You’re going to do a circular road trip starting and ending in Reykjavik/Keflavík, combining the south coast, the glaciated southeast, the volcanic north, and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The key here isn’t to see everything, but to sequence the highlights to minimize kilometers and park each night where it makes sense. In my case, I arrived at 14:00 and booked the glacier tour before flying; I also saved the Mývatn bath for the long northern day and Diamond Beach at sunset because the light asks for it.
Table of contents
Map and trip summary (Day 1 to Day 10)
Reference times (approx.)
These are realistic ranges with short photo stops and “normal” Icelandic weather. If there’s wind, rain, or snow, add buffer time.
- D2 Full Reykjanes → Selfoss: 3–5 h depending on stops.
- D3 Selfoss → Vík (waterfalls): 3–4 h.
- D4 Vík → Skaftafell with Eldhraun/Dverghamrar: 2.5–3.5 h + 1.5–2 h trek to Svartifoss.
- D5 Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón → Höfn: 2.5–3.5 h, with glacier in the morning.
- D6 Höfn → Egilsstaðir → (Dettifoss*) → Mývatn: 5–8 h (long driving day).
- D7 Mývatn → Goðafoss → Akureyri → Staður: 3.5–5 h.
- D8–D9 Full Snæfellsnes → Borgarnes/Reykjavik: 5–7 h over two days.
- D10 Reykjavik → Keflavík: 45–60 min.
* Dettifoss: only if the road is open (I stress it again below).
Things to do in Reykjavik
Entrada confort a la Laguna Azul
Retreat Spa en la Laguna Azul
Laguna Azul: Entrada con bebida, toalla y mascarilla de barro
Maravillas de Islandia y espectáculo de auroras en el Perlan
Museo Perlan: Entrada
Perlan – Maravillas de Islandia
Vuelo sobre Islandia
FlyOver Iceland: Entrada
Boleto de entrada a FlyOver Islandia
Museo Nacional de Islandia: Entrada + App con audioguía
Reykjavik City Card 72 hour
Whales of Iceland: Entrada
Whales of Iceland admission with audio guide and tour
Entrada a las ballenas de Islandia con audioguía y tour.
Whales Of Iceland Admission Ticket
Aurora Reykjavík, visita al museo del Centro de la Aurora Boreal
Museo Saga: Entrada
Tarjeta de la ciudad de Reykjavik 48 horas
Museo Falológico: Entrada
Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center: Entrada
Magic Ice Bar Reykjavik: Entrada + Bebida de Autor
Islandia Entrada a los Baños de las Tierras Altas
Tarjeta Ciudad de Reikiavik: Entrada a Museos + Transporte Público
Ticket de entrada a los baños de Vök
Laguna de Laugarás: Entrada
Sky Lagoon: Saman Pass
Laguna de Laugarás: Entrada Premium
Sky Lagoon: Saman Pass + Transporte desde Reikiavik
Sky Lagoon: Sér Pass
Entrada Sky Lagoon Incluyendo 7 – Ritual de Pasos
Lava Centre Interactive Volcano Exhibition
Lava Show Reykjavik Admission Ticket – Optional Premium Upgrade
Volcano Express Iceland Admission Ticket: Immersive Experience
Saga Museum – Entrance ticket
Entrada a las aguas termales de Hvammsvík
Helicopter Tour with Mountain Summit Landing from Reykjavik
TUI Reykjavik City Tour with FlyOver Iceland Experience
Recorrido en autobús turístico con paradas libres por Reikiavik
Reykjavik walking tour
City Sightseeing Reikiavik: Autobús Hop-on Hop-off de 24 ó 48 horas
Reikiavik: Visita a pie con un vikingo
Reykjavik: Folklore Walking Tour
Paseo a pie con gatos en Reikiavik
Reikiavik: Paseo por la Pasarela
Islandia: Montar a caballo – Excursión por el campo
Tour of Reykjavik's instagrammable spots with a local
Reikiavik: Ruta de los golosos islandeses
Aurora Boreal en grupo reducido
Northern Lights: 2-Hr Boat Tour + Alternative Bus Tour
Northern Lights: 2-Hr Boat Tour
Reikiavik: Tour de la Cerveza y el Alcohol
Aurora Boreal: Excursión de 3 horas en grupo reducido + Traslado
Puffin watching tour from Reykjavik
Aurora Boreal: Visita guiada para grupos pequeños con fotos gratuitas
Islandia: Montar a Caballo – Excursión Patrimonio
Excursión de 1 hora en quad por el Pico de Reykjavik
Auroras boreales en barco
Sólheimajökull Glacier: Guided Tour
Snæfellsnes y Kirkjufell: Excursión en grupo reducido desde Reikiavik
Círculo Dorado y Aurora Boreal: Excursión desde Reikiavik
Small group tour to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the hidden treasure of the West
Reikiavik: Excursión en grupo reducido a la Aurora Boreal
Reykjavík: Imagine Peace Tower Guided Tour
Reikiavik: Tour de los amantes de la comida
Costa Sur de Islandia: Excursión de un día en grupo reducido desde Reikiavik
Horseback Riding with Icelandic Horses through the Lava Fields of Hafnarfjörður
South Coast classic tour
Reykjavik: 1-Hr Buggy Safari
South Coast Sagas: Black Sand Beach, Waterfalls and Glacier
Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon: Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
Small group Snæfellsnes peninsula tour
Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón day tour from Reykjavik
Silfra Esnórquel guiado con traje seco
Silfra Esnórquel guiado con traje de neopreno
TUI Quad Biking
Sólheimajökull Glacier Kayak Tour
Discover the wonders of Snæfellsnes National Park
Golden Circle and Northern lights tour
Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Puffin Tour
Explora una cueva de hielo azul
Volcano Hike and Northern Lights: Tour from Reykjavik
South Coast and Northern Lights: Tour from Reykjavík
Reykjavik: Whale Watching & Northern Lights Combo Cruise
Glacier hike on Sólheimajökull
Iceland: Ice Cave Tour
Iceland: Perfume Creation Workshop
Excursión de 2 horas en quad por los Picos Gemelos de Reikiavik
Avistamiento de ballenas: Excursión con Puffins Watching desde Reikiavik
Northern Lights: 4-Hr Jeep Ride Tour + Snacks
Iceland: Premium Evening Whale Tour from Reykjavík
The Lava Falls Adventure Tour
Silfra: Aventura guiada de snorkel desde Reikiavik
Restos del avión DC-3 y aventura en quad por la playa de arena negra
Reykjavik: 2-Hr Lava Field Buggy Tour
Northern Lights night adventure
Reikiavik: Paseo Folclórico Privado
Aventura en vehículo todoterreno de 3 horas en manantiales volcánicos
Recorrido privado a pie por Reikiavik para amantes de los gatos
Reikiavik: Excursión privada a Islandia para golosos
Exprés todoterreno y safari de medio día
Reikiavik: Visita Privada a Pie
Reikiavik: Visita privada a pie de la Era Vikinga
Reykjavik: Private City and Food Walking Tour
Reykjavik Food Walk – Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
Treasure Iceland – Ice Cave Discovery
Silfra: Diving Between Tectonic Plates – Meet on Location
The Reykjavik Cat Walking Tour
Reykjavik Northern Lights Evening Adventure Guided Tour
Funky History Walking Tour in Reykjavik – With local storyteller
The Icelandic Sweet Tooth Tour
Reykjavik's Finest Catch: Guided Sea Angling Tour for All Levels
Búsqueda del tesoro en Reykjavik y visita autoguiada a lo más destacado
Craft Beer and Brewery Tour in Iceland
World War Two Walking Tour in Reykjavik
Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour – by CityWalk
Reykjavík All In One Food Tour – Eat, Drink & Explore with Locals
Reykjavik Walking Tour – Walk with a Viking
Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland
Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour – Icelandic Traditional Food
The Lava Tunnel Tour – Raufarhólshellir
Reykjavik Beer & Booze Tour
RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik
Whale Watching and Northern Lights Half-Day Combo Tour
3-Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik
Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive
Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik
Whale-Watching Boat Tour with Expert Guide from Reykjavik
Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat from Downtown Reykjavik
Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour
Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market
Helicopter Tour: Reykjavik City with landing at Mount Esja
Gin Distillery tour and tasting with Master Distiller
Horse Riding Tour in Reykjadalur (Smoky Valley)-All Riding Levels
Icelandic Horse Riding and Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
Geological Golden-Circle Tour / Small group adventure
Silfra Snorkel – Between Continents – When Quality Matters
Sagas Calles y lugares de interés Paseo autoguiado en Reikiavik
Imagine Peace Tower Tour on Viðey island | John Lennon tribute
Reykjavík Bay Arctic Rose Whale Watching Excursion
Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík
Silfra Wetsuit Snorkeling – Meet on location | Free Photos
Small Group Golden Circle with Kerid Crater & Tomato Farm Visit
Dive the Divide: Silfra Fissure Scuba Tour | Meet at Thingvellir
Silfra Drysuit Snorkeling with Free Photos – Meet on Location
Whale Wonders Morning Expedition from Reykjavík
Wildlife Whale Watching and Puffin Tour in Reykjavik
Walking tour of Reykjavik city
Reykjavik Premium Puffin tour | Close Up and Personal
Iceland Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Tour
Reykjavík Shared Tuk Tuk Tour
Reykjavik Main Sights and Hidden Spots: A Self-Guided Audio Walk
Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet
Icelands Reykjavik Self Guided Walking Audio Tour
Aurora by Boat Reykjavik Adventure
Reykjavik Whale Watching and Lava Show
Discover the key to Reykjavik Exploration Game and Tour
Magical Whales in the Midnight Sun | from Reykjavik
Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik
ATV de playa negra – QUAD Tour
2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
Guided Glacier Walk
Reykjavik Food and Drink Adventure – Local Evening Experience
Silfra: Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa Tour – Self Drive
Frío y calor: Combinación de tour de spa de aventura: Silfra y Sky Lagoon Self-Drive
Freedive Silfra Half Day Tour
Horseback Riding Tour in Iceland
Whale Watching and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik
Helicopter tour from Reykjavik: Hengill Area with at site landing
Winter Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik
Small-group Whale Watching in the Midnight Sun from Reykjavík
Funky Food & Beer Walk of Reykjavik – Traditional food and history
Proposal at an Active Volcanic Area
2 Hours Whale Watching Express Adventure
ATV – QUAD Adventure
Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat from Reykjavík
The Golden Circle and City Sightseeing
Landmarks from Above: Helicopter tour with 3 Landings
Reykjavik Street Food Walking Tour
Nature Cold Therapy & Sauna
Private Tour: Reykjavik and Iceland’s Charismatic Capital
Small Group Ride To The Hotspring Reykjadalur
Reykjavik Midnight Sun Ghost Walk
Private Reykjavík Food & Beer Tasting Tour
Surprise Walk of Reykjavik with a Local
Magical Christmas Private Tour in Beautiful Reykjavik
Fast as Falcon Superman Ride
Silfra Night Freedive Tour
Iceland's Christmas Myths and Traditions – Reykjavík walking tour
Explore the Waterfalls of the South Coast
Horseback Riding Tour in Mosfellsbær
Old Icelandic Books Experience
¿James Bond era islandés? Boleto con conferencia de una hora
Caves of Laugarvatn Standard Tour
Proposal on Mount Esja
Reykjavik: Iceland's role in World War Two – Private Day Trip
Lava ATV Tour
Private Golden Circle Tour from Skarfabakki Cruise Terminal
Goat Walk
Buggy Lava Tunnel Tour
Falkaklettur Via Ferrata Adventure
Private Icelandic Horseback Ride: Matched to Skill Level
Visita al Círculo Dorado y traslado a la Laguna Azul
Círculo Dorado: Excursión en grupo reducido + Traslados a la Laguna Azul desde Reikiavik
TUI Blue Lagoon Evening Tour
TUI Blue Lagoon Day Tour
Paquete confort Laguna Azul con traslados
Entradas al Círculo Dorado y la Laguna Azul con cráter volcánico Kerid
Círculo Dorado y Laguna Azul: Excursión en grupo reducido desde Reikiavik con entrada
Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike & Blue Lagoon Admission
Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon: Day Tour from Reykjavik
Crystal Blue Ice Cave – Super Jeep From Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Blue Ice Cave Exploration (from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon)
Círculo Dorado: Excursión desde Reikiavik + Entrada al Museo Perlan
Círculo Dorado y FlyOver Islandia: Excursión desde Reikiavik
Whale watching tour and Whales of Iceland exhibition entrance tickets
Whale Watching: Whales of Iceland Entry + RIB Boat Tour from Reykjavik
Deluxe Whale Watching and Whales of Iceland Exhibition Combo from Reykjavik
Whales of Iceland from Land and Sea
Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon day tour
Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón day tour from Reykjavik
Excursión guiada por el Círculo Dorado y la Aurora Boreal desde Reikiavik
The Lava Tunnel – Standard Tour
Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Express
Reykjavík: Puffin Express by RIB Speedboat
Excursión misteriosa de la aurora boreal desde Reikiavik
Northern Lights: 3-Hr Bus Tour + Transfer
Aurora Boreal: Excursión de 3 horas en autobús + Audioguía
Reykjavík: Northern Lights Bus Tour
Northern lights tour in Iceland
TUI Northern Lights Tour
Excursión de un día completo al Círculo Dorado desde Reikiavik
Northern Lights: 2-Hr Boat Tour + Alternative Plan
Northern lights and stargazing
Classic puffin watching tour in Reykjavik
Golden Circle Direct: Half-Day Tour from Reykjavik
Círculo Dorado: Excursión en Autobús + Audioguía
Golden Circle y visita a la granja en grupo pequeño
Aurora Boreal: Excursión en barco de 2,5 horas
Golden Circle & Kerið Crater: Grand Tour from Reykjavik
Círculo Dorado + Invernadero Friðheimar: excursión desde Reykjavik
Golden Circle classic tour
Reikiavik: Excursión guiada de avistamiento de ballenas
Whale watching tour in Reykjavik
Reykjavik: Northern Lights Boat Tour
Excursión en barco para contemplar la aurora boreal en Reikiavik
Auroras Boreales: Excursión en grupo reducido desde Reikiavik
Excursión clásica de avistamiento de ballenas en Reikiavik
Crucero por la aurora boreal en Reikiavik
Golden Circle: Day Trip from Reykjavik + Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Whale Watching: Tour from Reykjavik
Reykjavík: Luxury Yacht Whale Watching Cruise
Golden Circle classic tour
Golden Circle: Small-Group Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik
Vatnajökull Glaciar: Visita guiada con transporte desde Skaftafell
Sólheimajökull glacier hike experience
Southern Iceland day trip from Reykjavik
Cascadas de la Costa Sur, Glaciar y Playa de Arena Negra: Excursión desde Reikiavik
Volcán Fagradalsfjall: Excursión a pie desde Reikiavik
Whale Watching: Elding's Wildlife Exhibition Entry + Tour from Reykjavik
Vik, Skógafoss Waterfall & Black Sand South Iceland: Guided Tour + Transport
Sur de Islandia: Excursión en Autobús + Audioguía
South Iceland: Bus Tour
The Lava Tunnel: Roundtrip from Reykjavik
Círculo Dorado y Laguna Secreta: Excursión de un día desde Reikiavik
Círculo Dorado y Laguna Secreta: Excursión desde Reikiavik
South Coast: Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
Snaefellsnes: Excursión a la Península desde Reikiavik
Golden Circle: Full-Day Guided Tour from Reykjavik
Crucero de avistamiento de ballenas en Reikiavik
South Coast and Northern lights tour
Litla Hrút Volcano: Hiking Tour from Reykjavik
Golden Circle & Lava Tunnel: Day Tour from Reykjavik
Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón tour with boat ride
Excursión de senderismo a Landmannalaugar
Visita a la cueva de hielo de Vatnajökull con caminata por el glaciar
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Full-Day Guided Tour from Reykjavik
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Roundtrip from Reykjavik
Camina bajo una cueva de hielo bajo el volcán Katla
Golden Circle & Sky Lagoon: Day Tour from Reykjavik
Círculo Dorado, Fridheimar, Sky Lagoon y Cráter Kerid: Excursión desde Reikiavik
Snæfellsnes: Black Beach Day Trip + Dinner
Costa Sur y Laguna del Cielo: Excursión desde Reikiavik
Fagradalsfjall Volcano & Sky Lagoon: Spa Entry + Hiking Tour from Reykjavik
South Iceland: Waterfalls Exploration Guided Tour
Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride and South Coast Tour from Reykjavik
Golden Circle small group tour and snorkeling at Silfra
ATV and Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik
Combinación de conducción de vehículos todo terreno y avistamiento de ballenas
Costa Sur y Cueva de Hielo de Katla
Golden Circle: Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik + Snorkeling Experience
Visita a la cueva de hielo de Katla desde Reikiavik
Sensacional tour de día completo por Islandia
TUI Into Langjökull Glacier
Langjökull Glaciar: Excursión guiada con transporte desde Reikiavik
Tour de un día al Círculo Dorado y snorkel.
Excursión de un día a Landmannalaugar y volcán Hekla
Excursión de un día a la Costa Sur y la cueva de hielo de Katla
TUI Snowmobiling and secret lagoon tour
Excursión de un día a Borgafjörður y al glaciar
Círculo Dorado: Excursión Privada Personalizada desde Reikiavik
Sur de Islandia: Tour Privado Personalizado
Iceland Super Saver: Puffin Cruise plus Whale-Watching Tour from Reykjavik
Northern Lights Yacht Cruise
New Years Fireworks by Boat from Reykjavik
Northern Lights by Boat with a Backup Plan from Reykjavik
Volcano Shuttle Super Jeep Tour to Iceland's New Lava Fields
Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide from Reykjavik
Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik
Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik
Helicopter Tour Over Iceland’s Reykjanes Volcano Eruption Site
Northern Lights Boat Cruise from Reykjavik
Iceland Volcanic Eruption Area Helicopter Tour from Reykjavík
Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik
Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise
Ice Cave and Glacier Tour in Glacier Monster Truck from Gullfoss
Fire and Ice Helicopter Tour: Glacier and Hengill Geothermal Area
Premium Small-Group Puffin & Bird Watching tour from Reykjavík
Two-In-One: Whale & Puffin Watching Tours from Reykjavik
Helicopter Flight Over Geothermal Landscapes from Reykjavik
Helicopter Tour over the Reykjanes Volcano Area from Reykjavik
Guided Whale Watching Experience from Reykjavik
Whale Watching And Fly Over Iceland Guided Tour
Puffin Cruise with Expert Tour Guide from Reykjavik
The Lava Tunnel Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik
Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik
Small Group Volcano Hike with a Professional Geologist
Lava Caving Experience
Red Glacier Monster Truck on Langjokull Glacier from Gulfoss
Crystal Blue Ice Cave Adventure
Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Downtown Reykjavík
Volcán Express: Billete de entrada
Espectáculo de lava en Reikiavik
Espectáculo de Lava en Reikiavik: Entrada
La experiencia del narrador islandés
Reykjavik Teppanyaki 7 Course Menu and Fire Show with Cocktail
Party and Get Tipsy like a Viking in Reykjavik
Chromo Sapiens Immerse Yourself in Color Texture and Sound
Traslado a la Laguna Azul desde el aeropuerto internacional de Keflavík
Sky Lagoon: One-way Private Transfer from Keflavik International Airport
Blue Lagoon: Private Transfer from Reykjavik
Blue Lagoon: One-way Private Transfer from Skarfabakki Cruise Terminal
Reykjavik: One-way Private Transfer from Blue Lagoon
Skarfabakki Cruise Terminal: One-way Private Transfer from Blue Lagoon
Day-by-day itinerary from Reykjavik
Day 1 — Arrival in Reykjavik (14:00) and downtown stroll
I land early afternoon and spend the day settling into the Icelandic rhythm without stress. Drop your bag, take a shower, and head out for a walk: Hallgrímskirkja to situate yourself, the Sólfar sculpture by the bay, Harpa with its honeycomb façade, and the Laugavegur strip for a simple dinner. If the sky opens, go up the Hallgrímskirkja viewpoint; if it rains, Perlan is a good shelter. Quick tip: buy a local SIM or make sure you have data to navigate with your 10‑day map. Night in Reykjavik.
Day 2 — Reykjanes: Garður, Gunnuhver, Krýsuvík and Kleifarvatn (+ optional Golden Circle)
I pick up the car in Keflavík and do a volcanic loop: the Garður lighthouse, the steam and mud pools of Gunnuhver, the fumaroles at Krýsuvík, and the mineral calm of Lake Kleifarvatn. It’s the perfect start to understand that Iceland is a geology factory. You’ll drive 3–5 h with stops and, if you’re on schedule, you can add the Golden Circle (Kerið, Geysir, Gullfoss, Þingvellir). Sleep: Camping Selfoss. Personal tip: bring a swimsuit from today; if you include the Golden Circle, a hot-spring stop may happen.
Day 3 — South Coast waterfalls: Urriðafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
A day of back‑to‑back waterfalls along the Ring Road. Start gently at Urriðafoss; continue to Seljalandsfoss (walk behind it if it’s not slippery) and finish with the power of Skógafoss. In between, stands for hot soup and fish & chips. The total stretch is short (3–4 h behind the wheel), so take your time for spray‑kissed photos. Sleep: Vík or nearby. My experience: I saved time to see Skógafoss in low light with the rainbow almost touching the ground.
Day 4 — Vík: black-sand beaches + Eldhraun and Dverghamrar → trek to Svartifoss
Morning at Reynisfjara and the black‑sand beaches of Vík; watch out for sneaker waves. Continue to the Eldhraun lava fields, make a technical stop among the basalt at Dverghamrar, and enter Skaftafell. Time for the trek to Svartifoss (1.5–2 h roundtrip, easy if you wear boots): it’s impossible not to stare at its basalt columns. Sleep: near the Skaftafell National Park. Personal extra: this day was perfect for a leg “reset”: short drive, longer walk.
Day 5 — Guided Vatnajökull glacier + Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach at sunset
Morning on the glacier: the guided tour on Vatnajökull is the trip’s high point (crampons, helmet, and guide—no solo adventures). In the afternoon, the Jökulsárlón lagoon with icebergs and, across the road, Diamond Beach. I went at sunset and that’s when the chunks of ice shine as if they’d been polished. Sleep: Höfn camping. Drive calmly (2.5–3.5 h total for the day); if you want more, there are langoustine restaurants in Höfn.
Day 6 — Long leg: Höfn → Egilsstaðir → Dettifoss (if the road is open) → Mývatn baths
Long driving day. Leave early and push to Egilsstaðir. If the road to Dettifoss (862/864) is open, detour to the north’s most brutal waterfall; if not, Plan B: continue toward the Mývatn area and head straight into the Nature Baths late in the day. I did it this way and soaking in the Mývatn baths after many hours at the wheel was medicine. Sleep: Reykjahlíð. Total time 5–8 h depending on detours and conditions.
Day 7 — Goðafoss and Akureyri (+ optional fjords and seals)
Before dropping into the “capital of the north,” stop at Goðafoss and play with compositions on both sides of the bridge. Akureyri is coffee, bakeries, and a stroll by the fjord. If you’ve got hours left, a possible detour to fjords for seal watching. Sleep: Staður or nearby, logging miles so the next day is easy. In my case, I appreciated this “transition night”: early dinner and straight to bed.
Day 8 — Snæfellsnes I: Stykkishólmur, Kirkjufellsfoss, Skarðsvík, Saxhóll, Djúpalónssandur
Snæfellsnes compresses “all of Iceland” into a small area. Start in Stykkishólmur, go up to Kirkjufellsfoss with the iconic Kirkjufell in the background, and cross to Skarðsvík beach (golden sand—a surprise after so much lava). Climb the Saxhóll crater (360º views) and finish at Djúpalónssandur (another black‑sand beach with maritime history). Sleep: on the peninsula (pick a campground/guesthouse). Driving time: 3–4 h plus stops.
Day 9 — Snæfellsnes II: Arnarstapi and Ytri Tunga → optional Hraunfossar → Borgarnes/Reykjavik
Cliff walk between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, easy and photogenic, and a visit to Ytri Tunga to see seals (remember the distance—don’t intrude). If you’ve got spare time, optional detour to Hraunfossar, a curtain waterfall that seeps out of the lava field itself. Finish in Borgarnes or return to Reykjavik. Sleep: Borgarnes or Reykjavik depending on the next day’s flight.
Day 10 — Last hours in Reykjavik and car drop-off in Keflavík
Free morning for souvenirs, a final coffee on Laugavegur, or the Tjörnin lake with ducks if the sun’s out. Check the car (basic clean and fuel) and drive to Keflavík with margin. I preferred to arrive early: calm traffic, trunk in order, and zero rush. Return flight and end of trip.
Quick tips & prep (car, campgrounds, hot springs and glacier)
- Car & driving: in summer a regular car is enough; off‑season or if you want F‑roads, 4×4. Don’t run low on fuel: on my route it worked well to refuel at 50–60%. Drive “the Icelandic way”: unhurried, pulling into lay‑bys for photos.
- Key bookings: the Vatnajökull glacier hike (morning of Day 5) and the Mývatn Nature Baths (evening of Day 6) if you travel in season. I booked ahead and the hot water after the long driving day was a blessing.
- What to pack: rain jacket, thermal layers, boots with grippy soles, swimsuit/towel, microfiber cloths for the camera at waterfalls, and a waterproof phone pouch.
- Stage‑by‑stage campgrounds (indicative): Selfoss, Vík/nearby, Skaftafell area, Höfn, Reykjahlíð (Mývatn), Staður, the Snæfellsnes area, and Borgarnes/Reykjavik at the end.
- Weather & roads: the wind calls the shots. Always have a Plan B (museums/hot pools) and check road conditions the day before. I rearranged an afternoon to hit Diamond Beach at sunset and it was the right move.
- Photo safety: on black‑sand beaches (Vík, Djúpalónssandur) respect the shoreline—sneaker waves give no warning.
Common questions before you go (weather, roads, bookings and Plan B)
What if Dettifoss is closed?
Keep the base plan without that detour and recycle the time in Mývatn (more baths, pseudocraters) or Akureyri.Blue Lagoon or Mývatn Nature Baths?
If you’re doing Reykjanes, Mývatn fits better on Day 6 because it works as a “spa‑after‑drive.”How many hours do you drive per day?
The real average on this route is 2.5–4.5 h; exception is Day 6 (long).Is a 4×4 essential?
In summer, no. If you’re traveling in winter or planning F‑roads, yes.Where to sleep without booking?
In high season, better to book. Off‑season, campgrounds give you leeway. I locked in Skaftafell and Höfn to align with the glacier.How to optimize photos?
Waterfalls with an ND filter if you have one; Diamond Beach at sunset and Kirkjufell with thin clouds work brilliantly.Express checklist (gear, driving, payments and useful apps)
- Layered clothing, rain jacket, hat, gloves, boots with grip.
- Swimsuit, towel, flip‑flops, dry bag.
- Car charger, power bank, lens wipes.
- Refuel when you drop below half a tank.
- Key reservations: glacier D5 and Mývatn D6.
- Offline downloads: Google Maps and your list of pins; have a Plan B for wind/rain.
- Money: contactless card; avoid fees by withdrawing little cash.
- Respect signs and closures: if an access is closed, it’s non‑negotiable.
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