Iceland 12 Day Itinerary

An Epic 12-Day Iceland Itinerary: Roadtrip Along The Ring Road

An Intense Iceland itinerary with Travel Tips

The magical land that is known as Iceland, full of wonders such as cloud rolling mountains, stunning misty waterfalls, glaciers in the freshest shade of aqua blue, fields and fields of spongy moss, black rocky volcanic landscapes and auroras that dance upon the midnight sky. It is truly a place that seems out of this world, or maybe even more so, the raw splendour of this vast world.

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Iceland was simply amazing and truly a photographers wonderland. This country was both breathtaking and extremely tiring. Trying to fit everything in on our Itinerary was difficult. I am an extensive Itinerary planner, I keep primary and secondary lists of ‘things to do’. Primaries are things I absolutely want to see and Secondaries are the ‘if I have time’ list. This way depending on weather conditions and time persistence, I will always have more than enough to see on my trip. I strongly advise going for a least 9- Days if you are attempting the Ring Road and Golden Circle combination. I met a large sum of people doing 7-day itineraries along the ring road who had an incredibly rushed trip. Iceland will be a lot of driving and hiking, especially if you want to do more than just the major sites.

I won’t lie when I say it will be a bit overwhelming- a lot of driving, and lot of hiking; be flexible with how much you will be able to accomplish.

I technically spent 13 days in Iceland but I omitted the first day of my itinerary since our flight had landed at 11 pm. All we had time to do was pick up our rental and head to our accommodation for our first night’s sleep. The next 12 days were full of juicy all-day adventures. So without further a due, I hope you enjoy my epic 12-Day Iceland Itinerary!

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12-Day Iceland Itinerary

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Day 1:  Reykjavik to Vik — 3 hr 30 min — 235 km

Start your day bright and early, there is a lot to see!

We stayed our first night close to the airport since we chose to wander the city at the end of our trip. You can either take Road 1 (the ring road) out of the city) or if you want a beautiful scenic drive take Road 43 from the airport, and turn left onto the 427 and enjoy the beautiful view (once you hit the 38 go north and attach back to the ring road).

• • Kerid crater — A volcanic crater. You can walk around the top edge of the crater, as well as, around the periphery of the lake at the bottom of the crater. It can be a little windy here as it is quite exposed on the top rim of the crater. There is a small entrance fee.
  • Hveragerdi Hot Spring River — A hot spring river that you can bathe in. It is awesome! and the hike is breathtaking. It is actually two rivers, a hot and a cold river that combines into a single lukewarm river at the end of the hike. The hike is about 3—3.5 km or about a 1.5-hour hike; it’s not an easy walk and you will have to be moderately fit to do it. How to get there by Car: There are two Hvergardi Hot Springs; The one we want to reach is the hot spring rivers! I’ll try to explain it the best I can. Once you reach the town of Hveragerdi, go north on Breidamork Street and continue straight all the way. It will be a bit of a winding road. You will pass a golf course on the right-hand side (do not turn off of the main road!). Once you reach Hot River Coffee Cafe, you will be there!

• • Urriðafoss — A huge and beautiful waterfall. There are plans to build a power plant here which would in turn cause Urridafoss to disappear (Iceland is almost exclusively run on natural resources (especially thermal and water powered). 

• • Seljalandsfoss — A very popular and busy waterfall.Wear your waterproof pants and jacket here as the main attraction is walking behind the waterfall itself. Prepare to get soaked! Expect a fee for parking here.

• • Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool in Skogar — One of the oldest natural outdoor swimming pools in Iceland built around 1923 – the water is usually lukewarm at best. 

• • Skógafoss — One of Iceland’s most famous and media popular waterfalls. We were lucky enough to have a sunny day when we visited, and it made for some beautiful rainbows.

• • Sólheimasandur Plane Crash — An old plane crash on the beach that has been there since 1973. It’s a long walk on the beach about 2 hrs to reach by foot. At one point it was reachable by car, but that is no longer an option.

• Dyrhólaey — A hike-able lookout next to the popular black sand beach.
• Rejnisfjara Beach — The most popular black sand beach in Iceland (and as you will soon find out, all of Iceland is Black Sand beaches due to its volcanic nature). If you are lucky you will catch sight of puffins here. Make sure to check out this site at low tide as there is a series of black sand basalt column caves touching the ocean. We enjoyed running back and forth between these outpouchings while trying to avoid getting our legs soaked by the ocean. The ocean waves here can also be HUGE, be careful, the tide comes in fast!

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Day 2:  Vik to Höfn — 6 hr 2 min — 372 km

• • Þakgil Campground, Myrdalsjokull Pass Iceland — Drive-through ash-ridden fields to reach a hidden lush green campground tucked away in a small valley, complete with its own caves, hikes, a few cascades and waterfalls. Aside from the photography galore potential here, the drive takes about an hour on tough and potentially dangerous f-road. Dedicated Post With Details Coming Soon!

• • Fjaðrárgljúfur — A beautiful riveted ridge canyon divided by a river. You may walk along the top edge of the canyon or along the bottom of the river bed. 

• • Ofaerufoss — A step style beautiful waterfall in the Icelandic highlands. It is a bit of a long drive from the main portion of the ring road (takes over an hour one-way driving – we did not make it here due to flooding).

• • Eldhraun Lava Fields — There is no one specific place to see these majestic spongy moss fields. They are just everywhere off of the side of the road and you visually cannot miss it. There is a specific platform for viewing a large section of the moss field but alternatively, you can stop anywhere on the side of the road to take some lovely pictures. 

• • Laufskálavarða —  A lava ridge with a large collection of rock piles (also known as cairns). Historically this site had a large farm on it which unfortunately disappeared after a volcanic eruption in the year 894. The Laufskalar Cairn lava mound now collects multiple piles of rocks which are supposed to bring good luck.

• • Svartifoss —  A unique basalt column waterfall not far from Skatafell Glacier. Roughly an easy 30-minute walk.
  • Skaftafell National Park — You can go admire or purchase a tour to see this glacier up close and personal.
  • Svínafellsjökull — Also known as the glacier’s tongue. A portion of the Skatafell Glacier pours out on this outcropping just down the road. Very rocky road driving here!

• • Jökulsárlón — The popular glacier lagoon you will see frequent social media. Thousand-year-old aqua blue icebergs break off of the glacier and for a while float around in this lagoon before slowly get swept up into the ocean. Summertime there will be the least amount of ice chunks floating around due to melt.

• Some of these chunks of ice that get swept up into the ocean prolong their longevity by getting beached on Diamond Beach. It can be found by the small outlet into the ocean. On the ring road, take the last right hand turn into the parking lot before the bridge.  Come early morning for the best light illuminating these crystalline ice chunks. 
• Breiðárlón — a smaller but just as pretty glacier lagoon right next door to the famous Jökulsárlón. It’s more off of the radar when it comes to tourism. So don’t be surprised if you are the only one there. Both glacier lagoons can be walked along the circumference of the lagoon. You can easily spend a few hours here.

In Höfn:

• Must Try Langoustine – It looks likes the love child between a prawn and a lobster (and it tastes like one too!) Langoustine is unique in the sense that there are very few places in the world you will be able to try it. And even more so enjoy it this fresh; due to the fact that it very perishable and it rarely survives export. My husband can confirm that even now I dream of langoustine. You think lobster is amazing- you haven’t tried langoustine.
• There are three restaurants known for their Langoustine in Hofn: Humarhofnin (most expensive), Kaffi Hornid (my personal favourtie) & Pakkhus.
• Try langoustine fresh, lightly spiced and grilled or as langoustine & cream (my favourite) – enjoy with an appetizer of sweet oil & soft cheese (a local cuisine).

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Day 3: Höfn to Egilsstaðir — 3 hr 53 min — 260 km

The East Fjords are magical, make sure to make a few stops along the drive to take some pictures! There are two different roads you may take to reach Egilsstadir – If you want to see the East Fjords take the 1; the road is almost completely paved in this direction, although will take a little more time. Alternatively, you can take the f-road 939 to 95 – a large portion of the road here is unpaved. I would personally recommend taking the 1 all the way!

• • Vesturhorn Mountain — A currently under the radar destination – A magnificent dramatic landscape where the ocean meets a mountain and a black sand dune beach.
  • Lagarfljot — A pretty river/ lake near Egilsstadir.  You can take a picturesque drive around Lagarfljot which can be done at the end of the day. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see the Lagarfljotsormuriann – the fabled river wyrm monster. 

• • Litlanesfoss & Hengifoss — These two waterfalls can be reached on the same path. About 1-hour total one way to see both of these. ( factor in 2-hrs or more here)

• Hallormsstadaskogur — Iceland’s largest forest and pretty much only real forest; composed mostly of twisty birch trees. 

Detour to Seydisfjordur:

A winding, calm, and serene drive, down a stunning valley dressed in innumerable cascading waterfalls before reaching the little town of Seydisfjordur (named respectively after the fjord). The river Fjardara drapes down the valley towards the town that sits beneath Mt. Strandartindur and Mt. Bjolfur.

• • Seydisfjordur Lookout — Instagram worthy lookout easily found off of the side of the road (just look for the mini parking lot). The Monument to Þorbjörn Arnoddsson can also be found here. Google Map

• • Gufufoss & Fjardara River — The river and waterfall that follows the road down the valley to the town. Gufufoss is found less than a km down the road from the lookout.

• Seydisfjordur Town — A cute little town tucked away in a beautiful valley and fjord. There is not a whole lot to see here, but it’s a nice walk around the town and you can grab some tasty eats. 
• Seydisfjordur Church — An baby blue coloured church that is easy to spot in town.

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Day 4: Egilsstaðir to Myvatn —  3 hr 40 min — 260 km

This is the area of the country that has lots of f-roads you can try! Some of the f-roads are super fun and challenging; rocky roads and river crossings (some of which are deep). Make sure to stop along the road and take in the scenery; we stopped at a lava ash field randomly (google map – it doesn’t have a name) which was really cool!

• • Detifoss — By this point in the itinerary you can probably figure out that this one is a waterfall!
  • Selfoss — Another large and gorgeous pie shaped waterfall.

• • Krafla fissure / Krafla Caldera / Viti explosion crater — A long fissure zone complete with steaming lava vents you can walk around and an adjacent clear blue Caldera. A few walks are available in this area – give yourself 1-2 hours here.
  • Hverir — A group of boiling mud pits that are pretty smelly!

• • Hverfjall — My favourite spot of the day. Prepare your quads for this hike uphill to this magical and massive volcanic explosion crater. You can easily spend over an hour here depending on if you do the hike around the crater.

• • Grjótagjá Lava Cave — Prepare yourself to explore this hot and steamy, stunning crystal clear pool and cave combo; home to a famous steamy scene between John and the Wildling, in Game Of Thrones (ooh la la!).

• • Lake Myvatn — You can see this lake from atop of Hverfjall or take a scenic drive around the lake.

• • Dimmuborgir — An old group of lava formations and jagged caves you can explore on paved walkways (this is right next to Hverfjall). If you go in the winter you may be lucky enough to run into the Icelandic Yule Lads.
  • Stop by Gamli Baernn for some amazing burgers topped with their own ‘special sauce’ (make sure to try the lamb burger, it’s delicious!).

• Myvatn Nature Baths — End your day by taking a dip in the azure waters of the Myvatn nature baths, similar to the well know Blue Lagoon.

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 DAY 5: Myvatn to Akureyri — 2 hr 47 min — 173 km

The area around Akureyri is one of the best places in Iceland to view the Northern Lights. I used this Icelandic Aurora weather forecast website to check the best time every night to catch a glimpse. Generally 4 and above on the aurora scale will be great for viewing.

• • Aldeyjarfoss — Go first thing in the morning for beautiful photos. You have to take an f-road to reach this waterfall and a 4×4 vehicle is a must.

• • Godafoss — Aptly named waterfall of the gods. A popular spot and easily accessible from the road.

• • Christmas house (Jolagardurinn) — An all year round Christmas house where you can purchase some lovely homemade goods. 

• Grimsley Island — Take a ferry to Iceland’s northernmost island (considered in the arctic circle).
• Icelandic Horses — You will see a ton of horses in north Iceland. Icelandic horses are very friendly and will come right up to the gate to greet you. As well, this area of Iceland is the perfect place to go horseback riding as there are many tours available.

In Akureyri:

• • Akureyri — Also called the fast food capital of the country. Known for their weird additives to classic fast food favourites and the popular ‘special’ burger sauce. Yum!

• Akureyrarkirkja — The main church in Akureyri.
• Saurbaejarkirkja — Another church alternatively to the previous, and historically one of the last few turf roof churches left in Iceland!
• Laufás Turf Houses — Explore the inside of the old turf roof houses of Iceland. These are the less known option than the popular Glaumbaer Houses, but just as good and not as busy (which is a bonus!).

After a few crazy days of driving and exploring, we spent the night relaxing, drinking wine in Countryhotel Sveinbjarnargerdi overlooking the lake and watching the sunset. Sveinbjarnargerdi was MY FAVOURITE accommodation on this trip.

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Day 6: Akureyri to Snæfellsnes — 5 hr 30 min — 400~km

Longest drive on the trip.

This day will, unfortunately, have a lot of driving. There is not a whole lot to see in this stretch of road

• Glaumbær — Another set of historic turf farmhouses and one of the best preserved in Iceland.
• Hofsós Sundlaug Swimming pool —  If you want a relaxing dip before your long journey south, this is a great little place to stop at. It is a natural hot water outdoor pool, with a beautiful view right out into a fjord. Added bonus it is not busy due to the low amount of tourists that make it here.
• Hvítserkur — A 15 meter’s high basalt sea stack which was once long ago an old volcanic plug; the soil around it has all but eroded and left this natural sculpture nesting in the ocean. If you time your low tides right, you will be able to get up close and personal with this beast.
• Northern Iceland has some of the best whale watching! Just north of Akureyri, there are plenty of tours available, but be prepared for unexpected cancellations. The tours run only on good weather and ocean conditions (call ahead – expect sudden cancellation if poor conditions exist).
• Eiríksstaðir Viking Longhouse — A historic Viking house and landmark which has a small museum. Eiríksstaðir was a farmhouse of Erik the Red who had a son called Leif the Lucky. This is significant because Leif was the first reported man to discover North America. His Father also discovered and founded Greenland along with establishing a settlement there (~984 AD). For the history buff, this is a neat place to spend an hour to break up your driving. Open seasonally* (access inside the log house is seasonal – open from June 1st* – September 1st*, but you can still walk around the premise regardless of season and see the structure itself.)

Snæfellsness Peninsula:

• Kirkjufellsfoss — A two-tier waterfall that frequents social media, (I bet you have seen this one before!) sits picturesquely next to Kirkjufells mountain.
• Hotel Rjukandi — We stayed here for a few days while exploring the Snæfellsness peninsula. Not only is it conveniently placed in the midpoint of the peninsula, (it makes driving a lot quicker to other sites) it also has the most amazing food (just look at the ratings on trip advisor). Their lamb is out of this world not only in flavour but in the amount of detail that goes into the presentation. It’s absolutely delicious and I highly recommend splurging here!

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Day 7: Snæfellsnes to West Fjords — ??? km (Optional 1-2 Days)

Driving Time depends on what you would like to do or see

The Upper West Fjords are very remote and there are single-day to multi-day hikes/camping available here. Also, this is the best place to have a chance to see some arctic foxes! Though the camping/hiking here is not recommended for the inexperienced hiker (you will feel like you are in the middle of beautiful no-where). The Lower West Fjords are stunning to drive through and have a very small population of people living on them. You will not be able to see both Upper and Lower Fjords on the same day – here are a few of my top options.

• For the dangerously ambitious — have you heard of route 622? (also known as one of the most dangerous roads in the world!). A portion of the drive is through the ocean at low tide and you have to time it perfectly to make it through all the way.
• Dynjandi waterfall — An absolutely magnificent and remotely breathtaking waterfall located in the Lower West Fjords.
• Hellulaug pool — A pleasant hot spring next to the ocean.
• Remote multi-day or single-day hiking is available in the Upper Fjords. There are a few ways to go about hiking here. Most people use the ferry to drop them off at the distal part of the fjord so you can hike your way inland. Single day hikes are also available with ferry drop off/pick up (same day).
• Wild seal spotting — The Lower Fjords have a few good spots for seal spotting. The seals like to frequent the same spots every day; my best advice is to ask a local in one of the towns and they will let you know where to go. Also, keep an eye out for these tiny road signs with a picture of a seal (that immediate spot next to the sign will be a seal spotting site).

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Day 8: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Exploring  — 3 hr 8 min — 193 km

Day 1

Just a short drive north of Reykjavik, there are oodles of things to see and do on the Snaefellsness Peninsula, so much so, they call it ‘Little Iceland.’ If you don’t have time to see all it all, spend a few days on the Snaefellsness Peninsula and you will get a taste of what Iceland is all about.

• • Eldborg (an old volcano) — The rocky hike takes about 2.5 km one way to the volcano (about 2 hours round trip at a leisurely pace).
  • Gerðuberg — A series of tall basalt columns all stacked up in a neat row.
  • Spend a little time at the Shark Museum in Bjarnarhöfn.

• • Hellgafell  — a small mountain with a short hike up the hill – There is a lot of mythology surrounding this area so make sure to read the signs on your way up.

• • Berserkjahraun — A rigid, rocky and impressive mossy lava field ( It’s different from the Eldhraun Lava Feilds). 

• Ólafsvík — is a charming little village close to the Snaefellsness glacier.
• Grundarfjörður  — a picturesque mountain that often touches the clouds.
• Svörtuloft (tall) and Öndverðarnes (short) lighthouse — A short but very rocky distance from each other, these two lighthouses are painted bright orange and contrast the landscape so politely. A great area to walk around and admire the cliffs dropping straight into the ocean along with the chance for some great bird and whale watching. Just a short walk away from Öndverðarnes lighthouse you can reach Skardsvik Beach along with the remnants of some old stone houses.
• And after a long day of exploring, it’s time to hunt down some secret hot pots like Sturlungalaug! Many to choose from and a challenge to find! Check out hot pots here.

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Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Exploring Day 2 — 2 hr 33 min  — 167 km

Day 2

• • Ölkelda — Sparkling naturally carbonated mineral water flowing from the soil – it’s so full of minerals and iron, the soil around it is bright red. The locals swear that it’s the best water in the world, and it also tastes like blood.
  • Ytri Tunga beach — You are almost 100% guaranteed to spot seals here daily, lounging on rocks in the ocean and playfully swimming about.
  • Bjarnarfoss waterfall  — A tall cascading waterfall with a light easy walk and a bridge over the river.
  • Búðir — The famous black church of Iceland. It has grown in such popularity that people all over the world are travelling here to get married.
  • Walk from Arnarstapi town to Hellnar.  An easy walk that will go through an old lava field along the ocean where you will have the chance to see some beautiful rock formation such as the Londrangar basalt columns and Gatklettur, a natural rock arch sitting in the ocean. You will also pass the troll-like monument, Bárður on your walk as well.
  • Stop by Monsvagninn Munch Wagon for the best fish and chips you will ever taste!
  • Raudfeldargja  — One of my personal favourtie places. Raudfeldargja is canyon /gorge with a small stream flowing through the centre. Climb into this small little gorge, but make sure to have waterproof shoes since you will have to walk through the stream to make it into this narrowing.
  • Djúpalónssandur  — A quaint black pebble stone beach.

• Snaefellsjoekull National Park — A few walks and hikes are available in this area. If you want to see the national park in more fullness, expect to spend 2-3 hours here.
• Cave Vatnshellir  — A underground cave with available walking tours. Expect an Entrance fee.
• Saxhólar Crater  — Part of the Snaefellsjoekull National Park. You can spend a little time hiking around this old crater.

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Day 10: Snæfellsnes to Reykjavik — 3 hr 30 min — 254 km

En route back into the city

• Snnorralaug Hot Pot — You can no longer bathe in this hot pot. It is a historic spot from the middle ages; home and personal private bath of Norri Sturluson, one of Iceland’s most historically famous poets.
• Hraunfossar Waterfall — It is hard to explain; it’s a unique long/wide 900 – metre waterfall. Barnafoss waterfall is just upstream from Hraunfossar and on the same walking path. It is about a 20-30 minute short walk around here.
• Check out the only golden sand beach in Iceland; found right outside Langaholt. At this point in your trip, you will realize that there are plenty of black sand beaches in Iceland.
• Glymur Waterfall — an amazing hike to one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls (the hike is not easy and 2 hours one way).
• Make your way into Reykjavík and spend an evening taking a relaxing walk through the city. You will be exhausted from the hiking at Glymur.
• Stop by Vitabar burger place for a mean greasy amazing burger. A local’s favourite spot (as well as my own!).

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Day 11: Golden Circle and Reykjavik — 3 hr 30 min  — 232 km

The Golden Circle surprisingly doesn’t take as much time as you would expect (unless you choose to do some diving at Silfra Fissure – add an extra hour at this point if you do).

• • Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park – Silfra fissure  — Check out the spot where two continents meet. Spend some time walking around the ground or as mentioned above, book a snorkelling or diving tour that takes you through the crystal clear waters of the fissure. Expect Parking Fee.

• Bruarfoss — A hard to find waterfall with the most beautifully coloured aqua blue water cascading through its centre. You won’t believe that it’s not photoshopped until you see it with your own eyes. 
• Strokkur  — An exploding geyser that roughly erupts every 20-30 minutes. It can reach exceptional heights of 60 feet!
• Öxarárfoss — located in Þingvellir National Park, just another pretty waterfall to stop at.
• Gullfoss  — A large pie shaped waterfall. Are you feeling the waterfall overdose yet?

Return to Reykjavík:

• Visit the Sun Voyager Statue (Sólfar).
• For the most authentic Icelandic sheep wool goods, check out Handknitting Association of Iceland. Be careful with purchasing wool from other places as some are just imported from other countries and not made by locals. Alafoss wool goods is another good wool store that is associated with the Handknitting Association and also another great place to find some alternate goods.
• Go admire the irregular glass mosaic style windows at the Harpa Opera House.
• Visit Hallgrímskirkja — the iconic Lutheran church smack dab in the centre of Reykjavik.
• If you want to giggle like a child again, head to the worlds only Phalic Museum.
• Lastly, if you want the best dark chocolate swiss mocha, check out this crazy eclectic coffee shop: Cafe Babalu.

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Day 12: Blue Lagoon and a little More! — 1 hr 26 min  — 93 km

Almost time to say goodbye

• Blue Lagoon — The famous Icelandic Blue Lagoon. I won’t butter this one up as it is well known. Only one piece of advice ill give is to go early in the morning.
• Brimketell  — Not far from the Blue Lagoon. A few ocean pools that have formed over time from ocean erosion. You can spend some time exploring this area and watch in awe as the massive Atlantic waves crash into the rocky cliffside. On a nice summer day, if you are feeling adventurous, you can take a dip in these pools.
• Keflavik Airport — Take an evening flight if you can. Now it’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Iceland, it was a blast!

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