13 Sep 9 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland

Iceland – everywhere you turn there is a beautiful landscape, whether a black sand beach, a waterfall, or an erupting volcano. Trying to decide on the sites and excursions for Iceland was HARD. Even with nine days in the country, we still did not have enough time to see or experience everything (but I guess that leaves the door open for a future trip). Crafting the itinerary for our 9-day road trip in Iceland took some time, and thus I wanted to share it with you all! Copy it exactly, change a couple things, or completely rewrite it. On the other hand, check out a 7-day Iceland itinerary or a 5-day Iceland itinerary if you have a bit less time in the country. 

The first section lists out the 9-day road trip itinerary for Iceland separated by days and sites / activities. Head to this section if you are looking for some ideas.

The second section includes more detail on each site / activity in terms of approximate time needed, directions, access, etc. Check out this section for the more detailed steps for a road trip in Iceland or simply more information about a certain location. Additionally, at the very end of the article is some other helpful information to keep in mind for a road trip in Iceland.

Furthermore, you might be wondering how I afforded everything that comes along with a 9-day road trip in Iceland. Easy – bonuses from travel credit cards. For example, the Chase IHG Card offers fantastic sign up bonuses AND offers extra points when booking travel through them. 

9-Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland:

Day 1: Arrival and Golden Circle

• Arrival at airport and pick up of rental car in the morning 
• Silfra Snorkeling: excursion in Thingvellir National Park
• Öxarárfoss: waterfall in Thingvellir National Park
• Almannagjá: rift between tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park
• Geysir Hot Springs: geothermal area 
• Gullfoss: waterfall 
• Hike up to Flúðir Tarn: lake on top of a mountain
• Lodging: Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Southern Iceland

• Kerid Crater: volcanic crater lake 
• Gljúfrabúi and Seljalandsfoss: waterfalls
• Skógafoss: waterfall
• Seljavallalaug Pool and hidden hot springs: geothermal pools 
• Lodging: South Iceland Guesthouse 

Day 3: Southern Iceland

• DC-3 Plane Wreck: US Navy plane wreckage 
• Halsanefshellir Cave: basalt cave at Reynisfjara Beach
• Dyrhólaey: sea arch at Reynisfjara Beach
• Sólheimajökull: glacier 
• Reynisdrangar View: black sand beach in the Town of Vik
• Reyniskirkja: church in the Town of Vik
• Lodging: The Barn

Day 4: Eastern Iceland

• Hjörleifshöfði Hellir: also known as Yoda Cave
• Laufskálavarða: lava ridge with stone cairns
• Fjaðrárgljúfur: canyon
• Svínafellsjökull Vegur: glacier
• Svartifoss: waterfall
• Jökulsárlón: glacier lagoon
• Diamond Beach: black volcanic sand beach with icebergs drifting ashore 
• Lodging: Laekjarhus Farm Holidays

Day 5: Eastern Iceland

• Glacier Lagoon Kayaking at Jökulsárlón: excursion 
• Stokksnes / Vestrahorn: peninsula with mountains and black sand dunes  
• Rainbow Road: painted rainbow on the road in front of the famous Blue Church 
• Lodging: Eidavellir Apartments & Rooms

Day 6: Northern Iceland

• Stuðlagil Canyon: basalt column canyon with turquoise glacial river
• Hverir: geothermal area at Myvatn Lake
• Myvatn Nature Baths: hot springs at Myvatn Lake
• Godafoss: waterfall
• Lodging: Akureyri H.I. Hostel

Day 7: Western Iceland

• Kirkjufellsfoss: waterfall
• Gatklettur: stone arch 
• Rauðfeldsgjá: ravine
• Ytri Tunga Beach: white sand beach with seals  
• Lodging: Guesthouse Pavi

Day 8: Southwestern Iceland

• Blue Lagoon: geothermal spa 
• Fagradalsfjall: volcano
• Reykjavík Ink: tattoo shop in Reykjavík
• Sun Voyager: sculpture in Reykjavík
• Hallgrimskirkja: church in Reykjavík
• Sægreifinn (Seabaron): seafood diner in Reykjavík
• Lodging: Guesthouse Pavi 

Day 9: Reykjavík and Departure

• Reykjavík Roasters: coffee shop in Reykjavík
• Laugavegur: street with shops and restaurants in Reykjavík
• Drop off of rental car and departure in the afternoon

Day 1: Thingvellir National Park; Geysir; Waterfall; Hidden Lake – Iceland Road Trip

Arrival at Airport and Pick Up of Rental Car in the Morning 

• • Make sure to plan for enough time to get through customs and pick up the rental car if you are heading straight to an activity on the first day (like we did).

Silfra Snorkeling: Excursion in Thingvellir National Park

• • Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Exploration Time: 2 hours 15 minutes 
  • Price: around $150 per person for snorkeling + 500 ISK (~$4) parking fee 
  • What better way to start out a road trip around Iceland than snorkeling between tectonic plates? Our excursion started at 11:00am with Dive and lasted for approximately two hours. The first hour involved getting dressed in our dry suits, general instructions, and then walking to the water. The second hour was the fun part – snorkeling. The guide slowly took us through the water, which is some of the clearest on earth. Additionally, the Silfra fissure is located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Therefore, we snorkeled between tectonic plates.
  • Article: Silfra Snorkeling in Iceland: Everything to Know.

Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park

Öxarárfoss: Waterfall in Thingvellir National Park

• • Driving Time: 15 minutes | Exploration Time: 15 minutes 
  • From the parking lot, it is about a five minute walk to the falls. However, there is also a 2.6-mile (~4.2 kilometer) loop trail connecting to Almannagjá. History states Icelanders rerouted the river and thus also the waterfall in the days of Parliament for better access to drinking water. 
  • Article: Öxarárfoss in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland.

View of Öxarárfoss from the path directly in front of it

Almannagjá: Rift Between Tectonic Plates in Thingvellir National Park

• • Driving Time: none | Exploration Time: 45 minutes 
  • Continue on the path from Öxarárfoss and then walk between the tectonic plates. On the other hand, you can park in the visitor center lot and take the path from there. While walking on the path through Almannagjá, you are technically walking between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. 
  • Article: Almannagjá Trail in Thingvellir National Park.

Walking along the Almannagjá trail through the rift

Geysir Hot Springs: Geothermal Area 

• • Driving Time: 50 minutes | Exploration Time: 45 minutes 
  • Strokkur, the largest geyser in the area, goes off every five to 15 minutes with no warning – no bubbles first or anything. Furthermore, there is a 1.2 mile (~1.9 kilometer) trail around the area as well as a small hill providing a panoramic view. Along the trail are multiple geysers as well as boiling mud pits and fumaroles. 
  • Article: Strokkur and Geysir Hot Springs in Iceland.

Strokkur erupting at Geysir Hot Springs

Gullfoss: Waterfall – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 10 minutes | Exploration Time: 45 minutes 
  • There is a 1.3 mile (~2.1 kilometer) loop trail down to the falls from the parking lot, starting with stairs. Fair warning: you will probably get a little wet at some point on the trail due to the wind carrying the mist of the falls – perfect time for a shower. Moreover, Gullfoss remains today due to the work and commitment of Sigríður, one of the first environmentalists in Iceland.
  • Article: Visiting Gullfoss in Iceland.

Taking in the view at Gullfoss

Hike Up to a Lake on Top of a Mountain

• • Driving Time: 40 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • This one is a hidden gem. We asked the Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast owner if she had any recommendations, and she gave us directions here. We were then pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the top of the mountain and saw the beautiful lake before us.
  • Directions from Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast: turn left out of the short gravel road then turn left onto the main road and watch for a small parking area on the right side after you pass the farm about a minute or two down the road. There are no signs, but there is a somewhat visible trail due to other people hiking there previously. 
  • Article: What to Know Before Visiting the Tarn (Mountain Lake) in Flúðir, Iceland.

Enjoying the views at the Tarn in Flúðir

Lodging: Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast

• • Driving Time: 5 minutes 
  • Price = $64 for private double room with shared bathroom
  • There were two shared bathrooms, about five rooms, and a kitchen. Additionally, they had breakfast in the morning – bread, jam, cereal, granola, yogurt, etc. What is better than a complimentary breakfast!

Day 2: Volcanic Crater; Waterfalls; Hidden Hot Spring – Iceland Road Trip

Kerid Crater: Volcanic Crater Lake 

• • Driving Time: 35 minutes | Exploration Time: 30 minutes 
  • Price: 400 ISK (~$3) per person
  • Walk around the crater at the top as well as at the bottom by heading down a staircase. However, swimming is prohibited. The crater formed when a cone-shaped volcano depleted all of its magma reserve and then collapsed in upon itself. 
  • Article: Kerid Crater in Iceland.

View of Kerid Crater from the path around the top

Gljúfrabúi and Seljalandsfoss: Waterfalls

• • Driving Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour 
  • Price: 800 ISK (~$6) parking fee
  • Park in the lot right next to Seljalandsfoss and then walk the 1.2 mile (~1.9 kilometer) loop trail connecting to Gljúfrabúi (aka Gljúfrafoss). First, there is a path behind Seljalandsfoss. I HIGHLY recommend you walk along it; just prepare to get a little wet (okay, more than just a little). Second, you have to walk in a small gorge to see Gljúfrabúi. Out of all of the waterfalls included within our 9-day road trip across Iceland, Gljúfrabúi was my favorite. 
  • Article: What to Know Before Visiting Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi in Iceland.

Side view of Seljalandsfoss

Looking through the gorge to Gljufrabui

Skógafoss: Waterfall – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 30 minutes | Exploration Time: 2 hours
  • Skógafoss is arguably the most majestic waterfall in Iceland. The parking lot is right next to the waterfall, and there are steps on the right for visitors to enjoy a view from above. We then decided to keep hiking until the double waterfall. There is a trail that continues for miles and miles AND has many more waterfalls along the way. Moreover, the trail is not too difficult; it has small inclines and declines throughout.  
  • Article: Hiking Skógafoss (Fimmvorduhals Pass) in Iceland.

Rainbow at the base of Skógafoss

Seljavallalaug Pool and Hidden Hot Springs: Geothermal Pools

• • Driving Time: 20 minutes | Exploration Time: 2 hours
  • Relaxation time. Seljavallalaug Pool is the oldest pool in Iceland, and to make it even better it is a geothermal pool. We parked at Seljavallalaug bílastæði and then walked about 20 minutes to the pool – just follow along the river. However, the changing rooms at the pool are not in the best shape. 
  • THEN, for even more privacy, continue past the pool on the left of the river for a couple minutes. There will be two small circular geothermal pools of water surrounded by rocks. We had to wade through a bit of the river – we walked on the left against the mountain (water only went slightly past our ankles) for about 30 feet. However, we did NOT have to cross the river. The hidden geothermal pools were, in my opinion, the best attraction we originally did not include within our 9-day road trip itinerary for Iceland. 
  • Article: What to Know Before Visiting Seljavallalaug Pool.
  • Article: Best Hidden Hot Springs in Southern Iceland.

Relaxing in the hidden hot springs, appreciating the view

Lodging: South Iceland Guesthouse 

• • Driving Time: 5 minutes 
  • Price = $85 for private twin room (bunk beds) with shared bathroom
  • We had to check in at the restaurant across the street, which was perfect because we then ordered some food. The open faced steak sandwich with bearnaise sauce was heavenly. Furthermore, there were about five to 10 rooms in the guesthouse, three shared bathrooms, and a kitchen. 

Day 3: Plane Wreckage; Black Sand Beach; Glacier; Vik – Iceland Road Trip

DC-3 Plane Wreck: US Navy Plane Wreckage 

• • Driving Time: 15 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour 40 minutes 
  • There is a parking lot right off the road with a trail leading to the plane wreckage. The trail is about two miles (~3.2 kilometers) and takes approximately 40 minutes to hike each way. It is a fairly easy walk, though be careful as the path is rocky. The DC-3 plane crashed in the 1970s, though thankfully no one on board suffered any injuries. 
  • Article: DC-3 Plane Wreck in Iceland.

Exploring the DC-3 Plane Wreck in Iceland

Hálsanefshellir Cave: Basalt Cave at Reynisfjara Beach

• • Driving Time: 20 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • There are a couple of parking lots, so be sure to park on the correct side of the beach to see the basalt cave. Basalt rock columns form as lava flows over a cliff, cools, crystalizes, and then breaks into the hexagonal shape. Spend as much time here as desired, though the tide will dictate how far along the sand you can walk. For example, you can explore much more of the beach during low tide. *Side note: do not go in the water. I read many articles before I traveled that warned how “sneaker waves” can come out of nowhere and carry unsuspecting visitors out with the tide. 
  • Article: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vík, Iceland.

Basalt rock columns!

Dyrhólaey: Sea Arch at Reynisfjara Beach

• • Driving Time: 20 minutes | Exploration Time: 2 hours 
  • We parked at Dyrhólaey View Parking Lot and WC and then hiked about 45 minutes up to the viewpoint by the lighthouse. Additionally, we saw so many puffins. The hike was uphill the entire time, switching back and forth between a rocky path and stone steps. *Side note: I am pretty confident I felt the strongest wind gusts of my life as we were hiking up and down this hill. Therefore, watch your footing!
  • Article: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vík, Iceland.

Taking in the views of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Sólheimajökull: Glacier – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 30 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour 
  • While this was not originally on our itinerary, a friend suggested it. It is a short 20-minute walk from the parking lot to the glacier with small inclines along the way. What might be surprising is the glacier is fairly black due to black ash from past volcanic eruptions. 

Solheimajokull Glacier in Iceland

Reynisdrangar View: Black Sand Beach in the Town of Vik

• • Driving Time: 30 minutes | Exploration Time: 15 minutes 
  • Park and then immediately walk onto the black sands. We spent minimal time here because the wind was so strong it felt like it was pelting us with sand. 
  • When we stayed at South Iceland Guesthouse, we asked the teenagers working at the restaurant about their favorite things to do for fun. They suggested we find one of the many giant balloon-type things around Iceland, for they are similar to trampolines. There was one located down the road from this beach on the right hand side next to the school. Check it out to release some energy.

Reynisdrangar View in the town of Vík

Reyniskirkja: Church in the Town of Vik

• • Driving Time: 5 minutes | Exploration Time: 10 minutes
  • Drive up the hill to the church for a nice view of the whole town as well as the black sand beach. 

Reyniskirkja Church overlook the town of Vík

Lodging: The Barn – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 10 minutes
  • Price = $73 for full dorm bed in 6-bed dorm with shared bathroom
  • The Barn was our one dorm-style lodging for the trip. There were curtains for each individual bed, multiple bathrooms and sinks outside of the rooms, and additional bathrooms and showers around the corner. Furthermore, the kitchen was huge. There were also some games in the common area. 
  • We ate at Wok on Vík for dinner, and it was one of our favorite meals of the trip.

Day 4: Yoda Cave; Lava Ridge; Canyon; Waterfall; Glaciers; Diamond Beach

Hjörleifshöfði Hellir: Also Known as Yoda Cave

• • Driving Time: 25 minutes | Exploration Time: 20 minutes 
  • Drive until the cave is in sight, as there is not exactly a marked road the whole way to the cave. Very similar to Yoda himself, the cave looks. Also featured in Star Wars Rogue One the cave is.
  • Article: The Yoda Cave in Iceland.

Making a rock levitate at the Yoda Cave

Laufskálavarða: Lava Ridge with Stone Cairns

• • Driving Time: 25 minutes | Exploration Time: 15 minutes 
  • Laufskálavarða is a fun, short stop alongside the road. Travelers crossing the Mýrdalssandur desert first stacked stones for good luck on their journey.
  • Article: Laufskálavarda in Iceland.

Stones stacked in Laufskálavarda

Fjaðrárgljúfur: Canyon – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 25 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • The canyon reminded me of something in an animated Disney movie. It is a one mile (~1.6 kilometer) / 30 minute hike to the last viewpoint from the parking lot. Additionally, you can enjoy the Mögárfoss waterfall at the last viewpoint. Another option is to hike down into the canyon, though we did not hike down due to the fact it requires a greater time commitment as well as getting a little wet.
  • Article: Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon in Iceland.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon looking like an animated Disney movie

Svínafellsjökull Vegur: Glacier

• • Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Exploration Time: 30 minutes
  • The glacier is just a short walk from the parking lot. Walk around, explore, and even pick up some smaller chunks of ice near the shore. 

Walking around the edge of Svínafellsjökull Glacier Lagoon

Svartifoss: Waterfall – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 15 minutes | Exploration Time: 2 hours 
  • Price: 750 ISK (~$6) parking fee
  • The hike is short yet uphill – around 30 to 45 minutes and a little over a mile (~1.6 kilometers) to reach the falls. Walk along the rocks to get up close to the water cascading over the basalt rock columns. Furthermore, Svartifoss is unique due to the basalt rock columns, for it is one of the only waterfalls in Iceland with these columns.
  • Article: Visiting Svartifoss in Iceland.

Up-close view of Svartifoss waterfall

Jökulsárlón: Glacier Lagoon

• • Driving Time: 50 minutes | Exploration Time: 45 minutes 
  • There are parking lots on both sides of the bridge as well as one across the road at Diamond Beach. Park at any lot and then simply walk to the lagoon and beach from there. Dirt trails surround the lagoon, thus allowing visitors to see icebergs floating in the water and the glacier in the distance from all angles.
  • Article: Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Iceland.

Icebergs floating along the water at the Glacier Lagoon

Diamond Beach: Black Volcanic Sand Beach with Icebergs Drifting Ashore 

• • Driving Time: none | Exploration Time: 2 hours
  • We spent a lot of time here to take photographs, watch icebergs float down from the lagoon, and then walk along the water. The beach is unique because it changes consistently as new icebergs float into the ocean as well as onto the sand. Additionally, we saw seals further down the beach. 
  • Article: Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Iceland.

Sun shining down on the icebergs washed ashore at Diamond Beach

Lodging: Laekjarhus Farm Holidays

• • Driving Time: 20 minutes 
  • Price = $63 for private double room with shared bathroom 
  • What a cute lodge. It was located on a farm, and the family who operates the lodge building lives directly next door. We walked up to their door to check in, and the lady then immediately came to show us our room. There were approximately four rooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. 

Day 5: Glacier Kayaking; Black Sand Dunes; Rainbow Road – Iceland Road Trip

Glacier Lagoon Kayaking at Jökulsárlón: Excursion 

• • Driving Time: 20 minutes | Exploration Time: 2 hours 
  • Price: around $164 for a tandem kayak 
  • If you are not interested in kayaking, they also offer a LOT of boating tours. While it took us about an hour to receive instructions, get dressed, and walk to the kayaks, we then did have a whole hour on the lagoon. The tour guide led us around the lagoon, highlighting the largest icebergs of that day. Furthermore, glacier kayaking was my second favorite activity out of our entire road trip in Iceland. 
  • Article: What to Know Before Going Glacier Kayaking in Jökulsárlón, Iceland.
  • Article: Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland.

Kayaking around the Glacier Lagoon on a tour

Stokksnes / Vestrahorn: Peninsula with Mountains and Black Sand Dunes  

• • Driving Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Exploration Time: 2 hours 
  • Price: 800 ISK (~$6) per person
  • Purchase an entrance ticket in the cafe to then drive through the gate. They gave us a map of the area, which highlighted the main stops along the road. There is an old viking movie set, though the movie utilizing it never finished filming. Additionally, further down the peninsula is a black sand beach with grassy sand dunes before Vestrahorn mountain. This is one of the most photographed locations in all of Iceland.
  • Article: What to Know Before Visiting Stokksnes / Vestrahorn in Iceland.

Looking at the foggy view on Stokksnes Peninsula

Rainbow Road: Painted Rainbow on the Road in Front of the Famous Blue Church 

• • Driving Time: 3 hours 10 minutes | Exploration Time: 15 minutes
  • It was cloudy the day we visited, and thus the colors seemed to jump out of the road. Townspeople painted the Rainbow Road in 2016 to support their annual Pride Parade.
  • Article: Rainbow Road in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland.

Rainbow Road leading to the Blue Church in Seyðisfjörður

Lodging: Eidavellir Apartments & Rooms – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 30 minutes 
  • Price = $82 for private double room with shared bathroom
  • Our lodging was just a few minutes outside of a small town, which was convenient for gas and groceries. Moreover, there were less than 10 rooms on the ground floor with two shared bathrooms and apartment style rooms on the second floor. A full kitchen was also available. 
  • We ate at Skálinn Diner for dinner, and it was definitely satisfying. We ordered the Korean hot wings, chicken wrap, and loaded fries. Furthermore, they had a wide selection of ice cream.

Day 6: Basalt Column Canyon; Geothermal Area; Hot Spring; Waterfall

Stuðlagil Canyon: Basalt Column Canyon with Turquoise Glacial River

• • Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Exploration Time: 2 hours 
  • To hike down into the canyon, drive to Stuðlagil East Side Parking. On the other hand, the Stuðlagil west viewpoint is on the other side of the canyon with no way down. Once at the East Side parking lot, cross the bridge and then keep driving until the road ends. The trail to the canyon is 1.5 miles (~2.4 kilometers) and takes approximately 30 minutes. Then climb down along the rocks to arrive at the water’s edge. The canyon is made of basalt rock columns, and a turquoise glacial river runs through the canyon. For those craving more, jump in the water for a refreshing (yet very cold) swim. I highly recommend jumping in as that is what made Stuðlagil Canyon my favorite place we visited on our 9-day road trip around Iceland. 
  • Article: My Favorite Activity in Iceland: Hiking to Stuðlagil.
  • Article: Top 3 Things to Do in Iceland.

By the river’s edge at Stuðlagil Canyon

Hverir: Geothermal Area at Myvatn Lake – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 1 hour 35 minutes | Exploration Time: 30 minutes 
  • Be prepared for a sulfur-type smell and lots of little black flies. There is a parking lot right next to the geothermal area as well as a short 0.6 mile (~one kilometer) trail. Walk around to see all of the geysers and geothermal activity of the area.
  • Article: Hverir Geothermal Area in Myvatn, Iceland.

Steam emitting from Hverir Geothermal Area

Mývatn Nature Baths: Hot Springs at Myvatn Lake 

• • Driving Time: 5 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour 30 minutes 
  • Price = $45 per ticket 
  • The Nature Baths offer the perfect way to relax halfway through a road trip around Iceland; just pack a swimsuit. They have towels, water cups, and a changing room with bathrooms and showers. Moreover, they do ask everyone to shower without a swimsuit before and after entering the Baths. Once in the Baths, walk around to find the hotter vs cooler areas as well as benches along the wall. Additionally, they offer saunas and outdoor showers.
  • Article: What to Know Before Visiting Myvatn Nature Baths in Iceland.
  • Article: Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Panoramic view of Myvatn Nature Baths

Goðafoss: Waterfall – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 45 minutes | Exploration Time: 30 minutes
  • There is a parking lot on either side of the bridge next to the falls, but I recommend choosing the lot right by the trail so you can then walk down to the falls. It is a very short trail, as Goðafoss is not that tall. Furthermore for some history, around 1000 AD an Ásatrú priest threw idols of the Old Norse religion in the waterfall once he declared Christianity the official religion of Iceland. 
  • Article: Visiting Goðafoss in Iceland.

Practicing some yoga poses at Godafoss

Lodging: Akureyri H.I. Hostel

• • Driving Time: 45 minutes
  • Price = $71 for private twin room with shared bathroom 
  • We did a self check-in for the hostel; they emailed us instructions the day before. While the code they gave us for the door did not work, there were some people inside to open the door for us. Moreover, the hostel was fairly large as it had multiple floors and multiple bathrooms on each floor as well as a full kitchen.

Day 7: Waterfall; Stone Arch; Ravine; White Sand Beach

Kirkjufellsfoss: Waterfall – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 4 hours 50 minutes | Exploration Time: 45 minutes
  • The parking lot is just a short distance from the falls with an easy trail. The view is spectacular as visitors can capture a photograph of the falls with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background. Additionally, Game of Thrones fans should recognize this location as Arrowhead Mountain.
  • Article: Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss in Iceland.

Kirkjufellsfoss with Mt. Kirkjufell in the background

Gatklettur: Stone Arch – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 40 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour
  • We parked at the lot near Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss Statue and then walked along the coast. While we stopped here for Gatklettur and coastal views, we also saw the statue and Stone Bridge.
  • Article: Gatklettur: Stone Arch in Arnarstapi, Iceland.
  • Article: Top Attractions in Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Full view of Gatklettur

Rauðfeldsgjá: Ravine

• • Driving Time: 5 minutes | Exploration Time: 45 minutes
  • The walk from the parking lot to the entrance of the ravine is about 15 minutes with a small, steady incline. We then made our way inside the front section of the ravine without getting wet by carefully stepping on rocks. Moreover, you can continue walking in the stream and also climb some rope ladders up short waterfalls if you are prepared to get wet. 
  • Article: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge in Snaefellsnes, Iceland

Ytri Tunga Beach: White Sand Beach with Seals  

• • Driving Time: 25 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour 
  • So. Many. Seals. We found the name to be misleading as the sand was more tan than white. Nevertheless, there is a rocky portion of the shoreline past the length of the first beach. Look out into the water to see seals swimming around or sleeping on the rocks.
  • Article: Ytri Tunga: Perfect Seal-Spotting Beach in Iceland

Seals sunbathing on the rocks just off the shore

Lodging: Guesthouse Pavi – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 2 hours 
  • Price = $137 for two nights in private twin room with shared bathroom
  • We made it to Reykjavík. This was the least nice lodging we stayed in out of all lodging included on our road trip in Iceland. However, we expected this for a cheaper room in the city. We did a self check-in with no issues; they emailed us the door code the day before. Our room was on the second floor, and there were two bathrooms as well as showers across the hall. Additionally, the kitchen was on the third floor, though it was fairly small and not completely clean. 

Day 8: Blue Lagoon; Erupting Volcano; Reykjavík; Tattoos

Blue Lagoon: Geothermal Spa 

• • Driving Time: 45 minutes | Exploration Time: 2.5 hours 
  • Price: $58 for basic ticket 
  • Some say this is a tourist trap, but we were glad we included it within our 9-day road trip itinerary for Iceland. We booked basic tickets, and they included one free drink as well as one free silica mud mask. There are changing rooms with showers, bathrooms, and lockers – they do ask visitors to shower before entering the lagoon. Furthermore, I highly recommend planning your itinerary to book tickets for 9am – we did so, and I was the first one to enter the lagoon. 
  • Article: The Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything to Know.

Enjoying our time in Iceland at the Blue Lagoon

Fagradalsfjall: Volcano – Iceland Road Trip

• • Driving Time: 25 minutes | Exploration Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see an erupting volcano. Type in Fagradalsfjall Volcano on google maps for the parking lot. We chose to go left on the trail, which appeared to be the backside of the volcano, and had fantastic views. Moreover, hiking the erupting Fagradalsfjall Volcano was my third favorite activity included on our 9-day road trip through Iceland. It is an unforgettable experience to hike a volcano and see lava spew out of the top, flow over the sides, and then quickly turn black. 
  • Article: Top 3 Things to Do in Iceland.

Looking onward to Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Reykjavík Ink: Tattoo Shop in Reykjavík

• • Driving Time: 55 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour
  • Price = $150 for 1.5” x 1” tattoo
  • When in Iceland….we got tattoos. The shop only takes cash, but they provided us with a price estimate, and we then went to the ATM. While they do accept walk-ins, an appointment might be necessary for a larger tattoo. Overall, we were both happy with how our tattoos turned out!

Sun Voyager: Sculpture in Reykjavík

• • Walking Time: 15 minutes | Exploration Time: 5 minutes 
  • The sculpture right on the coast offers a unique view. 
  • Article: Top Attractions in Reykjanes Peninsula.

Voyager Sculpture along the coast in Reykjavík

Hallgrimskirkja: Church in Reykjavík – Iceland Road Trip

• • Walking Time: 20 minutes | Exploration Time: 5 minutes 
  • The church is only open certain hours, but visitors can walk around the outside to appreciate the architecture. Furthermore, the architecture of the church mirrors the structure of basalt rock columns found in other locations such as Svartifoss and Stuðlagil Canyon.

Hallgrimskirkja Church (modeled after basalt rock columns)

Sægreifinn (Seabaron): Seafood Diner in Reykjavík

• • Walking/Driving Time: 5 minutes/5 minutes | Exploration Time: 1 hour 
  • While this was not our first choice for dinner (other restaurants were full with reservations), it did not disappoint. We ordered lobster soup as well as a shrimp skewer and a tusk skewer. Honestly, I could have eaten a whole gallon of the lobster soup. 

Lodging: Guesthouse Pavi 

• • Driving Time: 5 minutes 
  • Price = $137 for two nights in private twin room with shared bathroom
  • This was the least nice lodging we stayed in out of all lodging included on our road trip in Iceland. However, we expected this for a cheaper room in the city. We did a self check-in with no issues; they emailed us the door code the day before. Our room was on the second floor, and there were two bathrooms with showers across the hall. Additionally, the kitchen was on the third floor, though it was fairly small and not completely clean. 

Day 9: Reykjavík Roasters; Souvenir Shops; Departure – Iceland Road Trip

Reykjavík Roasters: coffee shop in Reykjavík

• • Driving Time: none | Exploration Time: 20 minutes 
  • The coffee shop was right next to Guesthouse Pavi and thus was the perfect place to grab coffee and a muffin.

Laugavegur: street with shops and restaurants in Reykjavík

• • Driving Time: 5 minutes | Exploration Time: 2 hours
  • Go here to buy some souvenirs or gifts for friends as well as family. 

Drop off of rental car and departure in the afternoon

Other Info

• Gas station hot dogs saved our budgets as well as our stomachs. One hot dog at a gas station will cost around $4, which is not a bad price for a quick and convenient meal. Though honestly, they were pretty good. The hot dog included both regular diced onions as well as fried onions, and we decided the fried onions were a great addition. Furthermore, you can check out my article for more information on budgeting for food in Iceland.
• Plan accordingly and cautiously for gas. While gas stations tend to be fairly common in the south, they are less common in the northern parts of Iceland as well as the highlands. A common suggestion is to fill up at a half tank. Additionally, plan to spend A LOT of money on gas if driving around the entire ring road, as it is fairly expensive.

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Need some help while packing?: Iceland Summer Road Trip Packing List.

Be prepared to hike in Iceland: Iceland Hiking Essentials: 5 Items to Pack.