You’ve read the articles, fallen in love with the pictures, and decided – you're traveling to Iceland! What now?
In the article before you, you can find a general example of travel itineraries in Iceland: a short 4-day trip, a 10-day trip, a 2-week trip, and a 3-week trip. The itineraries will be outlined briefly, and you can read about each site in detail in the comprehensive articles. The trips are suitable for the tourist season during the summer months and are better suited for a rental car. If you decide to use public transportation, you can build your itinerary and use the many links and detailed information found in the transportation article.

♦ Booking Recommended 6-8 Day Guided Tours in Iceland from Viator

 

♦ Car rental from the reliable and convenient Booking.com: Booking.com

 

 

Route 1: Iceland in 4 Days

Have you arrived in Iceland for just a few days? There are several must-see sites you cannot miss! If you have only a few days at your disposal, it is recommended to spend your time and stay primarily in the capital city, Reykjavik, and take day trips from there. For recommended hotels in Reykjavik, click here.

 

Recommended sites and day trips include the "Golden Circle" tour, visiting the Blue Lagoon, touring the city, horseback riding, and whale watching. If you visit the city with children, it is also recommended to visit the municipal zoo and the sports and leisure center.

Booking Recommended Tours and Excursions in and around Reykjavik from Viator:

♦ "Golden Circle" Tour - This is a popular and beloved route in Iceland, which usually departs from and returns to the capital city, Reykjavik. Visitors staying in Iceland for a short period often state that this circular route showcases the best of Iceland, making it an absolute must-do tour. 

 

♦ Day trip from Reykjavik to South Iceland or a helicopter flight to a volcano:

 

Route 2: Iceland in 10 Days

A trip to Iceland of up to ten days allows you to reach exceptionally beautiful places that will leave you wanting more. In ten days, you can definitely enjoy the Icelandic landscape, be impressed by the unique forces of nature, and discover its treasures. On such a trip, it is recommended to skip the western part of Iceland and concentrate on the remaining regions. 

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland, driving north to the capital of the north, Akureyri, via the Vatnsnes Peninsula.

       ♦ For recommended hotels in Akureyri, click here.

Day 2: Whale watching in Husavik or Dalvik, the impressive Godafoss Waterfall, and driving to Lake Myvatn.

♦ Booking from Viator - Recommended whale watching cruise from Husavik:

       ♦ For recommended hotels in Husavik, click here.

       ♦ For recommended hotels in Dalvik, click here.

Day 3: Lake Myvatn and its unique sites.

♦ From the city of Akureyri, there is also a 5-6 hour tour to Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall:

Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

The tour departs from the port and is also suitable for cruise ship passengers.

 

Day 4: Driving along the East Fjords.

Day 5: Driving along Iceland's south coast, Skaftafell National Park, and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

       ♦ Book guided tours from Viator to the glacier lagoon from Reykjavik and ice cave excursions around the lagoon area:

Day 6: South Iceland – Vik, Reynisdrangar sea stacks and Dyrholaey promontory, Skogafoss Waterfall, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, drive toward the town of Selfoss.

       ♦ For recommended hotels in Selfoss and the surrounding area - click here.

 

Day 7: The town of Selfoss – Kerid Crater, Urridafoss Waterfall.

 

Day 8: The Golden Circle – Geysir, Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and other sites.

       ♦ Recommended tours to book - see above under Route 1.

 

 Day 9: Reykjavik – tour of the city, the famous church, Perlan, the city harbor, and more.

       ♦ Recommended tours to book - see above under Route 1.

Day 10: The Blue Lagoon and flight back home.

       ♦ Recommended tours to book - see above under Route 1.

 

Route 3: Iceland in Two Weeks

Iceland in two weeks - If you have arrived in Iceland for about two weeks, you will be able to enjoy most of the sites the island has to offer. The bonus of a longer trip is also experiencing the western part of the island and its unique landscapes.

 

Key highlights for a two-week trip:

- A visit to the picturesque western towns of Akranes or Borgarnes, and a very enjoyable dog sledding trip next to the Langjokull glacier.

- Visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It is recommended to dedicate a full day to the peninsula, during which you can reach the Snaefellsjokull glacier by snowmobile or explore other sites such as the Saxholl volcanic crater, Djupalon black pebble beach, Arnarstapi cove, the town of Stykkisholmur, Glymur Waterfall, and more. 

- Visiting the Vatnsnes Peninsula and the northern capital, Akureyri. Whale watching in the towns of Husavik or Dalvik. 

- Lake Myvatn and its unique sites, and Hverfjall volcano. Those seeking pampering and relaxation can visit the Myvatn Nature Baths and enjoy warm, pleasant geothermal waters. 

- A unique day trip to central Iceland, at the breathtaking volcano Askja.

Jokulsargljufur Park, hiking along Dettifoss and Selfoss waterfalls. Drive towards the East Fjords.

The East Fjords – recommended to visit the town of Egilsstadir and the fjord of Seyðisfjörður. It is recommended to take the hiking trail on Mount Bjolfur leading to a magnificent viewpoint.

- The glacier exhibition in the town of Hofn, a visit to the Glacier Lagoon, Jokulsarlon, and Skaftafell National Park. It is recommended to dedicate a full day to the area, during which you should take a guided glacier hike on Vatnajokull and top it off with an amphibious boat cruise in the stunning lagoon.

- The South Coast - the town of Vik, Reynisdrangar sea stacks, and Dyrholaey promontory. Skogafoss Waterfall, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, drive towards the town of Selfoss.

- The town of Selfoss - Kerid volcanic crater, Urridafoss Waterfall.

- The Golden Circle - Geysir, Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and other sites. 

- Reykjavik - spending two days in this city. A tour of the city, the famous church, Perlan, the harbor, and more.

- The Blue Lagoon. 

4. Iceland in Three Weeks

A period of two and a half to three weeks in Iceland will reveal the finest secrets of Icelandic nature to you. The volcanoes in the north, the wooded scenery in the south, the numerous waterfalls, the fascinating wildlife, the intriguing Westfjords, and central Iceland, which hides unique colors and an astonishing lunar landscape. This is a long, comprehensive trip around Iceland that will take you to all its corners. Please note, multi-day treks depart from the Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve. If you wish to join such a trek, consider this during trip planning and register in advance. Full details about the treks can be found in the article on the region under the Central Iceland category.

More articles:
Travel Destinations in Iceland
Attractions in Iceland