9-Day Iceland Road Trip: Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast & East Coast Highlights with Travel Details

Day 1: Arrival & Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland on June 11, 2025

9:00am

Pick up Rental Car at Keflavík Airport

Collect your rental car at Keflavík Airport to enjoy maximum flexibility during your trip. Driving from the airport to Reykjavík takes approximately 45 minutes on well-maintained roads.
ISK15000 per day, 45m

10:00am

Breakfast at Brauð & Co.

Start your Iceland adventure with fresh pastries and artisanal bread in central Reykjavík, perfect to energise you for city sightseeing.
ISK1500, 1h

11:30am

Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church

Enjoy panoramic city views from the church tower and admire its distinctive architecture.
ISK1000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch on Laugavegur Street

Explore Laugavegur street and find a café or casual restaurant for lunch in the lively city centre.
ISK2000, 1h

2:15pm

Explore Harpa Concert Hall

Walk to the scenic waterfront and admire the unique glass design of Harpa, a modern architectural icon.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Grillmarkaðurinn

Indulge in Icelandic gourmet cuisine focusing on fresh, local ingredients in an elegant setting.
ISK7000, 2h

8:30pm

Overnight at CenterHotel Arnarhvoll

Stay in a centrally located hotel with superb views over the city and harbour offering comfort and easy access to Reykjavík's highlights.
ISK35000, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Golden Circle by Car

Golden Circle, Iceland on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel to start your day well before driving the Golden Circle route.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Þingvellir National Park

Drive about 45 minutes east to the national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where two tectonic plates meet.
Free, 45m

9:30am

Explore Þingvellir National Park

Walk trails, see the rift valley and historic parliamentary sites amid stunning landscapes.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive to Geysir Geothermal Area

A 50-minute drive to witness active geysers spouting spectacularly in a geothermal field.
Free, 50m

12:00pm

Lunch at Geysir Center

Relax and enjoy traditional Icelandic meals and café options near the geysers.
ISK2500, 1h

1:15pm

Drive to Gullfoss Waterfall

A short 10-minute drive to experience one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls.
Free, 10m

1:30pm

Visit Gullfoss Waterfall

Enjoy the view of Hulking two-tiered waterfall amidst beautiful surroundings with accessible viewing points.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Drive back to Reykjavík

Return drive of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes back to Reykjavík to rest or explore the evening.
Free, 1h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Fiskfelagid (Fish Company)

Experience fine dining with creative Icelandic seafood specialities in the city centre.
ISK8000, 2h

9:00pm

Overnight at CenterHotel Arnarhvoll

Comfortable stay with beautiful views in Reykjavík's heart.
Included, Overnight
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Day 3: South Coast Drive to Vík

South Coast, Iceland on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast in Reykjavík to prepare for a scenic drive along the south coast.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Seljalandsfoss

Drive about 1h45m (128km) along Ring Road to visit the famous waterfall you can walk behind.
Free, 1h45m

9:45am

Explore Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Walk behind the waterfall and appreciate striking views of water plunging into the valley.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Skógafoss

It's a short 30-minute drive (30km) to another iconic and powerful waterfall.
Free, 30m

11:30am

Visit Skógafoss Waterfall

View the 60m tall waterfall, climb the stairs for breathtaking views of the farmland and out to sea.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Gamla fjósið

Enjoy traditional Icelandic lamb and fresh local food in a cosy restaurant nearby.
ISK3000, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Drive 30 minutes (30km) to this remarkable volcanic beach with basalt columns and impressive sea stacks.
Free, 30m

2:30pm

Explore Reynisfjara Beach

Walk safely on the black sand and photograph the unique rock formations with caution due to strong waves.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Check in at Hotel Kría, Vík

Stay at this modern mid-range hotel offering wonderful views over the village and surrounding landscape.
ISK35000, Flexible

6:30pm

Dinner at Sudur Vik

Enjoy seafood and Icelandic cuisine in a warm, welcoming environment.
ISK6000, 2h
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Day 4: Skaftafell Nature Reserve by Car

Skaftafell, Iceland on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Kría

Eat a hearty breakfast before leaving for Skaftafell, 140 km east along Ring Road (approx 2h drive).
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Enjoy a scenic drive crossing varied landscapes en route to this glacier park within Vatnajökull National Park.
Free, 2h

10:00am

Hike to Svartifoss Waterfall

Take the moderate 2-hour round-trip hike to the stunning waterfall with black basalt columns framing the falls.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Skaftafell Visitor Centre Café

Enjoy light meals and refreshments before continuing activities.
ISK2500, 1h

1:30pm

Guided Glacier Walk (optional)

Experience a 3-hour guided glacier walk on Vatnajökull glacier with professional guides and equipment (booking recommended).
ISK13000, 3h

5:00pm

Check in at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Comfortable hotel located between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón with exceptional views and amenities.
ISK40000, Flexible

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Relax with a contemporary meal featuring fresh local ingredients.
ISK8000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Jökulsárlón & East Coast Drive

Jökulsárlón & East Coast, Iceland on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Start your day with breakfast overlooking stunning natural surroundings.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Short drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

A 10-minute drive to Iceland’s iconic iceberg-filled glacial lagoon along the Ring Road.
Free, 10m

9:15am

Explore Jökulsárlón Lagoon

Walk around the lagoon edge to see floating icebergs and possibly seals swimming nearby.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Amphibian Boat Tour

Take a 40-minute amphibian boat tour to get close to icebergs and learn about the glacier environment.
ISK6000, 45m

12:00pm

Visit Diamond Beach

Walk along the striking black sand where ice chunks from the lagoon wash ashore sparkling like diamonds.
Free, 30m

12:45pm

Drive to Stöðvarfjörður on East Coast

Prepare for a longer drive of around 2h45m (190km) along the scenic East Fjords region to charming fishing villages.
Free, 2h45m

3:30pm

Check in at Blábjörg Guesthouse

Stay at this cosy guesthouse in Stöðvarfjörður with fjord views, ideal for a quiet evening.
ISK25000, Flexible

6:30pm

Dinner at guesthouse or local café

Enjoy fresh local dishes prepared with care in a tranquil village setting.
ISK4000, 1.5h
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Day 6: East Coast Villages

East Fjords, Iceland on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Begin your day with a wholesome breakfast featuring local ingredients.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Petra’s Stone Collection

Visit this renowned private collection of Icelandic minerals located in Stöðvarfjörður.
ISK1200, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Seyðisfjörður

A scenic 50-minute drive (27 km) to an artistic town known for colourful houses and fjord views.
Free, 50m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Norð Austur

Enjoy Icelandic specialties and homemade cakes in a charming café famed locally for quality food.
ISK3000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Seyðisfjörður

Discover local galleries, the blue church, and walk around the picturesque harbour area.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Drive back to Stöðvarfjörður

Return drive to your guesthouse to unwind and reflect on the day’s sights.
Free, 50m

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy a homely meal with fresh and local ingredients served in a welcoming atmosphere.
ISK4000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Return Along South Coast

South Coast, Iceland on June 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Eat a nourishing breakfast before an early start for the drive back westward.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Dyrhólaey & Reynisfjara Beaches

Drive approximately 3h (230km) back to the south coast region with stops at these famous natural landmarks.
Free, 3h

11:00am

Explore Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara

Enjoy photographs and walks in this outstanding coastal area with basalt cliffs, arches and wild beaches.
Free, 1h

12:15pm

Drive to Hveragerði

Continue driving about 1h45m (130km) to the geothermal town of Hveragerði.
Free, 1h45m

2:00pm

Lunch at Varmahlíð Restaurant

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced food including trout and lamb dishes in Hveragerði.
ISK4000, 1h

3:30pm

Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike

Take an optional 3 km moderate walk to natural hot spring river pools for bathing (open 24/7).
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Check in at Hotel Örk, Hveragerði

Relax in a hotel with access to thermal pools, perfect for recovery after hiking.
ISK28000, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Unwind with Icelandic and international cuisine in a comfortable setting.
ISK6000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Return to Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Örk

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before the final short drive back to Reykjavík (about 45 mins).
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Reykjavík

Return to the capital city to spend your last day experiencing museums and city life.
Free, 45m

10:00am

Visit National Museum of Iceland

Explore Icelandic history from Viking times to modern era in a thoughtfully curated museum.
ISK2300, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Loki

Taste authentic Icelandic dishes near Hallgrímskirkja including the unique rye bread ice cream.
ISK3000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Unwind at the city’s heated beach with views of the bay and opportunity for a swim or walk.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Matur og Drykkur

Finish your trip with a memorable meal specialising in modern Icelandic cuisine made from traditional recipes.
ISK7500, 2h

9:00pm

Overnight at CenterHotel Arnarhvoll

Final night in a central hotel with easy access to the airport and city amenities.
ISK35000, Overnight
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Day 9: Departure Day

Reykjavík, Iceland on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last Icelandic breakfast with pastries and coffee.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Keflavík International Airport

Allow 45 minutes to drive to the airport, return your rental car and proceed to departure.
Free, 45m
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