5 stop-by-stop Iceland Itineraries (with photos) – 4 days + 1 to 2 weeks

Let's make the planning of your Iceland itinerary easier ! I have compiled for you 5 suggestions with stop-by-stop information and photos! Let me show you some of the most stunning landscapes you could see: if you have 4 days in Iceland, one week in Iceland, 10 days or 2 weeks in Iceland... Get ready to plan 🙂

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How to plan an Iceland itinerary? Let's start with some general tips to keep in mind:

TIP 1 - Driving Times

Always plan more time to go from point A to point B than what Google says. I can assure you that on any Iceland road trip you will want to stop all the time to admire the scenery.

TIP 2 - Daylight

Check out the daylight time you have available when you are traveling. Because of the latitude, the length of days vary greatly. Check out how long you have to see all the sites during the days (I give you a rough idea on my article about the best time to visit Iceland)

TIP 3 - Road Closures

Know that F-roads (difficult non paved tracks with river crossings most of the time) are only opened from mid-June to sometime in September. Dates change every year depending on the conditions. Most of those roads lead to the central highlands.

TIP 4 - Road Conditions

Know that in Winter, road conditions can change abruptly, with sometimes snowstorms. If you don't feel comfortable driving in those conditions, consider organized tours. Check out my guide to Iceland in Winter

TIP 5 - Accommodations

Some areas have sparse accommodations. If you don't book early or travel off peak season, you might not be able to find a place to stay right where you would like. Some extra kilometres might be required.

TIP 6 - Select the right type of car

Consider the roads you are going to take: only the paved ring road, some unpaved roads, F-roads... and select your car accordingly. I rented a small 4WD with Route 1 car rental and had a blast on gravel roads and easy F-road. Really felt like an adventurer. You can check out:

• my complete guide on how to rent a car in Iceland
• or rates and cars by Route 1 car rental
• or compare prices with local rental companies

Make sure you select a company that has a good network around the island to help you if needed.

If you don't want to plan everything yourself but are happy to drive around based on indication provided, you can book an Iceland Self drive package with car rental, hotels and recommendations.

Here are suggested packages of all lengths:

• Summer Self drive tours
• Winter Self drive tours
• And if your budget is limited, they also gathered in one page all their budget Self drive tour options

Or you can head to my article about how to choose your Iceland Self drive tour package

What do you need to pack for Iceland?

Easy, check out my detailed checklists bot for Summer and Winter - HERE

Iceland Itinerary 4 DAYS - Reykjavik Based

DAY 1 - Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Head to the peninsula North West of Reykjavik. It is considered the "Iceland in miniature" with lots to see: glacier, volcanoes, fjords, waterfalls, lava stacks and fields...

Reykjavik to Kirkjufell - 2h30 drive ​

For this day, you can pick different locations on my Snaefellsnes Guide but here are 2 stops I think you should not miss:

If you do not want to drive, there are plenty of organized day tours you can join and just sit and relax:

• I think small group tours are the best compromise between price and experience. Check out program and availabilities
• or, if your budget allows for it, why not enjoy a private tour in Jeep to go anywhere you want. Check details and prices
• or, if you want to go off the beaten track, consider a Super Jeep 4WD day tour of the peninsula. Check the program and prices

DAY 2 - Golden Circle

Next on your 4 day itinerary in Iceland, you can tour the famous Golden Circle with some of the most famous sites in the country.

Reykjavik to Gullfoss - 1h45 drive

If you do not want to drive, there are plenty of organized day tours you can join and just sit and relax:

• If you want to hit all the main stops on the route, consider this very well rated Day Trip on Guidetoiceland. Check Program and Prices
• or, if your budget allows for it, why not enjoy a private tour​ to stop anywhere you want. Check details and price
• Or, if you want an extraordinary experience, consider an Helicopter Tour of the Golden Circle! Check program and prices

DAY 3 - HIGHLIGHTS OF SOUTH ICELAND

Next you can discover the wonder of the South Coast of Iceland.

Quite a lot of driving today to discover some of the best locations in South Iceland. So you should not stop too much for landscapes and hit the main sites.

Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss - 1h40

Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon - ​4h30

If you do not want to drive, there are plenty of organized day tours you can join and just sit and relax:

• The road is easy so a minibus Tour is comfortable enough. However such tours do the first half of the coast only. Check program and price
• If you want to get all the way to Jokulsarlon, you have to book a tour that specifically goes only there. It is a long trip but you won't get bored because the landscapes are amazing. Check program and price

DAY 4 - REYKJAVIK AND BLUE LAGOON

If you do not want to drive, book a tour with transportation and entry tickets. It is quite practical with almost hourly departures. Check out options

Your Base in Reykjavik

For your accommodation in Reykjavik, here are my suggestions:

• WHERE I STAYED - I chose the Reykjavik Treasure B&B which was fantastic value for the price: really charming, great location and delicious breakfast - check out prices and book
• HOSTEL - The Reykjavik City Hi Hostel has a good rating and is located inside Reykjavik - Check out prices and Book
• DESIGN - If you like modern design, have a look at the 41- Townhouse hotel! - Check out prices and Book
• APARTMENT - An apartment is great if you want to stay several days and cook in to save money. For example the Odinsvé Hotel Apartments - Check out prices and Book
• FAMILY - Have a look at the Old Charm Reykavik Apartments. They have 2 and 3 bedrooms apartments and a decor with a lot of character Check availability and latest prices
• LUXURY - Head downtown in large smart apartments at the Black Pearl - Check availability an Prices
• or the Choose among the Best Rated Accommodations in Reykjavik

Best Iceland itinerary 7 DAYS - Wonders of the South

South Iceland has a lot to offer and can already give you a great overview of Iceland: Fjords, glacier, icebergs, geysers, geothermal area, waterfall... If you are limited in time, it is a great option to visit only the South. Here is a suggested Iceland Itinerary 7 days

Departure : Reykjavik - Return: Reykjavik

DAY 1 - Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Head to the peninsula North West of Reykjavik. It is considered the "Iceland in miniature" with lots to see: glacier, volcanoes, fjords, waterfalls, lava stacks and fields...

Reykjavik to Kirkjufell - 2h30 drive ​

For this day, you can pick different locations on my Snaefellsnes Guide but here are 2 stops I think you should not miss:

For your accommodation on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula consider staying in the town of Grundarfjordur to be able to admire Kirkjufell at sunset and sunrise. Check out the accommodations in Grundarfjordur.

Or head to my Iceland Accommodations Article for more suggestions.

DAY 2 - Hraunfoss and the Golden Circle

Cross between the peninsula and the Golden Circle. On the way you can stop at the Hraunfossar waterfall and then cover the main sites of the famous Golden circle route.

For accommodation on the Golden Circle, consider staying at the Geysir Cottage right next to the Geothermal area or head further on the road to the town of Selfoss. Check out the accommodations around Selfoss

DAY 3 - South Coast to Vik

Discover some of the landscapes of the West half of the South Coast up to Vik. 

Stay in or aroun Vik. It is the hub of the South Coast - Compare accommodations in Vik

Or head to my Iceland Accommodations Article for more suggestions.

DAY 4 - Around Vik

Stay in Vik a second night
This choice was made to allow for hiking time in Svartifoss. However if you don't plan on hiking, it would be better to switch Reynafjara beach and the Fjadrargljufur canyon to equilibrate the days (as suggested by a reader).

To stay on the East side of the South Coast, the biggest town is Hofn - Check out the accommodation options in Hofn

The Hotels the closest to Jokulsarlon are Hali Country Hotel and the Skyrhusid Guesthouse.

Or head to my Iceland Accommodations Article for more suggestions.

Today discover another glacial lagoon (Fjallsarlon) and drive back all the way to the West Coast and enjoy a relaxing time in the hot milky waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Spend the night in Reykjavik (see all my accommodation suggestions at the beginning of the 4 day itinerary at the top of the article here) or Choose among the Best Rated Accommodations in Reykjavik

Explore Reykjavik and try to catch the Sun Voyager sculpture at sunrise.

See at the beginning of the article, in the 4 day itinerary for Reykjavik accommodation suggestions.

And don't forget to purchase Travel insurance! I wish you a very smooth trip, but my policy is: better be prepared.
I personally use World Nomads. Get a quote online here.

ONE WEEK in Iceland itinerary - Wonders of the North

On the other hand, North Iceland is more the land of fire and will give you a great volcanic experience (volcanoes, pseudo-craters, lava pillars, steaming lava...) plus some stunning waterfalls. With less driving than in the South, Spending a week in North Iceland is like landing on another planet. Below is a suggested one week in Iceland Itinerary - wonders of the North:

Departure : Akureyri - Return: Akureyri​

To explore the area, there are 3 main places to stay (outside of isolated farms and guesthouses)

• The capital of the North Akureyri - check out the accommodation options in Akureyri
• Lake Myvatn is very central and close to most of the magnificent sites of the North - Check out the accommodations around Lake Myvatn  (I really enjoyed the Dimmuborgir Guesthouse)
• If you prefer a small fishing town, head to Husavik - Check out the accommodations around Husavik

DAY 1 - Akureyri and Godafoss

You can stay right by Godafoss at the Fossholl Guesthouse to be able to enjoy it at sunset and under the stars. Check out prices and Book.

Or you can already continue to Myvatn to enjoy several days there. Check out the accommodations around Lake Myvatn

DAY 2 - Around Myvatn

For the next 3 days on your one week in Iceland Itinerary, you can enjoy the best Myvatn has to offer. Here are suggestions to equilibrate those days with walking and discoveries.

DAY 3 - Around Myvatn

Activities around Myvatn (walking day):

DAY 4 - Around Myvatn

DAY 5 - Dettifoss to Husavik

Next on our one week in Iceland we head to a canyon and its powerful waterfalls.

Drive to Husavik

DAY 6 - Husavik

DAY 7 - Trollaskagi Peninsula

On the last day of this one week in Iceland Itinerary, Drive back to Akureyri and finish your one week in Iceland by exploring the Trollaskagi Peninsula

By the way, if you are wondering what to wear when traveling in Iceland (with that every-changing weather...), check out my Iceland Packing Guide

Iceland itinerary 10 DAYS - Ring Road Tour + Snaefellsnes

If you are limited to 10 days in Iceland but want to get a feel for the whole country, you can fast drive along Ring Road. It is possible but you will have to stop yourself from stopping everywhere and it will be hard! Here is a suggested Iceland itinerary 10 Days :

DAY 1 - Golden Circle

First on our 10 day itinerary in Iceland, you can tour the famous Golden Circle with some of the most famous sites in the country.

Reykjavik to Gullfoss - 1h45 drive

For accommodation on the Golden Circle, consider staying at the Geysir Cottage right next to the Geothermal area or start driving towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

DAY 2 - Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Head to the "Iceland in miniature" with lots to see: glacier, volcanoes, fjords, waterfalls, lava stacks and fields...

Reykjavik to Kirkjufell - 2h30 drive

For this day, you can pick different locations on my Snaefellsnes Guide but here are 2 stops I think you should not miss:

For your accommodation on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula consider staying in the town of Grundarfjordur to be able to admire Kirkjufell at sunset and sunrise. Check out the accommodations in Grundarfjordur.

Or head to my Iceland Accommodations Article for more suggestions.

DAY 3 - Drive North to Akureyri

On the 3rd day of your Iceland itinerary 10 days, Drive all the Way to the North and Akureyri:

Spend the night in Akureyri -  check out the accommodation options in Akureyri

DAY 4 - Godafoss and Myvatn

Spend the night around Lake Myvatn. Check out the accommodations around Lake Myvatn  (I really enjoyed the Dimmuborgir Guesthouse)

DAY 5 - Myvatn and Dettifoss

Drive to the East fjords. Sleep around Egilstadir or in the East fjords - check out accommodations around Egilstadir

DAY 6 - East Fjords

10 days around Iceland will then take you South with detours to admire the East Fjords

Spend the night in the East Fjords (check out options here) or in the town of Höfn.

DAY 7 - Jokulsarlon & South East Coast

ON our Icelandic Itinerary over 10 days, we now head to the South Coast to finish with the best of the ice in Iceland 🙂

Sleep between Höfn and Vik - check out accommodation options in that area

DAY 8 - Around Vik

Opposite of Day 4 of the Iceland Itinerary 7 days South Wonders

Spend the night in Vik - Compare accommodations in Vik

DAY 9 - South Coast & Blue Lagoon

Before heading back to Reykjavik, admire the amazing Skogafoss and Seljalandfoss waterfalls of Day 3 in the South One week Itinerary Iceland. And Finish with a visit to the Blue lagoon for some relaxation.

Spend the night in Reykjavik (see all my accommodation suggestions at the beginning of the 4 day itinerary at the top of the article here) or Choose among the Best Rated Accommodations in Reykjavik

DAY 10 - Reykjavik

Enjoy Reykjavik: the Cathedral, the Sun Voyager Sculpture, the art scene...

2 WEEK itinerary around Iceland and more

If you are lucky enough to have 2 weeks in Iceland, here are some itinerary options:

If you want to create your own itinerary and get more info to plan your trip, check out the 2 ebooks I created with practical maps (they also include GPS coordinates to help navigate):

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