Twelve to 14 days is the most popular trip length for Iceland travelers interested in visiting Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri, especially when also including the Golden Circle, South Coast, and East Fjords. If you’re not interested in the Golden Circle, South Coast, and East Fjords, about 10 days are enough for your Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in eight or nine days for travelers with limited time. Read on for the best itineraries including Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri and beyond.
## Discovering Iceland: Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri – An Extended Exploration
Iceland, a land of fire and ice, offers a breathtaking tapestry of landscapes, from dramatic coastlines to otherworldly geothermal areas. Planning a trip to Iceland involves carefully considering how much time to dedicate to each region. For travelers eager to experience the vibrant capital of Reykjavík, the diverse Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the remote and stunning Westfjords, the geological wonderland of Lake Mývatn, and the charming northern city of Akureyri, striking the right balance is crucial.
Most travelers find that approximately 10 days is an ideal timeframe to explore Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri in a comprehensive manner. This allows for a comfortable pace, enabling you to savor the unique attractions and experiences each location has to offer without feeling overly rushed.
It is indeed possible to visit Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri in a shorter timeframe, such as 8 or 9 days. However, be prepared for a more intense itinerary. This abbreviated schedule will likely involve longer travel days and less time for in-depth exploration of each destination. While you’ll still get a taste of each location, the experience may feel somewhat hurried, leaving you wanting more.
Conversely, if you have the luxury of 11 or more days for your Icelandic adventure, you’ll find ample opportunity to enhance your itinerary and delve even deeper into the country’s wonders. With this extended timeframe, most travelers choose to add additional stops to their trip, exploring regions beyond the core itinerary.
Among the most common extensions to trips that include Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri are Keflavík, the gateway to Iceland with its international airport, and the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its geothermal activity and dramatic coastal scenery. Adding these destinations can provide a more complete introduction to Iceland’s unique geological and cultural landscape.
## Recommended Itineraries for Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
Let’s delve into some recommended itineraries to help you plan your perfect Icelandic adventure, incorporating Reykjavík, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, Lake Mývatn, and Akureyri.
### Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days
This itinerary focuses on experiencing the best of western and northern Iceland, offering a balance of scenic drives, cultural exploration, and outdoor activities.
**Day 1:** Arrival and Downtown Reykjavík. Upon arriving at Keflavík International Airport, transfer to Reykjavík and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring the city center, visiting landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Reykjavík’s many excellent restaurants. Overnight in Reykjavík.
**Day 2:** Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Hike in Glymur Falls, & Visit Borgarnes. Begin your journey north towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” due to its diverse landscapes. En route, consider a hike to Glymur Falls, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall. In the afternoon, visit Borgarnes, a charming town with a rich history. Continue to your accommodation on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for an overnight stay. Overnight in Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
**Day 3:** More of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Spend the day exploring the wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Visit Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, explore the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur, and discover the charming fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Consider a glacier hike on Snæfellsjökull volcano. In the evening, return to Reykjavík. Overnight in Reykjavík.
**Day 4:** Ferry From Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the Westfjords. Take a scenic ferry from Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. This ferry crossing offers stunning views of the Breiðafjörður bay and its numerous islands. Upon arrival, drive to Patreksfjörður, a charming village in the southern Westfjords. Overnight in Patreksfjörður.
**Day 5:** Southern Westfjords: Látrabjarg & Dynjandi. Explore the southern Westfjords, starting with a visit to Látrabjarg, Europe’s westernmost point and home to millions of seabirds, including puffins (seasonal). Afterwards, marvel at Dynjandi, a series of cascading waterfalls considered one of the most beautiful in Iceland. Continue to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. Overnight in Ísafjörður.
**Day 6:** Isafjordur or Hornstrandir Hiking. Choose between exploring Ísafjörður and its surroundings or embarking on a hiking adventure in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Ísafjörður offers museums, art galleries, and opportunities for kayaking and other outdoor activities. Hornstrandir, accessible only by boat, is a pristine wilderness with dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife, and challenging hiking trails. Overnight in Ísafjörður.
**Day 7:** Scenic Drive from Isafjordur to Akureyri. Enjoy a scenic drive from Ísafjörður to Akureyri, the “capital of the north.” This route takes you through stunning landscapes, including mountain passes, coastal roads, and picturesque valleys. Stop at viewpoints along the way to capture the beauty of the Icelandic countryside. Overnight in Akureyri.
**Day 8:** The North: Godafoss, Whale Watching, and Big Waterfalls. Explore the highlights of northern Iceland. Visit Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” a powerful and historically significant waterfall. Embark on a whale watching tour from Akureyri or Húsavík, known as the whale watching capital of Iceland. In the afternoon, continue to Lake Mývatn. Overnight in Lake Mývatn.
**Day 9:** Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn. Discover the geological wonders of Lake Mývatn. Explore the Dimmuborgir lava formations, hike to the top of Hverfjall crater, visit the bubbling mud pools of Hverir, and relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths. Overnight in Lake Mývatn.
**Day 10:** Akureyri, back to Reykjavik / KEF. Spend the morning exploring Akureyri, visiting the botanical garden, the Akureyri Art Museum, or enjoying a stroll along the harbor. In the afternoon, either fly from Akureyri to Reykjavík or Keflavík, or drive back to Reykjavík, depending on your flight schedule. Overnight in Reykjavík.
This 10-day driving itinerary is particularly well-suited for the summer months when the more popular areas of the south coast and Golden Circle can be crowded. By venturing into the more remote regions of western and northern Iceland, you can experience the country’s stunning beauty with fewer crowds.
## Extended Itineraries
For those with more time, consider these extended itineraries that incorporate additional regions and experiences.
### 2-Week Itinerary Including Golden Circle, South Coast & East Fjords
This grand tour of Iceland takes you around the entire ring road, allowing you to experience the country’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
**Days 1-9:** Follow the itinerary for days 1-9 of the 10-day itinerary above.
**Day 10:** Scenic Eastern Fjords. Drive from Lake Mývatn to the Eastfjords, a region of dramatic mountains, charming fishing villages, and winding coastal roads. Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way to admire the breathtaking scenery. Overnight in Seydisfjordur.
**Day 11:** Seydisfjordur to Djúpivogur. Explore the Eastfjords further, driving from Seydisfjordur to Djúpivogur. Visit Petra’s Stone Collection, a unique museum showcasing a vast collection of rocks and minerals. Overnight in Djupivogur.
**Day 12:** Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Skaftafell. Drive along the south coast to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs calve from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float towards the sea. Visit Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore on the black sand beach. Explore Skaftafell Nature Reserve, part of Vatnajökull National Park, and consider a glacier hike. Overnight in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
**Day 13:** South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches & the Start of the Golden Circle. Visit the iconic waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Explore the black sand beach of Reynisfjara and the basalt columns of Reynisdrangar. Begin your journey towards the Golden Circle. Overnight in Golden Circle.
**Day 14:** Golden Circle and back to Reykjavik / KEF. Explore the Golden Circle, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. In the afternoon, return to Reykjavík or Keflavík for your departure.
With two weeks in Iceland, you can complete the entire ring road and add some wonderful detours. This extensive tour takes you to the best places, providing ample time for hiking, exploring, and soaking up the unique atmosphere. This 14-day itinerary encompasses all the major regions, excluding the highlands, which can be incorporated with a few extra days or by allocating less time to some of the areas mentioned.
### 12-Day Itinerary Including South Coast, East Fjords, Látrabjarg & Varmahlid
This itinerary focuses on the Westfjords and North Iceland, with a touch of the South Coast and East Fjords.
**Day 1:** Arrival in Reykjavík, Explore Reykjavik and Sky Lagoon. Upon arriving at Keflavík International Airport, transfer to Reykjavík and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring the city center. In the evening, relax at the Sky Lagoon, a geothermal spa with stunning ocean views. Overnight in Reykjavík.
**Day 2:** Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and explore its diverse landscapes, including Kirkjufell mountain, Djúpalónssandur beach, and the charming fishing villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Overnight in Stykkisholmur.
**Day 3:** Ferry From Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the Westfjords. Take a scenic ferry from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur in the Westfjords. Drive to Látrabjarg, Europe’s westernmost point and home to millions of seabirds. Overnight in Látrabjarg.
**Day 4:** Dynjandi waterfall and Isafjordur. Visit Dynjandi waterfall, a series of cascading waterfalls considered one of the most beautiful in Iceland. Continue to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. Overnight in Ísafjörður.
**Day 5:** Around and about Isafjordur or Hornstrandir. Choose between exploring Ísafjörður and its surroundings or embarking on a hiking adventure in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Overnight in Ísafjörður.
**Day 6:** Scenic Drive from Isafjordur to Varmahlid. Enjoy a scenic drive from Ísafjörður to Varmahlid in North Iceland. This route takes you through stunning landscapes, including mountain passes and picturesque valleys. Overnight in Varmahlid.
**Day 7:** Discover North Iceland, Forest Lagoon. Explore the highlights of North Iceland. Visit the Forest Lagoon, a geothermal spa surrounded by trees. Overnight in Akureyri.
**Day 8:** Visit the Diamond Circle. Explore the Diamond Circle, a scenic route that includes Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss waterfall, and Ásbyrgi canyon. Overnight in Lake Mývatn.
**Day 9:** Enter the Eastfjords. Drive from Lake Mývatn to the Eastfjords, a region of dramatic mountains and charming fishing villages. Overnight in Egilsstadir.
**Day 10:** Enter the South Coast. Drive along the south coast to Hofn, a town known for its delicious langoustine. Overnight in Hofn.
**Day 11:** At the feet of the Vatnajokull glacier and glacier walk. Explore the area around Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. Consider a glacier walk or an ice cave tour. Overnight in Vík.
**Day 12:** ATV tour, South Coast and back to Reykjavik. Enjoy an ATV tour on the black sand beaches near Vík. Drive back to Reykjavík. Overnight in Reykjavík.
**Day 13:** Golden Circle, The Secret Lagoon. Explore the Golden Circle, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Relax in the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring. Overnight in Reykjavík.
**Day 14:** Depart Iceland, Departure. Transfer to Keflavík International Airport for your departure.
This 12-day itinerary focuses on Iceland’s remote and scenically stunning regions – Westfjords and North Iceland – while also incorporating the mesmerizing Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This tour offers a blend of experiences, from clifftop hikes and wildlife viewing to visits to iconic and less-familiar sites.
## How to travel between Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
Planning your transportation between these key destinations is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
**How to get to Lake Mývatn:** Lake Mývatn, located in Northern Iceland, is a geothermal area that marks a vital stop on the country’s “Diamond Circle”, which encompasses Húsavík, the impressive Ásbyrgi canyon and the powerful Dettifoss waterfall. International visitors arriving at Keflavík Airport (KEF) have the option of renting a car and embarking on a journey north via the Ring Road (Route 1) or transferring to Reykjavík’s domestic airport for a brief 45-minute flight to Akureyri.
**How to get to the Westfjords:** The Westfjords region represents Iceland’s untouched beauty with fjords and abundant wildlife. Opting for self-driving becomes a popular choice, offering the flexibility to explore the isolated regions of Iceland effectively.
**How to get from Reykjavík to Akureyri:** Traveling the 241 miles (388 km) from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík, to the northern “capital” of Akureyri, involves either self-driving or catching a domestic flight. This northern city holds a plethora of cultural and outdoor experiences, including some of the world’s most exceptional whale watching opportunities. While private or group transfers are also available, they may not be the most flexible or cost-effective alternatives.
**How to get to Snæfellsnes Peninsula:** The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is easily accessible by car, and touring the entire area in a single day is possible; however, allocating more time ensures a thorough exploration of the expansive beauty it holds.
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