Iconic Iceland

Day 1: Arrival and Reykjanes Peninsula

Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you pick up your rental car and begin your journey. Depending on your flight schedule, you first head towards Reykjavík or drive straight to the Reykjanes Peninsula. This rugged UNESCO Geopark offers a striking introduction to Iceland, with lava fields, steaming vents and dramatic cliffs. In the Krýsuvík area, you walk among colourful mud pools and sulphur springs. For a relaxed start, you can unwind at the Blue Lagoon, a pleasant transition after the flight.

Day 2: Þingvellir National Park – Geysir – Gullfoss

Today you explore the Golden Circle region. You drive to Lake Þingvallavatn in Þingvellir National Park, where nature and history come together. Next is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, which you can admire from several walking paths. The geothermal area of Geysir is also on the agenda, with Strokkur and its bubbling hot springs. You end the day at Laugarvatn Fontana, where steam baths and mineral pools have been popular with locals since the early 20th century.

Day 3: Þjórsárdalur – Skógar – Vík

Today you leave the Golden Circle and head towards the south coast. The Þjórsárdalur Valley surprises with its varied landscapes of birch forests, lava fields, rivers and waterfalls. In the Gjáin Valley, you discover small waterfalls and volcanic formations, with views of Mount Hekla on clear days. Along the south coast, you stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. At Seljalandsfoss, weather permitting, you can walk behind the waterfall. Skógafoss impresses with its power and legends. Near Sólheimajökull, guided glacier hikes or kayaking on the glacier lagoon are possible. Further along the coast lie Dyrhólaey* and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. You then cross the vast Eldhraun lava field before reaching Vík.

*Dyrhólaey is closed between mid-May and 25 June due to the bird nesting season.

Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park – Jökulsárlón – Höfn

Today you enter Southeast Iceland, where glaciers dominate the landscape. You explore the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park and see glacier tongues such as Svinafellsjökull. You then visit the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs drift calmly through the water. Nearby is Diamond Beach, a black sand beach scattered with ice blocks. The day ends in the harbour town of Höfn, known for its langoustines.

Day 5: Höfn – East Fjords – Egilsstaðir

You leave Höfn behind and drive over the Almannaskarð Pass towards the East Fjords. Here, steep mountains plunge directly into the sea and fjords cut deep into the land. Along the way, you pass fishing villages such as Fáskrúðsfjörður, Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörður. In Djúpivogur, egg-shaped sculptures catch the eye in the harbour. Those interested in geology can visit Petra’s Mineral Collection. The day ends in Egilsstaðir, near the Hallormsstaður forest and Lake Lagarfljót, known for its legendary lake monster. At the Vök Baths on Lake Urriðavatn, you relax in floating geothermal pools.

Day 6: Lake Mývatn

You continue north towards Iceland’s volcanic north. Along the way, you cross the desert plateau of Möðrudalur öræfi. At Dettifoss, you feel the power of Europe’s most powerful waterfall. In the Mývatn area, you discover the pseudocraters at Skútustaðir, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the geothermal area of Námaskarð. The Stuðlagil Canyon, with its basalt columns, is also on the programme. The day can end with a visit to the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Day 7: Mývatn – Goðafoss – Akureyri

After a final exploration of the Mývatn area, you drive towards Akureyri. Along the way, you stop at Goðafoss, where water cascades powerfully across a wide fall. Akureyri, the northern capital, features colourful houses, a botanical garden, galleries and cafés, with views over Eyjafjörður Fjord.

Day 8: Skagafjörður – Borgarnes

Today you drive through Skagafjörður, a region known for its Icelandic horses, a purebred breed raised here for centuries. Via scenic valleys and the Holtavörðuheiði plateau, you reach West Iceland. In Borgarfjörður, you discover a region shaped by Viking history and volcanic landscapes. You walk to the top of the Grábrók crater, visit Deildartunguhver and admire the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.

Day 9: Borgarfjörður – Snæfellsjökull National Park

Today you explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often described as Iceland in miniature. Cliffs, lava fields, beaches, fishing villages and the Snæfellsjökull glacier follow one another in quick succession. At Arnarstapi, you walk along the sea cliffs, and those who wish can follow the trail to Hellnar. Djúpalónssandur and the photogenic Kirkjufell are also highlights.

Day 10: Snæfellsnes – Reykjavík

You continue exploring Snæfellsnes before driving towards Reykjavík. The route takes you through Hvalfjörður, the “whale fjord”. Along the way, you may stop at the Hvammsvík seawater baths, where stone pools move with the tides. In Reykjavík, the harbour, Hallgrímskirkja and the Harpa Concert Hall immediately stand out.

Day 11: Reykjavík

Today you further explore Reykjavík. Stroll through colourful streets, along the harbour and through neighbourhoods filled with cafés, boutiques and museums. After days spent in nature, the city offers a pleasant change of pace.

Day 12: Reykjavík or Reykjanes

Today you set your own pace. Continue exploring Reykjavík, return to the Reykjanes Peninsula or plan a final visit to a geothermal bath.

Day 13: Return home

Your journey through Iceland comes to an end. If you have not yet visited the Blue Lagoon and your flight schedule allows, you can still do so today. Allow approximately 2.5 hours extra. You then return to Keflavík International Airport, drop off the rental car and head home with wonderful memories.