Iceland Roadtrip Itinerary for Adventure Lovers

  • Day 1: Reykjavik
    Start your adventure in Iceland's capital city. Explore the colorful houses in the city center and visit the famous Hallgrimskirkja for stunning views of the city. Afterward, grab lunch at Grillmarkadurinn for delicious Icelandic cuisine. In the afternoon, take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon and relax in the warm waters. End the day with dinner at Fiskfelagid, known for its fresh seafood.
  • Day 2: Thingvellir National Park
    Start early and drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can hike through the park's incredible landscape and explore the historic significance of the area. Stop for lunch at the park's visitor center before continuing on to the next destination. In the afternoon, visit the geysers at Haukadalur and witness the powerful eruptions. End the day with dinner at Matur og Drykkur, serving traditional Icelandic food.
  • Day 3: Vik
    Drive to the small town of Vik and explore the black sand beaches and towering cliffs. Visit the Reynisfjara beach and hike to the nearby basalt columns. Stop for lunch at The Soup Company, serving tasty soups made with local ingredients. In the afternoon, hike to the top of the nearby mountain for panoramic views of the area. End the day with dinner at Halldorskaffi, known for its fresh seafood dishes.
  • Day 4: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
    Drive east to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Take a boat tour to see the floating icebergs up close or hike along the nearby trails for spectacular views of the glacier. Stop for lunch at the nearby Fjallsarlon Café, serving delicious sandwiches and pastries. In the afternoon, visit the Diamond Beach and watch the sun glisten on the icebergs. End the day with dinner at Humarhofnin, a cozy restaurant known for its lobster dishes.
  • Day 5: Hofn
    Spend the day exploring the charming town of Hofn. Visit the town's fishing wharf and learn about the local fishing industry. Stop for lunch at Humarhöfnin, serving delicious lobster soup. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive through the nearby Vatnajökull National Park and stop for photos at the nearby glaciers. End the day with dinner at Pakkhús, serving fresh seafood dishes with a modern twist.
  • Day 6: Egilsstadir
    Drive north to the town of Egilsstadir and explore the nearby wilderness. Stop for lunch at the Foss Hotel and try their delicious lamb and fish dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Hengifoss waterfall and hike along the nearby trails. End the day with dinner at Eistnaflug Music Festival, a local music festival featuring live performances and tasty food.
  • Day 7: Lake Myvatn
    Spend the day exploring the stunning Lake Myvatn area. Visit the nearby geothermal area and explore the bubbling mud pools and hot springs. Stop for lunch at Vogafjós Cowshed Café, serving delicious local cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Dimmuborgir lava fields and go for a hike in the area. End the day with dinner at Kaffi Loki, serving traditional Icelandic dishes with a modern twist.
  • Day 8: Akureyri
    Drive to the charming town of Akureyri and explore the nearby area. Visit the Botanical Garden and the local museums to learn about the town's history. Stop for lunch at Rub23, serving delicious sushi and seafood dishes. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive through the area and stop for photos at the nearby waterfalls. End the day with dinner at Strikið, serving delicious burgers with a stunning view of the town.
  • Day 9: Snaefellsnes Peninsula
    Drive to the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, known for its breathtaking views and stunning landscapes. Visit the nearby black sand beaches and hike along the nearby trails. Stop for lunch at Dalakofinn, serving fresh fish dishes. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Snaefellsjokull National Park and explore the nearby lava fields. End the day with dinner at Við Fjöruborðið, a cozy restaurant known for its delicious langoustine dishes.
  • Day 10: Reykjavik
    Drive back to Reykjavik and spend the day exploring the city. Visit the nearby museums and art galleries to learn about Icelandic culture. Stop for lunch at Reykjavik Kitchen, serving delicious Icelandic fish and meat dishes. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Harpa Concert Hall for a unique cultural experience. End the day with dinner at Sægreifinn, serving fresh fish dishes in a quirky atmosphere.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Blue Lagoon (2 hours, $90)
  • Thingvellir National Park visitor center (1 hour, free)
  • Haukadalur Geysers (1 hour, free)
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon boat tour (2 hours, $70)
  • Hengifoss waterfall hike (2 hours, free)
  • Botanical Garden in Akureyri (1 hour, free)
  • Snaefellsjokull National Park hike (2 hours, free)
  • Total estimated costs: $160

Transportation

For this road trip, the best way to get around is by renting a car. The Ring Road, which circles the entire country, is paved and easily accessible for most of the year. Be sure to check local weather conditions and road closures before driving each day. Gas stations are common along the Ring Road, but it's best to fill up whenever you have the chance as some stretches of the road can be remote. Car rental costs vary depending on the type of car and time of year, but expect to pay around $50-100 per day.

Links to Key Attractions and Restaurants

Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day to explore the Westfjords or take a detour to the remote Askja Caldera. If you have less time, consider skipping the Egilsstadir and Akureyri stops and heading straight from Vik to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed