No wonder Iceland has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Sights include everything from geysers and waterfalls to glistening glaciers, northern lights, and soaring volcanoes. It’s also famous for its hot pools like the Blue Lagoon. With so much to see and do, you’ll want a good Iceland travel guide to help you decide where to go. While the focus is nature and outdoor adventure, there are enticing towns with cultural and historical attractions too.
Planning a trip that takes advantage of the limited time you have can feel overwhelming. Every region of Iceland has something to offer making it difficult to decide where to go. Many visit on a layover to or from mainland Europe, which brings just a taste of what’s on offer. That’s exactly what I did on my first trip to Iceland but it was enough to fall head over heels. This beautiful country has called me to return again and again.
Why 10 days?
If you aren’t sure whether you’ll be able to come back, the perfect trip should include at least 10 days. With that amount of time, you’ll be able to drive the Ring Road that encircles the island. This Iceland travel guide reveals the best way to do it. You’ll start with a panoramic view from Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik. Conclude with an unforgettable soak in the world-famous Blue Lagoon.
Day 1: Reykjavik
Nearly all travelers to Iceland begin by flying into Keflavik International Airport (KEF), the country’s main airport. It’s just under an hour’s drive from the capital city of Reykjavik.
Reykjavik is likely to feel more like a medium-sized town than a European capital with a population of about 140,000. There are no skyscrapers here. It”s a joy to wander with colorful, modest-sized buildings and vibrant street art. Highly walkable, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere – it’s clean and green, and it’s often ranked as the world’s safest city.
What to do in Reykjavik
Begin your explorations of Reykjavik by visiting iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church. Iceland’s largest and tallest church, it provides a great perspective of its layout. Ride the elevator to the top of the nearly 250-foot-high tower for a magnificent panoramic vista. You’ll be looking out at the North Atlantic, surrounding mountains, and Reykjavik’s colorful rooftops. It’s a magical experience and a great way to kick off your adventure.
Afterward, head down the hill toward downtown and the water along Skólavörðustígur. Along the way, check out street murals, browse indie boutiques, and visit one of the city’s hidden gems. 12 Tonar offers an ideal spot for a break. Popular among the locals, it’s jam-packed with CDs and vinyl. Fuel up with free espresso and have a listen to Icelandic music on old-school boom boxes.
Looking for something very different along with a few laughs? You can find out what a whale penis looks like at the Icelandic Phallological Museum. Located on Laugavegur, the busiest shopping street, it displays animal penises. Exhibits include everything from the tiny penis of a hamster penis to the massive member of a whale. There’s a good dose of humor splashed throughout.
There are some intriguing traditional museums here too. That includes the National Museum of Iceland for a look at the country’s history. The Reykjavik Maritime Museum is set within an old fish factory and comes complete with historic ships.
Don’t forget about the dog!
No visit to Reykjavik would be the same without a classic dog from the world’s most famous hot dog vendor. Why? Bæjarins Beztu is an unassuming little eatery that dates to 1937 and has become a popular tourist destination. After former President Bill Clinton sauntered up to the window to order, it became internationally renowned. The locals recommend the lamb-based dog called ein með öllu. It’s topped with raw and fried onions, and smothered in ketchup, mustard, and remoulade, which is kind of like mayonnaise with a sweeter flavor.
Where to Stay
Reykjavik offers a wide range of hotels, including hostels for those on tight budget. For a more local experience and the best value, consider one of the short-term apartments available for rent. There are many on Airbnb like this highly-rated studio.
Day 2: The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a popular tourist destination and route providing the perfect place to start your adventure on the Ring Road. Traversing roughly 150 miles, it features waterfalls, geysers, and the Continental Divide. Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park when traveling in a clockwise direction from Reykjavik. Here you can walk through the rift valley between the Eurasian and North American plates. Snorkeling through remarkably clear water in two continents is possible too.
The Haukadalur geothermal area is next, renowned for its geysers, including Geysir, the geyser for which all others are named. Unfortunately, it no longer erupts. But Strokkur geyser continues to explode, skyrocketing as high as 100 feet approximately every 10 minutes. You can also marvel at pots, fumaroles, and hissing steam vents.
Just minutes from the geysers is Gullfoss, AKA Golden Falls. One of Iceland’s most stunning, the two-tiered waterfall spans the width of Hvita River with two drops totaling 105 feet in height as Europe’s largest cascade by volume. Paved paths provide various perspectives of its beauty. On a sunny afternoon, you’ll often see rainbows in its mist. There’s a cafe, gift shop, and visitor center on-site too.
From here, you might continue southeast, spending the night in Hella or Hvolsvollur.
INSIDER TIP
Be aware that during the high season (generally the summer months), the Golden Circle route is heavily trafficked. Countless big buses with tourists from across the globe file out by the dozens. But if you visit between late May and mid-September, there is a way to avoid them. Take advantage of the long daylight hours by traversing it early in the morning or in the evening. This is one of the tips you’ll want to follow when visiting any of the popular attractions during the summer.
Where to Stay
For a luxurious splurge during your Iceland trip, rent this glass cottage with a hot tub that’s well worth the money. It boasts an ideal location just a 5-minute drive from Hella and the bedroom is made entirely of glass. So you can literally sleep under the stars, all while still enjoying the warmth of a comfortable bed. Views include some of Iceland’s largest volcanoes and can also be enjoyed from the outdoor hot tub.
Day 3: The South Coast
Enchanting waterfalls
Have you ever watched a sunset from behind a waterfall? Well, your first stop on the spectacular South Coast provides the opportunity to do just that. If you can’t be here at dusk due to time constraints, you can still marvel at the landscape from behind the veil of Seljalandsfoss. It’s unique from the rest with a path running behind the cascades that plunge 200 feet.
Skogafoss is about 20 miles further south. It’s also nearly 200 feet tall and by climbing the nearly 400 steps to the top, you’ll get a fabulous perspective of the cascades and a jaw-dropping view of the coastline. It’s breathtaking when viewed directly too.
The famous black sandy beach
Continuing on, your next stop is just south of Vik, the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland. It’s best known for its black sand beach, Reynisfjara. The sand was created by hot lava flowing into the chilly waters of the ocean, causing it to harden into tiny fragments. Not the best for a barefoot walk but it makes for fabulous photos. Just offshore, there are some impressive, jagged sea stacks too, but what attracts most here are the extraordinary basalt column formations, similar to Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.
While many travelers spend the night in Vik it’s best to continue on if you want to make the most of your time, perhaps make your last stop Fjadrargljufur Canyon which looks like a land that belongs to elves and fairies.
Spend the night in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, just 6.3 miles from the canyon and you’ll be perfectly situated for a day of exploring the next region which includes Vatnajokull National Park.
Where to stay
Magma Hotel is easily accessible just a stone’s throw from the Ring Road. It sits on a lake in Kirkjubaejarklaustur, surrounded by lava fields with a glacier and lava fields in the distance.
Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park and the Glacier Lagoon
Some of the most popular attractions in all of Iceland are featured in this next leg of the adventure.
That includes Vatnajökull National Park, with its crown jewel Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland, and Europe’s second-largest by area. If you want to explore the icy terrain, join one of the many tours available as it’s risky without an experienced guide.
The famous glacier lagoon
Afterward, continue to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where one of the best things to do is to embark on a Zodiac boat ride. You’ll cruise through a maze of icebergs that continuously break off the glacier, thunderously crashing into the turquoise water and floating around the lagoon before drifting out to sea. If the lagoon looks familiar it’s probably because it’s been part of many fantasy landscapes on-screen, including the hit TV series “Game of Thrones,” and multiple films such as “A View to a Kill” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.”
NOTE: There is an ice cave in the area that can be explored too, but tours are only available in the winter when it’s safe to enter. If that’s on your must-list, plan a return trip, you’ll probably want to anyway. Winter is magical and a great time to see the northern lights, but not the best for traveling the Ring Road.
From the Glacier Lagoon, continue to the fishing town of Hofn near Hornafjörður fjord, about an hour’s drive from the lagoon. With much of Iceland’s lobster caught here, it’s the perfect spot for a mouthwatering seafood meal.
Where to Stay
The Aurora Cabins offer a secluded stay with comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and scenic views of Vatnajökull near Hornafjörður fjord, close to the town of Hofn.
Day 5: East Iceland
Your drive through East Iceland is all about scenic and remote natural beauty. Traveling toward Lake Myvatn in the north, you’ll pass charming fishing villages and magnificent fjords in a landscape blanketed with color. It’s a stunning contrast of extremes, with soaring peaks, forests, lush valleys, cascading falls, and geothermal hotspots.
Puffins!
Stop in the small village of Djupivogur for a boat tour to the “island of puffins,” Papey. It’s a scenic 50-minute ride offering the opportunity to visit Iceland’s smallest wooden church and enjoy close encounters with puffins and seals.
Continuing north to Egilsstadir, be sure to watch for the nation’s reindeer as this is typically the only region where the animals can be seen roaming in the wild.
A whole new world
After a long day of travel, you’ll come to Lake Mývatn. Created by a massive volcanic eruption, the surrounding landscape looks as if it should be on another planet, dominated by volcanic landforms that include pseudo-craters and lava pillars. It’s a bird watcher’s paradise during the warmer months with gyrfalcons one of the star attractions. They can often be spotted near the shoreline searching for food.
The lake is also home to more duck species than you’ll find anywhere else in the world. If you have time to explore, head to the east side of the lake to wander the lava field where you’ll see towering black pillars and caves that were created by solidified lava. There’s also a trail that follows the edge of Viti crater and its surreal blue-green water.
Where to stay
The family-owned Vogafjós Farm Resort offers rooms in log homes and a farm-to-table restaurant for dining with a view of Lake Myvatn.
Day 6: The Lake Myvatn Region
There’s a ton to see and do in the Lake Myvatn region, so you’ll want to spend two nights in the area so that you have a full day here. I highly recommend climbing to the rim of Hverfjall, a symmetrical and circular explosion crater that’s believed to be around 2,900 years old. One of the largest of its kind in the world, it’s nearly 3,300 feet in diameter and 460 feet deep. From the walking path that starts from the parking lot, it’s a steady climb but it only takes 10 to 20 minutes to reach depending on your fitness level.
The Whale Watching Capital
If time allows, it’s easy to reach Husavik from here to take advantage of what’s known as the “Whale Watching Capital of Europe.” In fact, you might have seen it in the movie “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.” There’s even a scene where two humpback whales breach behind stars Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. While it was obviously fake, you can watch humpbacks breaching near Husavik in the video below.
Marveling at the whales and their acrobatics in real life is even better, of course. There have been 23 different whale species recorded in the waters here, but the most common sightings are of humpback, minke, and blue whales. If you’re lucky, there might be white-beaked dolphins riding the bow of your vessel during your whale watching boat tour.
Conclude your day by returning to Myvatn for a soak in the relaxing geothermal waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths. Under the glow of the midnight sun, the surrounding scenery is even more awe-inspiring. If you’re here in late summer when there’s a decent amount of darkness, you might even be treated to a northern lights show.
Day 7: Northwest Iceland
As you make your way toward Akureyri, Iceland’s Capital of the North, you’ll want to stop to see Goðafoss, one of the most breathtaking and largest waterfalls in the country. Just off the Ring Road, the “Waterfall of the Gods” is horseshoe-shaped and tinged with turquoise, stretching nearly 100 feet high with the cascades plunging for 40 feet.
Akureyri is a great stop for lunch and more. It’s a hub for culture, trade and services in the north, located at the bottom of Iceland’s longest fjord and surrounded by mountains. There are interesting museums, unique shops, and outstanding eateries like the Centrum Kitchen & Bar. You might also visit the botanical garden – the most northerly in the world, featuring nearly every plant species that grows in the country.
From here, continue to the day’s final destination, Skagafjordur, detouring to another must Iceland visit, “The Peninsula of the Trolls.” Trollaskagi is one of the country’s most enchanting mountain regions with peaks that tower more than 5,000 feet.
After all that driving, relaxing in the thermal pool in Hofsos, tucked into the hillside at sea’s edge with views of the mountains across the fjord is sure to feel amazing. Once your muscles are soothed, you’ll be under 30 minutes from Skagafjordur for a peaceful night’s sleep among breathtaking wild landscapes.
Where to Stay
Just a few miles from Sauðárkrókur, Langaborg Guesthouse provides a serene retreat surrounded by nature.
Day 8: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
It’s a long but scenic 3.5-hour drive to your next destination, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You might want an early start as there’s so much to experience here. Frequently called the “Iceland in Miniature,” the peninsula is home to nearly everything the country is known for but in a more compact spot. That includes basalt columns, black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, natural hot pools, and plenty of beautiful Icelandic horses.
If you’re in the mood for a soak in another one of Iceland’s geothermal pools, stop at Guorunarlaug. It’s small but surrounded by incredible scenery and there’s no cost for admission.
Once you reach the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, continue to the tiny town of Grundarfjörður, home to one of Iceland’s most iconic images: Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfossar waterfall. The long days of summer are perfect for a hike with few, if any, other tourists around.
Where to Stay
Just minutes from Grundarfjörður town and Kirkjufell, Nónsteinn offers a peaceful stay in a studio-style cottage with picture windows that perfectly showcase the mountain. It sits on a farm, with Icelandic sheep and horses that roam around the property. This is one of my all-time favorites in Iceland!
Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Return to Reykjavik
While you’ll make your return to Reykjavik later today, take advantage of the many things to see and do on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula first. This is a photographer’s dream, with scenes so stunning you might think they were generated by a computer. There are miles and miles of hiking trails, beaches with golden, black, and even pink sands to explore, tours that will bring you into a lava cave, and even a unique natural spring with carbonated water, Rauðamelsölkelda. You can drink it straight out of the earth!
Laki Tours offers whale watching from Ólafsvík between mid-February and September, a must if you want to see orcas in the wild (as they should be).
Be sure to visit Snaefellsjokull National Park, the only one in the country that spans from the mountain tops to the sea. Snaefellsjokull glacier is its star, said to be one of the world’s seven great energy centers. The active volcano standing over 4,700 feet tall is considered to be a mecca for inspiration and healing among Icelanders. Visitors have frequently noted feeling “something,” that they can’t quite put their finger on. Try it yourself by immersing yourself in the energy – do you feel any different?
After exploring, it’s time to head back to the city.
Where to Stay
This Airbnb cabin is perfectly situated in the middle of a nature preserve, yet it’s only 20 minutes from Reykjavik and within 35 minutes of the Blue Lagoon and the airport. Or, stay right at the Blue Lagoon with two hotels right on-site to make the most of your time before jetting off.
Day 10: The Blue Lagoon/Iceland Departure
I like to schedule my return flight later in the day to take advantage of the Blue Lagoon. Yes, it’s touristy and often crowded, but relaxing in the milky aquamarine waters while sipping champagne (available in the bar that sits in the middle of the lagoon), is the perfect way to end this unforgettable adventure.
With such a long list of incredible wonders, who doesn’t want to visit Iceland?
If you had something warmer in mind, check out my Maui travel guide, or perhaps consider the Baja peninsula of Mexico! Not only do they offer plenty of sunshine but both are also ideal for winter whale watching.
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