Two Weeks in Iceland: The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

This 14-day Iceland itinerary is perfect if you want to drive the entire Ring Road, visit the highlights of Iceland, and like the idea of an adventurous vacation.

About this Iceland Itinerary

With two weeks in Iceland, you will drive the entire Ring Road, the main road that circles around the perimeter of Iceland. Along the way, you will make short detours to several spectacular destinations, such as the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Landmannalaugar.

Highlights of this 14 Day Iceland Itinerary include:

• The Blue Lagoon
• Reykjavík
• The Golden Circle
• The Ring Road
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Godafoss, Dettifoss & Selfoss
• Mývatn
• Whale Watching
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Glacier Hike
• Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss
• Fimmvörðuháls Hike
• Landmannalaugar

This itinerary needs to be done between mid-June and September. It’s a narrow window of time, but this is when many of the hiking trails and the F-roads (the remote gravel roads) to Landmannalaugar are open.

You will need a 4×4. A 4×4 is a vehicle that is authorized by the rental car companies to be driven on F-roads. Many of these vehicles are SUV’s with AWD or 4×4 capabilities. For example, we rented a Kia Sorrento through Hertz and this was authorized as a 4×4 that could be driven on F-roads.

This itinerary is done as a loop and can be done in either direction. This itinerary is written in a clockwise direction because the south coast sights and Landmannalaugar were some of our favorite experiences in Iceland. By saving them for the end of your trip, each day keeps getting better than the one before it, and we loved driving the Ring Road in this direction. But if you prefer to do it in the opposite direction, you can reverse the order of this itinerary.

Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

As an overview, below is a list of the two week itinerary. This is followed by an more detailed daily itinerary with places to go, driving times, advice on where to stay, and links to articles that have even more information.

Day 1: Arrive in Iceland, visit the Blue Lagoon
Day 2: Glymur waterfall and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Day 3: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Akureyri
Day 4: Godafoss and north Iceland
Day 5: Mývatn
Day 6: East Iceland
Day 7: Drive to Höfn
Day 8: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Day 9: Glacier hike
Day 10: South Iceland sights
Day 11: Fimmvörðuháls hike
Day 12: Golden Circle
Day 13: Landmannalaugar
Day 14: Reykjavík

Day 1

Arrive in Iceland, Visit the Blue Lagoon

Driving Distance and Time: 22 km, 20 minutes

Flights to Iceland arrive at Keflavík International Airport, which is located on the Reykjanes peninsula. Pick up your rental car at the airport.

The Blue Lagoon

Instead of heading right to Reykjavík, we recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon. From the airport, it takes 45 minutes to drive to Reykjavík but only 20 minutes to drive to the Blue Lagoon. By visiting the Blue Lagoon first, you save a lot of extra time driving and backtracking to and from Reykjavík. Plus, relaxing in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon is a great, low-key activity for jet-lagged travelers.

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular experiences, so expect big crowds between 10 am and 6 pm. Book your tickets in advance to get your desired time slot and to avoid waiting in line. A visit here typically lasts three hours or longer.

Click here to visit the official Blue Lagoon website, where you can book your tickets in advance and learn about what to expect during your visit.

Blue Lagoon | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Options on How to Plan Your Day

If you arrive in Iceland in the morning, you can do one of two things today. You can brave the midday crowds at the Blue Lagoon, and then spend the night on the Reykjanes peninsula or in Reykjavík. Or, spend several hours touring the Reykjanes peninsula and visit the Blue Lagoon after 6 pm, once the crowds thin out. Sleep near or at the Blue Lagoon.

If you arrive in Iceland in the afternoon, check into your hotel (stay at or near the Blue Lagoon) and visit the Blue Lagoon after 6 pm.

Don’t worry about getting to Reykjavík today. At the end of this itinerary, you will have one day in the city.

Where to Stay Near the Blue Lagoon

The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon. Selected by Conde Nast as one of Europe’s top resorts, this is the ultimate in luxury. Rooms are stylish, modern suites and offer views of the lava fields and lagoon. Prices start at $1281 USD so this is big splurge.

Northern Light Inn. This property is located very close to the Blue Lagoon and the prices are much more affordable than the Retreat. This property has an onsite restaurant and free shuttle buses that run to and from the Blue Lagoon.

Motel Arctic Wind. This hotel gets great reviews and offers that can accommodate up to four people at economical prices.

CAMPSITE & RV PARKING: Camping on Reykjanes Peninsula

Day 2

Glymur Waterfall & the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Driving Distance and Time, Blue Lagoon to Kirkjufell: 220 km, 3 hours. Additional sights on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula will add more time and distance.

Drive to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

From the Blue Lagoon (and nearby hotels) it takes 3 hours to drive to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. If you leave by 8 am, you will arrive on the peninsula midday, giving you a full afternoon to visit the highlights. However, we have an optional detour to recommend, which is perfect for hikers and those who want to see one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls.

Hiking to Glymur waterfall | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Once on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you will visit black sand beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, remote lighthouses, lava fields, iconic Kirkjufell, and some of the most dramatic coastal cliffs in Iceland.

Three Ways to Plan Your Time Today

Glymur Waterfall and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

If you choose to hike Glymur waterfall today, you will arrive on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the early afternoon. I recommend visiting the sites along the south coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and staying in Budir (Hotel Budir), Hellnar (Fosshotel Hellnar) or Arnarstapi (Arnarstapi Hotel). On the following day, visit the sights on the west and the north coast of the peninsula before driving to north Iceland.

Glymur Waterfall and Kirkjufell

Hike to Glymur waterfall in the morning. In the afternoon, drive right to Grundarfjördur and visit Kirkjufell. Get settled into your hotel, have dinner at Bjargarsteinn, and if you want, go back out at sunset to photograph Kirkjufell for a second time today. This makes a nice option for those who want to capture Kirkjufell at sunrise and sunset. In Grundarfjördur we recommend staying at the Kirkjufell Guesthouse.

Skip Glymur Waterfall, Go Directly to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

If you choose to drive directly to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, skipping Glymur waterfall, you will have a lot more time to tour the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Drive the peninsula counter-clockwise, ending in Grundarfjördur. In Grundarfjördur we recommend staying at Dis Cottages.

Kirkjufell | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Öndverdarnes Lighthouse | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

South coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Day 3

Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Akureyri

Driving Time and Distance: 375 km, 5 hours

This is a big driving day. It takes about 5 hours to get from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri.

More Time on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

In the morning, you can visit any remaining sights on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula that you did not get to yesterday, but just be mindful of the time.

Drive to Akureyri

On the way to Akureyri, make the quick detour to Hvitserkur, a wild, unique chunk of black rock on the beach that makes an interesting photo spot.

In Glumbaer, you can visit the historic turf houses.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring Akureyri. Sleep in Akureyri.

Where to Stay in Akureyri

K16 Apartments. Stay in a one-bedroom apartment that comes with a fully equipped dining area and living room and accommodates up to four people.

Hotel North. Located a few kilometers outside of Akureyri, rooms can accommodate two to three people. Prior guests rave about the spacious rooms, excellent breakfast, and wonderful views of the fjord.

Viking Cottages & Apartments. This property gets wonderful reviews. Take your pick from several different apartment options. Apartments can accommodate two to four people in either one or two bedrooms. All cottages have a sea view and there is a hot tub onsite. This property sits a short drive outside of Akureyri.

CAMPSITE & RV PARKING: Camping Site Hamrar

Day 4

Godafoss and North Iceland

Distance and Driving Time: 135 km, 1.75 hours (not including the detour to Aldeyjarfoss)

Godafoss

Spend the morning at Godafoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. A visit here typically lasts about an hour and you can see the waterfall from both sides of the river.

Godafoss | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Aldeyjarfoss & Hrafnabjargafoss

If you want to go off-the-beaten-path, consider adding on a visit to Aldeyjarfoss and Hrafnabjargafoss. These two waterfalls are located in an ancient lava field and they feel like they are in the middle of nowhere. This detour adds on 3 hours and 90 km to this day.

Aldeyjarfoss | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Whale Watching in Húsavík

In the afternoon, go whale watching from Húsavík, the best place in Iceland to go whale watching.

Sleep in Mývatn.

Where to Stay in Mývatn

Fosshotel Mývatn. We stayed here and loved it. Rooms are modern, comfortable, and some rooms offer views of Lake Mývatn. The onsite restaurant is a bit pricey but the food is fantastic.

Birkilauf. People who stay here, love it. I read numerous reviews where people liked this property so much that they extended their stay. There is a minimum 2-night stay here, which is fine for this itinerary, since you will be spending two nights in Mývatn.

Hotel Laxá. This property gets rave reviews and has an onsite restaurant and bar.

Day 5

Mývatn

Distance and Driving Time: 224 km, 3.3 hours (this includes visiting Dettifoss from both sides of the river); 175 km, 3 hours (if you only visit the east side of Dettifoss)

Dettifoss & Selfoss

In the morning, I recommend visiting Dettifoss and Selfoss, before they get overly crowded.

Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Selfoss is a smaller but more elegant waterfall located just upriver.

Dettifoss | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Selfoss | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

It is possible to visit these waterfalls from both sides of the river, but to do so, you need to be prepared to spend a lot of time here…like 5 hours of your day. Worth the time? We thought so, but this amount of driving is not for everyone.

If you only have the desire to visit Dettifoss and Selfoss from one side of the river, which one is better? Get the answer in our article about how to visit Dettifoss and Selfoss.

Mývatn

Spend the rest of the day touring the sights in Mývatn. Visit the Mývatn Nature Baths, the geothermal area of Hverir, walk through the Dimmuborgir lava field, hike to the top of Hverfjall crater, visit the Grjótagjá Cave (a Game of Thrones filming site), or walk among the pseudocraters of Mývatn.

Sleep in Mývatn.

Day 6

East Iceland

Total Driving Distance and Time: 345 km, 4.75 hours (including detours)

Drive from Mývatn to Egilsstaðir

The drive from Mývatn to Egilsstaðir is relatively short, taking just over 2 hours. However, there are some great detours along the way.

Stuðlagil Canyon. This amazing looking canyon is just a short detour off of the Ring Road. Stuðlagil Canyon is located on Route 1 before you get to Egilsstaðir.

Rjúkandi Waterfall. This waterfall is located right on the Ring Road, near the turn off for Stuðlagil Canyon.

Puffins at Borgarfjörður eystri

Puffins nest in Iceland between mid-April and mid-August. There are many places in Iceland where you can see puffins, but Borgarfjörður eystri is one of the best places to go, since it is so safe, for both you and the puffins. You will walk on boardwalk trails and viewing platforms, allowing you to get up close with the puffins without damaging their burrows.

Puffins at Borgarfjörður eystri | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

This is a big detour. A visit here takes 3 hours from Egilsstaðir and adds on 150 km to the day. However, this experience is really more than just seeing a colony of puffins. It’s also a fun detour through a beautiful part of Iceland.

Sleep in Egilsstaðir.

Where to Stay in Egilsstaðir

Kalda Lyngholt Holiday Homes. Located just outside of Egilsstaðir, these small cottages have a living room, kitchenette, bedroom, and bathroom. On the property is a sauna and hot tub and you can reserve your time when you make your reservation or after you arrive. This property gets rave reviews and is one of the top picks in Egilsstaðir on Booking.com. The cottages can accommodate up to three people.

Lagarfell Studios. There is nothing fancy about this place but it gets wonderful reviews. Some rooms have a kitchenette and all rooms have a private bathroom. Rooms can accommodate two to four people. Lagarfell studios is located near a grocery store and bakery.

Day 7

Drive to Höfn

Total Driving Distance and Time: 3 hour (185 km) or 3.5 hours (250 km)

Today is a more leisurely day, much needed at this point, after the long drives and big sightseeing days. This is perfect, since this is the halfway point of your two weeks in Iceland.

Drive to Höfn

There are two different routes between Egilsstaðir and Höfn. It is slightly faster to drive through the interior of the island (Route 95 to Route 939). If you want to see more beautiful coastal scenery, you can drive Route 1 the entire way to Höfn.

Just before arriving in Höfn you will come to the Stokksnes Peninsula. This is a wild, rugged, photogenic spot on south Iceland.

Rising up from the sandy beaches is Vestrahorn, a wing-shaped mountain that is also referred to as “Batman Mountain.”

For photographers, this is one of the top spots to visit in Iceland. Capturing Vestrahorn with the ripples of sand on the beach, the bumpy sand dunes covered in grasses, and the beach at high tide, all make stunning photography material.

Vestrahorn | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

How to Visit the Stokksnes Peninsula: The Stokksnes Peninsula is located near Höfn on the south coast. To get access to the beach, visit the Viking Café Guesthouse. You will have to pay a small admission fee that will allow you to drive down to the Stokknes Peninsula and the beach.

Höfn

Your day ends once you reach Höfn. Check into your hotel and have dinner. We had an amazing dinner at Pakkhus Restaurant but Otto Restaurant and the Ishusid Pizzeria are also great options.

Sleep in Höfn.

Where to Stay in Höfn

Apotek Guesthouse. Located in a former pharmacy, this property offers a wide range of rooms. Take your pick from single rooms, double rooms with a private bath, or quadruple rooms with a shared bathroom.

Milk Factory. This property gets rave reviews and has rooms that can accommodate 2 to 4 people. It gets its name since it is located in a former milk factory.

Seljavellir Guesthouse. This guesthouse is located outside of town on the Ring Road. What you get is a highly reviewed property for a great price. Rooms can accommodate up to two people.

CAMPSITE & RV PARKING: Höfn Camping

Day 8

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Total Driving Distance and Time: 140 km, 2 hours

Today you will spend the day at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell.

While here, you can go kayaking or take a boat tour of Jökulsárlón, visit Diamond Beach and Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and hike to Svartifoss waterfall.

Kayaking in Jökulsárlón | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Fjallsárlón | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Diamond Beach | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Tonight, sleep near Skaftafell.

Where to Stay near Skaftafell

Hotel Skaftafell. This hotel is conveniently located in Skaftafell. Rooms can accommodate up to three people. There is an onsite restaurant and a 2nd floor bar with great views of the glacier.

The Potato Storage. This new property, with its interesting name and industrial, modern décor, gets exceptional reviews. It tends to get reserved months in advance so make your reservation as soon as possible. It is located just a short drive from Skaftafell.

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. This property is located between the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell. This is a 4-star property and offers stunning views of the mountains or the ocean.

CAMPSITE & RV PARKING: Skaftafell Camping

Day 9

Glacier Hike

Total Driving Distance and Time: 140 to 200 km (1.75 to 2.5 hours)

Today you will hike on a glacier, see several south coast sites, and get settled into your hotel. The driving distance and time varies due to where you choose to stay on south Iceland.

Iceland Glacier Hike

Hiking on a glacier was one of our favorite experiences in Iceland. Explore crevasses, walk on the ice with crampons and an ice pick, and take photos of the vibrantly blue ice. It is amazing!

Glacier hiking | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

There are several different options for a glacier hike in south Iceland. Vatnajökull glacier is the largest glacier in Europe. Most hikes on this glacier start in Skaftafell. Take your pick from short tours (about 3 hours) to longer, more adventurous tours where you get to spend more time on the glacier (about 5 hours).

Closer to Vik, you also have the option to hike Sólheimajökull glacier. Its closer location to Reykjavik makes it a popular day trip, increasing the crowd levels on the glacier. If you want a less crowded experience, and the bragging rights to having hiked the largest glacier in Europe, we recommend hiking Vatnajökull glacier from Skaftafell.

Drive to Vik

After the glacier hike, drive west towards Vik. Along the way, visit Fjaðrárgljúfur, also called Feather River Canyon.

Fjaðrárgljúfur | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Tonight, sleep on the south coast of Iceland. You will stay here for three nights.

Where to Stay on South Iceland

I recommend staying at one of the first three properties on this list, to minimize your driving on the day that you do the Fimmvörðuháls hike. However, Vik also makes a nice home base for exploring the south coast. If you stay in Vik, you will have a slightly longer day when you drive to the Golden Circle.

Hotel Selja. This small hotel is located near Seljalandsfoss. It gets excellent reviews for its modern rooms and views from the hotel.

Ásólfsskáli Cottage. Located on a working cow farm, these cottages come with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a hot tub. They can accommodate up to 7 people so this makes a great option for families. The location is excellent, between Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

Lindartun Guesthouse. This is where we stayed and we really liked it. It is a bit out of the way, located in Lindartun, about 10 minutes south of Hvolsvöllur, but it is a good value for the money. Tyler and Kara stayed in the family room and Tim and I stayed in the bungalow which had a kitchen, living room, and one bedroom. Just outside of our door were horses. If you want to stay in a nice place, without spending a lot of money, and don’t mind a little extra driving, Lindartun Guesthouse is a nice place to consider.

Hotel Kria. This nearly brand new hotel offers modern rooms with lots of amenities. This hotel is located right in Vík, within walking distance of the Kronan grocery store. Breakfast is included with your stay.

The Barn. This hostel is one of the highest rated properties in Vík. Rooms range from dormitory style rooms to family rooms that can accommodate up to 6 people. The Barn is located just outside of Vík and a great value for your money.

CAMPSITE & RV PARKING: Skogar Campsite

Day 10

South Iceland Sites

Total Driving Time and Distance: 1.5 hours, 120 km

Today you will tour the highlights of the south coast of Iceland. This is the day where you will visit several of Iceland’s most famous and recognizable spots.

Here are the top places to visit:

• Skógafoss
• Seljalandsfoss
• Gljúfrabúi waterfall
• Kvernufoss
• Dyrholaey Lighthouse and Arch
• Reynisfjara black sand beach

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls and one of the most famous sights on south Iceland.

Skogafoss | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Seljalandsfoss is a massive waterfall that you can walk behind. Just a short walk away is Gljúfrabúi, a smaller waterfall that is tucked away in a canyon.

Seljalandsfoss | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Gljúfrabúi | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Kvernufoss is another beautiful waterfall to visit. It is much less visited than nearby Skógafoss. Park at the Skógar Museum and it is a 10-minute walk to get to the waterfall.

Kvernufoss | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

For stunning coastal views, visit the viewpoint of Dyrholaey Arch.

Reynisfjara is a black sand beach with basalt columns, a giant cave, and jagged, black stacks of rock that sit just off shore.

Reynisfjara Beach | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck makes it onto a lot of Ring Road itineraries. However, we think it is highly overrated. To get here, it is a long, boring walk (4 miles round trip, about 1.5 hours) and once here, you’ll most likely see people climbing all over the plane, despite warning signs forbidding this. Skip the plane wreck, and instead, visit Kvernufoss.

Tonight, sleep on the south coast of Iceland.

Day 11

Fimmvörðuháls Hike or Waterfall Way

Today you have a choice to make: hike the entire distance of the amazing Fimmvörðuháls trail or hike just the first part of it, which is also called Waterfall Way. 

Fimmvörðuháls Hike

The Fimmvörðuháls hike was our favorite day in Iceland and one of the best day hikes we have done in the world. 26 waterfalls, 1 volcano, 2 glaciers, and 3 unique landscapes all combine for one of the most extraordinary hiking experiences on the planet.

The Fimmvörðuháls hike is a massive hike. It’s 25 km (15.5 miles) in length and done as a point-to-point hike from Skógafoss to Thórsmörk.

You will hike through a lush, green landscape along the Skóga River. The landscape changes when you follow the trail on fresh, volcanic soil between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Finally, you descend into Thórsmörk, a moss-covered, mountainous landscape.

Thórsmörk | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

This hike is logistically challenging. You will need to arrange a bus to get you from Thórsmörk back to the south coast. Depending on where you parked your car, you might also need to arrange a taxi.

Skogafoss Waterfall Way

If you don’t like the idea of a massive day hike but still want to see spectacular scenery, you can hike part or all of Skogafoss Waterfall Way.

This trail starts at Skogafoss and follows the Skógá River upstream for 8 km (5 miles). As you hike through this lush, green landscape, you get to see 25 more waterfalls, dramatic canyons, and glacier-capped volcanoes just off in the distance.

This trail is the first part of the Fimmvörðuháls trail. Rather than hiking all of the way to Thorsmork, you turn around early and walk back to Skogafoss. This makes a great alternative to the massive Fimmvörðuháls hike and this is a nice option if you are traveling with kids.

Tonight, sleep on the south coast of Iceland.

Day 12

Golden Circle

Total Driving Distance and Time: approximately 250 km, 3.5 hours

The Golden Circle is a loop that connects three of Iceland’s most popular spots: Gullfoss, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park.

Strokkur Geyser | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Gullfoss | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

To visit all three of these places, it takes about 5 to 7 hours, depending on how quickly you move. It will take you about an hour and a half to drive from the south coast to the Golden Circle. You can visit the three main sights on the Golden Circle, or add one or more of these detours to your day:

The Kerid Crater is a 3,000 year old volcanic crater that is filled with water. This is a quick and easy add on to your Golden Circle tour.

Brúarfoss is waterfall that is famous for its sky-blue color. Learn more about how to get here in our guide to Bruarfoss.

Brúarfoss | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

The Secret Lagoon is a hot spring that has become so popular that it’s no longer a secret. But if you like hot springs, end the day here.

If you want to visit everything on this list, here is the order that I recommend: Kerid Crater, Thingvellir National Park, Bruarfoss, the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss and the Secret Lagoon. This order makes a nice loop and you will end in the center of the Golden Circle, where you will find our hotel recommendations below.

Tonight, sleep on the Golden Circle.

Where to Stay on the Golden Circle

Arbakki Farmhouse Lodge. This lodge offers rooms that can accommodate up to four people. It has an excellent location, near Reykholt and just a short drive from the Golden Circle sights.

Heradsskolinn Historic Guesthouse. This boutique hostel is located in a former school building. Stay in a private room or a dorm. There is an onsite bistro that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Mosas Cottages. Stay in your own “vacation home,” small, detached houses that can accommodate up to six people in two-bedroom cottages. This property is located in Fludir.

Where we stayed: We stayed at Guesthouse Fludir and did not have a good experience. We had two standard double rooms with a private bathroom. What they don’t tell you is that there are two levels of these rooms. If you are on the bottom level, as we were, your view is of a gravel parking lot and all night long you will hear the people above you walking around. The upper rooms are wonderful. For the same exact price, they have a gorgeous view and a balcony, but there is no guarantee that you will get this, as we learned on our visit. It’s not worth the risk of getting stuck on the bottom level. I recommend looking elsewhere.

CAMPSITE & RV PARKING: Laugarvatn Camping

Day 13

Landmannalaugar

Total Driving Distance and Time: 240 km, 4.5 hours

Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is a wonderland of rainbow-colored mountains, lava fields, and hot springs. Hiking trails crisscross these colorful hills, making this part of Iceland one of the most unique places to go hiking.

Landmannalaugar | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Hiking the Blue Peak in Landmannalaugar | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Get started early (start your drive by 7 am) in order to give yourself plenty of time in Landmannalaugar. This day trip will take the entire day, especially if you plan to hike several of the trails and add on one or two waterfalls on the drive back to the Golden Circle.

Once in Landmannalaugar, there are a lot of hikes to choose from. The Blue Peak was our favorite hike, followed by the hike up Brennisteinsalda, aka the Sulphur Wave. You can combine these two short hikes into one epic hike.

On the drive back to the Golden Circle, there are two spectacular waterfalls to visit.

Sigöldugljufur

Sigöldugljufur is a canyon with a stunning wall of waterfalls. It is located right on F208. You will literally drive right past it, but since it can’t be seen from the road, most people have no idea what they are missing. Park in the small parking lot and it is a 1 km (0.6 mile) flat walk to this viewpoint. This detour adds 45 minutes to an hour onto your day. Sigöldugljufur is the cover photo for this post.

Háifoss

Háifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. It’s another beautiful waterfall to add to your list and you will drive right past it on the way back to the Golden Circle.

Haifoss | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Tonight, sleep on the Golden Circle.

Day 14

Reykjavík

Total Driving Distance and Time: 100 km, 1.5 hours

In the morning, drive to Reykjavik and then spend the day touring the city. Places to visit include Hallsgrimkirkja church, Harpa concert hall, go shopping on Laugavegur Street, see the Sun Voyager sculpture, visit Perlan Museum, and check out the colorful graffiti.

Reykjavík | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

We had some great meals in Reykjavík. 101 Reykjavík Street Food was one of our favorite spots. Eat stews and fish and chips that are delicious and this is one of Reykjavík’s most affordable, delicious restaurants. Ostabudin and Messinn are also very good.

Tonight, sleep in Reykjavik. Fly home tomorrow.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavík Residence Apartment Hotel. Rooms can accommodate up to 6 people in suites, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. This hotel has an excellent location within walking distance of Reykjavik’s top spots.

House of the Snowbird. This is a historic house located in downtown Reykjavík. Stay in a one-bedroom apartment with a dining area and small kitchen. From here, it’s a bit of a walk to Hallgrimskirkja, but you are close to the waterfront.

Loft – HI Hostel. This highly-rate hostel features a rooftop terrace, private rooms and dormitory-style rooms, and is located in the heart of Reykjavík.

How to Modify this 14 Day Iceland Itinerary

With Less Time

If you like this itinerary but don’t have a full two weeks in Iceland, what can you eliminate?

To make this a 13-day itinerary, remove the one night stay in Egilsstaðir, in east Iceland (day 6). Now, on day 6, drive directly from Mývatn to Höfn. It’s a huge driving day, but it’s possible. I know, because this is what we did.

To make this a 12-day itinerary, remove day 11, which is the day you hike the Fimmvörðuháls trail or Waterfall Way.

To make this an 11-day itinerary, you can combine the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and a glacier hike into one day. It’s a big day but Arctic Adventures offers a tour that combines a boat trip on the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with a glacier hike, perfect for those with limited time.

If you are looking for a 10-day Iceland itinerary, we have several great options:

• Iceland Itinerary: 4 Epic Iceland Road Trip Itineraries
• 10 Days in Iceland: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 7 to 10 Day Road Trip
• 10 Days in Iceland: The Ultimate Adventure Itinerary

With More Time

If you have one or more days to add to this 14-day Iceland itinerary, here are three unique Iceland adventures to add to your trip.

The Westfjords

The Westfjords are a remote, underrated area of Iceland. Dramatic scenery, quiet roads, and amazing hiking trails can be found here.

Drive the scenic coastal roads and visit the amazing Latrabjarg cliffs (a great place to spot puffins in the summer months), Raudisandur beach, and Dynjandi waterfall. Spend the night in Ísafjörður, the largest town on the peninsula.

On day 2, you can take a tour into Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, where you go hiking, spot more puffins, and even see Arctic Fox. Click here for a great one-day tour of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

To add the Westfjords to this 14-day Iceland itinerary, visit the Westfjords on day 3, between the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and north Iceland.

Kerlingarfjöll

Kerlingarfjöll, located in the central highlands of Iceland, is a geothermal wonderland of steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and rainbow-colored hot springs.

Kerlingarfjöll | Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Similar to Landmannalaugar, this is another unique hiking destination in Iceland. For many visitors, the Hveradalir geothermal area is the highlight. This is the place to see steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and the multi-colored mountains.

Add this after the day trip to Landmannalaugar. You can either visit Kerlingarfjöll as a day trip or spend two days and one night here.

Westman Islands

Heimaey Island is the largest of the Westman islands and it is the only island that is inhabited. This makes a great day trip destination from the south coast.

The main reason why people visit Heimaey Island is to see the puffins. More Atlantic puffins nest here than anywhere else in the world.

While you are here, see the puffins, hike to the top of Eldman Mountain, take a boat tour around the island, and visit the Eldheimar Museum.

To add the Westman Islands to this 14-day Iceland itinerary, add another day and night to the south coast, which gives you four nights on the south coast.

Planning Your Trip

Rental Car and Hotel Reservations

For this itinerary, you will need to reserve:

A 4WD vehicle. A 4×4 is a vehicle that is authorized by the rental car companies to be driven on F-roads. Many of these vehicles are SUV’s with AWD or 4×4 capabilities. For example, we rented a Kia Sorrento through Hertz and this was authorized as a 4×4 that could be driven on F-roads.

Hotels:

Blue Lagoon – 1 night
Snaefellsnes Peninsula – 1 night
Akuyeri – 1 night
Mývatn – 2 nights
Egilsstaðir – 1 night
Höfn – 1 night
Skaftafell – 1 night
South Iceland – 3 nights
Golden Circle – 2 nights
Reykjavík – 1 night

Average Trip Costs

Here are some estimated costs (all prices are in USD for the summer months):

4WD vehicle: $125 – $200 per day; larger SUV’s, such as Land Rovers and Toyota Land Cruisers, cost up to $300 – $400 per day (and are unnecessary unless you plan to do river crossings)

Fuel: $2 per liter ($7.6 per gallon)

Bus from Thórsmörk to Seljalandsfoss: $45 per person
Taxi for Fimmvörðuháls hike: $160 (that’s not a typo)

Campervan: $100 – $300 per day

Campsite: $10 – $15
Midrange Hotel, double room with two people: $200 – $300
High end hotel, double room with two people: $300 – $500

Meals can cost $20 to $40 per dish, depending on the restaurant. We typically saw prices averaging around $28 per dish, so for our family of four, we spent $100 to $150 per meal. To save money, we only dined in restaurants once per day and bought groceries at the Kronan or Bonus grocery stores. You will find these grocery stores throughout Iceland.

If you have any questions about this two weeks in Iceland itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Iceland

BEST OF ICELAND: For a list of top experiences in Iceland, don’t miss our Iceland Bucket List. If you are a hiker, we also have a hiking guide with 10 epic day hikes to do in Iceland.

LANDMANNALAUGAR: Landmannalaugar is one of the best places to visit in Iceland. Learn how to plan your visit in our Guide to Landmannalaugar. We also have detailed guides on how to hike Mt. Blahnúkúr, Mt. Brennisteinsalda, and how to combine these two hikes into one epic day hike.

SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA: Plan the perfect visit to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with our Guide to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which covers the best things to do, where to stay and sample itineraries.

SOUTH COAST OF ICELAND: The south coast is filled with some of the top sights in Iceland. Go glacier hiking, visit Skogafoss and walk the amazing Waterfall Way trail, and visit Bruarfoss. For the full list, check out our Guide to the South Coast of Iceland.

EUROPE TRAVEL INSPIRATION: For more great ideas on where to go in Europe, check out our article 30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe and the 20 Best Hikes in Europe. You can also get more travel ideas in our 10 Days in Europe itinerary guide, which has 10 great itineraries for your next trip to Europe.

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