An Adventurous 8-Day Road Trip in Iceland

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Babalú

Start your journey with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Babalú, known for its quirky decor and delicious pancakes.
Located in the heart of Reykjavik, easily accessible by foot.
ISKR2500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Hallgrímskirkja

Visit this iconic church to enjoy stunning views of the city from its tower.
Walk approximately 15 minutes from Cafe Babalú.
ISKR1000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Laundromat Cafe

Enjoy a casual meal at The Laundromat, offering a variety of healthy options.
A 10-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja.
ISKR3000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Harpa Concert Hall

Marvel at the stunning glass architecture of Harpa and perhaps catch a quick performance.
A 5-minute walk from The Laundromat Cafe.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll along Laugavegur

Explore the main shopping street, filled with shops, galleries, and local art.
15-minute walk from Harpa.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Grillmarkaðurinn

Enjoy a gourmet meal featuring Icelandic ingredients in a chic setting.
A short 10-minute walk from Laugavegur.
ISKR8000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Check into hotel

Rest up at your hotel in Reykjavik for the upcoming adventures.
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Day 2: Golden Circle Day

Golden Circle, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Indulge in fresh pastries and coffee at this popular bakery before hitting the road.
A 10-minute walk from your hotel.
ISKR2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Þingvellir National Park

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
About 50 minutes drive from Reykjavik.
ISKR2000 (entry fee), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Visitor Centre Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch at the cafe in Þingvellir with lovely views of the park.
Within the national park.
ISKR3000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Geysir Geothermal Area

Witness the powerful Strokkur geyser that erupts every few minutes and explore the geothermal features.
A 50-minute drive from Þingvellir.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Gullfoss Waterfall

Marvel at one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, known for its stunning two-tiered cascade.
A 10-minute drive from Geysir.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Drive to Vik

Make your way to Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland, famous for its black sand beaches.
A 1.5 hour drive from Gullfoss.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sudur Vik

Savour delicious Icelandic cuisine in a cosy atmosphere as you unwind from the day’s adventures.
In the heart of Vik.
ISKR5000, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Check into hotel

Rest in Vik and prepare for the next day's exploration.
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Day 3: South Coast Wonders

Vik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vikurskali

Start your day with a traditional Icelandic breakfast featuring local ingredients.
Located in Vik, just a short walk from your hotel.
ISKR2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Discover the unique basalt columns and sea stacks at this world-renowned beach.
A 10-minute drive from Vik.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hike to Dyrhólaey Peninsula

Enjoy stunning views from the top of this promontory and spot seabirds nesting in the cliffs.
A 15-minute drive from Reynisfjara.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Soup Company

Warm up with a delicious Icelandic soup served in freshly baked bread.
Back in Vik, about a 30-minute drive.
ISKR3500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Skógafoss Waterfall

Witness one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls, where you can even climb to the top for a better view.
A 30-minute drive from Vik.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Walk behind this picturesque waterfall for a unique perspective.
A 30-minute drive from Skógafoss.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Drive to Skaftafell

Head towards Skaftafell National Park for an evening exploration.
A 1 hour drive from Seljalandsfoss.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Skaftafell Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at the restaurant offering Icelandic fare and stunning park views.
Located within the national park.
ISKR6000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Settle into accommodation

Check into your accommodation at Skaftafell and relax for the night.
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Day 4: Adventure at Skaftafell

Skaftafell, Iceland

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for a day of hiking.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike to Svartifoss Waterfall

Embark on a scenic hike to see the stunning Svartifoss, surrounded by black basalt columns.
Start from Skaftafell Visitor Centre.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Skaftafell Visitor Centre

Recharge with lunch at the visitor centre cafe, offering a selection of sandwiches and pastries.
At the Visitor Centre.
ISKR3000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Skaftafell National Park

Discover more hiking trails or simply enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and glacial views.
N/A
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Vatnajökull Glacier

Experience hiking or glacial walking on one of the largest glaciers in Europe.
Guide services can be booked in advance.
ISKR15000, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Pizza 67

Enjoy a delicious pizza in a casual setting, perfect after an active day.
Located near Skaftafell.
ISKR4500, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Accommodation at Hotel

Rest and recover after a thrilling day in the wild.
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Day 5: Ice Capades at Jokulsarlon

Jokulsarlon, Iceland

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel to get ready for a day filled with adventure.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Witness the breathtaking beauty of floating icebergs and possibly spot seals.
Just a short drive (about 30 minutes) from Skaftafell.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Boat Tour in the Lagoon

Take a boat tour amongst the icebergs for a unique perspective of this stunning landscape.
Boat tours are available on-site.
ISKR12000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Cafe Valkyrie

Enjoy fresh seafood and light bites at this café with picturesque lagoon views.
A short drive away from the lagoon.
ISKR4000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Diamond Beach

Explore the nearby Diamond Beach where ice chunks dot the black sand, creating a magical atmosphere.
Just a 5-minute drive from Jokulsarlon.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Drive to Egilsstadir

Journey to Egilsstadir, the largest town in East Iceland, enjoying scenic views along the way.
A 3-hour drive, plan for some stops to enjoy the landscape.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Egilsstadir Restaurant

Savour traditional Icelandic cuisine from a local restaurant in Egilsstadir.
Located in town.
ISKR5000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check into Hotel

Relax and unwind in Egilsstadir after a day of exploration.
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Day 6: East Fjords Adventure

Egilsstadir, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a tasty breakfast at your accommodation.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive through the East Fjords

Embark on a scenic drive along the coast, enjoying the stunning landscapes and charming fishing villages.
Route 1 leads you through this area.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Seydisfjordur

Stop for lunch in the beautiful village of Seydisfjordur, known for its artistic atmosphere.
A 30-minute drive from Egilsstadir.
ISKR3500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Seydisfjordur

Wander around Seydisfjordur, visiting local shops and admiring the art installations.
N/A
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Borgarfjordur Eystri

Head towards Borgarfjordur Eystri for beautiful hiking options and puffin watching opportunities.
Approximately a 1 hour drive.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Hike in Borgarfjordur Eystri

Explore one of the many scenic hiking trails, surrounded by stunning nature.
Trailheads are accessible by car.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Savour the local flavours at a quaint restaurant, embracing the end of your East Fjords adventure.
In Borgarfjordur Eystri.
ISKR4500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check into Hotel

Relax and enjoy the night in this picturesque part of Iceland.
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Day 7: North Iceland Wonders

Akureyri, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your journey north.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Akureyri

Travel to Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland, renowned for its botanical garden.
A 2 hour drive along scenic Route 1.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Akureyri Botanical Garden

Enjoy walking through this beautiful garden showcasing Arctic and Alpine plants.
Located in Akureyri.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Akureyri Fish & Chips

Savour some of the best fish and chips in Iceland while enjoying a casual atmosphere.
A short walk from the botanical garden.
ISKR3500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Akureyrarkirkja

Marvel at the unique church architecture and panoramic view it offers from the hilltop.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Drive to Lake Myvatn

Journey to Lake Myvatn, known for its stunning geothermal landscapes.
A 1 hour drive from Akureyri.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Myvatn Nature Baths

Relax and unwind in the beautiful geothermal baths surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Located near Lake Myvatn.
ISKR6000, 2.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Gamli Bistro

Enjoy a homely atmosphere and delectable local dishes to end your day.
In Akureyri.
ISKR4500, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Check into Hotel

End the day resting in Akureyri.
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Day 8: Return to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast before heading back to Reykjavik.
In-house dining.
Varies, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Reykjavik

Travel back to the capital city, reflecting on your adventures in beautiful Iceland.
A 4.5 hour drive along Route 1.
Free, 4.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Reykjavik's Kol Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful farewell lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Located in the heart of Reykjavik.
ISKR6000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Souvenir Shopping at Laugavegur

Spend your last hours picking up Icelandic memorabilia from local shops.
A short walk from Kol Restaurant.
Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Blue Lagoon

Relax one last time at the famous Blue Lagoon, soaking in the geothermal waters.
Book a shuttle from Reykjavik or drive (approx. 45 minutes).
ISKR6000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Blue Lagoon Restaurant

Dine at the restaurant while enjoying views of the natural surroundings.
On-site at the Blue Lagoon.
ISKR7500, 2 hours

9:30PM

Departure or Overnight Stay

Prepare for your departure or one last overnight stay in Reykjavik.
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