Map of Places

Notes: This is a Summer plan when there is 20 hour of Daylight

This was a plan for 7 people in one vehicle. Iceland would be a good group trip for those who don’t get tired! This itinerary takes full advantage of the midnight sun!
Pack some sort of cooler bags, or you can buy a foam cooler when you get there. Most meals will be picnic or made at your accommodation at night. Plan meals ahead of time so you know what to buy when you arrive.
Gas stations are few and far between. Fill up every chance you get. Most were pay at the pump and open 24 hours.
Type C/F adapter needed.

Day 1: Keflavik to Grindavik

Arrival & Reykjanes Highlights

Pick up your pre-rented car from Blue Car Rental.
You will want 4-wheel drive and a spare tire for this trip. There is a shuttle from the airport to the car rental, but it is also walkable.
Once you have your car, head to the grocery store Netto.
Stock up on groceries! There are limited stores along this route as well as a short supply of restaurants. The overnight accommodations we recommend all have kitchens you can use for cooking dinners.

Krýsuvík Geothermal Area

Drive to Krýsuvík Geothermal Area (≈45 minutes). Travel along route 41 from the airport until you reach route 42. Multiple springs, steam vents, mud pools, sulfur deposits and more. Boardwalks are available as is an optional hike uphill. Visitor info: Krýsuvík (Visit Reykjavík/Reykjanes)

Brimketill & Bridge Between Continents

Continue driving down to route 427 past Grindavik to route 425 to Brimketill for lava rock pool formations along the ocean shore. Info: Brimketill.
Bridge Between Continents — stand (the only place in the world this is possible!) between Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Info: Bridge Between Continents.
Head back toward Grindavik to have lunch at Bryggjan.

Blue Lagoon & Mount Thorbjörn

Take route 426 to get to the Blue Lagoon. Right before, take a short hike to Mount Thorbjörn from the hotel parking lot to see outdoor blue lagoons (not for swimming).
Wallow in the Blue Lagoon (book in advance). Your entrance is scheduled but you can stay until 30 minutes before close. Basic packages include a mud mask and a free drink, that was plenty for us. Choose which makes you happy: Blue Lagoon
Shower before entering the Blue Lagoon (communal and private stalls). Use the conditioner offered if you have long hair and don't rinse until after your shower when leaving, to prevent drying it out.
Dinner in Grindavik at Salthúsið for seafood.
Overnight near Grindavik at your accommodation.

Day 2: Grindavik → Hella (Golden Circle)

Thingvellir National Park & Silfra

Early in the morning start driving toward Thingvellir National Park along route 43 to route 41 to route 1 to route 36.
Park at the visitors center (parking lot 1) and take some time exploring here. Visitor info: Thingvellir National Park
Hike Almannagjá Gorge to Öxarárfoss waterfall. This was SUPER buggy and we can tolerate a lot. Use these bug nets from Amazon to keep them out of your face.
Pre-book your Silfra Fissure snorkel tour for 11am and at this time, go to your designated meeting point for excursion (parking lot 5). This is a once in a lifetime excursion that will give you an opportunity to snorkel between 2 tectonic plates (again, the only place in the world to do this.)
Be warned, the water is very frigid… Eventually, you will go numb. Drysuits are provided and can feel restrictive. Wear chapstick as the cold will sting your lips.

Bruarfoss & Picnic

After your snorkel, drive about a mile down the road (parking lot 5) and stop at the bathroom and covered picnic tables on the left side of the road for your picnic lunch.
Continue drive to route 365 to route 37 stopping to hike to Bruarfoss (≈4.4 miles roundtrip) for a bright blue glacial waterfall and smaller cascades along the river (Hlauptungufoss at half way and Midifoss right after). Make sure to go all the way to the bridge for photos. This is an out and back hike, mostly flat, and well marked. Info: Bruarfoss

Geysir Geothermal Area & Gullfoss

Continue drive up to route 35 and stop at Geysir geothermal area to watch Strokkur geyser erupt 50-130 feet into the air, every 6–10 minutes. There are many other hot springs, geothermal pools, and geysers that look straight out of a sci-fi film here. Explore the whole area. Info: Geysir Geothermal Area
Backtrack past the geyser area along route 35 to get to Gullfoss waterfall — paved path viewpoints and steps for closer views. Info: Gullfoss
Optional: Stop at Kerið Crater (small fee, privately owned) for a volcanic crater rim walk or path down to the emerald green lake. It’s worth it if you have time but can be cut if not: Kerið Crater
Continue drive along 35 back to the main (Ring Road) to Hella and check into your accommodation (1 night). Enjoy a home cooked meal and hot-tub time in the midnight sun!
Optional: Along the way, visit the grave of Bobby Fisher, a famous chess player is buried in Selfoss.

Day 3: Hella → Vík

Waterfalls, Natural Pools & Beaches

Early in the morning drive a few miles down route 25 to Egissidufoss for a quick stretch with a view.
Seljalandsfoss — walk behind the waterfall (wear raingear, you will get wet). Visitor info: Seljalandsfoss
Gljúfrabúi — waterfall in a cavern a path away from Seljalandsfoss; you’ll wade a shallow stream to see it.
Seljavallalaug natural pool — a mossy cement pool; it was dirtier than expected but a fun 'we did it' experience. Info: Seljavallalaug Pool
Skógafoss — large magnificent waterfall with a viewing area below and optional hike to the top. Info: Skógafoss
Lunch at Smiðjan Brugghús Brewery — local beer and pub food. You can check into your accommodation (1 night) now if you would like since it is nearby the brewery.
Backtrack a few miles to route 218 to Dyrhólaey arch — a blustery ledge where you have a chance to see puffins and rocky formations jutting out of the ocean below. Info: Dyrhólaey
Drive back to route 1 then to route 215 to Reynisfjara the jet black sand beach — watch for sneaker waves (unexpected and can pull people into the ocean) and enjoy basalt columns. Info: Reynisfjara
Go back towards route 1 and to Hjörleifshöfði, the cave and hike. (Nicknamed Yoda Cave because it looks like Yoda). Do the hike, strenuous but one of our top 5 favorite hikes of all time. You’ll hike up to a viking (second settler of Iceland) burial site as you pass contrasting scenery. There are signs but it might take a minute to find the start of the hike. If you don’t see a clearly beaten down path, you are not at the start. This is an out and back.
Dinner and drinks at Ströndin Pub afterward, you’ll be famished! Try Einstock, Icelandic beer!
Back to the accommodation.

Day 4: Vík → Höfn

Canyons, Glacier Hikes & Ice Beaches

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (Moss Canyon) — walk the canyon edge for great views. There are two parking lots. Lakavegur takes you closer to the top of the canyon but Fjadrargljufursvegur has a bathroom. For pop culture fans, Justin Bieber’s I’ll Show You was filmed here. Info: Fjaðrárgljúfur
Skaftafell National Park — pre-book the 10:40 am Skaftafellsjokull glacier hike with Troll Expeditions. Review their information on what to wear, and know there are multiple hikes to choose from. We chose a less difficult 3 hour hike. This was still moderately strenuous as you’ll be walking up and down inclines wearing crampons. Info: Troll Expeditions
National Park Welcome area for lunch at their overpriced and limited cafeteria, or pack a lunch.
Svartifoss — uphill entirely for the first half, 2-mile round trip hike to basalt column waterfall. It is difficult but the most unique waterfall of the whole trip. Info: Svartifoss
Fjallsárlón Lagoon — easy, short, flat walk to a receding glacier and glacial lake.
Jökulsárlón Lagoon — glacial lagoons with icebergs and seals; stop as you wish along the way to the parking lot across from Diamond Beach.
Diamond Beach — Black sand beach with icebergs littering the shore and ocean!Info: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Head to in Höfn, enjoy local seafood, and check into your accommodation (1 night). (If you will check in after 10pm contact in advance, no front desk).

Day 5: Höfn → Seyðisfjörður

Vestrahorn & Eastern Fjords

Stokksnes — Abdandoned viking movie set, you can see the Vestrahorn (amazing mountain) if it isn’t foggy. If it is a daily or foggy day, skip it. It isn’t free and not great if you can’t see the the Vestrahorn. Info: Vestrahorn (Stokksnes)
Scenic drive through Eastern Fjords with stops at small waterfalls like Sveinsstekksfoss and Folaldafoss. No hike required.
Have lunch in Egglisstadr at Salt Cafe and Bistro.
Hengifoss & Litlanesfoss hike (slightly out of the way on road 931) — layered cliffs and basalt columns. Takes an hour to hike out on a small incline. You’ll go through a gate, shut it behind you for the sheep. Go to the edge of the gorge to see Litlenesfoss and basalt columns. Hengifoss will be alternating layers or red clay and black rock. You’ll take the same trail back. Info: Hengifoss
Visit the two waterfalls you can just pull off the road to enjoy on your way to the below.
Drive through the mountains to Seyðisfjörður on route 93 and explore the colorful town and Blue Church, with the iconic LGBTQ+ rainbow road leading up to it.
Head back to your accommodation for 1 night and have dinner. You will want to stay in this town with the blue church. We don’t have link as we stayed outside of town and would not if we did it over again.

Day 6: Seyðisfjörður → Akureyri

Dettifoss, Canyons & Myvatn

Rjukandi waterfall — quick stop for photos. No hike required.
Studlagil Canyon — turn off the main road and onto the less maintained road 923 for viewpoints; optional hike down into the canyon for the best shot. Studlagil Canyon info
Take road 923 back to route 1 and turn off 864 for Dettifoss & Selfoss a massive waterfall and series of waterfalls, visit the east side for clearer views. The hike is easy but slightly rocky. Info: Dettifoss
Drive further down road 864 to reach Hafraglisfoss waterfall. You’ll park and walk a few steps to see.
Krafla crater lake and Leirhnjúkur lava fields — short walks available.
Hverir geothermal area — mud pots and steam vents and other geothermal pits and formations. Info: Hverir Geothermal Area
Grjótagjá cave — quick stop off road 860 (Game of Thrones site and even if you aren’t a fan it is a neat hot spring cave with a short easy walk to access).
Myvatn Nature Baths — Enjoy a relaxing evening soak. Book the day of so you can base it on when you’re likely to arrive. Booking any further in advance might make you feel rushed. It is slightly better than Blue Lagoon to us. The scenery is better, drinks are cheaper, less tourists, and all around better vibes. Info: Myvatn Nature Baths
Take route 848 to a steep sand walk to Hverfjall Crater. It’s rigorous but very cool to see!
Continue back down route 848 to Dimmuborgir Lava Formations. Do as little or much as you like. We recommend to start with the loop of purple. Then purple yellow. Then blue. Then to red. Then to red yellow. Then to yellow purple. Then back to purple to the parking lot. It is all paved and easy.
Pit stop at Skutustadagigar Pseudo Craters. Reverse craters where steam blew the earth upward. Once you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all, but it breaks up the drive.
Continue route 848 to route 1 to go to the Gosafoss falls from the left side. There is viewing platform.
Arrive in Akureyri at your accommodation (1 night) and enjoy a calm dinner and hot tubs with views of the fjord.

Day 7: Akureyri → Ísafjörður

Long Drive, Turf Houses & Rustic Springs

Long driving day so leave as early as possible.
Glaumbær turf houses — quick cultural stop with traditional turf roof architecture. You can see from the outside or pay to go in.
Fosslaug natural hot spring — rustic soak with a mud floor and no amenities; bring towels. Picture a small warm pond. There will not be many other tourists.
Reykjafoss — Hike through a field for mid-size falls.
Blonduos at Hurtey — Walk over the little bridge to a small island for a tundra patch, perfect for a picnic lunch.
Kolugljúfur Canyon — easy walk to Kolufoss, the falls inside the canyon.
Take route 711 to Hvitserkur Rock — an arch rock in the water.
Continue 711 to Illugastaðir area — seal watching and scenic views. Keep your distance and don’t disturb the wildlife.
Ísafjörður for dinner and rest at your accommodation (1 night).
Optional: If the long drive is too much you can stay in Illugstadhir. If you do this, there are some water falls and puffins. It is also the second best place to see arctic foxes outside of Hornstrandir Preserve. Pick back up at Day 8 Kirkjufell and Kirkjufelssfoss.

Day 8: Ísafjörður → Grundarfjörður

Dynjandi, Puffins & Kirkjufell

Dynjandi waterfall — tiered falls viewable from the parking lot with optional walk. Info: Dynjandi (Westfjords)
Hellulaug hot springs — rugged coastline soak (no facilities).
Take route 62 to 612 to Bjargtangar Lighthouse. The Latrabjarg cliffs are home for puffins. They burrow holes in the sides of the cliffs, so read the signs and be careful. Lay down to distribute your weight, and take a look at your own risk! This requires a long gravel drive with steep switchbacks through mountains, but worth it! Info: Látrabjarg (Westfjords)
Take 612 back to route Raudasandsvegur and go to the red sand beach. Explore and picnic. There is a coffee shop but it is limited.
Take 612 back to 62. Then take 62 to 60 and continue back toward route 1.
Long drive from route 60 to route 54 for Kirkjufell and Kirkjufelssfoss, falls that you can see from the side of the road. Info: Kirkjufell (West Iceland)
Dinner at Bjargarsteinn Mathús (call ahead as it is busy). Sit outside for ocean views, sometimes including whales. Try hakarl fermented Greenland Shark, an Iceland specialty!
Drive to your accommodation (1 night).

Day 9: Grundarfjörður → Reykjavík

Whale Watch, Snæfellsnes & Waterfalls

Book a 10:00 am whale watch with Láki Tours — schedule in advance. Be on time to gear up. You’ll go out in search of whales, dolphins, and most importantly orcas! Orcas are most common in late Winter through early Summer but we were there in August and saw a pod! Info: Láki Tours
Snæfellsjökull National Park — Viewpoints Djúpalónssandur, Lóndrangar, Hellnar, Arnarstapi viewpoints in that order. Info: Snæfellsjökull NP
Long drive from 60 to 54 to see Bjarnafoss waterfalls from the parking lot.
Ytri-Tunga for seals sunning on rocks
Continue route 54 back to route 1 to see the easy and close Glanni Waterfall.
Take route 50 to 518 for the falls of Hraunfossar & Barnafoss. They’ll require a short walk, mostly paved, with a platform. Info: Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Takes 518 to 50 then route 1 to get to Reykjavík for dinner at a food truck or restaurant and visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. Info: Hallgrímskirkja
When you are done in the city, drive to your accommodation for the (1) night.

Day 10: Departure — Keflavik

Return, final tips & flights

Return rental car and go to the airport for your flight home — consider having one person drop others at the terminal while they return the vehicle.

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