Family-Friendly Itinerary to See Iceland's Natural Wonders and Aurora Borealis

  • Day 1: Reykjavik
    Approx. 0 minutes from Reykjavik city center

    Explore the charming capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church for stunning views of the city and then head to Perlan Museum to learn about Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and history. End the day with a visit to the Harpa Concert Hall, which has fantastic architecture and kid-friendly exhibits.

  • Day 2: Thingvellir National Park and Geysir
    Approx. 48 miles (1.5 hours) from Reykjavik

    Experience the geological wonders of Iceland with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, where you can snorkel in the clear waters of Silfra or hike through the scenic park. Afterward, head to the nearby Geysir to witness the famous geyser eruptions and explore the boardwalks.

  • Day 3: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls
    Approx. 104 miles (2.5 hours) from Thingvellir National Park

    Experience some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world with visits to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and take in the stunning views before heading to Skogafoss for a hike to the top of the waterfall.

  • Day 4: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Vatnajökull National Park
    Approx. 116 miles (2.5 hours) from Skogafoss

    Experience Iceland's incredible coastline with a visit to the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Then head to Vatnajökull National Park, where you can hike on Europe's largest glacier and visit the stunning Crystal Ice Cave.

  • Day 5: Lake Mývatn and Akureyri
    Approx. 221 miles (4 hours) from Vatnajökull National Park

    Explore some of Iceland's beautiful natural wonders with a visit to Lake Mývatn, known for its volcanic craters and geothermal pools. Then head to the charming town of Akureyri, where you can visit the Akureyri Botanical Garden and the Akureyri Art Museum.

  • Day 6: Whale watching and Aurora Borealis
    Approx. 121 miles (2.5 hours) from Akureyri

    Embark on an unforgettable whale watching tour from the town of Húsavík, where you can see humpback and minke whales, as well as other marine life. In the evening, head out to see the stunning natural light display of the Aurora Borealis.

  • Day 7: Blue Lagoon
    Approx. 256 miles (4 hours) from Húsavík

    End your trip with relaxation at the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, where you can soak in the hot geothermal waters, enjoy a spa treatment, or have a drink at the swim-up bar.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hallgrimskirkja Church (1 hour, free)
  • Perlan Museum (2 hours, 4900 ISK)
  • Harpa Concert Hall (1 hour, free)
  • Thingvellir National Park (5 hours, free)
  • Geysir (1 hour, free)
  • Seljalandsfoss (2 hours, free)
  • Skogafoss (2 hours, free)
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (1 hour, free)
  • Vatnajökull National Park (5 hours, 18500 ISK)
  • Lake Mývatn (3 hours, free)
  • Akureyri Botanical Garden (1 hour, 1200 ISK)
  • Akureyri Art Museum (2 hours, 1600 ISK)
  • Whale watching (3 hours, 11100 ISK)
  • Aurora Borealis (2 hours, free)
  • Blue Lagoon (4 hours, 6990 ISK)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 37790 ISK (approximately $306 USD)

Transportation

Transportation options in Iceland include rental cars, buses, and domestic flights. It is recommended to rent a car to have the freedom to explore the natural wonders at your own pace. Domestic flights are also available for longer journeys. The estimated cost of renting a car is 5500 ISK (approximately $45 USD) per day, and domestic flights can range from 33000 ISK to 39000 ISK (approximately $267 USD to $316 USD) depending on the destination.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a glacier hike or a visit to a volcano. If you have less time, skip Akureyri and head straight to Húsavík for whale watching. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and pack layers, as Iceland weather can be unpredictable.

Airports

Iceland's main international airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF), located approximately 30 miles from Reykjavik. Domestic flights are available from Reykjavik Airport (RKV), which is located in the city center. Húsavík Airport (HZK) and Akureyri Airport (AEY) are also available for domestic flights, and both are located near their respective towns.

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