Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Iceland
Your journey starts when you land at Keflavík Airport and pick up your rental car. The drive to Reykholt takes you through volcanic terrain right from the start, giving you a real sense of what Iceland's landscape is all about. Once you arrive at your accommodation, you'll settle in for the night and get some rest after your travels.
- Day 2
Reykholt
This morning you'll head out to see Hraunfossar waterfall, which flows from a lava field in a really distinctive way. After that, make your way to Háafell farm where you can spend time with Icelandic goats that are actually endangered. Then walk over to Barnafoss waterfall nearby. By lunch or early afternoon, grab some traditional Icelandic fish stew at Húsafell Bistro to warm up and refuel.
Included Activities
- Visit Hraunfossar waterfall
- Meet Icelandic goats at Háafell farm
- Visit Barnafoss waterfall
- Explore Reykholt village and meet Icelandic horses
Landmarks/POIs Reykholt Village Hraunfossar Waterfall Barnafoss Waterfall Háafell Goat Farm - Day 3
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today you're driving to Snæfellsnes peninsula, which really does feel like Iceland compressed into one area. Stop at Ytri-Tunga beach to look for seals along the shore. Later, climb up Saxhóll crater where you'll get views of Snæfellsjökull glacier spreading out below you. After that, check out Kirkjufell mountain and its waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss. Before evening, you'll see Búðakirkja black church, and if the sky cooperates, Northern Lights might appear after dark.
Included Activities
- Explore Snæfellsnes peninsula
- Visit Ytri-Tunga beach and observe seals
- Climb Saxhóll crater
- Visit Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall
- Visit Búðakirkja Black Church
- Watch Northern Lights (weather dependent)
Optional Activities
- Explore Rauðfeldsgjá gorge
Landmarks/POIs Snæfellsnes Peninsula Ytri-Tunga Beach Saxhóll Crater Snæfellsjökull Glacier Kirkjufell Mountain Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall Búðakirkja Black Church Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge - Day 4
Golden Circle
You're tackling the Golden Circle route today, which covers a lot of ground but flows pretty naturally. Start at Thingvellir National Park where you can actually walk between two continental plates, and check out Öxarárfoss waterfall while you're there. Next, head to Strokkur geyser and watch it shoot hot water high into the air, then see Gullfoss waterfall with all its power. If you've got time and interest, Kerid crater lake is worth a stop for its bright blue water.
Included Activities
- Walk between tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park
- Visit Öxarárfoss waterfall
- Watch Strokkur geyser erupt
- Visit Gullfoss waterfall
Optional Activities
- Visit Kerid crater lake (admission payable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Thingvellir National Park Öxarárfoss Waterfall Haukadalur Geothermal Area Strokkur Geyser Gullfoss Waterfall Kerid Crater Lake - Day 5
South Coast Waterfalls & Plane Wreck
This morning you'll visit Kerid crater before heading south to see waterfalls and other sites. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss to experience it from a different angle, then climb the stairs at Skógafoss for better views across the landscape. Later, you'll walk out to the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, which sits on the black sand in a pretty remote spot. As afternoon turns to evening, keep watch for Northern Lights in the sky.
Included Activities
- Visit Kerid crater
- Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall
- Climb Skógafoss waterfall and view from top
- Explore Sólheimasandur plane wreck
- Watch Northern Lights (weather dependent)
Landmarks/POIs Kerid Crater Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Skógafoss Waterfall Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck - Day 6
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Stokksnes
You're heading to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where massive chunks of ice float in water and create this surreal scene. Walk over to Diamond Beach right after, where ice pieces wash up on black sand and catch the light. From there, check out Stokksnes peninsula and Vestrahorn mountain for different views. Once darkness falls, there's a good chance to see Northern Lights reflecting off the water if conditions work out.
Included Activities
- Visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
- Visit Diamond Beach
- Explore Stokksnes peninsula
- View Vestrahorn mountain
- Watch Northern Lights (weather dependent)
Landmarks/POIs Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Diamond Beach Stokksnes Peninsula Vestrahorn Mountain - Day 7
Skaftafell National Park
Skaftafell National Park has a bunch of hiking trails to choose from, and most take you through lava fields and along glacial rivers. The main hike heads to Svartifoss waterfall, where you'll see those distinctive dark basalt columns framing the water. While you're in the area, you can also see views of Skeiðarárjökull, Morsárjökull, and Skaftafellsjökull glaciers. After you've done some hiking, grab food at Satvik Restaurant or Glacier Goodies to refuel.
Included Activities
- Hike to Svartifoss waterfall
- Explore Skaftafell National Park hiking trails
- View Skeiðarárjökull, Morsárjökull, and Skaftafellsjökull glaciers
- Observe crystalline glacial rivers
Landmarks/POIs Skaftafell National Park Svartifoss Waterfall Skeiðarárjökull Glacier Morsárjökull Glacier Skaftafellsjökull Glacier - Day 8
Reykjavík
Now you're driving to Reykjavík for your last full day. Start by climbing Hallgrímskirkja church tower, which gives you views out over the entire city and harbor. Stroll along the waterfront and see Harpa concert hall from outside. Then head to Perlan museum where you can explore an ice cave and catch a Northern Lights planetarium show. If you want to relax instead, there are thermal pools like Laugardalslaug or Sky Lagoon available.
Included Activities
- Visit Hallgrímskirkja church and climb tower
- View Harpa concert hall
- Visit Perlan museum and ice cave
- Watch Northern Lights planetarium show
Optional Activities
- Relax in thermal pools (Laugardalslaug or Sky Lagoon)
- Visit Whales of Iceland museum
- Visit Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights exhibition
Landmarks/POIs Hallgrímskirkja Church Harpa Concert Hall Perlan Museum Laugardalslaug Thermal Pool Sky Lagoon Whales of Iceland Aurora Reykjavík - Day 9
Departure
Your time in Iceland wraps up as you return your rental car at the airport and prepare to head home. You're leaving with memories of all those waterfalls, volcanic craters, geysers, glaciers, and everything else you've seen over the past week.
