10 Day Iceland roadtrip

    Iceland the land of Fire and Ice is one of the most scenic road trip countries we’ve been to. You will never be able to do everything you marked on google maps but there is still a lot you can do in 10 days. Here are some suggestions and a route that will fit in a lot of beautiful places.

    Day 1-2

    Day 1: Arrival and heading to Reykjavik

    After arrival pick up your car at the Airport. We rented a car from icerental 4×4 which has its station outside the terminal but they have a free pickup and drop off service at the Airport which worked perfectly. We already rented a  car twice there so we really recommend it as the cars were always in good condition and service was great and quick. For a longer road trip we would always suggest renting an SUV with a 4×4 drive as roads on Iceland can be hard with a normal vehicle and you are not allowed inside the highlands otherwise. After picking up the car make your way to Reykjavik for the night.
    Toggle Content

    Accommodation and Food is very expensive in Iceland so be prepared to spend a lot of money on Hotels if you want your own bathroom. We stayed at 101 Guesthouse hotel where we had our own bathroom but the room and interior were very old especially the bathroom but it was clean and near the city center so for the price of 120 EUR it was okay for one night. 

     

    Parking in Reykjavik is easy. There are different sections inside the city where you can park and you can use the app easypark to pay. Some parking areas inside the city are very expensive and you can only park there for a maximum of 3 hours so check that before parking. So better check for a cheaper option to park for the night. There are also some free options if there is still a space.

    Reykjavik offers some really nice restaurants and coffee shops. If you want to eat really good lamb you will find some great options. We tried “Kröns” and the Lamb was really amazing. We only got a small portion as the “normal” one was about 50 EUR. And dessert was also great. 

    While getting food we planned the next day with our driver Wayan. We wrote him where we wanted to go and arranged a time for the pick up the next morning.

    Day 2: Kerid Crater, Háifoss & Pjofafoss

    Today starts the real adventure. We got breakfast in town as we wanted to try some of the nice coffee shops in Reykjavik. Most of them only open at around 10 AM so if you want to start earlier you would need to get breakfast in the Hotel or on the road. We also got some Snacks and Food supplies at the supermarked but that one also only opened at 10AM on a saturday. 

    Our first stop on the road was Kerid Crater which is about 1 hour from Reykjavik. There is a big parking area and a small booth where you need to pay for parking which is 1000 ISK around 7 EUR per car (small 1-5 persons). The walk around the crater is easy and takes about 20 minutes. You can also walk down to the crater lake and walk around it. Drones are not allowed. There are many no drone zones in Iceland. You will need to get a permit for those places which are quite expensive. 

     

    After exploring Kerid, drive to Haifoss. Haifoss Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland. Follow the road 32 till you reach a gravel road that turns left from the street. For this drive we would definitely recommend a 4×4 drive car as some parts of the road are in very bad condition. After a bumpy ride up the hill you reach a parking lot which is for free. There are no Toilets or Foodtrucks there. From the parking lot you can walk for about 5 minutes until you reach a cliff where you will have a beautiful view of Haifoss waterfall. The view is just amazing with the two waterfalls falling inside the canyon. 

    There is also a path leading down to see the waterfall from inside the canyon. You have to climb a ladder going over a fence and after that just follow the path down till you reach the waterfall. Be careful as some of the path is very steep and depending on the weather it can get very slippery on the way. Good hiking shoes are recommended for a better footing. 

    Prepare to get wet inside the canyon but the view is well worth it. 

    After getting back to the car drive back on road 32. The next stop is Pjofafoss, a small waterfall with a beautiful mountain in the background. After following road F26 which is a gravel road half the way (2024) you turn on another gravel road and follow the way till you reach the “parking area” of Pjofafoss which is actually just a small space beside the dirt road. 

    Overnight in the area as you will drive to the Highlands the next day (usually only possible between June and September). We stayed at Landgahlid Guesthouse which is only a 15 minutes drive away from Pjofafoss Waterfall. The rooms are very small but enough for one night and very clean. The Bathrooms are shared and there is a good equipped kitchen you can use. 

    Day 3 - 4

    Day 3: Icelands Highlands

    Start your day early to head into the Highlands. The roads to the Highlands are only accessible from June till September and you need a 4×4 vehicle. Normal cars are not allowed on the F-roads that lead to the Highlands. Also check that your tank is full, there is one last Gas station right before entering the Highlands so use that option also to use the toilet. 

    After entering the Highlands it is like driving on a different planet. One spectacular view after another. 

    The first stop is Sigöldugljufur Canyon. There is a parking space next to the road, the rest of the way can be done on foot. There is a marked path to follow. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the parking space to the Canyon. From the cliff you have a spectacular view of the Canyon and the picturesque waterfalls cascading down on the side of the canyon. The water looks almost too blue to be real. 

    After returning to the car you can follow road F-108 further till you reach Hnausapollur (Blahylur) , a big crater lake surrounded by black lava fields and green mountains. The Landscape is just unreal, especially from the drone perspective. The weather changes really quickly in the Highlands so take layers with you to avoid the cold temperatures and also the rain and strong winds appearing every now and then. 

    Next on the way is Stutur crater, a beautiful green volcano surrounded by green Mountains and next to a lake. 

    The next stop is Landmannalaugar. Landmannalaugar is a paradise for hikers as there are many beautiful hiking trails all with amazing views. Landmannalaugar is known for its colorful mountains which look out of this world. 

    Here you can find a more detailed Guide to the Highlands: 

    The drive back to the Ring road takes some time so be prepared for a long drive back to your next Accomodation. We stayed at Hotel Fljotshlid. We had a private bathroom and breakfast included for around 135 EUR a night.

    Day 4: Classic south - Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Vik, Yoda Cave

    The next day you will do some of the classic south Highlights along the Ring road. There are many beautiful spots to visit but these were our Highlights. 

    We started the morning with a visit to Seljalandsfoss. You need to pay for parking here which is digital and costs 1000 ISK for a normal car. 

    It was our third time at that waterfall and we still forget to wear the right clothes as this is one waterfall where you can get drenched. Seljalandsfoss is special as you can walk behind the waterfall. With its easy accessibility it is also one of the very crowded waterfalls so go as early in the morning or late in the afternoon/evening as possible. An evening visit will get you the chance to photograph behind the waterfall with the sunset in the background. Next to Seljalandsfoss is another waterfall called Gljufrabui. That one is inside a cave where you have to walk through a narrow opening to get closer to the waterfall, making it a unique experience. You will get totally wet under the waterfall so better take a change of clothes with you. 

    After warming up a little in the car, we drove further along the ring road until we reached Skogafoss. Skogafoss is another very popular waterfall in the south and also very crowded. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the country, with a drop of about 60 meters (197 feet) and a width of 25 meters (82 feet). The waterfall is particularly striking because, on sunny days, you can often see rainbows forming in the mist. 

    There’s a staircase that leads to a viewpoint at the top, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

    Next on the road is Vik. Vik is known for its stunning black sand beaches, particularly Reynisfjara, which features unique basalt columns and sea stacks. Vík is also close to attractions like the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the picturesque church perched on a hill that offers panoramic views of the area.

    Near Vik you will find Yoda Cave. Like the name says, its unique shape gave it its name as it looks like master Yoda from the Star Wars movies. During the summer months the cave is easily accessible by car from the ring road. You can park directly in front of the cave and the parking fee is 800 ISK. We had very strong winds so be careful while opening the doors of the car. 

    Our next accommodation was Guesthouse Klausturhof. We had a private small but clean room and a shared bathroom with breakfast included.

    Day 5-6

    Day 5: Canyons and Glaciers

    Today we are going on another hike. On the way to Múlagljúfur Canyon you can stop at Foss á Sídu which is quite nice. Another beautiful spot is Svinafellsjökull Glacier. Parking is for free (2024) and the walk to the Glacier is short. You will be rewarded with amazing views of the Glacier and Ice on the black beach. 

    The road to the parking lot at Múlagljúfur Canyon is bumpy so I would recommend an SUV but when driving carefully you can also manage with a smaller car. Parking is quite limited so you might need to wait for a parking spot. 

    The hike up to Múlagljúfur Canyon is not very difficult but it takes about 45 min to an hour depending on your pace and fitness level. What was very difficult when we visited was the strong wind. So at some parts of the way we had to hold on to something to not get blown away. 

    Next on the way is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Located near Vatnajökull National Park, the lagoon is filled with stunning blue icebergs that have calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. The icebergs float in the lagoon before eventually drifting out to sea, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. In the Lagoon you can also spot Seals in the water or on the Ice if you are lucky. 

    Nearby, you can also find Diamond Beach, where smaller ice chunks wash ashore on the black sand, creating a striking contrast. The lagoon is popular for boat tours, which allow you to get up close to the icebergs and sometimes spot seals. In winter you can also do some amazing Ice Cave and Glacier tours that will take your breath away. There are many tours you can choose from but we would recommend a private tour as the experience is way better than with a group tour. 

    We stayed the night in Höfn at Höfn Cottages. We had our own cottage with a small kitchen and a toilet. Showers were outside and you needed to pay for them. But we got some coins at the reception for the shower so no need to get coins beforehand. The wind was so bad this day the cottage was actually shaking throughout the whole night.

    Day 6: Stokksnes

    After breakfast at the cottage we drove to Stokksnes which is only about a 10 minute drive from the cottage. There is a parking lot, Accommodation and Cafe/restaurant at the entrance to stockness. You need to pay for a ticket to enter Stokksnes which is 1000 ISK per person.

    After purchasing the ticket you can drive with the car through a gate. There are three Parking options but you can also walk the whole area and leave the car at the coffee shop but you still need to purchase the tickets. There is a Viking Village Prop used for movie sets. The set features authentic Viking-style architecture, with elaborately carved wooden beams and doors, rustic tools, shields, and ship remnants giving it a lived-in feel. The village is bordered by wooden fences and stone cairns. 

    The Main attraction of the Area is the black sand beach. At Stokksnes, the windswept black sand dunes are often brushed with tufts of golden grass, and the shallow tidal pools reflect the rugged mountains. The ever-changing weather, with shifting clouds and moody skies, adds an element of unpredictability to the scenery, creating dramatic lighting conditions throughout the day. 

    The Coffee Shop at Stokksnes offers some warm food and drink after exploring the area.

    After having something to eat and drink we drove further east and took a few more stops on the way to take some pictures. Our next destination was a town called Seydisfjördur. It is a beautiful small town with colored houses and a small church with a rainbow colored path before it. The town also featured a harbor where ferries leave for Denmark regularly. The town is inside a Fjord so the huge Mountains around it are making a real impression.

    After a long day of driving and exploring we went to the Vök Baths which are near the town Egilsstadir. They also offer a bistro with nice food and a swim up bar. The entrance to the baths are quite expensive, around 45€ per Person. But you can soak in the bath as long as you like and water is for free. There are three different Pools available with different temperatures.

    After soaking in the bath we went to the car and saw our first northern lights on this trip! It was just beautiful even though they weren’t very strong. 

    Day 7-8

    Day 7: Waterfalls and Canyons, Akyureki

    Today we made our way to Hengifoss. Hengifoss is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, near Egilsstaðir. With a drop of 128 meters (420 feet), Hengifoss stands out not only for its height but also for the colorful rock formations that surround it. The waterfall is framed by layers of basaltic rock, interspersed with bright red clay bands that were formed by volcanic activity over millions of years, giving the falls a unique, striped appearance. The drive takes about 30 minutes. There is a big parking lot at Hengifoss, something like a museum (which was closed when we were there) and they have clean toilets. Parking costs 1000 ISK per car as almost everywhere and you can scan the QR code at the parking lot or pay directly over the Parka App. 

    The Hike to the waterfall is moderate I would say. The first park has some steps but the rest of the way is a path going only slightly uphill. There is another waterfall on the way to Hengifoss, Litlanesfoss, which is framed by impressive hexagonal basalt columns. From the distance you can see Hengifoss already. When you are almost there the rest of the way is climbing over rocks until you reach the foot of the waterfall. When you go back to the parking lot there is a small Foodtruck where you can get waffles or soup.

    The next stop was Studlagil Canyon. There are two parking lots for Stuðlagil Canyon. You can either take a shorter walk to a viewpoint on the west side to a viewing Platform but you don#t really get to see much of the beauty of the Canyon, or hike down on the east side for a closer look at the river and the columns. The east side hike takes about 30 minutes per way, but it’s definitely the more rewarding option if you want to get down to the riverbank and really take in the scenery. The blue of the water and columns make a beautiful picture. There was a huge crowd of people when we arrived there so better be very early or late. We stayed a while in hope the people would leave which actually happened. For about 10 minutes we had the place to ourselves but at that point the sun was going down and the light reflected a lot in the canyon. With some more clouds that wouldn’t be a problem but we had a totally clear sky the whole time. 

    After spending more time at the Canyon than we actually planned we drove further north to Mývatn. As it was already quite late when we arrived and it was getting dark there was not enough time to explore and take pictures. But some of the stunning landscapes of the area are the Hverfjall and the Mývatn which is a lake with beautiful green landscapes surrounding it. In the distance you can see the snow covered mountains that you crossed with the car to reach Mývatn. 

    After driving around the lake and taking at least a few shots of the surroundings we headed to our next accommodation in Akureyri. Next time I would take a Hotel nearer Mývatn to have more time to explore. We stayed at FE Gisting Guesthouse and I 100% recommend it as it was already our second time staying here and it didn’t disappoint. The Host is very welcoming, the Rooms are clean and beautiful, it’s located directly in the city center and for 100 € a night you even have breakfast included in the morning. And the breakfast was very good. 

    Day 8: Hvítserkur & Westfjords

    Today we had a long day of driving before us as we were driving to the Westfjords. It is an around 5h 30 min drive from Akureyri to the Westfjords. On the way we stopped at Hvítserkur, a beautiful rock in the ocean. Standing 15 meters (about 50 feet) tall, this unique sea stack is often called “the Troll of Northwest Iceland”. Hvítserkur is best viewed at low tide when you can walk right up to it across the black sand beach, or from the nearby cliffs, where you can get a great panoramic view of the coastline. Be aware that you need to follow a gravel road most of the way to reach Hvítserkur. The first time we visited Hvítserkur was a few years back and also then it was a gravel road as they still haven’t finished building the road so far. 

    After stopping on the road to get some cute horse content we drove further west. When we reached our accommodation for the night it was already quite late and dark outside. The whole drive to the westfjords was beautiful. 

     

    Today was one of our luckiest days with the northern lights. The sun was not even fully set and the sky already exploded. As there is almost no light pollution due to the few houses and Hotels here you have a very good chance to see them starting September till April. 

    We stayed at Raudsdalur where we had our private room but with a shared bathroom and kitchen. It was nice as there were only 2 other people there when we stayed there but when more people would have been there it would have been enough privacy for me as the room with the toilets didn’t have a door. The rest of the place was very nice. 

    Day 9-10

    Day 9: Westfjords, Sneafell Peninsula

    Today we explored some parts of the Westfjords. The first visit was to Dynjandi waterfall. The drive from our accommodation was only about 45 minutes mostly following a normal road. Only about 5 minutes of the road you need to drive on a gravel road. There is a small parking area and also some very fancy toilets. Dynjandi is unique because it’s not just a single fall – there are several smaller waterfalls leading up to the main one, each with its own charm. The cascading tiers give it the look of a bridal veil, starting wide at the top and gradually narrowing as it flows down, creating a stunning layered effect.

    To get up close to Dynjandi, there’s a hiking path that takes you past the smaller falls, offering incredible views at each step. The way up is easy and takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your pace. Unfortunately they are building a platform at the moment that tourists can walk up to to get a better view, so there is a construction site at the waterfall that takes up a lot of space. We think it will take some of the rough beauty of the waterfall when they finish it as you can see the platform from below the waterfall when taking pictures.

    Our next stop is the abandoned barn Fossfjördur which is weather-beaten and isolated. These barns often stand alone amidst vast, sweeping landscapes of green fields, rocky hills, and fjords that stretch to the horizon. The wood of the barn is typically faded and cracked from years of exposure to the harsh Icelandic weather, with moss and lichen creeping up the sides, giving it a weathered and rustic charm. “Unfortunately” the weather was too good so it didn’t have that moody and mysterious charme when we were there. But it was still beautiful. Take note that the whole way was a gravel road with some very deep holes from one of the main roads to reach the barn.

    Before getting back to the main road we stopped at some Hot Pools at the side of the road. The Reykjafjardarlaug Hot Pools have two manmade hot pools and one natural pool. The water temperature is about 40-42 degrees celsius. There is also a small cabin where you can change your clothes and find a toilet. It was very nice to soak in the pools after so many days on the road and it is completely free.

    After soaking in the pools we drove back to the nearest town on the main road Flókakundur to grab lunch. We were still on time for the buffet lunch (till 2PM). The Food was good and you could choose to pay for the whole options as a three course meal or only take the main courses. After eating we drove out of the fjords back to the ring road to our next destination, Kirkjufellfoss. On the way there were some amazing views like a shipwreck you could see in the distance and amazing lava landscapes and volcanoes. 

    Kirkjufellsfoss has been a destination we have already been to but it was still amazing to see this place again. And some changes were made over the time as of course also here the parking lot was adjusted and it was now at a different place and also costs 1000 ISK per normal car. There was also a smaller parking lot where you had to drive down a small but sketchy hill with around 6 spaces to park for free. The waterfall itself is relatively small, consisting of a series of gentle cascades tumbling down into a serene pool below. Despite its modest size, Kirkjufellsfoss is renowned for its beauty, especially when paired with the dramatic backdrop of Kirkjufell.

    We stayed at Guesthouse Hof where we had our own cottage with a private bathroom. You also have access to a kitchen that all the other guests can also use. Just a few minutes drive away you find Kast Guesthouse which is also nice and they have a restaurant where you can get a nice dinner and breakfast.

    Day 10: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Black church

    Our first stop was Ytri Tunga, famous for its seal colonies and golden sand, which is quite unusual in Iceland, where most beaches are volcanic black sand. This beach provides one of the best opportunities to see seals in their natural habitat, especially during the summer months. The seals are often found lounging on the rocky outcrops near the shore, but some of them are hard to spot as with the low tide they can be quite far away. Both harbor seals and gray seals can be spotted in the area, and they tend to be most active in the early morning or late afternoon, particularly at low tide. Parking costs 1000 ISK per car. 

     

    After spotting some seals we went for Breakfast at Kast Guesthouse before driving to Búðakirkja. Búðakirkja is a small, iconic black wooden church located on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Next we visited the Stone Bridge in Arnarstapi. From here you have beautiful views of  the surrounding mountains and coast.

     

    Driving further west you have some amazing views of Snaefellsjökulls snow capped peak. 

    For lunch we would recommend Matarlist in Hellissandur. They offer some very fancy warm meals and some amazing cakes and nice coffee. The price is quite high but it is worth it. 

    Driving past Kirkjufellfoss (where you can take some more pictures) you will drive past a few volcanoes. There is a big lava field next to roads 54 and 56 and where you cross both of them there are two big volcano craters next to the road.

    As we were flying out early in the morning on the next day we had our last Hotel in Keflavik. Before driving back to Keflavik we stopped at Landbrotalaug Hot Spring. They are free and you just need to follow a bumpy road for like 5 minutes after getting off road 54 to reach the parking area. The Hot springs are not very big so it might get a little tight depending on how many people are there. There are no changing rooms there so you need to change in your car or outside. The water here is very hot. 

    After soaking in the hot springs we drove back to Keflavik to return the car to the rental company. The transfer to the Airport is included but they were really nice as they drove us to our accommodation in Keflavik instead of the airport. 

    Comments

  • No comments yet.
    • Add a comment

    Leave a Reply ·

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.