10-Day Circular Road Trip Around Iceland with Comfortable Stays and Easy F-Road Adventures

Day 1: Arrival and Reykjavik Exploration

Reykjavik, Iceland on May 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and strong Icelandic coffee at one of Reykjavik’s best bakeries to start your trip.
ISK1500, 1h0m

10:30am

Hallgrímskirkja Church Visit

Visit this iconic church and take the elevator to the top for panoramic views over Reykjavik.
ISK1000, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Icelandic Street Food

Sample traditional Icelandic dishes such as lamb soup and fish stew in this casual venue.
ISK2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Pick up rental car and prep for road trip

Collect your rental car (preferably AWD for ease on easy F-roads) in Reykjavik, check equipment for trip.
Included, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Þingvellir National Park

Short 45-minute drive to explore the UNESCO site where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Þingvellir Centre Restaurant

Enjoy local lamb and trout dishes while overlooking the national park lake.
ISK4000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Stay overnight near Þingvellir or return to Reykjavik

Book accommodation in Laugarvatn or nearby for a quieter countryside start or return to Reykjavik city for more urban experience.
From ISK15000/night, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Golden Circle and F35 Adventure

Golden Circle Route, Iceland on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Energise for the day with a hearty breakfast in Laugarvatn or nearby town.
ISK1500, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive the Golden Circle: Geysir Geothermal Area

Visit the active Strokkur geyser, erupting every few minutes, a highlight of Iceland’s geothermal landscape.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Gullfoss Waterfall

View one of Iceland’s most famous and powerful waterfalls with easy pathways for various views.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gullfoss Kaffi

Enjoy homemade soup and fresh bread in this cozy café overlooking Gullfoss waterfall.
ISK2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive F35 (Biskupstungnabraut) from Gullfoss towards south coast

This easy F-road is well-maintained and offers beautiful spring landscapes without requiring a 4x4, connecting into south coast.
Included in car rental, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Kerid Crater

Explore the colourful volcanic crater lake, with a short walk down to the caldera’s base.
ISK400, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gamla Fjaðrárgljúfur Restaurant in Selfoss

Taste local Icelandic food including fresh fish and lamb in a comfortable setting.
ISK4000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Overnight in Selfoss or Hella

Stay in a guesthouse or hotel with good facilities in Selfoss or Hella to prepare for south coast exploration.
From ISK14000/night, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls and Vik

South Coast, Iceland on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Selfoss

Fuel up with a breakfast including skyr yoghurt and rye bread.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Famous waterfall that you can walk behind, best visited early to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Skogafoss Waterfall

Majestic 60m waterfall with stairs to viewpoint and nearby folk museum.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sudur Vik

Enjoy tasty Icelandic lamb and fish dishes in the town of Vik.
ISK3500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Walk on the black sand beach, view basalt columns and sea stacks with caution of strong waves.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Easy F-road F206 Option for short adventure

From Vik, drive a short stretch of F206 towards Eldhraun lava field for gentle F-road experience with stunning mossy lava scenery, suitable for non-4x4 vehicles in late spring.
Included with car rental, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Vik Restaurant

Warm up with fresh seafood and Icelandic specialties with view over the ocean.
ISK4500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Overnight stay in Vik

Stay at a cosy hotel or guesthouse in Vik for easy south coast access.
From ISK16000/night, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Glacier Lagoon and East Fjords

Jökulsárlón and East Fjords, Iceland on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Vik

A simple but hearty breakfast to prepare for a longer driving day ahead.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Enjoy the 2.5 hour scenic drive along the south coast towards the famous glacier lagoon dotted with icebergs.
Free entry, 2h30m

11:00am

Boat Tour on Jökulsárlón Lagoon

Take an amphibian boat tour among the floating icebergs for an up-close glacier experience.
ISK5500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at the Glacier Lagoon Café

Light meals and hot drinks available with views over the lagoon and Vatnajökull glacier.
ISK2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive towards Höfn via the scenic East Fjords

Follow the road hugging the coastline, passing picturesque fishing villages and dramatic fjords.
Included in car rental, 2h30m

5:00pm

Visit Höfn’s Harbour and town

Explore this charming town famous for langoustine seafood.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant in Höfn

Renowned for its Langoustine dishes, a must-try delicacy on the east coast.
ISK6000, 1h0m

8:00pm

Overnight stay in Höfn

Book a hotel or guesthouse in Höfn to rest before heading north the next day.
From ISK17000/night, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: East Fjords to Egilsstaðir

East Fjords, Iceland on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Höfn

Enjoy a filling breakfast, featuring local rye bread and cheese.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive the East Fjords route towards Egilsstaðir

Experience less touristy roads with dramatic fjord views. Stop at Djúpivogur for photos and a stroll around the harbour.
Included in rental, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Við Voginn Restaurant in Djúpivogur

Sample fresh fish and lamb dishes in this small coastal village.
ISK3500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjordur

Visit this quirky private collection of Icelandic minerals and fossils, a unique cultural experience.
ISK1200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Continue drive to Egilsstaðir

Arrive in the main town of East Iceland, a good base for exploring the area.
Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk by Lagarfljót Lake

Enjoy a gentle walk with scenic lake views famous for the local serpent legend.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gistihúsið – Lake Hotel Egilsstaðir

Dine on local specialities including reindeer meat in a comfortable setting.
ISK4500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Overnight in Egilsstaðir

Book a comfortable hotel or guesthouse to rest up for a day heading north.
From ISK16000/night, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: North Iceland and Dettifoss

North Iceland, around Akureyri and Dettifoss on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Egilsstaðir

Start with a nutritious breakfast before the northern drive.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive towards Dettifoss via Route 864 (easy F-road)

F-road 864 is a well-maintained gravel road accessible by non-4x4 vehicles in summer, leading to Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss.
Included, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Dettifoss Waterfall

Marvel at the sheer power and volume of one of Europe’s biggest waterfalls, a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Free, 1h0m

11:45am

Drive to Lake Mývatn

Short drive to the Mývatn area, famous for volcanic landscapes, pseudo-craters and rich birdlife.
Included, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Vogafjós Farm Resort

Enjoy homemade dairy products and lamb dishes at this charming farmhouse restaurant.
ISK3500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Mývatn Nature Baths

Relax in the warm geothermal waters with mountain views, a less crowded alternative to Blue Lagoon.
ISK6500, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Dimmuborgir Lava Fields

Walk among mysterious, jagged lava formations dubbed the ‘Dark Castles’.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Drive to Akureyri

Short 1-hour drive to the ‘Capital of the North’.
Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rub 23 Restaurant

Highly recommended for fresh seafood and sushi inspired by Icelandic ingredients.
ISK6000, 1h0m

8:30pm

Overnight in Akureyri

Stay at a central hotel, preparing for the western leg of the trip tomorrow.
From ISK18000/night, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: West Iceland via Skagafjörður

Akureyri to Skagafjörður, Iceland on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Akureyri

Start with a fresh breakfast to fuel a scenic drive to the west fjords’ gateway areas.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive south via Hvammstangi to Skagafjörður region

Enjoy coastal and fjord views on this 3.5-hour drive heading southwest.
Included, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hótel Varmahlíð Restaurant

Taste local lamb and trout dishes in this family-friendly spot.
ISK3500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Horseback riding introduction (optional)

Try short horseback riding with Icelandic horses, known for their smooth gait, in Skagafjörður, Iceland’s riding region.
ISK8000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Glaumbær Turf Farm Museum

Explore historic turf buildings showcasing Icelandic farming life centuries ago.
ISK1500, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse or hotel in Skagafjörður

Relax with simple but delicious home-cooked meals focusing on local produce.
ISK4000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Overnight stay in Skagafjörður

Book a countryside guesthouse for a restful night in this peaceful area.
From ISK14000/night, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Westfjord Easy F-Road and Borgarnes

Westfjords Region to Borgarnes, Iceland on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Prepare for a memorable adventure day with a nutritious breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Snaefellsnes Peninsula via Easy F-road F264

Experience the easy F264 through the scenic Ólafsvík valley to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, accessible to non-4x4 cars in good conditions.
Included, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss

Photograph Iceland’s most famous mountain and its beautiful waterfall, a perfect spot for photographers.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bjargarsteinn Mathús

Enjoy seafood specials made from fresh local ingredients in Grundarfjörður town.
ISK4000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Borgarnes

Head to Borgarnes, a town on the way back to Reykjavik with cultural sites.
Included, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Settlement Centre Borgarnes

Learn about the Viking history of Iceland with interactive exhibitions.
ISK2000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Viðvík Restaurant

Dine on fresh fish with views over Borgarfjörður fjord.
ISK4500, 1h0m

8:00pm

Overnight stay in Borgarnes

Stay in a comfortable hotel or guesthouse in this charming town.
From ISK14000/night, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: West Iceland Waterfalls and Blue Lagoon

Borgarnes to Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon, Iceland on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Borgarnes

Enjoy a good breakfast before a shorter driving day.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls

Visit the beautiful lava waterfalls, a peaceful scenic highlight in West Iceland.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Drive to Reykjavik

Return to Reykjavik for last city exploration and stay.
Included, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Reykjavik’s Kol Restaurant

Upscale Icelandic dining with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
ISK6000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Free time in Reykjavik for souvenirs or museums

Visit the National Museum or the Harpa Concert Hall, open 10am-6pm.
ISK2000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive to Blue Lagoon

Approximately 50 minutes from Reykjavik, arrive early evening to enjoy the thermal spa with fewer crowds.
ISK8000, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Blue Lagoon Lava Restaurant

Dine in an ethereal setting inside the Blue Lagoon complex, specialising in Icelandic cuisine.
ISK7000, 1h0m

9:30pm

Overnight near Blue Lagoon or Reykjavik

Choose to stay in the nearby Silica Hotel or drive back to Reykjavik for overnight.
From ISK20000/night, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure Day

Reykjavik or Keflavik, Iceland on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Final breakfast in Iceland, enjoy traditional Icelandic skyr.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Keflavik International Airport

Allow 45 minutes to one hour to reach airport, return rental car and prepare for departure.
Included, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability