Iceland Travel Guide
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Iceland Itineraries
If you are planning a trip to Iceland, this is a great place to start. There are many different ways to plan your “perfect Iceland itinerary,” depending on your interests. Visit the highlights, road trip around the island, go off-the-beaten-path, or hike some of the best trails in Iceland. If you have 10 days in Iceland, we have four itinerary ideas for you.
If you are planning your first visit to Iceland, most likely you want to see the highlights. For many first-timers, Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and the south coast tops the list of places to visit. With this Iceland itinerary, you get to visit those, plus a whole lot more.
A road trip on the Ring Road is one of Iceland’s best experiences. With 7 to 10 days, you can drive around entire circumference of Iceland, visiting the highlights and several off-the-beaten-path destinations. Stand in front of mighty Skógafoss, tour the Golden Circle, relax in the Blue Lagoon, go whale watching and glacier hiking, explore the lovely city of Reykjavík, and visit many of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls.
This Iceland itinerary is perfect if you love hiking and the outdoors, if you want to see some of Iceland’s best landscapes, and if you like the idea of traveling by 4×4 into Iceland’s remote interior. Journey into the remote Highlands, go hiking in Landmannalaugar, walk on the largest glacier in Europe, and hike the amazing Fimmvörðuháls trail.
If you have two weeks in Iceland, we have an epic road trip to share with you. Drive the Ring Road, relax in the Blue Lagoon, visit Reykjavík, tour the Golden Circle, walk on the largest glacier in Europe, get up close with puffins, explore several gorgeous off-the-beaten-path destinations, and see more waterfalls than you can count.
Iceland Travel Advice
Whether you plan to be here for just a few days on a long layover or spend an extended amount of time exploring the island, there are some things you should know before you go to Iceland. Here are our Iceland travel tips, tips to help you have the best experience while in Iceland.
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Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like Paris, Barcelona, or Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alps, go on a scenic train ride, explore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europe, visit fairytale towns and castles, island hop in Greece, or go on an unforgettable road trip in northern Europe?
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Top Experiences in Iceland
The Ring Road. Driving the Ring Road is one of the best ways to see many of Iceland’s highlights. You will find waterfalls, glaciers, hiking trails, charming towns, and so much more along this road trip.
Tour the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle includes three of Iceland’s most popular spots: Gullfoss, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. You can self-drive the loop or take a tour from Reykjavik.
Explore Landmannalaugar. Landmannalaugar is an area in Iceland that is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and epic day hikes. Geothermal hot springs, lava fields, and unique hiking trails attract adventurous travelers all summer long.
See the Northern Lights. From September to April the northern lights are visible over Iceland. For the best viewing experience, see them from the Golden Circle, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or along the Ring Road.
Skógafoss. Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. This waterfall is massive and to truly appreciate its size, you can stand right in front of it and witness its power.
Fimmvörðuháls Hike. The Fimmvörðuháls hike is Iceland’s best day hike. 26 waterfalls, 1 volcano, 2 glaciers, and 3 unique landscapes all combine for one of the most extraordinary hiking experiences on the planet.
The Blue Lagoon. Jump into Iceland’s natural geothermal spa just outside of Reykjavík. You can also enjoy delicious meals, skin-care treatments, saunas, and massages.
Dettifoss and Selfoss. Dettifoss is one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. Just a short walk upstream is elegant Selfoss.
Walk on a Glacier. You can walk on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, or you can walk on Sólheimajökull, a glacier on the south coast that is popular with day trippers from Reykjavík.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula. On the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, photograph Kirkjufell, walk through a lava tube, see nesting birds along dramatic coastal cliffs, visit black sand beaches, drive out to remote lighthouses, visit quaint coastal towns, and see the famous Budir black church.
Kerlingarfjöll and the Hveradalir Geothermal Area. Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range located in Iceland’s central highlands. Tucked away within this mountain range is Hveradalir, a geothermal wonderland of steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and rainbow-colored hot springs.
How Many Days Do You Need in Iceland?
For the best experience, plan on spending at least 7 days in Iceland. This gives you enough time to visit the south coast, Reykjavík, and the Golden Circle.
With more time (10 days or longer) you can drive the entire Ring Road around Iceland which is a fantastic experience. If you have two weeks, not only can you drive the entire Ring Road, but you can also add on a few off the beaten path locations.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
It is best to visit Iceland from May through September, when the days are long and the roads are clear of snow. Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjoll are only open during this time of year. Just keep in mind that this is also the busiest time to visit Iceland, so make your hotel and rental car reservations well in advance.
If you want good weather and lower crowds, September is a good month to visit Iceland, but some unpaved roads and F-roads can close in mid-September.
It’s possible to drive the Ring Road year-round, but during the winter months, snow and whiteout conditions are likely. You should rent a 4×4 and you should have experience driving in snow and ice.
