genuinely dangerous, and never turn your back on the sea. Allow about an hour, then continue 20 minutes to Dyrhólaey for its dramatic sea arch and cliff viewpoints. Follow signs and marked paths, as nesting areas and cliff edges can be unstable; access may also be restricted during bird season or poor weather.
Finish in Vík with dinner at Smiðjan Brugghús, a relaxed local brewery known for burgers, casual plates, and Icelandic craft beer. Expect roughly 4,000–7,000 ISK per person, and consider booking or arriving early if visiting during a busy weekend. Before turning in, take a short walk around Vík if the weather is calm—this is a good place to keep the evening unhurried after a long day of driving and exposed coastal viewpoints.
Leave Vík around 8:00 AM on Route 1, with roughly three hours of uninterrupted driving to Höfn—today’s stops turn it into a full but rewarding day. Your first break is Fjaðrárgljúfur, about 20 minutes from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Park at the signed lot and follow the maintained rim path for around 1.5 hours; stay behind barriers, as the canyon edges are fragile and wind can be surprisingly strong. The site is free, though parking may be charged seasonally. Continue east on Route 1 to Skaftafell, allowing about 1 hour 45 minutes from the canyon. The visitor centre generally opens around 9:00 AM in September; parking is paid, usually approximately 1,000 ISK.
At Skaftafell, allow about three hours for the trail toward Svartifoss and its surrounding glacial scenery. The route is uphill in places, with uneven, sometimes wet ground, so waterproof shoes and a packed snack are worthwhile; the visitor centre café is useful for a quick coffee or lunch, but do not rely on late-afternoon service. From the park, drive around 45 minutes to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where spend about an hour watching icebergs drift toward the outlet. Boat tours operate only on selected schedules and weather conditions, so treat the lagoon walk as the dependable plan. A short walk across the road brings you to Diamond Beach, where chunks of glacier ice lie on the black sand; allow 45 minutes, and keep well back from the surf, which is powerful even when the beach looks calm.
Continue west-to-east on Route 1 for roughly an hour to Höfn, checking in before dinner if your accommodation allows. Walk down toward the harbor for Pakkhús Restaurant, a relaxed local choice known for langoustine and seafood. Expect approximately 6,000–10,000 ISK per person; reserve ahead, especially for an early September evening, and confirm current opening hours before setting out. Sunset can linger late enough for a brief harbor stroll afterward, but save energy for the next day’s Eastfjords drive.
From Höfn, make the short drive east to Stokksnes and Vestrahorn, ideally arriving around 7:30–8:00 AM for the best light and a quieter beach. The access road leads to the Viking Café area, where an admission fee—typically around 1,000–2,000 ISK per person—may apply; check current conditions locally, as access can occasionally be restricted by weather. Allow about two hours to photograph the mountain, black dunes, and shallow lagoons, but stay on marked paths because the fragile vegetation is easily damaged. Afterward, continue along Route 1 toward Djúpivogur, a scenic drive of roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.
In Djúpivogur, leave the car near the harbor and take an easy walk around the waterfront, including Eggin í Gleðivík, the outdoor sculpture series representing the eggs of local bird species. This is a good place for a coffee or light lunch at Langabúð, a historic harbor building that also houses a small local museum; opening hours are seasonal, so keep a little flexibility in the schedule. Continue west along the coast to Stöðvarfjörður, about 45 minutes away, for Petra’s Stone Collection. Petra Sveinsdóttir’s former home is packed with Icelandic minerals and unusual stones, and the garden is particularly enjoyable in decent weather; allow around 90 minutes and expect an admission fee of roughly 2,000–3,000 ISK. The museum generally operates seasonally and may close by late afternoon, so check the day’s hours before leaving Djúpivogur.
Drive another 20 minutes to Fáskrúðsfjörður, whose harbor and coastal road retain a distinctive French connection, reflected in bilingual signs and old seafaring buildings. Spend about an hour walking beside the water before taking Route 1 inland and then Route 93 up to Seyðisfjörður; the final mountain road is steep and weather can change quickly, so allow extra time and check road conditions before setting out. Once settled, have dinner at Skaftfell Bistro, inside the town’s welcoming arts center. Expect approximately 4,000–7,000 ISK per person for a main meal; evening hours can be limited outside peak season, so reserve or confirm closing time earlier in the day.
Leave Seyðisfjörður around 7:30–8:00 AM for Hengifoss in Fljótsdalur, allowing about 1 hour 15 minutes via Route 93 and Route 1 before turning onto the valley roads. The trail to Hengifoss is steep in places and takes roughly 2.5 hours round trip, so wear proper hiking shoes and bring water; the red-and-black strata behind the falls are especially striking in morning light. Check road.is before setting out, since conditions can change quickly in the East. After returning to the car, continue west along Route 1, then take Route 862 toward Dettifoss—the drive is long, so carry snacks and fuel up before leaving the larger towns.
Reach the west-side viewpoint at Dettifoss around early afternoon, when the falls’ spray and immense roar make the short walk from the parking area feel suitably dramatic. Allow about an hour, keeping well back from wet or slippery edges; the track can be rough even in September. Continue toward Mývatn and stop at Hverir in Námaskarð, a compact geothermal area of steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and sulfur-yellow earth. Stay strictly on the marked paths—the ground is dangerously hot—and expect the sulfur smell to cling briefly to clothing. This is a good point to slow the pace, as the day’s earlier hikes and driving are substantial.
Check in around Mývatn Nature Baths—known locally as Jarðböðin—for a late-afternoon soak overlooking the volcanic landscape. Reserve an entry slot if possible; opening hours and prices vary seasonally, but expect roughly 6,000–8,000 ISK per adult, with towel and swimwear rental available. Keep valuables in the lockers and rinse before entering the lagoon. For dinner, drive a few minutes to Vogafjós Farm Resort, where the restaurant serves local lamb, trout, homemade dairy, and other farm-produced dishes; budget about 4,000–7,000 ISK per person and book ahead for the evening.
Leave Mývatn early enough to reach Goðafoss around 8:30–9:00 AM, before continuing north toward Húsavík. The waterfall is only a short walk from the parking areas on either side of the Skjálfandafljót River; allow about an hour to see both viewpoints, including the broader eastern view and the closer western angle. The name means “Waterfall of the Gods,” and the site is tied to Iceland’s conversion to Christianity—an atmospheric stop even when the weather is grey. Parking is generally free, but keep your waterproof layer handy: spray and wind can make the viewpoints feel colder than expected.
Continue to Húsavík and park near the harbor, leaving a comfortable buffer for check-in at North Sailing. Reserve the whale-watching cruise ahead, particularly for September, and arrive 20–30 minutes before departure; the traditional oak boats are charming but exposed, so dress in warm layers and use the provided overalls if offered. The cruise lasts roughly three hours in Skjálfandi Bay, with minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and seabirds possible rather than guaranteed. If the sea is rough, take seasickness medication before boarding rather than waiting until you feel unwell.
After returning to the harbor, walk a few minutes to the Húsavík Whale Museum, which is typically open from late morning into the afternoon or early evening in summer, with September hours more limited—check the same-day schedule before your cruise. Allow about an hour for the skeletons, whale biology displays, and local history; it is a particularly good follow-up when sightings on the boat are brief. Then drive or take a short taxi ride to GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths, on the northern edge of town. Book a timed entry in advance and plan around two relaxed hours in the warm seawater-fed infinity pools, where the views across the bay are the main attraction. Bring a swimsuit and flip-flops; towel rental is usually available, and lockers are provided.
For dinner, walk back toward the harbor for Naustið, a small, popular restaurant known for seafood and hearty Icelandic dishes. It is wise to reserve or arrive early, as seating is limited and September evenings can still be busy with whale-watch visitors. Expect roughly 4,500–8,000 ISK per person before drinks. Afterward, take an unhurried stroll along the waterfront—Húsavík is compact, and the harbor is especially pleasant in the soft evening light.
Leave Húsavík around 7:00 AM for Akureyri, then make Akureyri Botanical Garden your first proper stop. The garden is a peaceful place to stretch your legs after the drive, with surprisingly lush northern plants, alpine species, and well-marked paths; allow about 1.5 hours. It generally opens from around 9:00 AM in summer, with free entry, though September hours can be shorter. Parking is available nearby, and the garden is compact enough to enjoy without turning the morning into a hike.
Walk or drive a few minutes into central Akureyri for Kaffi Ilmur, a particularly good stop because it occupies a charming historic house rather than a generic roadside café. Settle in for coffee and cake or a light lunch—around 2,000–4,000 ISK per person—and allow an hour. Opening times can vary outside the main summer season, so check on the day; arriving before the lunch rush is sensible. Afterward, continue west on Route 1, joining Route 76 and then Route 1 again toward the northwest. This is a long transfer day, so treat the changing fjord and valley scenery as part of the experience rather than trying to add extra detours.
Stop at Kolugljúfur Canyon in the afternoon, where a short walk from the parking area leads to viewpoints over basalt walls and the waterfalls of the Víðidalsá river. Allow about an hour, and take care near the unfenced edges, especially in wind or wet weather. Continue toward Grundarfjörður for Kirkjufell, arriving in the softer late-afternoon light if road conditions cooperate. The classic view is from the small parking area by the waterfall across the road; keep to the marked paths and do not climb the mountain. From there, drive on to Stykkishólmur for dinner at Narfeyrastofa, where local seafood and Icelandic ingredients make a relaxed end to a substantial day. Expect roughly 5,000–9,000 ISK per person; reserve ahead if possible, as dining choices in Stykkishólmur are limited and September hours may be reduced.
Leave Stykkishólmur around 7:00 AM with a full tank, following Routes 54, 60, and 61 toward Eiríksstaðir Viking Longhouse in Haukadalur. The drive is long and increasingly remote, with gravel sections and limited services, so download maps and check road conditions on road.is before setting out. Allow about 1.5 hours at the reconstructed longhouse, where guides in period clothing explain daily life associated with Erik the Red and Leif Erikson. Opening days and hours are seasonal—often roughly 10:00 AM–4:00 PM in summer—so verify the 2026 schedule in advance. Continue north toward Hólmavík, stopping for fuel or a simple lunch there rather than relying on cafés farther into the Westfjords.
Before heading deeper into the coast, make the short detour to Drangsnes Hot Pots, beside the main waterfront road in Drangsnes. The three small pools are free, open-air, and wonderfully informal: bring a towel, swimsuit, and a bag for wet clothes, and use the changing facilities across the road. A one-hour soak is ideal, especially with views across Steingrímsfjörður. Return to Hólmavík afterward for the Norwegian House, Iceland’s oldest preserved wooden house. The museum usually operates seasonally, commonly around 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with admission generally in the low-thousands of ISK; allow an hour for the house and its exhibits on local trade and settlement history. Keep an eye on the clock here—the final drive to Djúpavík is slow, remote, and partly gravel.
From Hólmavík, follow Route 61 and then the coastal Routes 643 and 649 into Árneshreppur, allowing roughly 2–3 hours depending on road conditions and photo stops. Djúpavík feels less like a conventional village than a preserved herring-station outpost: walk around the harbor, look for the famous red-roofed historic buildings, and take in the abandoned factory scenery against the fjord. Do not enter closed structures or wander onto unstable industrial areas. Finish with dinner at the Hotel Djúpavík restaurant, where meals are typically homemade and cost about 5,000–9,000 ISK per person. This is a remote property with limited supplies, so reserve dinner in advance and confirm your arrival time; there are no dependable late-night alternatives nearby.
Leave Djúpavík by about 6:00–6:30 AM rather than treating this as a short drive from Hólmavík. Follow Route 643 back to Route 61, then Route 1 toward Reykjavík; from Djúpavík, allow roughly 5.5–6.5 hours of driving, plus fuel and comfort stops. Roads in the Westfjords can be slow, gravelly, or weather-affected in September, so check road.is before setting out and refuel whenever you can—Hólmavík is the sensible last major stop before the long return. Once in Reykjavík, leave the car in the Perlan parking area and spend about two hours inside its natural-history exhibitions and indoor ice cave; admission is commonly around 5,000–6,500 ISK for adults, with opening hours typically around 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, though confirm the September schedule.
From Perlan, drive or take bus 13/18 toward the city centre, allowing around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Continue to The National Museum of Iceland on Suðurgata, where roughly 1.5 hours gives you a well-paced overview of Icelandic history, from settlement through the modern era; it is generally open daily around 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with adult admission often about 3,000 ISK. This is a good final museum stop because it is compact and close to downtown rather than another major detour.
Walk or take a short bus ride into central Reykjavík for Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the famous hot-dog stand near Tryggvagata. Order eina með öllu—one with everything—for about 800–1,500 ISK, and expect a quick queue rather than a sit-down meal. Finish with an unhurried stroll along Laugavegur, ducking into independent design shops, bookstores, and cafés around Miðborg and Hverfisgata. If you are returning a rental car or catching an early flight the next morning, use this final walk to pick up snacks and souvenirs, then allow extra time for downtown parking and evening traffic.