Iceland is one of the most beautiful and unique countries we’ve have ever visited. Its dramatic landscapes, gorgeous waterfalls, geothermal areas, lava fields and glaciers make it a must-see European destination. The best way to discover Iceland’s top attractions is by taking a road trip. In this guide we’re sharing our detailed 10-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary – complete with all major points of interest highlighted and plenty of photos along the way.
10-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1 – Arriving in Iceland and Reykjavik
- Day 2 – Reykjavik to Vik (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Reynisfjara Beach and Vik)
- Day 3 – Vik to Hof (Hjörleifshöfði Cave, lava fields, Fjaðrárgljúfur, Dverghamrar and Hof)
- Day 4 – Hof to Egilsstaðir (Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoons, Vestrahorn, Skútafoss, Barkináfoss and Eggin í Gleðivík)
- Day 5 – Egilsstaðir to Reykjahlíð (Dettifoss, Selfoss, Hverir and Myvatn Geothermal Area, Grjótagjá and Mývatn Nature Baths)
- Day 6 – Reykjahlíð to Hvitserkur (Goðafoss, Ljósavatn Mirror Lake, Icelandic horses and Hvitserkur)
- Day 7 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss, Svortuloft Lighthouse, Londrangar and Rauðfeldsgjá ravine)
- Day 8 – Reykjavik city
- Day 9 – Golden Circle from Reykjavik (Kerið, Strokkur Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall)
- Day 10 – Reykjavik and leaving Iceland
We spent a good amount of time planning this itinerary before our trip to Iceland, and it worked out extremely well. The only major change we had to make was due to a flight adjustment, which meant we arrived in Iceland a day later than planned. Instead of spending half of Day 1 in Reykjavik, we essentially lost the first day. On arrival, we picked up our rental car, skipped Reykjavik altogether and drove straight to Vík, making the planned stops along the way – effectively starting with the Day 2 itinerary.
Preparation and Planning
Hotels. We recommend booking accommodation in Iceland as early as possible. While finding a place to stay in Reykjavik is usually straightforward, options in other parts of the country are far more limited. If you leave your bookings to the last minute, there’s a good chance you won’t find anything available in the areas where you plan to stop. Plan your route, decide on your overnight locations and secure your accommodation well in advance.
Weather. Don’t forget that Iceland is a cold destination. Even in the middle of summer you’ll need plenty of layers and a good windbreaker. We visited in July and it was still really cold – most days we wore sweaters and windproof jackets, with only the occasional moment when a fleece over a T‑shirt was enough. Our advice is to plan for chilly weather even in summer and pack multiple layers so you can easily adjust to Iceland’s constantly changing conditions.
Driving in Iceland. Always check road conditions and weather alerts before setting off, especially during the colder months. Websites like road.is and safetravel.is provide up-to-date information on road conditions and weather warnings. Remember to keep your headlights on at all times – it’s required year-round in Iceland.
Money. Although Iceland is in Europe, you can’t use euros there. The local currency is the Icelandic krona (ISK). During our trip we hardly needed any cash, as payment cards were accepted everywhere.
Local Food. Icelandic food is rooted in simple, hearty ingredients shaped by the country’s landscape and traditions. Make sure to try Icelandic rye bread – rúgbrauð – traditionally baked in geothermal heat, as well as Icelandic yogurt (skyr), seafood chowder and the many other varieties of fresh seafood dishes that are so popular across the country.
Day 1 – Arriving in Iceland and Reykjavik
After landing at Keflavík International Airport, you’ll need to make your way to Reykjavik, which is about a 45‑minute drive away. Most travellers either pick up a rental car at the airport or take the Flybus or Airport Direct shuttle, both of which run frequently and drop passengers in central Reykjavik.
Spend your first day in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a walk around Reykjavik or simply relax and enjoy dinner in the downtown area. It’s an easy start before beginning your road trip.
For a detailed list of sights and activities, have a look at our post Top Things to Do in Reykjavik.
Don’t feel pressured to see everything in Reykjavik on Day 1 – you’ll have the whole of Day 8 dedicated to exploring the city properly.
Day 2 – Reykjavik to Vik
Seljalandsfoss
We began our road trip by driving south from Reykjavik and travelling around Iceland in an anticlockwise direction.
Our first stop of the day was Seljalandsfoss – a beautiful 60-metre-high waterfall. When visiting, put on a raincoat and walk behind the falls. It’s very wet there, but the view is absolutely worth it.
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
The next stop is Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool, one of the oldest outdoor pools in Iceland. It’s a great place for a dip if you fancy a if you fancy a unique geothermal swimming experience surrounded by mountains.
Skógafoss
Another beautiful waterfall to visit on Day 2 is Skógafoss – an impressive 25-metre-wide waterfall, easy walk from the car park. Its power and the mist it creates make it one of Iceland’s most iconic sights.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Our next stop was Sólheimajökull. It was the first glacier our boys had ever seen. They were super excited – running around the lake in front of the glacier, breaking small pieces of ice and listening to the steady dripping of meltwater falling into the lake.
If you are short on time, you can skip this stop, as there will be more glaciers to see later in the trip.
Dyrhólaey
After that, drive to Dyrhólaey – a peninsula with scenic views. There are two viewpoints you can visit – one near the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and the other overlooking Reynisfjara. From there you can see the famous arch-shaped rock formation that gives the peninsula its name.
It was getting dark by the time we arrived, so we skipped the viewpoints, but you can still see the peninsula clearly from our next stop: Reynisfjara Beach.
Reynisfjara Beach
You can visit Reynisfjara beach either at the end of your Day 2 drive or on the morning of Day 3 (which is what we chose to do). It’s once of Iceland’s most famous beaches, knows for its amazing basalt columns, black sand and dramatic coastal scenery.
Vik
We recommend spending the night in Vik village. You’ll find a small selection of accommodation options, a few places to eat and a supermarket -everything you need for a comfortable overnight stop before continuing your journey along the south coast.
Day 3 – Vik to Hof
Hjörleifshöfði Cave
In the morning, leave Vik and drive to Hjörleifshöfði Cave, located about 15 km from the village. It’s a tall cave with an unusually shaped entrance opening.
About halfway between the main highway and the cave, you’ll find the start of a hike (from the Hjörleifshöfði road) leading to the top of Hjörleifshöfði mountain. We decided to stretch our legs and walk up the hill, and the views from the top were well worth the climb.
Laufskálavarða Lava Fields
Next stop of our Iceland road trip itinerary is Laufskálavarða – a stretch of lava fields about 30 minutes from Vik. You can see the lava fields – small stone mounds covered in moss – when driving along the main road. There are a few designated places where you can pull over to take a closer look or enjoy a short walk among the lava formations. Look for Þjóðvegur Rest Stop or the Scenic Green Lava Walk if you’d like to explore the area.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
One of the most impressive highlights of the day was Fjaðrárgljúfur, a 2‑million‑year‑old canyon carved by glacial meltwater.
It’s an easy walk from the car park, with several viewpoints along the path offering spectacular views into the winding canyon. It’s truly stunning – definitely a must‑see on any road trip in Iceland.
Waterfalls
The next two stops are both waterfalls. The first is Systrafoss, located just outside the village of Skaftárhreppur. The second is Foss á Síðu, a graceful ribbon‑like waterfall you’ll spot right before reaching Dverghamrar.
During our trip around Iceland we saw countless waterfalls. Some were planned stops on our itinerary, while others we simply spotted from the road and pulled over to admire. I came home with so many waterfall photos that I sometimes struggle to remember which one is which! 🙂 In this post I’ve highlighted the most spectacular falls – or at least the ones that left the strongest impression – but you’ll discover many more on your own 10‑day road trip around Iceland.
Dverghamrar
Next, we visited Dverghamrar, a set of basalt rock formations also known as the Dwarf Cliffs. There’s a small car park just off the main road, and from there it’s an easy walk through a short canyon filled with beautifully formed hexagonal basalt columns.
Last point of interest on Day 3 is Svartifoss, located in Vatnajökull National park. The hike to the waterfall takes around 30 minutes from the Visitor Centre, where you’ll also find a campground. Svartifoss is surrounded by black basalt columns, which give the waterfall its name – Svartifoss translates to ‘Black Falls’.
Hof
Spend the night in Hof, just south of Vatnajökull National Park. There are a few accommodation options in the area, making it a convenient base before continuing your journey along Iceland’s south‑east coast.
Day 4 – Hof to Egilsstaðir
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
On the morning of Day 4, we visited two glacier lagoons.
The first was Fjallsárlón, a glacier lake on the southern edge of the Vatnajökull glacier, just a 20‑minute drive from Hof. You can even take a boat tour here, gliding between huge floating chunks of ice – a nice way to experience the lagoon up close.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Just fifteen minutes’ drive from Fjallsárlón is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of the most memorable highlights of our entire trip to Iceland. We arrived on a beautifully sunny morning, with the water, snow and ice shimmering in the light. Watching the huge icebergs drift slowly across the lagoon was absolutely mesmerising.
I think we spent at least an hour here – taking in the views, walking down to the water and watching chunks of ice drift from the lagoon through the short channel and out into the ocean. It was one of those places where time seems to slow down.
When you walk from the lagoon towards the ocean, you arrive to Diamond Beach. The name comes from the large, sparkling pieces of ice that wash ashore from the glacier, shining like scattered diamonds on the black sand.
Vestrahorn
It’s hard to tear yourself away from the views at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, but eventually the road calls – and the next stop is Vestrahorn.
Vestrahorn is a striking mountain on Iceland’s south‑east coast, near the town of Höfn. The whole area, also known as Stokksnes, is truly spectacular, with the twin‑peaked mountain rising sharply above the black sand beach.
We parked at the Viking Café and walked down to the beach. In the distance, we spotted what looked like an abandoned old village and decided to take a closer look. It turned out to be a Viking Village film set, completely empty and never actually used for a movie. We wandered around the site and peeked into a few of the prop houses – there’s nothing inside them, in case you’re wondering – but it was still fun to explore.
Skútafoss and the Red Chair
We continued our trip towards Skútafoss, a small waterfall located about 300 metres off the main road to the left. From there, we carried on to the Red Chair, which sits on a rock just 200 metres further along the road. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a large red chair overlooking the seashore – and it makes for a quirky little stop.
Next stop is Hvalnes Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself isn’t particularly striking, but it sits in a beautiful location overlooking both the sea and the surrounding mountains, making it a worthwhile stop for the views alone.
Djúpivogur
As you continue along the main road towards the village of Djúpivogur, you’ll come across several lovely viewpoints and places to stretch your legs. You can stop at Barkináfoss, a small waterfall just a five‑minute walk from the road, or visit Djúpavogskörin Natural Geothermal Pool. Djúpavogskörin is a tiny hot pool – more like an oversized outdoor bath – set quite literally in the middle of nowhere. If you’re lucky and no one else is already soaking, it’s a wonderfully peaceful spot.
Eggin í Gleðivík
Our last stop before calling it a day is Eggin í Gleðivík, located in the village of Djúpivogur.
We had dinner at a café overlooking a small harbour dotted with fishing boats, and then headed out to see the Eggin í Gleðivík sculptures. This outdoor artwork features 34 large marble eggs, each representing a different local bird species.
We spent the night in Egilsstadir, a convenient base for exploring the east. If you have the time, you can also visit Fardagafoss, a local waterfall just outside the town.
Day 5 – Egilsstaðir to Reykjahlíð
Dettifoss
Our first destination on Day 5 is Dettifoss, located in Vatnajökull National Park. It’s known as the second most powerful waterfall in Europe.
There are two viewpoints for Dettifoss: the East Side and the West Side. There’s no bridge across the river between them, so if you want to see the waterfall from both perspectives, be prepared for quite a bit of extra driving.
The road to the East Side viewpoint is mostly unsealed, and it takes around 30 minutes to drive there from the main road. We visited the East Side first, admired the views, and only then realised there was another viewpoint on the opposite bank. So we drove all the way back to the main road and continued on to the West Side viewpoint as well.
The road to the West Side viewpoint is fully sealed, and there’s a large car park at the end, making it the more accessible option of the two.
It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the car park to the Dettifoss viewpoint. Another track leads from the same car park to Selfoss, a nearby waterfall. It’s a short and easy walk, and we definitely recommend visiting both.
Hverir Geothermal Area
Next on the itinerary is the Hverir geothermal area. Hverir and the wider Mývatn region are among the most active geothermal zones in northern Iceland, known for their bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles and strong sulphuric vents. It’s a surreal, otherworldly landscape – almost like stepping onto another planet.
For us, coming from New Zealand, it wasn’t particularly exotic – we’ve seen plenty of geothermal areas and geysers back home. But for most travellers, it’s a remarkable experience. There aren’t many places in the world where you can stand so close to steaming mud pools and active geothermal vents.
Grjótagjá
After enjoying the views – and not so much the smell – of the Hverir geothermal area (sulphide gases really do stink), continue driving towards the village of Reykjahlíð. Just before you reach the village, take a short detour to Grjótagjá, an underground lava cave with a thermal spring inside.
Grjótagjá is small but fascinating, with clear blue water set beneath jagged lava rock. It’s a quick stop, but well worth a look.
Mývatn Nature Baths
The last point of interest on Day 5 is the Mývatn Nature Baths. Mývatn Nature Baths are large outdoor pools filled with milky-blue, mineral-rich geothermal water.
We checked into our hotel in Reykjahlíð, grabbed a quick dinner, and then headed straight to the hot pools. After a full day on the road, soaking in the warm outdoor water was exactly what we needed – a perfect way to unwind, and an experience our whole family absolutely loved.
Spend the night in Reykjahlíð, a small village on the shores of Lake Mývatn and a perfect base for exploring the area.
Day 6 – Reykjahlíð to Hvitserkur
Goðafoss
Day 6 involves quite a bit of driving – around five hours in total – and fewer stops than the previous days. The scenery along the way is beautiful, though, and you can pull over as often as you like to take in the views.
Our first stop is Goðafoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. Although it’s not particularly tall (about 10 metres), it spans roughly 30 metres and carries an impressive volume of water. There are several viewpoints around the falls, each offering a slightly different perspective on its wide, horseshoe‑shaped cascade.
Ljósavatn Mirror Lake
Not far from Goðafoss is Ljósavatn. It’s also known as mirror lake thanks to to the beautiful reflections of the surrounding hills on calm days.
When we stopped, the weather wasn’t quite right for reflections, but it was still a peaceful and scenic spot.
Next stop on our itinerary is Reykjafoss waterfall. It’s set a little off the main road, about 7 km from Varmahlíð along Road 752.
Icelandic Horses
While driving through northern Iceland, we saw many Icelandic horses grazing along the roadside. We stopped a few times to photograph them from a distance, and eventually we were lucky enough to find a spot where we could admire these beautiful animals up close.
The Icelandic horse is a unique breed developed exclusively in Iceland. It’s the only horse breed allowed in the country, and strict laws prohibit the import of any horses. Even Icelandic horses that are exported are not permitted to return, a rule designed to protect the breed from disease and maintain its purity.
Hvítserkur
Our final stop on Day 6 is Hvítserkur, a striking 15‑metre‑high basalt rock formation rising from the sea. Its unusual shape has earned it the nickname of a dragon drinking from the water, and it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in northern Iceland.
We spent the night near Búðardalur, staying in a cosy cabin with beautiful views – a peaceful end to a long day on the road.
Day 7 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
(Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss, Svortuloft Lighthouse, Londrangar and Raudfeldsgja Ravine)
We spent Day 7 exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Even if you’re only in Iceland for a few days and based in Reykjavík, we’d still recommend making the trip out here. The peninsula is incredibly beautiful and packed with sights, making it an ideal day trip.
We explored the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in an anti‑clockwise loop, stopping at the main points of interest along the way. Read all about our day at Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the dedicated post: Perfect Day Trip to Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik.
Depending on how long you spend on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you can choose to stay the night locally. Alternatively, if it’s not too late and you still have the energy, you can continue on to Reykjavik and spend the night in the city.
Day 8 – Reykjavik City
For the final three days of our trip, we based ourselves in an apartment in Reykjavík, spending time exploring the city and taking a few day trips from there.
Spend Day 8 exploring Reykjavík. Stroll along Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street, admire the striking architecture of Hallgrímskirkja, walk the Sculpture and Shore Walkway, relax by Lake Tjörnin, or visit one of the city’s many museums.
For a detailed list of what to see and do in in the city, read our dedicated post: Top Things to Do in Reykjavik.
Day 9 – Golden Circle from Reykjavik
Day 9 is a full‑day trip from Reykjavík to explore some of the highlights along Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The Golden Circle begins and ends in Reykjavík and typically includes three major stops: the Geysir geothermal area, Þingvellir National Park, and the iconic Gullfoss waterfall. The loop is roughly 250 km long and can be comfortably completed in a single day.
In the Geysir geothermal area, you’ll find a father of all geysers – Geysir – the one that gave its name to all others around the world (the English word ‘geyser’ comes directly from it). Although Geysir has been dormant since 2008, the area is still very active. The highlight is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, shooting steaming hot water up to 60 metres into the air.
Entrance to the Geysir Geothermal park is free, and you’re free to wander along the marked paths to see big and small geysers, bubbling hot springs, and colorful patches of mineral-rich soil and rock.
Gullfoss
The next major highlight of the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Its name translates to Golden Falls, and it’s easy to see why it’s so iconic. The waterfall drops in two stages – an 11‑metre cascade followed by a 21‑metre plunge – into a rugged canyon around 70 metres deep, creating an incredibly powerful and dramatic sight.
Kerið Crater
Halfway between Gullfoss and Reykjavík lies Kerið, a striking volcanic crater lake. As it sits on privately owned land, it’s one of the few natural attractions in Iceland that charges an entrance fee. For a small fee, you can walk along the rim of the crater and follow the path down to the lake itself.
At the end of Day 9, drive back to Reykjavik and spend the night there.
Day 10 – Reykjavik and Leaving Iceland
Depending on the time of your return flight, you may still have part of Day 10 to enjoy Reykjavik. If so, consider visiting one of the city’s many museums – from the Northern Lights Exhibition and the Reykjavík Maritime Museum to the more unusual Icelandic Phallological Museum.
Our Iceland road trip itinerary gave us the perfect mix of adventure, dramatic scenery, and time to slow down and enjoy the country’s unique landscapes. We really enjoyed our 10 days in Iceland and already hope to return. While we loved the warmer weather and long daylight hours of summer, next time we’d like to experience Iceland in the colder months – to see more glaciers, explore ice caves, and witness the landscapes transformed under a blanket of snow.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to explore more of this remarkable island, we hope this Iceland road trip itinerary will help you.
Read next: 2-Week USA Road Trip: Grand Canyon, Zion, Yosemite & More.
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A roadtrip in Iceland had been on my wish list for some time and this looks like a fabulous itinerary. Such a wonderful landscape which you have captured so beautifully here! I hope I get to see it for myself before too long.
What a fantastic and comprehensive 10 day road trip around Iceland. Will be bookmarking this for when we go (hopefully one day). Fjaðrárgljúfur and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon would be must-sees for me.
What a great itinerary, would certainly love to visit Iceland one day. The Volcanic crater lake would be so cool to see
Reading this brought back great memories of Iceland. You stayed longer than us, so I’d love to return to see the lagoon and the baths too. The scenery is as splendid as I remember.
Incredible road trip!! I went to many of these places but it was during the winter so it was too cold to properly enjoy things. The waterfalls look so beautiful! I’d love to go back to Iceland and take my time with this road trip!
I enjoyed reading about your holiday around Iceland. We have traveled the Ring Road Twice and this brings back so many good memories. What a fantastic experience for the kids!
Very impressive road trip! I haven’t been there yet, but I definitely think a roadtrip is the best way to see more of Iceland. Your pictures of the waterfalls and canyons are gorgeous!
Awesome round up in Iceland. Thanks for sharing this trip and tips too. Absolutely beautiful!
Iceland’s landscape looks stunning. You put together a great itinerary and I will get back to it when I plan my road trip through Iceland.
Wow! This looks absolutely amazing, Iceland (& Norway) are at the top of my travel list. I would love to visit the waterfalls and natural baths. Brilliant guide 🙂
Caroline | https://envirolineblog.com/
Oh wow… it is so nice to travel to Iceland. Iceland is a very beautiful country. It has always been on my travel bucket list. Wish to travel there in the future.
Loved your blog….then again any blog about Iceland adventures has to be great. We visited many of the same locations a few years ago. There is no5ing like exploring Iceland. Looking forward to reading more blogs. Thxs for sharing
Thank you for the feedback! Glad you liked the blog 🙂