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Ultimate 8 Day Iceland Itinerary – An Iceland Road Trip Guide

Last Updated April 18, 2024 William Tang

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I’m just going to put this out there.  Iceland is ridiculously beautiful.  There’s been a rise in tourism there and a ton of hype.  Over these past 5 years, you couldn’t go on Facebook without seeing one of your friends sharing photos of Iceland.   I needed to see for myself and now that I’m back, I can confidently say that everything they say is true.  This Iceland road trip is one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.  Overrated?  Hell no!

The inspiration for this 8 day Iceland itinerary guide came from the trip planning process.  There was a lot of information out there on individual attractions and  of the country.  So if you also just so happen have 8 days to work with in Iceland, this is for you.  Even if not, I think there’s a ton of insight here as I was pretty careful about writing down every small detail about the trip along the way where I went “this would be TOTALLY helpful for my readers”.

Deep dive into planning your Iceland trip

• Top 5 Hotels in Rekyjavik on a Budget
• 12 Best Things to do in Iceland
• The 6 Day Iceland Itinerary
• Reasons to go to Iceland
• 12 Icelandic Souvenirs You Need To Buy

How to get the best deals in travel

• Hottest deals  – Bookmark the  travel deals page .
• Car rentals  – stop getting ripped off and  learn about car rental coupon codes .
• Hotels  – Use  corporate codes  or get  Genius 2 tier  with Booking.
• Flights  – Have you ever heard of the  “Everywhere” feature ?
• Insurance  – Make sure you’re covered and learn more about  where to buy the best travel insurance .

Table of Contents

This Iceland guide is broken into three main parts – trip planning decision points, the comprehensive itinerary and my personal planning tips.

Getting Started is a small section devoted to some of the trip planning struggles that I encountered and my thought processes around it.   Itinerary covers the 8 day journey on the island in September.   Valuable Trip Planning Advice  started as a laundry list of notes I typed into my phone as the trip unfolded.  It contains the need to knows, things you probably didn’t think about, and everything else in between that’ll make your trip kickass.

• Getting Started

Day 1 – Black and Blue

Day 2 – exploring reykjavik + buubble, day 3 – golden circle, day 4 – snaefellsnes surprise, day 5 – foss and truly secret pool, day 6 – beauty of the south, day 7 – glacier climbing, day 8 – rewind.

• How The Itinerary Changed During The Trip
• How The Itinerary Kicked Ass

Driving in Iceland

Recommended gear, photography, getting your iceland itinerary started.

I’ve been putting a lot of thought into this and if I were to sum up into words what makes Iceland so incredible, it’s this –   Every corner of the land is so vastly varied and completely stunning because it’s a a visual wonderland of landscapes that covers all the elements.  Iceland is somewhere you thought only possible in fairy tales or science fiction movies but it’s totally real.

I was skeptical before the start of the trip.  I mean how could I not be.  Everyone and their Mom has been to Iceland.  Could it be really THAT good?  The worry I had was whether it was going to be over-hyped or  just a haven for tourists.

Having gone there and back, I can safely tell you that my trip there was everything I was hoping it would be and more.

Trust me, Iceland is a place you have to go.  It’s the best road trip you’ll ever go on.

The section below details out some of the basics that you’ve already been thinking about as you start planning your epic Iceland road trip. It covers the high level stuff but if you want to get into more details, I have a  Valuable Trip Planning Advice  section which has even more information.

If you’re a fan of this itinerary, make sure to check out other incredibly detailed ones like this.  Here are a few to get you started:

• Greek Islands 14 day itinerary
• 12 day Japan itinerary
• 14 day Tahiti itinerary
• 12 day Taiwan itinerary
• 10 day Patagonia itinerary

To Ring Road or Not?

Iceland is almost perfectly designed to allow drivers to fully explore the island.  At 1,332 kilometers, you can easily just start driving on Route 1 and if you don’t stop, you’ll arrive back at the same spot that you started 17 hours later.   The entire island is insanely beautiful all the way around so it’s a no brainer to do the full loop right?

Thing is, it was a much more complicated question than that and at the beginning of putting together this 8 day Iceland itinerary , this was probably the most hotly debated topic.  With 8 days to work with, it seemed completely do-able to drive the Ring Road but the more and more I dug into it, the more and more it didn’t make sense.  The bottom line is that it was possible but we’d be rushing from one place to the next.  We’d be crunched for time which would mean less time for random stops (oh we made many) and we’d have to make careful choices about what to see and what to skip.

Here’s why we didn’t do Ring Road:

• Excursions – Once you introduce any sort of excursion, this was almost out of the question.  The problem is that almost all activities originate from Reykjavik so if you plan on doing any of them (most are full day), you’ll have to plan to base yourself in the capital for a few days before hitting the road.  The only exception for us was our ice climbing experience in Skaftafell which we were able to meet with them on-site.
• Pick and choose – As I was building out a test itinerary for doing the Ring Road, it felt that I was continuously making compromises on where we could stop.  For instance, if a secret hot spring was too far from the main road and add too much time, you just had to cut it even if it was spectacular.  FOMO completely taking over in this case.
• Race to the next destination – What I didn’t like about doing the Ring Road in roughly a week was the fact that every day seemed to be a rush to get to the next hostel.  The prospect of seeing only a few things along the way and the rest focusing on getting to the next town would be too stressful.
• Weather – This wasn’t much an issue for September but it definitely crossed my mind.  There was some risk that if there was heavy snowfall that roads would be closed and that we’d be snowed in or have to bypass an area.

Ultimately for us, it made more sense to do a smaller portion of the island really well than to rush through it all just to check off the list.

That being said, it totally sucks we didn’t get to do the north or Westfjords.  I really wanted to go there but couldn’t swing it.  If we had 12+ days, I think we could’ve done it but it is what we had to work with.  More of a reason to go back right?

Do I regret not doing Ring Road?   Nope, not at all .

When To Go?

When planning your Iceland itinerary, it’s pretty critical to think about what time of the year you’re going to be going because it will make a big difference.  The three main factors to think about are: weather, northern lights and seasonality.  These will dramatically change the type of experience you’ll have in Iceland.

For all intents and purposes, you can think of Iceland as having two primary seasons – cold and not as cold/borderline warm with frequent weather changes sprinkled in.  For simplicity, let’s just call it summer and winter.

Seriously though, Iceland is not as chilly as its namesake sounds.

During the summer months, the weather is actually quite pleasant.  Hovering around 20C (70F), you’re totally in the t-shirt zone but of course, the fickle nature of the climate means that things can change on a dime and before you know it, you’re in the middle of torrential downpour.

Another thing that is unique to the summer months is that you’re looking at almost continuous daylight.  Midnight sun can totally trip your sleep schedule but what’s great about this is that you have all 24 hours to do and see stuff if you really wanted to.  Imagine that!  That being said, you will not be able to see the aurora borealis because it relies on darkness and clear skies.

Summer is of course high season .  This means that there will be a larger amount of tourists on the island which drives prices up and the bring large crowds to the popular sights.

All roads are open in the summer and ferry schedules are better so you can get to pretty much every part of the island.  In particular, Westfjords becomes very much accessible and places like Hornstrandir (Iceland’s northernmost peninsula, situated in the Westfjords) open up.

If you’re hoping to see puffins , you’ll find them from May to August each year.

It gets cold in the winter especially when that polar wind sweeps its way down.  That means you’ll want to make sure you bring ALL of your warm clothing and then some when you come in this season between October and April.

Winter is pretty much the polar opposite to summer.  Instead of midnight sun, you get extremely shortened days (4-6 hours).  This means less daylight to explore but you have extremely high probability to see the northern lights.

What you’ll need to deal with in the winter is the fact that there will be road closures due to snowfall.  Areas like Westfjords will be difficult to get to because the ferries basically don’t run there and access to any areas that are way off the Ring Road may be blocked off.

There will also be fewer tours offered in the off-season so self-drive becomes the most viable option.  With that though, you’ll have to be very careful behind the wheel because the roads can be hazardous and there’s always the possibility of small towns being snowed in.

However, what you gain in the winter is the majestic ice caves which aren’t accessible in the summer due to structural stability.   The snow covered landscape is also stunning and gives the island and completely different look.

As the low season, you’ll deal with much smaller crowds and prices to drop (particularly flights).  Don’t expect any price breaks on car rentals except if you use the Blue Car Rental coupon code which you’ll find in the Driving in Iceland tips.

In between you have the shoulder season in May and September.  These are the transitional months between summer and winter.  What’s great about this season is that you get the best of both seasons.

With light becoming normalized with sunrise at 7PM and sunset at 8PM, you get decently long days but with enough twilight to get the chance to see the northern lights.  Depending on the year, you might also

What you’ll have to contend with is more tumultuous weather though.  During our time in Iceland in September, we experienced many overcast days where we were always on the precipice of rain (made for a lot of rainbows though).  The rain was very on and off though where some pockets of the island would be rainy but if we kept driving along Ring Road, it would clear up.

What’s great about shoulder season is that tourists drop off in these months pre and post summer so you don’t have to deal with as many crowds.  Temperatures are also quite reasonable in the high teens (C)/50s (F).  This is a great time for an Iceland road trip.

How Many Days Do You Need?

As many as you can take would be my answer to everyone that asks.  There’s a temptation to treat Iceland as a stopover destination based on how flight packages are bundled these days but seriously Iceland is the main event – there’s no question.

I may be a bit biased here but I feel that you need at least 7 days to see a substantial part of Iceland.  This gives you time to do at least one excursion and at a minimum see the southern part of the island which is where a majority of the popular destinations are located.

If you have less than 7 days, you will have to decide whether you want to base yourself in Reykjavik the entire time and do day trips through tours or you have to hit the road right away and see what you can along Ring Road and the Golden Circle.

For the full Ring Road, I’d recommend at least 12 days for a road trip itinerary.

Things To Pack and Prep

Lots of layers  – Weather is constantly changing in Iceland and you never know when it’ll change.  The best way to handle this and pack efficiently is to bring layers.  Bring t-shirts for when it’s warm and layer up with base layers, sweaters, hoodies, long johns, and jacket as necessary.  More must-pack gear can be found in the  Valuable Trip Planning Advice  section.

Waterproof everything – There’s no rainy season per say but chances of rain peak in October – February.   I would include September in the mix as well from personal experience.  Since everything you’re doing in Iceland is outdoors, I was so glad I was fully decked out in waterproof exterior clothing.  I was so glad to have my Columbia waterproof jacket and waterproof pants , and Keen waterproof shoes .

Mapping  – You’ll quickly realize that as simple as it is to drive around Ring Road, finding places is not as easy as you think.  The reason is that Icelandic names are crazy difficult to pronounce and type in.  As a result, GPS is a must.  You’ll rely on GPS to either do an address, point of interest or coordinate search (your first time I am sure).  When that fails (oh and it will), you’ll want a backup and that’s when your phone comes in.  Assuming you don’t have any cellular data like us, we heavily relied on the Google Maps app to pre-pin our daily itinerary and use the “OK maps” trick   to save maps offline.  Since GPS signal is free, you can track your blue dot and use that as a navigation signal to get to where you need to go.  If I knew about the app beforehand, I would’ve used the maps.me app on this trip.

Track the weather  – Particularly important in the winter, you’re going to want to know the weather and road conditions.  There is a super helpful aurora borealis tracker  that will tell you what the chances are of seeing the northern lights.  What you’re looking for is white space.  This page also gives very accurate weather forecasts for the entire island. For road conditions, you’re going to want to head here to figure out whether the roads you’ll be driving are passable or not.

Money – I didn’t believe at first when my friends told me but Iceland is dominated by the credit card.  I withdrew 10,000 ISK at an ATM in Reykjavik and that was it.  I honestly can’t remember any instances where I was forced to use cash.  The only time that it came in handy was the toll for the Hvalfjörður Tunnel when we made our way up to Snaefellsnes. However, this tunnel is now free as of September 2018!

Where to Stay?

Accommodations in Iceland get scooped up quick .  Once you lock in your dates and your itinerary, you’ll want to making your bookings ASAP.

In some ways there are a lot of choices for accommodations and in other ways, it can be quite limited.  There a couple of routes that you could take.  There’s the traditional hotel, youth hostels, Airbnb, guest houses, and campervans.  The underlying thing about all of these options is that you’re not really going to find a “bargain” in Iceland.  Account for every night to be at least $100 USD a night.

Hotels are typically going to be the nicest in terms of providing full-service accommodations.  They’ll be clean, provide all the basic facilities, and usually have an attached restaurant.  The flip side of them is that they’re typically the most expensive option in Iceland.

Luckily, I still have a stash of hotel points and I found a pretty good cash & points rate with the Hilton .

Hotel we used:

• Hilton Iceland Nordica

Hostels, Guest Houses, Airbnb

The truth is that you won’t find too many big hotel chains outside of Reykjavik and that means you’ll have to look at other options.  In the absence of big properties, Icelanders have gotten pretty savvy in terms of converting property into guest houses or hostel type accommodations.  With the vast amount of land and space, old farms are looking to tourism and so you’ll find a lot of farm holidays as options.  Airbnb has also grown significantly on Iceland.

For us, most of all of our searches started with Booking.com which  seemed to have the most complete inventory.  We then augmented this with searches on Hey Iceland , and Airbnb.  Ultimately it came down to what was available in the location we wanted to end off in each day and picking one that had low cost without going into sketchy territory.

With the exception of the youth hostel, I was pleasantly surprised about every guest house we stayed in.  The guest houses in Iceland are very well done in terms of the renovation work, cleanliness, and service.  A few even had free breakfast included which was always a nice bonus.

In regards to Airbnb, you’ll of course find a ton of options between the airport and Reykjavik.  Beyond that circle, you’ll see diminishing results.  In certain parts of the island such as Snaefellsnes, you’ll barely find anything and in the south you’ll find a bit more.

Ultimately farm houses were way out of budget for us so we never got to stay in one.  Our most expensive accommodation ended up being the one by Skaftafell (Hof 1 Hotel) simply because there aren’t many options in that area.

Alternative accommodations we used:

• Öxl in Budir
• Hostel Sjónarhóll
• Hekla Room No. 2. (Airbnb)
• Hof 1 Hotel
• Hofn Guesthouse
• Private Room with Private Entry Airbnb in Reykjavik (Airbnb)

Camping and Campervan

If you’re looking to rough it out a bit more, a potentially cheaper option for you that also gives you more control in terms check-in/check-out time and where you can stay.  By camping or renting a campervan, you can literally sleep right where you want to be the next morning to catch that beautiful sunset and hit the ground running.

Campervans may not be for everyone but these vans that have their own beds built into the rear compartment are going to be your best bet in terms of saving money because you’ll be able to combine the cost of a car rental and accommodations all together.  It may not be glamorous but it is very practical and if I were to do Iceland again, I’d definitely go this route.  Give companies such as Happy Campers and Campervan Iceland  a browse!

You’ll find out in our itinerary below that we picked up a few hitchhikers along the way and what we learned from these ambitious kids is that camping is totally viable.  What’s beautiful about Iceland is that there’s this culture of camping and so the country has built a ton of facilities around the island which gives you free access buildings where you can clean up and land to set up camp.  On the hitchhiking front, they told us that they had a lot of trouble getting rides especially when in more remote areas.

8 DAY ICELAND ITINERARY

Now with the basics out of the way, you’re part of the way through your planning.  The next step is to start figuring out how you’re going to be laying out your Icelandic adventure .

The following is a high level outline of everything we did, sights we saw, and all the things I learned that I wish I knew.  By no means is this meant to be a copy and paste job but if you’re tight on planning time, you’re certainly welcome to it and grab the spreadsheet by signing up .

For a more personal recounting of our Icelandic experience head over to my other article.

If you’re coming in from North America, you’ll most likely land super early in the morning as we did.  Pick up your rental car at the airport and head into the city.  You’ll be tempted to take a nap but try your best to stay up.  The best way to do this is to book an adrenaline-filled excursion like  Black and Blue  which combines lava tube caves with snorkelling Silfra.  Crash early your first day and get ready for tomorrow.

If Black and Blue isn’t available, this is a recommended snorkeling experience that just focuses on the Silfra fissure.

What You’ll See

• Thingvellir National Park
• Lava Tube caves
• Silfra fissure
• Hradlestin  – Surprisingly awesome Indian restaurant in the city
• Hilton Iceland Nordica  – To my surprise, we were able to check in at 9AM (unheard of!)

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Booze – Before you leave the airport, make sure you pick up your alcohol supply.  This is the duty free that you have to cross through before you get your bags and not the duty free that is in the gate area.  You can’t miss it.
• Check before you drive off  – Make sure everything works in the car and you do a thorough walk around.
• Renting cars in Iceland – Make sure you read the Car Rental section below to learn about companies I researched and the importance of built-in insurance coverage.
• Excursions in Iceland – Most excursions start and end in Reykjavik so when you plan your itinerary, make sure you plan things out accordingly.
• Snack on – Always have a healthy stash of snacks with you.  Particularly for Black and Blue, it was nice to have a bunch of bars on hand since no food was included
• Black and Blue – It’s not very clear in any of the trip instructions but you’re going to want to make sure you wear long johns and dry-fit-type top.  One thing to note is that there’s no private area to change so expect to be stripping down out in the open or in the Arctic Adventures van.  In terms of valuables and your shoes, you’ll be able to leave everything behind in the van which will be guarded by your driver/guide.  They recommend brining waterproof clothing but you don’t necessarily need it.  I ended up taking off my waterproof pants in fact and just went into the drysuit with my long johns.  Oh and if you’re planning on recording the experience, don’t make the same mistake as I did and use a head mount.  You’re better off using putting your GoPro or better yet, Insta360 X4 on an invisible stick.
• Alternative Black and Blue – Similar tour offering can be found on Guide to Iceland .

Reykjavik is a vibrant and artsy city that has much to offer.  Spend the day to get to know the capital.  I recommend orienting yourself by taking a free city walking tour with CityWalk .  Make sure to try the hotdogs here.

While you’re in the capital, also make a point to do any of the shopping you want to do and to buy the Icelandic souvenirs for yourself of friends and family back at home. This could also be your only opportunity to buy any outdoor gear you forgot.

Before you hit the road, stock up on supplies at the Bonus grocery store in town and start making your way towards Selfoss.  Grab dinner here like we did and then make your way to one of the most unique stays here – the Bubble Hotel.  Time permitting, you can also squeeze in 1) a shower and 2) relaxation at the Secret Lagoon.

While there were no guarantees when I made the booking at Buubble, we were lucky enough to watch the Northern Lights this evening.  It was a light show to remember.

• Downtown Reykjavik
• Hallgrímskirkja Church
• Baejarins Beztu Pylsur
• The Sun Voyager
• Secret Lagoon /Gamla Laugin
• Northern Lights (cross your fingers!)
• Tryggvaskali Restaurant  – Highly reviewed restaurant that’s converted from an old hotel.  Excellent seafood!
• Buubble Hotel
• Parking in Reykjavik – There a few quasi-lots in the city but these are really just street parking spots by North American standards.  We did our drive around to see if there was any free parking which we were told were closer to the residential areas but we couldn’t find them so we just settled for a spot right off of Laugavegur.
• Free Walking Tour –  Make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time online.  There are a number of time slots available  and I’d recommend doing this at the beginning of your trip as a way to orient yourself in Reykjavik.
• Secret Lagoon – I thoroughly enjoyed this hot spring experience.  Sure it was $30 (2,800 ISK) but I would take this any day over Blue Lagoon to deal with less crowds, a much more natural experience, and the ability to bring your own booze.  We learned afterwards that the Secret Lagoon was also a brilliant idea when paired with our Bubble night because we didn’t have shower facilities there.  Coming out of the hot springs, we showered at the lagoon and head back just in time for the northern lights show which worked out beautifully.  Note, no need for a combination lock here since it’s one of those lockers that give you a key.

• Bonus – The go-to grocery store to pick up supplies in Iceland.  We literally planned our resupply trips around when we could drop by a Bonus.  More on this in the Eating section below.
• Bubble Hotel – More details about Buubble to be more precise can be found in my review post .
• Northern lights – There’s no real formula here other than to get yourself outside of the city which we did.  September is tough because it’s overcast all the time so the best you can do is just give you the most chances to see them and check the aurora borealis tracker religiously.

What Should You Pack?

Not sure what to pack for your trip? Make sure to check out our handy packing list for Iceland!

Every Iceland itinerary is going to have the famed Golden Circle.  Despite this route being heavy on tourists, you can’t miss the trio of Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park.

The awesome thing about our bubble is that it’s right along the Golden Circle so all you have to do is hop in your car and start driving counterclockwise.

From here you’ll be making the drive all the way up to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to get away from the crowds and part of the country that has some of the most epic dynamic landscapes.  Arrive in the Budir area and crash for the evening.

• Faxi Waterfall
• Icelandic Horses
• Thingvellir National Park
• Hotel Budir (their bread and butter is to die for)
• Golden Circle  – The big bus tours are pretty much unavoidable but I’m sure if you start right at the morning, you should be able to dodge most of them.  Another thing to note is that you’ll definitely want to account more time than you think you’ll need here (kind of applies to everything in Iceland).  Blame the photography.
• Driving to Snaefellsnes – The drive itself is pretty straightforward but if you set yourself to get there in the shortest amount of time, the GPS will take you through the Hvalfjörður Tunnel. This used to be a tolled tunnel but it is now free (as of September 2018).
• Gullfoss – For the most part, we didn’t have any bathroom problems but I do distinctly remember that the washrooms were paid here so make sure you relieve yourself at Geysir or at Thingvellir’s information center.

Weather permitting, I personally feel that the 4th day around Snaefellsnes offers the most stunning of landscapes.  You’ll be driving along the coast and making many stops along the way.  Start the day off with the Arnarstapi hike and make your way around to eventually the iconic view of Kirkjufell.  End off in Stykkishólmur to close out the day.

On a personal note, this is the day that I proposed to my now wife. The weather didn’t quite co-operate but it sure made a memorable proposal.

• Hotel Budir
• Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge
• Arnastapi Coastal Walk
• Snaefellsjokull National Park
• Djupalonssandur Beach
• Stykkishólmur Lighthouse
• Sjavarpakkhusio
• Rain  – I’m speaking from September experience here but rain definitely puts a damper on things.  Good thing I had waterproof gear on me or otherwise, we would have skipped a ton more spots along the way.  With Iceland, you have to be prepared and just work with what the weather gives you.

On this day, you’ll be leaving Snaefellsnes and dropping down to the south.  Watch the landscape dramatically change as you make your way along this popular route.  Here, waterfalls are going to dominate your view including the impressive Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.

If you can swing it, look for Seljavallalaug Pool which is set in the middle of a canyon and quite the tranquil experience.  Best part is that it’s free.

• Stykkishólmur town
• Seljalandsfoss
• Seljavallalaug Pool (Seljavellir)
• Bar Bistro (by Skogafoss) – We ended pretty late this day and there weren’t many options so we ended up at this casual restaurant.  Prices are reasonable and the Skyr cake was phenomenal.
• Seljavallalaug Pool   Directions – This one was one heck of a place to find.  As you’re driving along the ring road and going eastbound, you’re going look for Road 242 marked Raufarfell.  Start looking for it right after you pass by the Iceland Erupts exhibition that will be on your right.  Take the road all the way to the end and there should be a sign that says Seljavellir (GPS: 63.558878 N, -19.622353 W).  Park your car in this large dirt lot and you’ll want to walk 20 minutes.  The trail is not marked at all and for us we were thankful to bump into various people along the way to confirm we were going the right way but looking back on it, we were essentially hugging the left side of the valley, crossing a few small streams and hiking over a rocky ground.  You won’t see the pool until the very end so keep going and you’ll eventually see it.  Just before, you’ll also pass by a small water pumping machine.  If you’re heading there near sunset or sunrise, make sure you bring headlamps.

•   Seljavallalaug Pool Facilities  – In terms of facilities, it’s pretty bare bones here and the concrete building there is in a bit of decay.  There are “rooms” with doors but don’t expect to find any benches.  What they do have are some hooks so you can hang your clothes inside.  Other people simply changed at the back of the building away from the pool.

Continue the drive along the south and feast your eyes on unique basalt columns, gorgeous canyons, and rugged plains.  Luckily there isn’t too much driving until you make that final stretch to Skaftafell National Park.  There aren’t too many accommodations in this region unfortunately and in fact Hof 1 Hotel turned out to be the most expensive of the entire trip.

There will still be quite a bit of tourists along this section with day trip tourist busses from Reykjavik so be prepared for some crowds.

• Reynisdrangar
• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Service station cafeteria just outside of Skaftafell National Park
• Dyrholaey – I thought there wasn’t much to see here other than the arch but turns out there are a lot of interesting view points here no matter what direction you’re looking at.  Make sure you account for more time here.
• Reynisdrangar – Similar with Dryholaey, I found ourselves spending more time here than I thought we would.  We were here a good 1.5 hours and some of that was accounted by us posing around the basalt columns.  Also note that there are bathroom facilities here and they are free.
• Fjadrargljufur Canyon – This one may seem hard to find as there isn’t too much information on it but right off of Ring Road, past the small village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur is Road 206 that goes to Lakagígar.  Once you’re on this road, you’re only 2KM out.  Eventually you’ll make it to an intersection where left will lead to the canyon and right leads to   Lakagígar.  I remember the signs to be pretty clear here so you won’t get lost.  Technically after, this turns into an F-road but to be honest it’s doable with any car.  Just drive slow and carefully.  While we only hiked the top part of the canyon, the bottom of the canyon is accessible and in the summer a great spot for wading in the river.  There’s also an eco-friendly bathroom here which is free.

The whole reason why you want to stay near Skaftafell National Park is so that you don’t have to do a long drive in the morning to make the glacier climbing excursion.  Expect most of the day to be dedicated for this.  

At the time of our visit, we were on Falljökull Glacier which is in Vatnajökull . The names can be a bit confusing but to set things straight, Skaftafell National Park was integrated with the newly established Vatnajokull National Park in 2008 so they’re really one and the same. Most tours don’t mention the glacier you’ll be on but a popular one is Falljokull.

I highly recommend this 4 hour glacier experience which also includes ice caves if they’re in-season.

If you want to make sure ice climbing is included, there’s ice climbing on Vatnajokull from Skaftafell which is very close to what we did. The other one I’d recommend is ice climbing Solheimajokull which is a slightly different location. 

The tour we did was called Glacier Xtreme which has been rebranded as Blue Ice since they operate out of Solheimajokull now.

Finish the day with a sunset at Jokulsarlon iceberg lagoon before driving the furthest east as you’ll go in Iceland.

What You’ll See and Do

• Skaftafell National Park
• Falljökull Glacier ( Glacier hiking and ice climbing )
• Jokulsarlon Lagoon
• Pakkhus Restaurant  – Known for their langoustine
• Glacier Xtreme – The costs were adding up for Iceland but this was one of those experiences we didn’t want to miss out on.  On top of glacier hiking, this was the only one where you could also ice climb as well.  When talking to the locals, they said the Falljökull Glacier was much better than the others due to less traffic and being able to get way closer to the icefall.  How about things to pack and all of that?  I found that the booking sites weren’t very good about explaining this so let me clear the air.   Do you need waterproof pants?  I would say no unless it’s raining that day.  We had a beautiful sunny day and so any hiking appropriate pants are fine.   What else should I bring?  Bring gloves.  They don’t necessarily have to be waterproof but the ice can be sharp when you’re trying to keep balance or even during the ice climbing.  Also bring sunglasses.  The sun will reflect intensely off of the white ice but more importantly you want your sunglasses to protect you from the flying chips of ice that will be coming at you when you dig your ice axe into the wall.   Any other tips?   That main parking lot at Skaftafell fills up FAST.  I would show up early to get a good spot in the main lot.  Otherwise you’ll have to go to an adjacent one that is a bit farther away.
• Glacier Guides – The operator that runs Glacier Xtreme is Glacier Guides which in turn is owned by the larger company, Arctic Adventures .  That is why you can’t find a separate website for Glacier Guides if you’re as confused as we were.
• Jokulsarlon Lagoon – This place gets pretty busy around sunset so you might have to jockey a little for tripod space.  From a photography perspective, don’t be afraid to move around as there are a ton of different angles to shoot at.  If you’re not doing a whole lot of photography here, you could be done in 15 minutes or if you’re like me, 2 hours.  Lastly, be on the lookout for seals in the water.  They pop their head up once in awhile or sometimes you can catch them swim.  Let me know how many you find!  If you’d rather get out on one of those boats that take you right up to the icebergs, I recommend tours like this amphibian boat tour .

The last day has a lot of driving but the nice part about it is that you’ll be able to hit up all the spots that you missed.  For instance, you’ll be able to do Svartifoss and the Sólheimasandur plane wreck.  Treat yourself at the very end with a little bit of rest and relaxation at Blue Lagoon .

• Mossy Lava Rocks
• Vik Red Church
• Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck (aka Crashed DC 3 Plane)
• Blue Lagoon
• Svartifoss – From the research, I always thought these falls were like the others where you could drive up to alas it’s a 20 minute hike there and back.  Instead of the up and back down path that we took, there are alternative paths you can take on the way down to make it more of a loop.  We read that these had some pretty good views and interesting sights along the way but unfortunately they would’ve taken too much time so we had to do the most optimal route.  When you get to the falls, there’ll be a metal barrier to prevent you from going closer to the falls.
• Plane Wreck – The specific GPS coordinates are 63.4912391,-19.3632810, but nowadays this is such a well-known sight in Iceland that you’ll be able to find the pin on Google Maps and you’ll also see the pile of cars on the side of the road (past Skogafoss if you’re coming from the west).  Yes it’s true that the landowners have fenced off the area from cars to drive through (can’t blame them).  This means that you have to do the 50 minute hike each way so make sure you have plenty of time to work with.  Also, remember to relieve yourself before going because there isn’t going to be a bush out there to use since it’s completely flat there.  Lastly, while we were taking photos of the plane, I remember seeing a big truck pull up at the end of the road, presumably to patrol the area and make sure nobody somehow gets passed the fence by vehicle or does anything stupid at the plane.  Photography wise, I recommend bringing a tripod as the lighting may not be the greatest if it is as overcast as it was for us. Read the latest reviews to see what the situation is like.

• Blue Lagoon – Everything in my research about Blue Lagoon was true.  Sure it’s a bit of a zoo but it’s still a unique experience that can be a great way to relax.  With that in mind, I had decided that it made the most sense to put this at the very end of the trip which allowed us to do all the (in my opinion) better ones earlier.  The one thing that everyone suggested was to reserve in advance and I’d say the same thing.  You’ll notice that bookings 2 hours prior to closing are cheaper so if you want to save a bit of money, I’d go with that. We only needed 1.5 hours and I felt like we got to see and try all the different spaces.  Bonus on top of that is that if you go at 6PM, you’ll be able to watch the sunset as well.  Package wise, I’d recommend getting the Comfort package which primarily is good for that free drink and extra algae mask.  There’s the towel too but I was very frustrated with the fact that our towels were flat out stolen when we finished up at the lagoon.  I can’t blame the person that did it but that area in front with all the towel racks is not a good solution with the amount of people that are there.  It’s hard to remember where you put it and of course all the towels look the same.  If I were you, put your towel in a separate area away from everyone else’s.  Lastly, show up 30 minutes earlier than your time slot because there’s going to be a line to check-in.  This way you can maximize your time.

How The Iceland Itinerary Changed During The Trip

The fun part about travel is just how unpredictable it is sometimes and how you’ll need to improvise and adjust based on things that happen along the way.  You might meet some interest people along the way, bad weather might roll in, or maybe you love one place so much that you decide to stay longer.

For us, the Iceland itinerary largely stayed the same with a few exceptions.  As with what happens with my trips every time, I always took too long at every single destination.  Thank goodness I loosened up the itinerary to account for this, all the random side-of-the-road-stops, and surprise view points/monuments that we encountered.  In most cases, you need to account for at least 2 hours in each main spot and Google Map drive times need to be bumped up by 30 minutes.   The lesson : Being less ambitious is a good thing.

Where I had to make adjustments to the schedule:

• I had naively assumed that the hike to  Svartifoss inside Skaftafell National Park was few minutes walk from the parking lot.  It is in fact 20-30 minutes away.  Since we got to the park pretty late on Day 6 there was no way we could complete it.  Instead, we used our make-up day to see this waterfall.
• We spent too much time at  Dyrholaey and Reynisdrangar on Day 6 that we had no time to stop in Vik .  Again, we remedied this by visiting on our way back.
• On Day 3, I thought we were going to have enough  Kerið Crater but as it turns out, we passed it along our way up to the Bubble Hotel.  In the interest of time, we started Day 3 by going counterclockwise up to Geysir first instead of dropping down to Kerið and then back up.
• There were a number of lunch restaurants selected initially but as the days went on, we realized that 1) proper lunches were too expenses and 2) we couldn’t afford the time to stop and it’d be more efficient to eat while driving so we more or less cut all of them from our itinerary.
• Originally there was the idea that we could do sunrise at Jokulsarlon for sunrise on Day 7 before the Glacier Climb but as the trip went on, sleep was more precious and we ended up doing this as a sunset.  The same can be said for Sólheimasandur plane wreck where I thought it’d be cool to do this for sunrise.  I’m glad we didn’t because it would’ve been quite miserable to walk the entire 50 minute stretch in the dark.
• Mossy lava rocks was on our itinerary and we would’ve stopped by on Day 6 but we had no idea how long the stretch was in the south and whether there’d be a better place to stop ahead.  That’s why it make sense to do it on our way back on Day 8.
• Lastly, rain did a number on several days where we really had to quickly run out of the car to take a peek or brave the pouring.  I wish we got to see more of the cliffs in Snaefellsnes and had better views  Dyrholaey but it is what it is.

Why This 8 Day Iceland Itinerary Kicked Ass

This was honestly the perfect  8 day Iceland itinerary road trip in September.  We hit up everything we wanted to see and we did it at a pace that wasn’t crazy.  Sure, the weather could’ve been more cooperative but that’s kind of what you’d expect during the shoulder season.

Initially I thought that we’d be doing a lot of wasted driving because we had to double back twice – once to go up to Snaefellsnes and then another in the south, driving all the way out to Hofn and back.  What ended up being a disadvantage of not doing the full loop around the island turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  We never felt rushed throughout and in the south, we had the advantage of skipping a few things (some due to weather) on the way out east to Hofn and making them up when we drove back to Reykjavik.

The Iceland itinerary itself was very well balanced between seeing the natural beauty of the country and also trying out local activities.  It was also a balance between the popular sights that were tour bus central to a few spots that we really struggled to find and when we were there, the path wasn’t clear or marked – going truly off the beaten path.

Budget wise, we controlled it as best as we could without roughing it too much.  Ultimately cost cutting came down to food where we snacked on grocery food for breakfast and lunch, and “splurged” on dinner.

VALUABLE TRIP PLANNING ADVICE

Oh so much information I want to share with you guys here.  As I was travelling I literally had an Evernote note set up just for tips and tricks.  I’ve cleaned it up considerably and so here’s everything you need to know before you go to Iceland.

Driving is a must in Iceland.  The only other way to get around to see the island is through tour buses and you really don’t want to go there.  With your own car, you will have the freedom to follow your own schedule and more importantly, stop whenever you wish.  Trust me, you’ll want to stop A LOT .

When picking a rental car, you’ll have to decide on a few things including the car rental company, transmission, whether you want a 4×4 or not, and size.

Read this first: We have a full guide on how to rent a car in Iceland including secret car rental coupon codes.

Car Rental Companies

I researched a number of companies when I was looking for my car rental including the large international brands and the smaller local ones.

While price is one thing you’ll have your eye on, what’s more important to pay attention to is the insurance coverage that they offer and build in.  There are a lot of unknown factors when driving in Iceland and you want to make sure you’re covered because I’ve heard stories of other travellers wishing they had the insurance or glad that they had it.

We cast a wide net when looking for car rentals in Iceland. We started with what we knew and checked out companies like National and Avis but we found that they didn’t include any extended car insurance so then we turned to local car rental agencies. That’s when we discovered Blue Car Rental . They had the most positive reviews, actually had good availability, and reasonable rates.

Most Popular Car Rental Company in Iceland

Blue Car Iceland is the most reputable brand in Iceland and we would definitely rent from them again. Book through our special link below to save 5% on your rental.

Check out Blue Car Rental

Blue Car Rental as a base includes:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance – This covers the bodywork of the car.
• Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) Insurance – Deductible on bodywork damage in collisions is 90,000 ISK on 2WD and 120,000 on 4WD.
• Gravel Protection (GP) Insurance – This protection includes damage to windscreen, headlights and the car when gravel or rocks get thrown on the vehicle by another car. The deductible is 20,000 ISK.
• Theft Protection (TP) Insurance – The likelihood of this happening on Iceland is low but this covers theft of rental. No deductible.

There’s an option Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) Insurance which covers against ash and sandstorm damage but we elected to not add it. In retrospect, we learned quite quickly how erratic the weather can be in Iceland. While we didn’t encounter any sand or ash damage, I could totally see it happening out of the blue.

Some rental car companies also have a Liability Waiver (LW) which brings down the deductibles down to zero.

Something they also made clear is that the the underside of the car nor damage caused by wind pulling hard against the door is covered. This means that you want to be careful when there are heavy winds and also be careful driving on gravel roads and potholes.

The bottom line is to make sure you do your research and run the math on total cost of renting a car.  Some companies bundle insurance together while others make it an option.

Transmission

Most cars available will be in the manual transmission format.  I wasn’t surprised about this since most of Europe is like this.  What this means is that there’ll be more affordable options and increased availability if you’re able to drive a manual car.  If not, you’ll definitely want to make sure you reserve early.

Do I Need a 4×4?

The reason why you’d want a 4WD is because you can only drive on Iceland’s infamous F-roads which are mountain roads in the highlands.  These are off-road terrain roads that have restrictions on the type of vehicles that can drive them, are only open certain times of the year, and also have restrictions on time of day.  Only an SUV can power through these roads and you certainly don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere.

That’s great and all if you take one of these roads but I’ll be honest with you, the itinerary that I followed didn’t take us through any of these types of roads.  Our path stuck primarily to the main roads and there were only a few times where it felt like we actually went off-path.

I remember the road to Saxoll Crater and Fjadrargljufur Canyon were perhaps the most bumpy and pothole ridden but everywhere else was well paved and easy to get around.  While it was certainly nice to have the spaciousness of an SUV for our road trip, we would’v been just fine with a compact sedan.  In fact even on the most challenging roads, I saw the tiny cars get by just as fine with a little careful driving.

Driving The Roads

Driving   in Iceland isn’t hard per say but as with anywhere, you need to be smart and careful.  A few things you’ll want to be mindful of are lane passing, singe lane bridge crossings, side of road stops, gravel driving, and night time driving.  Each of these of course get augmented in the winter time when you have to deal with snow, limited visibility and black ice.

• Lane Passing – Icelandic roads are thin and mostly one lane.  Pass when safe and definitely not at bends or uphills.  Common courtesy is to signal to show intent, speed up, and once you’ve passed the vehicle, turn your emergency blinkers for two flashes to thank the driver behind.
• Single Lane Bridge Crossing – There quite a number of single lane bridges especially in the south.  Make sure you stop where at the drawn line in order to wait for oncoming traffic to come through.  When crossing, double check to make sure there are no cars on the other side or they have stopped.  At night time, be extra careful here and flick your high beams or use your horn to let other cars know you’re crossing.
• Side of Road Stops – The week I was in Iceland, there was a fatality from someone stopped at the side of the road to take a photo at night.  Look out for side roads to stop safely and turn on your emergency blinkers.  When getting in and out of the car, make sure there are no cars on the highway.
• Gravel Driving – Some areas are going to have pretty deep potholes so make sure you drive slowly over them, take them at an angle, or avoid them altogether if possible.
• Night Time Driving – There aren’t any street lights outside of the main towns so expect to rely on your low-beams and high-beams.  Make sure you obey high-beam etiquette as to not blind any oncoming drivers.

For safety, make sure you also know where you spare is and you know where your tools are.  Worst case, you get a flat while on the road and you’ll need to replace the flat on your own.  Also make sure you know what the emergency and roadside assistance numbers are.

Another common question I get is about speeding and cops.  Officially the speed limit is 90 km/h on the highway.  Unofficially 100 km/h is acceptable as long as the roads are clear.  On empty roads though, I was cruising upwards to 120 km/h.  During our time in Iceland, we did not encounter any speed traps but I have heard from people that they have gotten ticketed.  The only police we saw were typically around the larger towns.

There are actual speed cameras along ring road in the south in and around towns.   There are signs that warn you about upcoming cameras along the road.  Some are real and others are duds.  To be cautious, I’d recommend slowing down when you’re in a speed camera zone.

Filling Up Gas

This was supposed to be an easy task but for some reason we had a ton of trouble filling up at the N1 gas stations.  Whereas we had no problems entering the PIN number for our credit card on the machines at the pump, N1 was just not going to take any of our cards.  We tried ALL of them.

Ultimately, at N1 specifically, we needed to buy their prepaid cards inside the station first.  They sold the cards in 3,000 and 100,000 ISK denominations.  Since we didn’t know if we’d spend 100,000 (we did), we just bought 3,000 every time we filled up at N1.  With the prepaid card, we were then able to pay at the pump.

We later learned that debit cards worked without any issue so give that a shot if you’re okay with that.

I’ll start off by saying that the food in Iceland is amazing.  I don’t know what blog or review I read that said the food is terrible but having spent 8 days there, I can definitively tell you that you don’t need to worry about having good food.

Now where you’re going to have a bit of a shock dealing with is the exuberant price you’ll be paying for a meal in Iceland.  Throw away everything you know about your own standards of eating back home because it’s easily double and often times triple here.

The good news is though that despite dishing out Michelin-restaurant level money for meals, the quality of the food makes it all a bit more swallowable.   Something about the freshness of seafood and world-class chefs has something to do with it.  I don’t remember any meal where we came out of it disappointed.  The way we thought about it was that every dinner was equivalent to a nice meal out in the city.  On average, dinners were on average $50 a person.

The way we offset this was to have less full meals.  This meant we ate our own breakfast and lunch using the supplies we brought from home or purchased at the grocery store.  We picked up things like sandwiches, fruit, cookies, snack bars, juices, and yogurt to keep our energy up during the day and we’d reward ourselves with a good meal at the end of the day.

Grocery Stores

The friend we met up with in Reykjavik strong encouraged us to only pick up food at this grocery store. We were warned not to be tempted by the convenience of the 10-11 convenient store which can be block to block. As a result, we more or less stuck with Bonus throughout the trip.  Look for the piggy logo.  You can’t miss it!

Food You Have To Try

Being a seafaring nation, anything related to seafood is a must.  We found that time and time again, fish whether grilled or fried was a winner.

Other recommendations would be:

• Water – Don’t buy water EVER on the island.  I can’t believe I’m raving about water but seriously the H2O in Iceland is the freshest I’ve had.  Pro tip:  Before filling up your water bottle at the tap, run the cold water for 10 seconds to lush out the hot water since some parts of the island bring them in from a local spring which may have some traces of sulphur smell.
• Skyr – This has to be my biggest find of the trip.  Think Greek yogurt but even richer and thicker.
• Icelandic hotdog – The most popular hotdog stand in Reykjavik is of course Baejarins Beztu Pylsur but there are other places in the city where you can try these traditional hotdogs topped with ketchup, a sweet brown mustard, raw onions, fried onions, and remoulade.
• Fish jerky – This may not be for everyone but we very much enjoyed trying different types of dried fish.  They made for great snacks on the road and sometimes to keep me awake during those long night time drives.
• Fish and chips – The restaurant Icelandic Fish and Chips in Reykjavik we had on our last day was delicious.  The Halibut in particular was very tender and flaky.
• Langoustine – These are large prawns with claws or miniature lobsters that Hofn is well known for.  They’re expensive but I hear is quite succulent.
• Liquorice – Not sure what the story is here but liquorice is everywhere here.  Almost all the chocolate here involves some sort of liquorice as well (so be careful if you’re not a fan).

If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t have any issues with eating shark, whale, puffin, or horse, those options are available although we stayed away from these.

While packing for a trip like Iceland was business as usual as I cover in a number of my packing guides , it was also challenging in a number of ways because of the time of year we went and the constraints we had to work with since we were flying WOW Air.

NOTE: WOW Air has since gone under so your best way to fly to Iceland is with Icelandair or your own local carrier. In Canada for instance, Air Canada does have direct routes to Reykjavik.

Suitcase or Backpack?

A common question.  Do you you lug around a big suitcase or do you go nimble with a backpack?  The easy answer is that it honestly doesn’t matter on a road trip like this because you’re going to be travelling with a car the entire time.  You’re going to have the luxury of space and you won’t be running around with everything on your back.

I say if you prefer to travel with a backpack, go for it.  Otherwise, a suitcase will suit you just as well.

The only thing to consider is a case like ours where we were flying WOW Air and it was the most economical to check in one bag.  With us sharing the space, a suitcase was just a lot easier organizationally.

I’m not going to list out everything we packed.  Instead, I want to focus on the things that you absolutely have to have on any trip to Iceland.  For some items, we learned the hard way that we wished we had packed them.

• Waterproof everything – I debated for a long time whether I should bring my waterproof pants along with waterproof jacket and shoes.  I’m so glad I did because we needed almost every day of the trip.  My fiance didn’t have waterproof pants and it really sucked .  Things got so desperate that one point, we had to make our own make-shift pant cover out of clear plastic bags.  Waterproof all the things.  I highly recommend Columbia’s OutDry collection including their pants and jacket that I wore all trip.
• Gloves – These are necessary to keep your hands warm.  Experiencing as much rain as we did, I wish I had more than just my thin fabric gloves.  If I were to do it again, I’d definitely bring waterproof gloves.
• Layer layer layer – Weather is dynamic out here so have layers to stay warm when you need to and strip down when it gets too hot.  Layers also allow you to pack more efficiently.  I recommend a thermal base layer + t-shirt + zip-up + fleece + jacket to complete all your layers.
• Good hiking shoes – This goes without saying.  My Keen Aphlex  hikers were amazing at keeping my feet warm, provided grip even in slippery conditions and were also completely waterproof which is a mandatory feature in my opinion for a trip like this.
• Headlamp – This was super handy when we were staying at the Bubble Hotel where we were out in the dark.
• Swimsuit – This one’s easy to forget but remember there’ll be all those hot springs in Iceland.
• Towel – Glad we packed this one as it was a must-have when we went to Seljavallalaug Pool.
• Flip flops/sandals – In the same vain as the towel, you’ll want flip flops if you’re going to Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon to avoid having to walk around bare feet.  Also, if you’re staying at anywhere other than a hotel, you’ll want flip flops to act as your slippers and also something to wear to the communal bathrooms.
• Snacks – You’ll see below in the cost breakdown that food is a heck of an expense.  The more you can bring from home, the better.  I recommend bringing granola bars, trail mix, and chocolate.

What about long johns?  September wasn’t quite cold enough to need these thankfully so we did not pack them but I can see these being necessary as you go deeper into winter.

Hand Washing

I’d say this is pretty much inevitable so you might as well be prepared to do this during your trip.  Thing is that you just won’t have time to waste finding a laundromat.  In fact, I don’t think I saw any at all.

The good thing is that you won’t be sweating a whole lot out here so you won’t need to wash as often.  What worked for us is a daily routine before we slept where we washed our underwear and socks.  To dry our clothes, we made good use of the radiator heaters that are used all over the country (thanks to all the hot springs) by draping the clothes over them.  By morning they were usually fully dry and good to go.

If you haven’t yet, check out my video on how to wash your clothes while on the road .

Throughout our trip, I did our best to keep a tally of our expenses.  I may have missed a few things here and there but this should give you a high level view of how much it would cost to spend 8 days in Iceland.

For simplicity, I’ve converted everything to USD .  Also keep in mind that these are for 2 travellers.

• Air – $1,316.82 (includes stopover in Alicante)
• Accommodation – $781.52
• Car Rental – $792.08
• Auto Expenses – $202.34
• Souvenirs – $139.45
• Food and Drink – $697.59
• Excursions – $895.37

TOTAL = $4,826.17 ($2,413.09 per person)

I’m not going to sugarcoat it, unless you’re planning on doing some serious roughing out and you don’t care for any excursions, be prepared to pay a lot of money on this trip.

Iceland is not a cheap trip .  Flights are getting cheaper and cheaper to get to the island but what most people don’t realize until they get to Iceland is just how expensive everything else is.  Food is expensive.  Gas is expensive.  Excursions are expensive.  Hotels are expensive.  Car rentals are expensive.  You get the picture.

There are definitely ways to cut costs through food and car rental/accommodations hacks to a certain extent but once you introduce any sort of guided excursion and the inevitable good meal here and there, it adds up quite quickly.

To Tip or Not To Tip

The simple answer here is that no.  There are no customs or expectations of tipping and you are completely in the clear if you leave no tips.  Of course, it’s not illegal to tip so if you’ve had exceptional service, feel free to round up or leave a bit extra behind.

Remember Tax-Free

If you buy 6,000 ISK or more at a single store, you’re eligible for tax refund (only at certain stores).  You’ll want to take advantage of this since you can get a whopping 24% back in tax.

It goes without saying that the photography here is  out of this world .  There are so many opportunities and special moments that you’ll want to capture.  Landscape wise you have the waterfalls, black sand beaches, mountains, glaciers, cliffs, volcanoes, canyons, icebergs and northern lights.  In Reykjavik, you get you fix of urban photography with its abundance of interesting architecture, sculptures, and graffiti.  Then you have the wildlife where you’ll have a ton of fun shooting sheep, Icelandic horses, and of course the puffins.

Planning vs. Spontaneity

While travelling, I always struggle with wanting to plan for specific shoots because light and time of day matters but the truth is that if you’re not on a photography-centric trip, you’ll drive your travel partner(s) mad and you’ll limit the flexibility of what you’ll see.

That being said, if you’ve got a specific shot in mind, you could totally plan it in your schedule.  Just remember to make sure you watch the time because it’s so easy to spend a lot of time in one place or likewise very easy to get away with side of the road stops.

Sunsets and Sunrises

As much as I wanted to do a sunrise, it never ended up working out for me because we were simply too tired or good weather wasn’t a guarantee.  If you’re up for it, I’d definitely try to work one or two in.

Sunsets are a lot easier to see but from my experience hard to schedule just because you’ll always be on the go and it is hard to be disciplined with time.  For us the only time we got to watch the sunset was at Jokulsarlon Lagoon which as far as sunsets go was average because of the amount of overcast we had.

Camera Gear

The most important part is that you want to have all the gear you need to be set up for success in Iceland.  Here are a few things you’ll want to think about and the specific gear that I brought.

As much as you can, make sure your gear can stand the wild weather that Iceland can and will throw at you.   Rain is going to be your biggest enemy both in damaging your gear and getting rain spots all over your lens.  Luckily my Olympus set up is fully weather sealed but it was incredibly frustrating when it was almost impossible to keep the front of the lens clean.  I got to the point where my Lenspen  and microfibre cloths were completely useless because they would either create water streak marks or were completely soaked with water.  I didn’t come prepared with enough it and it got to the point where I was forced to use the inside of my thermal layers or my Buff.

Cold is another aspect you’ll want to think about.  Freezing temperatures do a number on batteries whether it be for your camera or your phone.  One second you’ll be at 80% and the next it’ll be completely dead.  Now this only applies if you’re travelling to Iceland in the winter but make sure you account for this and either bring lots of batteries or have a way to keep your batteries warm.  I suggest travelling with a lot of these heatpacks .

What You’ll Want to Bring

• Camera – I am the least likely to discriminate the type of camera you bring.  I’m going to be focusing on mirrorless and DSLR because those are what I know best.  For those wanting a super lightweight set up, I’d recommend micro four thirds .
• Lenses – Unless you’re shooting puffins, I feel that bringing a long zoom lens will be a waste.  I’d recommend a good all-around lens in the 24-70mm range (12-40mm in the M43 world) and pair that with a super wide angle like the 16-35mm (7-144mm for M43).  A fun addition for your trip would be a fisheye lens.  I brought the Olympus 8mm f1.8 Fisheye  which worked out very well for my northern lights shoot.
• Filters – If you want to have any hope of shooting silky smooth water shots, you’re going to need to bring the right ND filters.  I’d recommend an ND8 at a minimum.  Another filter that you’ll want to have is a circular polarizer to cuts glare and reflections, allowing deep, natural colours to show through with great saturation.  Lastly, if you have the money, you can also invest in a more sophisticated glass plate kit such as the one by Formatt Hitech .
• Tripod – Key for any sunset, sunrise, star trail, geyser, long exposure water, or northern lights shots.  I recommend bringing a lightweight carbon fibre one to make it easy to carry in your pack while hiking.  I travel with the  Sirui T-024X  which isn’t exactly a well known brand but it is affordable, sturdy, and gets the job done when travelling.
• Microfibre cloths – Bring lots and lots of these.  As I mentioned above, all of mine were soaked when I was out shooting in the rain.
• Lots of batteries and memory cards – Depending on your camera, bring what you think you’ll need and then some.
• Car charging accessories – Remember you’ll be driving around the island in a car and to keep up with my battery demands, I always made sure I was queueing up the next dead battery.
• Protection from water – If your camera isn’t weather sealed, you’ll want to protect it somehow.  If it’s your camera, you should consider picking up  rain sleeves .  If it’s your phone, one of these waterproof cases should do.
• Carrying bag – Last but not least is a good backpack.  Yes it’s true that you’ll have the luxury of keeping your gear in the car most of the time but once you’re out and about, you’ll need to bring your selected gear with you.  I travelled with the discontinued  Kata 3N1-30 which I quite liked.  I’ve since retired it and right now the best travel bag out there on the market has to be the Peak Design Everyday Backpack which I review here .

Want to learn how to shoot the northern lights?

Step By Step How-To

What you should read next

• Iceland 6 Day Itinerary Road Trip
• Top 5 Hotels in Reykjavik On A Budget In Iceland
• Reasons To Go To Iceland
• Top 12 Things You Absolutely Must Do In Iceland
• Iceland Bubble Hotel Review – Unique Stays

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Multi-day Tours

6 Day Tours

8 Day - Iceland Northern Lights Tour

Northern lights, golden circle, myvatn, hot springs, waterfalls & glacier lagoon.

• Tour Details

Get off the beaten path to catch the Northern Lights! Explore Iceland in 8 days on this incredible road trip on the Ring Road.

• South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara)
• Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir)
• Skaftafell National Park
• Vatnajökull Glacier Hike
• Crystal Ice Cave
• Northern Lights
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Wilderness Center
• Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
• Lake Mývatn
• Whale Watching in Dalvík
• The Diamond Beach
• Myvatn Nature Baths
• Hotel room with private bathroom (7 nights)
• Breakfast each morning at hotel
• Guided minibus tour
• Free Wi-Fi onboard the bus
• Glacier Hike or visit to a Natural Ice Cave
• Free photos with the Northern Lights
• In case of unsuccessful Northern Lights viewing, unlimited re-tries valid for 3 years

What to bring

• Warm outdoor clothing
• A waterproof jacket and pants
• Good hiking boots are recommended

Tour Snapshot

• Best Tour Award Winner
• Top Winter Destination - West Iceland
• Small Group Experience
• Expert Guides
• No Booking Fees
• Fast & Secure Payment
• Best Price Guarantee

Embark on a memorable tour that will take you to the best of Iceland’s highlights. You’ll see waterfalls, hot springs, ancient volcanoes and more on this 8-day guided tour from Reykjavik. Each evening on the road, you’ll spend the night in a country hotel for a chance to glimpse the elusive Northern Lights!

Reykjavík is a bustling metropolis where city life meets nature. Though one of the smallest capital cities in the world, this urban hub ranks as one of the cleanest, greenest and safest metropolitan areas on Earth.

You’ll have a free day in Reykjavik and in the evening, a boat tour to hunt the Northern Lights!

The Northern Lights are a major highlight of this tour. Throughout the tour, you’ll have multiple chances to see the emerald lights. 

During your first and last night in  Reykjavik , we offer short Northern Lights excursions with expert aurora guides. Hop on a boat tour  from  Old Harbor  and sail under dark clear skies or bump along rugged terrain on a minibus tour  outside the city. Both tours take you far from the city lights, perfect conditions to witness this glowing solar display 

On our tour around  the Ring Road , each night we stay at a remote countryside hotel far from light pollution. Step outside your room on a clear evening and you might find the sky lit up with green auroras. 

Each day, our aurora experts scout out the best viewing spots and check the aurora forecasts to make sure you have an unforgettable experience.  

Even with ideal conditions sometimes the northern lights aren’t visible. If you won't be able to see the Aurora Borealis during this tour, we will provide the voucher which will give you the opportunity to join one of our Northern Lights evening tours (without any fees, the voucher is valid for one year).

Golden Circle 

The Golden Circle is the most popular route for tourists to Iceland.

We first stop at  Gullfoss   (“the golden falls”), where a narrow winding path leads you to the main stage of the two-tiered waterfall. Located in the mammoth Hvítá river canyon, the cascade begins at the Langjökull glacier and leads into dramatic cascades down Gullfoss. 

Then we’ll head to the world-famous vistas of  Thingvellir National Park . In 2004, Þingvellir National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its geological, cultural, and historic significance. 

On this spot, the oldest surviving parliament in the world was founded in 930 CE. And history isn’t the only noteworthy feature in Þingvellir ! Here you can also stand between two continents at the point where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.

On the last leg, witness Iceland’s most active geysers at  Geysir Geothermal Area . Strokkur Geyser shoots water 40 meters in the air every 10 minutes.

South Coast 

Iceland’s South Coast is a shining example of the country’s contrasting landscapes. 

The  Reynisfjara black sand beach   is an unmissable attraction in the region. Covered in ink-black sand and lined with basalt sea stacks, this unusual beach was voted one of the 21 Best Beaches in the World by National Geographic. 

Your next stop is  Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon  and its famous floating icebergs. A short walk from the lagoon takes you to the magnificent  Diamond Beach , where clusters of white and blue icebergs span across the black sand. 

East Fjords 

Bask in the warmth of Iceland’s sunniest region and glimpse spectacular wildlife in the East Fjords. Herds of wild reindeer graze along Iceland’s east coastline! 

We’ll also stop by the fairytale fishing village of Djúpivogur. 

Lake Mývatn & North Coast

The crowning glory of North Iceland is turquoise Lake Mývatn. Dip your toe in the geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths. 

Swing by Dimmuborgir's curious rock formations and take in the cool volcanic scenery around Krafla Caldera and Víti Volcano. 

Ocean views and marine wildlife provide an idyllic setting for North Iceland’s fishing villages. Sail away on a whale-watching adventure to see humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and even blue whales. 

West Iceland

You will be exploring West Iceland which has been awarded the prestigious title of Winter Destination of the Year by Luxury Travel Guide. Look no further than Borgarfjörður Valley for a snapshot of what makes the region so popular. 

Borgarfjörður  is an agricultural haven brimming with horses, sheep, and geothermal greenhouses. 

Immerse yourself in the fuming waters of  Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, the most powerful hot spring in Europe . The spring pumps out 180 liters (47 gallons)  per second and reaches 100°C (212 °F). 

As the final stop, you’ll get to visit West Iceland’s two most famous waterfalls: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. After a day of sightseeing in this diverse region, we head back to Reykjavik for our final day. 

Day 1 — Free Day In Reykjavik - Northern Lights Boat Tour

Your journey begins in the lively capital of Reykjavík. Your hotel is centrally located, providing easy access to the best museums, galleries, shopping areas, restaurants, and historic landmarks. 

Walk along the offbeat Laugavegur shopping street, one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik. Satisfy your culture craving at one of the city’s excellent museums, such as the National Museum, the Reyjavík Museum of Photography, or the Culture House. For a more eccentric cultural experience, check out the Phallological Museum, which began as one collector’s strange hobby and evolved into the world’s only museum on the subject. 

Catch a birds-eye view of Reykjavík from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, inspired by Svartifoss Waterfall at Skaftafell. When the sun goes down, dive into the vibrant nightlife of the capital. 

Later you will get the opportunity to hunt for the magical Northern Lights of Iceland on a boat tour! Set course for pitch-black skies, the perfect setting for the emerald light show. An expert aurora guide tells you everything you could wish to know about the lights.

You’ll spend the night at a hotel in Reykjavik.

Day 2 — Golden Circle and South Coast

On day 2, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and head straight for Iceland’s most iconic attractions. 

We start at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park and absorb its geological, historical and cultural impact. This is the site where the historic Icelandic Parliament, Alþing, was founded in 930 CE. This governmental body is the oldest existing democratic parliament in the world. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs right through Þingvellir, the spot where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. 

The adventure gains steam as we head to Geysir Geothermal Area. This is the home of the famous Great Geysir, the hot spring that gave us the English word “geyser.” Witness the spectacle of Strokkur, the area’s most active geyser. Scorching water bursts from Strokkur every 5 to 10 minutes.

The final stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss Waterfall, or “the golden falls.”’ Observe the golden mists that surrounds the waterfall and the chaotic Hvítá river that crashes below. 

On the way to your hotel in the area near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, we’ll stop at two other stunning waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Both falls stand 196 ft (60 m)  high but possess their own distinct features. Skógafoss cascades peacefully from former sea cliffs. Seljalandsfoss hides a secret pathway that leads behind the falls, offering adventurers a rare view of nature.

Day 3 — Vík - Skaftafell - Glacier Lagoon

We continue along the South Coast route to the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach . Just offshore, catch a peek at the majestic Reynisdrangar peaks that shoot out of the sea. 

We then leave the beach behind and head for icy glaciers. Embark on a three-hour hike glacier hike at Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park . Discover Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull, which covers 8% of Iceland’s landmass. We replace the glacier hike with a magical journey through the  Crystal Ice Cave from October to April.

Along the way, witness the jaw-dropping Mýrdalsjökull Glacier , home to the infamous Katla Volcano. Mt. Katla isn’t the only fire spitfire in the region. You also will see her neighbor, the notorious Eyjafjalljökull. 

We depart from the fire and return to the ice at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon , the most famous ice lagoon in the world. Behold crystalline blue ice-floes as they meander through the lagoon. Then we’ll walk over to Diamond Beach. Another coastline with coal-black sands, this beach is dotted with glittering blue and white icebergs washed ashore by the tide. 

Your accommodation for the evening will be in the South East area.

Day 4 — East Fjords - Djúpivogur - Wilderness Center

Today’s journey takes us to the picturesque East Fjords. As we drive through the eastern countryside, we’ll pass the diverse scenery of Lón, the Þvottárskriður landslides, and Álftafjarðar Fjord. 

Our first stop is the charming fishing town of Djúpivogur. This traditional community has earned a reputation for its eco-conscious efforts and welcoming attitudes. Djúpivogur may be quaint, but it also has fascinating cultural spots. 

Explore museums, parks, and sculptures. Make sure to check out the famous Eggin í Gleðivík (The Eggs of Merry Bay), a 34-piece outdoor sculpture dedicated to the area’s birdlife. 

At the end of the day, our journey leads us to the Wilderness Center, an immersive history and adventure hub located within Northern Europe's biggest wilderness. Engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horse riding, and immerse yourself in the authentic Icelandic lifestyle. Explore the museum's exhibits on highland living and Icelandic history with complimentary admission during your stay. Unwind in cozy historic accommodations, savor local cuisine, and soothe your muscles in the warm pool at the bathing house after a day of exploration.

Finally, we make our way to Egilsstaðir, where you’ll spend the night in a country hotel.

Day 5 — Stuðlagil Canyon - Mývatn - Godafoss - Akureyri

Day 5 is devoted to the serene vistas and iconic nature of North Iceland.  

From Egilsstaðir we forge through the wilderness to reach Stuðlagil Canyon, one of the world’s most enchanting basalt rock formations.

Next, we head to mystical Lake Mývatn. We’ll wander just outside the lake to Námaskarð, a wonderland of steaming oases and bubbling craters. For more fiery views we take you to the Dimmuborgir lava formations, also known as the Dark Castles.

Next on our itinerary is a visit to the famed Mývatn Nature Baths, also known as the "Blue Lagoon of the North," a serene spa nestled near Lake Mývatn. Here, you can immerse yourself in the soothing warmth of the geothermal waters, offering a rejuvenating experience amidst Iceland's northern beauty. Whether you're lounging in the pools or exploring the saunas and relaxation areas, it's a peaceful retreat in Iceland's stunning wilderness. (Optional extra)

Our last stop before we continue to Eyjafjörður is Goðafoss, a historic waterfall. You’ll spend the night at Berjaya Iceland Hotels.

Day 6 — Whale Watching in Dalvík - Siglufjörður -Tröllaskagi - Laugarbakki

Day 6 takes you to the traditional fishing village of Dalvík. The town has a bustling harbor and stunning views over Eyjafjörður and Hrísey Island. 

Your adventure highlight is a three-hour whale-watching tour from Dalvík harbor. Marvel at majestic humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and, on occasion, blue whales. Dalvik whale-watching tours have a 98% success rate!

Next, we drive to Siglufjörður, a quaint fishing village with a rich history. In the early 20th century, life in the town exploded when the small, isolated community became known as the herring fishing capital of the Atlantic. 

You'll ride along Tröllaskagi (the Troll Peninsula) and pass incredible ocean panoramas and mountains. Get an inside look at daily life in tight-knit, isolated Icelandic villages when you visit Siglufjörður.

Your accommodation for the night will be in Laugarbakki.

Day 7 — Borgarfjörður - Reykholt - Hraunfossar - Hvalfjörður - Reykjavík - Magical Auroras

The final day before we return to Reykjavik features the phenomenal sites of West Iceland.  Lonely Planet voted this region one of their best destinations in 2016 and it remains a traveler favorite. 

Your first stop is at Grábrók, an ancient volcanic crater formed by a fissure eruption and enveloped in lava. Your guide leads you on a hike to a birds-eye view of the crater and surrounding area. 

You’ll also see the fascinating Hraunfossar cascade, a wide curtain of water made up of tiny rivulets that careen out of a lava field. Then we’ll stop at  Barnafoss waterfall, or “the children’s falls,” named for a tragic folktale. The next point of interest is Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, the most powerful hot spring in Europe.  

History, literature, and nature meet in Reykholt, home of Snorri Sturluson, a famous Icelandic saga writer and poet. Gaze into the natural pool of Snorralaug, where Snorri is said to have bathed. 

Our ride back to Reykjavík takes us through the scenic Hvalfjörður (“whale fjord”).  We arrive back in the city at approximately 5 – 6 pm and drop off you at a hotel in Reykjavik.

Once you’re back in the city, leave the bright lights behind on a hunt for the Northern Lights. Our minibus tour takes you deep into the wilderness for the best views of the aurora. Our expert guides check the aurora forecast to find the best place to marvel at this spectacular light phenomenon.

Day 8 — Final Day In Reykjavik

We return to Reykjavík for one last chance to explore the vibrant capital. Wander down new paths on foot or by bike. Haven’t had your fill of Iceland’s natural scenery? Seltjarnarnes and Mosfellsbær are both mountain-view peninsulas easily reached by bus from Reykjavik.

Visit the Reykjavík Botanical Gardens for a snapshot of Iceland’s biodiversity. Discover the hot spring pools where women in Reykjavík used to do their laundry. These impressive gardens grow next to Laugardalslaug, Iceland’s largest swimming pool. 

Whether you want to take in more nature, shop, relax in coffee shops or restaurants, check out another museum, or embark on one final day trip – it’s up to you!

Attractions Map

If we arrive in iceland on the same date as we booked our tour, could we miss out on it.

We always recommend booking a multi-day tour starting at least one day after arriving in Iceland. If you’re flying in from the US or will be landing early (4-6:30 am) you should be able to join the tour, but some risks would follow (i.e if the flight gets delayed) and could, therefore, miss out on the tour.

Is it guaranteed that we will see the Northern Lights during the tour?

Most of the hotels we use during our tours are remotely located and therefore ideal for spotting the northern lights. If the forecast is in your favor, then it is more than likely that you will be able to see the magical show put on by the dancing northern lights during your tour with us. Most of the hotels offer a Northern Lights wake-up call up on request if the lights are spotted.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon; therefore, we can unfortunately never promise they will be seen. Their appearance depends upon atmospheric and weather conditions. The best time to see them is between September and March when it’s dark and clear. The sky needs to be as dark as possible, so the best places to see them are well away from city lights (that’s where we are going!). For more information on the Northern Lights, please look at our blog about   Northern Lights .

I'm not sure I have all suitable gear, do you offer any for rent?

If you are not sure that you have suitable gear for your tour, we offer some necessary items for rent. For most of our multi-day tours, we rent out waterproof jackets and pants as well as hiking boots. You can book these items and more under the selection “Extras” in the booking widget when booking your tour on our website.

If you have already booked the tour and wish to add some rental gear to your booking, you can do so at least 24 hours prior to your tour starting by using our customer portal - My Adventures , or contacting our customer care .

What will the average driving per day be?

We drive on average around 300 km (186 miles) per day on our multi-day tours. You will be spending approximately 4-5 hours in the car each day. We do of course stop on multiple locations throughout the tour for sightseeing, activities, bathroom breaks and lunch stops.

Does this tour suit me?

We do welcome participants of all ages older than the listed minimum age for each tour. We have people of ages ranging from 8-99 years joining our multi-day tours.  Our average group usually consists of participants between the age 20-55 years. We do get a lot of solo travellers joining our tours, as well as families and friends.

If you have difficulties participating in any of the activities included in the tour, for example, a glacier activity, you are more than welcome to skip it. You can explore your surroundings in the meantime or wait elsewhere. Our guide should be able to drop you off at a nearby place where there are some services available.

What is my luggage allowance on a multi-day tour?

For multi-day tours, each participant is allowed to bring a small backpack and 1 piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). If you have more or heavier luggage with you, you will need to book storage for the surplus luggage before you arrive, there is a small fee for using this facility. Luggage storage in Reykjavík can be added during the booking process of your order in the extras section.

* The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).

Which type of meal options are available for me on the tour?

Breakfast is included at all the hotels we stay in during the tour. The breakfast will be a typical breakfast buffet, offering bread, toppings, cereal, yogurt, fruits, coffee, and tea etc.

Your guide will also find a good place for the group to eat lunch. We always try to choose places that have a wide selection of dishes on the menu, so there will be options available for everyone. The dinner is usually at the hotels we stay at for the night.

Are meals included in the tour?

If your tour includes accommodation, breakfast is always included during the tour at the hotel/guesthouse restaurant.

Meals and beverages are otherwise not included on your tour. (Unless it’s specifically stated in the description of the tour)

On our multi-day tours, we will be making stops at restaurants and convenience stores where you will be able to purchase all necessities. Cash is not necessary, as credit cards are almost always accepted. Having a small amount of cash doesn’t hurt though.

I'm a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?

A single supplement is available if you want to have your own room, but you are not required to pay a single supplement. If you are a single traveler and do not wish to book a single room, you’ll be roomed with another traveler of the same gender.

What kind of rooms can be expected when booking the multi-day tour with Arctic Adventures?

When booking with Arctic Adventures, you are guaranteed an accommodation at a nice country hotel and/or a guesthouse. The hotels we have partnered up with are all of the same standard and offer nice rooms with made-up beds. The rooms come with private or shared bathrooms, depending on your booking. The standard room is a twin room but it’s possible to request a double room or a triple room, with no extra charge.

If you are traveling solo, you will have to add the single room fee if you wish to have a single room.

All hotels have free Wi-Fi. Towels, a hairdryer and a kettle are accessible at all of the hotels. Hotel breakfast is included!

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Contact us for more information about this tour.

Arctic Adventures offers pick up service from selected Reykjavík pick up points. Note that you can always update your pick-up / drop-off location through our customer portal: https://my.adventures.is You can press the login button in your confirmation email for an easy login to the customer portal. If you experience an error with logging into the customer portal or can't find your booking, please contact us on Facebook Messenger, or send us a message here below. Chat with us on Facebook Messenger

Enjoy the city lights of Reykjavik before you head out into the countryside to see the Northern Lights. This tour is ideal for travelers looking to see all the diverse landscapes the country has to offer! Strap on your hiking boots as we travel the Golden Circle, hike impressive volcanoes, and trek across glaciers. 

Customer reviews on Tripadvisor

Excellent tours and the best guide Biggi!

I've joined the 8 Days tour to hunt Northern Lights that included the ring road around Iceland with the guide Biggi. Every thing was very well organized - small group of 18 beautiful people; the accomodation was very good and the stuff friendly; the bus comfortable with wi fi on board and plugs to charge the phones if needed; the itinerary was covering the main highlights and even though parts of the tours were cancelled because of bad weather we had the possibility to re-book for free; the best was Biggi - an experienced driver as we arrived always safety at each destination even in times of snow storm and an excellent guide who fulfilled our journey with great stories about his country and great music on board. He managed perfectly the time at each destination in order to enjoy every landscape and the amazing nature surrounding us...

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8-Day Tours in Iceland

Got over a week to spend in Iceland? You have plenty of options, whether you use Reykjavík as the base for each day's adventures or you spend some nights in the countryside. The local travel experts at Nordic Visitor have you covered, with flexible 8-day packages that allow you to travel independently or with a guide – or do a little of both.

EXPERIENCE ICELAND'S HIGHLIGHTS IN 8 DAYS

You can see and do a lot with an 8-day itinerary in  Iceland . One option is to drive around the Ring Road on an express full circle tour.

Alternatively, you could easily explore the many wonders of South or West Iceland in 8 days. Choose between a  self-drive adventure ,  activity-filled city break ,  guided small group tour  or  private tour .

Plus, when you book an Iceland trip with Nordic Visitor, you get tried-and-tested accommodation, transportation reservations, daily breakfast and access to our 24/7 helpline. Your personal travel consultant will arrange everything on your behalf.

Get in touch  with the Iceland travel team today to start planning your trip. You can reach us via our toll-free numbers, contact form or LiveChat.

Want to drive the Ring Road? To travel the full circle around Iceland at a relaxed pace, we recommend a tour of  10 days  or more.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Value for your money
• Professional service from local experts
• 24/7 emergency helpline during tour

Explore at your own pace with a car

Enjoy the freedom of a road trip, but with a helping hand. You can always customise these packages by adding extra nights to your itinerary.

South Iceland at Leisure

Iceland ring road express, south iceland at leisure - winter, highlights of westfjords & west iceland, join a guided small group.

Explore Iceland with like-minded travellers and an experienced local guide with one of these small group tours.

Northern Lights Circle Tour

Stay longer and discover more

Why not take more time to explore If you have more than 8 days to spend in Iceland, here are our top picks.

Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter

Iceland full circle classic, natural wonders of iceland, natural wonders of iceland - winter, romance around iceland, south & west iceland at leisure, highlights of north & west iceland, south & west iceland at leisure - winter, iceland complete express, the natural wonders of iceland - private.

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Local travel agency

As a travel agency with offices in Reykjavík, Edinburgh, Stockholm and Lucerne, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Europe. Choose from a variety of carefully curated tours that include must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights.

You can also make customisations to your itinerary by adding extra nights, optional activities, or upgrades to your tour. Or ask your personal travel consultant for advice and they will tailor your itinerary. This way you get a travel experience that is perfectly suited to you. 

Your dedicated travel consultant will arrange all the local details for you. You get accommodation, activities, transport, and other services included in your package. If you need to rework your itinerary, we’ll handle it for you so you can relax and look forward to your getaway.

Different ways you can experience Iceland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Iceland below.

Guided Small Groups

Multi-day tours, privately guided, northern lights packages, self-drive winter, best seller, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Scott, United Kingdom

Iceland full circle classic - winter, november 2023, we had an amazing time.

We cannot recommend our tour enough. We had an amazing time and have already told friends and family about it. Iceland is an amazing place and I am sure we will be back and will use Nordic Visitor again!

James, United States

Iceland full circle classic, september 2023, experience of a lifetime.

I primarily wanted to use Nordic Visitor as a resource for creating our 14-day trip itinerary, to help weed through what seemed to be an endless array of choices, and to help us to get the very most out of our time in Iceland. Yes, we could have pieced it together ourselves but I needed an advocate in Iceland, an advisor, and maybe a resource for us if issues were to arise. That piece of mind was important to my wife and me and I'm glad we chose them to frame our trip. It made it much easier to piece in the parts that were important to us to see and experience. That allowed us to just enjoy the trip and not get bogged down in the details of planning each and every moment.

There are so many things I could say about our experience, an experience of a lifetime and after posting snippets of our trip on social media I have found that several friends of mine want to know how we planned this trip. I told them the same thing I am saying here, save a little money if you want and plan it yourself or trust a reliable source like Nordic Visitor and let them give you the trip framework and essential advice. I would do it the same way if I were doing it over.

Dean, United States

Highlights of the ring road - private, july 2023, went off without a hitch.

Everything was well-organised and went off without a hitch. The private guide was amazing. He could not have been better. I highly recommend him to anyone considering a private guide as an option. He's extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area. He knew all of the best places to go and was entertaining and delightful as well. Accommodation was all spectacular.

Christopher, Australia

Winter highlights - private, november 2023, warm and engaging guide.

Great tour. The sights are of course amazing and the tour made the most of our time, weather and our interests/priorities. Driver and guide David managed all of these very well. He was also very knowledgeable and personally warm and engaging. Could not have asked for more.

Jerine, Canada

Natural wonders of iceland, august 2023, perfect for solo traveller.

A beautiful itinerary, exceptional guide and perfect weather made this a trip I will never forget. Nordic Visitor made the process easy, and Iceland opened her arms. My 10-day small group tour was perfect for a solo traveller who wanted to see it all. 

Cynthia, United States

Best of south iceland, april 2023.

Working with Nordic Visitor was wonderful. Our travel consultant, Heddy, was quick to respond when we had a question or concern. She helped us plan a fabulous itinerary. Everything we booked through Nordic Visitor was fantastic. I have already recommended Nordic Visitor to friends, and I will continue to do so.

Kimberly, Canada

Iceland road trip, october 2023, trip of a lifetime.

Overall this was an amazing experience! A trip of a lifetime that I could never have planned myself. Any questions I had during planning were answered faster than expected and I felt safe and well looked after during the trip. Trip was smooth and hassle free.

Patricia, United States

Scenic south iceland, august 2023, 5-star experience.

Not only did we absolutely love every stop on the Scenic South Iceland tour, but prior to the tour we stayed for 4 days in Reykjavík. I appreciated Nordic Visitor's recommendations for things to do and places to eat there and felt highly supported by Marko, our travel consultant, in every regard to booking our flight and own hotel, day trips I was interested in, and taking public transport around. A definite 5-star experience!

Janice, United States

Winter highlights & northern lights, march 2023, i will certainly travel with nordic visitor again.

I cannot thank Nordic Visitor enough for providing me with a wonderful and memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everything was seamless, from the pickup at the airport, to the excellent hotels, delicious food served and our friendly, knowledgeable guide, Jakob. Nothing was too much trouble - we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience in Iceland, and all came away with wonderful memories of many of the amazing sights of such a scenic country. We were even lucky enough to see the northern lights. I will certainly travel with Nordic Visitor again and would recommend them to anyone thinking about visiting the countries where they offer tours. Thank you Nordic Visitor!

David, Australia

Iceland full circle classic - winter, october 2023, many thanks to nordic visitor.

Absolutely amazing. No issues whatsoever. We saw it all from North to South and much of in between. From reindeer to whales and more beautiful waterfalls and volcanic bits than you could hope to see in a week. Every hour the scenery seemed to change dramatically. Just a great experience. Many thanks to Nordic Visitor.

Robert, United States

Romance around iceland, july 2023, best vacation we have had.

Everyone at Nordic Visitor were very responsive to all questions we had during our 30-year anniversary trip to Iceland. We had airline travel issues and the representative adjusted our itinerary so we were able to see the whole island. The accommodation were beautiful and everyone was so friendly. This was the best vacation we have had, we left Iceland relaxed!

Seth, United States

A new year’s to remember, december 2022, an amazing and unique experience.

Our tour was great! Went for our honeymoon and it was everything we wanted. First night we got to see the northern lights which were fantastic! Second day, most certainly our longest, visited several sites (Geysire & Þingvellir) and went snowmobiling on a glacier. Such an amazing and unique experience. The walking tour around Reykjavik was surprisingly educational and our guide pointed out things that we ordinarily would have missed. The NYE dinner was delicious and going out to see the firework displays by (what seemed to be like) everyone was something. Practically had to dodge fireworks! Our 4th day was spent at the Blue Lagoon; perfect after a night of partying! Our last day was nice and relaxing, did some final shopping before we headed off to the airport. Hope to go back & visit Iceland again!

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Icelandic adventure.

Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is without a doubt the most famous beach in all of Iceland, and you’ll see it...

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Just west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon has been hollowed out over millions...

Located at the foot of the impressive Eyjafjöll mountain range is Skógafoss, a magnificent...

What to pack

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all type..

Driving in Iceland

Are you prepared for your road trip? Learn the rul..

Climate & weather conditions

How icy is Iceland? You might be surprised

Time & Daylight

When to expect sunrises, sunsets, northern lights ..

Our services

Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-drive vacation, all customers receive personalised service with a designated travel consultant , tailor-made quality travel documents, and our self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines their route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, Nordic Visitor has long-standing professional relationships with local tour operators , which are carefully selected by our staff and are recognized for consistent, quality service.

Book with confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• Enjoy personal service from Iceland-based travel experts.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• As a local agency, we work closely with trusted suppliers.
• We’re a fully licensed and insured company in Iceland.

Whether you have queries about our tours or want to add activities to existing bookings, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our friendly team for any of your travel questions.

Our Icelandic phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

Top 10 experiences to have in iceland, what to wear in iceland : your guide, driving iceland's ring road: all you need to know, in brief: spending a day in reykjavík.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Chase the Midnight Sun: Iceland and Canada tours available now!

Multi-Day Tours

8 Day Ultimate Iceland | Ring Road, Snaefellsnes & Highlands

Visit the highlights of iceland including glaciers, waterfalls, the highlands & hot springs.

Discover Iceland on this magnificent 8-day odyssey that will take you on a guided tour through the enchanting and ever-changing landscapes of Iceland.

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Skaftafell National Park
• Vatnajökull Glacier Hike
• Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir
• Arnarstapi Fishing Village
• Djúpalónssandur Pebble Beach
• East Fjords
• Mývatn Lake
• Myvatn Nature Baths
• Whale Watching Tour
• Skógafoss Waterfall
• Vík Coastal Village
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Mt. Kirkjufell
• Landmannalaugar (mid-Jun - mid-Oct)

Wilderness Center

• Akureyri and Dalvík
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Snowmobiling (mid-Oct - June)
• Hotel Room with Private Bathroom - 7 Nights
• Breakfast Each Morning at Your Hotel
• Guided Minibus Tour
• Glacier Hiking tour on Vatnajökull Glacier
• Whale Watching at Dalvík
• Myvatn Nature Baths (optional)
• Geothermal Bathing in Landmannalaugar (mid-Jun - mid-Oct)
• Landmannalaugar facility fees
• Snowmobiling on Langjokull (mid-Oct - June)

What to bring

• Warm outdoor clothing
• A waterproof jacket and pants
• Headwear and gloves
• Good hiking boots are recommended
• Note: You can always rent sturdy hiking boots, waterproof jacket and pants in the booking process.

Tour Snapshot

• Award-Winning Tour
• No Booking Fees
• Fast & secure payment
• Best Price Guarantee
• Operated by Arctic Adventures

This incredible 8-day tour will take you all around Iceland, encompassing a multitude of natural wonders and must-see places. It will take you around Iceland’s famous ring road , in the company of an experienced guide and like-minded travelers, ensuring that you have an unforgettable time during your stay in Iceland. Your friendly guide will take you on an amazing adventure to all the must-see destinations, alongside a plethora of hidden destinations that are off the beaten path. Every single one of our guides is steeped in the rich history and folklore of Iceland, taking the incredible myths and legends that surround many of Iceland’s more famous places and making them come alive.

This journey will take you all around Iceland traveling on Ring Road with an added day on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and another going further into the country, to breathtaking Langmannalaugar (summer) or Langjokull Glacier (winter) . You will be checking off your Iceland bucket list as you travel all around the country to all the highlights. We traverse the famous Golden Circle Route , replete with the Gullfoss Waterfall , bubbling geysers at the Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir National Park . We then head for the South Coast, famed for its gushing waterfalls, incredible black sand beaches and imposing glaciers. This journey will take us all the way to the mesmerizing Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon , with floating icebergs and surrounded by amazing landscapes. Glimmering icebergs glide across the crystalline waters to the nearby Diamond beach , where they come to rest on its jet-black sands, creating an awe-inspiring scene that is famous across the world. The beach gets its name from the iceberg's similarity to diamonds and it more than lives up to its name. We will also visit Skaftafell National Park and gaze upon Vatnajökull Glacier , the largest in the entire of Europe, where we will meet up with one of our certified glacier guides to go and explore one of the majestic glacial tongues that unfurl from this natural wonder. This glacier exploration will give you an incredible insight into the icy forces that have helped to craft the country and provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.

DAY 1 - GOLDEN CIRCLE - SELJALANDSFOSS - SKÓGAFOSS - REYNISFJARA BLACK SAND BEACH

The first day of our incredible adventure will take us to some of Iceland’s most iconic sights, including the spectacular South Coast and the amazing Golden Circle Route. It begins at the historic Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is both historically and geologically significant. It plays host to Althingi, where a group of Viking nobles gathered together in 930 AD, to convene Iceland’s first parliament, which is still in operation to this day, making it one of the longest continuously running democratic institutions in the world.

Day Highlights

• Golden Circle
• Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)
• Geysir and Strokkur
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Knowledgeable guide and driver
• Visits to Golden Circle Highlights
• Visits to the Most Famous Waterfalls on the South Coast
• Visit to the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• One Night Hotel Accommodation (Vík area)

Accommodation

Adventure Hotel Geirland

Or similar hotel. cozy countryside hotel, located only 2 km from kirkjubæjarklaustur., day 2 - vatnajÖkull glacier - jÖkulsÁrlon glacier lagoon - diamond beach.

Day two will begin with a traditional Icelandic breakfast in our hotel before we head out on our next adventure. We will begin by heading east, aiming for the Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Parks, famed for their sublime natural scenery, rich flora and fauna, mighty glaciers and imperious volcanoes. This includes a view of Iceland’s tallest peak Hvannadalshnúkur and the impressive Svínafellsjökull and Falljökull Glaciers.

• Vatnajökull National Park
• The Diamond Beach
• Eldhraun Lava Field
• Hotel breakfast
• Guided glacier hike on Vatnajökull Glacier
• Certified Glacier Guide
• All Glacier Hiking Equipment
• Visit to Jökulsárlón and the Diamond Beach
• One Night hotel accommodation

Adventure Hotel Hof

Day 3 - east fjords - djÚpivogur - wilderness center.

Day three will take us to Iceland’s gorgeous Eastfjords, where stunning crystalline waters are shadowed by snow-peaked mountains. Foremost of these is the spectacular Vatnajökull Glacier, which we will provide the backdrop for most of the day’s festivities.

At the end of the day, we'll arrive at the Wilderness Center, a historic spot and museum in the vast wilderness of Northern Europe. You can have fun outdoors and see exhibits about Icelandic life for free. After your adventures, relax in the warm pool and stay in cozy old buildings while enjoying local food.

• Djúpivogur Fishing Village
• The town of Egilsstaðir
• Visit to the Fishing Village of Djúpivogur
• Free access to Wilderness Museum
• One Night Hotel Accommodation

DAY 4 - Stuðlagil Canyon - LAKE MÝVATN - GOÐAFOSS - AKUREYRI

Day four will take us to the north of Iceland, where you'll encounter stunning landscapes that will leave you in awe. We'll start by visiting Stuðlagil Canyon, known for its incredible basalt columns and vibrant blue river. Then, we'll head to Lake Mývatn, a unique area with volcanic craters. Then, we'll head to the famous Mývatn Nature Baths, a peaceful hot spring spa where you can relax in blue geothermal waters or take a steam bath, all in Iceland's northern landscape. (Optional extra)

We also drive to the Námaskarð Geothermal Area, where you'll see bubbling mud pots and colorful mineral deposits. After that, we'll explore Dimmuborgir Lava Formations, a mysterious place with twisted rock formations. Finally, we'll stop to see the stunning Goðafoss Waterfall, also known as the "Waterfall of the Gods."

• Stuðlagil Canyon
• Lake Mývatn
• Myvatn Nature Baths (optional extra)
• Námaskarð Geothermal Area
• Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
• Goðafoss Waterfall
• Time to explore the magnificent attractions
• One Night Hotel Accommodation (Akureyri area)

Berjaya Akureyri Hotel

Day 5 - dalvÍk - siglufjÖrÐur - trÖllaskagi (troll peninsula).

Day five begins at the picturesque village of Dalvik, which overlooks the ocean and is famed for being the best whale watching destination in Iceland. We will get on a classic whale watching boat and head to the Eyjafjordur Fjord, one of Iceland’s best Whale Watching locations, in search of these majestic giants of the deep.

• Akureyri - Capital of the North
• Whale Watching and Sea Angling from Dalvík
• Tröllaskagi Peninsula
• Siglufjörður Fishing Village
• Guided Minibus Tour to All Highlights
• 3-hour Whale Watching and Sea Angling Boat Tour
• Eyjafjörður and Akureyri scenery

Hotel Laugarbakki

Day 6 - borgarfjÖrÐur - reykholt - deildartunguhver - hraunfossar.

Day six’s adventure begins in the incredible lava fields of the Borgarfjörður area, which was given the prestigious honor of being one of Lonely Planet’s best travel destinations in 2016. There we will find the impressive Grabok Volcanic Crater, which rises 170 meters into the sky and was created by the vicious rage of a volcanic eruption many millennia ago. Once we reach its summit, we will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the colorful crater, which is well worth the climb.

• Borgarfjörður
• Deildartunguhver Hot Spring
• Barnafoss Waterfall
• Hraunfossar Cascades
• Hike up to Grábrók, a Volcano Crater
• Visits to the highlights of Borgarfjörður
• Visit to the Historic Site of Reykholt
• One Night Hotel Accommodation (Borgarnes area)

Hotel Borgarnes

Day 7 - snÆfellsnes peninsula - mount kirkjufell - djÚpalÓnssandur - gerÐuberg.

Day 7 starts a little later, offering the chance for you to enjoy a relaxing morning before we head to the famous Snæfellsnes peninsula, which more than lives up to its nickname: Iceland in a nutshell. Our first stop will be at the rustic hamlets of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, where we will find one of the most charming and photogenic houses in all of Iceland. We will pause for lunch in one of these beautiful villages and appreciate a spectacular view over the Snæfellsjökull Glacier.

• Djúpalónssandur Beach
• Lóndrangar
• Visits to the highlights of Snæfellsnes
• One Night Hotel Accommodation in Reykjavík

Hotel Island

Day 8 - reykjavik - icelandic highlands.

Please note that on this day our activities depend on the season.  From mid-June to mid-October ,  we will take you on the   Landmannalaugar Super Jeep   Tour  in the Central Highlands of Iceland.  From mid-October to June, we will go on a snowmobiling tour on Langjokull Glacier  (you have to have a valid driver's license). During the summer, we will take off from  Reykjavík along the South Coast  but this time, we are going straight into the highlands! This region is definitely off the beaten path. 

Past farmlands and the voluminous volcano  Hekla   we make our way off the Ring Road and into the wild, where variations of flora and fauna vary in incredible ways. We will drive to the vicinity of a lava field formed during a volcanic eruption in the year 2000 eruption. From this mountaintop, you will have the chance to explore as far as the eye can see, with glaciers, volcanoes and untamed nature all around. The Landmannalaugar   area is often called a geothermal paradise and its mountains are without equal. Remember to bring a bathing suit as right under the banks of the lava field that sits in the center of the area you will find the most alluring hot baths where you can soak in natural hot waters. This experience is authentic without comparison!

During the winter, we will pick you up from your accommodation in Reykjavik with a Super Jeep! We’ll head towards Langjokull Glacier Base Camp, where you’ll be provided all the necessary snowmobiling equipment: helmet, balaclava, and an overall suit.

Then your certified snowmobile guide will show you how to operate a snowmobile. Don’t worry if you don’t have any snowmobiling experience, beginners are welcome!

Langjokull Glacier  in the Icelandic Highlands is the   second-largest glacier in Iceland .   Translated from Icelandic it means “the long glacier.” Loved by locals and travelers alike, the glacier is surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views. Your ride will last for about an hour and you’ll be able to witness the stunning wonderland of Langjokull in winter.

At the end of the day, we will drive you back to Reykjavík and drop you off at your selected drop-off location around 9 p.m.

• Landmannalaugar (mid-June - mid-Oct)
• Hot Spring Bath (June - Oct)
• Mount Brennisteinsalda (June - Oct)
• Laugahraun Lava Field (June - Oct)
• Snowmobiling on Langjokull Glacier (mid-Oct - June)
• Guided tour
• Drop-off in Reykjavík
• Snowmobiling gear and safety equipment

Please note

• Activities on day 8 of the tour change depending on the season. From mid-June to mid-October we take you on a guided super jeep tour through the Icelandic Highlands. From mid-October to June, we will go on a snowmobiling tour across Langjokull Glacier, the second-largest glacier in Iceland.
• A snowmobiling tour on   Langjokull Glacier is available from mid-October to June.
• Two people ride one snowmobile. If you are on your own or wish to ride solo (a valid driver's license is mandatory), you need to book this and pay an extra 10000 ISK. If you are a solo traveler and don't have a driver's license or a pair with another person, you need to pay an extra  51000 ISK to hire a driver guide.
• All snowmobile drivers need to bring a valid Driving License.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main interest of booking a multi-day tour.

Our multi-day tours will give you a small group experience as they are operated in a mini-bus and you get a better connection with the guide. By booking a multi-day tour with us, you don’t need to have to worry about finding accommodation during the time of the tour as our multi-day tour includes accommodation which is often booked far in advance. You will get more opportunities to explore Iceland further and experience places that you would normally not be able to see on a one-day tour. 

All of our tours are English guided so you will have English speaking licensed guide throughout the tour that will tell you everything about what you see along the way and knows where the best locations to stop by at to get the absolute best experience.

What kind of rooms are provided when booking the multi-day tour?

When booking your tour you are guaranteed accommodations at a friendly country hotel and/or guesthouse. All of the hotels we work with are of the same standard and offer nice rooms with beds and linen. The standard room is a twin room but it is possible to request a double room or a triple room, with no extra charge. The rooms come with private or shared bathrooms, depending on your booking. Free Wi-Fi, towels, a hairdryer, and a kettle are accessible at all of the hotels.

If I am traveling solo, is there a single supplement?

If you want to have your own room, then a single supplement is payable in order to secure a single room. If you do not wish to book a single room then you will be roomed with another traveler of the same gender.

Are meals included on the tour?

Breakfast is included at the hotel/guesthouse restaurant during the tour. Meals and beverages are not included on your tour. However, we will make stops at restaurants and conveniences stores where you are able to purchase all necessities. The average amount spent on food each day per person is 8,000 ISK (80$). Cash is not necessary, as credit cards are accepted at all restaurants and stores. A small amount of cash won't hurt though.

What meal options are available to me in the tour packages?

A typical breakfast buffet is included at all the hotels/guesthouses we stay at during the tour, allowing you to fuel up for the day on various slices of bread, toppings, cereal, fruits, and yogurt. Tea and coffee are also included, alongside a variety of additional tasty options.

Your guide will also find a good place for the group to eat lunch, where you can find a wide selection of dishes on the menu, so there will be options available for everyone. The dinner is usually at the hotels/guesthouses we stay at for the night. We will make stops at restaurants and convenience stores where you will be able to purchase all necessities.

The average amount spent on food each day per person is 8,000 ISK (80$). Cash is not necessary, as credit cards are accepted at all restaurants and stores. A small amount of cash won't hurt, though.

What is the luggage allowance on a multi-day tour?

For multi-day tours, each participant is allowed to bring a small backpack and one piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). If you are traveling with extra bags or heavier luggage, you will need to book suitable storage before you arrive ; this will incur a small fee. There is the option to add luggage storage in Reykjavík during the booking process of your order in the extras section.

* The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in).

What is the average driving per day?

The average is around 300 km (186 miles) per day on our multi-day tours. You’ll spend approximately 4-5 hours in the car each day. Stops are of course, made at multiple locations throughout the tour for sightseeing, activities, bathroom breaks, lunch stops , etc.

Do you offer gear rental for multi-day tours?

We do offer some necessary items for rent. For most of our multi-day tours, we rent out waterproof jackets and pants as well as hiking shoes. These items are available to book under the selection “Extras’’ in the booking widget when booking your tour on our website. If you have already booked the tour and wish to add some rental gear to your booking, you can do that at least 24 hours before your tour starts, via our Customer Portal .

Would a multi-day tour suit me?

We welcome all participants of all ages older than the listed minimum age for each tour. Our average group usually consists of participants between the ages of 22 to 55 years. However, we have people of all ages, ranging from 8 to 99 years, joining our multi-day tours. We get a lot of solo travelers joining us, as well as families and friends.

If you find yourself having difficulties participating in any of the activities included in the tour, for example, a glacier activity, then you are more than welcome to skip it. Iceland is surrounded by beautiful scenery so you can explore your surroundings in the meantime r wait elsewhere while others do the activity. Our guide should be able to drop you off at a nearby place where there are some services available if requested.

What is best to wear on our Iceland glacier trips?

Iceland is known for unforeseeable weather. It is likely that you can see all 4 seasons in one day. Dressing for that kind of weather can always be demanding, so we suggest dressing in layers. 3 or 4 upper layers are highly recommended, for example, a light t-shirt (preferably wool) next to the skin, then a fleece or heavy wool garment topped off with a waterproof windbreaker. Jeans are not recommended for our trips as they are not suitable for the weather conditions, they become very heavy, cold and uncomfortable to wear when they get wet. Lightweight hiking pants, track pants or long cotton pants are convenient and wear wind/waterproof pants over them. There is high UV and sunlight reflecting off on the glacier so we highly recommend using sunglasses and sunscreen even if it is cloudy. You will need sturdy hiking boots that fit crampons for the glacier hiking tours. If you do not own a pair then we rent out suitable hiking boots as well as a waterproof raincoat and trousers.

Is a backpack necessary on a glacier trip in Iceland?

It is good to bring your own backpack on our full-day or half- day tours. It’s the best carry-on for a small lunch, extra clothes, and other necessary items.

Is a camera allowed on a glacier trip?

The scenery on the tour is full of stunning, breathtaking views that you’ll almost definitely want to capture forever, so you should definitely bring your camera along. Your tour guide will also be happy to take your photo.

Are you allowed to join a glacier hike if you are pregnant?

This is surely a personal choice, we do not deny pregnant women on our glacier trips but we highly recommend you to take a closer look at our trip description and difficulty ratings, they will hopefully give you a better idea. We also recommend you to contact your physician, as pregnant women’s health can be quite different. If you have any further questions or concerns then feel free to contact us.

Is lunch provided on the glacier tours?

Lunch is not provided on any of our trips, therefore we recommend you bring your own lunch , snacks, and a bottle of water (you can refill it on the trip). It is especially important to make sure you bring lunch on our longer trips.

What are crampons?

Crampons enable you to walk on the glacier ice without slipping. They are metal spikes that we attach to the soles of your hiking shoes.

Does Adventures.com have a guide on all of their tours?

Yes, we have specially trained and certified glacier guides on every glacier tour that we offer. And for our 3rd party tours we only partner with operators that meet our quality and safety standards.

Do you provide equipment when taking part in your glacier tours?

Yes, we provide you with all the necessary glacier gear for our glacier hiking tours. Ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and helmets are provided. This will help you to complete the tour safely. The minimum shoe size to attach crampons is EU 35.

Why do we have glaciers in Iceland?

Iceland is known to have a lot of snow and when the snow stays long enough in one place than it turns to ice. Over long periods of time, the ice layers up becoming huge blocks called glaciers. It forms to create ginormous glaciers that sweep across huge masses of land. Iceland is home of the largest glacier in Europe that is called Vatnajökull. The Glacier Guides can tell you more about and everything you need to know about the Glaciers.

What happens if it is raining?

Rain is common in Iceland but we never let the rain be in our way to go forward with our tours. That’s why we highly recommend appropriate clothing so you can stay warm and dry. Nature is out of our control and therefore we need to adapt to the weather. Your safety is our priority so if your safety is compromised by going on the tour then we will cancel it and you will get full reimbursement.

Can I find more information about how to prepare for my Glacier Hiking tour?

The guide on your g lacier h iking tour will provide you with all the information you might need when preparing for a glacier hike.

Is any parking fee in Skaftafell?

Yes, the parking fee depends on your car category.

Category A - Passenger car, 5 seats or less: ISK 750

Category B - Passenger car, 6-9 seats: ISK 1,000

Motorcycles: ISK 300

You can always check the newest fees here .

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8 Day Ring Road Tour - First & last night in Reykjavík

Contact us for more information about this tour.

Adventures.com offers pick up service from selected Reykjavík pick up points. Note that you can always update your pick-up / drop-off location through our customer portal: https://my.adventures.com You can press the login button in your confirmation email for an easy login to the customer portal. If you experience an error with logging into the customer portal or can't find your booking, please contact us on Facebook Messenger, or send us a message here below. Chat with us on Facebook Messenger

8 Days Around Iceland

Join the complete ring-road in the comfort of a guided tour. Plenty of fun activities: Glacier Hike, Ice Cave, Whale Watching & much more. 7 Nights Hotel & Breakfast included.

Availability

April to October

Glacier Hike, Ice Cave tour, Waterfalls and all the main places of Iceland!

Easy to Medium

Your guide will take care of you during your 8-day tour

Information

Over a thousand-kilometer journey around Iceland

From Reykjavík

Come along on a fantastic summer adventure with this 8 Day Tour around the Ring Road and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. See for yourself the country's most beautiful spots including Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Dettifoss Waterfall as they are bathed in everlasting summer light.

About the Tour

Watch the video to learn more about the 8 Day Tour with Tröll Expeditions

Tour Description

This is the perfect tour for those who want to discover Iceland’s rich variety of natural wonders in-between the capital Reykjavík and the ‘Capital of the North’ Akureyri. This 8-Day tour takes you to the must see Golden Circle Route with all its amazing sites. You will stop at the unbeatable Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and of course the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. Next, you will be heading to the much talked about South Coast, where you will explore the unique Black Sand Beach, Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. After exploring the East fjords, Lake Mývatn awaits in the North with its unique surroundings. You will explore Dimmuborgir lava pillars and then carry on the journey to the capital of the North, Akureyri. From there you will head to West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where you’ll find some hidden gems and locations like Kirkjufell mountain. 

While you enjoy this versatile tour, you will be able to book extra tours and activities along the way to make your experience even more special. Horseback Riding and exploring Ice- or Lava Caves to name only a few. You can find more information about the extras here. For booking these extras, please just follow the current booking process of the Mult-Day Tour.

The Golden Circle

The South Coast & Ice Caving

The South-East & Glacier Hike

The East Fjords

The North-East of Iceland

North Iceland

Snæfellsnes Peninsula In-Depth

West Iceland

Highlights...

✓ Golden Circle

✓ South Iceland

✓ East Fjords

✓ North Iceland

✓ West Iceland

We Guarantee....

Fast & Secure Payments

No Booking Fees

Best Price Guarantee

24 Hour Cancellation Policy

Professional Guides

Included (in the price)

FREE Breakfast & Private Bathrooms

We will explore a Glacier

All glacier equipment included

Boat Tour to see the largest mammals!

Ride on our Super jeep to the Ice Cave

Visit massive icebergs in a Glacier Lagoon (summer season)

Extras (optional)

Explore the wilderness on an Icelandic Horse

Nourish your body and soul in natural thermal baths

Rent shoes for keeping your ankles safe to prevent injuries.

Rent a jacket to keep you dry

Rent pants to keep you dry

Explore Iceland's largest Lava Cave, Víðgelmir.

Store your extra luggage.

Buy our Troll Beanie and Gloves to feel part of our winter Trolls and keep you warm in the Icelandic cold

Buy our Troll Neck-warmer to feel part of our winter Trolls and and protect your face from cold wind

Buy our Troll Summer-Cap to feel part of our summer Trolls and protect yourself from the sun

Meeting Point & Time

Minimum age, cancellation policy, hotels & single supplement fee, good to know.

Iceland Complete Circle Private Tour

Discover the Ring Road on with your own private guide

On this trip of a lifetime, you’ll explore the Ring Road with a local driver-guide. With their insider knowledge and passion for Iceland, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!

On this tour you will...

Head to Snæfellsnes peninsula , home to a glacier-topped volcano

See dazzling icebergs bob out to sea from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Hear the folk tales surrounding mysterious spots like the Dimmuborgir lava field

Check out awe-inspiring waterfalls like Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Dettifos

Look out for whales and puffins as you trace the country’s stunning coastline

Dive into the local culture , food scene, and nightlife in downtown Reykjavík

Top attractions

Downtown Reykjavík

Þingvellir National Park

Geysir and Strokkur

Seljalandsfoss

Snæfellsjökull Glacier & National Park

Djúpalónssandur

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Glaumbær turf farm

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Deildartunguhver

Krafla and Leirhnjúkur

Dimmuborgir

Lake Mývatn

Egilsstaðir

Reyðarfjörður

Vík í Mýrdal

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Eldhraun lava field

Why book a privately guided trip with Iceland Tours?

Let your own driver take you around Iceland

Expert local guidance in English

Start your tour on the date that suits you

24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland

Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit

Handpicked local accommodation options

Your 8-day privately guided itinerary

Day 1 – the spectacular snæfellsnes peninsula.

Your memorable Icelandic adventure begins today. Your personal driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to explore the natural wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. You will discover several sites including the Eldborg volcanic crater, Gerðuberg basalt columns, Búðir, and Djúpalónssandur with views of the majestic Snæfell volcano.

Extra activities

Vatnshellir Cave Tour

Day 2 – From Snæfellsnes to Borgarfjörður

From Stykkishólmur, the guide will take you to the south-west of Iceland towards Borgarfjörður, an area rich in heritage as its vast lands served as the setting for many Icelandic sagas. It is also home to gorgeous waterfalls and the Langjökull glacier.

Day 3 – Welcome to Akureyri, the capital of the north

Today‘s itinerary takes you north as your guide drives you through thick farm fields and the Skagafjörður region, which is known for Icelandic horse breeding. You will surely encounter several of these adorably stocky horses grazing in the fields along your way to Akureyri. Before you reach the “capital of the north”, you will take a few detours such as the Vatnsnes peninsula where you can spot seals, and Glaumbær, a turf-house museum, among other sights.

Day 4 – Waterfall and Lake Mývatn

More natural wonders are on the program today! Our first stop is at the impressive Goðafoss, known as “the waterfall of the gods”. Before heading to Mývatn, you will visit several awe-inspiring attractions such as the Dimmuborgir lava field labyrinth and the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir. You will also get to walk through one of Iceland‘s largest sulphurous hot spring areas, the solfataras of Námaskarð.

Day 5 – Ásbyrgi canyon and Dettifoss waterfall

Before heading east, you will continue exploring the northern part of the country. The peninsula of Tjörnes has many surprising sites in store for you. There is the lush green area of Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped gorge, and the impressive Dettifoss with a fall so powerful that you will feel the ground shake under your feet.

Day 6 – Eastfjords

Today you discover the East Fjords. Your driver will start towards Reyðarfjörður, where you could visit a small but interesting World War II history museum. Then you‘ll continue along the fjords toward south-east Iceland. At times, the roads are perched high on the mountains giving exceptional views. Finally, you‘ll pass through the tunnel of Almannaskarð to arrive in the Höfn region for an overnight stay.

Day 7 – Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Our next stop is Iceland’s scenic south-east. After passing various outlet glaciers belonging to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, you‘ll arrive at the stunning, surreal beauty of Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon. This exceptional natural attraction sits at the foot of Iceland’s highest mountain Hvannadalshnúkur. It offers the unique possibility to explore it up close by taking a guided boat tour between the floating icebergs.

Next you get to visit the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, an oasis surrounded by glaciers and black sand beaches with a broad range of options for spectacular hiking. You‘ll then continue through Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the Eldhraun lava field and the Mýrdalssandur plain before arriving in the Vík area.

Day 8 – Waterfalls and the Golden Circle

Today, your guide will drive along the south coast of Iceland, exploring many breathtaking landmarks such as Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. You‘ll also explore the highlights of the Golden Circle with its three-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, geyser area where Strokkur ejects its warm water column in the air every 5-10 minutes, and the famous Þingvellir National Park.

After visiting Þingvellir, it is now time to head back to the capital where your private Iceland adventure ends. If you are staying extra nights in the capital, we can help you plan some optional activities. Please contact your travel consultant for more information.

What’s included?

Comfort or Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

Rental car of your choice for 8 days

Private driver-guide

Unlimited in-car Wi-Fi

24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland

VAT, taxes & service fees

Flights to Iceland

Airport transfer

Accommodation in Reykjavík

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Personal travel insurance

Accommodation

FAQs about our private guided trips

How does a private guided trip work.

All of our private guided tours start in Reykjavík. Here your driver-guide will pick you up from your accommodation and you’ll hit the road.

With your enthusiastic guide leading the way, you will head out into the Icelandic countryside. As you’re immersed in the country’s incredible nature, you’ll learn from your guide about the places you’re visiting.

Once you’ve arrived at your accommodation for the night, you and your guide will say goodbye until the morning. You’ll have time to yourself to enjoy dinner and recharge before the next day’s adventure.

At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the capital.

Good to know: Our private tour packages do not include hotel stays in Reykjavík at the start or end of the tour, or a transfer from the airport as standard. If you’d like us to arrange this for you, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.

When will I meet my guide?

You’ll get to meet your guide for the first time when they collect you from your hotel in Reykjavík. Over the course of your trip, you’ll have the chance to get to know them and swap stories and jokes!

What language will my guide speak?

Guidance is in English as standard, although if you would like a guide that speaks a different language, please let us know in the ‘Special requests’ box at checkout.

We can’t guarantee that a guide that speaks a language other than English will be available for your selected tour dates, but we’ll do our best to honor your request.

It’s normally possible to book a guide that speaks Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, or a Scandinavian language. Note that there may be an additional charge for a non-English-speaking guide.

Should I tip my guide?

In Iceland, tipping is not commonplace in restaurants, hotels, taxis, and the like.

That said, if your guide goes above and beyond to make your tour extra special, they would graciously receive a tip. Just know that it’s not expected, so it’s totally up to you.

Can I customize my private tour?

You can customize your trip to Iceland with extra days in Reykjavík at the start or end of your trip. This is your chance to pack in day tours and activities like snowmobiling and ice caving.

If you want to customize the itinerary of your actual guided tour, contact us and we’ll be happy to help. Just so you know, there’s an extra fee for this service. See our terms and conditions for all the details.

Don’t take our word for it

See what hundreds of fellow travelers have to say about their trips with Iceland Tours.

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APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

8 Day - Iceland Ring Road Tour

• Fully Guided
• Coach / Bus
• Hiking & Trekking
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Go sightseeing in Reykjavik or browse through stores
• Dive into the hot springs of the Mývatn Nature Baths
• Hike to Hengifoss, the second highest waterfall in Iceland
• Spot the humpbacks on whale watching tour in Dalvík
• Have a coffee in the highest coffee house in Iceland
• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrival Day - Reykjavik City Sightseeing
• Day 2 Geysir, Gullfoss, Þingvellir (The Golden Circle) and South Coast
• Day 3 Kirkjubæjarklaustur - Skaftafell - Glacier Lagoon - Hofn
• Day 4 East Fjords - Djupivogur - Egilsstadir
• Day 5 Studlagil - Myvatn - Godafoss - Akureyri
• Day 6 Whale watching in Dalvik - Siglufjordur -Trollaskagi - Borgarnes
• Day 7 West Iceland - Borgarfjörður
• Day 8 Final Day - Reykjavik

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by Arctic Adventures

Arctic Adventures is a leading Icelandic tour operator with over 30 years of experience servicing clients in adventure tours in Iceland. Our tour company offers a great selection of guided adventure tours in Iceland, including glacier tours, self-drive, group, incentive, mountain climbing, ice climbing, cross country skiing and more. We have a tour for people of all ages. If you or your travel group is looking for an adventure with environmental sustainability and your safety in mind, Arctic Adventures is a good choice as the tour operator for your next Iceland vacation.

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.4
• Itinerary Excellent 4.6
• Guide Excellent 4.8
• Transport Excellent 4.4
• Accommodation Excellent 4.2
• Food Excellent 4.2
• Tour Operator Arctic Adventures 4.5
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

• AP Agustin · February 10th, 2024 It was what I was expecting for. Artic Adventures team was very helpful. Trip date: February 2024
• SB Sheila · November 27th, 2023 It was a fantastic tour! Maria went above and beyond to make sure we had the best Iceland experience possible and we did. I would highly recommend this tour. Trip date: November 2023

• KB Katherine · October 11th, 2023 I enjoyed the tour very much. Omar was wonderful. Trip date: September 2023

• GW Gerhard · August 22nd, 2023 Er enjoyed this trip very much. Beides the Icelandic sightseeing Pointe, your Tourguides had a large impact on our feel well feeling. Sü habe US a lot of background information. Trip date: August 2023

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• January 2026
• February 2026
• Monday 29 Apr, 2024 Monday 6 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Shared Room $2,148 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 30 Apr, 2024 Tuesday 7 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Shared Room $2,148 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 1 Other Unavailable Departure
• Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 1 May, 2024 Wednesday 8 May, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types $2,148 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 2 May, 2024 Thursday 9 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Shared Room $2,148 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 3 May, 2024 Friday 10 May, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types $2,148 Confirm Dates
• Saturday 4 May, 2024 Saturday 11 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Shared Room $2,148 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 5 May, 2024 Sunday 12 May, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types $2,148 Confirm Dates
• Monday 6 May, 2024 Monday 13 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Shared Room $2,148 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Tuesday 7 May, 2024 Tuesday 14 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Shared Room $2,148 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Wednesday 8 May, 2024 Wednesday 15 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Shared Room $2,148 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Thursday 9 May, 2024 Thursday 16 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Shared Room $2,148 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Friday 10 May, 2024 Friday 17 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Shared Room $2,148 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• 4 Other Unavailable Departures
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 11 May, 2024 Saturday 18 May, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types $2,148 Confirm Dates
• Sunday 12 May, 2024 Sunday 19 May, 2024 English Sold Out Based on Shared Room $2,148 See Similar Tours For These Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 13 May, 2024 Monday 20 May, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types $2,148 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

For multi-day tours, each participant is allowed to bring a small backpack and 1 piece of luggage weighing a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs). * The combined dimensions of each bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in). * It’s possible to store your luggage with us in Reykjavík while you are on your tour, for a small fee.

Unfortunately, Arctic Adventures is unable to provide accommodation outside of their scheduled tours.

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency kr Iceland Krona Iceland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before May 31st, 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 31st, 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Arctic Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 35 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Arctic Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Arctic Adventures" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Arctic Adventures. Please familiarise yourself with the Arctic Adventures payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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8-Day Winter Package | Ring Road of Iceland in a Small Group

Description

Discover Iceland in depth with this 8-day winter trip from Reykjavík around the Golden Circle and Ring Road!

This incredible 8-day guided winter tour package will take you on a return journey through Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route, along the South Coast to Vatnajökull National Park, into the mysterious Eastfjords and north to the steaming Lake Mývatn geothermal region. It’s a good amount of time for an introduction to Iceland’s history and culture, as well as to take in the country’s must-see attractions. Be prepared to encounter sprawling lava fields, black sand beaches, magnificent waterfalls, snow capped mountains, glacier lagoons, icebergs, hot springs and more.

Long regarded as a magical time in Iceland, winter is when hours upon hours of ethereal light give way to long, dark nights. It’s perfect for witnessing the Aurora Borealis dancing against a backdrop of stars in the sky. You’ll be visiting some of the most remote areas in Iceland, meaning that you’ll be well-placed, far away from light pollution, to view this incredible natural phenomenon. Alongside, you’ll have numerous chances to spot the local wildlife, including Arctic foxes, herds of reindeer, seals and whales as you immerse yourself in spectacular winter landscapes.

You’ll travel in a comfortable minibus on this small group adventure as you make your way around the Ring Road of Iceland, on a scenic voyage to the best destinations that this country has to offer. Your package includes accommodation which will be arranged prior to your arrival in Iceland, an expert guide, transfers to and from the airport, as well as transport for the duration of the tour.

There is a reason that Iceland is a bucket-list destination for adventurers all over the world. To enhance your winter vacation in Iceland, there is the option of adding on a number of excursions during the booking process. These unique activities include horse riding in the countryside, glacier hiking, ice caving, snowmobiling, bathing in geothermal pools, whale watching and more. Challenge yourself in snowy surroundings with knowledgeable and skilled local guides as you take in the fresh mountain air!

Experience the beauty of Iceland, where hot, active volcanic regions meet snowy landscapes set amidst thousand-year-old glaciers. This 8-day winter adventure is your opportunity to see and do everything that this country has to offer. Check availability by choosing a date.

Attractions

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival

Day 2 - Golden Circle

Day 3 - The South Coast

Day 4 - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Day 5 - The Eastfjords

Day 6 - Lake Myvatn and surrounding Area

Day 7 - Akureyri to Reykjavik

Day 8 - Departure

What to bring, good to know.

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and therefore cannot be guaranteed, but this itinerary is designed to maximise your chances to see them if weather allows. Please be aware that your itinerary may have to be rearranged due to weather conditions.

It can happen, in the case of extreme weather, that an activity is cancelled. If your chosen activity is cancelled, we will assist you with rearranging or booking other activities when possible, and any potential price difference will be refunded to you.

Note that Icelandic roads and pavements can be slippery in the wintertime. We recommend you bring shoes with slip-resistant soles or ice-grip shoe covers. The covers can be purchased in most supermarkets and gas stations around the country.

Accommodation in Reykjavik

See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary. Super budget level accommodations will be arranged in hostel dorm beds. For budget and comfort levels, bookings for one person will be arranged in single rooms, and bookings for two or more people will share a twin/double or triple room(s). For quality level, odd number groups will always be allocated a single room. If you are travelling in a group, but prefer a single room, please make separate bookings. Teenagers and children will be arranged in the same room with parents. If additional room(s) is needed, additional costs will incur.

For multi-day guided tours, accommodation cannot be upgraded and the levels below do not apply. Guide to Iceland will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. If our preferred partners are fully booked at the time of your booking, we will find another suitable accommodation for you of similar level.

We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.

You can now add meals to your booking.

Select to include dinner on every night as an optional extra, and we will provide you with vouchers as part of your booking confirmation. We will choose from top-rated restaurants that fit with your vacation itinerary and make your reservations for you.

At the restaurant, you will be offered a set menu, from which you can choose from meat, fish or vegetarian options. If you would prefer something else, the voucher will act as a credit that you can redeem at the restaurant against menu items that are not part of the set menu.

Please notify the restaurant on arrival about any dietary requirements.

Vouchers are non-refundable.

Cancellation Insurance

This insurance guarantees that you can cancel tour and package bookings and receive a full refund, minus the insurance cost.

The cost of your cancellation insurance depends on the duration of your tour or package. A base cost of 5,000 ISK per person is applied to all tours and packages with a duration of 5 days or less. An additional 1,000 ISK per person will be added to the insurance cost for each day after.

The cancellation must be made more than 48 hours before the listed starting time on your voucher. To cancel your booking and claim your refund, simply contact [email protected] and declare full cancellation.

Please note that this insurance covers the cancellation of the whole tour or package. Individual services cannot be cancelled and refunded separately, but are all covered and refunded in case of a full cancellation.

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8 days in Iceland: The Best Iceland Itinerary 8 days

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If you’re looking for 8 days in Iceland itinerary that will take you to all the best places in the country, look no further than this guide that covers everything from glaciers and waterfalls to hot springs and black sand beaches.

Iceland is a small country, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, and is home to some of the most incredible scenery on Earth. In this blog post, we’ll share 2 sample Iceland itineraries – one that doesn’t require you to rent a car (our itinerary), and another one from a fellow contributor that showcases an Iceland 8 day road trip itinerary. 

So whether you’re an experienced traveler or this is your first time exploring a new destination, we promise that you won’t be disappointed with Iceland. So pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

How to plan the perfect 8 days in Iceland itinerary: 8 days in the Land of Fire & Ice

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Iceland itinerary 8 days: Covering the best of south, west, and north Iceland

• Day 1 : Arrival + Blue Lagoon + Reykjavik (stay in Reykjavik)
• Day 2 : Golden Circle
• Day 3 : South Coast 
• Day 4 : Activity day***
• Day 5 : West Coast
• Day 6 : Akureyri + North Iceland (stay in Akuyeri)
• Day 7 : Lake Myvatn
• Day 8 : Reykjavik + Sky Lagoon 

8 days in Iceland itinerary: Discover the south, southeast, and west of Iceland

• Day 1 : Reykjavík (stay in Reykjavik)
• Day 2-3 : Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Day 4 : Þingvellir and the South Coast (part I)
• Day 5 : South Coast (part II) (stay in Vik)
• Day 6 : Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach (stay in Hofn)
• Day 7 : Activity Day
• Day 8 : Drive back + Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon 

Planning your trip to Iceland for 8 days 

Iceland is a beautiful country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs. There are plenty of things to see and do in Iceland , so it’s the perfect destination for any traveler, and for all times of the year. 

We have all the information you need to get started in this detailed Iceland travel tips post .

Iceland tourist visa

Iceland is not a part of the EU, but as a European state, it follows the Schengen Visa agreement. So if you need a visa to visit most countries in Europe, then the same Schengen visa will apply for Iceland. 

Visitors with US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter the country and stay for 90 days; however, from 2025, an online authorization – ETIAS – is required prior to travel. 

Getting to Iceland

If you are traveling from overseas to Iceland, especially from Asia, the United States, or Canada, you will arrive at the Keflavik International Airport , located 45 minutes from Reykjavik. 

In order to get to Reykjavik, you can pick up a car rental or book a transfer. Keflavik to Reykjavik transfer: Book here

Best time to visit Iceland

The best time to visit Iceland really depends on what you want to see and do while you are here.

For example, if your primary focus is to see the Northern Lights, then you will want to come during the winter months when there is less daylight, particularly from late September to mid-April. 

On the other hand, if you want to experience Icelandic nature at its finest – with long days and plenty of sunlight – then you will want to come during the summer months. This is also when you can experience the midnight summer hours (June to early August).  

In general, the shoulder season (May-June and September-October) is a great time to visit Iceland as the weather is more stable and there are fewer crowds. This also means that prices for accommodation and activities will be slightly higher than during the winter months.

Read about Iceland in October

Must add pack for Iceland

No matter what time of year you visit Iceland, you should always pack layers and waterproof clothing. The weather here can be very unpredictable, so it is always better to be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions.

If you are visiting during the winter, you will also want to pack some extra warm clothing, including colorful beanies, a scarf, and gloves. And if you are planning on doing any hiking or outdoor activities, make sure to pack comfortable hiking shoes and plenty of sunscreen lotion.

Read : What to wear in Iceland in October

Iceland 8 day Itinerary: Best of the south, west, and north Iceland

• Day 1 : Arrival + Blue Lagoon + Reykjavik
• Day 6 : Akureyri + North Iceland

Short on time? Read our 3 days in Iceland itinerary | 5 day Iceland itinerary (with 5 samples)

Day 1: Arrive in Iceland, Blue Lagoon Reykjavik

Welcome to Iceland! 

Iceland’s main airport is the Keflavik International Airport, located about 45 minutes from the capital city of Reykjavik. Most flights from North America arrive in Keflavik in the morning. 

We suggest booking a transfer to get to Reykjavik. A bus transfer is one of the affordable ways to get to the capital city, without renting a car or paying for a taxi. 

Keflavik to Reykjavik transfer: Book here

If interested you can also stop at Blue Lagoon spa, which is located about 15 minutes from the Keflavik airport. 

Tickets: 

• Transfer only: Book this transfer from Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik
• Tickets + Transfer: Book Here

The Blue Lagoon is a man-made thermal spa and is known for its healing waters. We recommend making a reservation prior to your visit to the Blue Lagoon . Their tickets get sold out fast (and sometimes weeks in advance), so plan ahead of time and make your bookings online.

There are 3 types of packages available for purchase at the Blue Lagoon. The basic or the Comfort Package is all you need. In this, you get access to the waters, public changing facilities, a silica mask, a drink, and a towel. 

No worries, if you have bags on you – there is a luggage storage room at the Lagoon entrance area where you can store your backpacks and suitcase. Storage fees start at 800 ISK.

After spending time at the Blue Lagoon, proceed to Reykjavik and check in to your hotel. Our recommendations, 

• Center Hotels Plaza: This is one of the best places to stay in Reykjavik, and if you choose one of the deluxe rooms, you will be greeted with a panoramic view of the entire city.  The hotel offers free breakfast as well and is within walking distance of many attractions. When taking tours, you will be a 3-minute walk to the meeting point Bus no 1, and 3. Book your stay here
• Guesthouse Sunna: Sunna is a fuss-free, and clean guesthouse located next to the tallest church in Iceland. Parking is also available on-site, and paid breakfast. Loved the views of the Hallgrimskirkja from the suite. Check out more review
• Room with a View Apartments: Located on the main street of Reykjavik Laugavegur, we stayed here on our very first trip to Iceland. The rooms are spacious and walkable to various city attractions, and restaurants. Book your stay here

Sightseeing tips in Reykjavik, 

Hallgrímskirkja

Visit the world’s largest church in Iceland – Hallgrímskirkja. There is no cost to go inside or around the building. To enjoy spectacular city views, take the church lift to the top which costs 1 000 ISK.

Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran church and is open every day.

Reykjavik City Hall and Tjörnin

The striking Reykjavik City Hall is located on the shores of Tjörnin, the city pond. It’s a great place to take photos, relax and feed the ducks!

Inside the City Hall, you can admire a large mural by Icelandic artist Hálfdan Pétursson. The mural depicts the country’s history and culture.

The Sun Voyager Sculpture

The Sun Voyager is a sculpture located on the waterfront of Reykjavik. The steel and glass structure denotes a dreamboat, or an ode to the Sun, and is meant to represent a dream of hope and progress. 

You can walk around the Sun Voyager or take photos. 

Perlan is another of Reykjavik’s iconic buildings. The observation deck offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding mountains. The site is made of a museum, man-made ice cream, and a large planetarium. 

There is also a café, restaurant, and gift shop inside Perlan. The cost of admission is different for the museum, and tours at the Perlan Wonders of Iceland. 

• You can select one of the two exhibits. Wonders of Iceland exhibition, including access to a real indoor ice cave, the 360° observation deck, and the Water in Icelandic Nature exhibition
• Or Áróra – Northern Lights Planetarium Show, including access to the 360° observation deck

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Icelandic meal at one of Reykjavik’s many excellent restaurants. You can also book a three-hour food tour, that offers five samples of Icelandic delicacies including a beer! Here is what I booked

Read: How to spend one day in Reykjavik itinerary

Day 2: The Golden Circle

On day 2 of the Iceland 8 day itinerary, opt for a Golden Circle tour. This route includes a national park which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a waterfall (or more), and a geothermal area. 

You can join a full day tour from Reykjavik, or drive there yourselves as well if renting a car. 

You can book a full-day tour of the Golden Circle Route, along with Secret Lagoon

Another option is the Golden Circle Kerid Crater + Blue Lagoon tour  

Thingvellir National Park

Start your day with a stop at the Thingvellir National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of the world’s oldest parliament. 

It is located in southwest Iceland, about an hour from Reykjavik. The park is home to hiking trails, waterfalls, and geothermal pools. It’s also one of the few locations on the planet where you may trek between two of the earth’s tectonic plates.

Many like to hike in Thingvellir National Park to get to Öxarárfoss Waterfall. This trail is 2.6 miles long with an elevation gain of 744 feet. It takes about an hour and a half to hike. 

On a tour, you will have to skip this hike, but you can add a snorkeling excursion that takes you through the North American and Eurasian Plates.

Book here : Golden Circle with snorkeling in Silfra (equipment provided)

From there, continue on to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s prettiest waterfalls. This waterfall is found in the Hvítá river canyon in Southwest Iceland. 

It is 0.6 miles from the parking lot, with an easy to moderate incline. The total time for this hike is about 20 minutes. There is also a restaurant on-site, and washroom facilities are available. 

There are two viewing platforms to see this beautiful waterfall. Ensure you are wearing a waterproof jacket and shoes so that you are not drenched. The falls come with a great force, and sometimes you can see a rainbow along with a lot of mist. 

This leads to slippery viewing areas, and although they are guardrails you should still be careful when you are walking around. 

Also, located near the viewing platform at Gullfoss is a sculpture and informative plaque about Sigridur Tomasdottir, who was an Icelandic environmentalist. She is known for her efforts in preserving the Gullfoss waterfalls, from industrialization.

Geothermal area

Finally, visit the geothermal area of Haukadalur to see the erupting geysers, Strokkur and Geysir. These two geysers are the most active in the park and erupt every 10 minutes or so.

Add-ons to the Golden Circle Route

Kerið Crater is another stop on the Golden Circle route. The crater is easily accessible along the Golden Circle route, and the edge provides a spectacular view.

To visit Kerid, you must pay a modest entry fee of 400 ISK (around $3.20, or EUR2.60). The entrance charge is used to maintain and protect the valuable crater. For free, you can stroll about the lovely surroundings as long as you want in return for the entrance fee.

Many tours also stop at the Secret Lagoon or Blue Lagoon . So this way you can make the most of your trip in a single day. 

We have already covered the Blue Lagoon. Now the Secret Lagoon is a cheaper alternative to the popular Blue Lagoon. The tickets are not too expensive, and they don’t have special packages or anything like that.

The Secret Lagoon is a natural lagoon and is one of the oldest in the country. There are change facilities as well as a restaurant and bar on-site, where you can relax and break the journey before traveling back to Reykjavik. 

Plan to have dinner in one of the main street restaurants in the capital city. Pick for the day : Cafe Loki.

Day 3: South Iceland

Explore the highlights of South Iceland, including the stunning and bucket list waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, including a stop at the cutest village of Vik.

If you have a rental car, you can follow directions to Seljalandsfoss first (1-hour 45-minute drive), and then the Skogafoss, followed by time at the Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Vik (1.50 hours). 

Without a car, you can book a full-day tour of the South Coast . There are many attractions along this route, and tours also offer guided activities like glacier walking, horse riding, and hiking excursions. We have listed them below,

• South Coast Day Trip with Glacier Hike
• South Coast Classic with Sólheimajökull glacier

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of the iconic waterfalls in southern Iceland. It is a popular spot as you can walk behind the cascading falls and even enjoy a hike in the nearby areas.  

The waterfall is located about 130 kilometers (about 80 miles) south of Reykjavik, on the road to Vik. It is completely free to access the site of the waterfall and view it. Parking costs 800 ISK.

To get to the falls, you don’t have to hike, it is just a short walk. If you wish to walk behind the waters, ensure you have waterproof clothing and shoes – the area had rocks that you have to climb unto, and it is slippery – so exercise caution as you go.

Skogafoss is the next waterfall on your south coast itinerary. It is located about 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) from Seljalandsfoss. Skogafoss is fed by the glacial river Skoga and has a height of 60 meters. 

There is a parking lot in the area, and within a short walk, you will be near the falls.

Reynisfjara black sand beach and Vik

Up next is the Reynisfjara black beach, where you can see the iconic basalt column formations. This is a nice photo spot, and we are sure you will love to take a walk here and stretch your legs. 

Just be super careful to not go close to the waves as they are very strong, and unpredictable. 

Continue to the charming fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal to visit the beautiful white and red church – Vikurkirkja.  Because of its location along Ring Road, Vik is a convenient stop for food, views, and souvenir shopping as well. 

Pro tip: If you are visiting in the winter months, particularly from late September to mid April, consider opting for a northern lights tour. These tours last 2.50 to 4 hours and include pick up and drop off from Reykjavik, along with camera gear and educational videos about the aurora borealis phenomenon. 

Tour options:

• South Coast : South Coast, Glacier Hike, and Northern Lights Winter Tour
• Northern Lights Bus Tour Only: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik with access to the Aurora Museum for free
• Northern Lights and Yacht: Northern Lights Luxury Yacht Tour

As northern lights are a natural sighting, in case no lights are viewed, you can re-join the tour the next day/s. 

Day 4: South Iceland Activities

On day of your Iceland itinerary 8 days, plan to participate in an activity of your choice. This is a great way to indulge in what Iceland has to enjoy, and also to break your trip from constant sightseeing. 

Popular activities include winter walks, hikes up the volcano Mt. Eyjafjallajokull or Fagradalsfjall, snowmobiling on the Vatnajokull Glacier, or lava and ice caves tour. 

If you are renting a vehicle, you will still have a book an excursion with a local tour company that will take you on the mountain, volcano, or inside a cave. Typically, these excursions will be anywhere from 2.50 to 4 hours and include an expert and equipment.

When you book a guided tour, round trip transportation will be included along with equipment, and some extra stops depending on your day trip itinerary. 

We have enjoyed different activities over the years in Iceland, including a full day at the Sky Lagoon, we will list our recommendations below, 

Summer activities

• Whale or puffin watching near Reykjavik . Here is a half-day combo tour of whale watching + puffins from Reykjavik . It lasts for 4 hours and is done on a boat (April to September)
• You might also like this Midnight sun whales and dolphins cruise (4 hour tour)
• Mountain climbing via ATV : Climb the Hafrafjall and Ulfarsfell Mountains via an ATV. Join this guided 3 hour tour for some stunning midnight summer fun, and views over Reykjavik. 
• Red Lava Horse Riding Tour: This experience is for 2.50 hours, and round-trip transportation from Reykjavik can be arranged. This is the tour to book near Reykjavik.  
• Volcano Hike : This is an 8 hour tour that included 2 hours of hike, and visits to the Bridge Between Continents, Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, Lake Kleifarvatn, and Gunnuhver Hot Springs on tour from Reykjavík. 

Midnight sun activities are best for trips in the summer months of June and July. This is a natural phenomenon wherein the sun doesn’t set until midnight. It occurs in places north of the Arctic Circle or south of the Antarctic Circle.

Winter activities:

Opt for an ice cave tour from Jokulsarlon and explore a natural blue ice cave within the Vatnajokull glacier or any of the tours from November to March. 

• Full day tour (boat tour): Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and Diamond Beach
• 3-hour glacier hike: Skaftafell National Park: Glacier Hike
• 4-hour ice cave + glacier hike: Skaftafell – Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike
• 3-hour ice cave tour: Vatnajökull Glacier – Ice Cave Tour

Day 5: West Iceland

Explore mini Iceland on day 5 of the Iceland itinerary. 

Here is the full-day tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula that you can book. It does make for a long day of sightseeing, so we recommend packing some snacks, and drink/s. 

If you are on a road trip from Reykjavik, you can follow similar stops like the day tour, and you will be returning back to the capital city to sleep overnight. It takes about 1.50 to 2 hours to get to Snaefellsnes.  

Typically stops in the Snaefellsnes peninsula include Berserkjahraun lava fields, waterfalls, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. 

Kirkjufell means ‘church mountain’, and it is the poster boy of Icelandic landscapes! This mountain and the nearby waterfalls together are often captured and promoted on social media for all things Iceland is known for. 

Once you reach the parking lot of Kirkjufell (same for tour minivans and car rental), it is a quick walk to the mountain and the waterfalls. There are hiking trails near the mountain but are accessible without a strenuous hike as well. 

Saxhóll Crater

The next stop is the Saxhóll Crater. It is a 100-meter-high volcanic crater, and to get to the top you will be taking the ‘Stairway to Heaven’. 

The climb up is a little hard, and if you are out of breath, stop and then get to the top – you won’t regret it! Trust us, the stunning views of the crater and the nearby mountains are worth it!

Djupalonssandur

Djupalonssandur is a sandy beach and bay on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland, just above Snæfellsjökull. It was once home to 60 fishing boats and an active town but is now unpopulated. 

At this site, you can go hiking. But for beach views alone, no hike is necessary. Once you park your car (or disembark from the tour bus), you can head to the viewing platform first for views and then hike down to the beach. 

From here, visit the lively fishing village of Arnarstapi , and admire the huge sculpture of Bárður Snaefellsas, home to Icelandic sagas and history. 

Make a quick stop at the stunning Budakirkja or the “Black Church.”  You can visit the church for free, and take a look at the historical artifacts from the 19th century. 

Ytri-Tunga and seal beach

The last stop for the day on the west coast is the golden-colored seal beach of Ytri-Tunga. 

Our guide said that there are over 98% chances of sighting seals here (in fact he had seen them on all tours, except once when it was cold). During my visit, the seals were mating, and they were playfully flapping and were coming too close to the shore. 

Now, after a long day of sightseeing, you can drive back to Reykjavik (driving time will be around 2 hours from here). Dine at Svarta Kaffid (also vegan friendly).

Day 6: Akureyri + North Iceland (stay in Akuyeri)

Spend the rest of the itinerary exploring the north of Iceland, especially the area in and around Akureyri. To explore this area, you won’t be able to join any day tours as it is quite a distance. 

Drive to Akureyri from Reykjavik is 5+ hours (one way). 

Without a car, you can get to Akureyri by flying from the Reykjavik Domestic airport. Flights are of 45 minutes and are operated by the national carrier – Icelandair. Opt for a morning or noon flight after breakfast in Reykjavik. 

Where to stay in Akureyri? 

• Icelandair Akureyri: Akuyeri is where you will be staying for the next 2-3 days. I stayed at the IcelandAir Akureyri. With comfortable and clean beds, views, and a wonderful patio restaurant, you will enjoy your stay here too. Check availability here
• Hotel Kea by Keahotels: Centrally located hotel, the KEA is beautifully placed by the Church of Akureyri. It is about a 12 minute walk from the Botanical Gardens and offers a stunning view of the fjords. Book your stay here

Once you arrive at the Akuyeri airport, take a cab to check in to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring this cute little town, which is actually the second largest settlement in Iceland. 

Visit the Akureyri art museum, Botanical Gardens, and historical sites such as the Nonni House. The must-visit landmark of Akureyri is Akureyrarkirkja or The Church of Akureyri. 

You can easily explore the entire city in a matter of a few hours – 4 to 6 hours. 

Day 7: Lake Myvatn area tour

On day 7 of your Iceland itinerary, explore the Myvatn Lake area (Diamond Circle) along with Godafoss. 

When driving, you can set aside 8 -10 hours with ample stops along the way. The drive takes you from Akureyri along the scenic coast of Eyjafjordur, which is one of the longest fjords in the country.

Alternatively, you can also book a day tour, which also includes pick up from Akureyri hotels. The tour covers 5-7 stops which we will cover below. It also includes time at the Myvatn Nature Baths . 

Book this full-day tour here

Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss is one of the primary attractions on the Diamond Circle route. The falls are formed by the glacial river Skjálfandafljót. The best time to see Goðafoss is in the summer when the days are long and the weather is good. The waterfall is best seen from the north side, where there is a viewing platform. 

The name Goðafoss literally means “waterfall of the gods”. It is named so, as one of their prime lawmakers threw his pagan gods/statues into the waterfall after converting to Christianity.

There are many trails in and around the waterfalls (along with a restaurant and washrooms on-site). You can spend anywhere from 1 to 2 hours here, checking out the falls from various levels, and bridges. 

Pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar

The pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar are next. These craters are found in the Lake Mývatn area and were formed due to volcanic eruptions. 

During eruptions when lava runs across an area, the heat and water trapped underneath cause a crater-like shape. As they were not the sources of lava, or volcanoes in themselves, they are not considered true craters. Hence the name pseudo-crater . 

We recommend enjoying a light hike to various viewing platforms to check out the views!

Dark cities/Dark fortress

Dimmuborgir or Dark cities/Dark fortress was formed in an eruption that occurred in the area 2,300 years ago. This site is known for its dramatic black lava and rock formations, and hiking trails. There are also castles, caverns, and caves all around you. 

Other than hikes (summer months), you can learn about Icelandic traditions. 

The most famous of these traditions and folklore are that of half-troll, half-ogre Grýla, and her submissive husband Leppalúði. Here, her 13 children, known as the ‘Icelandic Santa Clauses’ or Yule Lads come to visit thirteen nights before Christmas. 

Geothermal areas

From here, make your way to the cave of Grjótagjá and stop at the hot spring area at Hverarönd in Námaskarð. 

Grjótagjá is a small lava cave located in the Myvatn Lake area. It has a small hot spring inside the cave, and you can feel/see steam coming out of the cave. 

Next is the geothermal area of Hverarönd in Námaskarð, which is located a short distance from the huge volcanic mountain Krafla. 

Hverarönd is home to hot springs, mud pools, and mud pots. In certain spots, you will find boiling water, and there is also emission of acids with colorful minerals. 

Lake Myvatn and Nature Baths

Next is the lake viewpoint itself. Lake Mývatn is a volcanic lake and is best known for fishing and bird watching opportunities. 

East of here is the Blue Lagoon of the North – Mývatn Nature Baths . This is a naturally heated man-made lagoon, with mineral-rich waters known for their healing properties.

After sightseeing, you can relax at the Nature Baths for 1-2 hours, before driving or traveling back to your Akuyeri hotel. 

Day 8: Reykjavik + Sky Lagoon 

Fly back to Reykjavik from Akuyeri. If you arrive in the morning, you can spend the rest of the day exploring Reykjanes Peninsula. Or book a few hours at Sky Lagoon. 

We will go over the options below, but this is perfect if you are flying out the next day. 

If you have to fly out on day 8 in the evening (like 5:00 pm or later), then it makes sense to stop at the Blue Lagoon as long as you get a time slot for 10:00 to 11:00 am in the morning. Anything later than that might be too tight for checking in, security, etc. at the Keflavik Airport. 

Reykjanes Peninsula

In 2 to 4 hours, you can highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula, such as the Reykjanesviti lighthouse, Bridge of the Continents, and the geothermal area of Gunnuhver. 

The newest geothermal spa in Iceland, Sky Lagoon deserves a spot on your Iceland 8 day itinerary. We tried to provide pointers on when you can add a trip there because it is SOOO worth it. 

They open in the afternoon until later hours into the day. So this is perfect if you are staying in Reykjavik overnight. Sky Lagoon to Reykavik is 15 minutes by car. A cab is not super expensive, and transfers are also available. 

The Sky Lagoon is known for its infinity-edge pool with views of the Kársnes Harbour. The signature 7 Step Ritual is a must-do at the Lagoon. This is an Icelandic ritual that involves a hot and cold cycle, followed by a sauna, and steam room experience with a body scrub and a cold shower to provide you 100% rejuvenation. 

You must pay for a Pure Pass to complete one journey of the 7 Step Ritual, and you can stay there as long as you like. The complex has changing facilities, a restaurant, and washrooms on-site. 

Tickets for Sky Lagoon: Pure Pass (mid-level) | Sky Pass (luxury level)

On your final day, spend the morning at your leisure before heading to the airport for your flight home.

8 day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

Here is a second Iceland 8 day itinerary which a fellow traveler contributed, Lotte from Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog (Thank you for sharing your experience, Lotte)

One of the most beautiful rugged islands in the world, if not the most beautiful, is Iceland. With a name that seems to come straight out of a fairytale, Iceland is home to elves and trolls according to local legends. 

While these stories may or may not be true, one thing is certain: Iceland is a unique country with a long history and a strong culture. Icelandic nature is stunning and while there are more and more tourists visiting Iceland, there are still lots of remote and hidden highlights. 

Therefore, making a road trip is the best way to explore this amazing island, so you can stop often and admire yet another breathtaking view. This 8 day Iceland road trip itinerary includes Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Icelandic south coast.

So buckle up and hit the road!

Iceland 8 day itinerary: Snapshot

• Day 1 : Reykjavík
• Day 5 : the South Coast (part II)
• Day 6 : Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík and explore

Arrive in Iceland, pick up a car rental from the Keflavik International Airport and drive to the capital city – Reykjavik.

About one-third of the Icelandic people live in Reykjavík. While the city isn’t very large, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. 

So during your first day in Iceland, allow yourself at least a couple of hours to explore this lovely little capital. Some sights you can’t miss are:

• The Harpa Building
• The Old Harbor
• The Sun Voyager Statue
• The Hallgrimskirkja
• The colorful historic city center

Here is a list of things to do in Reykjavik for free or cheap !

Pick up a hotdog at Bæjarins Beztu and a coffee at Joe and the Juice and you’re ready to pick up your own set of wheels and start your Iceland road trip. 

Alternatively, if you landed late in the afternoon, consider spending the night in one of the hotels in Reykjavík (the Radisson Blu Saga Hotel is another excellent) and pick up your car or campervan the next day. 

Day 2-3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

While you technically could make a Snæfellsnes Peninsula day trip, there is so much to see and do here that it’s definitely worthwhile to give yourself an extra day.

Even then, you’ll be doing lots of driving, but don’t worry as this will be one of the most scenic routes you’ll ever come across in your life.

In Iceland, or on any road trip for that matter, it’s not just about the destination but as much about the trip itself.

Hvalfjörður

If you have time, consider taking a detour around the edge of the Hvalfjörður. While much slower than the Hvalfjörður Tunnel, the views along the way are stunning. 

Love hiking? You may want to tackle the trail to Glymur, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall (only Morsárfoss is taller). The trail is 7.5 km (4.66 miles) but note that conditions in winter can be challenging. Only continue when it’s safe to do so and consider bringing crampons. 

Hike Mt. Eldborg

Instead of hiking to Glymur, you could also follow the trail to the edge of Mt. Eldborg, a volcano that’s no longer active. The trail is 7 km (4.3 miles) and will take you around 1.5-2 hours, depending on the trail conditions (and your own fitness). 

Gerduberg Cliffs 

Make a quick stop at the Gerðuberg cliffs. This 500-meter-long row of hexagonal basalt columns is impressive, to say the least, and a must-see on your Iceland itinerary. 

A scenic route around the Snæfellsjökull

From Kirkjufell, continued your drive around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The mountain that you’ll continuously see along the way is the 1446 meters tall Snaefellsjokull volcano, which is part of the Snaefellsjokull National Park. 

Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell features many photos of Iceland and is instantly recognizable because of its typical shape. If you’ve skipped Glymur and Mt. Eldborg and are ready for a serious hike, consider hiking to the top of Kirkjufell. 

The roundtrip takes about 3 hours and is not for the faint of heart, fatal accidents have occurred so be careful and take your time navigating this beautiful but difficult trail. 

Don’t forget to visit Kirkjufellsfoss across the road as well, yet another beautiful waterfall in Iceland. During winter this fall often freezes over and there will be a beautifully formed frozen waterfall, quite a unique sight!

Grundarfjörður to Stykkishólmur 

It’s been a long day but there is more to come. The drive from Grundarfjörður to Stykkishólmur is one of the most stunning drives in Iceland. Every corner you turn comes with yet another breathtaking view. 

Savor every minute of this scenic route before you head back south to explore more highlights in Iceland.

Day 4: Þingvellir and the South Coast (part I)

Start your day at Þingvellir, one of the three national parks in Iceland as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Þingvellir 

Þingvellir is an important site for the Icelandic people and a place of historical significance: this is where the Alþing (the world’s oldest parliament) took place from 930 until 1798. 

Give yourself plenty of time to explore this very special place and be sure to stop at the Visitor Center as well to learn more about the fascinating history of Þingvellir. 

While visiting Kerið (Kerid Crater) requires you to make a little detour, you won’t be disappointed. During winter this small volcanic lake freezes over but during summer the water is a vivid blue. 

Take the short and easy 1.4 km (2.5 miles) trail leading over the rim of the crater or descend down to the edges of the lake. 

Seljalandsfoss

The last stop of the day is Seljalandsfoss, yet another beautiful waterfall in Iceland. The unique thing about this particular waterfall is that you can walk behind it! 

The parking fee is 800 ISK but the access to the waterfall itself is free. If you follow this exact itinerary you should arrive at Seljalandsfoss around sunset which makes for the best photo opportunities. 

Day 5: South Coast part II

Lots of stops on this day of your road trip Iceland itinerary. First and foremost: take your time and admire the views along the way. You’ll be covering a lot of distance today but the drive itself is so beautiful you definitely won’t be bored. 

First up is Skógafoss, a 60 meters high and 25-meter-wide waterfall. Parking here is free and you can hike to the top for a beautiful view of the surroundings. 

If it’s a sunny day you can take amazing rainbow pictures at the bottom of the waterfall, though prepare to get wet from the fine mist coming from the thundering fall. 

DC 3 Plane Wreck at Sólheimasandur

This plane crashed in 1973 because it had run out of fuel. In hindsight the pilot made an error and switched over to the wrong tank, however, the plane went down and has been there ever since. 

Getting to the site isn’t difficult, you can simply park at the designated DC3 plane parking lot along road 1 and walk the easy and flat trail (7 km return) to the wreck. 

During the summer months, there will be plenty of people around but during winter you may even end up having the entire plane to yourself. If you’re a photographer, you’ll love this spot. 

The combination of the black sand, the wreck, and the magical Icelandic light make for a beautiful yet alien sight. 

Dyrhólaey may very well end up being your favorite stop on the South Coast. It’s the southernmost spot in Iceland and is known for its jet-black beach and breathtaking views. 

Be sure to visit Dyrhólaey Viewpoint as well as the Lighthouse and Reynisfjara viewpoint, all very worthwhile stops!

Vik i Myrdal Church

Planning to get married in Iceland? If so, definitely consider having your wedding at the Vik i Myrdal Church. Built in 1929, this small picture-perfect church is situated upon a hill, offering 360 views over the town and the amazing Icelandic landscapes. 

Stay in Vik overnight: Hótel Vík is a 3-star property offering breakfast, free parking, and more. Check availability here

Day 6 – 7: South East – Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and activities

There is lots more to see along the Icelandic south coast but especially in winter when the days are short give yourself plenty of time to drive all the way to Diamond Beach.  

From Vik, continue driving east for about 2 to 2.50 hours, and be sure to include these stops:

Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park 

Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier, covering 10% of Iceland’s total area. Vatnajokull National Park also includes the surrounding land, making it much larger. Skaftafell and Svartifoss are part of the national park area.

This park has been proposed to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list recently. 

Known for its impressive basalt columns, Svartifoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. And that says a lot for a country with over 200 named waterfalls.

There is a nice 3 km or 1.8 miles (roundtrip) trail leading to the waterfall, however, the track may be covered in snow during winter. 

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

From Svartifoss drive 45 minutes to get to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach. These are some of the most famous sights in Iceland and are highly worth a visit. 

Admire the huge icebergs floating around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and marvel at the pitch-black sand and beautifully shaped lumps of crystal clear ice at Diamond Beach. 

Plan to stay overnight at Höfn (40 minutes to 1 hour drive from Jökulsárlón). Hotel Höfn Inn Guesthouse

Set aside day 7 for an activity in the area. In the summer months, you can add a boat tour to see the icebergs up close and personal. You can also opt for a glacier, snowmobiling, or ice cave tour, which are guided excursions and only available with a guide. 

Typically these excursions will be around 3-5 hours in duration, and equipment will be provided. 

In the winters, particularly from November to March, we recommend an ice cave tour from Jokulsarlon to visit a natural blue ice cave within the Vatnajokull glacier.

We recommend staying in Hofn for this night as well, and start early morning for the drive back.

Day 8: Drive back to Reykjavik (Sky or Blue Lagoon)

Plan for a long drive to get back to Reykjavik, about 5+ hours (maybe longer in the winters). 

If you are not flying out on day 8, you can surely stop at the Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon to enjoy a lovely soak in the Icelandic geothermal waters before departing from the Land of the Fire and Ice.

Sky Lagoon 

Sky Lagoon is located near Reykjavik, about 15 minutes drive away. It is a man-made lagoon that is supplied with water from the geothermal power plant nearby. 

It is a beautiful place to take a dip and relax in the warm water in the winters. Do pay for the Pure Pass to enjoy one journey of the 7 Step Ritual. 

Iceland Driving Tips 

Here are some important things to know before hitting the road:

• Whenever you come across a gas station: fill up! Never mind your tank is only half-empty, gas stations can be far apart and you don’t want to get stranded without fuel. 
• Obey the speed limit . This goes without saying but pay close attention to the speed limit. Also, adjust your speed to the conditions. While you may be allowed to drive 80 km/h, this may not be the best idea if the road is covered with frozen patches of ice. 
• Avoid driving in the dark , especially when road conditions are bad. It’s challenging enough to drive across slippery roads, let alone driving slippery roads covered in snow in the pitch-black. 

How to drive safely in Iceland (especially during winter) 

Reykjavík is the world’s northernmost capital and the northern tip of Iceland actually falls within the official North Pole. Therefore, it’s no surprise conditions here can be harsh. 

During winter, there can be extreme rainfall, heavy storms, lots of snow, and freezing temperatures. However, even during summer, the weather can change within minutes. 

As such, it’s recommended to prepare yourself for all kinds of weather. Bring enough layers, warm clothes, a proper raincoat, and waterproof hiking boots. Besides proper packing, road safety is extremely important when it comes to road-tripping Iceland. 

Here are some websites you should check daily during your 8 day itinerary in Iceland

• Road.is : This provided you with information about road conditions throughout the country.  
• Vedur.is : Use this to check the weather. On Vedur you can also find information about the wind speed, which can be extreme in Iceland so pay close attention. Driving in very strong winds is difficult, even if you’re an experienced driver.  
• Safetravel.is : Get alerts about road closures, storms, and more. You can also find lots of general safety tips here that can be really useful when planning your Iceland road trip.

Renting a car or campervan in Iceland

Personally, I feel the absolute best way to explore Iceland is by renting a car or even better: a campervan.

Having your own wheels allows you to decide upon your own itinerary, stop often to take pictures of the magnificent views, and visit sights that are off-the-beaten-track. 

It’s recommended to rent a 4×4 if possible, especially during winter. When planning an Iceland winter road trip, make sure your rental vehicle has snow tires and there are snow chains in the trunk.  

Find the best deals for cars on RentalCars.com . If you want to rent a campervan I highly recommend CampEasy Iceland . 

How to find campsites in Iceland

To protect the environment from inconsiderate campers, wild camping isn’t allowed in Iceland. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful campsites available, most with lots of facilities to make your stay a very comfortable one.

Check Tjalda and the CampEasy website to find the best spots and read which campsites are open year-round. The Park4Night app is another useful source to find camp spots, though please note not all spots listed there are legal…

Campgrounds aren’t cheap but they are cheaper than hotels. Plus, you’ll probably be cooking your own meals which also saves you lots of money, despite the fact that grocery shopping in Iceland is also a bit more expensive than in most other countries (everything has to be imported).

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Information

Iceland ring road is a popular tourist route in Iceland, and for good reason. This ring road encircles the entire island and provides visitors with stunning views of some of Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes. 

The route takes you past glaciers, lava fields, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and more. You can complete the route in about 20-24 hours, without stopping in good weather conditions. 

There are many different ways to travel the Iceland ring road. You can drive it yourself, take a guided tour, or even hitchhike. 

If you’re planning on driving the ring road, be sure to check the conditions of the roads before you go. The weather in Iceland can change very quickly, and the roads can be slippery and dangerous. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when driving in Iceland.

Hitchhiking is also a popular way to travel the ring road. Many people hitchhike all around Iceland without any problems. However, it’s always important to use common sense and follow basic safety precautions when hitchhiking.

Iceland guided tours are another great option for traveling the ring road. These tours will take you to all of the best sights and help you learn more about the history and culture of Iceland.

No matter how you choose to travel the Iceland ring road, you’re sure to have an amazing experience. This is a truly unique and beautiful place, and there’s no better way to see it than by taking a road trip. 

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Iceland adventure today!

If you’re looking for more information about traveling in Iceland, be sure to check out our other articles. 

• Best Iceland winter tours
• Guide to visiting Lake Myvatn Nature Baths
• Blue Lagoon alternatives, the best hot pools in Iceland

Pin: 8 day Iceland itinerary for road trippers, day tours, and all seasons

Contributor for Iceland Road trip: Lotte 

Lotte is an avid traveler and founder of Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog, where you can read about her travel tips and experiences. Lotte enjoys hiking, taking road trips, and has a deep love for the mountains (a bit ironic, since she was born and raised in the Netherlands, the flattest country on earth). 

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Hello Mayuri, Thank you for all your wonderful articles. I always go back to your blog before planning any trip. In your 8-day road trip itinerary, did you stay in Reykjavik from days 1-4 and take day trips to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula? Or did you stay somewhere in/near Snæfellsnes?

Thank you so much 🙂 I have done both! When not hiking, you can explore the highlights of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a day trip exactly like the first sample of the 8 day Iceland itinerary – stay in Reykjavik and then take day trips to south and west Iceland.

In the second leg of the trip, keep Akureyri as a base for north Iceland.

Hope this helps! Happy Travels!

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2026 Iceland Total Solar Eclipse Tour

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• No-hassle best price guarantee
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REYKJAVIK-SELFOSS-SKOGAFOSS-MYDALSJOKULL-BLUE LOGOON-JOKOLSARLON-FRADOARGLFUR CANION

Iceland is a land of breathtaking natural beauty. It is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, including towering volcanoes, expansive underground ice caves, and steaming geysers. Iceland has a rich and unique culture that has been shaped by its history and geography. The country was settled by Norsemen in the 9th century, and its culture is largely defined by its literary heritage that began during the 12th century 12. Icelanders are proud of their heritage and do a lot to preserve their historical roots, which has given them a strong sense of culture in the arts, food, literature, and language. Icelandic culture is a unique mix of ancient Norse traditions and modern-day influences. The country’s focus on feminism, technology, and language has impacted its culture over the years. Icelandic cuisine is known for its fresh seafood, lamb, and dairy products, and the country has a thriving music scene that includes traditional folk music and contemporary pop. Iceland is also known for its stunning natural beauty, including towering volcanoes, expansive underground ice caves, and steaming geysers 4. The country has a number of breathtaking waterfalls, including Skógafoss, and is home to Vatnajökull, one of the largest glaciers in the world.

Tour starts at

Reykjavik, Iceland

Tour ends at

Price includes.

• 7 Nights Hotel Accommodation in double occupancy
• Expert astronomer tour leader
• All entrance fees
• All transportation
• Daily breakfasts at the hotels
• Lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary as [L] and [D]
• Private special tent for Eclipse Traveler and hot/cold beverages and snacks served during eclipse
• English speaking local tour guide
• Eclipse celebration party
• Travel documents kit
• We have arranged for multiple viewing locations for the eclipse day, and we will decide on the location based on the weather conditions that day to ensure maximum flexibility
• All sightseeing mentioned in teh itinerary by prfessional guides.

Price Excludes

• International flights
• Any Personal Expenses
• Gratuities for your guide and driver
• Travel Insurance

Day 1: Mon, Aug 10 Arrival in Reykjavik: A Warm Welcome-Reykjavik

Upon arrival at Reykjavik’s airport, our friendly team will be there to greet you. You’ll then be comfortably transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have the chance to connect with fellow travelers. The rest of the day is yours to explore Reykjavik at your leisure or simply relax in your cozy hotel room. Before dinner, we’ll gather for a welcome talk. This is the perfect opportunity to meet your knowledgeable guides and discuss the exciting adventures that await us. Get ready to immerse yourself in Iceland’s wonders! Overnight in a comfortable 4-star hotel in the heart of Reykjavik.

Day 2: Tue, Aug. 11 Explore Reykjavik’s Vibrant Attractions-Reykjavik

Embark on a captivating city tour of Reykjavik, where history, architecture, and natural wonders converge. Your itinerary includes Reykjavik’s iconic landmark, visible from almost anywhere in the city. This national monument, built in tribute to Icelandic poet Hallgrimur Petursson, boasts a magnificent 25-ton pipe organ. Don’t miss the steeple’s elevator ride for the best panoramic view of Reykjavik. Even if you don’t catch a concert here, the award-winning architecture of Harpa is a must-see. Its honeycomb exterior dazzles in daylight and transforms into a rainbow of colors at night. Explore the two restaurants inside and browse unique gifts in the small Perlan Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders: Discover state-of-the-art exhibits showcasing Iceland’s diverse natural beauty, from cliffs and volcanoes to marine life. The stunning Perlan building itself is an architectural marvel Flyover Iceland: Immerse yourself in breathtaking aerial views of Iceland’s spectacular landscapes through this mesmerizing drone show. Sky Lagoon: Experience one of the world’s best spas in Reykjavik. The “7-step ritual” awaits, so pack your swimsuit and indulge in relaxation. Conclude your day with a 2-course lunch at the Perlan restaurant, followed by a rest at your 4-star Reykjavik hotel. Enjoy exploring local eateries for dinner. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 3: Wed, Aug. 12 Witnessing the Eclipse in Iceland-Reykjavik

Prepare for an extraordinary celestial event as we gather to witness the eclipse on August 12. Here’s our carefully planned itinerary. In the late afternoon, we’ll assess the weather conditions and select the optimal eclipse viewing location. After breakfast, join us in the hotel’s conference room for an enlightening eclipse briefing. Our expert astronomers will share insights and answer your eclipse-related queries. Following the talk, participate in a photography workshop. Bring your questions, and our skilled guides will help you capture this rare phenomenon through your lens.

Recharge with a delicious buffet lunch at the hotel.Next, we’ll board buses and journey to our designated observing site. Excitement builds as we anticipate the eclipse’s arrival. 1. Eclipse Timing in detail: o Mark these moments:  1st contact: 16:45:16 UT/local time  2nd contact: 17:46:05 UT/local time  Totality duration: 2 minutes and 2 seconds  3rd contact: 17:48:07 UT/local time  4th contact: 18:46:17 UT/local time As the eclipse concludes, we’ll celebrate our successful viewing.After the 4th contact, we’ll head back to the hotel. Dinner will be convenient packed boxes, considering our remote location far from Reykjavik. Remember: We’ll provide eclipse sunglasses to ensure your safe enjoyment of this awe-inspiring event.

NB: We have arranged for multiple viewing locations for the eclipse day, and we will decide on the location based on the weather conditions that day to ensure maximum flexibility. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 4 Thu, Aug. 13 Exploring Skógafoss, Vik, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon drive to Kirkjubaejarklaustur

After a hearty breakfast, get ready for an adventure that combines waterfalls, remote villages, and glacial wonders. First, Skógafoss Waterfall is one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls, boasts a 60-meter drop and a 25-meter width. You can walk right up to it but prepare to be drenched by the spray. On sunny days, the waterfall produces beautiful rainbows, often double rainbows. Climb the steps to an observation platform above Skógafoss for a stunning view. Then we will continue with Vik which is a picturesque seafront village, lies in the shadow of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which conceals the mighty Katla volcano. The area around Vik is steeped in folklore, including tales of trolls and other mythical beings. Continue onto Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon fed by the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, features still, blue waters dotted with icebergs. Seals can be spotted year-round, especially at the lagoon’s mouth during winter fish-catching season.See the Diamond Beach, where ancient ice chunks contrast against the black sand and finally an Amphibian Boat Tour waits for us to explore the lagoon’s secret and quiet corners, coming face to face with giant icebergs. Overnight in Kirkjubaejarklaustur.

Day 5 Fri, Aug. 14 Exploring Reynisfjara Beach and the Blue Lagoon drive to Hella

Today first we will embark on an adventure that combines dramatic landscapes and ultimate relaxation. See the Reynisfjara Beach with its black sand and iconic basalt columns, is a world-renowned beach located near the village of Vik í Myrdal. Be cautious of the sneaker waves, which can unexpectedly crash ashore. The folklore of sealskin adds an intriguing layer to this unique place. Proceed to LAVA Center in Hvolsvöllur where we will have a stop at the interactive volcano exhibition to explore the colossal natural forces that shaped Iceland over millions of years. There we will discover the fascinating history of volcanic activity and geological transformations. Then comes the Blue Lagoon: where you can relax in the remarkable waters of the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. The stunning scenery, modern facilities, and healing properties draw visitors from around the world. Return to Reykjavik and tonight is a Farewell Dinner in Reykjavik: Enjoy a delightful dinner as you bid farewell to this enchanting land. Rest overnight in Reykjavik, cherishing memories of Iceland’s natural wonders. Overnight in Hella.

Day 6 Sat, Aug. 15 Exploring Seljalandsfoss, Vestmannaeyjar, and Eldheimar Museum-Hella

Today, get ready for an adventure that combines waterfalls, volcanic islands, and captivating history. First, we will head out to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Seljalandsfoss, originating from Eyjafjallajökull’s glacier, is a stunning cascade that plunges from the highlands. But here’s the exciting part: you can actually walk behind the falls! If the weather is warm and there’s no ice, follow the path to experience this unique perspective. Then what awaits us is a Ferry Ride to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands): Hop on a 30-minute ferry ride to Vestmannaeyjar, an archipelago off Iceland’s south coast. The youngest island, Surtsey, emerged from underwater volcanic eruptions in 1963. Your destination is Heimaey, the largest and only inhabited island. It boasts two volcanoes: Helgafell and Eldfell. In Eldheimar Museum we will explore the interactive displays at Eldheimar Museum, which chronicle the devastating 1973 eruption of Eldfell. Witness how this volcanic event transformed the island, destroying around 400 buildings. After the museum, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant on Heimaey. Finally an Island Exploration with a hike to a small crater, observe puffins nesting and flying near the cliffs, and soak in the unique atmosphere of Heimaey. Return to the mainland via ferry and head back to your 4-star hotel near Hella for a delightful dinner. Overnight in Hella.

Day 7 Sun, Aug. 16 Exploring Iceland’s Natural Wonders: The Golden Circle Selfoss and drive to Reykjavik

Following breakfast, embark on a full-day tour to discover some of the most renowned natural phenomena around Reykjavik. Brace yourself for geysers, waterfalls, and ancient volcanic landscapes that showcase Iceland’s pristine beauty. Þingvellir National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage site holds immense historical, geological, and cultural significance. Located in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, Þingvellir was the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament, Alþingi, founded in 930 AD. Here, powerful leaders convened to legislate and dispense Viking-age justice. Explore the dramatic landscape, where visible crevasses mark the drifting tectonic plates. Don’t miss the chance to dive or snorkel in Silfra, a fissure between continents. Gullfoss Waterfall, mighty Gullfoss, also known as the “Golden Waterfall,” captivates visitors with its cascading tiers. The Hvítá River plunges 31 meters into the Gullfossgljúfur canyon, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.Wander the paths around the falls to capture different vantage points and feel the spray on your face. Geysir Geothermal Area, there we will Witness the home of “The Great Geysir,” which gave its name to all other geysers worldwide. Although Geysir itself is dormant, nearby Strokkur erupts reliably every 3-7 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters high. Explore bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and colorful algae deposits. Friðheimar Greenhouse, where we will enjoy a private dinner at Friðheimar, a geothermally heated greenhouse where fresh vegetables thrive despite Iceland’s harsh climate. Be treated to a horse show featuring Icelandic horses, known for their fine tölt gait. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 8 Mon, Aug. 17 Departure Day: Last-Minute Shopping and Airport Transfer

After a satisfying breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your hotel. You’ll check out and have a few hours to indulge in some last-minute shopping, perhaps picking up a souvenir or two to remember your Icelandic adventure. In the afternoon, we’ll arrange a comfortable transfer to the airport. Our team will ensure you reach your departure gate smoothly, leaving you with cherished memories of Iceland. Safe travels, and until we meet again!

• Reykjavik: Sand Hotel , 101 Hotel or similar
• Hella: Hotel Ranga or similar
• Kirkjubaaejarklaustur: Hotel Laki or similar

Rates & Booking Info

Per person in Double room: $ 6,875

Single Room: $ 8,350

Payment Schedule:

• Deposit: $2,500 per person is due at the time of booking along with a completed Booking Form.
• 2nd Payment: $2,000 per person due by May 1, 2024
• Final Payment due by May 1, 2025

Fill out the Booking Form and e mail to [email protected] or fax to +1 (888) 514-7070 along with your passport copies.

Cancellation Terms:

Cancellations must be in writing by email, fax, or mail. Cancellation Penalties are as follows:

• Booking date –August 1, 2023: 25% penalty
• August 2, 2023 – May 1, 2024: 50% penalty
• May 2, 2024- May 1, 2025: 80% penalty
• May 2, 2025 – Trip date: 100% penalty

Important Remark:

Eclipse traveler makes every effort in collaboration with our astronomers and local meteorological offices as well as local astronomers in the region to stick to planned itinerary. On another important note we should also remind you to keep in mind that it is subject to change depending on local flights schedule alterations weather and other meteorological circumstances which may prevent the unique natural event from being perfectly visible. Viewing a solar eclipse is naturally weather-dependent and in case we are delivered untowardly weather conditions Eclipse Traveler reserves the right to change the itinerary, re-route or totally cancel the tour by providing other options to its guests in a timely manner. Therefore, we urge all of our guests not to book or buy their international flight tickets without consulting Eclipse Traveler staff.

Additional Info

Take part in the 2026 iceland total solar eclipse tour.

Famous street shopping, exotic cuisine, and breathtaking scenery are only a few of the reasons to consider expanding your worldview with our  Portugal & Spain eclipse tour! At Eclipse Traveler, we’ve reimagined family-friendly adventures with comfortable amenities, the best local astronomy guides, and exciting itinerary planning that provides our travelers with memorable and enriching experiences to look forward to every day.

Plan Your Next Adventure Today

Excited to learn more about our all-inclusive solar eclipse tours? Get in touch with our expert astronomers to begin planning for the most amazing trip of your life!

Sign Up Today for This Once-In-A-Lifetime Tour

While learning, exploring, and becoming immersed in the local cultures, our 2026 Iceland solar eclipse tour packages have been harmoniously organized to include everything from transportation and entrance fees, to luxury hotel accommodations and flavorful local dining opportunities. We do our best to create a seamless experience for our guests, and with our friendly local guides assisting with every detail of the trip, you can expect to take in the scenes, relax in style, and focus on the fun as we simplify the logistics and travel accommodations on your behalf.

Our Eclipse Tour Covers Travel & Transportation

What comes with this tour.

• 8 Days Filled With Adventure & Fun
• All Transportation
• All Entrance Fees
• & More

Ready To Learn More About Your Next Adventure?

Benefit from knowledgeable & helpful local guidance.

Our experienced Iceland Eclipse Team has hand-selected some of their favorite destinations in the hopes of sharing the best flavors, views, and cultural events with you on a personal level. While benefiting from the expertise of our local guides, you can expect to discover interesting historical landmarks, museums, artisan excellence, and enjoy an unforgettable blend of local and astral events that will transform your perspective of the world and expand your horizons.

While exploring beauties of teh country with our accommodating 2026 Iceland solar eclipse tours, you will discover local secrets and gain an insider’s perspective on the cultural richness that is easily overlooked without a local’s guidance. True exploration is at the heart of our 2026 eclipse journey, and we do our best to take you off the beaten trail, connect you with the untapped beauty of these wonderful regions, and support every aspect of your adventure with local astronomy guides who are focused on catering to your needs and supporting you in any way possible.

HIDDEN ICELAND

Come & Find the Best of Iceland

PRIVATE GRAND CIRCLE TOUR | 8+ DAY RING ROAD

The private grand circle, ring road tour takes you around the entire island stopping at all the most celebrated sights that iceland has to offer, while taking in breathtaking scenery. this customisable trip can easily be extended or amended to match your number of days and desires. join our grand circle tour for the ultimate ring road trip, iceland’s unbroken ring road was only completed in the 1960s, finally giving the locals unencumbered access to the entire country. at over 800 miles, we can understand why it took so long. let’s explore it together., throughout this expansive itinerary we will visit the popular golden circle with its erupting geysers , thunderous waterfalls and scarred tectonic boundaries . we will travel the entire south coast making sure to stop at the vatnajökull national park  where there are countless glacier, icebergs and black sand beaches . in the eastfjords we will wizz around the winding roads with towering mountains on one side and dramatic coastal cliffs on the other. as we travel north we will visit iceland’s largest and most stunning waterfalls and take in the geothermally active sites of mývatn . in the north and west we’ll get a glimpse of rural life and ever changing landscapes before finishing in the south west with the blue lagoon , recently active volcanoes . to achieve iceland’s ring road is to really feel like you’ve ‘seen it all’..

PRIVATE GRAND CIRCLE TOUR | 8 + DAY RING ROAD

Tour summary, arrival & reykjavík |  take it easy on your arrival day and settle into the icelandic time, day 1 | golden circle with friðheimar tomato greenhouse lunch, day 2 | travel the entire south coast of iceland with black sand beaches and towering waterfalls, day 3 | explore jökulsárlón glacier lagoon aand diamond beach, then go off the beaten path through the eastfjords, day 4 | visit the mývatn geothermal area and dettifoss waterfall, day 5 | navigate the arctic coast way to west iceland, day 6 | traverse the snæfellsnes peninsula with its dramatic coastal views, day 7 | inland to the west of iceland and hvammsvík hot pool, day 8 | enjoy the reykjanes peninsula with its lava tunnel or volcano viewpoint and end at blue lagoon, departure day | all good things must come to an end, today is your departure day, please note: the proposed itinerary is 8 days in total. many days can be added to this itinerary with ease. arrival day, departure day and additional days are not part of the proposed itinerary but will be planned by our travel experts for you in your first quote. we also recommend having at least one full day in reykjavík before or after your tour. .

Day 1 | The Golden Circle

Today you’ll be picked up after breakfast by our guide to start the journey around iceland. on this first day we’ll see all of the most popular sights of the golden circle area, with some unique twists to make the first day even more special. we head first to þingvellir national park & unesco heritage site to see the effects of constant tectonic movement in the midst of an area which is as rich in history as it is beautiful. from there we’ll go to friðheimar for an all inclusive lunch at this one of a kind restaurant. tomato ice cream, anyone next up is the erupting geyser, strokkur and its neighbour, the one and only geysir , along with the impressive gullfoss waterfall. then we start heading towards our south coast accommodation., where do we stay we love staying at hotel vos , skálakot manor hotel & hotel umi ..

Day 2 | South Coast Highlights

Today we drive along the entire south coast with its many beaches and waterfalls. we walk behind seljalandsfoss waterfall and try to get as close to skógafoss waterfall as possible before admiring the basalt columns and taking a walk on the black sand beach of reynisfjara . here we can have lunch before continuing our drive through the seaside town of vík. we go past the vast eldhraun lava field and hike along the edges of fjaðrárgljúfur gorge. as we reach vatnajökull national park the landscape starts to change dramatically due to the effect of europe’s largest glacier and volcano. a s we come into skaftafell nature reserve we will stop at one of the numerous outlet glaciers here for views over these icy giants. , option 1 |  the  icelandic lava show i n the town of  vík  where the locals will share tales of past eruptions before pouring  re-melted lava  over ice just metres from your face. a great family friendly experience on a cold day., option 2 |  take a  horse ride  on the famous  icelandic horse  with its smooth 5th gait. these docile animals are as friendly as they are fast. this is a great way to see iceland’s hidden landscape off the beaten path., option 3 | go for an exhilarating  atv tour  through rivers and remote wilderness., where do we stay there are many lovely accommodation options in the southeast, such as fosshotel glacier lagoon ..

Day 3 | Vatnajökull National Park & Eastfjords

Today is all about the ice we start the day at one of our favorite locations in iceland at jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where we witness the giant icebergs floating in the 8 km long lagoon. if you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by one of the friendly and curious seals that live in the lagoon. afterwards we pop over to the diamond beach where the smaller broken icebergs wash up on shore., from here we drive through the eastfjords, and what a drive that is often hailed as the best views in iceland, the winding roads, towering mountains, steep cliffs and dramatic coast lines will certainly have you believing it. as you head north through the eastfjords , you’ll want to stop every 5 minutes with breathtaking views at every turn. don’t worry, your guide knows the best places to stop today., where do we stay in egilsstaðir you can stay at the lake hotel , icelandair hotel hérað or 1001 nótt to name a few..

Day 4 | Mývatn, Dettifoss & Optional Stuðlagil Canyon Hike

Heading into the north of iceland we drive through a desert like landscape. really quite different from what we have seen so far. but this apparent barren tundra is secretly bursting with life and activity. in the afternoon, we continue into the mystical landscape around lake mývatn making sure to stop at iceland’s most powerful waterfall, dettifoss . there, we explore the mars like landscape by námaskarð and hverir , with their steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pits. we’ll then peek into grjótagjá cave, made famous by game of thrones., what better way to end the day but at the recently opened forest lagoon , right on the towns edge with stunning views over eyjafjörður fjord., where do we stay we stay in the city centre of akureyri.

Day 5 | North Iceland

It’s time to depart the north and head west. this will be the longest driving day of the trip but don’t worry, you’ll have some great scenic views as we drive through rural iceland, passing through the small farming towns of northwest iceland while driving through the arctic coastway. we will stop by glaumbær farm where we can walk through and see the restored old turf houses and farms and get a sense of life in early times in iceland. before coming into our accommodation in the fishing village of stykkishólmur, located by breiðafjörður bay., where do we stay tonight we spend the night in the charming fishing village of stykkishólmur at hotel egilsen , or we can bypass stykkishólmur and head to hótel búðir..

Day 6 | The Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Today we explore snæfellsnes , a little miniature of iceland where you’ll see fjords, mountains, volcanoes, endless lava fields, glaciers, and dramatic coastal cliffs, all in one amazing peninsula. from stykkishólmur we make our headway around the peninsula made famous by jules verne and head to kirkjufell mountain, another game of thrones location known as arrow mountain, although in icelandic the name stands for church mountain. we explore the lava formations and black pebble beach of djúpalónssandur , no less impressive than the south coast shores. as we continue to go around snæfellsjökull glacier we head to the stunning lóndrangar basalt spires and the small village of arnarstapi , which is surrounded by impressive sea cliffs plummeting into the ocean and boasting its own guardian giant. we’ll make a quick photo stop by búðakirkja black church before heading to our accommodation for the night. , optional activities, from snæfellsnes peninsula we can join a whale watching tour out to breiðafjörður bay for the chance to see humpbacks, minke whale, pilot whales. to name a few, where do we stay stay a second night in the same hotel as the night before..

Day 7 | West Iceland & Hvammsvík Hot Pool

The lush countryside inland from breiðafjörður bay is famous for its beautiful waterfalls barnafoss and hraunfoss, and equally known for being the home to snorri sturluson who wrote the edda prone. there are many options for walks and hikes in this area through the lowland forested areas. by the end of the day, what better way but to end it at the newly opened hvammsvík hot springs, where the lagoons water levels move with the tide of the atlantic ocean., we’ll go to the newly opened hvammsvík hot pools, where do we stay, we come back to reykjavík after exploring west iceland today and stay in one of the hotels in the city.

Day 8 | Lava Tunnel, Volcanic Eruption Viewpoint & Blue Lagoon

The reykjanes peninsula and lava tunnel tour is all about the tectonic effects on the island. we spend the day visiting the  unesco global geopark of reykjanes peninsula  which is home to some incredible sights., we start with a visit to  raufarhólshellir , or more widely known as the  lava tunnel. this is one of the longest lava tubes in iceland. here we will explore the depths of this colourful lava tunnel. you will witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption from 5200 years ago., afterwards, we will take part in a moderate hike to the newest lava field on the planet at the dormant volcano,  geldingadalur . we will walk around the lava field learning all about the eruption that started on the 19th of march 2021. there is  no hot lava on the surface these days but the dramatic landscape is still well worth the visit. on a clear day it’s possible to hike to the top of the nearby hill for a view of the volcanic crater . please note, although the volcano has stopped erupting it is not always possible or safe to visit the site. on these days we would add in other great spots on the reykjanes peninsula before finishing the day at the  blue lagoon ., where do we stay your guide will drop you off either at the luxurious silica by blue lagoon hotel. or, if you have a spare additional night you can opt for the 5 star retreat by blue lagoon (2 night minimum) for a unique treat to wrap up your stay in iceland. both these hotels give you access to their own secluded pools as well as access to the blue lagoon itself. if you are on a budget you can always opt to stay at the nearby northern lights inn once you’ve finished bathing in the lagoon. alternatively, we can head back to reykjavík ..

General Information

Inclusions all hotel choices are modern, spacious and comfortable with private bathrooms, and include breakfast. lunch at friðheimar tomato greenhouse (all inclusive except from alcoholic drinks) and entrance to the secret lagoon geothermal pool. general departure whale watching. entry to glaumbær farm. glacier hike with all safety gear (if chosen). entry to the lava tunnel. private transportation in a modern and comfortable vehicle and one of our wonderful english speaking  guides  for the duration of the 9 days., exclusions flights to and from iceland, meals unless otherwise specified. reykjavík based activities and accommodation., extensions / add-ons we can include reykjavík based accommodation and activities upon request it can easily be extended to 10 or more days with ease additional or replacement activities can be requested (see form below).

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What to Do With 8 Days in Iceland

Winter or Summer Travel?

8 days in the icelandic summer, 8 days in the icelandic winter.

What are the recommended means of enjoying an 8-day holiday in Iceland? What activities are available, and how do they differ between the summer and the winter? Are 8 days enough to fully explore the country? Read on to find a wealth of information on what to do in 8 days in Iceland. 

Eight days is more than enough time to spend in Iceland, allowing you to experience the vast majority of the country and its many fantastic attractions .

This is especially true in the summer months when Iceland's Ring Road—one circular asphalt road circling the country—is clear of difficult conditions, even leaving time to spend a day or two discovering the quintessential charms of the capital city,  Reykjavík . 

Popular self-drive tours

10-day self-drive tour of the complete ring road of iceland with top attractions & snaefellsnes, best 1-week summer self-drive tour of the ring road of iceland & golden circle, best 7-day northern lights self drive tour through south iceland to jokulsarlon ice cave.

Alternatively, you could choose to explore specific regions of the country. One could decide to focus their attention on the picturesque South Coast , the rarely visited East,  or the remote, yet stunning Westfjords. Wherever you end up deciding, you are sure to be met with incredible beauty and a lifetime of memories. 

Start by checking out our articles Top 12 Things To Do In Iceland and What To Do And Where To Go In Iceland . Also, make a note that whatever you decide on doing whilst in Iceland will heavily depend on the weather and season in Iceland. 

• See also: The Complete Guide to Packages  

Traveling to Iceland during the summer is an entirely different affair from traveling here in the winter. Many repeat visitors often comment on how Iceland could very well be two countries—the first, a land of green vegetation and eternal sunlight, the second a land of ice, snow, and jet-black skies.

Both times of year present their own rewards and challenges, all the more reason to travel here in both seasons, thus gaining an insight into the duality of Icelandic nature.

Still, we cannot be in two places at want. If you are particularly looking to enjoy the Midnight Sun—as well as the many daylight hours it brings—, then come to Iceland between May and August . The longest day of the year is the 21st of June.  You can read more about the Midnight Sun in Iceland here. 

• See also: Weather in Iceland & Best Time To Visit  

Alternatively, if you are looking to experience an authentic Icelandic winter, complete with snowy mountains, dark days, and  the dancing Northern Lights , then come anytime between September and April.

Make a note, however, that it is always sensible to not limit your trip purely around the Northern Lights; the aurora can never be guaranteed, and there are plenty of fun things to do in the meantime whilst you wait for their appearance. 

Late autumn ( September / October ) and early spring (late March / April ) should have pretty clear roads and fairly stable weather, meaning you should be able to access the Westfjords, as well as the northern and eastern regions of the country.

• See also: What Are The Northern Lights? 

On the other hand, during the coldest months, you may be able to enter a natural ice cave inside a glacier—as well as experience the Christmas season and New Year's Eve  in December.

There are plenty of day tours and multi-day tours available from Reykjavík , Akureyri , Ísafjörður , the Eastfjords , and Skaftafell —but our best recommendation would be to rent a car and explore the country on your own terms. To help you plan, we have plenty of self-drive recommendations —notice that these itineraries can also be done as separate tours, thus taking the responsibility of driving out of your hands. 

Top Vacation Packages in Iceland

• See also: Christmas in Iceland   

A popular option for travelers to Iceland is the classic road trip; 8 days is the perfect amount of time to drive Road 1, the Ring Road, circling the full circumference of the country. Thankfully, this means you'll have the opportunity to see every one of Iceland's beautiful corners during your time on holiday. 

There are plenty of attractions right beside the Ring Road , and even more only a short detour from it. The Ring Road itself is only 1332 km (about 830 miles), so in theory, you could drive it in all in a single day. In practice, however, you're going to want to spend much of the journey time stopping in order to enjoy the stunning scenery around you. 

• See also: Midnight Sun in Iceland  

Fortunately, in the summertime, the days are long enough that you can start adventuring early in the morning and not finish until late at night—you'll never need to get anywhere 'before it gets dark' since the darkness never arrives.

Here, you can see a suggested itinerary for an 8-Day Circle of Iceland Self-Drive ,  also including time on the Golden Circle  sightseeing route as well. If you'd rather not drive it yourself, you can also go on this 7-Day Guided Ringroad of Iceland Tour , permitting you to simply sit back and enjoy the splendid scenery as it passes by your window. 

For those looking to explore some of Iceland's less-visited regions—or, perhaps for those who have been to Iceland before and already looking for a new experience—this  8-day Self-Drive Of The Westfjords And Snæfellsnes Peninsula  should readily suffice. 

• See Also:  The Ultimate Guide to Snaefellsnes Peninsula.  

If flexibility is the name of the game, why not take a look at this super Flexible 8-Day Summer Package ? Within this package, you can choose between heading north or west, between relaxing in the capital city or going to the Central Highlands, between exploring the insides of a volcano or a dazzling glacier. This way you can sculpt the exact holiday of your desires. 

There are plenty of other suggestions, such as venturing deep into the gorgeous and kaleidoscopic hills of the Central Icelandic Highlands, such as on this 6-Day Highland Tour Driving Kjölur or this one,  6-Day Tour To Landmannalaugar And Þórsmörk . Or you could simply focus on one area of the country and get to know that area really well. 

• See also: Top 5 Places to Visit in the Highlands  

Wintertime in Iceland is the polar opposite to the Icelandic summertime, a period of heavy rain, snowfall, fierce winds, and only a few daylight hours to hold onto in the early afternoon. Traveling between attractions and urban settlements takes much longer as roads are often closed due to bad weather conditions. Therefore we would not recommend driving the Ring Road of Iceland in wintertime. 

• See also: How to Drive Safely in Iceland  

Driving the Ring Road is doable in the autumn and spring, however, but be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand in order to assess the road conditions and accessibility. You can read all about How To Drive Safely In Iceland here.

Instead of driving the whole Ring Road, we would instead recommend that you focus on a specific area of the country. Also, be aware that the highland roads are closed during wintertime, meaning that any ambitions to see the interior of Iceland in winter must sadly have their dreams shattered. The South Coast of the country is usually more accessible than the north and the east.

Some towns, villages, and attractions can, from time to time, will become inaccessible to visitors during the wintertime. This is normally only the weather is at its absolute worst. During this time, we wouldn't advise people to take detours down smaller roads as there's always the chance you might get stuck somewhere and have to wait idly by for a passing rescue team. That's not a good holiday experience for anybody. 

The Ring Road is fairly accessible all year round, so most people drive along the picturesque South Coast, to the glorious Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or up northwards to Akureyri. You can drive the South Coast and to Snæfellsnes on this  7-Day Self-Drive | Northern Light Hunt , or go north to Akureyri and the Lake Mývatn area on this 7-Day Winter Self-Drive | North Iceland + Golden Circle . You can always customize your trip to add another day to your itinerary, as well as added much-desired activities. 

• See also: Things That Can Kill You in Iceland  

If you're in Iceland between November and March (or mid-October, with some operators), there's a chance you may be able to enter a natural ice cave within Vatnajökull glacier in South-East Iceland—a chance you should make the most of during your time here. 

You can meet your ice cave guide on location if you drive to the glacier's location yourself, or choose between a number of tours that include a stop at the glacier cave. Here you can find all the Ice Cave tours  available on our website. 

• See also: Glacier Hiking in Iceland  

This 5-day Winter Package is a great tour if you don't want to do the driving yourself, as it brings you to all the major attractions on the South Coast, including the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and a dazzling blue ice cave. See our tips on what to do for shorter or longer stays in Iceland in our itineraries . 

What did you get up to during your stay in Iceland? Is there anything you would personally recommend? Did you travel here in the winter or summer? Please, feel free to leave your queries and thoughts in the Facebook  comment box. 

• See also:  How To Travel in Iceland | The Top 5 Do's and Don'ts  

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