Craft an Epic Journey Across Iceland: Explore 3, 5, or 7-Day Iceland Travel Itineraries
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a magical place to visit, with its wild and ethereal landscapes, humbling experiences, and endless adventures. While it's small in landmass, making it seem easy to explore, planning your Iceland road trip requires some thought to get the most out of your journey.
Packing your itinerary with must-see attractions might tempt you, but remember that rushing through each spot will only leave you with blurry memories rather than unforgettable moments. Instead, take your time and savor the incredible landscapes at a leisurely pace.
Before diving into the itineraries, here are some practical tips to consider:
- Getting around Iceland: You can tours, rent a car, or use buses. While tours offer the convenience, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Lava Car Rental is a family-operated company offering a range of car rentals, including SUVs, campervans, and electric vehicles.
- Seasonality: Summer offers longer days, making it easier to explore, while winter brings shorter days and more challenging driving conditions. However, winter can also be an enchanting time, especially around New Year's Eve.
- How long should your trip be? A five-day itinerary is the minimum, but seven days is ideal to truly enjoy Iceland. If you're on a stopover, take advantage of stopover programs like Icelandair's to add a few extra days to your trip.
- Good to know: Parking is usually free, but some popular attractions may have a charge. Iceland requires respect for its environment, and off-roading is forbidden and punishable by fines.
Now let's check out some suggested itineraries:
3-Day Iceland Itinerary
Day 1: The Golden Circle (with an optional Silfra snorkeling experience)Day 2: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss (and Gljufrabui), Vik, and Reynisfjara BeachDay 3: Reykjavik and The Blue Lagoon
With this three-day itinerary, you'll get a decent introduction to Iceland's landscapes, geothermal wonders, and wildlife. If you're short on time, this itinerary will work year-round.
Day 1: The Golden CircleAfter landing and picking up your vehicle, start your Iceland road trip with the Golden Circle, a popular route that showcases the top highlights near Reykjavik. Visit UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, witness the erupting Strokkur geyser, and marvel at the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. You can also snorkel or dive in Silfra, a rift where the continents' tectonic plates meet.
Day 2: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vik, and Reynisfjara BeachDrive southeast and explore Seljalandsfoss, a beautiful waterfall you can walk behind, visit Skógafoss, a 60-meter plunging cascade, and take in the striking black sand beach, Reynisfjara. Along the way, you might also encounter Icelandic horses.
Day 3: Reykjavik and The Blue LagoonSpend your final day in the capital city, Reykjavik, and take a walking tour of the highlights such as the Hallgrímskirkja church and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Visit the National Museum of Iceland to learn about the nation's history before ending your trip at the infamous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa that offers a refreshing and rejuvenating conclusion to your Iceland road trip.
5-Day Iceland Itinerary
Day 1: The Golden Circle (with an optional Silfra snorkeling experience)Day 2: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss (and Gljufrabui), Vik, and Reynisfjara BeachDay 3: Black Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier LagoonDay 4: Heimaey Island for puffins (or whale watching) and Reykjadalur ValleyDay 5: Reykjavik and The Blue Lagoon
With five days, you'll be able to enjoy even more of Iceland's incredible landscapes, geothermal wonders, and wildlife. Add activities such as kayaking on a glacier lagoon or trekking atop a glacier to create an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: The Golden Circle (with an optional Silfra snorkeling experience)Similar to the three-day itinerary, explore the Golden Circle and consider snorkeling or diving in Silfra.
Day 2: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Vik, and Reynisfjara BeachVisit waterfalls, black sand beaches, and perhaps even spot puffins at Dyrhólaey nature reserve.
Day 3: Black Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier LagoonTravel to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a mesmerizing lake dotted with icebergs, and visit the nearby Black Diamond Beach. Consider trekking atop the Vatnajökull glacier or kayaking in the glacier lagoon for an unforgettable experience.
Day 4: Heimaey Island and Reykjadalur ValleyVisit Heimaey Island, home to the world's largest puffin colony (May-August), or go whale watching. Afterward, drive through the geothermal Reykjadalur Valley and end your day in Reykjavik.
Day 5: Reykjavik and The Blue LagoonWander through the city, visiting top attractions such as the Hallgrímskirkja church and the National Museum of Iceland. End your trip by soaking in the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa that promises a revitalizing finish to your Iceland road trip.
7-Day Iceland Itinerary
Day 1: The Golden Circle (with an optional Silfra snorkeling experience)Day 2: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss (and Gljufrabui), Vik, and Reynisfjara BeachDay 3: Black Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier LagoonDay 4: Heimaey Island for puffins (or whale watching) and Reykjadalur ValleyDay 5: Snæfellsnes PeninsulaDay 6: Snæfellsnes PeninsulaDay 7: Reykjavik and The Blue Lagoon
With seven days, you can explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offering a more offbeat and isolated escape from the mainland.
Day 1-4: Follow the five-day itinerary for the first four days.
Day 5: Snæfellsnes PeninsulaDiscover the legendary Kirkjufell mountain, hike the underground Vatnshellir Cave, and visit the narrow Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge. Explore lava fields, fishing villages, and geothermal spas.
Day 6: Snæfellsnes PeninsulaContinue exploring the peninsula, taking in its stunning landscapes and hidden gems.
Day 7: Reykjavik and The Blue LagoonDrive back to Reykjavik and unwind in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon before your departure.
Extending Your Trip: 10 or 14 Days
With ten or fourteen days, you can complete the Ring Road around Iceland, venture into the remote Westfjords, or explore even more isolated areas. Simply extend the seven-day itinerary by adding additional days in specific regions, such as the Westfjords, or by slowing the pace and adding more stops along the way.
Regardless of the length of your Iceland road trip, remember to take your time, savor the moments, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Safe travels!
- During your Iceland road trip, consider adding more leisurely activities to your itinerary, such as visiting the fashion-and-beauty stores in Reykjavik for unique souvenirs or cooking a delicious meal with local ingredients you've picked up at the food-and-drink markets.
- After a long day of sightseeing, you can relax in your cozy home-and-garden accommodation, admiring the breathtaking views outside your window.
