2 Week Iceland Itinerary

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.

If you’re visiting Iceland for the first time, and you’re based in Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is definitely an option. However, if you’re driving the Ring Road around Iceland, we recommend skipping it. If you choose to drive the route, we recommend the following:

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 for lunch. This excellent buffet-style lunch offers 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 (400 ISK / 2.70 EUR).

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. 

Stay 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.

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.

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. More info here.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – 65-meter high waterfall. A path leads behind the waterfall. Make sure to wear a rain jacket.

Rutshellir Caves – 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: More info here.

Skógafoss Waterfall – One of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland.

Eat Dinner at Hotel Skogafoss Bistro Bar – Casual dining area with a great view of the waterfall. Menu.

Stay in/near 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.

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 it’s 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.

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.

Things to Do in Vík

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – There are many black beaches in Iceland, but this seems to be the 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 – casual, cafeteria-style restaurant. They cook up a delicious turnip soup. More info here. 

Black Sand Beach Vik – another beautiful beach, though less busy.

Dinner at Suður-Vík Restaurant. More info here.

Stay 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), Black Beach Suites (luxury)

Look for accommodation in Vík.

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

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

Top Things to Do in Southeast Iceland

Laufskálavarða – This is the only place in Iceland that you can build a cairne (rock stack). There are hundreds here (if not more).

Eldhraun – Massive 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. More info here.

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 – 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 – 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

Stay 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.

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.

Top Things to Do in East Iceland

Hoffell Hot Tubs – a slight detour, but a nice way to start the day. Tripadvisor.

Vestrahorn – Photographers love this Mountain. It’s best viewed from Stokksnes.

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 the mountain Vestrahorn.

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

Djúpivogur – Coastal town in the East Fjords.

Lunch at Hótel Framtíð. More Info here.

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. 

Stay 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.

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 – Town 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 – Dramatic mountains framing this remote town. 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.

Stay 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.

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 shoe spikes to walk around. Your experience will be impacted by the time of year you visit. Consider the following:

Winter/Early Spring:

• Pros: significantly fewer people, no flies, northern lights
• Cons: Snow and cold conditions make exploring difficult

Summer:

• Pros: Birdlife, birdwatching, outdoor activities, more scenic
• Cons: More people, flies, more expensive accommodations

Top Things to Do in Lake Mývatn

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 (Game of Thrones Love Cave).

Dimmuborgir – 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 (Vogafjós Restaurant Cafe) – Great place for lunch, or dinner. Food is fresh and local. You can watch cows being milked and taste the fresh milk.

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

Whale Watching in Húsavík – Optional Half-Day Trip

If you are interested, check out the following whale watching tours 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)

Stay 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.

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. 

Top Things to Do in Northern Iceland

Goðafoss Waterfall – Horseshoe-shaped waterfall. You can access the waterfall from both sides.

Forest Lagoon – a new geothermal spa located couple minutes’ car drive from Akureyri | Get Ticket

Akureyri – Iceland’s second largest urban area. We ate a delicious lunch at Kaffi Ilmur. They have a lunch buffet on the top floor (weekdays only). 

Hofsós – Coastal town. We really loved the remote feeling of this town. Even though nothing was open and we didn’t see any people, it was worth the stop.

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

Grettislaug – Hot pot surrounded by majestic and remote 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.

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.

Our original plan was to stay the night in Ísafjörður, but we had to shift our plans due to road closures. We stayed the night at the base of the fjords and ventured to the town of Hólmavík, situated on the east coast of the Westfjords. 

If you’re planing your road trip outside of the summer months, we recommend booking accommodation at the base instead (options given in the next section). If you’re traveling in summer, then definitely head up to Ísafjörður.

Top Things to Do in Northeast Iceland

Hvítserkur – Spectacular rock formation located just off the coast. There are two pathways that lead from the parking lot. One leads to the Hvítserkur lookout point. The other, to the beach. The beach is closely located to a seal breeding area, so it’s likely that you’ll see bobbing heads follow you as you walk the black sand beach.

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.

Stay in Ísafjörður / in the North of the Westfjords

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 North of the 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

Stay at the Base of the Westfjords

Budget | The Castle Guesthouse is a simple and clean seaside accommodation in Búðardalur with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Breakfast is available (extra fee).

Midrange | Tangahús Guesthouse is a set on the edge of Hrútafjörður in Borðeyri. Guests love the easy check-in/out process, the well-equipped kitchen, fjord views, and laundry facilities.

Luxury | Laugarbakki Guesthouse is a country house with 4 bedrooms in Laugarbakki. Stay here if you’re traveling with friends, or children. The accommodation features a fully-equipped kitchen, sauna, hot tub, laundry facilities, and terrace.

More accommodations at the base of the Westfjords: Guesthouse Nýp in Nýp (budget), Miðjanes Reykhólahrepp in Reykhólar (budget), Dalahyttur Lodge in Snoksdalur (midrange), Sauðafell Guesthouse in Sauðafell (midrange), or Vogur Country Lodge in Vogur

Weather permitting, you’ll be able to explore a segment of the Westfjords today. We took a day trip to Patreksfjörður. 

Top Things to See and Do in the West Fjords

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

Patreksfjörður – Fishing Village

Lunch at Stúkuhúsid in Patreksfjörður – Friendly staff. The owner explained the whole menu to us. We ate the daily fish (Skarkoli) and the homemade cake. Great experience overall. More info here.

Stay in Patreksfjörður / in the South of the Westfjords

Budget | Rauðsdalur Farm Stay offers budget-friendly double rooms and family rooms with access to a shared kitchen, lounge, and garden in Brjanslaekur.

Midrange | Harbour Inn – Guesthouse is an excellent B&B in Bíldudalur village in the Westfjords. Guests love the cozy rooms, fjord view, and the nice breakfast. Bathrooms are communal.

Luxury | Fosshotel Westfjords boasts modern and comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant along Patreks fjord in Patreksfjordur.

Look for accommodation in/near Patreksfjörður.

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.

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

Top Things to See and Do in Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Stykkishólmur – 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 – breathtaking view of Kirkjufell (Church Mountain), which is the most-photographed mountain in Iceland.

Skarðsvík – Secluded golden beach surrounded by black lava.

Saxhóll – Crater that rises 109 meters above sea level. You can walk to the rim of the crater easily via a iron ladder/footpath.

Djúpalónssandur Beach – Gorgeous beach with interesting rock formations

Hellnar – Coastal village, rocky beach, bird watching. 

Búðakirkja – Iconic small black church.

Stay 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 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.

As you make your way South to Reykjavík, you can take some detours to visit waterfalls. Don’t miss out on the vegetarian lunch buffet at The Settlement Center.

Top Things to Do in West Iceland

Borgarnes – Coastal town. Grab some baked goods at Geirabakari Kaffihus (Tripadvisor). Eat lunch at the Settlement Center (excellent vegetarian buffet).

Krauma Geothermal Baths, spa, and restaurant | Get Ticket

Barnafoss Waterfall

Hraunfossar Waterfall

Glymur Waterfall – Hike to Iceland’s second tallest waterfall 

Hvammsvik Hot Springs | Get Ticket

Stay 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.

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.

Top Things to Do in Reykjavík

Take a City Walking Tour – Check out the following guided tours:

• 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)

Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church – Take the elevator to the viewing platform. You’ll have 360° views of the city.

Check out the concert venue Harpa – You don’t need tickets to walk in and marvel at the interior. More info here.

Check out The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871 +/- 2. More info here.

Brauð & Co. – the Best bakery in Iceland. More info here.

Stay 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.

Most visitors come 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. 

Here’s what we suggest, if you’re driving from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport. 

Top Things to See in Reykjanes Peninsula

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. More info here.

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.