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Latest update: 31 December 2024
Sure, you could race around the entire island in 10 days, but why would you want to? You’d spend way too much time in the car. Instead, limit your Icelandic road trip to the bottom half. This itinerary shows you tons of Iceland between Snæfellsnes and Höfn.
The Ultimate Iceland Itinerary
Let’s be honest: THE ultimate Iceland itinerary doesn’t exist. There’s just so ridiculously much beauty to see that it’s impossible to experience it all. If you want to drive the entire Ring Road, you need at least 14 days. In reality, even more, unless you want to spend all your time on the road.
Fortunately, you can see so much beauty in the south alone. And with this itinerary, you’ll even make it all the way to the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west and Höfn in the east.
Road Trip by Car
In Iceland, there’s no way around it: you need to rent a car. Or book a group tour instead. If that sounds good to you, check out your options with companies like Expedia or CheapOair. I always recommend checking out package tour itineraries for inspiration. That way, you’ll know the highlights quickly, but hey… You’ve found this blog now, so I’ll help you out!
First things first: getting a car. Before hitting the road, make sure to read up on everything about renting a car in Iceland because there are some traffic rules you need to keep in mind.
This 10-day itinerary not only takes you to Iceland’s most beautiful attractions but also through stunning landscapes. Sometimes, it feels like you’re on the moon, and then suddenly, you’re surrounded by massive mountains. In early April, there’s barely a sign of spring emerging. I drive past mountains with snow-capped peaks, spot waterfalls regularly, and see small, mostly frozen streams along the road. Here and there, a cluster of houses appears in the middle of nowhere. It’s a lot to take in – and I love it.
It’s also good to know that there are many public restrooms, and you can usually use the bathroom for free at gas stations.
Day 1: Arrival and (Part of) the Golden Circle
I’m lucky and arrive in Iceland fairly early. This means I can start the Golden Circle route right after picking up my rental car. Well, actually, I first stop at a large supermarket. Life (and therefore vacationing) in Iceland is expensive, so arranging your own breakfast or cooking dinner is smart. Plus, some accommodations in Iceland aren’t really in populated areas, so restaurants aren’t always nearby. Bónus is one of the more budget-friendly supermarket chains. I stop at this location.
I start the Golden Circle route at Þingvellir National Park, visit the Brúarfoss waterfall, check out the famous geysers, and stop at the Gullfoss waterfall and Faxafoss waterfall. I end my day at Vínstofa Friðheima, a wine bar in a greenhouse.
Where to sleep? Somewhere on the Golden Circle route, for example, at Geysir Hestar.
Want to read more? Golden Circle in Iceland: route + extra stops!
Day 2: Continue the Golden Circle and Long Drive to Höfn
At night, I MISS the Northern Lights! And I’m bummed. But I quickly forget about it as I continue the Golden Circle route. First, I make a small detour to a tiny hot spring (Hrunalaug Hot Spring) in the middle of nature, then head to the Skálholt Cathedral and the Kerið crater lake. In the warm months, the blue water sparkles; in the cold months, the crater turns into an ice rink.
Then I continue all the way to Höfn – the farthest point of this Iceland road trip. Today I will rack up the miles, but I still make a few stops at beautiful waterfalls near Vík: the Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui waterfalls. I’ll spend a night in Vík on the way back, so I don’t need to see everything in this region now.
Where to sleep? In Höfn, at Arnanes Country Hotel
Want to read more?
>> Golden Circle in Iceland: route + extra stops!
>> Höfn tips with Arnanes Country Hotel as the perfect base
>> Things to do in and around Vík, Iceland
Day 3: Amazing Hike, Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and Ice Cave
Today is packed. My travel partner and I start with a fantastic hike with even more fantastic views at the Múlagljúfur Canyon. This isn’t on everyone’s itinerary, which makes it even more special. The hike is on the way to Jökulsárlón, where I visit the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach – a must when traveling through Iceland. And I also go on an ice cave tour. Ice cave tours are offered at various locations in Iceland. This one made the most sense for my schedule, and I really enjoy seeing an actual ice cave firsthand.
You can probably guess that I crawl into bed early and exhausted.
Where to sleep? In Höfn, at Arnanes Country Hotel
Want to read more?
>> Höfn tips with Arnanes Country Hotel as the perfect base
>> The coolest things to do in Jökulsárlón, Iceland
Day 4: From Höfn to Vík with Amazing Stops
After breakfast, I head back to Vík. I make a stop at the Svartifoss waterfall and the Fjaðrárgljúfur valley. The latter isn’t that impressive because the vegetation is brown and gray in winter. It’s probably more beautiful to visit when everything has a green tint.
I have lunch in Vík and then drive to the wide Skógafoss Waterfall, where there’s a beautiful rainbow. I skip the Solheimasandur airplane wreck because the shuttle just left and I don’t have time to walk to the wreck. I want to visit the Dyrhólaey viewpoint to see Vík’s black sand beach. And, of course, I want to see Black Beach up close, too.
Where to sleep? In Vík, at The Barn
Want to read more?
>> Höfn tips with Arnanes Country Hotel as the perfect base
>> Things to do in and around Vík, Iceland
Day 5: Þórsmörk Super Jeep Tour
On day five of this trip, I only need to make sure I’m at the departure point on time, and then I can surrender to the tour program. I’m joining the Þórsmörk Super Jeep tour, and it’s wonderfully diverse. We do a hike, drive through a rugged landscape, walk through a beautiful gorge, and check out a waterfall. This is such a well-organized excursion in Iceland that I can only recommend it to the fullest.
If you’re thinking, “Well, that sounds like a pretty packed schedule…” I get it. You can skip the tour and stay an extra night in Vík. That way, you have more time to see the attractions there and take it easy.
However, I’m super happy with my tour from Midgard and my stay with them, too. Their small rooftop terrace has a sauna and a hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a long active day.
Where to sleep? In Hvolsvöllur, at Midgard Base Camp
Want to read more? Highly recommended: Þórsmörk Super Jeep tour
Day 6: To Snæfellsnes Peninsula
I start the day with quite a drive to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, but by now, I’m used to driving. After a quick coffee stop at the beautiful Greenhouse Hotel, I start exploring Snæfellsnes. This peninsula is known as mini-Iceland because you can discover much of Iceland’s typical natural beauty within short distances of each other.
I spot seals at Ytri Tunga Beach, check out the black Búðakirkja church (unique, because most churches in Iceland are white), walk along the Arnarstapi coastline, look at the wreckage on Djúpalónssandur beach, and before heading to my hostel, make one last stop at Ingjaldsholskirkja. That sounds like a lot, but they’re just short stops and not far from each other.
Where to sleep? On the peninsula, for example, at Freezer Hostel
Want to read more? Enjoying Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula in the ice-cold
Day 7: Continue Snæfellsnes and Borgarnes
My tour of Snæfellsnes isn’t quite finished, but I won’t complete it today either. Too much snow has fallen to even see the Kirkjufell mountain, and the lava fields are also buried under a layer of snow. I do still go to Stykkishólmur, the capital of the peninsula. It’s quite deserted, so unfortunately there’s little to experience of the town’s artistic character.
So I continue the route to Borgarnes. Borgarnes connects Reykjavík with northern Iceland and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Here, you can visit the Settlement Museum, which I think is worth a visit. After that, I find a spot for a warm lunch.
In the afternoon, I have plans to go horseback riding at Hestaland, where I’m also staying the night. I’ve never ridden in the snow before and it feels truly magical. I feel frozen, but the hot tub at the accommodation is already waiting for me.
Where to sleep? In Staðarhús, at Hestaland
Want to read more?
>> Enjoying Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula in the ice-cold
>> Exploring West Iceland: Borgarnes and further inland
Day 8: Reykholt, Unique Hot Springs, and on to Reykjavík
Because this part of West Iceland isn’t so well-known, finding activities for the morning is a bit tricky. We visit Reykholt, but we could have just as well skipped that village. We found it pretty boring. If you’re interested in the writer Snorri Sturluson, it’s probably a different story.
Luckily, the Barnafoss waterfall is stunning, and I find the trip to the Husafell Canyon Baths fantastic. We have the location for ourselves, and it feels so luxurious!
We then gradually say goodbye to the wide views and beautiful nature by first walking on the urban peninsula of Seltjarnarnes in the capital Reykjavík. I check in at KEX Hostel and surrender to the urban vibes: modern restaurants and hip cocktail bars.
Where to sleep? In Reykjavík, at KEX Hostel
Want to read more?
>> Exploring West Iceland: Borgarnes and further inland
>> What to do in and around Reykjavík on a city trip
>> My favorite coffee shops, bars, and restaurants in Reykjavík
Day 9: City Life in Reykjavík and Whale Watching
I’m hoping to spot whales during this visit to Iceland, and it works out! We pay a bit more for this whale-watching tour because we want a more luxurious boat (read: with heating). Your fingers freeze on the deck, even if you’re wearing gloves.
We spend the rest of the day wandering through Reykjavík. A coffee shop here, a museum visit there. It’s really a fun city, but secretly I’m missing Iceland’s nature a bit.
Where to sleep? In Reykjavík, at KEX Hostel
Want to read more
>> What to do in and around Reykjavík on a city trip
>> My favorite coffee shops, bars, and restaurants in Reykjavík
Day 10: Last Day in Iceland with the Blue Lagoon
The last day of this 10-day trip through Iceland has arrived, and we’re not letting it pass unnoticed. In the morning, we get one more coffee in the city, but then we take a forest walk in Heiðmörk before heading to the Blue Lagoon. After all, this can’t be missing from the itinerary!
I plan about two hours for visiting the Blue Lagoon before heading to the airport. I think I could have easily enjoyed another hour, especially with the masks and drinks included. But then, then it’s really time to go home. We return our rental car and head home with a backpack full of memories – and the wish to return in summer.
Where to sleep? At home!
Want to read more?
>> What to do in and around Reykjavík on a city trip
>> My favorite coffee shops, bars, and restaurants in Reykjavík
>> Blue Lagoon Iceland: bathing between the lava fields
More Iceland inspiration?
Useful links for your Iceland trip
- Accommodation. Favorite remains Booking.com. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. ‘Free’ walking tours can be booked at Freetour.com or GuruWalk.
- Car rental. If you want to compare more prices, try Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com.
- Guidebooks. I like paper travel guides to flip through, available for sale Amazon and others.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Trip, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? See what Expedia or CheapOair has on offer.
- Yoga retreat or horseback riding vacation. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Iceland or a horseback riding vacation.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I might receive a small commission.
