Travelers to Iceland typically plan a trip for 8 to 10 days when combining Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri with South Coast and East Fjords. For travelers wanting to visit Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri exclusively, plan a week to eight days for a well-paced trip. Read on for the best itineraries, including Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri and beyond.
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Planning Your Icelandic Adventure: How Many Days Do You Need in Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri?
- Most travelers find that 7-8 days offers a fulfilling experience when visiting Reykjavík, the captivating Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the geothermal wonderland of Lake Mývatn, and the charming city of Akureyri.
- If you have the luxury of 9 or more days, you’ll discover that most travelers opt to enrich their journey with additional captivating stops, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of Iceland’s diverse landscapes.
- The most frequently chosen extensions to these itineraries include the dramatic Westfjords, the serene Vatnsnes Peninsula, and the tranquil landscapes surrounding Varmahlid, each offering unique perspectives on Iceland’s natural beauty.
Planning your trip to Iceland requires careful consideration of how much time to allocate to each destination. The itinerary ideas below offer a range of possibilities.
Recommended Itineraries for Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week: A Northern Icelandic Escape
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Iceland and Exploration of Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | Embark on a Scenic Drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Enjoy a Hike in Glymur Falls (weather permitting), & Visit the Town of Borgarnes | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Discover Black-Sand Beaches & Explore Quaint Fishing Towns | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 4 | Enjoy a Breathtaking Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the Vibrant City of Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 5 | Explore the Wonders of the North: Witness the Majestic Godafoss, Embark on a Whale Watching Tour, and Marvel at Iceland’s Big Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Delve into the Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn, a Region Rich in Volcanic History and Unique Landscapes | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 7 | Explore Akureyri, then Journey back to Reykjavik or Keflavík International Airport (KEF) for your departure. | Reykjavík |
This scenic road trip offers a unique perspective on Iceland, allowing you to bypass the often-crowded south coast and delve into the captivating beauty of the lesser-known Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the northern treasures of Akureyri, the charming town of Húsavik, and the otherworldly landscapes of Lake Mývatn. This itinerary, designed to be enjoyed in any season, is particularly well-suited for travelers with a keen interest in the extraordinary geological features of Iceland. Prepare to be amazed by vast lava fields, invigorating volcano hikes, awe-inspiring massive waterfalls, and relaxing geothermal pools—all waiting to be discovered. This journey is a celebration of Iceland’s unique natural heritage.
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days: Ring Road Highlights
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in the Vibrant City of Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | Embark on a Drive to the Picturesque Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Hike in Glymur Falls, & Visit the Charming Town of Borgarnes | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Discover the Beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Explore Black-Sand Beaches & Quaint Fishing Towns | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 4 | Enjoy a Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the City of Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 5 | Explore the Wonders of the North: Visit Goðafoss, Go Whale Watching, and See Iceland’s Impressive Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Discover the Geological Wonders of Lake Mývatn and its Surroundings | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 7 | Drive back from Akureyri to Reykjavik, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way. | Reykjavík |
| Day 8 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart from Reykjavík, taking with you memories of your Icelandic adventure. |
This photogenic self-drive adventure along the iconic Ring Road takes you from Iceland’s bustling capital city to its second-largest city, located on the sun-drenched north coast. Along the way, you’ll experience the charm of the lesser-known Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the whale-watching haven of Húsavik, and the captivating landscapes of Lake Mývatn. Perfect for any season, this itinerary caters especially to those fascinated by Iceland’s unique geological features, from striking lava fields and challenging volcano hikes to majestic waterfalls and soothing geothermal pools. And let’s not forget the opportunity to immerse yourself in Iceland’s cool cultural sites and savor the delights of Scandinavian cuisine. This journey is designed to stimulate your senses and leave you with unforgettable experiences.
Connect with a local specialist who can help organize every detail of your trip, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.
Extended Itineraries: Delving Deeper into Iceland
8-Day Itinerary Including South Coast & East Fjords: A Comprehensive Ring Road Experience
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and Exploration of Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | Journey North to Glymur Falls and the Scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Enjoy a Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 4 | Discover the North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Iceland’s Impressive Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 5 | Explore the Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Journey Through the Stunning Eastern Fjords | Seydisfjordur |
| Day 7 | Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and Skaftafell Nature Reserve | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 8 | Return from the South Coast, Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, and Depart |
This itinerary is ambitious, packing a significant amount of exploration into just eight days. However, if you’re determined to experience the entirety of the Ring Road within a limited timeframe, this guide will serve as an invaluable companion on your journey, ensuring you make the most of every moment.
10-Day Itinerary Including Golden Circle, South Coast & East Fjords: A Classic Icelandic Road Trip
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and Exploration of Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | Journey North to Glymur Falls and the Scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Enjoy a Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 4 | Discover the North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Iceland’s Impressive Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 5 | Explore the Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Journey Through the Stunning Eastern Fjords | Seydisfjordur |
| Day 7 | Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and Skaftafell Nature Reserve | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 8 | Explore South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches & Begin your exploration of the Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
| Day 9 | Discover the Wonders of the Golden Circle & Return to Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 10 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart From Reykjavík |
With ten days at your disposal, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse range of regions and landscapes as you journey along Iceland’s famous Route 1, also known as the Ring Road. This moderately paced self-drive itinerary is carefully crafted to lead you to the most captivating spots along the 828-mile (1,332 km) route, with enriching stops in Iceland’s two largest cities, as well as opportunities to witness impressive volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, expansive lava fields, dramatic black sand beaches, quaint fishing towns, and colossal glaciers. You will also visit the renowned attractions of the Golden Circle. Prepare for a breathtaking and unforgettable ride!
10-Day Itinerary: Golden Circle, Seydisfjordur & Kirkjubæjarklaustur
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and Exploration of Downtown Reykjavik | Reykjavík |
| Day 2 | Journey North to Glymur Falls and the Scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Enjoy a Scenic Drive from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Akureyri | Akureyri |
| Day 4 | Discover the North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Iceland’s Impressive Waterfalls | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 5 | Explore the Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn | Lake Mývatn |
| Day 6 | Journey Through the Stunning Eastern Fjords | Seydisfjordur |
| Day 7 | Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and Skaftafell Nature Reserve | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Day 8 | Explore South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches & Begin your exploration of the Golden Circle | Golden Circle |
| Day 9 | Discover the Wonders of the Golden Circle & Return to Reykjavík | Reykjavík |
| Day 10 | Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula & Depart From Reykjavík |
With ten days at your disposal, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse range of regions and landscapes as you journey along Iceland’s famous Route 1, also known as the Ring Road. This moderately paced self-drive itinerary is carefully crafted to lead you to the most captivating spots along the 828-mile (1,332 km) route, with enriching stops in Iceland’s two largest cities, as well as opportunities to witness impressive volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, expansive lava fields, dramatic black sand beaches, quaint fishing towns, and colossal glaciers. You will also visit the renowned attractions of the Golden Circle. Prepare for a breathtaking and unforgettable ride!
Planning Your Transportation: How to travel between Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
Reaching the Geothermal Wonders of Lake Mývatn
The northern region of Iceland is home to the extraordinary geothermal area of Lake Mývatn, a pivotal stop on the renowned “Diamond Circle,” which also includes the vibrant town of Húsavík, the awe-inspiring canyon of Ásbyrgi, and the powerful Dettifoss waterfall. International travelers arriving at Keflavík Airport (KEF) have two primary options for reaching this destination. They can opt to rent a car and embark on a scenic trek north via the Ring Road (Route 1), immersing themselves in Iceland’s diverse landscapes. Alternatively, they can transfer to Reykjavík’s domestic airport for a convenient and short (45-minute) flight to the city of Akureyri, which serves as a gateway to the Lake Mývatn region.
Journeying from Reykjavík to the Northern Capital of Akureyri
Venturing the 241 miles (388 km) from Iceland’s bustling capital city of Reykjavík to the “capital of the north,” Akureyri, presents travelers with several transportation choices. The most common options are self-driving, allowing for flexibility and exploration along the way, or flying via domestic airports, offering a quicker and more direct route. The northern city boasts a rich array of cultural and outdoor experiences, including opportunities for exceptional whale watching. It’s also possible to arrange for a private or group transfer; however, this option tends to be less flexible and potentially less affordable compared to self-driving or flying.
Accessing the Scenic Beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula is easily accessible by car, providing travelers with the freedom to explore its diverse landscapes at their own pace. While it’s feasible to tour the entire peninsula in a single day, it’s highly recommended to allocate more time to truly immerse yourself in the expansive beauty and discover the hidden gems that this region has to offer. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula promises an unforgettable experience with its dramatic coastlines, charming villages, and the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier-topped volcano.
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