Iceland presents travelers with an extraordinary mosaic of natural wonders and cultural pearls. This enchanting 10-day journey begins in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital, which fuses modernity with tradition in a charming urban atmosphere. You’ll explore the Golden Circle, where you’ll encounter the majestic waterfalls, Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss, and then continue through fascinating landscapes to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. You’ll visit Landmannalaugar, a geothermal paradise, and see the breathtaking Goðafoss waterfall. In Snæfellsjökull National Park, you’ll admire diverse landscapes surrounding the glacier-covered volcano. At Hraunfossar waterfalls, you’ll discover nature’s artistry with water emerging from beneath lava fields. This captivating journey spans approximately 1,868 miles, starting and ending in Reykjavik.
Popular itinerary for a journey trough Iceland’s enchanting nature:
Day 1: Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a dynamic blend of modernity and natural wonders. This bustling city stands out with its impressive architecture, and its museums, galleries, and variety of festivals celebrate Iceland’s heritage and contemporary art. Reykjavik’s proximity to natural wonders along Route 1, the Golden Circle, and the Blue Lagoon make it an ideal hub for island exploration.
The tour begins at Harpa Concert Hall, a contemporary architectural marvel nestled along the city’s waterfront. Its striking glass facade mirrors Iceland’s natural elements, evoking the country’s basalt formations and shifting lights. The venue hosts concerts, conferences, and exhibitions.
From the concert hall, ascend via Regnbogagatan Street, meaning “Rainbow Street,” to Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral. This iconic architectural marvel soars above the city skyline. Its expressionist, unconventional design resembles basalt formations, and there are breathtaking panoramic views from its height of approximately 230 feet.
After visiting the cathedral, stroll down the charming shopping street, Laugavegur, known for its restaurants, boutique shops, souvenir stores, and designer boutiques. Following lunch in the bustling center, head to the Perlan Museum, meaning “The Pearl,” a unique architectural landmark situated atop Öskjuhlíð hill. It houses a nature museum with a glass dome and a revolving restaurant providing panoramic views of the city. The museum presents an immersive experience, including a man-made ice cave showcasing Iceland’s glaciers and impressive exhibits on the island’s wildlife, vegetation, and ethnography. A visit to the museum provides valuable insights for your exploration in the coming days.
In the evening, explore the local restaurant and bar scene in the city center and enjoy a variety of local beers and Icelandic delicacies such as:
Plokkfiskur: A traditional fish dish made with cod or haddock, potatoes, onions, and sauce.
Icelandic lamb: Considered a delicacy, renowned for its high quality and unique flavor cultivated through free range grazing in the clear air.
Harðfiskur: Dried fish, typically haddock, which is a popular snack often eaten with butter.
Rugbrauð: Dark, dense, and sweet rye bread, often baked underground using natural geothermal heat. It’s a staple in Icelandic households.
Flatkökur: A thin, soft unleavened barley bread served with butter and various toppings.
Skyr: A dairy product similar to yogurt but technically a type of fresh cheese.
Icelandic hot dog (Pylsur): Made from a blend of lamb, pork, and beef.
Spend the night in Reykjavik.
Day 2: Þingvellir National Park
Travel along Routes 36 and 35 for approximately 136 miles to reach Þingvellir National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage. The park contains stunning geological expanses formed by the shifting of tectonic plates drifting between America and Euro-Asia. Stand amidst the ancient plains and witness this natural wonder of towering cliffs, deep channels, and lakes. Its botanical diversity boasts resilient flora like mosses, lichens, and birch forests, adapted to volcanic landscapes. Beyond its geological wonders, Þingvellir holds a significant place in Iceland’s history as the ancient venue for the world’s first parliament, set against magical rock formations.
Continue your journey to the Geysir Geothermal Area, the epicenter of volcanic and geothermal activity featuring its erupting geysers. Here, you’ll encounter Strokkur Geyser, which shoots boiling water up to 98 feet high every few minutes in powerful displays. The area abounds with hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and mineral-rich pools.
Proceed from there to the next natural phenomenon, Gullfoss Waterfall. Gullfoss, the “Golden Falls,” plunges dramatically into the Hvítá River canyon, creating mesmerizing sights. The thundering waters cascade into the narrow and rocky gorge, offering breathtaking views.
In the evening, return to the capital, Reykjavik, to spend the night.
Day 3: From Reykjavik to Vik via Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Drangurinn í Drangshlíð, Skógafoss Waterfall
In the morning, after equipping yourselves with suitable attire and gear, travel along Route 1 towards the town of Hella, located in southern Iceland, for a glimpse into the rural charm and natural beauty of the country. Located amidst diverse landscapes, ranging from volcanic plains to lush agricultural regions, its riverside location offers a plethora of activities, from fishing to rafting, for visitors to enjoy.
From there, proceed to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, a natural wonder along Iceland’s southern coast. Visitors can hike behind the cascading curtain of water and experience the exhilarating sensation of being surrounded by mist. The waterfall plummets from a height of 197 feet, creating a mesmerizing veil-like spectacle of cascading water. The surrounding cliffs are adorned with lush green moss, hardy grasses, and wildflowers.
After the refreshing mist of the waterfall, continue to Drangurinn í Drangshlíð, a prominent geological formation standing amidst rugged landscapes. This unique rock, shaped like a giant mushroom, is composed of basalt formations.
The next stop is Skógafoss Waterfall, which plunges from a height of about 196 feet and spans over 82 feet, creating magnificent cascades that often reflect colorful rainbows in the mist.
You’ll receive a demonstration of lava at the Icelandic Lava Show, an exhibition located within the village of Vik, just a few minutes’ walk from the black sandy beaches. This extraordinary attraction provides visitors with an immersive experience, featuring genuine lava from nearby eruptions. Guests can observe the fascinating interaction between lava and water, gaining insights into Iceland’s volcanic and geological past.
Spend the night in Vik.
Day 4: From Vik to Höfn via Fjaðrárgljúfur, Skaftafell Nature Reserve, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, covering a distance of approximately 168 miles
This morning, head out to the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, which showcases the forces of nature that have shaped Iceland’s landscapes over millennia. Carved by the river, this breathtaking canyon features towering walls reaching heights of up to 328 feet.
From there, proceed to the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, located about 47 miles east of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is a captivating blend of diverse landscapes, including glaciers, lush forests, and breathtaking panoramas. The reserve features winding hiking trails through majestic valleys, leading to stunning lookout points overlooking glaciers like Svínafellsjökull. Skaftafell Nature Reserve serves as a starting point for organized tours to the Vatnajökull Glacier.
Later in the day, visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a stunning natural wonder located approximately 34 miles east of Skaftafell Nature Reserve. This iconic lagoon unveils a breathtaking panorama of icebergs drifting from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. The tranquil blue waters reflect the myriad hues of the glacier, offering a serene backdrop. Stroll along the lagoon’s shores, observe seals basking on icebergs, and join a guided boat tour amidst the floating ice formations.
Spend the night in Höfn.
Day 5: From Höfn to Eskifjörður to Borgarfjörður Eystri, covering a total distance of approximately 200 miles
In the morning, set out for Eskifjörður. This charming fjord town is nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by rugged mountains and overlooking the serene fjord waters. With its rich maritime history, Eskifjörður offers visitors a glimpse into Iceland’s fishing heritage through its museums and historical sites. The town’s picturesque harbor, adorned with colorful boats, reflects Iceland’s strong connection to the power of the sea.
Continue from there to Borgarfjörður Eystri. During the puffin breeding season, typically from May to August, visitors have the opportunity to wander amidst a bustling puffin colony as these fascinating birds go about their daily routines. The distinctive appearance of puffins, with their colorful plumage, attracts bird enthusiasts from across the globe. Numerous hiking trails and lookout points offer superb opportunities for observation and exploration.
At the end of the day, head to Egilsstaðir to spend the night.
Day 6: From Egilsstaðir to Dettifoss to Lake Mývatn to Húsavík, covering a total distance of approximately 186 miles
Continue your journey along Route 1. At the junction with Route 862, turn right to head north for about 15 miles to the renowned Dettifoss Waterfall. Known as the most powerful waterfall in Europe, these falls carve their way through the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon. Plunging from a height of about 148 feet and spanning over 328 feet wide, they create a powerful torrent of glacial water. The surrounding cliffs and rocky terrain frame a picturesque backdrop for the roaring falls.
Return to Route 1 and then take Route 848, which leads to Lake Mývatn, a volcanic lake formed by a lava eruption over 2,000 years ago. The surrounding area boasts diverse landscapes, including fascinating lava formations and bubbling mud flats. The lake itself is a paradise for birds and hosts a wide variety of species, especially in summer.
The nearby attraction, Dimmuborgir Lava Fields, is a protected area with marked hiking trails leading through captivating lava formations. The geothermal area of Hverir, with its boiling mud pools and steaming vents, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic activity.
Continue on Route 1, turning onto Route 87 to reach the harbor town of Húsavík to spend the night.
Day 7: From Húsavík to Goðafoss to Akureyri
Húsavík, known as the “Whale Watching Capital,” offers visitors the opportunity to embark on thrilling whale watching excursions in the North Atlantic Ocean. The town’s picturesque harbor and maritime heritage add to its charm, providing visitors with a glimpse into Iceland’s seafaring culture. The beautiful wooden church, Húsavíkurkirkja, was built in 1907.
In the afternoon, return to Route 1 and head to Goðafoss Waterfall, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” This waterfall spans about 98 feet in width and plunges from a height of about 40 feet. Goðafoss Waterfall, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is located approximately 80 miles southwest of Húsavík. This waterfall spans about 98 feet in width and plunges from a height of around 40 feet. The waterfall holds historical importance, linked to Iceland’s adoption of Christianity in 1000 AD, when its people embraced the faith and discarded pagan idols into the waters of the waterfall. Surrounded by grassy terrain, the horseshoe-shaped waterfall is easily reachable via a brief stroll from the main road.
After touring the waterfall, travel to Akureyri, often referred to as the “Capital of the North.” Explore its lovely botanical gardens and stroll through its cultural center filled with museums and galleries.
Spend the night in Akureyri.
Day 8: From Akureyri to Reykjavik
Today is a travel day, covering a distance of approximately 236 miles, as you make your way back to the capital, Reykjavik.
Spend the night in Reykjavik.
Day 9: From Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik
Indulge in a day of pampering, relaxation, and wellness at the famous Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, a world-famous geothermal spa renowned for its striking milky-blue waters. Situated approximately 31 miles southwest of Reykjavik, this haven boasts mineral-rich waters heated to temperatures of 98-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Its mineral composition, featuring silica and algae, is believed to revitalize the skin. With amenities like steam rooms, saunas, and in-water massages amidst the stunning volcanic scenery, the spa promises a rejuvenating retreat amidst Iceland’s natural splendor.
Spend the night in Reykjavik.
