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.
• 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. 
• Gamla Laugin – Natural geothermal pool, known as the Secret Lagoon.
• 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 in 2017).
• Frost og Funi – Eat dinner here. This restaurant nd guesthouse 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 | Guesthouse 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.

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.
• Lunch at Kjöt og kúnst (soup buffet and geothermal bread) or Eldstó Art Cafe
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – 65-meter high waterfall. A path leads behind the waterfall. Make sure to wear a rain jacket.
• Eyjafjallajökull Erupts – Very small museum about the Eyjafjallajökull eruption (2010). There’s a 20-minute video that chronicles the life of one Icelandic farm family as they rebuilt their lives after the eruption.
• 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
• Skógafoss Waterfall
• Dinner at Hotel Skogafoss Bistro Bar – Casual dining area with a great view of the waterfall.

Stay in/near Skogar

Budget | Rauðafell 1 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.

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.
• Black sand beach Vik – another beautiful beach, though less busy.
• Dinner at Suður-Vík Restaurant

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.

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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
• Skaftafell / Vatnajökull National Park – Trailhead to Svartifoss Waterfall and Svínafellsjökull Glacier. This is also a meeting point for glacier hikes, which are run by different tour groups.
• 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.

Stay in/near Höfn

Budget | Hvíta húsið, Kirkjubraut 48 is a snug and spotless guesthouse in Höfn. The owners are especially helpful and welcoming.

Midrange | Setberg Guesthouse is an immaculately clean gueshouse situated on a traditional Icelandic farm. The surrounding views are phenomenol. Guests have access to a communal kitchen.

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

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.
• 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
• Öxi Mountain Pass – This is a 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 | Icelandair Hotel Herad is a nice hotel in the center of Egilsstaðir with a very good on-site restaurant.

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

• 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 | 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. 

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, water, and student ID (discount).
• 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 Guesthouse) – Great place for lunch, or dinner. Food is fresh and local. You can watch cows being milked and taste the fresh milk.
• Optional half-day trip: whale watching in Húsavík

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 | 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. 

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.
• Akureyri – Iceland’s second largest urban area. We ate a delicious lunch at Kaffi Ilmur. They have a lunch buffet on the top floor.
• Hofsós – Coastal town. 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 this 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.
• Glaumbær – Folk Museum. Well-preserved turf houses.
• Víðimýrarkirkja – Turf-roofed Church

Stay near Blönduós

Budget | Retro Guesthouse features private cottages and cabins in Blönduós with lake views.

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.

Luxury | Sindrastadir is located on a horse stable, west of Blönduós. This unique apartment surrounded by Icelandic horses is a great option for families of four. The apartment is equipped with a kitchen. Remember to bring cooking/food supplies.

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.

Stay in/near Ísafjörður

Budget | Fjord Guesthouse B&B is a simple, but well-run bed and breakfast in Súðavík, south of Ísafjörður

Midrange | GentleSpace Guesthouse is a very comfortable guesthouse in Ísafjörður. Rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and hot water cooker. Bathroom facilities are shared.

Luxury | The Little Cottage is a darling accommodation in Bolungarvík that sleeps 4 people. With its well-equipped kitchen, coastal location, and intimate setting, you’ll love staying here.

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.

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.

Midrange / Luxury | 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.

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.  Primus Kaffi serves delicious soups and stews.
• Búðakirkja – Iconic small black church.

Stay in Midhraun

Mid-Range | Lava Water offers self-catering apartments in a farmstead in Midhraun. This is an ideal place to stay after a day exploring Snæfellsnes peninsula when you want to cook up your own meals.

Mid-Range | Hotel Rjúkandi 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.

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. Eat lunch at The Settlement Center (excellent vegetarian buffet).
• Krauma Geothermal Baths, spa, and restaurant.
• Barnafoss Waterfall
• Hraunfossar Waterfall
• Glymur Waterfall – Hike to Iceland’s second tallest waterfall 

Stay in Reykjavík

Budget | Sogavegur 103 is a cheerful place to stay in Reykjavík. Guests have access to a communal kitchen and living room.

Midrange | The Swan House Hotel by ylma is a modern, freshly-designed apartment-style hotel in the center of Reykjavík. The beds are extremely comfortable and the apartments are spacious.

Luxury | 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.

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
• 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.
• Check out The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871 +/- 2
• Brauð & Co. – the Best bakery in Iceland

Stay in Reykjavík

Budget | Sogavegur 103 is a cheerful place to stay in Reykjavík. Guests have access to a communal kitchen and living room.

Midrange | The Swan House Hotel by ylma is a modern, freshly-designed apartment-style hotel in the center of Reykjavík. The beds are extremely comfortable and the apartments are spacious.

Luxury | 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.

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. We’ve also included things we wanted to do, but couldn’t fit in (in parenthesis).

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. GPS: 64°01’04.7″N 21°56’52.2″W
• 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.