Begin your adventure in Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik. Stroll down Laugavegur, the main shopping street, and visit Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland's largest church that offers panoramic views of the city. Stop by Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture near the harbor to admire some of the city's modern architecture. If time permits, take a dip in one of Reykjavik's geothermal pools such as the famous Blue Lagoon.
Embark on the quintessential Icelandic experience by driving the Golden Circle route that encompasses Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. At Thingvellir, you can see the spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Geysir geothermal area is home to the famous Strokkur geyser that erupts every 10 minutes, and Gullfoss waterfall is a stunning double cascade that tumbles into a rugged canyon.
Along the South Coast, you'll find some of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders. Stop at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, hike on Sólheimajökull glacier, and visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara with its basalt columns and towering sea stacks. Also, don't miss the opportunity to visit Vatnajökull National Park or take a snowmobile excursion on Europe's largest glacier.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a diverse landscape featuring a national park, lava fields, black pebble beaches, and charming fishing villages. Visit the photogenic church at Budir, hike to the top of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, and explore the volcanic Snæfellsjökull glacier that is said to be the entrance to the center of the earth.
The rugged Westfjords region is often considered the best kept secret of Iceland. Here you'll find towering cliffs, remote beaches, and picturesque fjords. Visit the bird cliffs in Latrabjarg for a chance to observe puffins and other seabirds up close, take a dip in the natural hot pool at Reykjafjordur, and hike to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve for unparalleled hiking and camping experiences. Note that some areas may be inaccessible during the winter months.
End your trip in Iceland's second-largest city, Akureyri, located in the north of the country. Stroll along the colorful Hafnarstraeti street, visit the iconic Akureyri Church, and explore the surrounding mountains and fjords on a hiking or skiing adventure. In winter, don't miss the chance to go on a northern lights tour.
Travelers can rent a car or take a guided tour to access most of the destinations on this itinerary. Renting a car usually costs about $50-150 per day, depending on the car model and rental agency, and gas prices are around $2.5-$3 per liter. Guided tours vary in price and itinerary, but expect to pay at least $100 per person per day. Note that winter driving conditions can be challenging, so it's recommended to rent a 4WD car and check weather forecasts before setting off.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Westman Islands, a collection of volcanic islands off the southern coast of Iceland that offer great hiking and puffin-watching opportunities. If you have less time, you can skip the Westfjords or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and focus on other areas. However, keep in mind that Iceland has plenty of things to see and do, so it's always a good idea to plan extra time for spontaneous adventures.
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is Iceland's main airport and is located about 50 km southwest of Reykjavik. The airport has two terminals and is well connected to many destinations in Europe and North America. Akureyri International Airport (AEY) serves the northern part of Iceland and has daily flights to Reykjavik and other local destinations. It's located about 3 km south of Akureyri and has a limited range of facilities and services.