Iceland Travel Itinerary

 Iceland is preferred by travelers who desire less crowd and want to explore the real treasures of nature

Travelers who want to spend quality time with family and friends often consider Iceland as one of the preferred destinations. The country is known for its magnificent waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, distinctive black sand beaches and Northern Lights. There are several Iceland travel itinerary options, some of which are described below.

Iceland travel itinerary 4-5 days

This is preferred by folks with limited time and budget. A short Iceland travel itinerary of 4-5 days focuses on the Golden Circle and South Coast. On Day 1, travelers can explore Reykjavík. It has various options such as Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa, Laugavegur street, etc. On Day 2, the focus shifts to the Golden Circle. This includes Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Geysir area and Gullfoss waterfall. One can also visit the Secret Lagoon or Fontana.

On Day 3-4, the focus is on exploring the South Coast. This includes Seljalandsfoss (walk behind), Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black beach (basalt columns, puffins in season), etc. One can also explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. On Day 5, travelers can explore Reykjanes Peninsula or more of Reykjavík, before their departure.

Iceland travel itinerary 7 days (most popular)

With a 7-day Iceland travel itinerary, one can explore the country in a more relaxed and fulfilling manner. The focus will be on Golden Circle, South Coast and Snæfellsnes or partial Ring Road. On Day 1-2, travelers can explore Blue Lagoon, Reykjavík, Golden Circle, etc. On Day 3-5, one can take a South Coast drive to Vík/Höfn area (waterfalls, glaciers, lagoons). On Day 6-7, exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a great option.

Iceland travel itinerary 10+ days

This allows travelers to explore the country in more detail. It covers the full Ring Road, which is around 1,300 km via Route 1. Travelers can explore the West, North, East and South parts of Iceland. On the West side, the Snæfellsnes are a great attraction. On the North side, options include Akureyri, Goðafoss, Mývatn (hot springs, pseudocraters) and whale watching in Húsavík. On the East side, Fjords and Stuðlagil Canyon are quite popular. On the South side, one can explore Jökulsárlón, Skaftafell and black beaches.

Iceland travel - Best time to visit

The best time to visit Iceland can vary depending on your budget, which season you prefer and the timing of your holidays. In Summer (June-August), Iceland could be relatively more crowded and expensive. However, there are some popular attractions such as midnight sun, long days for driving/hiking, wildflowers, puffins, and accessible highlands/F-roads.

If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, plan your Iceland travel itinerary for May or September. These months have chances of good weather and Northern Lights could be possible in September. Winters (November to March) in Iceland offer an entirely different experience. Key highlights include Northern Lights, ice caves and snow-covered scenery. However, some roads could be closed during winters and some areas may be restricted.

Getting around in Iceland

Renting a car is among the preferred options in Iceland. For road-based explorations, a 2WD car will be appropriate. However, if you are planning to explore winter destinations and snow tracks, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. There are many rules regarding driving in Iceland, so make sure you prepare for them properly. Bus tours are also available in Iceland.

Cost of Iceland travel itinerary

Visiting Iceland can be relatively expensive, as compared to other locations in the world. For a 7-day mid-range trip for a couple, the daily expenses could be around $250 to 350+ USD. This includes food, car and fuel and expenses on some activities. Accommodation cost will be additional, which can be around $100 to 200+ per night.