Perfect 10-Day Iceland Itinerary
Your complete Iceland Itinerary. Find unmissable attractions, luxury hotels, insider tips, and exhilarating tours. Make the best out of your time in Iceland!
Iceland is a spectacular country boasting incredible nature and dazzling views. The geothermal activity is clear, dotting the country with one-of-a-kind attractions, from hot springs to geysers and stunning volcanoes. But what’s most impressive is the giant glaciers, otherworldly lagoons and magical waterfalls unfolding from the rocks.
With this Iceland Itinerary, you will uncover Iceland’s natural wonders that will leave you in awe. Keep reading!
Iceland Itinerary
Best Iceland Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon
Day 2: Waterfalls
Day 3: Vik
Day 4: Jökulsárlón Glacier
Day 5: Ice Cave Tour
Day 6: Sky Lagoon
Day 7: Golden Circle
Day 8: Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Day 9: Snorkel at Silfra Fissure, Whale Watching Tour or Volcano Tour
Day 10: Fly home
- This 10-day Iceland Itinerary includes the best attractions in the country, including the most stunning waterfalls, geothermal lagoons, glaciers, and unmissable tours.
- To explore the best in Iceland, I recommend you follow this itinerary.
- Whether your Iceland trip is of 1 Day, 3 Days, 7 Days or even more than 10 Days, I share tips on how to adapt this Iceland Itinerary. Make sure you read the last recommendations in the bottom.
Best Time for this Iceland Itinerary
This Iceland Itinerary can be done year-round, with a few twists.
Between June and September (summer), you will have longer daylight and warmer temperatures, making it easy to drive around Iceland. The landscapes will be vivid, the waterfalls fully refreshed, and the glaciers melted. It is also the perfect time to watch the Icelandic puffins, admire the waterfalls, and witness the midnight sun.
The winter features a whole new experience in Iceland. The snow-capped mountains and the frozen landscapes ease the formation of giant glaciers and long-time sunrises, which will amaze you. It is also the perfect time to watch the magical northern lights, not to mention the ice cave tours.
This Iceland Itinerary can be done year-round
What I did
I visited Iceland in early December. The daylight was shorter (around 5 hours), but I still got to see all the highlights of Iceland.
If this is the case for you, most likely you will drive at night. The good news is, you will be greeted with a beautiful sunrise and sunset everyday. It’s just magical!
10-Day Iceland Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon
Driving Distance and Time: 86 Km, 1 hour
Reykjavik is where your adventure begins. Once you hit the Keflavik International Airport, rent a car for your next exciting days. Iceland Car Rental is an excellent choice.
From here, head to the spectacular Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is known for its blue waters, offering otherworldly views and a luxury experience. Plus, it features in-water treatments, perfect for relaxing and indulging, with proven benefits for your health! The Lagoon is a must-stop in your Iceland Itinerary!
What I did
When I visited Iceland, the Blue Lagoon was closed due to a volcanic eruption. I opted to visit Sky Lagoon instead, and it was an exceptional experience.
What you can expect
Otherworldly landscapes, Wellness
Where to stay near the Blue Lagoon
Day 2: Waterfalls
Iceland is known for its picture-perfect waterfalls. Choosing which ones to visit is no easy task. For me, the best Iceland waterfalls include Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui, and Skógafoss.
Hit the road to the first waterfall: Seljalandsfoss. The waterfall is a natural wonder. There is a pathway overlooking the waterfall from behind, which is closed during winter. Take a minute to soak up the moment. Indulge!
First waterfall: Seljalandsfoss!
Don’t go away just yet. There is a secret lagoon nested between cliffs, just a 5-minute walk from the waterfall. Follow the pathway and head to Gljufrabui waterfall. I was mind-blown by the beauty of this waterfall.
It’s like reaching for a secret treasure from behind the cliffs. At far, you will hear the water escalating. As you get closer, the sound intensifies, and you become eager to get lost. Walk through the secret aperture until you reach the waterfall. Trust me. It will be worth it.
What you can expect
Breathtaking Waterfalls, Secret Gems
Where to stay near South Coast Waterfalls
Opt to stay this night in Vík, as it will be your starting point the next day. See my luxury hotel recommendations below.
Day 3: Vík
Driving Distance and Time: 32 Km, 30 minutes (1 hour and a half with optional attraction)
An attractive spot for puffin spotting
Start the day near Vík. Vík is a picturesque Icelandic village, nested on the South Coast, featuring impressive landscapes you simply can’t miss. In the summer, Vík is also an attractive spot for puffin spotting, making it a great location to spend a day in.
Head to Reynisfjara Beach, one of the world’s most beautiful black sand beaches. The beach features imponent rock formations and unique-looking basalt columns that make an enormous cliff face over the agitated open sea.
Next, head to the red Vík church. The church is an iconic red-and-white sight in South Iceland. Because it is perched atop a hill, you can benefit from a panoramic vista overlooking the village and ocean.
Plus, don’t skip the Dyrhólaey Peninsula. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted with another impressive view, offering a closer point of view this time over the black-sand Icelandic beaches. It’s considered a unique place to visit, as the remarkable cliffs overshadow the beach at close.
If you feel like driving a little bit more, and uncover another hidden gem in Iceland, there is another great place to visit named Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, just a 50-minute drive from Vík.
Curiosity: If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you probably have heard about Vík. This is where a lot of the dramatic scenes in the series have been made.
What I did
In Vik, my favorite attraction was the Reynisfjara Beach! The beach impressed me with its unique rock formations stretching out of the water. This was actually one of my favorite places in Iceland, so I highly recommend you visit it too! Not to mention the panoramic spot near Vik Church, which features one of the most iconic vistas in the whole of Iceland.
What you can expect
Scenic Beach, Panoramic Spot, Puffin Spotting
Where to stay near Vik
Black Beach Suites – The perfect luxury stay in the South Coast of Iceland. Boasts all the amenities for a high-end experience as a family or a couple. Offers a view over the ocean and all the comfort you seek after a long, exciting day.
Volcano Hotel – A boutique hotel in the heart of the South Coast. Characterized by a modern design and runned by an Icelandic family. Promises to deliver an exceptional stay.
Day 4: Jökulsárlón Glacier
Driving Distance and Time: 192 Km, 2 hours
Ready to feel like you are in Antarctica?
Ready to feel like you are in Antarctica? Jökulsárlón Glacier is the most popular glacier in Iceland, making it a must-stop in your Iceland Itinerary.
Floating on the lagoon are countless icebergs, creating an ever-changing landscape of natural beauty. Plus, many seals call this glacier home, leaving you feeling you are in a National Geographic show!
Step foot in Diamond Beach. The beach features a landscape you will never forget, being known to display naturally-made icy ‘diamonds’ along the shore. The contrast with the volcanic black sand, just makes it even more unique!
Located just across the road, there is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – another top gem in my Iceland Itinerary. Up for today, spend some time just admiring the views!
What I did
Jökulsárlón Glacier was my favorite place in Iceland. A truly new experience for me! Up until today, I still remember this day as the most impressive view I’ve ever seen in my life. The glaciers are impressive, and if you have never seen anything like it, you will feel like you are in Antarctica!
I was also lucky to watch many seals at far, which made the experience even more unique!
What you can expect
Giant Icebergs, Countless Seals, Ice Cave Tours
Where to stay near Jökulsárlón Glacier
Nónhamar – Your go-to refuge in Iceland. With a minimalist kind of look, the hotel is strategically nested in the heart of Nature. Ideal for nature seekers and authentic stays.
Berjaya Höfn Hotel – An incredibly modern design hotel. Offers superior comfort and incredible vistas over Nature. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
Day 5: Ice Cave Tour
Driving Distance and Time: 0 Km
If you are in Iceland, chances are you will want to do an Ice Cave Tour. There are countless tour operators in Jökulsárlón Glacier, offering many different experiences for travelers.
Crystal Ice Cave Tour With Jeep
Snowmobiling Tour
Helicopter Tour
Glacier hiking was one of the most unique experiences in Iceland for me. There are lots of different options, depending on your tastes and adventure level. Ice tours range from 3 to 10 hours, easy walks to advanced hikes, and even adventurous rides of helicopter, snowmobile or super Jeeps.
For an epic experience, walk on Vatnajokull, the largest Glacier in Europe. To do this, head to Skaftafell and spend the day on the glacier. I was amazed by how much natural beauty is packed on Iceland. It’s difficult not to fall in love with the country!
One of the most unique experiences in Iceland
Day 6: Sky Lagoon
Driving Distance and Time: 378 Km, 5 hours
Hit the road and return to Reykjavik. You still have a few hours to drive, so it’s important that you wake up early and enjoy the Icelandic South Coast calmly.
This day encompasses another relaxing experience in Iceland. If you visited Blue Lagoon on the first day, visit the Sky Lagoon now, or vice-versa.
Sky Lagoon boasts spectacular views over the ocean and views you won’t believe exist. Make sure you grab a drink from the bar, for an even more unique experience!
Sky Lagoon boasts spectacular views over the ocean
What you can expect
Scenic Vistas, Wellness
Where to stay near Jökulsárlón Glacier
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica – A hotel of timeless luxury. Located at the heart of Reykjavik, just a 10-minute ride from the magical Sky Lagoon. Boasts exceptional amenities, including sauna and whirlpool.
The Reykjavik Edition – Laid-back luxury, featuring a spectacular array of bedrooms. Offers a rooftop destination with scenic views. Ideal for a sophisticated stay in Iceland.
Day 7: Golden Circle
Driving Distance and Time: 107 Km, 1 hour and half
Walking around this area is a fascinating and memorable experience
Just a 1-hour ride from Reykjavik is the Golden Circle. Golden Circle is another unmissable attraction in Iceland.
Walking around this area is a fascinating and memorable experience, where you will find geysers, waterfalls, and the Þingvellir National Park.
Start by admiring the Geysir. A worldly known natural beauty, where you can watch boiling waters being spat out for the heights, every 8-10 minutes. This is one of the few places in the world, where one can closely observe geysers. And can reach up to 30 meters in the air!
Next, head to the spectacular Gullfoss Falls. This is one of the most impressive waterfalls you’ll ever see in Iceland. There is even a nearby pathway, where you can watch the falling waters closely!
Bruarfoss Waterfall is another attraction in the Golden Circle. Although not as high as other waterfalls in Iceland, it features incredible blue waters and a beautiful vista on the way to the next attraction.
Lastly, drive over to Þingvellir National Park! Þingvellir features another geological treasure in Iceland. Here, the tectonic plates drifted apart, forming crevasses that are actually visible in Almannagjá Canyon as well as in Silfra. If you’re up for a unique experience – you can even do snorkeling in Silfra Fissure!
What I did
I visited the Golden Circle, expecting more spectacular vistas in Iceland. It did not let down. Watching the Geysir impressed me a lot, as I have never seen anything like it.
What you can expect
Geysir, Waterfalls, Natural Park
Where to stay near Golden Circle
Hotel KERBYGGD – Experience Luxury in the Golden Circle. Feel at awe with a private Hot Tub and incredible vistas, in a space with superior elegant design.
Golden Circle Domes – The Perfect Luxury Escape in an Icelandic Lodge. Boasts spectacular views over the lake and an intimate ambiance. The ideal couple stay in Iceland.
Day 8: Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Driving Distance and Time: 207 Km, 2 hours and a half
The next day, head to the spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Nested in West Iceland, this fantastic Peninsula features breathtaking vistas, from vast lava fields and craters to picturesque beaches.
But what’s most impressive about this place is the gorgeous views along the coastline with rugged rock formations jutting out from the Ocean in Arnarstapi and Lóndrangar View Point.
This fantastic Peninsula features breathtaking vistas
Today, start your Iceland Itinerary by heading to the picture-perfect Arnarstapi. Spend some time here, and enjoy the views.
Next, head to the stunning Londrangar Cliffs. Here, you will find more spectacular views from a beachfront View Point.
At Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you can also admire the spectacular Kirkjufell Mountain. The mountain makes up one of the most iconic landscapes in the country, making it a must-stop in your Iceland Itinerary.
Just a 50-minute drive from Kirkjufell is the Snæfellsjökull Volcano. Snæfellsjökull is a snow-capped Volcano where you can see breathtaking views once you reach the top. Hiking tours are offered to the top of the Snæfellsjökull Volcano from March to September each year, making another exciting experience in Iceland. A challenging one!
What you can expect
Panoramic Spots, Waterfalls
Where to stay near Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Marbakki Luxury Ocean Retreat – Ocean on one side, mountains on the other! Find out the ultimate luxury retreat near Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Miðhraun – Lava resort – A luxury hotel that promises to enchant. The perfect family getaway, where you can even admire ships, horses and chickens with your kids!
Day 9: Snorkel at Silfra Fissure, Whale Watching Tour or Volcano Tour
Driving Distance and Time: depends on the chosen activity
Iceland offers otherworldly tours. Experience them!
Snorkel at Silfra Fissure
Feel the excitement of snorkeling or diving in one of Iceland’s most cherished wonders! The only place in the world that is nested between two tectonic plates.
Silfra Fissure is a Fissure filled with clear waters and a diver’s paradise. Located within Þingvellir National Park, in the Golden Circle, this is a must-stop in your Iceland Itinerary, especially if you are a nature lover or an experienced diver.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of Iceland’s most attractive activities and for a good reason. There is an almost 100% chance of seeing these animals in Iceland, with countless spots to start your tour.
Húsavík features a popular one, but Reykjavik offers countless Whale Tours awaiting you.
Volcano Tour
Say YES to a Volcano Tour in Iceland! Iceland is a paradise for nature lovers, not only because the country boasts impressive natural wonders, but also because of the one-of-a-kind tours it offers!
Admiring an active volcano is a memorable sight! Set out over the active volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
What you can expect
Unmissable Tours
Day 10: Fly Home
It’s time to say goodbye to Iceland.
How to modify this Iceland Itinerary
If you don’t have enough time, here is my recommendations for your Iceland trip:
1 Day: Blue Lagoon, Seljalandsfoss, and Gljufrabui Waterfalls
You have only one day in Iceland. In this case, explore the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland by the morning. Indulge in Blue Lagoon in the afternoon.
3 Days: add South Coast
If three days is what you have, explore more of South Iceland. Add more waterfalls (the Skógafoss waterfall). Head over to Vik, and spend time on the black-sand beach and the nearby panoramic spots. If you still want to make it to the Jökulsárlón Glacier, shorten your visit to Vik or skip it, and admire the Iceland icebergs.
7 Days: add Jökulsárlón Glacier, Ice Cave/Volcano/Whale Watching Tour, and Golden Circle
With 7 days, chances are you will have more time to explore Iceland’s South Coast, as well as the Golden Circle. You will also be able to do at least one exciting Iceland Tour. Choose between an Ice Cave Tour, Volcano Tour, or Whale Watching Tour.
More time: add Natural Wonders, Slow Down
With more than 10 days on your Iceland Itinerary, do the Ring Road slowly. Add more places to your Iceland Itinerary.
In the South, add Svartifoss Waterfall. In the East, add Stuolagil Canyon. In the North, add Goðafoss, Dettifoss, KolugljúfurCanyon, and do a Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík. In the West, add the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Experience different tours during these days! Keep it slow and really appreciate each moment.
Iceland is one of the most stunning countries I’ve ever visited.
The landscapes are unique, boasting natural wonders difficult to see anywhere else! From the magical lagoons, the impressive waterfalls, the beautiful black-sand beaches, or the picture-perfect Glaciers, Iceland is a real luxury hideaway.
Follow this Iceland Itinerary for a 10-day trip, packed with incredible vistas, tours, and luxury hotels – for a perfect Iceland Trip!
