Start your Icelandic adventure by exploring the capital city Reykjavik. Take a guided walking tour to learn about Iceland’s history and culture. Located in the city center is Hallgrimskirkja, the largest church in Iceland, climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik. The sun Voyager sculpture represents a vessel of dreams and promises, so pop in for a spur-of-the-moment photo that you will undoubtedly cherish as a memory of your time in Iceland.
Visit Thingvellir National Park to explore the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and witness tectonic plates shifting. The park is also a popular spot for scuba diving/snorkeling. Make your way to the Geysir geothermal area, to watch Strokkur Geyser which erupts every 5-10 minutes reaching up to 20 meters high.
Visit Gullfoss waterfall and have an up-close observation of the majestic fall. Continue your journey with glacier hiking – available for beginners and professionals. Be amazed by the ice formations, crevasses, and tunnels at Langjökull Glacier.
Spend the day exploring Vatnajökull National Park while witnessing its otherworldly views from the Skaftafell National Park, and its majestic glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón. Take a boat tour in the crystal clear lagoon to get up close and personal with the icebergs.
Visit East Iceland for a calming experience. Trek to the edge of Eggin i Gledivik to witness bird colonies or take a boat tour of the fjords. In the afternoon drive to Borgarfjordur Eystri, known for the blue church, near the cute town of Borgarfjorður Eystri.
Drive to Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city to find hidden gems such as the Botanic Garden and the Church of Akureyri. Also located in the area are several waterfalls such as Goðafoss, The Waterfall of the Gods due to its historic significance. You can also make a short stop at the Ytri-Moldal or Tröllaskagi Peninsula to enjoy photogenic views from the coastline.
Indulge in some whale watching in the morning before departing for Keflavik to catch your flight. Alternatively, relax and rejuvenate in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, known for its silky blue waters and healing effects.
Travelers will need to plan for a rental car to explore Iceland. There are plenty of car rentals available at the Keflavik International Airport, and prices vary based on the days of rental and the type of car. Additionally, Iceland has reliable public transportation options such as busses and shuttles that can move you between major cities and towns at a lower price. Although the travel time may take more extended periods compared to driving, the public transportation system is an excellent way to meet other travelers and locals.
If you have more days to explore, consider taking a detour to the Westfjords. Visitors with fewer than seven days should modify their tour to focus primarily on exploring the south coast. It is recommended that tourists to keep abreast of the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the weather condition as Iceland's weather is unpredictable.
Iceland's primary international airport is the Keflavik International Airport (KEF), located 31 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. The Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV) has domestic flights and flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands.