The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Guide (With 7-10 Day Itineraries)

A road trip is one of the best ways to experience Iceland in all its glory.

The most famous road trip route is Iceland’s “Ring Road.” It follows the main highway that circles the entire country. The Ring Road route spans over 1,322km (826 miles) and has hundreds of waterfalls, hikes, glaciers, hot springs, and impressive geological features.

There are also shorter road trip variations on the south coast, the off-the-beaten-track Westfjords, and even routes through the Highlands on F-Roads for more extreme adventurers. 

I completed an 8 day road trip around Ring Road in June. Despite my detailed itinerary, I still found amazing hidden gems along the way – like the secret hot tubs in Hofn and hiking in Stuðlagil Canyon. 

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about road-tripping in Iceland, including the tips and hidden treasures I didn’t figure out until I was physically on my trip.

We’ll cover:

• 5 Iceland road trip routes
• Where to stop on each route + some hidden gems
• Iceland driving tips 
• How to road trip around Iceland – Camper van vs. hotels/Airbnbs
• What to expect of Iceland’s weather in summer vs. winter

💡 Tip: This is a mammoth guide, so skim the table of contents up top!

How Many Hours to Drive Around Iceland?

The driving time around the entire Ring Road including small detours takes roughly 24 hours. That is pure driving time, not including actually stopping and spending time at any of the detour spots. 

How Many Days for an Iceland Road Trip?

You can do a road trip in Iceland in as little as 4 days, sticking to the South Coast. The minimum number of days for driving Ring Road is at least 7.

If you only have 7 days, I recommend exploring the alternative of a South Coast road trip mixed with a visit to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 7 days to drive Ring road is doable but will require a lot of daily driving time.

The more days you have to complete a Ring Road road trip, the better! Most people take between 8 – 12 days for it.

Iceland Road Trip Route Options

1. Ring Road: 

Distance: Approx. 1,322 km+ / 826 miles

Time Needed: Minimum 7 days (up to 2+ weeks).

Highlights: South Coast waterfalls and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the Eastern Fjords and Seydisfjordur, Vok Baths, Husavík whale watching, and much much more!

Best For: First-time visitors who want to get the most diversity out of their Iceland road trip.

2. South Coast Road Trip 

Distance: Approx. 300 km / 186 miles (one way)

Duration: 2-4 days (depending on your pace and stops)

About: Roadtripping Iceland’s south coast is a much shorter journey and involves driving back along the same route to return to Reykjavik. 

Iceland’s south coast is easy to access, the roads are some of the easiest to drive in Iceland, and it has some of the country’s best waterfalls and glacier lagoons. 

Highlights: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, the charming town of Vik with its purple lupine flowers, glaciers like Myrdalsjokull and Solheimajokull, the diamond beach, and Jökulsárlón lagoon.

Best For: First-time visitors to Iceland who don’t have enough time for Ring Road and want to see Iceland’s top sights.

3. Westfjords

Distance: Approx. 1,000 km / 620 miles

Duration: 5-7 days

Highlights: Way less touristy and rugged remote landscapes. The best stops are Dynjandi waterfall, Látrabjarg cliffs, and Ísafjörður.

Best For: Those who have been to Iceland before and want to see more of the country or those who like to seek more off-the-beaten path adventures.

5. The Highland F-Roads

Distance: Varies completely by route (300+ km if you stay down near Landmannalaugar and the South Coast, 500+ km if you take the Sprengisandur Route up to Northern highlands near Godafoss).

Duration: 3-7 days

Highlights: Landmannalaugar, Þórsmörk valley, the Sprengisandur Route, Hekla volcano.

Best For: Adventurers looking for a more rugged experience, as the F-roads take you into the Icelandic Highlands, requiring a 4×4 vehicle and offering access to some of the country’s most remote and dramatic landscapes.

Despite having hopes to visit Landmannalaugar, we weren’t able to visit the highlands because the F-Roads were still closed in June when I was there. For greater details on a road trip in the highlands, check out this great article by Epic Iceland.

When is the Best Time to Do an Iceland Road Trip?

The best time to do a road trip in Iceland is generally summer in June, July, August, and early September.

When to do Ring Road: Summer months. You can do it in the shoulder season and even winter, although the driving conditions will be a lot more variable and can experience closures and delays. If you want to road trip ring road outside of summer, you’ll need more days in your itinerary to account for this.

South Coast: Any time of the year! If you want to do a road trip in winter, I recommend exploring the south coast in depth.

Westfjords: You’ll definitely need to do this road trip in summer. The high mountain passes through the Westfjords are often closed in the winter months and sometimes in shoulder season too.

Iceland’s Highlands: A highlands road trip has to be in July or August. Many of the F-roads in this region don’t open until the end of June due to snowy road conditions.

⭐️ Important Tip: No matter what time of year you travel to Iceland, except the unexpected when it comes to weather. We saw snow falling in the mountains on the East Coast near Seydisfjordur in early June. 

Can You Road Trip in Iceland in the Winter?

Yes, you can road trip in the winter along the South Coast and Ring Road. 

Some people choose to do Ring Road in the winter, however, you’ll need to dedicate more like 12+ days to your itinerary to account for road closures and bad weather. You also need to be a very confident winter driver.

I live in Canada, so am very experienced driving in snowy/icy conditions and personally would not feel comfortable driving the East Coast portion of Ring Road with its cliff-side roads in winter weather.

Winter road tripping also needs to account for the limited sunlight Iceland gets in the winter. You’ll only have 4 – 5 hours of daylight, so the driving will be less scenic.

For winter travel, I’d stick to roadtripping the South Coast, day tripping from Reykjavik, and visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

You’ll also need to rent a 4×4 vehicle for optimal safety. 

Best Way to Road Trip in Iceland: Camper Van Vs. Hotels

There are two types of road trippers in Iceland: camper van travellers and hotel + rental car travellers. There are pros and cons to each. 

The biggest pro for the campervan option is the flexibility to start and finish your day wherever you want. You can easily adjust if you make it further or not as far in your stops as planned. 

💡 Tip for Camper Vans in Iceland: You can’t park anywhere you want in Iceland, but there are plenty of designated campgrounds that don’t require booking in advance. They charge a small fee. You can use this map created by Happy Camper to see campsites all over Iceland – this one’s for winter and this one’s for summer. 

Campervans don’t help you save as much money as you’d expect. They are pricey to rent and you’ll have to pay the extra gas mileage for a bigger vehicle. Plus there are still fees for the campsites.

If you are booking at the last minute though, a campervan will be much cheaper because hotel prices will get much pricier closer to.  

Choosing to rent a regular vehicle and stay in hotels and/or Airbnbs is better for those seeking comfort and a less hefty vehicle to drive in. You also won’t have to worry about finding campgrounds. 

🚘⭐️ I personally chose the hotel option and rented our vehicle through AutoEurope.ca – They comb through all the prices out there to find you the best deal. I find this is one of the most transparent car rental websites, where you won’t have the most insane increases in price after checkout.

The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Itinerary for 7 Days:

This itinerary is for those looking to pack as much into their road trip as possible. This ain’t your grandma’s relaxing holiday. 

7 day Iceland Road Trip Stops:

🚘 Reykjavik + Golden Circle ➡️ Skogafoss ➡️ Hofn ➡️ Husavik ➡️ Snaefellsnes ➡️ Reykjavik

Day 1: Golden Circle + Seljalandsfoss

Km’s Covered: Approx 300 km / 186 miles

Total Drive Time: Approx. 4 hours

Highlights: 

• The Golden Circle 
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall 
• Hidden Gem Waterfall
• Arrival at Skogafoss

To start your 7 days in Iceland, immediately head out of Reykjavik to see the Golden Circle. We chose to use our last full day of our road trip exploring Reykjavik and relaxing at the Blue Lagoon instead of starting with it. 

The Golden Circle is a collection of three of Iceland’s most popular tourist sites only about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik. They are:

• þingvellir National Park (aka Thingvellir National Park)
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• The Great Geysir geothermal area

First Stop: Thingvellir National Park

Reykjavik to Thingvellir Drive Time: 45 Minutes

Thingvellir is the only place in the world where you can stand between two tectonic plates – the Eurasian and North American continental plates. It is also Iceland’s first national park and a dedicated UNESCO world heritage site.

Thousands of years ago, an earthquake tore a divide between the two plates and they have been stretching apart about 2 cm/year ever since.

Now, you can walk on a hiking trail through the broken-up lava field, with jagged rock formations rising on either side of you. I recommend spending about an hour wandering the hiking trails and exploring the park. 

If you are up for the adventure, I strongly recommend booking a snorkelling excursion where you can get into the water of the Silfra Rift and snorkel between the plates.

The Silfra Rift is listed on numerous top diving location lists, as you can peer down through the bright blue water to see the fascinating rock formations created by Earth’s most powerful forces. You can snorkel in the rift any time of year. The tour guides will equip you with special wet suits to keep you warm. 

Check Out: Snorkelling in Between Tectonic Plates in Thingvellir National Park

Second Stop: Gullfoss Waterfall

Drive Time: 50 minutes

After exploring Thingvellir, drive 50 minutes further from Reykjavik to Gullfoss Waterfall. The waterfall is massive with a walking trail at the top.

The water drops over 100 feet down in between a narrow canyon. The power of the falls creates a constant mist in the air, so there are often rainbows.

The trail from the parking lot to the falls’ lookout point is only 1.8 km round trip. We spent about 45 minutes admiring the falls and then walked back out of the mist to find a picnic spot for lunch. 

This is the perfect spot to sit in the grass, enjoy the views, and fuel up for the rest of the day’s adventures. 

Third Stop: Great Geysir 

Drive Time: 10 minutes

One of the coolest natural features in Iceland are its active Geysirs that shoot water tens of metres into the air. The Great Geysir geothermal area is only 10 minutes’ drive from Gullfoss and was my favourite stop in the Golden Circle. 

There are multiple geysirs and bubbling pools. The geysers are formed by ground water coming into contact with the hot bedrock, building pressure, and eventually shooting hot water straight into the air.

The main event is the Strokkur Geysir because of how it sprays water up to 30 metres in the air every few minutes. 

The geysirs are a short walk from the parking spaces. Dedicate about an hour to spend exploring and getting photos.

Fourth Stop: Seljalandsfoss

Drive Time: 1.5 hours 

After completing the Golden Circle, start heading east along the south coast. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the most iconic spots in Iceland and takes about 1.5 hours to get there from the geysers. 

Seljalandsfoss comes from the meltwater of a nearby glacier with a narrow stream of water cascading over a tall, moss-covered cliff. The best part is that there is a pathway behind the waterfall.

It is a really touristy spot but still one of the most amazing waterfalls to see in Iceland. After taking photos of Seljalandsfoss from all angles, make sure you continue along the path away from the parking lot to see the hidden waterfall called Gljufrabui. 

The hidden waterfall is tucked into the cliff side, with a narrow opening you can take to get inside to see it. The waterfall falls from high above and you can snap some incredible photos of you standing directly beneath it. Despite being less than a km away from Seljalandsfoss, most of the visitors skip this one so it feels like a hidden treasure.

Final Stop: Stay Near Skogafoss

Drive Time: 30 minutes

After exploring Seljalandsfoss and its hidden neighbour, make the final drive of the day 30 minutes to arrive near Skogafoss Waterfall. This marks the end of the first day, so grab a late dinner and relax after a busy first day.

Head to bed as early as possible so you can get up bright and early to enjoy another of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls without the crowds in the morning.  

Day 2: South Coast Highlights to Vik

Total Km’s Covered: Approx. 180 km / 112 miles

Total Drive Time: Approx. 2.5 hours

Highlights:

• Skogafoss Waterfall
• Hidden Gem Hot Spring + Mini Hike
• Glacier Trekking
• Dyrholaey Sea Arch
• Black Sand Beach
• Vik Church 

On your second day in Iceland, wake up as early as you can (ideally between 5 – 6 am) to see Skogafoss Waterfall before other tourists arrive.

Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls. It stretches 25 metres wide (82 feet) and drops 60 metres (197 feet). There is black sand at the bottom and you can walk up really close to the bottom of the falls.

We got there around 6 am (we were staying only 5 minutes away) and there were only 2 other people at the falls already. We hiked up the stairs to the top and had the viewing platforms completely to ourselves!

Spend about an hour admiring the falls and then head inside for a quick breakfast to get ready for the day. 

First Stop: Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

Drive Time: 15 minutes

The Seljavallalaug swimming pool was my absolute favourite attraction we visited in Iceland. There is a short hike to get there, where you’ll walk on a narrow track through a mountainous valley with flowers blooming all around you.

The pool is at the bottom of a rising mountain with the most stunning rugged landscape around it. There is a small building to change when you get there and the pool water is naturally warmed so that even in 10 degree or less weather it is still pleasant to swim inside. 

I don’t know how this pool isn’t more popular than it is, but I’m really glad it remains hidden. There were only a handful of other people enjoying the pool’s waters while we were.

How to Get to Seljavallalaug:

Seljavallalaug is located a short detour off Ring Road near Skogafoss. To get there, I recommend putting “Welcome Guesthouse Edinborg” into Google Maps and then continuing to drive past it on the gravel road until you get to the end where the parking lot is.

From there, the dirt trail to get to the pool is obvious and it is a quick 20 minute walk on a straight path with 0 elevation gain to get there. 

Second Stop: Sólheimajökull Glacier 

Drive Time: 45 minutes

After the stunning hike back from Seljavallalaug, we drove to see the Sólheimajökull glacier. Sólheimajökull is a tongue of the larger Myrdalsjökull Glacier and is one of the most accesible spots to view glaciers up close in Iceland.

The glacier stretches 8 km through a mountainous valley and has a small glacial lake. The hike to the glacier is only about 20 minutes from the parking lot with stunning views of the mountains and glacier as you approach it.

You can stand on the shores of the glacial lake, snapping photos of the towering ice walls and crevasses that shine blue in the sunlight. 

There are signs posted that don’t allow you to go past a certain point without a guide for safety reasons, but you can get really close up to the ice. We walked right up to a part of it and were able to touch the ice of the almost 10,000 year old glacier! 

Glacier Hiking Tours on Sólheimajökull:

If you are interested in getting even closer, you can book a guided trek that brings you on top of the Sólheimajökull glacier. I really regret not taking part in this tour as I watched the trekkers depart with their crampons and ice picks, stepping right onto the glacier.

The tour lasts about 3 hours in total and you get to explore the most magical ice formations, while learning about the history and geology of this incredible feature. It’s also an affordable tour compared to a lot of other excursions in Iceland.

For reference, I took part in a glacier hike in Patagonia last year and for only 30 minutes of glacier trekking time it cost over $400, so hiking the glacier in Iceland is comparatively a steal.

❄️ Check Out: Glacier Hiking Experience at Solheimajokull Glacier

Third Stop: Dyrhólaey

Drive Time: 40 minutes 

Head 40 minutes East to visit your next stop, Dyrholaey. This is the name of a small peninsula that juts out of the coast but is most known for the Dyrholaey arch.

At the upper section of the peninsula, you can walk along the cliff’s edge onto the sea arch. It is closed off to public access during May and June for nesting season.

When we visited, we drove along the lower section, with sweeping green mountains rising up from the road and small farms dotting the landscape.

Fourth Stop: Reynisfjara

Drive Time: 20 mintues

Reynisfjara beach is one of the most popular black sand beaches in Iceland and the next stop on this itinerary. The sand is a dark black grain made from eroded lava rock.

Distinct black basalt columns rise from the beach, which look like tall hexagons tiering upwards. You can climb up onto them to take pictures. There are beautiful rock formations out in the ocean and some tall cliff faces along the beach.

We spent a solid hour here taking photos and exploring further down away from the parking lot. 

⭐️ The Adventurer’s Option: Quad Bike Tour to explore Reynisfjara’s black sand shores instead. Drive right to Vik where the tours depart. The Quad Bike tours allow you to see way more of the black sand coast than you could cover on foot. Plus, you’ll cross rivers and stop at the famously photographed wreck of the Douglas DC-3.

Check Out: Quad Bike Safari to Black Sand Beach from Vik

Fifth and Final Stop: Vik 

Drive Time: 15 minutes

After exploring to your heart’s content at the black sand beach, make your way into the small town of Vik. This small town is sandwiched between the ocean waves on one side and towering green cliffs on the other.

First, head to the Reyniskirkja Church, often simply referred to as the Vik i Myrdal Church. The church stands on a hilltop above the town, making it the perfect spot to get a view over the entire town and snap some photos.

The white and red church creates beautiful photos contrasted by the mountains around it. It is also one of the best spots in Iceland to view the vibrant purple lupines from June – August.  

Day 3: Finishing the Southern Coast Highlights

Km’s Covered: Approx. 290 km / 180 miles

Total Drive Time: Approx. 4-5 hours

Before heading out of Vik, get a coffee and pastry from Lava Bakery and Coffee cafe in Vik. There’s also a great outdoor apparel store called Ice Wear next door to it. It’s a great Iceland brand that could be a practical souvenir. I now wear a rain jacket that reminds me of my Iceland trip!

First Stop: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Drive Time: 50 minutes 

Drive about 50 minutes from Vik to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This was one of those spots in Iceland that I saw tons of photos of in advance of planning our trip and it did not disappoint at all.

The canyon looks like it’s out of a fairy tale or Lord of the Rings movie with uniquely shaped cliffs covered in green moss. There are distinct walking paths along the top of the canyon and multiple viewpoints of varying heights throughout. Some of the viewpoints use metal staircases and platforms to help you get a view between the walls of the canyon. We spent about an hour here! 

❗️Important Tip: Conservation efforts have now closed the canyon between March and the start of June. 

Second Stop: Svartifoss Waterfall & Svínafellsjökull Glacier

Drive Time: 1 hour 

Yes, another waterfall, but Svartifoss is completely unique from the rest. It has a thin stream of water cascading over a hexagonal column lined cliffside. The water comes from the ice melt of the Svínafellsjökull glacier and falls over 20 metres (80 feet).

The waterfall is located in the Skaftafell nature reserve, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park. In the same reserve, there is the Svínafellsjökull glacier. I highly recommend hiking to see this glacier as well.

Both the Svartifoss waterfall and glacier have hiking trails that leave from the Skaftafell Visitors Center. 

There are two separate trails that view each of these attractions individually. The 5.3 km S2 trail to Svartifoss and the 4.6 km S1 trail to the edge of the glacial lake to view Svínafellsjökull head on. However, the best way to combine a hike to see both and view the glacier from an even better angle is to hike the S6 Svartifoss – Sjonarnipa trail.

This hike is 7.1 km round trip. You’ll view the waterfall and then climb to the Sjonarnipa viewpoint which overlooks the glacier and its surrounding mountains from above. Here, you’ll have an impressive view of the crevasses of the glacier and see much further back into the mountainous valley beyond it.

Third Stop: Jökulsárlón Ice Beach and Lagoon

Drive Time: 45 minutes

After hiking in Vatnajökull, drive to another black sand beach, often called the Diamond Beach. Jökulsárlón Ice Beach gets its name from the ever-present glass-like ice chunks that cover the beach.

The ice comes from chunks of the nearby glacial lake washing onto shore. Right across the road from the beach is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon where you can see the larger icebergs floating in the water.

While we loved the glassy ice formations, our favourite part of the lagoon was spotting the seals swimming next to the icebergs. We spotted multiple of them and spent a good half an hour just watching them swim. 

Fourth Stop: Hoffell Hot Tubs

Drive Time: 50 minutes

After hiking and feeling the cool air drift off the icy lagoon, it’s time to warm up in some hot tubs. Before travelling to Iceland, I had never come across these gorgeous hot tubs online. We only found them by spotting a sign for them on our way into Hofn.

The Hoffell Hot Tubs are located a short way off Ring Road, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. There are 5 hot tubs of varying temperatures built into the ground surrounded by cobble stones.

The views from the hot tubs are so beautiful with dancing lupines in the foreground. It is the perfect spot to relax after a busy day. 

There is a small changing area with an outdoor shower. Towels are provided with entry. 

Fifth and Final Stop: Hofn 

Drive Time: 20 minutes

The final stop for the night is in the tiny town of Hofn. Hofn is an Icelandic fishing village with beautiful views over the coast and excellent seafood. Spend the evening grabbing something to eat at one of their few local restaurants and enjoying the views. 

Day 4: East Coast Road Trip to Seydisfjordur  

Km’s Covered: Approx. 225 km (140 miles).

Driving Time: 4 hours

First Stop: Stokksnes

Stokksnes is a peninsula not far from Hofn that has a famous view of the Vestrahorn Mountain. Photos of the jagged mountains rising from black sand dunes were stuck in my head when planning my own trip to Iceland.

Driving into the peninsula was one of the most breathtaking roads we traveled on in Iceland. Sandy mountains sweep up hundreds of feet high directly from the side of the road.

To see the famous view of the Vestrahorn, you have to pay entry at the small cafe at the end of the road. It costs 900 ISK (about $7). The best spot to photograph the unique mountains is directly from the beach. The water often spreads a thin layer over the sand, causing a reflection of the mountains. 

⭐️ Important Tip: If it’s a cloudy or foggy day, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to see the Vestrahorn’s peaks. I was there on a cloudy day and could see part of the mountain but the peaks were completely covered in fog. It might not be worth driving down the peninsula if the weather isn’t at least slightly clear. The weather can change quickly in Iceland though, so it is up to you!

Road Tripping Along the East Coast to Seydisfjordur

After enjoying the Stokksnes Peninsula, drive through your first mountain tunnel to journey the Eastern Fjords. The stretch between Stokksnes and Seydisfjordur is the most stunning portion of driving on the Ring Road.

Day 4’s itinerary is all about driving these stunning roads, weaving in and around mountains, and stopping when your heart calls for it. There are numerous lookout points along the Eastern roads, tiny fishing towns, and tunnels where you’ll drive for km’s through the base of a mountain.

My absolute favourite experience of my entire trip happened along this road. In many of the tiny towns, there are colourful bubble bouncy mats at the children’s playgrounds. We stopped in one of the towns to stock up on snacks and ended up spending almost an hour jumping like children surrounded by ocean waves and towering mountains!

It was so unexpected and genuinely the most memorable experience of our trip. Keep an eye out for these in local towns!

As you get closer to Seydisfjordur, you’ll be up higher into the mountains where even in summer they can get snow. Driving down into the town, there are spectacular views of Seydisfjordur.

Final Stop: Seydisfjordur

Seydisfjordur was another one of those slightly off-the-beaten path spots that I’ve had on my list since watching the iconic longboarding scene from the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.”

The small town is on the waterfront of one of the longest fjords on Iceland’s east coast. It has some wonderfully quaint restaurants and a famous white church with a rainbow walkway. Spend the evening strolling the streets admiring the views of the mountains. 

Day 5: Infinity Pools and a Stinkier Version of Mars

Distance: 285 km

Total Drive Time: 4 hours

First Stop: Vok Baths 

Drive Time: 40 minutes

The Vok Baths were one of those road trip spots that we discovered by chance. It ended up being one of our favourite places to visit in Iceland. 

This luxurious geothermal spa is on Lake Urriðavatn and has floating hot springs suspended in the lake with an infinity pool effect. The water comes from a natural geothermal source and each of the 3 pools is heated to different temperatures. You can even jump into the cold lake for the hot and cold spa effect. 

Vok Baths have luxurious amenities for such a reasonable price, including a float up bar with healthy smoothies or alcoholic beverages, a steam bath, and a bistro. I loved it there! 

Second Stop: Stuðlagil Canyon Hike

Drive Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Studlagil Canyon is known for its stunning basalt columns that rise above a rushing turquoise river. The canyon has some narrow sections that make for stunning photo ops of the geometric patterns on either side. 

You can view the canyon from the viewpoint at the top (which doesn’t require hiking) or by hiking to the canyon floor. The viewing platform at the top of the canyon is good if you don’t have a ton of time to visit this spot. You’ll have a somewhat limited view of the canyon, but enough to get a good idea of why it’s so popular. 

If you want to see Studlagil Canyon in the best possible way, I recommend hiking the canyon floor. The hike is only about 3 km round trip with a strenuous uphill return. It’s considered moderate and takes about 30 – 40 minutes each way. 

Seeing the canyon from within it offers the best views by far. 

Third Stop: Hverir

Drive Time: 2 hours

After hiking in Studlagil Canyon, start the drive towards Husavik. On your way, you’ll see Hverir just off the side of the highway. Hverir is a Mars-looking landscape with red dirt, bubbling pools, and a super stinky smell (from the sulphur). It is part of the larger Krafla volcanic system. 

It is worth stopping at for its uniqueness, however, the smell is pretty rough. We couldn’t stand it for more than 10 minutes and left, but so many people recommend it, so maybe it was somehow worse the day we went? It’s worth checking out.

Fourth and Final Stop: Husavik 

Drive Time: 1 hour

Husavik is a small town on the North Coast of Iceland. It is known as the “Whale Watching Capital of Iceland” and provides a great glimpse into authentic local life. 

Grab dinner at the popular Gamli Baukur. It is inside an Icelandic-style building with maritime decorations and hearty food.

Day 6: Husavik Whale Watching and the Final Stretch

Husavik is the single-best location in Iceland to go whale watching. It is home to Skjalfandi Bay, which has a nutrient-rich ecosystem that attracts a high concentration of whales and dolphins.

They are especially present between June – August when the plankton population is particularly high, attracting humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, and even blue whales (the largest animal on the planet). 

I’ve been on whale watching tours all over the world, but seeing a blue whale in Iceland made this one of my absolute favourites. 

I did my tour with Gentle Giants and it went above and beyond. We got suited up in warm clothes and the guides educated us on whale conservation in Iceland. The boat is a smaller oak-wood vessel and takes great care to not get too close to the whales for their protection. It was fun hearing the guides radioing around to find locations where whales had been spotted.

Check Out: Husavik Whale Watching Tour

Drive to Reykjavik

After a morning spent whale watching, make the 6+ hour drive back to Reykjavik. It is a longer driving day, but the views along the way definitely help. 

Day 7: Reykjavik + Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon

The reason I recommend spending a full day in Reykjavik at the end instead of the start is so you can save a relaxing experience at Blue Lagoon for the end. I found it the perfect way to unwind after a busy week of hiking and driving.

Blue Lagoon is arguably Iceland’s most popular attraction. It is only 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik. The spa is located in a lava field and is powered by geothermal springs, resulting in blue milky water rich in silica and mineral content. The water is said to have healing properties from the minerals and algae. 

Entrance to Blue Lagoon includes a complimentary face mask (you can choose a lava mineral one) and a free drink from the swim up bar. I chose to get a healthy smoothie with mine, but my sister was able to get wine as hers! 

We spent a solid few hours at the Blue Lagoon, relaxing and making the most of our time there.

Cost of Entrance: The basic entry ranges from 9,990 ISK to 12,990 ISK but the cheaper rates are for the latest time slots where you don’t get as many hours there.

💡 Tip: You have to book Blue Lagoon entrance in advance. Book for the earliest time slot you can manage to avoid some of the crowds. The first time slot starts at 8 am and they run on the hour.

Sightseeing in Reykjavik 

After a relaxing morning at the Blue Lagoon, spend some time sightseeing in Iceland’s capital city. The Reykjavik area is home to over 64% of the entire country’s population and is the hub for Iceland’s culture scene. 

Make sure to check out: 

• Hallgrímskirkja Church – A 75 metre tall church and one of the most famous landmarks in the city. 
• The Sun Voyager – A stainless steel sculpture made to look like a Viking ship on the waterfront. 
• Reykjavik Old Harbour – A bustling part of town with amazing seafood, shops, and art galleries.
• Laugavegur Street – Reykjavik’s main shopping street with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Keep an eye out for the rainbow street. 
• National Museum of Iceland – If you want to learn more about Iceland’s history and culture, this museum has a complete look back from Viking times until today. 

The best restaurants to eat at in Reykjavik include:

• Dill – This is the best restaurant in Reykjavik for fine dining. They were the first to receive a Michelin Star. They place a huge focus on sustainability, so their 5-7 course set menus have this in mind.
• Islenski Barinn – A great traditional Iceland bar vibe. They serve traditional dishes with their own twist. The atmosphere is rustic and cozy.
• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – For some reason Iceland has its own famous hot dog! They have a unique flavour specific to Iceland. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is the most popular hot dog stand in Reykjavik.
• Icelandic Street Food – This restaurant serves traditional Icelandic food for a cheaper price. They are known as one of the best food spots in town.

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The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Itinerary for 8 Days

The 8 day version of this Iceland road trip itinerary remains exactly the same, but with an added day to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjavik. You’ll stay a total of 2 nights in Reykjavik. 

8 day Iceland Route:

🚘 Reykjavik ➡️ Skogafoss ➡️ Hofn ➡️ Seydisfjordur ➡️ Husavik ➡️ Reykjavik ➡️ Reykjanes Peninsula 

Day 8: Reykjanes Peninsula 

Reykjanesviti – Iceland’s Oldest Lighthouse

Start by visiting Iceland’s oldest lighthouse. It is on a rugged cliff with great views over the Atlantic Ocean. The peninsula is filled with geothermal and volcanic activity, so you’ll also see the old lava fields spread around it. 

Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Fagradalsfjall provides the unique opportunity to hike on top of dried lava. Fagradalsfjall is the volcano that erupted in 2021 and again throughout 2022 and 2023.

As a result, there is a huge lava field of relatively freshly-dried lava that has hardened into black lava rocks. You can still see the textures of the lava flow and hear the crunch when walking on top of it. 

There are 5 viewpoints you can hike to and 2 car parks. The hikes vary in distance from only 800 metre hikes to 2.6 km hikes or upwards of 5.6 km. 

When I visited, I simply drove to the first car park I saw and hiked the single path for about 1 hour up. I came to a section where I could hike down and walk on top of the dried lava. At the time I didn’t realize the variety of hiking options.

Because I didn’t personally hike all the different options, check out Anywhere We Roam’s Guide to the 5 hiking options!

Lunch in Grindavík

After hiking, Grindavik is a great spot to grab lunch. It is a pretty fishing village very close to Fagradalsfjall volcano. So close that some people’s homes were sadly destroyed by spewing lava from fissure eruptions in January 2024. The town was reopened to the public in October 2024 and has a few local restaurants. 

Check out Papa’s Restaurant for some great fish and chips! 

Reykjanestá (Valahnúkamöl) Cliffs

Reykjanesta or Valahnúkamöl on Google Maps is on the westernmost tip of the southern peninsula. It is an incredibly scenic coastal seascape with jagged black cliffs jutting out of the crashing waves and a steep cliff overlooking it all.

It’s a great spot for photos and hiking up and down the coast. 

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The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Itinerary for 9 Days:

For the 9 day version of this itinerary, I recommend adding a day in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, North West of Reykjavik. 

9 day Iceland route:

🚘 Reykjavik ➡️ Skogafoss ➡️ Hofn ➡️ Seydisfjordur ➡️ Husavik ➡️ Snaefellsnes ➡️ Reykjavik ➡️ Reykjanes Peninsula 

Day 6: Husavik Whale Watching and Snaefellsnes

Distance: Approx. 428 km 

Drive Time: 6 hours

For day 6 of this Iceland road trip, instead of driving to Reykjavik after whale watching, make the drive to Stykkishólmur. 

Sykkisholmur is the biggest town in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with access to the most accommodation options, restaurants, and grocery stores. 

Day 7: Snaefellsnes Peninsula 

Start the day by visiting the most famous attraction in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Kirkjufell Mountain. If you’ve seen any photos of Iceland, you’ve already seen images of this iconic mountain. 

Kirkjufellsfoss is a nearby waterfall that provides a stunning image of the water falling with Kirkjufell in the background. Park in the Kirkjufellsfoss parking lot and then walk up the road across the street to get closer to the mountain. 

There is also a nearby Kirkjufell Viewpoint to get pictures of the mountain from across the water. 

If you’re interested, another fantastic way to see Kirkjufell is by kayak. This will give you a more 360 degree experience to see the mountain at every angle.

Check Out: The Classic Kayaking Adventure of Mt. Kirkjufell

Snaefellsjokull National Park

Drive Time: 30 minutes

Snaefellsjokull National Park is known for its giant glacier that covers over a volcanic peak. 

It also has the Budahraun lava field, a famous black church called Budakirkja, an 8000 year old lava tube, and several hikes. The best hikes are to Londrangar or the Saxholl Volcano crater. There are also guided tours on the glacier if you want to trek on the 700,000 year old ice. 

You can learn more about the park and its hiking options at Snaefellsjokull’s park website.

Arnarstapi and Gatklettur Rock

Drive Time: 30 minutes

Gatklettur is a natural stone arch that stands in the crashing waves along the Snaefellsnes coast. The best way to see it is to hike the trail from Arnarstapi to Hellnar. 

The trail is about 2.5 km one way (5 km there and back). It follows the dramatic black and green coastline, with some incredible rock features formed by volcanic activity. You can start the hike in either of the towns, but if you start in Arnarstapi you can take a lovely break at the Fjöruhúsið cafe in Hellnar at the halfway mark of the total roundtrip hike. 

Gatklettur is much closer to Arnarstapi, so if you’re tired of hiking from Snaefellsjokull, you can walk 15 minutes each way to the sea arch. 

Londrangar Cliffs

Drive Time: 10 minutes

Finally, make sure you make a stop at the Londrangar cliffs. They are sea stacks and dramatic cliffs formed thousands of years ago by volcanic activity. Now, you can walk along the cliffs at the top or check out the small beach. 

Return to Reykjavik

Drive Time: 2 hours

After a day exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, drive the 2 hours back to Reykjavik. 

Day 8 – 9: Reykjavik Sightseeing, Blue Lagoon + the Reykjanes Peninsula like in the 8 day itinerary.

Follow day 7 and 8 for these final 2 days of the itinerary.

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The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days:

For 10 days on Ring Road, spread out the driving a little bit and add more sightseeing along the Northern Coast. Follow the 7 day itinerary until day 5 in Husavik. 

10 day Iceland route:

🚘 Reykjavik ➡️ Skogafoss ➡️ Hofn ➡️ Seydisfjordur ➡️ Husavik ➡️ Hestaport (and Northern Iceland) ➡️ Snaefellsnes ➡️ Reykjavik ➡️ Reykjanes Peninsula 

Day 5: Husavik Whale Watching

Day 5 in Husavik for this 10 day Iceland itinerary will start the same as the previous itineraries with whale watching in the morning. After having a hearty lunch in Husavik, instead of making a long drive to Reykjavik or Snaefellsnes, drive a short distance to a gorgeous waterfall.

Stop One: Godafoss

Drive Time: 45 minutes

Godafoss is one of Northern Iceland’s best waterfalls. The name Godafoss refers to it being the “waterfall of the Gods.”

The cliffs form a curved shape with water falling over 39 feet (12 meters) into a pool below. There are trails that lead you to either side of the falls from the parking lot. 

Stop Two: Laufas Turf House

Drive Time: 45 minutes

Turf houses, homes that were built into hills with grass growing on top of them, were built for generations in Iceland because of their superior insulation. You can find them all over Iceland.

One of the best spots to see and venture inside them is Laufas.

Laufas Turf House is a museum that displays how Icelandic people lived for centuries. The houses also have incredible scenery, making this a unique destination worth visiting in Iceland.

Third and Final Stop: Hestasport Cottage

After a busy day, I recommend spending the night in Hestasport Cottages. The cottages are adorable and have beautiful stone hot tubs built into the ground. The best part is that Hestasport offers horseback riding excursions, which will be one of Day 7’s activities!

Day 7: Horseback Riding + Grettislaug Geothermal Pool 

For day 7 of this Iceland Itinerary, experience a morning ride on the back of an Icelandic Horse.

Icelandic Horses are a completely unique breed that can only be found in Iceland. They are shorter with a stronger build and get all furry (and cute) in the colder months. 

Hestasport has its own stable with Icelandic Horses to experience riding through the beautiful countryside. 

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A post shared by Grettislaug Reykir (@grettislaug)

Grettislaug Geothermal Pool

After a morning on horseback, drive up to the Grettislaug Geothermal Pools. They are one of the most scenic hot spring pool areas in all of Iceland.

The pool is built into the ground, outlined with stones. There are mountain views on one side and the ocean peninsula on the other. 

The waters are warm, the scenery is superb, and there are change rooms on site for comfort.

Drive to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula:

In late afternoon, make the drive to Sykkisholmur in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to continue the rest of the itinerary. 

Day 8, 9, 10: Snaefellsnes, Reykjavik Sightseeing, Blue Lagoon + the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Follow day 7, 8, and 9 of the previous 9 day itinerary for these final few days. You’ll visit Snaefellsnes for a day, do some sightseeing and Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, and then explore the Reykjanes Peninsula.

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FAQ About Iceland Road Trips: 

1. What Route Should I Road Trip Iceland in winter?

You can road trip in Iceland during the winter, but with a very different type of itinerary and set of considerations.

Several popular roads get closed in the winter months, which can cause delays to road trippers’ schedules.

I recommend sticking to the south coast and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in winter. You’ll be able to take advantage of the ice caves, snowmobiling, and glacier hiking in the South.

2. Is it Safe to Drive in Iceland?

Iceland is considered safe to drive in. Its unpredictable weather is a factor to consider. During summer, you should expect some rain and wind conditions and potentially even snow. Always keep an eye on the forecast. 

I also recommend getting the extra gravel, sand, and ash insurance. The roads in Iceland can cause some serious damage to vehicles that you won’t want to be liable for.

3. How to Plan a Road Trip in Iceland?

I recommend planning a road trip in Iceland by following the order of these steps:

1. First, decide on your itinerary – how many days, where do you want to stop each night, what sights are most important to you, etc.
2. Determine if you want to travel by camper van or rental car. 
3. Rent your vehicle.
4. Book your accommodation – you should do this 6+ months in advance if you want to find affordable options.
5. Finalize your activities, including booking any tours.
6. Purchase travel insurance.
7. Make sure you pack for unpredictable weather – I had to buy myself a warmer jacket while I was there in June. I wore a winter hat, gloves, and so many layers. Rain pants to go under your rain jacket are a MUST! 

⭐️ Important Tip: If you are staying in hotels in Iceland, make sure you book your accommodation as far in advance as possible. Ideally more than 6 months out. Accommodation in Iceland is already expensive and books up quickly. The closer you wait to book, the more expensive the few options left will be.

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Final Thoughts on How to Road Trip in Iceland

Road tripping is the best way to experience Iceland and all of its unforgettable things to do. You can choose from the popular Ring Road or get off the beaten path a little in the Western Fjords or the Highlands. I recommend sticking to the South Coast and Snaefellsnes if you’re road tripping Iceland in Winter.

With the right knowledge from this Iceland road trip guide, you’ll be all set to adventure through all the best stops – like Skogafoss waterfall, Hofn’s hot tubs, Jökulsárlón Ice Beach, Seydisfjordur, Husavik, and much much more!

Happy adventuring!

* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!

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