Let’s be real: Iceland will probably ruin your hair, drain your bank account, and—if you aren’t careful—literally try to blow your car door off. But DAMN, those views. If you’ve been dreaming of a road trip that feels like a cinematic masterpiece, this 10-day Iceland itinerary is your roadmap.
I’ve mapped out the ultimate route around the entire Ring Road so you can finally stop scrolling and start driving. 10 days in Iceland is the ‘sweet spot’—just enough time to go beyond the viral waterfalls and fall completely in love with the island’s raw, moody soul.
This isn’t just a checklist; it’s a guide to experiencing the ‘dreamy’ side of the Land of Fire and Ice, from the iconic sights you’ve seen in movies to the secret spots that make this country feel like another planet. Pack your layers and grab your camera; we’re going on a 2,300 km adventure (1400 miles).
When to go to Iceland?
Iceland is an all-year destination. When you go depends on your interests and what you’re expecting from your Iceland holiday.
Summer: June to August
This is a wonderful time to go because the weather is milder (5 and 20 °C) compared to other times of the year, the days are long with 20–24 hours of daylight (yes, the sun doesn’t set between mid-June and mid-July), the landscape is snow-free so you can see it in all its glory, you can drive easily and safely, and purple lupins are in full bloom early in the summer. It’s a great time to camp and hike!
The disadvantages of this season are that costs are higher because it’s such a great time to visit that demand is much higher than at any other time of the year. Also, you can’t see the northern lights.
This is when we visited and would go again to enjoy Iceland’s incredible landscapes.
If you’re going during this period, do check out our Iceland Summer Packing List that’ll keep you comfortable in Iceland’s fickle weather.
Winter: October to March
The weather is very harsh during the winter months, but it’s a great time to visit for ice caves, snowy landscapes and the northern lights. It’s also cheaper to travel to Iceland in the winter.
However, winter comes with a lot of disadvantages. Besides the harsh weather, the daylight hours can be as short as 4 hours so you don’t have a lot of time to explore; it can be dangerous to drive in icy conditions if you’ve never done it before; many camps are shut in the winters; and there might be road closures too.
Shoulder: April, May and September
These months strike a good balance between the summer and winter months. You get better temperatures than in the winter months, can see the most intense displays of the northern lights in September around the equinox, and can see the landscapes with only a little snow cover.
How to get around Iceland?
The best way to see Iceland is by renting a car or campervan! There is hardly any public transport in Iceland. The little that does exist will most likely not take you to your desired tourist spots in Iceland.
The other option is to either join a group tour circling around the island or stay in Reykjavík, the capital, and do day trips (tours). These are good options for the winter months if you don’t wish to drive in snowy conditions but for any other time of the year, self-driving a vehicle is best!
The Iceland itinerary given below can only be followed by renting a vehicle. But before you rent a car and drive in Iceland, do read these posts because driving in Iceland is a different ballgame altogether!!
For Iceland, I would suggest booking your rental car through Northbound Iceland Car Rental. They’re an Iceland-based company so they know local conditions well and have built their website accordingly. The prices may be slightly higher than what you’re seeing on other aggregator websites because it only lists trusted local companies. And there is nothing more important for Iceland than that, because the chances of being ripped off while returning the car are high. Northbound also provides gravel, sand and ash insurance (please get this!), which other providers like Discover Cars, Rental Cars and Carjet don’t do.
They also let you know if a 4×4 car can be driven on f-roads. Not all 4x4s rented out are allowed on f-roads and not all websites mentioned this.
Is 10 days enough for Iceland?
10 days is the perfect amount of time to see attractions around Iceland’s Ring Road. You can see plenty of places at a leisurely pace. A lot of people do the Ring Road in 7 days as well, which I think is a bit rushed.
Things to Expect on an Iceland Road Trip
- Food: Iceland’s population is concentrated in the capital city of Reykjavik and the rest of the country is quite untouched, barring a few small towns and cities. So when you’re driving around Iceland, it isn’t easy to find restaurants and if you do find them, they’re exorbitantly priced.
So the majority of the time, expect to have meals at gas stations (don’t worry, they’re a lot like your usual cafes with fewer options), at grocery stores (big grocery stores like Kronan and Bonus often have microwaves to heat ready-to-eat food and eat right there), or by cooking ready-to-eat type food or simple meals at your accommodation. When you’re filling fuel, also reload your snack supply so you have something to eat at all times. - Fuel: Fill fuel as soon as you hit the halfway mark on your meter because there may be vast stretches without a gas station and you don’t want to be out of fuel! Read all the Iceland road trip and driving tips here.
- Accommodation: There are hotels around Iceland but only a few. Expect to stay at a lot of cabins or guesthouses on a farm in the middle of nowhere. The views will be gorgeous. However, the nightly tariff won’t. This is what you can expect!
Guest Houses and Hostels: Basic private rooms or bunks, usually with shared bathrooms and kitchens. These are ideal for budget travellers. Private rooms cost between ISK 14,000 and ISK 20,000 (USD 110-160), which is a lot more than your usual budget travel accommodation.
Mid-Range: Nicer guest houses or cabins with a private kitchen and bathroom. Expect to pay between ISK 25,000 and 43,000 (USD 200-350)
Luxury: Unique stays, hotels, and apartments above ISK 43,000 (above USD 350). These might be more basic than your usual luxury stay.
In this blog post, I will be providing accommodation options in all categories, so you can choose according to your preference. Remember that most stays have contactless check-in so you can even check in super late. However, the kitchen may have a notice asking you to refrain from cooking after 10 PM to avoid disturbing people sleeping in nearby rooms. Plan your days accordingly. - Attractions: You will have a lot of spots added into your itinerary (please mark them on Google Maps beforehand). Depending on the time you start in the morning, you may or may not have time to see all the spots and may have to skip some or shift them up to the next day. Be flexible and ready to skip some spots if need be! Also, the natural attractions in Iceland are usually free but they may have paid parking, which you shouldn’t forget to pay.
And before you head to Iceland, remember to be a responsible tourist…
10-day Iceland Itinerary
This self-drive itinerary can be followed for an Iceland road trip (barring the winter months), be it using a car or a campervan. Since we ourselves drove the Iceland Ring Road in a car, we will be providing hotel options as well. This itinerary will not have camping locations so you can alter it according to your preferred camping sites, though I do not think you should have a problem following it as is.
This map of Iceland has the spots mentioned in the itinerary along with a day-wise breakup for you to visualise your 10-day Iceland road trip itinerary route.
Day 1: Hot Springs and Reykjavík
Drive distance: 133 kilometres (this drive is actually supposed to be just 75 kilometres, but due to the volcano in 2023/2024, some roads may be closed)
Area to stay: In or around Reykjavik
Airbnb we stayed at: Private room in Hafnarfjordur. We lived in a small room in a town near Reykjavik, in the house of locals who have two friendly cats.
Stay options: Budget| Mid-Range | Luxury | Family
Pick up your car or campervan from the main airport in Iceland at Keflavik. The rental car company may have their office right at the airport or they may have a shuttle that picks you up from the airport.
Since the new route to Blue Lagoon after the current volcano takes you on a scenic seaside drive, you can check out the ‘Bridge Between Continents’, which is a bridge connecting two tectonic plates—Eurasian and American tectonic plates—before heading to the lagoon.
Blue Lagoon
Start your 10 days in Iceland with a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon, the most renowned geothermal spa in Iceland, with light blue water set against a black volcanic landscape. It’s stunning!
The Blue Lagoon has gained a bad rap for being very crowded and overpriced owing to its popularity. People will often tell you not to go here and choose an alternative thermal spa like Sky Lagoon. However, we thought that the Blue Lagoon was an absolutely serene and beautiful experience, despite the number of people in the changing room. The lagoon itself was big enough for it to not feel crowded in certain pockets. We got the basic package with one mask and one drink free. There is nothing like sipping a glass of wine while relaxing in these warm, blue waters.
If you’re crowd-averse or if there is a security alert due to the volcano, you can instead head directly to Sky Lagoon, which is closer to Reykjavik.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a beautiful city with colourful streets in the downtown area, lined with charming boutiques, cafes, and vibrant street art. You can park your car for free at Hallgrimskirkja Church. After parking, walk around Reykjavik, following the walking route given on the map below. It is a total of a 5-kilometre walk but will give you a good feel of the city, taking you through some iconic spots.
- Hallgrimskirkja Church: The iconic church you’ve surely seen before in photos. Pay attention to the statue of Leif Eriksson in front of the church! Leif Eriksson, an 11th-century Nordic explorer, was the first European to set foot in North America, not Christopher Columbus. If you’ve watched ‘Vikings: Valhalla’, you’ll know exactly who this is. Do go inside the church to see the simple but unique interior. You can also choose to climb up the church for a small fee for a spectacular view over Reykjavik.
- Svarta Kaffid: This is a cosy little café and bar where you can have an Icelandic soup served in a bowl made entirely of bread, so you can ‘eat your bowl’ afterwards. You only have two options: vegetarian and meat!
- Laugavegur Street: Walk this street, which is full of shops. Take a stroll and do some souvenir shopping! Reykjavik’s stores are so cute.
- Höfði House and Lighthouse: Built in 1909, Höfði House is a historically significant building renowned for hosting the summit where the U.S. and Soviet leaders met, marking a step towards the end of the Cold War. It has also hosted famous personalities such as Queen Elizabeth II. Close by is the starkly orange Hofdi Lighthouse.
- Sun Voyager: This is a modern and minimalistic sculpture that conveys the essence of a Viking boat. Must see!
- Harpa Concert Hall: This modern glass honeycomb concert hall is home to the national opera & symphony. The building is free to visit and absolutely gorgeous.
- Dinner: It’s time to grab an Icelandic meal. You can have a hot dog (which contains beef) at the extremely famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur or have a sit-down meal at Icelandic Street Food or Íslenski Barinn.
- Hús máls og menningar: They have live music every night! We went here by chance and had a fab time.
- Rainbow Street: Finally walk down the rainbow street back to the church
If you’d like to shorten this route a bit, you can cut out Hofdi House and Lighthouse and Laugavegur Street, which would make this route about 4 km.
Day 2: The Golden Circle
Drive distance and time: 206 km (3 hours)
Area to stay: In or around Selfoss
Airbnb we stayed at: Simple, cosy double room in Selfoss 801 is on a farm. There are 3–4 rooms, which are separated by paper-thin walls. We thought that was one big downside of this property, along with there being only one bathroom to be shared between all the rooms, but otherwise it was all great. The living area and kitchen are big and have everything you need.
Stay Options: Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury | Unique | Family Cabin
Spots to visit this day:
- Þingvellir National park
- Laugarvatn Fontana (optional)
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Hrunalaug Hot Pool OR Secret Lagoon
- Kerid Crater
On day 2, drive the Golden Circle, an area that’s part of everyone’s itinerary for their first Iceland trip. Let me warn you, it might not be the most exciting day you have in Iceland. But a necessary one nonetheless, because it has some iconic experiences like walking or snorkelling between tectonic plates, seeing a geyser erupt, soaking in hot springs and seeing a magnificent waterfall.
Thingvellir National Park: Start your day by driving to Thingvellir National Park (written as Þingvellir in Icelandic), where you can walk between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. It is also the only place in the world where you can snorkel or dive between tectonic plates in the Silfra fissure. The water has a visibility of over 100 metres! Can you believe that? Well, you have to try the experience out and let me know. You’ll take 1.5–2 hours in Thingvellir and another 3 hours if you add in Silfra.
If you do end up doing Silfra, you will have to pick and choose between the other spots on today’s list, as you won’t have time to do them all.
Laugarvatn Fontana: Laugarvatn Fontana has geothermal pools that might be a fun place to spend some time. But that’s not why I’ve included it here. They also have a Geothermal Bakery Tour at specific times where you can see the process and sample freshly baked Icelandic rye bread that is baked underground for 24 hours. We missed this place, as we didn’t know about it at the time and had a difficult time finding fresh rye bread anywhere else in the country, so I recommend checking it out!
Geysir Geothermal Area: See the Strokkur Geyser that shoots hot water high into the air every 10 minutes or so and not every eruption is the same so you’ll spend a bit of time here. You’ll love it if you’ve never seen a geyser before. Plus, the restaurant here has quite a few nice options so it’s a great place for lunch.
Gullfoss Waterfall: Gullfoss is a powerful waterfall that is sometimes called the “Golden Falls” because when the sun shines on the water, it looks golden. Expect this waterfall to be crowded!
Hrunalaug Hot Pools: We spent the evening relaxing in this small and quaint hot spring (more like a warm water spring) that was once used to bathe sheep. It literally feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere and not many people visit. Alternatively, you could visit Secret Lagoon nearby, which is much larger. Both of these have entry costs so do check their websites before you visit.
Kerid Crater: We could not make it to Kerid Crater because we started the day late, but if you start early enough, you might yet have time to visit this crater. You can walk around the rim and even down to the lake.
End your day at an accommodation in or between Selfoss and Hella.
Note: There was a volcano erupting in Iceland in 2024-2025 near the Blue Lagoon. If you’re interested in checking out the volcano, you can either see it instead of the Golden Circle or instead of the highlands. You can adjust your itinerary accordingly. Here’s one itinerary suggestion for this day:
- Drive from Reykjavik to Grindavik
- Take this hiking tour to the volcano with a Geologist
- Have lunch in the town of Þorlákshöfn or Hveragerði
- Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River: 1 hour of walking each way to take a dip in geothermal water in a river. We haven’t done this but I can’t wait to someday.
- Kerid Crater
- Sleep in or near Selfoss
Day 3: The Highlands
Drive distance: 99.5 km (assuming you’re not driving to Landmannalaugar yourself)
Area to stay: Skogar
Airbnb we stayed at: Room-4 Bus Guesthouse by Eyjafjallajökull is a guest house with beautiful surroundings. Again, there is only one bathroom per floor, so getting to use it can be time-consuming.
Stay Options: Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury | Family/Group
The Highlands in Iceland are perhaps the most stunning area I’ve seen in the world, let alone Iceland! Think colourful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and jaw-dropping scenery. The highlands can only be accessed via a 4×4 vehicle and only during the months between mid-June and mid-September, as it requires driving on an f-road (mountain road), which is closed during the winter months. Check road conditions and closures here. If you’re planning to hire a 4×4, you can drive up to Landmannalaugar by yourself, but do note that there will be a river crossing.
Otherwise, you can take a bus or a tour to Landmannalaugar from Hella. Either way, the trip will be expensive but very rewarding!
Tip: It is best to book your bus a few months in advance because the buses with better timings get sold out. Aim to book a bus that gets there as soon as possible in the morning (love the 7:30 AM option from Hella) and leave at or after 4:30 PM. There are plenty of bus companies to choose from but only the one I’ve linked has a bus leaving so early in the morning.
Landmannalaugar (self-drive or bus/tour from Hella)
Landmannalaugar doesn’t feature on most people’s Iceland itineraries and it’s probably not for you if you don’t want to hike at all. But if you’re willing to do even a short hike and can survive a bumpy drive without a backache, you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning views.
If you’re doing the Lanmannalaugar tour, then everything will be handled for you, and you’ll see the best in a short time, like we did. If you’re taking a bus or your 4X4, then I’d recommend the following hikes:
- Brennisteinsalda: 6.5 km easy-ish hike. There is one major uphill climb but that’s all.
- Brennisteinsalda and Blahnúkúr Loop: 9.7 km moderate hike. Do this hike only if you’re super fit and can complete the whole hike before your bus back to Hella.
After your hike, relax at the geothermal pool near the campsite. There are warnings that this geothermal pool is not safe and gives swimmers the swimmer’s itch. We chose not to go in but many took a dip without any issues.
If you’re driving to Landmannalaugar then sure you reserve your parking spot prior to going.
Seljalandsfoss: You’re finally starting your journey through Iceland’s south coast. Pick up your car from Hella and head towards Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading water and experience the beauty up close. Honestly, the falls feel a bit underwhelming from the front, but when you’re behind at sunset, the water lights up golden and that’s the best time to visit. Unfortunately, we arrived slightly late and missed that golden light!
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool: In case you’ve reached Seljalandsfoss earlier than sunset or are visiting during the midnight sun, you can choose to go to Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool for a dip in a rustic setting. This used to be the biggest swimming pool in Iceland and is one of the oldest. The water is warm (not hot) and green in colour due to algae, and the changing rooms are dirty. But despite all of that, a lot of people mention that it is their favourite hot pool! So it might be worth checking out if you have time.
After you visit, check in to your accommodation in Skogar, near Skogafoss.
Day 4: South Iceland
Drive distance: 59 km (1 hour)
Area to stay: Vik
Where we stayed: We stayed at the same place as the previous evening, Room-4 Bus guesthouse by Eyjafjallajökull, due to availability and budget issues at stays near Vik. It seems like that budget issue still exists because I honestly am unable to find a budget option near vik.
Stay options: Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury
Sites you’ll visit on day 4:
- Skogafoss
- Kvernufoss (optional)
- Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
- Dyrholaey
- Reyisfjara Beach
- Vik
You have a lot of time today to explore things at a leisurely pace because the driving distance is not great.
Skogafoss: Get to Skogafoss early in the morning before 9 AM because it can get insanely crowded once the tour buses arrive. Why? Skogafoss is THE MOST POPULAR waterfall in Iceland and a mandatory stop for everyone touring the south coast. It is indeed beautiful to see this powerful waterfall and the rainbows that form because of it.
Many people forget that the steps beside Skogafoss (on the right while facing the falls) lead up to a whole load of other waterfalls and viewpoints. These are obviously not as amazing as the one below, but it might make for a fun walk.
Kvernufoss: If you have more time and would like to see another waterfall, head to the hidden gem, Kvernufoss. It was on our initial list of places to visit but we didn’t end up going!
Brunch: Honestly, there aren’t many places to eat on this route, not even a gas station. We struggled to find a place to eat. That’s when we chanced upon Mia’s Country Van: Local Fish & Chips. It is so popular that the fish and chips were already sold out by the time we got there between 2 and 3 p.m. We ended up eating at Skogafoss Bistro Bar and thought that the food was cold and overpriced. Other options are Heimamenn and Freyacafe, which are both near Skogafoss.
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck: The plane wreck is at a stunning location on a black beach. It makes for excellent photos but only if you go outside of the main tourist hours. If photos are something for you, then come here right after a quick visit to Skogafoss.
The plane wreck is located in an extremely windy area—you can’t even walk straight; it’s that windy. You’ve got to hike about 2 hours round trip (7 km) to get there and back or you can take this paid shuttle, which gets you there in 10 minutes and back when you like. It runs from 10 AM to 5 PM usually.
Dyrholaey: Head to the clifftop at Dyrholaey, which has a cute lighthouse. From the cliffs, you can see stunning rock formations in the water, an expansive black sand beach, views of a glacier and greenery around, and lots of puffins (May-August). The entire panorama is magical!
This place is again extra windy so beware while opening your car door and do not walk too close to the cliff edge.
Reyisfjara Beach: This stunning beach is often referred to simply as the ‘black sand beach’, even though there are so many in Iceland. Why? Because it’s the most popular to visit with its dramatic cliff and basalt formations, a cave, and powerful waves crashing against the shore.
However, you should beware. This beach is dangerous due to its unpredictable waves and strong undercurrents. Many have lost their lives to it. So do not venture close to the sea, as sneaker waves may come in suddenly and drag you into the sea. In fact, you should pay attention to the waves the whole time because sneaker waves are known to come up all the way to the basalt columns. Also, the wind is again pretty crazy here so be ready to be hit by sand on your face and be eroded like rocks.
Edit (February 2026): You cannot go here anymore as the beach has eroded completely.
End your day in the town of Vik. Have dinner at Black Crust Pizzera or at the Kronan store nearby before heading to your hotel or Airbnb for the night.
Day 5: Southeast Iceland
Drive distance and time: 194 km (2 hours, 45 minutes)
Area to stay: Jokulsarlon
Where we stayed: We stayed very far from here and had to drive an hour or two back the next day so i wont recommend it.
Stay options: Budget | Group/Budget| Mid-Range | Luxury | Unique
Places you’ll visit on day 5:
- Katla Ice Cave (optional)
- Fjadrargljufur
- Mulagljufur
- Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Katla Ice Cave (optional): Katla Ice Cave is said to be the only ice cave that can even be seen in the summer. However, it isn’t your typical blue ice cave. Instead, it has a lot of black streaks in the ice. We considered this for our trip and ended up skipping it. However, if you’re interested in visiting, then book the tour here, which lasts 3 hours. I recommend doing the earliest possible tour at 8:30 AM so you can make the most of the rest of the day.
Fjadrargljufur: This canyon was pretty under the radar till it appeared in Justin Bieber’s ‘I’ll Show You’. There’s a walkway along the canyon and you can walk as far as you like until you’re done. I feel that none of the viewpoints give a good view of the canyon. You can also walk to the bridge near the starting point of the walk for a direct view. Honestly, we found this canyon boring (many love it!) and felt that it did not compare to the next one on this list. Better things are in store!
The drive from here on is absolutely stunning. You’ll start setting eyes on big glaciers right from the Ring Road and will definitely want to take some stops. One such fantastic stop is at the ‘Skeiðará Bridge Monument‘, which has a fantastic view of a glacier.
Mulagljufur: This is one of our favourite spots in Iceland (definitely in the top 3). It requires a bit of hiking to get there and hence is not frequented by tour buses. Thank god! Because you, my dear, are in for a heavenly view of a dreamy canyon with waterfalls and birds flying through. The scene is right out of a fantasy movie. During the hike, you will also spot the sea and the Fjallsárlón Lagoon (which you’ll see next). If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you’ll also see the mountain above the canyon along with a glacier on it.
Must-knows for your visit: You have to drive on gravel for a bit to get to a parking lot (Google Maps location) and walk up the hill following the sticks that mark the hiking trail. It can be unclear even with the trail markers so you can use this video to help out a bit. The length of the hike to the main viewpoint and back is 6.5 km and we did it in 4 hours, including spending a lot of time at the viewpoint. You can also choose to hike up further to the higher viewpoints but we did not go.
Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon: After you visit the canyon, head to this small glacier lagoon, where the glacier is very close to the viewing spot, unlike the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. If you’re here at sunset like we were, you’ll see the most brilliant colours in the sky behind the glacier, which will make your experience that much better. Plus, there might be no other people, which is always great!
After your visit, spend the night in this very area, as you’ll be visiting Jokulsarlon the next morning.
Day 6: Southeast Iceland
Drive distance: 117 km (1 hour, 54 minutes)
Area to stay: Hofn
The Airbnb we stayed at: Brekka Loni Apartment, was the best place and the most expensive place we stayed at in Iceland. It is on a farm with the most spectacular views of Vestrahorn. It had a private kitchen, toilet, and huge room—very luxurious for Iceland.
Other stay options: Hostel/group | Mid-Range | Family
Places you’ll see this day:
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Stokksnes Beach
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Get ready to be amazed by this huge glacier lagoon filled with giant floating icebergs. You can walk around the lagoon and enjoy the scenery but I highly recommend doing any one (or even two) of the below-mentioned activities as well to see the lagoon or glacier in a different way. Do book them in advance because they’re all very popular. These activities will take 1-4 hours of your time, depending on what you choose so plan your day accordingly. Honestly, your other two stops of the day won’t take more than an hour or so each so you’ll have plenty of time to see this breathtaking glacier.
- Ice Cave Tour: There are ice cave tours that run in the summer months but the reviews all say that the caves have started to melt so you only see water, the caves are too small, etc., so this tour may not be worth it.
- Glacier Walk: Hike on the icy terrain for 2 hours and learn all about them
- Kayak Tour: Paddle across the lagoon in colourful kayaks and see giant Icebergs
- Zodiac Tour: These are small rafts so you’ll get as close to the icebergs as safely as possible.
- Amphibian Boat Tour (least expensive): Cruise amongst icebergs, see seals, and taste 1000-year-old ice. We did this activity, booked it after getting there because it was the only available option, waited over an hour or so to get on the boat, but absolutely loved it!
Diamond Beach
After visiting the glacier lagoon, head to Diamond Beach, which is right opposite the lagoon. On this beach, icebergs that float away from the lagoon to the sea wash ashore. They glisten like diamonds on the black sand and create a magical atmosphere.
However, you will need to set your expectations. The diamonds may be big, small or absolutely nonexistent. It all depends on how many icebergs are floating away from the lagoon and getting washed ashore. Also, please do not stand on the diamonds. I made this mistake and ended up falling into icy, cold water when the wave shook the diamond. Stay away from the waves as well to stay safe!
Stokksnes Beach
Stokksnes Beach is a black sand beach with majestic views of the Vestrahorn mountain on one side and the water of the lagoon on the other. The black sand beach often has a layer of water that reflects the dramatic mountains, clearly making for a perfect shot!
Head to the Viking Cafe to pay a small fee to enter and explore the Vestrahorn area. Then drive to the photogenic 2009 Viking Village film set, where The Witcher prequel series Blood Origins was shot. Then head further down to Stokksnes Beach, and you’ll be swept away by the stunning scenery.
Spend the night around this area or in the town of Hofn.
Day 7: East Iceland
Drive distance: 371 km (5 hours, 19 minutes)
Area to stay: Egilsstaðir
Where we stayed: Eið Stays has extremely small rooms in a farmhouse. The host was super friendly and the animals won our hearts.
Other stay options: Budget | Mid-Range (fab location) | location)|Nicer Mid-Range | Family
Places to explore on day 7:
- Naustin í Papafirði Scenic Lookout Spot (optional)
- Red Chair (optional)
- Hvalnes Lighthouse (optional, great for drone shots)
- Hengifoss
- Studlagil Canyon
On day 7, you’ll be exploring the picturesque East Fjords of Iceland, known for their dramatic landscapes and charming fishing villages. Start your day early because you not only have a long drive ahead of you, but you’ll also be driving the Oxi Pass (f-road only in the winter months) and doing two hikes. Feel free to skip either one of them if you’re running short on time. Do it early the next day instead, if you’d like.
Stops on the drive: While driving towards the Oxi Pass from Hofn, you will cross some viewpoints like Naustin í Papafirði Scenic Lookout Spot (for a view of Vestrahorn), Red Chair (a red chair placed atop a rock in the middle of nowhere, which makes for a fun photo) and Hvalnes Lighthouse (Krossanesfjall), from where you get a great view of the mountains behind.
Oxi Pass, or road 939, is an 18-kilometre stretch of gravel road in the mountain that takes you inland from the coast. You can drive here in the summer months even with a 2-wheel drive, but in the winter months it is an F-road and can only be accessed with a 4-wheel drive. Drive slowly here, as there may be dense fog cover and the roads aren’t great. But you’ll be treated to stunning views.
This entire drive from Hofn to Hengifoss should take about 4 hours with stops. Do get petrol and grab a bite at Hofn or at the N1 in Djúpivogur just before the Oxi Pass starts.
Seydisfjordur: This is a charming town with colourful houses along the harbour. We took a quick break here to visit the rainbow pathway that leads up to the church.
Hengifoss: Hengifoss is a waterfall known for the red streaks across the cliff face of the waterfall. In pictures, it looks like layers of hot magma but in reality, the red streaks are quite dull and just look like reddish soil. It was underwhelming after seeing all the photos of the place but I did enjoy the other waterfall we chanced upon halfway while hiking up to Hengifoss because I wasn’t expecting to see it there.
Getting to Hengifoss means hiking 2.5 kilometres each way. But the hike is quite easy. I recommend taking the route towards the left while going up and coming back down from the left side. Expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours here.
Studlagil Canyon: Studlagil Canyon is full of basalt columns and splendid bluish-green water. Usually! However, if you visit towards mid-August or later, the water turns brown because of the release of reservoir water. So this place is best visited in the summer months, until July.
There are two sides to the canyon: the west side and the east side. The west side has a viewpoint that you can climb down to photograph the canyon from, but the view is substandard from here. However, it has a toilet and you can also grab a bite here because the other side has no facilities.
The east side is where you can hike down to the canyon. After you’ve crossed the narrow bridge with your car, there will be two parking lots you can choose from.
The first parking lot comes right after crossing the bridge. If you park here, your hike to the canyon will be an hour long. We did not park here and went further down the road to find the next parking lot but beware, the road to the second parking lot is rough. Which is why a lot of people with 2-wheel drives park at the first lot. We had a small car too but we went all the way to the second, and everything turned out just fine. The walk from this parking lot to the canyon would be about 30 minutes.
Spend the night near Studlagil or Egilsstaðir!
Day 8: North Iceland
Drive distance: 297 km (4 hours)
Area to stay: Husavik
Where we stayed: B&B Rooms Husavik 3 has a very friendly host. The room was very well done. There were two bathrooms to be shared between extremely few people, and one of them even has geothermal water. The kitchen was stocked with a variety of foods that were free to have, and breakfast was also nice. An excellent stay!
Other stay options: Budget | Mid-Range | Family
Sites you’ll visit on day 8:
- Dettifoss
- Krafla Crater
- Hverir Geothermal Area
- Hverfjall Crater
- Geosea in Husavik or Mývatn Nature Baths (optional)
- Husavik
We found the drive this day to be so different from other days. There was a point when we were driving across a black, barren landscape. Some people might find it dull, but we thought it was so breathtaking that we stopped our car at a parking lot to fly our drone.
Dettifoss: Make your way to Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe! We couldn’t visit this waterfall because of a lack of time but since it’s your first stop of the day, you surely will.
Viti Crater Lake (Krafla): Hike for 30 minutes to this beautiful blue crater lake, which was formed in 1724 by a massive explosion as part of the Mývatn Fires that created a lot of volcanic formations in the area. If you like, you can also walk 15 minutes to the Krafla Lava Fields.
Hverir Geothermal Area: This was actually a random stop for us. We saw a lot of people pulling up and so did we. Thank God for that, because we thought the place was awesome with all its colours and little to no pathways. It felt so untouched. You can get really close to the bubbling mud pools and steaming sulphuric vents. You can also climb the hill for splendid views of the area (I just let the drone do the job for me).
Hverfjall: The hike up to the top of Hverfjall was the highlight of our day. Hverfjall is a 2,500-year-old crater. It may not seem like it, but it is huge—roughly 1 kilometre in diameter. The 45-minute hike up is worth the leg burn because you’ll not only get to see the massive crater but also get a superb view over Mývatn Lake. We watched a perfect sunset from here!
If you have time this day, you can end your day with a leisurely dip at Mývatn Nature Baths or Geosea in Husavik before heading off to your stay for the night in Husavik, a charming town with a picturesque setting of colourful houses, a quaint harbour, and dramatic surrounding landscapes. Yes, it’s the same town from the Eurovision Song Contest movie.
Day 9: North Coast
Drive distance: 442 km (5 hours, 46 minutes)
Area to stay: Between Bordeyri and Borgarnes
Airbnb we stayed at: Twin room & a geothermal hot tub near Bordeyri, which is a hostel setup with shared bathrooms and a geothermal hot tub. However, finding some towards Borgarnes is a better option, as it balances the drive time between this day and the next.
Other stay options: Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury | Mid-Range/Family
Sites you’ll see this day:
- Whale Watching Tour
- Godafoss
- Hvitserkur
Whale Watching
Start your morning with a whale-watching tour in Húsavík. The town is renowned as the whale-watching capital of Europe so while you’re here, it makes sense to head out to the sea. We did this whale-watching tour with Northsailing on a big boat but you might also consider a tour on a RIB boat instead. They’re a lot smaller and quicker, which will enable you to quickly reach the whale and spot it more closely. We often wished we’d been on the smaller boat!
Godafoss
Drive to Godafoss waterfall, which is also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods”. It is again a powerful waterfall that can be seen from several viewing platforms and hiking trails on both sides of the river, as well as the bridge connecting both.
The N1 at Godafoss is a fantastic place to grab a bite or you can also do so at a restaurant in the city nearby, Akureyri.
Hvitserkur
Hvítserkur is a unique basalt rock formation that looks like a rhino drinking from the water. It is thought to be a troll, just like most distinctive Icelandic rocks. The rock is a nesting ground for several birds, making it appear constantly in motion. The black sand beach around is stunning and the rock makes for a quick 30-minute visit.
Now head to your accommodation near Borgarnes.
Day 10: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Drive distance: 384 km (5 hours, 30 minutes)
Area to stay: reykjavík or Keflavik
Where we stayed: Bright room #2 near Keflavik airport was close to the airport, which is why we chose it but we do not recommend it.
Other stay options: Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury
Places you’ll visit this day:
- Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall
- Ingjaldshólskirkja Church
- Svörtuloft Lighthouse
- Londrangar
- Arnastapi Cliff Viewpoint and Stone Bridge
- Búðakirkja Church
It’s your last full day of this self-drive Iceland trip already. Today you’ll be exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which is often referred to as “Iceland in miniature” due to the diversity of its landscapes.
Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall: Start your day by visiting this waterfall that has the perfect view of the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks, which also made an appearance in Game of Thrones.
Continue your journey along the peninsula and make short stops to see the beautiful surroundings of Ingjaldshólskirkja Church, the orange Svörtuloft Lighthouse, and the dramatic cliff of Londrangar, which is actually an eroded crater.
Arnastapi Cliff Viewpoint and Stone Bridge: Park your car at the Arnastapi Cliff Viewpoint. When you get out of the parking lot, don’t miss observing the weird structure as soon as you enter. This is the statue of Bárour Snafellsás, who was half a troll and half a man, made by one of Iceland’s most renowned sculptors based on Icelandic sagas.
After you’ve seen the view from the viewpoint, take a left to head to the Stone Bridge. It’s a narrow bridge of stone; you can actually walk on it. It makes for a stunning view and photo but be careful while walking the bridge.
Búðakirkja Church: Your last stop on this 10-day Iceland road trip is going to be Búðakirkja, a small church that is black in colour—an odd colour for a church! If you’re into photography, you’re going to love this location.
End the day by having your last meal in Reykjavik before heading to your hotel in either Reykjavik or Keflavik!
Day 11: Fly out!
It’s time to return your car and bid farewell to Iceland, a remarkable country that has a way of captivating your heart and soul, leaving you yearning for more.
I hope you found all the details you were looking for in this 10-day Iceland itinerary. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them below.
Other reads from Iceland:
13 tips for renting a car in Iceland
20 crucial things to know before you drive in Iceland
What to pack for Iceland in summer
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