A 10-Day Itinerary in Iceland: Tips + Ideas

With 10 days in Iceland, you can dive deep into the culture and natural wonders of the Land of Fire and Ice. By giving you the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace, hiring a car is by far the best way to get the most out of your trip.

In this guide, we share the top stopovers and sights to enjoy on a 10-day Iceland itinerary. Read on to discover what to see and do, where to stay, and some tips on how to get the most of your experience.

• Read more in our guide to driving in Iceland

Day 1: Reykjavík

Wherever you’re coming from and whatever you’re planning to do on your trip, the first place you’ll visit in Iceland will almost certainly be the capital, Reykjavík. We recommend spending at least a day in the city.

You’ll land at the Keflavík International Airport. From here, the city is reachable by bus or taxi. Or, if it’s more convenient, you can pick up your rental car from Höldur at our desk in the arrivals lounge.

Spend your first full day in Iceland exploring the many sights that Reykjavík has to offer, including:

• Hallgrímskirkja. This iconic church is one of the most recognisable buildings in Iceland. You can’t miss it. Its form is inspired by the basalt columns that can be found across the country—including at the Svartifoss waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park.

Heading up to the top of the church’s bell tower is a must. The views over Reykjavík and the surrounding area are unparalleled.

• Harpa. Have a stroll around Reykjavík’s old harbour and you can’t fail to notice the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. With its angular geometric structure and kaleidoscopic glass facade, it’s one of the jewels in Iceland’s architectural crown.

Check out the venue’s impressive list of shows and cultural events, to find something unique to enjoy while you’re here.

• Perlan. To get an understanding of Icelandic nature before you leave the city for your road trip, visit Perlan. In this interactive museum, you can explore exhibits on the science behind the northern lights, Iceland’s volcanoes, and its glaciers.

On the roof of the building, there’s a 360-degree observation deck promising staggering city views.

While these three places give you a special insight into the science and culture of Iceland, there’s much more to see and do in Reykjavík, if you have the time.

For instance, take a walk down the bustling pedestrian shopping street, Laugavegur. Visit Austurvöllur square where you’ll find Iceland’s parliament and the Reykjavík cathedral. Or see some of the city’s more unusual sights, such as the Icelandic Phallological Museum.

If you manage to fit all this in, you’ll have enjoyed a busy first day in Iceland. Spend the night in the city and enjoy some of the world-class food and drink that the city has to offer.

Day 2: The Golden Circle

On your second day in Iceland, leave the city to explore the Golden Circle, perhaps the best-known itinerary in Iceland. While some travellers spend more time visiting this world famous route, for your 10-day itinerary in Iceland we recommend just a day.

If you haven’t picked up your rental car already at Keflavík, we recommend doing so today. You can hire a car in Reykjavík, at Höldur’s downtown location.

With your ride for your road trip sorted, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the three key sights of the Golden Circle:

• Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir is a place that combines stupendous geological wonder with fascinating Icelandic history. Here you can walk (and even swim) between continents—the Eurasian tectonic plate and the North American. Then, visit the site of Iceland’s original parliament, the Alþing.
  
  
• Geysir geothermal area. A short distance from Þingvellir is a zone that’s characterised by thrilling geothermal activity. See fumaroles, spot bubbling pots of mud, and witness the power of Strokkur, a geyser that fires water up to 40 metres into the sky.
  
  

• Gullfoss water. The final stop on the classic Golden Circle route is Gullfoss. Known as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe—not just Iceland—it’s a thundering torrent of water that will take your breath away.

Along the way, if you have time, there’s much more to see too. For instance, you can visit another spectacular waterfall, Brúarfoss, hike to the volcanic crater, Kerið, or kick back in the Laugarvatn Fontana spa.

For the night, you can return to Reykjavík. Or find a place to stay close to the Golden Circle, so you can continue exploring the south coast.

• Find out more: Driving Iceland's Golden Circle: Your Ultimate Guide

Day 3-5: The South Coast, Vík, and Jökulsárlón

Wherever you’ve spent your second night, you now have the chance to take it slow and explore Iceland’s dramatic south coast to the full. This region stretches roughly between Selfoss in the west to Jökulsárlón—the unforgettable glacial lagoon—in the east.

The south coast has some of Iceland’s unmissable destinations to easily fill three days, including:

• Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. These dramatic twin waterfalls both sit on the cliffs that once were Iceland’s southern shore. They’re both staggering testaments to the power of Icelandic nature.

What Skógafoss offers in drama, Seljalandsfoss makes up for with beauty. You can even walk behind Seljalandsfoss into the cave hidden by the curtain of water.

• Sólheimasandur plane wreck. As you drive east along the Ring Road—Iceland’s Route 1—you’ll pass through Sólheimasandur, a plain of black sand. Take a walk across the desolate landscape and discover the notorious wreck of a US plane that crash landed here in 1973.

It’s an evocative site for photographs. But come prepared for a four-kilometre hike each way to the wreckage, without any facilities.

• Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey. Reynisfjara is a mysterious beach of black sand, punctuated by rugged pillars of jagged rock. It’s an atmospheric place to witness the brute force of the North Atlantic Ocean, as well as Iceland’s iconic basalt formations.

Dyrhólaey is a clifftop close by. It boasts breathtaking views of the south coast, as well as a distinctive arch carved out of the rock by the ocean.

Note. Reynisfjara may be beautiful, but the ocean here can be unpredictable. Whenever you’re on the beach, stay aware of rogue waves, which have been known to pull visitors out to sea.

• Vík í Mýrdal. One of the best places to stay along Iceland’s south coast is the village of Vík. It has many options for accommodation and food, as well as some of Iceland’s top cultural sights. For instance, visit the Lava Show to see volcanic lava in a controlled setting. Or check out Skaftfellingur, for exhibits on the many shipwrecks in the region.
  
  

• Vatnajökull National Park. One of the most dramatic and varied locations you’ll see on your 10-day Iceland itinerary is Vatnajökull. This national park covers 14% of Iceland’s land area, featuring the vast ice cap of the same name.

Due to its size, you’ll find plenty to do here. Head to Skaftafell nature reserve, for instance, for hiking trails, including the path that takes you to the striking Svartifoss waterfall. Or follow the more challenging Kristínartindar trail for panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.

• Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach. One of the standout wonders of Iceland, Jökulsárlón is a lake created by the melting ice of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, one of the tongues of Vatnajökull. It’s a magical landscape, where icebergs float serenely on the water.

Close by, you’ll find Diamond Beach, so called due to the glistening chunks of ice that shine like diamonds as they melt on the sand. It’s a good opportunity to see seals and seabirds too.

The village of Vík can be the perfect base as you explore the south coast. But you’ll find many other options for accommodation in the region. For instance, try Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where you’ll find restaurants and other amenities, or the fishing town of Höfn east of Jökulsárlón.

• Discover more: South Iceland: A Complete Guide

Day 6-7: East Fjords and Egilsstaðir

While your itinerary has not been short of attractions so far, Iceland’s far east offers something special. With its winding coastal roads, peaceful fjords, and steep mountains, it promises picturesque scenery and many surprises.

If you’re driving the Ring Road, you’ll see much of the region’s beauty. But in the two days you’ll spend in the region, make sure to stop off at the following places:

• Egilsstaðir. East Iceland’s largest town is an ideal place to stay in the region. It also benefits from its scenic location next to Lagarfljót, a lake in which the legendary Lagarfljót Worm is believed to live. Don’t miss the East Iceland Heritage Museum, with its exhibitions on Icelandic rural life.
  
  
• Hengifoss waterfall. One of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, Hengifoss is about 128 metres high. The valley in which it sits is distinctive for its seams of red clay that run between slabs of basalt.

The hike to the spectacular Hengifoss is about 2.5 kilometres each way. You’ll also see Litlanesfoss waterfall along the route.

• Hallormsstaður. On the banks of Lagarfljót, you’ll find Hallormsstaður, the largest forest in Iceland. Visit for hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints. It’s particularly beautiful in autumn, when the trees change colour to a wonderful mix of reds and oranges.

The forest also offers an interesting perspective on Iceland’s wider reforestation efforts. It’s thought that up to 40% of Iceland’s surface was once forest—but today that stands closer to 1.5%.

• Seyðisfjörður. Directly east of Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður is an old trading post and one of the earliest settled areas in Iceland. Today, it’s known for its coloured buildings and its vibrant local arts scene.

If you’re visiting the village, you’ll see it’s a great place for a hike. Head up one of the seven hills that surround it for stupendous views.

• Borgarfjörður Eystri. Heading north from Egilsstaðir, Borgarfjörður Eystri is well worth a detour from the Ring Road. You’ll drive the spectacular route 94 to reach the village, which is renowned for its puffin colonies and breathtaking hikes.

For instance, take the hike up to Stórurð, a magical boulder field at the foot of the Dyrfjöll mountain range.

East Iceland is home to many small villages and towns that make for great places to spend. As we mentioned above, Egilsstaðir is a top choice, but alternatives, including Reyðarfjörður, are also well served by hotels and restaurants.

• Read more: East Iceland: A Complete Guide for Drivers

Day 8-9: Mývatn and Akureyri

North Iceland is a varied and fascinating region which often gets overlooked, but there’s lots here to see and do. On a 10 day itinerary, we recommend you spend two days here before you return to Reykjavík.

Spend a day touring the Diamond Circle, which includes sights such as:

• Ásbyrgi. The horseshoe-shaped canyon is one of the most dramatic landscapes in North Iceland. Formed thousands of years ago by glacial floods, today it’s home to a lush nature reserve. Climb up the mound called Eyjan for views over the whole area.
  
  

• Lake Mývatn. Formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, the area known as Mývatn is packed with sensational landscapes, strange rock formations, and opportunities for hikes and other activities. Plus, it’s a world-class destination for bird watching, thanks to the fact that it has the greatest diversity of species of ducks in all of Europe.

Don’t miss the Mývatn Nature Baths, a luxurious spa, and Dimmuborgir, the natural sculptures of lava that resemble a “dark fortress”.

• Dettifoss waterfall. Thought to be another of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, Dettifoss is truly a sight to behold. Here, the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum falls 100 metres into a wide canyon.
  
  

• Húsavík. Historically, Húsavík has been Iceland’s whaling capital. Today, it’s better known as a centre for whale watching. You can dive deep into its relationship with these majestic animals at the Húsavík Whale Museum. Or book onto a sealife tour and glimpse these breathtaking creatures for yourself.

You still have another day in the region and we suggest you spend it in and around Akureyri, the largest city in North Iceland. It has a charming downtown area, featuring a botanical garden, traditional Icelandic houses, and a vibrant cafe culture. Don’t miss the iconic Akureyri Church and the Akureyri Art Gallery.

Alternatively, spend more time in Húsavík and its spa, Geosea, which boasts a geothermal infinity pool overlooking the Arctic Ocean. Or for a more active adventure, try a horse-riding tour.

Akureyri, Húsavík, and the area around Mývatn all have a wide range of hotels to spend the night.

• Find out more: North Iceland: A Complete Guide for Drivers

Day 10: Return to Reykjavík via the West Coast

On your final day, head west from Akureyri on the Ring Road. Today, we’re returning to Reykjavík, stopping off at some of the most spectacular sights along the way.

Most of the sights we suggest are in West Iceland, around the village of Reykholt. These include:

• Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. This part of West Iceland is a treasure trove for waterfall lovers. Hraunfossar is a flurry of waterfalls that run over the rocks of the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Meanwhile, closeby, you’ll find Barnafoss, a gnarled canyon with a dark history, through which water flows at high speed.
  
  

• Deildartunguhver. A hot spring that boasts a number of records, as it’s both the highest-flowing and the highest-temperature hot spring in Europe. The clouds of steam that surround it make for an impressive sight.
  
  

• Reykholt. Today it may look like any other small town in the country, but Reykholt holds an important place in Icelandic history. It was the home of Snorri Sturluson, the mediaeval poet, historian, and politician. He built an impressive group of artists and writers around him here during the middle ages, which you can explore at the Snorrastofa museum.

If you have time, you can also explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Protruding from the west coast of Iceland, it features the mighty glacier and volcano Snæfellsjökull, at the heart of the national park of the same name.

If you’re returning your rental vehicle to downtown Reykjavík, we recommend you do that on your return to the city today. Alternatively, if you’re returning it to Keflavík, it may suit you to do that before your flight tomorrow.

Spend your last evening in Iceland enjoying the buzz of the capital and seeing any more sights you’re yet to see.

• Read more: West Iceland: The Complete Drivers’ Guide

FAQs

Here we answer some of the questions you may still have about your 10 day Iceland itinerary.

Is 10 days too long in Iceland?

10 days is a good amount of time to spend in Iceland. It’s enough time for you to tour the Ring Road at your leisure, without having to rush. However, if you want to go slow and explore everything that Iceland has to offer, you may want to opt for two weeks.

What to do with 10 days in Iceland?

The best way to spend 10 days in Iceland is to tour the Ring Road, the circular highway that draws a loop around the entire country. It will show you Iceland in all of its diversity.

How many days is ideal for an Iceland trip?

You can spend as much time as you want in Iceland. While 10 days is ideal for a comprehensive trip around the Land of Fire and Ice, it’s possible to enjoy a shorter—or much longer—trip too.

How many days do you need in Iceland?

That depends on how much time you have, your budget, and what you like to get up to. You can explore what to do in different length trips in our suggestions for 5-day and 7-day itineraries.

How to spend 10 days in Reykjavík, Iceland?

There’s lots to explore in Reykjavík. But if you’re planning to spend 10 days here, we’d recommend that you venture out of the city.

So, spend two or three days visiting the main sights in Reykjavík. Then, it can make sense to do day trips into the surrounding countryside. For example, you can visit the Golden Circle, the key sights of the south coast, and Jökulsárlón on respective days.

After that, you’ll still have time to explore the volcanoes of the Reykjanes peninsula and the waterfalls and fjords of the west coast. If you still have time, head to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Can you do the Ring Road in 10 days?

Yes, 10 days is a good amount of time to explore the Ring Road. It gives you enough time so that you’re not in a rush and have the flexibility to get off the beaten track.

What is the best time of year for a 10-day road trip in Iceland?

All times of year are good for a road trip in Iceland, of any length. The summer is the most popular time, but the other seasons have their own appeal: the northern lights in winter, vibrant autumnal colours in the fall, and the drier weather of spring.

If you’re visiting in winter, it’s important to be aware of the weather. While the Ring Road is regularly cleared of snow, some of the minor roads can be impassable. You’ll also need to look out for black ice on the road and winter storms. That said, it’s an exceptionally beautiful time of year.

Find out more: Winter Driving in Iceland: A Comprehensive Overview for Foreign Tourists

What are some must-see stops on a 10-day Iceland itinerary?

If you have 10 days to spend in Iceland, we recommend that you take a road trip of the iconic Icelandic Ring Road. This takes you around the entire country, revealing sights such as:

• Reykjavík, Iceland’s dynamic and welcoming capital
• The Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and Geysir
• Jökulsárlón, the famed glacier lagoon
• The mighty Vatnajökull National Park
• Hiking opportunities in the East Fjords
• The Diamond Circle, including Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss, Húsavík, and Mývatn
• Akureyri, the “Capital of the North”

What is the best time to visit Iceland for a road trip?

The most popular time to visit Iceland for a road trip is the summer. This is when the nights are long, the weather tends to be mild, and it’s easiest to get around the country.

However, that’s not to say the summer is the best time to visit. That depends on your preferences. If you want to see the country blanketed in snow, for instance, the winter or early spring could be your best choice.

How should travellers plan their route for an Iceland road trip?

The best way to plan your Icelandic road trip is to research the sights that Iceland has to offer and choose your favourites. Whether you prefer mountain hikes or coastal views, there’s a lot to pack into your 10 day itinerary.

Launch your Icelandic road trip with Höldur

Planning 10 days in Iceland? Now you’ve read our suggestions for a 10-day itinerary in Iceland, all that’s left is to book your journey.

If you’re planning a road trip, there’s nowhere better to rent a vehicle than Höldur. We have the largest fleet of rental vehicles in Iceland, at locations across the country. Plus, we’re the local Europcar franchisee, offering the quality of service you can expect from our locations worldwide.

With Höldur, renting a vehicle is easy. Simply explore our fleet to find the best vehicle for you, then reserve it for pickup wherever is most convenient. Book your vehicle today.