Iceland Roadtrip Itinerary for Adventure Seekers

  • Day 1 - Reykjavik: Start your adventure in the capital city of Reykjavik. Explore the colorful streets and visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church. Have lunch at Laekjarbrekka Restaurant, known for its traditional Icelandic cuisine. Afternoon, drive to Thingvellir National Park to witness the beautiful Almannagja rift and walk between the tectonic plates. Dinner at Fjorubordid, famous for its lobster feast.
  • Day 2 - South Coast: Drive along Iceland's famous Ring Road and visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Have lunch at The Soup Company in Vik, known for its hearty and delicious soups. Hike on the black sand beach of Reynisfjara and admire the basalt columns. End the day with a relaxing dip at the Seljavallalaug Pool.
  • Day 3 - Skaftafell National Park: Hike to the Skaftafellsjokull glacier and witness the stunning ice formations. Have lunch at the charming Cafe Margret in Hofn. Afternoon, take a boat tour to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and spot seals and icebergs. Dinner at Humarhofnin, known for its fresh lobster and fish dishes.
  • Day 4 - East Fjords: Drive along the scenic East Fjords and stop at the charming fishing villages of Djupivogur and Seydisfjordur for a glimpse into local life. Have lunch at Nord Austur Gastropub in Egilsstadir, known for its creative Icelandic cuisine. End the day with a hike to Hengifoss waterfall.
  • Day 5 - Lake Myvatn: Explore the unique landscape of Lake Myvatn with a visit to the geothermal hot springs at Myvatn Nature Baths. Have lunch at Vogafjos Cowshed Cafe, known for its farm-to-table cuisine. Afternoon, hike to the Hverfjall volcano crater and visit the mystical Dimmuborgir lava fields. Dinner at Fjallakofinn, known for its hearty Icelandic lamb dishes.
  • Day 6 - Akureyri: Visit the charming city of Akureyri known as the "Capital of the North" and explore its colorful streets and botanical garden. Have lunch at Bautinn Restaurant, known for its Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist. Afternoon, take a whale watching tour from the harbor. Dinner at Strikið, known for its stunning views and local seafood dishes.
  • Day 7 - West Fjords: Drive through the scenic West Fjords and stop at the historic fishing village of Isafjordur for lunch at Tjoruhusid, known for its fresh seafood. Afternoon, hike to the Dynjandi waterfall and admire the beauty of the fjords. Dinner at Kaffi Duus, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious fish and chips.
  • Day 8 - Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Drive to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and visit the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall. Have lunch at Grundarfjordur's Bjargarsteinn Mathus, known for its unique Icelandic cuisine. Afternoon, visit the charming villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar and walk along the dramatic coastline. Dinner at Pakkhus Restaurant, located in a historic warehouse on the harbor and known for its seafood and Icelandic lamb dishes.
  • Day 9 - Golden Circle: Visit Iceland's famous Golden Circle with stops at Geysir hot spring, Gullfoss waterfall, and Pingvellir National Park. Have lunch at Efstidalur II, a farm-to-table restaurant known for its homemade ice cream. Afternoon, take a thrilling snowmobile tour on Langjokull Glacier. Dinner at Fridheimar, a greenhouse restaurant known for its tomato-based cuisine.
  • Day 10 - Reykjavik: End your adventure in Reykjavik with a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Have lunch at the trendy Reykjavik Roasters, known for its excellent coffee and pastries. Afternoon, explore the quirky streets of the city and visit the Harpa Concert Hall. Dinner at The Fish Market, known for its creative and sustainable Icelandic seafood dishes.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Thingvellir National Park: 3 hours, Free
  • Fjorubordid: 1.5 hours, $$$$
  • Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls: 2 hours, Free
  • The Soup Company: 1 hour, $$
  • Reynisfjara black sand beach: 1 hour, Free
  • Skaftafellsjokull glacier: 3 hours, Free
  • Cafe Margret: 1.5 hours, $$
  • Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: 2 hours, $$$
  • Hengifoss waterfall: 2 hours, Free
  • Myvatn Nature Baths: 3 hours, $$$
  • Vogafjos Cowshed Cafe: 1.5 hours, $$
  • Hverfjall volcano crater: 2 hours, Free
  • Strikið: 2 hours, $$$
  • Tjoruhusid: 1.5 hours, $$$
  • Dynjandi waterfall: 2 hours, Free
  • Kaffi Duus: 1.5 hours, $$
  • Grundarfjordur's Bjargarsteinn Mathus: 1.5 hours, $$
  • Pakkhus Restaurant: 2 hours, $$$
  • Efstidalur II: 1.5 hours, $$
  • Langjokull Glacier snowmobile tour: 2 hours, $$$
  • Fridheimar: 1.5 hours, $$
  • Blue Lagoon geothermal spa: 3 hours, $$$
  • Reykjavik Roasters: 1 hour, $
  • The Fish Market: 2 hours, $$$
  • Total Costs: $$$

Transportation

To get around Iceland, we recommend renting a car. It will give you the most flexibility to explore different areas of the country. Be prepared for snowy and icy roads during the winter months. A 4x4 vehicle may be necessary for some areas. Gas is expensive in Iceland, so be sure to factor that into your budget. You can also take scheduled coach buses between cities if you prefer not to drive.

Links to Points of Interest and Restaurants

Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a few extra days in each location to fully explore and immerse yourself in the local culture.

If you have less time, consider removing a few locations and focusing on the ones that interest you the most. It's better to fully enjoy a few destinations than feel rushed trying to see them all.

0
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed