Iceland Travel: 14-Day Iceland Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary Design and Attraction Sharing + Iceland Travel Tips
Iceland is a dream travel destination for many, with an increasing number of people wanting to visit this vast, sparsely populated land of stunning landscapes. Here, I’ll share my itinerary and experiences from a summer trip to Iceland in 2018. Based on my journey and post-trip reflections, I’ve optimized the original itinerary to design a recommended 14-day self-drive ring road itinerary for Iceland, which can serve as a reference for those planning a future trip.
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Iceland Travel: Attractions, Itinerary Planning, and Tips
Before sharing my Iceland travel itinerary and the recommended 14-day self-drive ring road itinerary, let me introduce some basic information and personal insights about traveling in Iceland. Iceland covers an area of approximately 103,000 square kilometers, about 2.8 times the size of Taiwan or Japan’s Kyushu (36,000 square kilometers). While not extremely large, Iceland’s population is sparse, with only around 360,000 people, so outside major cities, you’ll rarely encounter crowds, making it ideal for travel in an era where social distancing is preferred.
1. What is the best season to visit Iceland?
Iceland’s tourism seasons are primarily summer (June to August) and winter (November to January). Winter is mainly for viewing spectacular snowscapes and the Northern Lights, but with most roads covered in snow and ice, travel is limited to areas around Reykjavik. In summer, most of Iceland (except the central highlands) is free of snow, allowing for island-wide exploration, though the Northern Lights are not visible. If you want to see the Northern Lights while still covering more ground, September is a good choice, as southern areas are usually snow-free, and the Northern Lights begin to appear.
Summer and winter in Iceland are like two completely different worlds, each offering unique landscapes and attractions. I recommend visiting Iceland in both seasons if possible. If traveling in summer, a self-drive trip is highly recommended. For winter travel, it’s best to base yourself in Reykjavik and join local day or two-day tours to see the Northern Lights or southern attractions, avoiding self-driving.
2. What to wear when traveling to Iceland in summer?
Despite being summer, Iceland’s temperatures remain low, often hovering around freezing to single-digit Celsius, colder than winter in many other places. Even in summer, winter clothing is necessary, similar to what you’d wear in Japan during winter. Additionally, Iceland’s summer is windy and rainy, so a waterproof jacket is essential.
3. Which SIM card should you buy for internet access in Iceland?
Outside the capital, Iceland is sparsely populated, making internet access more crucial than in many other countries, especially if you’re self-driving and need navigation. SIM cards that work in EU countries will also function in Iceland, but speeds and coverage vary. In 2018, I tested Vodafone and 3 UK SIM cards, and Vodafone outperformed in both speed and coverage, likely because Vodafone is Iceland’s second-largest telecom provider, with mobile coverage spanning nearly the entire island.
4. Do you need to exchange Icelandic currency?
- Some stores impose a minimum transaction amount for credit card payments (e.g., 200 ISK), so small purchases may require cash.
- Certain roadside parking meters only accept coins.
- Remote guesthouses or shops may experience connectivity issues, making cash the only payment option.
Besides Icelandic Króna, larger transactions often accept Euros. For example, if you book a guesthouse and choose to pay on-site, Euros are usually acceptable. To avoid leftover currency, exchange a small amount of ISK and carry some Euros as backup.
Icelandic Króna is a less common currency, so it’s difficult to exchange before departure. I recommend exchanging money at the airport upon arrival. Keflavik International Airport has only one exchange counter operated by Arion Bank, located on the left side of the arrivals hall exit. The airport is small, so it’s easy to find, but the counter operates only during daytime hours. If arriving at night, you’ll need to exchange elsewhere. For the best rates, bring Euros or USD to exchange.
5. How much does a trip to Iceland cost?
Compared to traveling to nearby destinations like Japan or South Korea, Iceland is more expensive. For example, my trips to Japan (excluding shopping) average around $250 per day, while my 2018 Iceland trip averaged $390 per day—about 50% higher.
The higher costs stem from several factors. First, flights are more expensive, with round-trip economy tickets from Asia to Europe costing around $1,000, compared to under $510 for flights to Hokkaido, Japan, even in peak season. Second, accommodation is pricier. On my trip, the average hotel room cost was $310 per night, or $155 per person when shared. However, standards vary; I chose higher-quality hotels and guesthouses in good locations, including a night at the Blue Lagoon. Budget travelers can opt for more affordable guesthouses to reduce costs.
Food is another significant expense. Due to limited labor and reliance on imported ingredients, dining out in Iceland is costly, prompting many travelers to cook their own meals. If you plan to self-cater, you can save substantially on food expenses.
Despite Iceland’s low population density, supermarkets are available in inhabited areas, making it easy to stock up on groceries and drinks, including instant noodles at reasonable prices. Additionally, restaurants often serve free bread with soup, a comforting and budget-friendly option in cold weather. If you want to save on food without cooking, this is a good alternative.
Car rental is another expense, though Iceland’s rental costs are lower than Japan’s. With no highways, tolls are nonexistent, and parking fees are minimal, keeping transportation costs manageable. Finally, activities like hot springs, glacier hikes, cave explorations, whale watching, and boat tours can add significantly to your budget.
Overall, Iceland travel costs depend heavily on your spending choices for accommodation, food, and activities. Without strict budgeting, expect to spend around $390–$430 per person per day, totaling $5,400–$6,000 for 14 days. With careful savings on lodging and meals, and fewer high-cost activities, daily expenses can be reduced to $260–$280, bringing the total to $3,600–$3,900 for 14 days.
Hotel and car rental prices vary significantly between peak and off-peak seasons. My 2018 trip was in late June to early July, before the busiest August period, so costs will be higher in August. Additionally, the Icelandic Króna’s exchange rate fluctuates, affecting overall expenses. In August 2018, the exchange rate was high (1 ISK ≈ 0.0093 USD), while currently (July 2025), it’s around 0.0082.
6. How to get a tax refund for shopping in Iceland?
Foreign tourists shopping in Iceland can enjoy a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund. The refund applies to single purchases exceeding 6,000 ISK (including tax). Iceland’s standard VAT rate is 24%, but the refund rate is lower, around 16–17%. To claim the refund, inform the store staff at checkout and present your passport. They will print and sign/stamp a Tax Free Form—ensure this is done before leaving.
Three companies handle tax refunds in Iceland: Global Blue, Premier Tax Free, and Iceland Tax Free. Each uses a different Tax Free Form design, and some stores print receipts that double as Tax Free Forms. To apply, fill in your name, passport number, address, and credit card details on the form, then sign it.
The refund counter is at Keflavik International Airport’s arrivals hall (also the departures level), operated by Arion Bank, located opposite the currency exchange counter.
Process refunds before check-in by submitting the completed and signed Tax Free Form to the counter for stamping and collection. Occasionally, staff may ask to see purchased items, but this is rare. Refunds are typically credited to your card within half a month to a month.
7. What are the must-visit attractions in Iceland?
Beyond Reykjavik, Iceland’s attractions are primarily natural landscapes. Due to the vast and sparsely populated terrain, attractions are scattered, with most famous sites in the south and north, and lesser-known ones in the east and west. Here are some highlights:
- Reykjavik:
- Hallgrímskirkja
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Sun Voyager Sculpture
- Tjörnin Lake
- Perlan
- Golden Circle:
- Thingvellir National Park
- Strokkur Geysir
- Gullfoss
- Kerið Crater Lake
- Brúarfoss (Blue Waterfall)
- Reykjanes Peninsula:
- Blue Lagoon
- Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
- Bridge Between Continents
- Southern Iceland:
- Seljalandsfoss
- Skógafoss
- Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
- Dyrhólaey Peninsula
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Vík í Mýrdal Church
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
- Vatnajökull National Park
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Northern Iceland:
- Dettifoss
- Krafla Volcano
- Hverir Geothermal Area
- Mývatn Nature Baths
- Grjótagjá Hot Spring Cave
- Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles)
- Hverfjall Crater
- Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters
- Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods)
8. Summer Iceland travel itinerary planning tips
For first-time visitors, summer is ideal, allowing you to explore Iceland’s snow-free landscapes and familiarize yourself with the island’s diverse regions before potentially returning in winter for a different experience.
Iceland’s low population density means public transport is underdeveloped. With no railways and limited buses, self-driving is highly recommended in summer to access most attractions.
Iceland’s shape is roughly circular, with its main towns connected by the Ring Road (Route 1). Most major attractions are near this highway, so a full loop is feasible with at least 8 days, though 10–11 days is better. Adding time for Reykjavik and shopping, a 13–14 day itinerary is ideal.
Keflavik International Airport, near Reykjavik, is Iceland’s only international airport. If self-driving, pick up your rental car at the airport for convenience, though Reykjavik pickups are also an option.
Reykjavik
Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is the most populous city and shopping hub, with cultural attractions worth exploring. Spend 2–3 nights here, adjusting based on arrival time and shopping preferences. If renting a car at the airport, consider visiting Reykjavik at the end of your trip for shopping and souvenirs.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a must-visit, located just 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport. Schedule it for arrival or departure day based on flight times. While the Blue Lagoon offers hotel stays, most visitors only enjoy the geothermal spa due to high accommodation costs.
Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise
The Ring Road (Route 1) loops around Iceland, allowing travel in either direction. Most choose counterclockwise (east first) to prioritize key southern attractions while fresh.
Summer Daylight Hours
Iceland’s summer offers nearly 24-hour daylight, with only about 2 hours of darkness. This allows for extended sightseeing, typically from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Iceland Travel: 14-Day Iceland Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary Design and Attraction Sharing
My summer 2018 trip spanned 14 days in Iceland, plus travel time and a Helsinki layover, totaling 16 days. Instead of picking up the rental car at the airport, I took a bus to Reykjavik, rested overnight, and collected the car the next morning. The trip ended with two nights in Reykjavik before returning the car and flying home.
This itinerary focuses on major Route 1 attractions, avoiding strenuous hikes or remote spots. Activities like glacier hikes and cave explorations were skipped, but easier options like lagoon boat tours and whale watching were included, along with the essential hot springs visit.
Post-trip, I refined the itinerary to reduce backtracking while keeping the 14-day duration. Key changes include:
- Extending the car rental to 14 days for airport pickup/drop-off.
- Staying in Selfoss after the Golden Circle to save time.
- Visiting the Blue Lagoon on Day 13 for better logistics.
Below is the optimized 14-day self-drive ring road itinerary for summer travel in Iceland.
14-Day Iceland Ring Road Self-Drive Recommended Itinerary: Driving Routes and Daily Overview
Here’s a summary of the daily routes and highlights for this 14-day itinerary.
Flights to Iceland from Hong Kong often connect via Helsinki, London, or Paris. My Finnair flight via Helsinki arrived at Keflavik around 9 AM, with a 6 PM departure on the last day, allowing half-day activities on arrival and departure. Adjust timings if your flights differ.
Day 1: Arrive at Keflavik Airport, pick up the rental car, drive to Reykjavik, and explore the old town.
Day 2: Start the counterclockwise ring road trip with the Golden Circle, then stay in Selfoss.
Day 3: Drive to Vik, visiting Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.
Day 4: Head to Höfn, stopping at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Vatnajökull Glacier, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Day 5: Travel to Seyðisfjörður, enjoying eastern fjord scenery.
Day 6: Drive to Mývatn, visiting Dettifoss and Krafla Volcano.
Day 7: Explore Mývatn’s attractions: Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall, and geothermal areas.
Day 8: Go to Húsavík for whale watching.
Day 9: Travel to Akureyri, stopping at Goðafoss.
Day 10: Drive to Húsafell, seeing Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.
Day 11: Visit an ice cave, then return to Reykjavik.
Day 12: Explore Reykjavik’s attractions and shop.
Day 13: Visit the Blue Lagoon via Krýsuvík geothermal area.
Day 14: See the Bridge Between Continents, return the car, and depart.
Daily Itinerary Overview
Here’s the 14-day itinerary at a glance:
- Day 1 [Keflavík International Airport >> Reykjavik] – Arrive, pick up the rental car, drive to Reykjavik, check into a hotel in the old town, and explore Hallgrímskirkja.
- Day 2 – [Reykjavik >> Golden Circle >> Selfoss] – Visit Thingvellir National Park, Brúarfoss, Strokkur Geysir, Gullfoss, and Kerið Crater, then stay in Selfoss.
- Day 3 – [Selfoss >> Vik] – Drive to Vik, stopping at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, and Reynisfjara.
- Day 4 – [Vik >> Höfn] – Drive to Höfn via Fjaðrárgljúfur, Vatnajökull, Jökulsárlón, and Diamond Beach.
- Day 5 – [Höfn >> Seyðisfjörður] – Drive to Seyðisfjörður, exploring eastern fjords.
- Day 6 – [Seyðisfjörður >> Reykjahlíð] – Drive to Mývatn, visiting Dettifoss and Krafla Volcano along the way, then stay overnight at a guesthouse or hotel in Reykjahlíð.
- Day 7 – [Mývatn] – Continue exploring attractions around Mývatn, including Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles), Hverfjall Volcano, Grjótagjá Lava Cave, Hverir Geothermal Area, and Mývatn Nature Baths, staying at the same guesthouse or hotel as the previous night.
- Day 8 – [Reykjahlíð >> Húsavík] – Drive to Húsavík, stopping at Skútustaðagígar along the way, then take an afternoon whale-watching boat tour before staying overnight at a guesthouse or hotel in Húsavík.
- Day 9 – [Húsavík >> Akureyri] – Drive to Akureyri, visiting Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) en route, explore Akureyri in the afternoon, and stay overnight at a guesthouse or hotel in Akureyri.
- Day 10 – [Akureyri >> Húsafell] – Drive to Húsafell in West Iceland, visiting Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, then stay overnight at a guesthouse or hotel in Húsafell.
- Day 11 – [Húsafell >> Reykjavík] – Explore a blue ice cave in the morning, then drive back to Reykjavík in the afternoon, staying overnight at a guesthouse or hotel in Reykjavík.
- Day 12 – [Reykjavík] – Explore Reykjavík’s city attractions, including The Sun Voyager, Harpa Concert Hall, and Tjörnin Lake, staying at the same accommodation as the previous night.
- Day 13 – [Reykjavík >> Blue Lagoon] – Depart Reykjavík for the Blue Lagoon, stopping at Perlan and Krýsuvík Geothermal Area along the way, then relax in the lagoon before staying overnight at the Blue Lagoon hotel.
- Day 14 – [Blue Lagoon >> Keflavík International Airport] – Visit Bridge Between Continents before returning the rental car and departing from Keflavík International Airport.
Attraction Locations and Driving Routes
Below is the Google Maps display of the attractions and driving routes for the 14-day Iceland Ring Road self-drive itinerary:
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14-Day Iceland Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary: Daily Detailed Plans and Attraction Guide
Below, I share my 2018 summer Iceland Ring Road self-drive journey, detailing the daily itinerary and attractions for this recommended 14-day trip.
14-Day Iceland Trip Itinerary Day 1: Exploring Reykjavík’s Old Town and Hallgrímskirkja
The first day is relatively relaxed, focusing on Reykjavík’s Old Town. The number of attractions you can visit depends on your flight arrival time. If you land in the morning like we did, you should reach Reykjavík by early afternoon, leaving time for sightseeing. However, due to jet lag, it’s best to keep the first day’s schedule light. We recommend visiting only the city’s most iconic attraction, Hallgrímskirkja, and spending the rest of the time strolling through the Old Town.
If your flight arrives late, you can skip sightseeing for the day. After picking up your rental car, head straight to your Reykjavík hotel or guesthouse and explore the nearby area. Day 12 of the itinerary includes a full day in Reykjavík, providing ample time for city attractions and shopping.
DAY 1 Attractions: Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík Old Town
DAY 1 Driving Route: Keflavík International Airport_Reykjavík
DAY 1 Driving Distance: ~50 km
Arrival at Keflavík International Airport
Iceland is a member of the Schengen Agreement, so if you’re transiting from another European country, you won’t need to go through customs. After disembarking, collect your luggage and proceed directly to the arrival hall. Keflavík Airport’s terminal is relatively small, with currency exchange counters, airport bus desks, car rental counters, and fast-food outlets all located in the same area, making it easy to find what you need. Upon arrival, we recommend exchanging some Icelandic króna (ISK) at the airport’s currency exchange counter.
Iceland’s landscape as seen from the plane before landing
Keflavík International Airport terminal
Exterior of Keflavík International Airport
Due to limited space, only a few major international car rental companies have service counters inside the airport terminal. Local rental companies operate from off-site locations but provide free shuttle buses to transport customers between the airport and their offices. The shuttle pick-up point is just outside the terminal.
Car rental procedures in Iceland aren’t as efficient as in Japan, so patience is required. Once you’ve picked up your car, you’re ready to hit the road.
If you prefer to pick up your rental car in Reykjavík the next day, you can take an airport bus to the city. The bus ticket counter is located in the arrival hall, where you can purchase tickets or buy them online in advance. Bus tickets are not time-specific; you can board any available bus, similar to taking the Guoguang Bus from Taipei Airport.
Driving to Reykjavík
After picking up your rental car, if it’s already lunchtime, you can stop at the nearby town of Keflavík for a meal—just a few minutes’ drive from the airport. If it’s still early, you can head straight to Reykjavík for lunch. Keflavík International Airport is about 50 km from Reykjavík city center, a drive of approximately 45 minutes, or up to an hour if you take it slow.
Route 41, connecting Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík, is one of Iceland’s best roads. Most sections have two lanes, some even three, with wide, smooth surfaces and light traffic—ideal for drivers from Hong Kong and Macau to adjust to left-hand drive and right-side traffic. However, the good road conditions and sparse traffic can tempt you to speed, so keep an eye on your speedometer.
The Reykjanes Peninsula, where Keflavík Airport is located, is home to several volcanoes, including the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, which erupted in March 2021. As a result, much of the area features lava fields, giving it a desolate yet striking appearance.
Once in Reykjavík, check in at your hotel or guesthouse. We stayed at Reykjavík Residence Hotel in the Old Town—a place we discovered while watching the Korean variety show “Youth Over Flowers: Iceland.” The hotel’s location is convenient, and the quality is excellent.
Staying in the Old Town makes it easier to explore and shop. If Reykjavík Residence Hotel is beyond your budget, there are cheaper options in the area. We recommend using HotelsCombined to compare options.
Exploring Reykjavík’s Old Town
Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, has most of its attractions concentrated in the compact Old Town, making walking the best way to explore. The Old Town retains traditional Icelandic low-rise wooden houses, simple yet charming. Many of these buildings now house souvenir shops and local specialty stores, which can easily consume hours of your time.
Reykjavík doesn’t have an overwhelming number of tourist spots, and since we’d return on Day 11 with a full day in the city on Day 12, we kept Day 1’s itinerary light. We only visited Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgrímskirkja), Reykjavík’s most iconic attraction, and spent the rest of the time wandering the Old Town. We also made a stop at the famous hot dog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur and had dinner at Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron) in the Old Harbour area for seafood.
After settling in at the hotel, we began our Iceland adventure with a visit to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for hot dogs. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is a roadside stand with four locations, but tourists usually visit the one in Reykjavík’s Old Town, near the Kolaportið flea market and about 400–500 meters from City Hall by Tjörnin Lake or Harpa Concert Hall. This branch has long opening hours: 10 AM to 1 AM (Sun–Thu) or 4:30 AM (Fri–Sat), so unless you arrive very early, it’s likely to be open.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is legendary among visitors to Iceland—even former U.S. President Bill Clinton has been here. The hot dogs are delicious, especially comforting in Iceland’s chilly weather.
Next to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is the Kolaportið flea market, open only on weekends (Sat–Sun) from 11 AM to 5 PM. If you’re in Reykjavík over the weekend, you can drop by, though there isn’t much of interest for tourists.
After the hot dogs, we walked along Bankastræti and Skólavörðustígur toward Hallgrímskirkja. These streets are the heart of Reykjavík’s Old Town, lined with eye-catching shops worth browsing if time allows. Skólavörðustígur ends at Hallgrímskirkja, about 900 meters (a 15-minute walk) from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur.
Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgrímskirkja) is Reykjavík’s most iconic attraction—missing it would be like skipping the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Despite its minimalist design, the church’s unique, organ-like silhouette is unforgettable.
The interior of Hallgrímskirkja isn’t vast, and visitors can enter for free.
In addition to the ground-level chapel, you can visit the tower’s observation deck for 1,000 ISK per person.
Reykjavík’s city center is low-rise, making Hallgrímskirkja’s tower the highest vantage point. The panoramic views of Reykjavík from the top are well worth the fee.
Near Hallgrímskirkja is a bakery called Brauð & Co., which serves delicious bread. We stumbled upon it while walking back to the hotel from the church, about 200 meters down the street toward the sea.
Iceland is famous for its seafood, so we splurged on a seafood dinner for our first night. Reykjavík’s Old Harbour has several seafood restaurants, with Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron) being the most popular. It’s a 15–20 minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja, or a short drive with ample parking nearby. Sægreifinn is best known for its seafood soup and skewers, though we found the flavors a bit heavy and salty.
Iceland’s vast, sparsely populated landscapes mean shops selling drinks and snacks are scarce along driving routes. It’s best to stock up daily at supermarkets near your accommodation. Bónus is Iceland’s largest supermarket chain, offering relatively low prices. We did most of our shopping at Bónus during our trip, though the chain has only about 30 locations nationwide, mostly in Reykjavík. The Old Town has just one branch (there were two in 2018, but one has since closed), located on Laugavegur. Check the Bónus website for store locations and hours.
– – – End of Day 1 – – –
14-Day Iceland Trip Itinerary Day 2: Golden Circle Tour – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most essential tourist route—skipping it would be like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. The Golden Circle includes several attractions, with the top three being Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir), Strokkur Geysir, and Gullfoss (Golden Falls).
Today’s itinerary focuses on the Golden Circle, covering five attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geysir, Gullfoss, Brúarfoss (Blue Waterfall), and Kerið Crater Lake, ending with an overnight stay in Selfoss. Total driving distance is approximately 200 km.
DAY 2 Attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Brúarfoss, Strokkur Geysir, Gullfoss, Kerið Crater Lake
DAY 2 Driving Route: Reykjavík_Þingvellir_Brúarfoss_Strokkur_Gullfoss_Kerið_Selfoss
DAY 2 Driving Distance: ~190 km
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14-Day Iceland Trip Itinerary Day 3: Heading to Vík – Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Black Sand Beach, Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
The southern coastal town of Vík, with just over 500 residents, is a must-visit for many travelers to Iceland. Driving 130 km along Route 1 from Selfoss will take you to Vík, with several famous attractions along the way, making this stretch one of Iceland’s most popular after the Golden Circle.
Today’s itinerary starts in Selfoss, following Route 1 to Vík, with stops at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, Dyrhólaey Peninsula, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, ending with an overnight stay in Vík. Total driving distance is approximately 160 km.
DAY 3 Attractions: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
DAY 3 Driving Route: Selfoss_Seljalandsfoss_Skógafoss_Sólheimasandur_Dyrhólaey_Reynisfjara_Vík
DAY 3 Driving Distance: ~160 km
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14-Day Iceland Trip Itinerary Day 4: Heading to Höfn – Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Vatnajökull Glacier, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach
Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier, stretches from the interior to the southeastern coast, making glacier-related attractions and activities the highlight of this region. The moss-covered lava fields and canyons between Vík and Vatnajökull are also worth exploring.
Today’s journey starts in Vík, following Route 1 to Höfn, with stops at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach, ending with an overnight stay in Höfn. Total driving distance is approximately 280 km.
DAY 4 Attractions: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach
DAY 4 Driving Route: Vík_Fjaðrárgljúfur_Vatnajökull_Jökulsárlón_Höfn
DAY 4 Driving Distance: ~280 km
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14-Day Iceland Trip Itinerary Day 5: Heading to Seyðisfjörður – Exploring Iceland’s Eastern Fjords
The eastern coast of Iceland is dotted with numerous fjords of varying sizes, and along these fjords lie many small towns with stunning scenery. One of the most famous fjord towns is Seyðisfjörður, nestled against the Seyðisfjörður fjord and surrounded by mountains, offering breathtaking views. Most travelers on a ring road tour of Iceland will visit Seyðisfjörður.
Today’s journey will start from Höfn, driving along Route 1 to the fjord town of Seyðisfjörður, enjoying the scenic fjord landscapes of eastern Iceland along the way, and ending with an overnight stay in Seyðisfjörður. The total driving distance is approximately 280 kilometers.
DAY 5 Attractions: Djúpivogur Town, Gufufoss Waterfall, Seyðisfjörður
DAY 5 Driving Route: Höfn_Djúpivoguro Town_Seyðisfjörður
DAY 5 Driving Distance: ~280 km
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14-Day Iceland Travel Itinerary Day 6: Heading to Mývatn, Visiting Dettifoss and Krafla Volcano
Mývatn is one of the main tourist areas in northern Iceland, with numerous attractions that are relatively concentrated. Since northern Iceland is covered in snow during winter, making transportation difficult, fewer tourists visit Mývatn in the colder months. However, in summer, it becomes a popular destination. There are plenty of sights worth exploring around Mývatn, and to fully experience the area, it’s recommended to stay for two nights.
Today’s journey will start from the eastern fjord town of Seyðisfjörður, passing through Egilsstaðir before driving along Route 1 to Reykjahlíð, a small town by Mývatn. Along the way, you’ll visit Dettifoss and Krafla Volcano, ending with an overnight stay in Reykjahlíð. The total driving distance is approximately 320 kilometers.
DAY 6 Attractions: Dettifoss, Krafla Volcano
DAY 6 DrivingRoute: Seyðisfjörður_DettifossKrafla_Volcano_Reykjahlíð
DAY 6 Driving Distance: ~320 km
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14-Day Iceland Travel Itinerary Day 7: Exploring Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall, Grjótagjá, Hverir Geothermal Area, and Mývatn Nature Baths
The Mývatn area has many attractions, so it typically requires at least a day and a half to explore. On Day 6, you only visited Dettifoss and Krafla Volcano. Today, you’ll spend the entire day in Mývatn, visiting the remaining sights, including Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles), Hverfjall Crater, Grjótagjá Lava Cave, Hverir Geothermal Area, and Mývatn Nature Baths.
Today’s journey will revolve around Mývatn, visiting Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall, Grjótagjá, Hverir Geothermal Area, and Mývatn Nature Baths. The distances between these attractions are short, with no more than 15 minutes of driving between each, so the total driving distance for the day is minimal—only about 50 kilometers.
DAY 7 Attractions: Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters, Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall, Grjótagjá, Hverir Geothermal Area, Mývatn Nature Baths
DAY 7 Driving Route: Fosshotel Myvatn_Skútustaðagígar pseudo-volcano_Dark Castle_Hverir volcano_Cave Spa_Hverir Geothermal Area_Myvatn Thermal Spa_Fosshotel Myvatn
DAY 7 Driving Distance: ~50 km
To be continued……
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