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3, 5, 7, 10, & 14 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

Iceland is an absolute dream destination – you could spend months there and never run out of things to do! Planning your Iceland road trip itinerary ahead of time is the best way to ensure that you don’t miss anything that you really want to see, but narrowing down all of the waterfalls, hot springs, hikes, and everything that Iceland has to offer can definitely be a challenge.

I visited Iceland for 14 days and drove around the entire country – so this guide will have the 14 day Iceland road trip itinerary that I followed (which includes parts of the Ring Road as well as plenty of detours into the Highlands), along with sample 3, 5, 7, and 10 day Iceland road trip itineraries to help you plan your trip!

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How Many Days Do You Need in Iceland?

Before you start creating your Iceland road trip itinerary, you’ll need to figure out how many days you need in Iceland. The answer depends on a lot of factors, but here’s an overview of a few different Iceland itineraries and what they’re best for.

A car driving during an Iceland road trip.

14 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

Honestly, more time is pretty much always better in Iceland! You certainly won’t run out of things to do. I spent two weeks in Iceland, and though I would have loved to stay longer, I did feel like it gave me enough time to see a lot of different parts of the country.

A 14 day Iceland itinerary is best for:

  • people who want to drive all the way around Iceland and see all the different parts of the country
  • car camping in Iceland
  • travelers who want to drive into the Highlands (driving those F-roads can take a long time!)
  • those who want to hike in Iceland
  • people who want to do and see more, or…
  • … people who want to have a more leisurely trip with time to unwind between activities!

10 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

With 10 days in Iceland, you can still drive around the entire Ring Road, but you may not have time for many trips into the Highlands. Or, you might decide not to do the entire drive, and spend a little more time in certain parts of the country.

A 10 day Iceland itinerary is best for:

  • people who don’t want to do many long hikes
  • travelers who want to stick to the Ring Road or to explore a few areas of Iceland
  • people who want to stay in a hotel, or a few hotels, and take day trips
Me in the rooftop tent at a campground, during my 14 day Iceland itinerary.

7 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

Did you know that with Iceland Air, if you’re traveling somewhere else and have a layover in Iceland, you can stay there for up to 7 days? This is a great way to save money and visit Iceland on a budget – since you won’t have to book an additional flight!

A 7 day Iceland itinerary is best for:

  • people who want to take advantage of Iceland Air’s stopover
  • those who want to stay close to Reykjavik and explore the South Coast and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • travelers on a budget or a tighter schedule

5 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

Five days in Iceland is still enough time to see some of the main attractions close to Reykjavik!

A 5 day Iceland road trip itinerary is best for:

  • people who want to take advantage of Iceland Air’s stopover
  • those who want to stay close to Reykjavik and explore the South Coast and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • travelers on a budget or a tighter schedule
  • people who plan to come back to Iceland
Me standing in front of the mountains at Landmannalugar, which was one of the best places I saw during this 14 day Iceland itinerary.

3 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

With three days in Iceland, you can spend some time exploring Reykjavik, then head to the South Coast to explore some of the incredible spots along the Golden Circle before heading home or to your next destination!

A 3 day Iceland itinerary is best for:

  • people who want to take advantage of Iceland Air’s stopover
  • those who want to stay close to Reykjavik and explore the South Coast and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • travelers on a budget or a tighter schedule
  • people who plan to come back to Iceland

How to Get Around These Iceland Road Trip Itineraries

This post is for people who want to take a road trip – so while I’ll include some tour options, these itineraries are best for people who plan to rent a car and drive in Iceland!

These Iceland road trip itineraries will include options for two wheel drive cars, as well as for 4x4s – to figure out which kind of car is best for you, be sure to check out this guide to driving in Iceland. For renting a car, I recommend checking out Discover Cars!

What to Put on Your Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

Later in this guide, I’ll give you some 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 day Iceland itineraries – but here are some of the best things to do in Iceland, and things that will be on those itineraries! I did my best to balance some popular touristy spots with lesser known places, so that you can see all that Iceland has to offer.

Reykjavik

Your Iceland travel itinerary will likely begin in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland and the largest city. Here, you can explore the city, try the food, visit some museums, and more. There are also a lot of amazing tours that begin here – perfect for people who don’t want to rent a car, or those who want a guide to show them the best spots!

Blue Lagoon

I skipped the Blue Lagoon, but it’s one of the most popular spots to visit, and if you want to experience some luxury during your Iceland road trip itinerary, this is the place to go! You can relax in the natural hot spring, enjoy gorgeous views, book a spa day, and stay at the resort.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

This five mile hike takes you to the Reykjadalur Thermal River, where you can soak and enjoy the mountain views around you! It’s a gorgeous (but popular) trail close to Reykjavik, and a great way to get a taste for hiking in Iceland.

A view of the thermal river that should be on every Iceland road trip itinerary.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is one of the main attractions on the Golden Circle of Iceland, and it’s found in a valley formed by the movement of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates! There are dramatic cliffs and gorges, and you can see the one of a kind geology of the area. While you’re here, I highly (highly!) recommend snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure – or, if you’re certified, you can scuba dive, which is what I did. The visibility is incredible, and I can’t even describe the feeling of going underwater for the first time and seeing the fissure. Scuba diving Silfra was one of the most incredible experiences I had in Iceland!

A scuba diver underwater in Iceland during a 14 day Iceland road trip itinerary.

Gullfoss Falls

Gullfoss is another stop along the Golden Circle, and it’s a really incredible waterfall. It plunges dramatically into a canyon, and though it’s definitely a popular place, you’ve got to see it!

To see Gullfoss, you can drive, or you can take a tour from Reykjavik instead. For a really unique experience, start at Gullfoss and take a snowmobile tour of the Langjökull glacier!

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Now it’s time to get away from the crowds! When we were scuba diving in the Silfra Fissure, our guide told us about this place. Hrunalaug is a lesser known hot spring – while you probably won’t have it all to yourself, there will likely only be a few other people around, and it’s a really nice break from the more crowded spots on the South Coast of Iceland! The adorable hot spring is privately owned, with a few pools surrounded by sheep and rolling green hills.

Me sitting in the Hrunalaug Hot Spring, which should be on everyone's 14 day Iceland itinerary!

Haífoss

Haífoss translates to “High Waterfall,” and it was once thought that this was the tallest waterfall in the country – until three bigger waterfalls were discovered, making this one fourth! Still, this waterfall, surrounded by a gorgeous canyon, is an incredible sight, and it’s on the way to the next destination, so make a pit stop. You can see it from above without walking far from the parking lot, but if you want to go down to the base of it, there’s a hike you can take.

A 4×4 is required to drive here, or you can take a tour from Reykjavik that includes Haífoss and Landmannalaugar!

A view of Haifoss from above - this should be on your Iceland road trip itinerary!

Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar was my favorite place in all of Iceland, and the first location in this Iceland road trip itinerary guide that’s located in the Highlands. That means you’ll need to drive on some F-roads to get here, which requires a 4×4 – so make sure to be prepared for the drive! Make sure you choose your roads carefully – this guide will tell you the best route to take. Or, take a tour instead! You can have an experienced guide drive you in a Jeep – either with a group tour or your own private excursion.The journey is so worth it, and this is honestly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. The mountains look like they’ve been painted, and I highly recommend the Bláhnúkur Mountain hike – though it’s steep, the views will truly take your breath away. After the hike, reward yourself with a soak in the hot springs at Landmannalaugar Bathing Place!

Me standing on top of the mountain at Landmannalugar - a highlight from my 14 day Iceland road trip itinerary.

Seljalandsfoss & Gljufrabui

Seljalandsfoss is an incredible waterfall in Iceland, and you can even walk behind it! You’ll definitely get wet, so make sure to pack some rain gear. Once you’ve seen Seljalandsfoss, I recommend taking the 10 minute walk down the path to the lesser known Gljufrabui waterfall! Getting up close requires wading through the canyon, but you can see it through the canyon walls.

The drive here is easy, or you can see this one on a tour of Iceland’s South Coast!

Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

A short walk along the river will bring you to the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool – a pool fed by the hot spring where you can soak amongst incredible views of the mountains around you. This place is pretty popular, but there are some quiet times throughout the day!

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is one of the most well known waterfalls, and for good reason – it’s incredibly powerful, and you can walk up to the base of it. There is also a set of stair that will take you to the top for a different view, and though it’s a lot of stairs, I really recommend doing this! Once you’re up there, you can keep going on the path to see some more secret waterfalls – with much fewer people around.

You can even stay right next to the waterfall! The Hotel Skógafoss is right by it, and the Fosstúnskogar Guesthouse is a short walk away.

Kvernufoss Waterfall

Kvernufoss is just a few minutes away from Skógafoss, but it’s much less popular, so you’ll have a lot more privacy. This is (in my humble opinion), one of the best waterfalls in Iceland, and you can even walk behind it! The hike is short and pretty easy, so it’s a great stop after you’ve seen Skógafoss.

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach is probably the most popular black sand beach in Iceland, because of the basalt columns on its shore. These unique columns are fun to climb, and are a really unique sight! Be sure to stay away from the water when exploring the beach – sneaker waves can be deadly! You can see Reynisfjara on a tour of the South Coast.

Close by is the village of Vik, which offers lots of cool places to stay! Check out the Hotel Vík í Mýrdal, which is an incredible hotel with glass walls, close to Black Sand Beach and under two miles from Reynisfjara. The Hótel Dyrhólaey is another incredible place, with views of the ocean!

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

This short hike is pretty easy, and it makes for a great place to stretch your legs – and the scenery is really amazing! You’ll walk along a path with several overlooks over the canyon, and it ends with a waterfall.

Svínafellsjökull Glacier

On your way to the next hike, make a pit stop at this glacier! There’s an overlook you can drive to, but unfortunately the road was closed when I was here – but even from the main road, Svínafellsjökull is an absolutely beautiful sight.

Múlagljúfur Canyon

This was one of the most incredible hikes I did in Iceland! You’ll hike with views of the glacier, with incredible vistas overlooking Hangandifoss on the way. But don’t stop there! Keep going, and when you reach the top of the Múlagljúfur Canyon trail, you’ll see an absolutely jaw dropping view of the canyon.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The Glacier Lagoon is really a one of a kind sight – giant icebergs float in the lagoon, with seals swimming between them! Walk along the shore of the lagoon and up to the overlook, and make sure to go to Diamond Beach, which is right next to the lagoon, where the icebergs float out into the ocean. You can watch from the shore, but you can also take a boat out on the lagoon and see the icebergs up close!

For some more adventure, take a tour of the ice cave.

Fardagafoss

The hike to Fardagafoss is pretty short, but it’s really cool – you get to see the waterfall from above, but the best part is that you can walk down to the base of it, and there’s a cave behind it that you can go into!

Askja and Lake víti

Askja is deep in the Highlands of Iceland, requiring a long drive over bumpy lava fields and several river crossings. Getting here is part of the adventure, but it’s definitely a challenge (especially the river crossings), so a tour can be an easier way to experience this place! You can take a group 4×4 tour, or book a private excursion.

Askja is a huge caldera formed by volcanic eruptions, and Lake Víti is a small crater right next to it, with geothermal blue water that you can swim in (though the climb is steep). The journey here is definitely worth it!

You can stay at Dreki – the only accommodations in this area – or at the Fjalladyrd-Möðrudalur á Fjollum, which is an adorable house with a grass roof, located in Möðrudalur – the last little (tiny) town you’ll pass on your way to Askja.

Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss is located right off the Ring Road, and it’s a great place to put on your Iceland road trip itinerary! There’s a nice walking trail around the waterfall, and you can see it from above before climbing down to the base.

Close by is the Fljótsbakki Farm Hotel, where you can stay!

Hveravellir

The Hveravellir Nature Reserve is a must see if you have a 4×4 and can drive down a bumpy F-road! This is a geothermal area, with several bubbling pools and small geysers, which you can see from the boardwalk path. There’s also a gorgeous natural hot spring to soak in, and it’s the perfect way to end the day!

Hvitserkur

From the parking area, you can take a short walk to an overlook over Hvitserkur – a cool rocky formation that looks like a sea dragon! A steep path will also take you down to the water, where you can explore this relatively empty beach and even spot sea lions playing in the water.

Drangsnes Hot Pots

Drangsnes is a cute, tiny town in the west of Iceland, where you can find these man made hot pots right next to the ocean. It’s also where I saw the coolest double rainbow ever! There were a few people coming and going while we were here, but they were fairly private and we had them to ourselves for a while.

While you’re in Drangsness, you can stay in the Malarhorn Guesthouse, a gorgeous cozy spot by the water. Or, stay in a private cabin with your very own hot tub!

Galtahryggjarlaug Geothermal Pool

This was one of the most incredible places I went to on my 14 day Iceland itinerary! You’ll need to set your GPS to the Heydalur Hotel, and once you’re there, you can enjoy the warm swimming pool, the hot tub, and the hot springs right next to the hotel (included with your stay at the hotel, or for a surprisingly small fee if you’re not staying).

But while the man made pools are incredible, the best part is the natural hot spring that you’re almost guaranteed to have entirely to yourself. You’ll need to ask how to get there at the hotel – and the trip is a little bit of a challenge, but a lot of fun and so worth it!

Látrabjarg

These cliffs over the ocean are the westernmost point in Iceland, and they’re one of the best places to spot puffins (if you’re in Iceland during puffin season). But even if you don’t see the birds, taking a walk along the clifftops is so worth it, and the views are incredible!

Krosslaug hot spring

This little hot spring is surprisingly private – though it’s easy to get to, there usually aren’t very many people here! There’s a warm pool that you can swim in, and a natural stone hot pot that you can sit in, with views of the mountain and the sea.

Hellulaug

This popular hot spring is right next to the ocean, and if you’re feeling brave, you can jump in the cold water before soaking in the hot! It’s a gorgeous place with views of the water.

Guðrúnarlaug hot spring

This small hot spring is tucked in the rolling green hills, where you can soak with views of a waterfall and of sheep grazing on the green grass! There’s a little changing room next to this small tub.

Búðakirkja

There’s tons to see once you get to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and this iconic black church is one of the most popular photo spots in Iceland – the unique church against the mountainous backdrop is really stunning! Búðakirkja is located right next to the Hotel Búdir, which is one of the best places to stay if you’re on the peninsula.

Stone Bridge

In Arnastapi, you can see cliffs over the ocean and the Stone Bridge – and even walk across it! It may look a little scary from this angle, but the bridge is wide and not scary at all.

Lóndrangar

Just a few minutes from the Stone Bridge is Lóndrangar, so I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re here! The cliffs over the ocean and the unique rocky formation is really stunning at sunset. On the other side, you can see the glacier!

Kirkjufellsfoss

This is another iconic spot for photos, but on the day I was here, you couldn’t see the mountain at all! Still, the waterfall is beautiful, and on days where you can see the mountain, it’s a unique cone shape that looks amazing in the backdrop. If you’re visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this is definitely something you should put on your Iceland road trip itinerary!

You can also take a tour here from Reykjavik, or a private day trip!

14 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary – With 4×4 Car

This is the exact 14 day Iceland itinerary that I followed! It includes plenty of stops along the Ring Road, but there are also some trips into the Highlands, so a 4×4 is required for this one . I was car camping the entire time, but I’ll include hotel options along with the campsites I stayed in!

If you don’t want to rent a 4×4, the next section will include an alternate 14 day Iceland itinerary that doesn’t require you to go on any F-roads.

14 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the driving route for this 14 day Iceland itinerary – I included all of the hotels and campgrounds, but they aren’t part of the route – but you can see what’s on the way and decide where to stay!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

  • Go to Seljalandsfoss and walk behind the waterfall
  • Don’t forget to take the short walk to nearby Gljufrabui!
  • End the night with a short hike and a dip in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
  • Stay at the Hotel Skógafoss or camp at the campground

Day 5

Day 6

  • Stop at a viewpoint of Svínafellsjökull Glacier
  • Hike Múlagljúfur Canyon
  • See the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
  • Stay at the Hotel Framtid or the Djúpivogur Camping Ground

Day 7

  • Take a hike to Fardagafoss
  • Start the long drive to Askja – stay at Dreki on the way there

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

  • Drive to Hvitserkur and explore the beach
  • Enjoy the scenic drive to Drangsnes, and soak in the oceanside Drangsnes Hot Pots
  • Stay at a cabin with a hot tub or camp at the Drangsnes Campground

Day 11

  • Head to the Heydalur Hotel and enjoy their hot springs, but be sure to ask for directions to the natural hot spring too!
  • Stay in the hotel, or at their campsite

I actually was originally planning to go to Dynjandi Waterfall after the hot spring, but I liked this place so much I stayed there instead! It was nice to have a day to just relax since every other day was so go, go, go!

Day 12

  • Wander along Látrabjarg and see if you can spot any puffins
  • Watch the sunset at the Krosslaug hot spring
  • Stay at the Hótel Flókalundur or the Flókalundur Campsite

Day 13

  • Soak at Hellulaug hot spring nearby
  • Then soak at Guðrúnarlaug hot spring, and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • Stop at Búðakirkja, Stone Bridge, and Lóndrangar
  • Stay at the Hotel Búdir or the Grundarfjörður Campground

Day 14

  • See Kirkjufellsfoss before heading to the airport!

14 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary – No 4×4 Required

If you don’t rent a 4×4, you won’t be allowed to drive on the F-roads, which means you can’t see Iceland’s Highlands. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to see without going too far off the Ring Road, so this 14 day Iceland itinerary is a little more leisurely, and doesn’t include any F-roads.

14 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the driving route for this 14 day Iceland itinerary – I included all of the hotels and campgrounds, but they aren’t part of the route – but you can see what’s on the way and decide where to stay!

Day 1

  • Arrive in Reykjavik and explore the town
  • Stay at the ODDSSON Hotel or at the Grindavík Campsite

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

  • Go to Seljalandsfoss and walk behind the waterfall
  • Don’t forget to take the short walk to nearby Gljufrabui!
  • End the day with a short hike and a dip in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
  • Stay at the Hotel Skógafoss or camp at the campground

Day 6

Day 7

  • Stop at a viewpoint of Svínafellsjökull Glacier
  • Hike Múlagljúfur Canyon
  • See the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
  • Stay at the Hotel Framtid or the Djúpivogur Camping Ground

Day 8

  • Take a hike to Fardagafoss, then continue to Goðafoss Waterfall
  • Stay at Einishus Cottage, or Laugar Camping

Day 9

  • Drive to Hvitserkur and explore the beach
  • Enjoy the scenic drive to Drangsnes, and soak in the ocean side Drangsnes Hot Pots
  • Stay at a cabin with a hot tub or at the Drangsnes Campground.

Day 10

  • Head to the Heydalur Hotel and enjoy their hot springs, but be sure to ask for directions to the natural hot spring too!
  • Stay in the hotel, or at their campsite

Day 11

  • Wander along Látrabjarg and see if you can spot any puffins
  • Watch the sunset at the Krosslaug hot spring
  • Stay at the Hótel Flókalundur or the Flókalundur Campsite

Day 12

  • Soak at Hellulaug hot spring nearby
  • Then soak at Guðrúnarlaug hot spring
  • Stay at the Asubud Apartments or Búðardalur Camping Ground

Day 13

  • Head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and stop at Búðakirkja, Stone Bridge, and Lóndrangar
  • Stay at the Hotel Búdir or the Grundarfjörður Campground

Day 14

  • See Kirkjufellsfoss before you go home!

10 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary – with 4×4 Car

If you’re spending 10 days in Iceland, I recommend getting a 4×4 car so that you can visit the Highlands! This 10 day Iceland itinerary requires a 4×4, but the next section will have an alternative option if you only have two wheel drive.

10 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the driving route for this 10 day Iceland itinerary – I included all of the hotels and campgrounds, but they aren’t part of the route – but you can see what’s on the way and decide where to stay!

Day 1

  • Arrive in Reykjavik and explore the town (alternatively – go to the Blue Lagoon!)
  • Stay at the ODDSSON Hotel or at Campsite Þorlákshöfn

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

  • Go to Seljalandsfoss and walk behind the waterfall
  • Don’t forget to take the short walk to nearby Gljufrabui!
  • End the night with a short hike and a dip in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
  • Stay at the Hotel Skógafoss or camp at the campground

Day 6

Day 7

  • Stop at a viewpoint of Svínafellsjökull Glacier
  • Hike Múlagljúfur Canyon
  • See the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
  • Stay at the Hotel Framtid or the Djúpivogur Camping Ground

Day 8

  • Take a hike to Fardagafoss, then continue to Goðafoss Waterfall
  • Drive to Hveravellir, and explore the geothermal area before soaking in the natural hot spring!
  • Camp at Hveravellir, or stay at Ferðaþjónustan Geitaskarði

Day 9

  • Soak at Guðrúnarlaug hot spring, and head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
  • See Kirkjufellsfoss at sunset
  • Stay at the Hotel Búdir or the Grundarfjörður Campground

Day 10

  • Stop at Búðakirkja, Stone Bridge, and Lóndrangar before heading to the airport!

10 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary – no 4×4 Required

If you don’t rent a 4×4, you won’t be allowed to drive on the F-roads, which means you can’t see Iceland’s Highlands. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to see without going too far off the Ring Road, so this 10 day Iceland itinerary is a little more leisurely, and doesn’t include any F-roads.

10 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the driving route for this 10 day Iceland itinerary – I included all of the hotels and campgrounds, but they aren’t part of the route – but you can see what’s on the way and decide where to stay!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

  • Go to Seljalandsfoss and walk behind the waterfall
  • Don’t forget to take the short walk to nearby Gljufrabui!
  • End the day with a short hike and a dip in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
  • Stay at the Hotel Skógafoss or camp at the campground

Day 5

Day 6

  • Stop at a viewpoint of Svínafellsjökull Glacier
  • Hike Múlagljúfur Canyon
  • See the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
  • Stay at the Hotel Framtid or the Djúpivogur Camping Ground

Day 7

  • Take a hike to Fardagafoss, then continue to Goðafoss Waterfall
  • Stay at Einishus Cottage, or Laugar Camping

Day 8

  • Soak at Guðrúnarlaug hot spring
  • Stay at the Asubud Apartments or Búðardalur Camping Ground

Day 9

  • Head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and stop at Búðakirkja, Stone Bridge, and Lóndrangar
  • Stay at the Hotel Búdir or the Grundarfjörður Campground

Day 10

  • See Kirkjufellsfoss before you go home!

7 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary – With 4×4 Car

7 days in Iceland technically gives you enough time to drive around the entire Ring Road, but I don’t really recommend doing that – I think it’s better to spend more time on hikes and sightseeing and less time on driving! This 7 day Iceland itinerary takes you to some of the best places to see, and it requires a 4×4 car for some trips into the Highlands.

7 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the driving route for this 7 day Iceland itinerary – I included all of the hotels and campgrounds, but they aren’t part of the route – but you can see what’s on the way and decide where to stay!

Day 1

  • Arrive in Reykjavik and explore the town (alternatively – go to the Blue Lagoon!)
  • Stay at the ODDSSON Hotel or at Campsite Þorlákshöfn

Day 2

Day 3

  • Visit Thingvellir National Park and scuba dive the Silfra Fissure (no worries if you aren’t certified – you can snorkel instead!)
  • Walk around the park, then head to Gullfoss
  • Drive to Hveravellir, and camp there or stay at the Hveravellir Lodge

Day 4

  • Explore the geothermal area in the morning, and soak in the natural hot spring!
  • Enjoy the scenic drive to Drangsnes, and soak in the oceanside Drangsnes Hot Pots
  • Stay at a cabin with a hot tub or camp at the Drangsnes Campground

Day 5

  • Soak at Guðrúnarlaug hot spring
  • Head to the Heydalur Hotel and enjoy their hot springs, but be sure to ask for directions to the natural hot spring too!
  • Stay in the hotel, or at their campsite

Day 6

  • Head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and stop at Búðakirkja, Stone Bridge, and Lóndrangar
  • Stay at the Hotel Búdir or the Grundarfjörður Campground

Day 7

  • See Kirkjufellsfoss before you go home!

7 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary – no 4×4 Required

7 days in Iceland technically gives you enough time to drive around the entire Ring Road, but I don’t really recommend doing that – I think it’s better to spend more time on hikes and sightseeing and less time on driving! This 7 day Iceland itinerary takes you to some of the best places to see, without a 4×4.

7 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the driving route for this 7 day Iceland itinerary – I included all of the hotels and campgrounds, but they aren’t part of the route – but you can see what’s on the way and decide where to stay!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

  • Go to Seljalandsfoss and walk behind the waterfall
  • Don’t forget to take the short walk to nearby Gljufrabui!
  • End the day with a short hike and a dip in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
  • Stay at the Hotel Skógafoss or camp at the campground

Day 4

Day 5

  • Stop at a viewpoint of Svínafellsjökull Glacier
  • Hike Múlagljúfur Canyon
  • See the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
  • Start driving back towards Reykjavik – stop to sleep at the Hotel Skógafoss or camp at the campground

Day 6

Day 7

  • Go to the Blue Lagoon and enjoy the resort before going home!

5 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary – With 4×4

If you’re spending 5 days in Iceland, that’s enough time for a few stops along the South Coast! This 5 day Iceland itinerary requires a 4×4, but the next section will have an alternative option if you only have two wheel drive.

5 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the driving route for this 5 day Iceland itinerary – I included all of the hotels and campgrounds, but they aren’t part of the route – but you can see what’s on the way and decide where to stay!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

  • Go to Seljalandsfoss and walk behind the waterfall
  • Don’t forget to take the short walk to nearby Gljufrabui!
  • End the day with a short hike and a dip in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
  • Stay at the Hotel Skógafoss or camp at the campground

Day 5

  • Check out Skógafoss, then hike to Kvernufoss
  • Head back to Reykjavik and then to the airport!

5 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary – no 4×4 Required

This 5 day Iceland itinerary takes you to some of the best places to see, without a 4×4.

5 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the driving route for this 5 day Iceland itinerary – I included all of the hotels and campgrounds, but they aren’t part of the route – but you can see what’s on the way and decide where to stay!

Day 1

Day 2

Snorkelers in the Silfra Fissure - a highlight from my 14 day iceland road trip itinerary!

Day 3

  • Go to Seljalandsfoss and walk behind the waterfall
  • Don’t forget to take the short walk to nearby Gljufrabui!
  • End the day with a short hike and a dip in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
  • Stay at the Hotel Skógafoss or camp at the campground

Day 4

Day 5

  • Explore Reykjavik before heading to the airport!

3 Day Iceland Road TRip Itinerary

Last but not least, a 3 day Iceland itinerary for thouse who are in Iceland for a quick stopover! With only three days, I don’t recommend going into the Highlands, as this will take quite a bit of time – instead, check out the Golden Circle! This 3 day Iceland itinerary doesn’t require a 4×4.

3 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the driving route for this 3 day Iceland itinerary – I included all of the hotels and campgrounds, but they aren’t part of the route – but you can see what’s on the way and decide where to stay!

Day 1

Day 2

A view of Gullfoss from above, which I recommend putting on your Iceland road trip itinerary.

Day 3

  • Go to the Blue Lagoon and enjoy the resort before heading to the airport

Creating Your Iceland Travel Itinerary?

If you’re making your own Iceland road trip itinerary and have any questions, or if you’ve been to Iceland and have some tips that I haven’t mentioned, leave them in the comments below!

Be sure to check out these posts about Iceland next:

Pin any of these photos to save these Iceland road trip Itineraries for later!

A Pinterest graphic that says "14 day Iceland road trip itinerary."
A Pinterest graphic that says "14 day Iceland road trip itinerary."
A Pinterest graphic that says "14 day Iceland road trip itinerary."
A Pinterest graphic that says "14 day Iceland road trip itinerary."

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