Are you planning a trip to Iceland and looking for an extensive guide to help you make the most of your adventure? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at all things Iceland, from its stunning landscapes to its unique culture and history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to this magical country.
What to do, what to do?
If you’re planning a road trip in Iceland, the first step is to make sure you rent a car. While there are other transportation options available, renting a car will give you the freedom to explore the country on your own terms and at your own pace. Luckily, there are plenty of car rental options available at the airport, so finding a vehicle that suits your needs and budget should be a breeze. Choose the cheapest option available and hit the road, ready to embark on your Icelandic adventure!
For those with limited time, don’t worry – you can still experience the best of Iceland in just a few days. The 10-day itinerary outlined below provides a comprehensive guide to exploring some of the most spectacular sights and attractions in Iceland. But if you have less time, don’t be discouraged! You can easily customize this itinerary to fit your schedule, interests, and preferences.
Read further down in this post for more details on each of these activities!
Day 1: Reykjavik: Explore the capital city of Reykjavik, taking in its unique architecture, colorful buildings, and lively streets. Visit Hallgrimskirkja, one of the tallest structures in Iceland, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.
Day 2: Golden Circle: Drive the famous Golden Circle route, which includes Thingvellir National Park, Geysir hot springs, and the Gullfoss waterfall. Take in the stunning natural beauty of these landmarks and learn about the history and culture of Iceland.
Day 3: Drive south to Vik: Head to the south coast of Iceland and visit the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Drive through the black sand beaches of Vik and explore the nearby Dyrholaey peninsula, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 4-5: Vatnajokull National Park: Explore Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier and some of Iceland’s most stunning natural attractions. Take a glacier hike, visit the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and explore the nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up on the shore.
Day 6: East Fjords: Drive through the stunning East Fjords, which are known for their rugged beauty and charming coastal towns. Stop in the town of Seydisfjordur, which is known for its colorful houses and scenic surroundings.
Day 7-8: Akureyri and Lake Myvatn: Explore the town of Akureyri, the cultural capital of northern Iceland. Visit the stunning Godafoss waterfall and the nearby Lake Myvatn, which is known for its unique geological features and abundance of birdlife.
Day 9-10: West Iceland: Head to West Iceland and explore the Snaefellsnes peninsula, which is known for its dramatic landscapes and natural beauty. Visit the Snaefellsjokull glacier, explore the charming town of Stykkisholmur, and soak in the relaxing waters of the Reykholt hot springs.
REYKIAVIK
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a vibrant and charming city filled with culture, history, and unique experiences. Here are some of the best things to do in Reykjavik:
- Hallgrimskirkja Church: This iconic church is the tallest building in Reykjavik and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. The church’s unique design was inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns and features an impressive pipe organ.
- Troll Statues: One of the most unique and charming features of Reykjavik is the presence of troll statues throughout the city. These whimsical sculptures are inspired by Iceland’s rich folklore and mythology and are a fun and interactive way to explore the city’s history and culture.
- Reykjavik Art Museum: This museum showcases contemporary Icelandic art and is housed in three different buildings throughout the city. Each building offers a unique experience, and you can purchase a combined ticket to visit all three.
- The Sun Voyager: This beautiful sculpture by Icelandic artist Jon Gunnar Arnason is located along the waterfront and is a popular spot for photo opportunities.
- The Blue Lagoon: While technically located outside of Reykjavik, this famous geothermal spa is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Iceland. The milky-blue waters are rich in minerals and offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
GOLDEN CIRCLE
The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in Iceland that includes three of the country’s most famous attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Here are the main stops on the Golden Circle route in Iceland:
- Thingvellir National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site is where the world’s first parliament, the Althing, was established in the year 930 AD. Here, you can see the dramatic rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and walk through the stunning Almannagja Gorge.
- Geysir Hot Springs: Located in the Haukadalur Valley, this area is home to a geothermal field that features several active geysers. The most famous is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes and shoots boiling water up to 30 meters (100 feet) in the air.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: This stunning waterfall, also known as the “Golden Falls,” is one of the most famous landmarks in Iceland. The waterfall drops 32 meters (105 feet) into a narrow canyon, and on sunny days, rainbows can often be seen in the mist.
- Kerid Crater Lake: This volcanic crater lake is located in the town of Selfoss and is part of the larger Tjarnarholar volcanic system. The crater is 55 meters (180 feet) deep and is filled with striking turquoise water, making it a popular photo spot.
Other notable stops along the Golden Circle route include the Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths, the Faxi waterfall, and the Secret Lagoon hot springs. The entire route can be completed in a day trip from Reykjavik, but many visitors choose to spend more time exploring the area and taking in all of the natural beauty that Iceland has to offer.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a stunning waterfall located in southern Iceland, along the popular Ring Road. What makes Seljalandsfoss unique is that visitors can walk behind the waterfall and see it from a completely different perspective.
The waterfall drops over 60 meters (200 feet) from a cliff and is fed by melting water from the nearby Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Visitors can hike a short trail to get behind the waterfall, which provides a unique and memorable experience. It’s also possible to climb a nearby staircase to get a higher viewpoint of the waterfall and the surrounding area.
Skogafoss waterfalls
Skógafoss is a large and powerful waterfall located in southern Iceland along the popular Ring Road. It is one of the country’s most iconic waterfalls and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Iceland.
Skógafoss drops over 60 meters (200 feet) from a cliff and is known for the amount of mist it produces, which often creates rainbows on sunny days. Visitors can get up close to the waterfall by walking up a set of stairs to a viewing platform, or by hiking to the top of the waterfall for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to the waterfall, there are several hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the nearby glaciers, mountains, and coastline. Visitors can also explore the Skógar Folk Museum, which features exhibits on Iceland’s cultural history and traditions.
BLACK SAND BEACH
Black Sand Beach is a popular tourist destination in Iceland located on the southern coast near the village of Vik. The beach gets its name from the dark volcanic sand that covers the shore and contrasts sharply with the surrounding cliffs and ocean.
The black sand is made up of tiny fragments of volcanic rock that have been eroded by the sea and shaped into unique formations, including caves, arches, and basalt columns. The beach is also known for its dramatic waves and strong currents, which can be dangerous for swimmers and surfers.
Despite the hazards, Black Sand Beach is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers who come to admire its unique beauty and geological formations. Visitors can explore the beach on foot, take a guided tour to learn more about its history and geology, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery.
Vatnajokull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is a protected area in Iceland that encompasses Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, as well as several active volcanoes, geothermal areas, and unique natural landscapes. The park covers over 14% of Iceland’s total land area, making it one of the largest national parks in Europe.
The park was established in 2008 and is known for its rugged beauty and incredible diversity of landscapes, from glaciers and snow-capped mountains to volcanic craters and geothermal hot springs. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, glacier trekking, ice caving, and other adventures.
In addition to its natural beauty, Vatnajökull National Park is also home to a rich variety of plant and animal life, including reindeer, arctic foxes, and numerous species of birds. Visitors can explore the park on their own or join a guided tour to learn more about the area’s unique geology and ecology.
EASTERN FJORDS
The East Fjords is a region in Iceland that stretches along the country’s eastern coast, from Berufjörður in the south to Borgarfjörður Eystri in the north. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rugged coastlines, steep mountains, and deep fjords that offer breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
The East Fjords is a sparsely populated region of Iceland, with small fishing villages scattered throughout the area. Visitors can explore the region’s rich cultural heritage by visiting local museums and galleries, or by attending traditional festivals and events.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to see and do in the East Fjords, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. The area is home to several nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, where visitors can observe a variety of bird species, including puffins, eider ducks, and Arctic terns.
Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is a small town located in the eastern part of Iceland, in the region known as the East Fjords. The town is situated on the shores of a deep fjord of the same name, and is surrounded by steep mountains that offer stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Seyðisfjörður is known for its vibrant arts scene, with several art galleries, workshops, and cultural events taking place throughout the year. The town is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the blue church, which is one of the most photographed buildings in Iceland.
Akureyri
Akureyri is a town located in northern Iceland, about 100 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. With a population of around 19,000, it is the second-largest urban area in Iceland after the capital, Reykjavik.
Despite its relatively small size, Akureyri is a vibrant and bustling town, with a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities to offer visitors. The town is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Eyjafjörður fjord and nearby mountain ranges, which provide a scenic backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding.
Snaefellsnes
Snæfellsnes is a peninsula located in western Iceland, about 120 kilometers north of the capital city, Reykjavik. The peninsula is known for its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty, and has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers.
One of the most famous landmarks on the Snæfellsnes peninsula is Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped stratovolcano that towers over the surrounding landscape. The glacier is said to be one of the “energy centers” of the world, and has inspired a number of myths and legends over the years.
In addition to its natural wonders, Snæfellsnes is home to a number of charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character and attractions. These include Arnarstapi, a fishing village known for its stunning sea cliffs and rock formations, and Stykkishólmur, a historic trading town with a picturesque harbor and colorful houses.
AND SO SO SO MUCH MORE!!
Iceland is a country full of breathtaking natural wonders, rich history and culture, and unique experiences that can be found nowhere else in the world. While we have covered some of the major must-sees such as the Golden Circle, Reykjavik, the East Fjords, and Snæfellsnes, there is still so much more to explore and discover.
From the rugged beauty of the Westfjords to the geothermal wonderland of the Myvatn region, Iceland is full of surprises around every corner. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, you are sure to find it in Iceland.
So, pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most beautiful and unique countries. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly people, Iceland is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. And, above all, have an amazing trip and safe travels!
