9-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Iceland

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive at your family-friendly accommodation, such as the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina, which has spacious rooms and a cozy atmosphere.
Walk from the bus terminal or arrange for a taxi.
ISK25000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Harpa Concert Hall

Explore the stunning Harpa Concert Hall—a perfect introduction to Iceland’s culture with its striking architecture; kids will love the brightly colored glass panels.
Walk from the hotel, approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Reykjavik Street Food

Savor delicious fish and chips or traditional Icelandic lamb soup that the entire family will love.
Short walk (5 minutes) from Harpa.
ISK6000, 1 hour

2:00PM

National Museum of Iceland

Engage with Iceland’s rich history through interactive exhibits that are great for the whole family.
Drive from the restaurant (10 minutes).
ISK3200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Settlement Exhibition

Enjoy a unique dinner experience in the heart of Reykjavik where history comes alive while you eat.
A 5-minute drive.
ISK7000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Golden Circle Experience

Golden Circle, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before starting your road trip exploring the Golden Circle.
Eat at the hotel restaurant.
ISK3000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Þingvellir National Park

Start your Golden Circle itinerary at Þingvellir National Park, where the kids can explore the rift valley and see the Silfra fissure.
Drive 45 minutes (49 km).
ISK1500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Park Cafe

Grab some sandwiches or a warm cup of soup in a family-friendly cafe located inside the park.
Lunch on-site.
ISK5000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Geysir Geothermal Area

Witness the Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes—a thrilling sight for the kids!
Drive 50 minutes (60 km).
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Gullfoss Waterfall

Marvel at one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls that cascades into a canyon, ideal for family photos.
Drive 15 minutes (10 km).
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Fridheimar

Enjoy a unique dining experience in a greenhouse while watching tomatoes grow all around you!
Just a 10-minute drive.
ISK6000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Charming Vik

Vik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before heading towards Vik.
Eat at the hotel.
ISK3000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Vik

Enjoy the scenic, approximately 2-hour drive to Vik, taking in the mountainous landscapes along the way.
Drive 140 km.
Fuel cost approx. ISK2500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Walk along the famous black sand beach and see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks that make for fantastic family photos.
10-minute drive from Vik.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Soup Company

Enjoy a comforting Icelandic soup served in bread bowls that are fun to eat and will warm you after your beach visit.
Drive back to Vik (10 minutes).
ISK6000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Dyrhólaey Peninsula

Visit Dyrhólaey for sweeping views of the coast, and if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of puffins!
Drive 15 minutes (15 km).
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Halldorskaffi

Delight the family with hearty entrees such as fish stew or lamb dishes in this cozy restaurant.
Drive back to Vik (20 minutes).
ISK7000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nature at Skaftafell

Skaftafell, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at the hotel before heading out to the spectacular national park.
Eat at the hotel.
ISK3000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Skaftafell

Embark on a 2-hour scenic drive to the beautiful Skaftafell National Park.
Drive 140 km.
Fuel cost approx. ISK2500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Skaftafell Hiking Trails

Follow family-friendly trails like the one to Svartifoss waterfall—perfect for some light hiking.
Park in the visitor center lot.
Free with entry., 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at the Skaftafell Visitor Center Café

Recharge with sandwiches and healthy snacks after your hike.
On-site café.
ISK5000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Skaftafell Glacier Tours

Join a family-friendly glacier hike to experience the unique Icelandic ice formations up close.
Meet at the booked tour location.
ISK8000 per person, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Skaftafell

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring Icelandic lamb and seafood.
In hotel restaurant.
ISK7000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Exploring Jokulsarlon

Jokulsarlon, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in a breakfast buffet to prepare for a day of breathtaking views.
Eat at hotel.
ISK3500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Jokulsarlon

A short 40-minute drive takes you to the stunning glacial lagoon dotted with floating icebergs.
Drive 60 km.
Fuel cost approx. ISK1500, 40 minutes

10:00AM

Jokulsarlon Boat Tour

Experience an informative boat ride among the icebergs—perfect for the whole family!
Book tickets in advance online for easier access.
ISK15000 per person, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Jokulsarlon Café

Enjoy a quick lunch with sandwiches or burgers overlooking the lagoon.
On-site café.
ISK6000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Diamond Beach

Stroll along the stunning black sand beach where icebergs wash ashore—a unique experience for kids.
5-minute walk from Jokulsarlon.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return Drive to Skaftafell

Head back to Skaftafell, enjoying the views along the way.
Return to Skaftafell (40 minutes).
Fuel cost approx. ISK1500, 40 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Skaftafell

End your day with a delightful dinner at the hotel once more.
Eat at the hotel.
ISK7000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Beautiful Myvatn

Myvatn, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up again for a drive to Myvatn with a fulfilling breakfast.
Eat at hotel.
ISK3000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Myvatn

Enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour drive with views of lava fields and lakes along the route.
Drive 230 km.
Fuel cost approx. ISK3000, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Myvatn Nature Baths Café

Relax and grab a bite at the café while enjoying great views of the surrounding landscape.
On-site café.
ISK6000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Myvatn Nature Baths

Relax and rejuvenate in the hot springs—a delight for both adults and kids.
Buy entry tickets when you arrive.
ISK5500 per person, 2 hours

4:00PM

Hverir Geothermal Area

Witness bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, providing a fascinating geological experience.
Drive 10 minutes (10 km) from baths.
ISK1500, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Gamli Bær

Enjoy a family meal featuring dishes made from local ingredients in a lovely setting.
10-minute drive from Hverir.
ISK7000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Charming Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day in Myvatn with a hearty breakfast before driving to Akureyri.
Eat at the hotel.
ISK3000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Akureyri

Enjoy a scenic drive to Iceland's second-largest city, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Drive 100 km.
Fuel cost approx. ISK2000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Stroll through beautiful gardens showcasing local flora—perfect for a family photo op.
Drive 5 minutes to garden entrance.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Ilmur

Treat yourselves to delicious pastries and savory meals in a cozy café atmosphere.
Walk from the gardens (10 minutes).
ISK5000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Akureyri Church

Visit the iconic Akureyri Church with its beautiful architecture—kids will enjoy the climb to the top for stunning views.
5-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Akureyri Swimming Pool

Take a fun dip in the local swimming pool which has hot tubs and waterslides, perfect for families.
Drive (5 minutes).
ISK1400 per person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kjöt og Kleina

Savor hearty Icelandic dishes such as lamb and fish in a welcoming atmosphere.
Drive 10 minutes.
ISK7000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Adventurous Westfjords

Westfjords, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast in Akureyri before embarking on your drive to the Westfjords.
Eat in the hotel.
ISK3000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Westfjords

Set out on a scenic 3-hour drive to the beautiful Westfjords region.
Drive 210 km.
Fuel cost approx. ISK3000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ísafjörður Café

Stop at a local café to enjoy a meal of fresh seafood or hearty sandwiches.
Drive 5 minutes to town center.
ISK6000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Ísafjörður Town

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets and visit the local shops.
Walk down the street, less than 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Dynjandi Waterfall

Drive to this beautiful waterfall, known for its tiered cascades that kids will surely love.
Drive 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Tjöruhúsið

Indulge in a buffet-style feast featuring fresh fish and local dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Drive back to Ísafjörður (30 minutes).
ISK7000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before the long drive back to Reykjavik.
Eat in the hotel.
ISK3000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Reykjavik

Make the journey back to Reykjavik, taking a different scenic route to enjoy new vistas.
Drive 450 km.
Fuel cost approx. ISK4000, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Hlemmur Mathöll

Enjoy a variety of food stalls offering local and international cuisine in a vibrant setting.
Drive to Hlemmur (10 minutes).
ISK4000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Free Time for Relaxation

Spend your last afternoon in Reykjavik relaxing at the hotel, or visiting any nearby attractions you may have missed.
Transport up to you.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Plokkfiskur

Have a casual family dinner featuring traditional Icelandic fish stew as a delightful finale to your adventure.
Drive to the restaurant (5 minutes).
ISK5000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening at Sky Lagoon

Wrap up the Iceland adventure with relaxation at the Sky Lagoon, enjoying the beautiful lagoon views.
Drive to Sky Lagoon (10 minutes).
ISK8000 per person, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability