There is a lot you can see with 2 weeks in Iceland.
Below is my ideal 14 day Iceland itinerary for first-timers, where no 4WD is required.
You will see the entire Ring road and much more.
And I have also included my top tips and alternatives to help you make the most of your time in Iceland!
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching
Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure
My favorite places to stay:
- Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
- Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
- Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal
14 day Iceland itinerary – Map and Summary
Overview of this unforgettable 2 week Iceland itinerary
The entire detailed itinerary with pictures is available below in the article, but let’s start with an overview of the road trip:
- Day 1 – Golden Circle
- Day 2 – South Coast waterfalls
- Day 3 – Skaftafell National Park
- Day 4 – Glacial Lagoons and icebergs
- Day 5 – East Fjords
- Day 6 – Dettifoss, Powerful waterfall
- Day 7 – Lake Myvatn area
- Day 8 – Lake Myvatn area
- Day 9 – Akureyri, Northern capital
- Day 10 – Drive to West Coast
- Day 11 – Silver circle
- Day 12 – Snaefellsnes peninsula
- Day 13 – Reykjavik
- Day 14 – Reykjavik
I have tried to create an itinerary that include at least one of each of the wonders of Iceland: waterfalls, lava fields, fjords, volcanoes, towns, glaciers, black sand beaches, lava caves…
Below are some of the places you will see:
Iceland 14 day itinerary Map
And below is a map of where you are heading around the Ring Road and the island:
Not for Winter
A quick note. This itinerary is not applicable for Winter, when days are shorter and conditions much more difficult.
If you are looking for Winter itineraries, head to this article.
2 weeks in Iceland – essential info
Before I share with you the details about the itinerary with all the main stops, where to stay and pictures, below are some essentials to understand.
Renting your car
To be able to complete this itinerary, you need to rent car.
All the amazing locations included are easy to access.
So you can rent any standard car.
The driving on this itinerary will be very easy. Don’t worry!
I recommend:
- Comparing car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – it is one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- Booking early to have a large choice of vehicles (you will not find any last minute deal, the island is very poplar!)
- Reading all my tips about renting a car in Iceland
Essentials
- Book your accommodations early as well – Iceland is popular and in some area, choice can be limited (although the offering is growing) – see the wide offering on Booking.com
- Learn more in my article about where to sleep in Iceland
- Don’t plan too much every day – you will get frustrated not to be able to stop as much since it is stunning everywhere
- As you are approaching your Iceland road trip, stop watching the weather forecast. It will change every day and during the day, so just go with the flow of your planned Itinerary.
Adapt this itinerary
I tried to allow you to cover a lot without making so crazy that you run from one place to the next. You can have time to enjoy each area.
However, I have also listed a few alternatives, if you are looking for a few other things.
And you can use my travel guide eBook, to create your own itinerary with my pre-selection of my favorite stops, GPS coordinates and practical maps:
Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to help you choose
Iceland ring road itinerary 14 days + more of Iceland
Day 1 – Golden Circle
Driving time = 2h45 drive
Itinerary:
- Driving time from Keflavik airport = 1H15
- Stop 1 – Thingvellir National Park
Plan half a day to explore the area with the huge fissures created by the movements of the tectonic plates.
Consider doing the Main Fault walk from parking 1 and the Oxararfoss waterfall walk from Parking 2 (or combined with first walk).
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 50min drive
- Stop 2 – Haukadalur geothermal area (and geyser)
Admire the intense geothermal activity in this small area: mud pools, boiling water, and the Strokkur geyser erupting every 5 to 8 minutes.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 10min
- Stop 3 – Gullfoss waterfall
Gullfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.
The impressive falls are over 2 steps with an impressive surround sound.
Learn more in my article - Driving time to accommodation in Fludir = 30min
Where to stay?
Choose accommodation on the Golden Circle such as near Haukadalur – check out options
Or head to Fludir to be able to enjoy a relaxing time at the Secret Lagoon hot spring – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Tips
A really unique activity to enjoy at Thingvellir is to snorkel in the crystal clear water inside one of the fissure – See availability and book your experience.
To pay in your own currency and avoid extra charges, prepay your entry to the Secret Lagoon.
Day 2 – South Coast waterfalls
Driving time = 2h10
Itinerary:
- Driving time = 1h05
- Stop 1 – Seljalandsfoss
Discover the famous 60m high waterfall where you can walk behind.
A magical landscape. And walk to the nearby Gljufrabui falls hidden in the cliffs.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 25min
- Stop 2 – Skogafoss
Another 60m high waterfalls, but this one is wide. It looks like a shower curtain.
Take the time to get up close at the bottom and to climb the 370 stairs to the upper viewing platform.
And if you started the day early and like walking, you can keep hiking along the river at the top. But don’t forget to stop and turn around, as the trail can continue for days!
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 30min
- Stop 3 – Reynisfjara beach
Visit the famous black sand beach with its cave and basalt columns.
But be careful as the wave can suddenly get much higher!
Learn more in my article - Drive time to accommodation in Vik = 10min
Where to stay?
Vik is a really central town on the South Coast and a great place to stay – Check out the best-rated 2accommodations
Tips
Once in Vik, if you want a short stroll at the end of the day, head to the church on top of the hill for a view of town, beach and cliffs.
Day 3 – Wild South Iceland
Driving time = 2h30 to 3h
Itinerary:
- Driving time = 1h
- Stop 1 – Fjadrargljufur canyon
The feather Canyon is a great place to go for a walk and admire the tortuous structure created by the water. Waterfall at the end.
Beware, it can be closed for regeneration
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 1h
- Stop 2 – Skaftafell National Park
Discover the South side of the Skaftafell National Park.
Activities include: hike to Svartifoss, walk to the tongue of the glacier, or guided hike on the glacier
Book an unforgettable glacier hike – check details and availability
Learn more in my article - Drive towards the glacier lagoon of Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon
If you did not hike much and you still have time in the day, enjoy for a first time the glacier lagoon. Seeing them with different weather and light is worth it!
You can also go to Jokulsarlon for sunset
Where to stay?
You can find a few hotels or guesthouses in the area, and these will allow you to get there for sunset, sunrise or the northern lights faster – See options
I stayed at the Hotel Smurlabjorg, 30 min drive East of Jokulsarlon. It was clean and practical – Check out photos and availability
Day 4 – Glacial Lagoons and icebergs
Driving time = 1h30 to 2h
Itinerary:
- Driving time = 0 to 30min
- Stop 1 – Fjallsarlon
Fjallsarlon is the lesser known of the 2 glacial lagoon.
Water does not flow to the ocean but the glacier tongue is closer and the views more impressive in my opinion (with a clear weather).
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 15 minutes
- Stop 2 – Jokulsarlon
Jokulsarlon is the famous glacial lagoon.
Here you can see icebergs detach from the glacier and float towards the sea.
You could spend hours just watching the shapes and colors.
Or you can book a boat tour to get closer to the glacier – book here
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 0
- Stop 3 – Diamond beach
Walk or drive 2 minutes to the other side of the road, to the beach.
Admire the icebergs on the black sand beach. The sight is so unique!
Some icebergs are white, others are blue or have black stripes
Learn more in my article - Drive time to accommodation = 1h
Where to stay?
Höfn is a great place to stay between the South Coast and the East Fjords – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Tips
Come back to Diamond beach several times over 2 days, to see it with more or fewer icebergs.
Day 5 – East Fjords
Driving time = 3h20
Itinerary:
Today is mostly driving and taking in the views of the East Fjords.
Stop by the road on various occasions:
- Hvalnes lighthouse
- Fauskasandur beach
- Small town of Djupivogur
- Don’t take the shortest road, head all the way to Faskrudsfjordur
- Drive time to accommodation in Egilsstadir
Where to stay?
Egilsstadir is a great town with lots of accommodations. It makes the connection between the East fjords and North Iceland – Check out the best-rated accommodations.
Day 6 – Powerful waterfall
Driving time = 3h30 to 5h
Itinerary:
- Driving time = 1h15
- Dettifoss and Selfoss
Head to the powerful waterfall of Dettifoss. And walk to the horseshoe series of waterfalls of Selfoss.
They can be observed from the East and the West banks.
Both are worth it.
Learn more in my article
And then head to Myvatn = 1h15 - Alternative 1
Start the morning with a drive down to the gorgeous fjords and colorful town of Seydisfjordur.
And visit just one side of Dettifoss or do both for a much longer day - Alternative 2
Start the morning with a drive and hike to Hengifoss, the 3rd highest waterfall in Iceland.
And visit just one side of Dettifoss or do both for a much longer day
Where to stay?
Choose your accommodation around Lake Myvatn for 3 nights – Check out the best-rated accommodations
I really enjoyed my stay by the water at the Dimmuborgir guesthouse – check out availability
Day 7 & 8 – Lake Myvatn area
Driving time = 1 to 2h per day
Explore the magnificent area of Lake Myvatn.
Take the time to relax in the middle of your big road trip.
There is much to do around Lake Myvatn – learn more.
My favorite attractions are:
- The Myvatn Pseudocraters
Walk around a pond and admire the conical shapes that were not formed by traditional explosions. Some explanations are around the pond and more in the town of Reykjahild.
Learn more in my article - Dimmuborgir
Field with giant lava rock formations. This is a great place to look for elves and trolls.
Better early morning before the crowds
Learn more in my article - Hverfjall
Giant circular crater in excellent condition. It is possible to walk all around the rim!
Learn more in my article - Hverir geothermal area
Explore the amazing fumeroles, mud pools and cracks of the geothermal area.
With the orange earth and the cracks, it feels like you landed on another planet.
But don’t stay longer than 1 hour!
Learn more in my article - Leirhnjukur
A lava field that it still fuming… should I really say more?
Learn more in my article - Myvatn Nature Baths, Krafla Viti Crater, Hofdi…
Where to stay?
Same accommodation around Lake Myvatn for 3 nights – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Tips
Pre-purchase your Myvatn Nature Baths entry ticket to avoid bank fees – see here
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Day 9 – Northern Capital
Driving time = 2h
Itinerary:
- Driving time = 40min
- Stop 1 – Husavik
Appreciate the small village and Book a Whale Tour – see options
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 40min
- Stop 2 – Godafoss
Admire the waterfall of the gods with its beautiful horseshoe shape
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 30
- Stop 3 – Akureyri
Visit the Capital of the North!
Where to stay?
Enjoy the vibrant town in the evening and spend the night in Akureyri – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Tips
You can also skip Husavik and do a whale watching tour in Akureyri, but sightings are not as good because of all the commercial boats.
Day 10 – Drive to West Coast
Driving time = 4hLots of driving today.
Itinerary:
- Driving time =1h15
- Stop 1 – Glaumbaer
Visit the turf houses and learn more about how people used to live in those typical houses.
Learn more in my article - Driving time = 2h20
- Enjoy the views along the way
- Stop 2 – Grabrok craters
Just off the Ring Road, the well-preserved Grabrok craters offer nice walks up to the rim or through the lava field…
Learn more in my article - Driving time to accommodation = 25min
Where to stay?
Borgarnes is a great base to explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula and the Silver circle. You can stay for 3 nights – Check out the best-rated accommodations
I really enjoyed the Icelandair Hotel Hamar. The views from the room were beautiful and the food really nice – Check out photos and availability
Tips
If you don’t mind more driving, you can do another detour in the North, after Glaumbaer to see the rock formation called Hvitserkur.
Day 11 – Silver Circle
Driving time = 2h15
Itinerary:
- Driving time = 30min
- Stop 1 – Deildartunguhver
This hot spring is the most powerful geothermal springs in Europe.
It is hard to imagine: It provides 180 l per second of hot water (47.5 gallons per second). The water is at 97°C (200°F) when it exits. - Driving time = 10min
- Stop 2 – Reykholt
A small historical village and an easy stop in the middle of the amazing natural attractions. - Driving time = 15min
- Stop 3 – Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
First you see Hraunfossar, also known as Lava Falls. It is 1km wide and clear water flows from every little crack in the lava. It is quite a unique sight!
Then you walk upstream and discover Barnafoss (also known as Children’s Fall). It is not a waterfall in height but mostly the powerful River Hvita rushing in a narrow gorge in the lava. - Drive time = 20min
- Stop 4 – Vidgelmir lava tunnel
It is a well-preserved lava cave / lava tube. It is located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Today you can enjoy a guided visit on a well set up trail to discover the incredible lava formations.
Pre-book and pay in your own currency - or Stop 5 – Ice Tunnel
In Summer, it is not possible to visit natural ice caves, since ice is less stable.
But you can visit this man-made ice tunnel under a glacier.
Book your tour - Learn more in my article about the Silver Circle
- Drive time to accommodation = 1h
Where to stay?
Go back to your 3-nigh accommodation in Borgarnes – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Day 12 – Snaefellsnes peninsula
Driving time = 4 drive
Drive all around the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
There are a lot of attractions to discover. Below are some of my favorites:
- Kirkjufell and its waterfalls
It is one of the most photographed mountains, with its mesmerizing shape and 2 waterfalls.
It is particularly great under the Iceland Northern Lights… (if visiting in Autumn).
Learn more in my article - Londrangar lighthouse and lava field on the other side
You can walk a well-maintained path to platforms with nice views of the cliffs or walk towards the cliffs via the lava field (right from the parking facing the ocean). - Budakirkja
The small black church surrounded by nature - Arnarstapi
Coastal area to explore with interesting lava formation such as the Gatklettur Arch, a bridge and some columns.
Plus, it offers wonderful views of the Arnarstpi mountain. - Saxholl Crater
A wonderful crater where you can hike to the top and enjoy wonderful views - …
- Learn more in my article about the Snaefellsnes peninsula
Where to stay?
Go back to your 3-nigh accommodation in Borgarnes – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Tips
You could replace one of your 2 days in Reykjavik with a second day exploring the magnificent peninsula, known as Iceland in Miniature. In that case, i recommend staying in Grundarfjordur – Check out the best-rated accommodations
Day 13 & 14 – Reykjavik
Drive to Reykjavik: 1h10
Explore the vibrant capital city of Iceland.
Consider:
- Sculpture of Sun voyager at sunrise
- the Cathedral
- Perlan Museum
- Flyover Iceland fun experience
- Whales of Iceland museum
- and many historical or quirky museums
See all the entrance tickets you can pre-purchase in your own currency.
Check out the best-rated accommodations in Reykjavik.
Tips
To relax after your entire 2-week Iceland road trip, you can plan for a Blue Lagoon experience (45min drive from Reykjavik).
More Nature alternative!
Another “must-see” in Iceland is Landmannalaugar in the Central Highlands. It can only be reached by 4WD, but there are day tours getting you there from Reykjavik.
Therefore, if you prefer Nature to City, you can choose to book that for one of the 2 days – see options
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
Alternatives for your 2-week Iceland itinerary
If you don’t want to drive – 2 weeks in Iceland without a car
If you really don’t want to drive, you can still see a lot of Iceland.
I recommend you spend some days in Reykjavik and discover the rest of the island with a guide and driver.
For example, you can choose:
- an 8-day Summer tour with a small group – see itinerary and availability
- an 11-day private tour of Iceland – see itinerary and availability
Experienced Iceland traveler – 2 weeks away from the Ring Road
If you have already traveled around Iceland, you may be looking to discover some new areas.
In that case, my recommendations are :
- To still tour the island on the Ring Road but reducing the time, stopping only at your favorite places you want to see again
- adding 3 or 4 days in the West Fjords
- adding 1 or 2 days to tour the Trollaskagi peninsula North of Akureyri
- Adding 1 or 2 days for the Reykjanes peninsula (South of Reyjavik)
- or planning some off road driving in the Central Highlands (if you can drive 4WD and cross rivers)
Check out my eBook to help you plan your itinerary:
Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to help you choose
Alternative: 2-week Iceland itinerary with West-Fjords
You can also spend less time on the Ring road and around Snaefellsnes, but add some time in the West fjords.
Check out this self-drive package (including car and accommodations)
Getting ready for your two weeks in Iceland
Where you will land
Note that the international airport is not located in Reykjavik but in Keflavik (45min drive).
If your flight arrives late in the evening, and you are following my itinerary, sleep near Keflavik. Do not head into Reykjavik for just the night.
Visa
First, check the Visa requirement for your type of passport.
Iceland is part of the Schengen Visa Agreement.
Here is the list of countries where a visa is needed to visit Iceland
Get ready to drive
Driving in Iceland is relatively easy.
Towns are small, the pavement is in good condition.
The main dangers are some farm animals in a few areas, wind gust and looking at the scenery…
Check out all my tips and my video about driving in Iceland.
What to pack
You need layers.
You can have 4 seasons in one day.
So have:
- Something for when it is warm
- a layer for when it gets chilly
- a layer for when it gets rainy
- a layer for when it is windy
And check out my detailed checklists both for Summer and Winter – HERE
And keep track of your own trip!
Understand the name of places
Also, there are a few words that are useful to be recognized so that when you see a sign, you can realize what type of scenery it will be, and you can decide if you want to explore:
- Jökull – Glacier
- Kirkja – Church
- Sarlon – Lagoon
- Fell – Mountain
- Foss/Fossar – Waterfall
- Hraun – Lava
Money
- Currency: Icelandic Kronur
- Tipping: not mandatory
- Payment: Cash dispensers only in the cities (so plan ahead) but credit cards are taken everywhere and for all amounts
- Exchange your cash before leaving because you will not be able to do it outside Iceland
Good to know
- Showers: hot water can smell like sulfur. Don’t worry, it’s just from the heating system. No danger.
- Wifi – often available for free in gas stations. All the accommodations where I stayed had wifi at least in the common areas.
- Telephone – no problem along Route 1
- Physical level – I was a little worried before I left because I was not very fit but for most places, access is very easy.
- Don’t forget to have insurance!
- Hot dogs are famous is Iceland
FAQs
2 week in Iceland Cost
It is very difficult to give you an idea of what it would look like because it depends on a lot of factors (type of accommodation, type of cars, number of travelers…).
Just know that Iceland is quite expensive.
For a couple:
- an economic tour (shared bathrooms, no tours, cheap small car rental) – 4000 to 6000 USD, depending on month
- a comfort tour (private bathrooms, medium range accommodation, budget car) – around 5000 to 7000 USD, depending on month
- A quality tour (higher range accommodation, comfort 4WD car) – around 7000 to 10000 USD, depending on month
Best time to visit Iceland
June-August
- PROS – Long daylight hours, green scenery
- You can see – lupine fields (June-July), midnight sun in June, whales, Puffins (May to mid-July)
- BUT Peak season: higher prices, more tourists; no chances of seeing aurora borealis (not enough dark hours)
May & September-beginning October
- My favorite time
- PROS – Still enough daylight hours, spring and autumn colors, roads still in good condition
- You can see – aurora borealis, Whales between May and September (Killer whales in May), Puffins in May
- BUT fewer accommodations are open, colder weather
Learn more on my article about the best time to visit Iceland.
Winter
- PROS – Not too many tourists, stunning landscapes with snow, interesting low light for photography, good prices
- You can see – aurora borealis, winter wonders such as the blue caves, frozen waterfalls,
- BUT Difficult driving conditions, many roads closed, not many hours of light
- If you are planning a road trip in Winter – head to this article instead
Is 2 weeks in Iceland too long?
2 weeks is a wonderful length of trip to explore Iceland. It is not too long.
It allows you to see a little bit of every region: you can visit the entire ring road and travel beyond it!
How many days in Iceland is ideal?
To be able to get a snapshot of everything Iceland has to offer, 10 is the minimum, but 2 weeks gives you a lot of options.
However, even if you have only one week in Iceland, you can some of the most famous sights on the South side of the island.
How long does it take to loop around Iceland?
Without stopping at all and staying only on Route 1, it would take you 16 to 17h to drive all around Iceland.
There are many places to see along the Ring Road. You can do it in 7 days, if you don’t do any detours.
However, 10 days to 2 weeks is much more comfortable.
Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?
- 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures – read article
- The best stops on the Ring Road – read article
- The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland – read article
- 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland – read article
- Top 5 places to see around Myvatn – read article
- 5 best Lava Fields in Iceland – read article
- The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland – read article
To plan your itinerary, you can check out:
- My general post about planning an Iceland road trip
- My suggested itineraries for 5 days in Iceland
- My suggested for 7 days in Iceland itineraries
- My 4 itineraries to spend 10 days in Iceland
- or get one of my practical eBooks to help you plan your ideal itinerary:
Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to help you choose
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