Ultimate Itinerary: 10-Day Iceland Road Trip 

Iceland is an amazing country and one of my favorite travel destinations for a road trip. The country is filled with diverse scenery, flavorful food, and plenty of outdoor activities. With so much to do, understanding where to go and how to get the best Icelandic experience can be challenging.  Scroll below to start learning how to navigate Iceland!
Driving Around Iceland's Ring Road
The best way to see Iceland is by driving around the Ring Road, Iceland's main highway.  Also known as Route 1, the Ring Road goes around the entire country and is simple to navigate even without a GPS. Many of Iceland's best attractions are located right off or nearby this main highway. Driving around the entire thing can take anywhere from 8 to 10 days, depending on the number of stops. I recommend 10 days to get the full experience, with my guided itinerary and video highlights below.
​Day 1 - Arrival/South Iceland
  • Arrive in Keflavik International Airport and pick up a reserved rental car. I reserved a car through Thrifty and got the Mazda CX-3 AWD Automatic, which was sufficient for the numerous gravel roads that we encountered. 
  • Drive two hours to Farmhotel Estidalur and check in for two nights. This hotel is also working farm that offers homemade ice cream and fresh steaks!
Day 2 - South Iceland (Golden Circle)
  • Explore the three main attractions in South Iceland: Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO Heritage Site), Geysir geothermal field, and Gullfoss Waterfall
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Gullfoss Waterfall
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Geysir geothermal field
Day 3 - Southeast Iceland
  • ​Drive approximately 5 hours to Fosshotel Vatnajokull and check in for 3 nights
    • On the way, stop and explore the following destinations: Seljalandfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Solheimasandur (the site of the 1973 U.S. Navy plane crash), and the famous stone sea arch at Dyrholaey
  • Indulge in a three-course meal offered at Fosshotel Vatnajokull - you won't be disappointed!
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Skogafoss Waterfall
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Solheimasandur (the site of the 1973 U.S. Navy plane crash)
Day 4 - Southeast Iceland
  • Drive to Jokulsarlon Lagoon (about 50 minutes from Fosshotel Vatnajokull)
  • Explore the lagoon (plenty of icebergs and seal watching!)
  • Go on a private or group snowmobiling tour of Vatnajokull National Park  
    • I recommend reserving a tour through Glacier Journey - they were fantastic!
  • Visit the nearby fishing town of Hofn for dinner and try langoustine (Icelandic lobster) at Humarhofnin
  • Grab a Vatnajokull beer at Kaffi Hornio (locally brewed with 1000-year old glacial water and arctic thyme) 
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We found a great picnicking spot along the way to Jokulsarlon Lagoon
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Our private snowmobiling tour with Glacier Journey!
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Langoustine (Icelandic lobster) at Humarhofnin
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Local beer brewed with glacier water and arctic thyme
Day 5 - Southeast Iceland 
  • Drive to Skaftafell National Park (about 1.5 hours from Fosshotel Vatnajokull)
  • Go glacier hiking with Glacier Wonders Hiking Tour (advance reservations recommended)
  • ​Relax in the nearby geothermal hotsprings near Fosshotel Vatnajokull 
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Glacier hiking!
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A secluded geothermal hotsprings near Fosshotel Vatnajokull
Day 6 - Northeast Iceland
  • Drive 5 hours to Vogafjos Guesthouse in Lake Myvatn and check in for one night. 
  • On the way, stop at Dettifoss Waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe!
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Everywhere you go, the views are stunning
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The road towards Lake Myvatn is very snowy and empty
Day 7 - Northeast Iceland
  • Indulge in the delicious free breakfast and views of Lake Myvatn offered at the Vogafjos Guesthouse
    • Try their traditional hverbraud (smoked trout on bread that is smoked underground using geotheral heat)
  • Spend the afternoon in Myvatn (everything is within 10 minutes of the guesthouse!) by climbing Hverfjall crater, visiting the geotheral area Hverir, and taking an afternoon soak in the Myvatn nature baths
  • Drive 1.5 hours to Akureyri - the second largest city in Iceland - and check into Hotel Kea for 1 night
    • ​On the way, stop at the Godafoss Waterfall 
  • In the evening, grab an Einstok (a locally brewed beer that's available at most pubs) and eat dinner at Rub 23. Reservations are highly recommended (it's the #1 restaurant in the city according to Trip Advisor) and it offers absolutely amazing and super fresh sushi!
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Geotheral area known as Hverir
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Godafoss Waterfall
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One of my favorite Icelandic beers!
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Fresh sushi from Rub 23
Day 8 - Northwest Iceland
  • Drive 4 hours from Akureyri to Reykjavik
    • On the way, stop along interesting points in the western coastline (watch out for Icelandic horses, which like to roam close to the road!)
  • Check into Reykjavik Treasure B&B and spend the evening exploring Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland
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I loved spotting the Icelandic horses
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Street art in Reykjavik
Day 9 - Reykjavik
  • Drive to the Blue Lagoon (about 45 minutes from Reykjavik Treasure B&B)
  • Enjoy the "Premium Experience" at the Blue Lagoon 
    • I highly recommend reserving the ticket in advance and making a lunch reservation at LAVA, the main restaurant which is built into a lava cliff. This fine dining restaurant allows you sip prosecco and eat steaks - all while wearing a bathroom and slippers. Ticket includes complementary bathrobe and slippers, free sparking wine at the restaurant, 1 free drink at the Blue Lagoon bar, an algae mask, and silica mud mask. 
  • Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Reykjavik and grab a hotdog at Baejarins Beztu Pylsur along the harbor, a local hotdog stand and favorite of President Bill Clinton! 
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The Blue Lagoon!
Day 10 - Departure/Reykjavik
  • Check out of Reykjavik Treasure B&B and depart from Iceland - make plans to return soon!

Do's and Don'ts of Iceland

WHAT TO DO
  • Rent a 4WD vehicle. Depending on the season, you will likely need a 4WD vehicle to complete the Ring Road as parts of the road are covered in snow and gravel. 
  • Get good car insurance. Scratches from rocks, sudden sandstorms, and cracked windows are all too common, particularly in South Iceland. Even a small scratch can lead to significant charges from the rental company. 
  • Rent a navigation system. While the Ring Road is simple to follow, there are many remote places throughout the country. When you explore off the main road, a GPS can be highly useful.
  • ​Bring plenty of layers. The weather is constantly changing throughout the day and night.​
  • Check the forecast for the Northern Lights. If you're visiting from September to mid-April, you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights depending on cloud coverage and overall visibility. 
WHAT NOT TO DO
  • Drive off road. It is prohibited by law to off-road, as it could damage the delicate floura and fauna
  • Miss out on a great photo opportunity. If you're driving, pull over to the road when it's safe and take advantage of the amazing scenery!
  • Eat every meal at a restaurant. Buy lunch supplies at a local supermarket, eat some hotdogs (one of the locals' favorite snacks), have a picnic, and enjoy the free breakfast offered at most accomodations.  In general, meals are very expensive in Iceland as many products have to be imported into the country.
  • Drive fast on the gravel roads. Avoid damaging your vehicle and paying a hefty fee.
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