2-Week Iceland Itinerary – Epic Road Trip

Iceland possesses some of the most dramatic and outlandish landscapes on earth. Broken off icebergs float to sea. Moss-covered lava fields stretch out infinitely. Dried fish heads swing in the arctic air.

To fully appreciate the variance and vastness of Iceland’s scenery, we recommend renting a car and driving the Ring Road.

We know that planning an Iceland itinerary can be a challenge. Depending on what time of year you visit, there will be activities you can and cannot do and places you can and cannot visit. We’ve created an Iceland Travel Guide, which will help you answer when to visit, where to go, what to experience, and what to eat.

Use our guide in conjunction with this itinerary to help plan your trip.

This 2 week Iceland itinerary is based on our personal road trip itinerary. For those interested in visiting in early spring, you can also read our guide to Traveling to Iceland in April, which answers all the questions you’re probably asking. If you’re traveling to Iceland in late spring, summer, or fall, you can also use this itinerary.

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2-Week Iceland Road Trip Route Map

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How to Book this Iceland Travel Itinerary: 14 Nights / 15 Days

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Accommodation

Book 1 Night in Hveragerði | Reykjadalur Guesthouse (budget), Hótel Eldhestar (budget), Hjardarból Guesthouse (midrange), or Hotel Frost and Fire (luxury)

Book 1 Night near Skogar | Guesthouse Rauðafell (budget), Paradise Cave Hostel & Guesthouse (budget), Guesthouse Skógafoss (budget),  The Garage (midrange), or UMI Hotel (luxury)

Book 1 Night in Vík | The Barn (budget), Guesthouse Carina (midrange), or Hótel Kría (luxury)

Book 1 Night near Höfn | Höfn Hostel (budget), Seljavellir Guesthouse (midrange), or Seljavellir Guesthouse (luxury)

Book 1 Night in Egilsstaðir | Lyngás Guesthouse (budget), Lagarfell Studios (midrange), or Hérað – Berjaya Iceland Hotels (luxury)

Book 2-3 Nights in Mývatn | Eldá Guesthouse (budget), Dimmuborgir Guesthouse (midrange), Hótel Laxá (luxury), or Fosshotel Myvatn (luxury)

Book 1 Night near Blönduós | Hotel Húni (budget), Gladheimar Guest House (budget), Brimslóð Atelier Guesthouse (midrange), or Brekkukot near Blönduós

Summer Only – Book 2 Nights in the Westfjords | Korpudalur HI Hostel (budget), Sólheimar Studio Apartment (midrange), Gemlufall guesthouse and café (midrange), Sólbakki (luxury)

Book 1 Night in Snæfellsnes Peninsula | Kirkjufell Guesthouse (budget), Hotel Rjúkandi (midrange), or Hotel Búdir (luxury)

Book 2 Nights in Reykjavík | Student Hostel (budget), Freyja Guesthouse & Suites (midrange), Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel (luxury), or Tower Suites Reykjavík (luxury)

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Car Rental

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Iceland. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Day 1: Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a tourist route that leads east from Reykjavik. It’s best tackled in one full day by car. The circuit takes you to some of Iceland’s most dramatic natural attractions.

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Top Things to See and Do in the Golden Circle

Thingvellir National Park | Walk between continental plates at Almannagja Gorge, where the North American and Eurasian plates are actively moving apart. From the visitor center, take the footpath to the waterfall Öxarárfoss.

Laugarvatn Fontana (Hot Springs) | Stop here to an excellent buffet-style lunch, with soups, salads, geothermal bread, local trout, etc… You can also spend a few hours soaking in their natural hot springs. Get Ticket.

Geysir | Walk around this active geothermal area and wait for the geysers to erupt. You’ll likely see Strokkur (the Churn) erupt but might have to wait quite some time to see Geysir (the Gusher) spit its load.

Gullfoss (Golden Falls) | Impressive cataract waterfall. 

Secret Lagoon / Gamla Laugin | Natural geothermal pool. Get Ticket.

Kerið / Crater lake | This was our favorite stop. You can walk the rim of the crater and go down to the teal-colored lake. There’s a small entry cost.

Frost og Funi | Eat dinner here. This restaurant and hotel overlooks a river and is nestled between active geothermal hills. The solarium-style dining room allows you to appreciate the steaming natural landscape. Reservation recommended.

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Stay 1 Night in Hveragerði

Budget | Reykjadalur Guesthouse is a very clean and comfortable guesthouse in the very center of Hveragerði. Check-in is done via a keybox. You can order breakfast for an additional fee.

Midrange | Hjardarból Guesthouse is a modest, but cozy and clean guesthouse surrounded by farmland. This is a peaceful place to stay after driving the Golden Circle Route with the added bonus of outdoor hot tubs. You can order breakfast here for an additional fee, or use the communal kitchen. 

Luxury | Hotel Frost and Fire is a restaurant and guesthouse that overlooks a river and is nestled between active geothermal hills. We came here for dinner, but we would have loved to have stayed here too. Also, it’s very close to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River trailhead.

More accommodations in Hveragerði: Hótel Eldhestar (budget), Hótel Örk (midrange), or Inni – Boutique Apartments (luxury)

Look for accommodation in Hveragerði.

Day 2 Southern Iceland: Hveragerði to Skogar

Your 2 week Iceland itinerary begins in Southern Iceland, a region packed with beautiful places to visit. Today, you can hike to hot springs, discover ancient habitations, and visit museums.

As you drive along the Ring Road, you’ll see isolated farmhouses dwarfed by mountains. You’ll also see majestic Icelandic horses standing stoically in the bitter wind.

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Top Things to See and Do in Southern Iceland

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River | This is a 1-hour hike that takes you to a bathing platform, where you can soak in a hot river.

Eat Lunch at Eldstó Art Cafe.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall | A 65-meter high waterfall. A path leads behind the waterfall. Wear a rain jacket.

Rutshellir Caves | An ancient habitation and cave built into and under a rock.

Seljavallalaug Pool | Outdoor public pool built in 1923.

Musée de Skógar | Open-air folk museum. Check opening times.

Skógafoss Waterfall | One of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland.

Eat Dinner at Hotel Skogafoss Bistro Bar | Casual dining area with a great view of the waterfall. You can also stay here.

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Stay 1 Night in Skogar

Budget | Guesthouse Rauðafell is a countryside bed and breakfast offering simple, but clean rooms with shared bathrooms. Guests have access to a fully equipped kitchen and living room.

Top Choice – Midrange | The Garage is one of the most enchanting places to stay in Iceland. Set between mountains and the ocean, the Garage spoils guests with beautiful views and its unique design. Rooms are equipped with a small kitchenette.

Luxury | UMI Hotel is a striking modern oasis situated between the ocean and the ring road. With its stellar on-site restaurant, isolated location and contemporary decor, Umi leaves nothing to be desired. Breakfast is included.

More accommodations in Skogar: Paradise Cave Hostel & Guesthouse (budget), Guesthouse Skógafoss (budget), or Hótel Skógafoss (midrange)

Look for accommodation in Skogar.

Day 3 Southern Iceland: Skogar to Vík

As you journey further East on the Ring Road, you’ll find that the scenery becomes more dramatic. The main highlight of today’s itinerary is visiting the black beaches around Vík.

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Things to Do in Vík

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach | There are many black sand beaches in Iceland, but this is the most famous one. What makes it really special are the basalt columns on the beach, the view of the Reynisdrangar Cliffs (basalt sea stacks), and the Hálsanefshellir Cave. Dress warmly, because it can be very cold/very windy.

Lunch at Black Beach Restaurant | Eat lunch in this casual, cafeteria-style restaurant. They cook up a delicious turnip soup. Check opening times.

Black Sand Beach Vik | This is another beautiful beach, though less busy.

Dinner at Suður-Vík Restaurant | Check opening times.

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Stay 1 Night in Vík

Budget | The Barn is a sleek budget-friendly accommdoation just outside Vík. The Barn offers both dormitory-style lodgings and private double rooms. Guests have access to a communal kitchen.

Midrange | Guesthouse Carina is a charming bed and breakfast located directly in the town of Vík, very close to the beach. The rooms are beautiful and spacious, but the bathrooms are communal. The breakfast is lovely. We loved our stay here. 

Luxury | Hótel Kría is a impeccably designed hotel in Vík featuring delightful modern interiors, a great location (5 min walk to the beach), and an on-site restaurant and cocktail bar. Breakfast is included.

More accommodations in Vík: Vík Apartments (midrange) and Black Beach Suites (luxury)

Look for accommodation in Vík.

Day 4 Southeast Iceland: Vík to Höfn

Your Iceland road trip continues East to some of Iceland’s most surreal attractions and landscapes. The drive leads through Eldhaun, a massive moss-covered lava field.

Today, you will walk the rim of a deep canyon and hike to a waterfall framed by basalt columns. You will also visit two glacier lagoons, where fragmented icebergs float and seals swim.

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Top Things to Do in Southeast Iceland

Laufskálavarða | This is the only place in Iceland that you can build a cairn (rock stack).

Eldhraun | A vast moss-covered lava field. You’ll drive through it.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Deep Canyon | You can walk the rim to various vantage points. There is an icy blue river that ribbons through the canyon floor.

Lunch at Systrakaffi | See opening times.

Skaftafell / Vatnajökull National Park | The Skaftafell Visitor Centre marks the trailhead to Svartifoss Waterfall and Svínafellsjökull Glacier. This is also a meeting point for glacier hikes, which are run by different tour groups.

Check out the following Skaftafell glacier hiking tours:

• Skaftafell: Guided Glacier Hike Day Trip (Duration: 5 hours)
• Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike (Duration: 4 hours)
• Skaftafell Ice Climb and Glacier Hike (Duration: 4 hours)

All these tours start in the village Hof. Exact Location: Google Maps

Fjallsárlón | A glacier Lagoon at the south-end of the glacier Vatnajökull. Floating icebergs. In the winter, the lagoon freezes.

Diamond Beach | Broken off icebergs from Jökulsárlón float out to sea and land on this black sand beach.

Jökulsárlón | A breathtaking glacier lagoon. In winter (October – April) it’s possible to join a guided Ice Cave Tour: 

• From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour (Duration: 3 hours)
• From Jökulsárlón: Crystal Blue Ice Cave Super Jeep Tour (Duration: 3 hours)

Both tours start at the main parking lot Jökulsárlón. Exact Location: Google Maps

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Stay 1 Night in/near Höfn

Budget | Höfn Hostel is a clean budget-friendly accommodation with a wide variety of private and dormitory rooms. Bathrooms are communal. Guests also have access to a shared kitchen and laundry facilities.

Midrange | Seljavellir Guesthouse epitomizes refined minimalism at its very best. Rooms are simple but tasteful. Breakfast is included.

Luxury | Vikingcafe is a B&B and café blessed with an epic setting just steps away from the old Viking film set and Stokksnes beach, backed by the impressive Vestrahorn. Stay here for the scenic location, friendly staff, and comfortable rooms.

More accommodations in Höfn: Apotek Guesthouse (midrange), Lilja Guesthouse (luxury), or Milk Factory (luxury)

Look for accommodation in Höfn.

Day 5 East Iceland: Höfn to Egilsstaðir

If there’s one drive in Iceland to experience, this is it! It approaches the realm of magic. Treeless black mountains plunge into the ocean. A Viking film set stands abandoned amidst grazing horses. Reindeer and whooper swans dot the landscape.

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Top Things to Do in East Iceland

Hoffell Hot Tubs | This hot tub is a slight detour, but a nice way to start the day. More info: Tripadvisor.

Vestrahorn | Imposing mountain, located on Iceland’s east coast, best photographed from Stokksnes beach.

Viking Cafe | You can grab a coffee at this rugged cafe. After parking and paying a fee, you can walk to the black sand beach (Stokksnes) for a view of Vestrahorn mountain. You can also drive to get even closer. When we arrived, we could barely see 5 feet ahead of us, so, unfortunately, we didn’t see the sand dunes. But, we walked in the direction along the foot of the mountain and stumbled upon an old film set of a Viking settlement.

Stokksnes | Black sand beach, small sand dunes, and view of Mount Vestrahorn.

Lækjavik | Stunning stretch of coastline. Lots of birdlife. Waterfalls everywhere. Mountains plunge into the ocean.

Djúpivogur | A coastal town in the East Fjords.

Lunch at Hótel Framtíð | Check opening times.

Öxi Mountain Pass | We opted to take this road instead of the 1 because it was faster. It’s unpaved/gravel, so only take this road when there’s good weather. The drive is very scenic. 

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Stay 1 Night in Egilsstaðir

Budget | Lyngás Guesthouse is a simple, but comfortable and clean guesthouse in Egilsstaðir. Rooms are surprisingly spacious. Guests have access to a communal kitchen and dining space. 

Midrange | Lagarfell Studios is located just oustside the town center of Egilsstaðir and a perfect place to stay along your road trip along the ring road. Rooms are spotless and lovely and feature a small kitchenette.

Luxury | Hérað – Berjaya Iceland Hotels is a nice hotel in the center of Egilsstaðir with a very good on-site restaurant.

More accommodations in Egilsstaðir: Tehúsið Hostel (budget), Eyjólfsstadir Guesthouse (budget), Hotel 1001 Nott (luxury), Gistihúsið – Lake Hotel Egilsstadir (luxury).

Look for accommodation in Egilsstaðir.

Days 6-8 East Fjords and Northern Iceland: Egilsstaðir to Mývatn

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Day 6: Drive From Egilsstaðir to Mývatn

Today, you’ll venture to remote towns in the East Fjords. Venturing to these destinations is probably best in summer when the weather is milder and you have an opportunity to see puffins.

When we visited in April, it was very cold and windy. And, it was too early in the season to see puffins. Additionally, all tourist establishments and cafes were closed (winter mode).

Top Things to Do in the East Fjords:

Vök Baths in Egilsstaðir | Get Ticket.

Seydisfjordur | This town is situated at the base of a narrow fjord with bright colored timber houses. It has a strong Norwegian heritage and was settled in the 10th century by a Norwegian. The town has an active fishing and fish-processing center. There are several hikes you can do in the area (Vestdalsá).

Borgarfjörður Eystri | This town is framed by dramatic mountains. Puffin sightseeing area at Hafnarholm. We didn’t see any puffins here in mid-April (a bit too early). Nothing was open. Perhaps, it’s best to come here in the high season.

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Days 7-8: Explore Mývatn

Directly on the Ring Road, Lake Mývatn in Northern Iceland offers a lot to see and merits at least two full days. The lake itself was created by a large fissure eruption about 2,300 years ago.

In the Middle Ages, the region was referred to as the devil’s piss. To get an idea about the size, it takes 40 minutes to drive around the lake.

When we visited in early spring, we experienced “I can’t feel my face” weather and needed microspikes to walk around. Your experience will be impacted by the time of year you visit. If you visit in winter and early spring, there will be significantly fewer people, no flies, and possibly northern lights. Summer is a great time for birdwatching.

Hverir Geothermal Area.

Krafla Area | Víti crater lake and Leirhnjúkur lava field (best in summer, or when there’s no major snowfall).

Mývatn Nature Baths (formerly called Jarðböðin) | A man-made lagoon filled up with steamy, warm geothermal water. This is a great activity when it’s cold. Bring your bathing suit, towel, flip flops. Get Ticket.

Fissure of Grjótagjá | The Game of Thrones Love Cave.

Dimmuborgir | A large area composed of bizarre lava fields and volcanic rock formations. There are several marked walking routes to choose from. Eat lunch at Kaffi Borgir.

Hofdi | Beautiful lava pillars in the water. There’s a small forest along the lakeshore.

Cowshed | Great place for lunch, or dinner. Food is fresh and local. You can watch cows being milked and taste the fresh milk. Check opening times: Vogafjós Restaurant Cafe

Geosea | Geothermal Sea Baths in Húsavík – Optional Half-Day Trip. Get Ticket.

Whale Watching in Húsavík | If you are interested, check out the following whale watching tours departing from Húsavík:

• From Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour (Duration: 3 hours)
• Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide (Duration: 3 hours)
• Húsavík: Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour (Duration: 2:30 hours)

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Stay 3 Nights in Mývatn

Budget | Eldá Guesthouse is an affordable, utilitarian guesthouse with a communal kitchen. The location was great for exploring around the lake. The guesthouse is close the geothermal area Hverir, the Mývatn Nature Baths and Grjótagjá cave.

Midrange | Dimmuborgir Guesthouse is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Myvatn, close to the Dimmuborgir volcanic rock formations. You can stay in a double room with access to a shared kitchen, or in a cottage with your own private kitchen. Breakfast is available (extra fee). 

Luxury | Hótel Laxá is a hilltop hotel flaunting great views of Mývatn’s volcanic scenery. Stay here if you love stark modern designs, excellent food (on-site restaurant), and a fantastic location. Breakfast is included.

Luxury | Fosshotel Myvatn is another dazzling hotel in Mývatn featuring intentional design. Dining spaces are filled with light and allow for maximum enjoyment of the surrounding landscapes. The on-site restaurant serves delicious cuisine. Breakfast is included. 

More accommodations in Myvatn: Vogar Travel Service (budget), or Mývatn – Berjaya Iceland Hotels (luxury)

Look for accommodation in Mývatn.

Day 9 Northern Iceland: Mývatn to Blönduós

Apart from the urban area of Akureyri, Northern Iceland feels fantastically remote and desolate. Some villages seem like the perfect setting for a murder mystery or tragic love story.

Definitely visit the hot pot Grettislaug. It’s a journey to get there, but it’s worth every pothole. 

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Top Things to Do in Northern Iceland

Goðafoss Waterfall | A horseshoe-shaped waterfall. You can access the waterfall from both sides.

Forest Lagoon | A new geothermal spa located near Akureyri. Get Ticket.

Akureyri | Iceland’s second largest urban area. We ate a delicious lunch at Kaffi Ilmur.

Hofsós | Remote coastal town.

Skagafjörður | In the town’s harbor there’s a collection of dried fish racks.

Grettislaug | A hot pot surrounded by majestic scenery. This is a detour, but worth it! You need a 4WD to get here. Tripadvisor.

Glaumbær – Folk Museum | Well-preserved turf houses.

Víðimýrarkirkja | Turf-roofed Church.

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Stay in/near Blönduós

Budget | Hotel Húni is a no-frills, budget-friendly accommodation set in an old school building in Blönduós. Perks of staying here: on-site restaurant, swimming pool (summer only), and peaceful location. Breakfast is available (extra fee).

Midrange | Brimslóð Atelier Guesthouse is an exceedingly charming and comfortable place to stay in Blönduós, directly by the ocean. Breakfast is included. Definitely eat dinner here as well.

More accommodations in Blönduós: Gladheimar Guest House (budget), or Brekkukot near Blönduós (midrange)

Look for accommodation in Blönduós.

Days 10-11 Northwest Iceland and Westfjords: Blönduós to Ísafjörður

We recommend exploring the Westfjords for the next two days, if you’re traveling to Iceland in summer. Otherwise, you may want to skip the Westfjords and continue your road trip to Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

The Westfjords are largely inaccessible outside of summer season.

Our original plan was to stay in Ísafjörður, but we had to shift our plans due to road closures. If you’re traveling outside of the summer season, stay at the “base” of the Westfjords in Staðarhólskirkja, or continue to Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

If you’re traveling in summer, stay in Ísafjörður.

As your journey west, check out the Hvítserkur rock formation along the way. From the car park, one pathway leads to the Hvítserkur lookout point and the other to the beach. The beach is closely located to a seal breeding area, so you may see bobbing heads follow you as you walk the black sand beach.

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Explore the Westfjords

Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft | Museum and restaurant. We visited the museum (loved it). After, we ate the seafood soup downstairs (highly recommend it). Something we learned: Most people in the Westfjords can trace their lineage back to someone who practiced wizardry/witchcraft. More info here.

Birkimelur Swimming Pool | Swimming pool and hot pot. The hot pot wasn’t that warm, but the scenery was incredible.

Patreksfjörður | Eat lunch at Stúkuhúsid in the Patreksfjörður fishing village. The friendly owner explained the whole menu to us. We ordered the daily fish (Skarkoli) and homemade cake. Great experience overall.

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Stay 2 Nights in Ísafjörður in Summer

Budget | Korpudalur HI Hostel is set in a renovated farmhouse in the Westfjords, a 12-minute drive to Flateyri and a 20-minute drive to Ísafjördur village. Guests have access to shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. 

Midrange | Sólheimar Studio Apartment is a well-kept apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen in a quiet location in Ísafjörður. 

Midrange/Luxury | Gemlufall guesthouse and café in Þingeyri is an isolated cottage in the Westfjords, perfect for spotting the northern lights. Stay here for the views and the spacious setup (three rooms).

Luxury | Sólbakki is a tastefully-furnished country house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms in Flateyri, Westfjords.

More accommodations in the Northern Westfjords: Country Hotel Heydalur (midrange) in Mjoifjordur, Private House with Private Garden in Ísafjörður, Fisherman Hótel Suðureyri in Sudureyri, or The Little House in Bolungarvik

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Stay near Staðarhólskirkja (Base of the Westfjords)

Budget | Guesthouse Nýp is a modern guesthouse situated in a renovated farmhouse in a remote location. Breakfast here is quite the treat as it features homegrown and locally sourced ingredients.

Budget | Miðjanes Reykhólahrepp is a remote country house with several double rooms in Reykhólar. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, living room, and bathrooms.

Midrange | Vogur Country Lodge overlooks Snæfellsnes Glacier and Breidafjördur Bay. It’s rustic, yet comfortable place to stay. You can hike directly from the doorstep of the lodge. On-site restaurant is excellent.

Look for accommodation in/near Staðarhólskirkja.

Day 12: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The rugged Snæfellsnes peninsula in Western Iceland is studded with small fishing villages, remote farms, and mountains. The peninsula takes its name from the Snæfellsjökull glacier.

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Top Things to See and Do in Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Stykkishólmur | Visit this small coastal town and harbor. You can eat local blue mussels at the restaurant Sjavarpakkhusid. There’s a nice view of the town from the Island Stykkið.

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall | Kirkjufell (Church Mountain), the most-photographed mountain in Iceland, serves as the backdrop of this famous waterfall.

Skarðsvík | A secluded golden beach surrounded by black lava.

Saxhóll | A crater that rises 109 meters above sea level. You can walk to the rim of the crater easily via an iron ladder/footpath.

Djúpalónssandur Beach | A gorgeous beach with interesting rock formations.

Hellnar | A coastal village with a rocky beach. Excellent destination for bird watching. 

Búðakirkja | Iconic black-painted timber church.

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Stay 1 Night in Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Budget | Kirkjufell Guesthouse and Apartments in Grundarfjordur is a top-rated accommodation with views of Kirkujufell peak, along the north shore of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Bring breakfast supplies.

Midrange | Hotel Rjúkandi in Midhraun is a great place to stay after exploring Snæfellsnes peninsula when you want a hotel atmosphere and facilities (on-site restaurant, bar, lounge). The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional Icelandic dishes with organic ingredients.

Top Choice – Luxury | Hotel Búdir in Snæfellsbær is located next to the famous Búðakirkja black church along the south shore of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This charming accommodation offers modern rooms with ensuite bathrooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a fantastic staff.

More accommodations in Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Miðhraun – Lava resort in Midhraun (midrange), or Helgafell in Helgafellssveit (luxury)

Look for accommodation in Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Days 13-14: West Iceland and Reykjavík

As you make your way South to Reykjavík, you can visit Barnafoss Waterfall, Hraunfossar Waterfall, and Glymur Waterfall,

We recommend stopping in the coastal village of Borgarnes to eat lunch at the Settlement Center and coffee and pastries at Geirabakari Kaffihus.

You may also want to visit the Krauma Geothermal Baths and the Hvammsvik Hot Springs

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Explore Reykjavík

Iceland’s capital city is a cozy, colorful and funky place to be. We stayed three nights in Reykjavík, but we think two nights is sufficient, especially after a long road trip.

During your stay, we recommend visiting the Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871 +/- 2 and joining a City Walking Tour:

• 3-Hour Foodie Adventure Walking Tour (Duration: 3 hours)
• Elves & Trolls of Iceland Walking Tour (Duration: 1:30 hours)
• Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Viking (Duration: 2:30 hours)

For the best view of the city, visit Hallgrimskirkja Church and take the elevator to the viewing platform. For the best pastries, visit Brauð & Co.

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Stay 2 Nights in Reykjavík

Budget | Student Hostel is located on the University of Iceland’s campus, just a 10-15 minute walk to the center of Reykjavík. Guests love the unbeatable price, the communal kitchen and common areas, on-site café, restaurant and bar.

Midrange | Freyja Guesthouse & Suites is a top-rated place to stay in the center of Reykjavík, just around the corner from Hallgrimskirkja Church. Stay here for the cozy rooms and outstanding location. Breakfast is available (extra fee). 

Luxury | Located in downtown Reykjavík, Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel is a stylish aparthotel with immaculate, soundproofed apartments which have private kitchenettes and ensuite bathrooms.

Splurge | Tower Suites Reykjavík are penthouse suites in central Reykjavik, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the city or sea. Suites are outfitted with a complimentary mini-bar and Nespresso coffee maker. Breakfast is included.

More accommodations in Reykjavík: Downtown Reykjavík Apartments (budget), Baron’s Hostel (budget), Hótel Múli (midrange), or Kvosin Downtown Hotel (luxury)Look for accommodation in Reykjavík.

Look for accommodation in Reykjavík.

Day 15: Reykjavanes Peninusla

Most visitors venture to the Reykjanes Peninsula with the sole purpose of visiting the Blue Lagoon. However, that would be a mistake, as Reykjanes is a treasure chest of interesting sites.

We recommend dedicating at least one day to this southwestern region. Touring this region is a great way to end your 2 week Iceland itinerary. 

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Things to Do in Reykjanes Peninsula

If you’re driving from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport, we suggest visiting these attractions:

Fish Drying Racks in Hafnarfjordur | If you’re driving south on the 42, the fish racks are on the left side of the road before the 417 juncture. Exact Location: Google Maps

Reykjanesfólkvangur National Park | Moss Lava Fields

Kleifarvatn Lake

Krýsuvík / Seltún Geothermal Area

Krýsuvíkurberg Bird Cliffs

Bryggjan Café in Grindarvík for lunch.

Gunnuhver Thermal Springs – Geothermal Area 

Reykjanestá  | The southwestern-most tip of the peninsula. Here you’ll find cliffs, sea stacks, view of the Island Eldey, the hill Valahnjúkur, and Reykjanesvíti (the oldest lighthouse in Iceland).

Hvalneskirkja Church

Garðskagaviti Lighthouse

This wraps up your epic road trip through Iceland. Depending on your arrival and departure times, you can choose whether to drive through the peninsula on your first, or last day.

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