Iceland, the land of ice and fire, is a dream destination for nature lovers with its awe-inspiring landscapes. Our Iceland road trip was a long-awaited adventure, delayed by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. When the opportunity finally came, we wasted no time booking a six-day journey through this breathtaking country. In this guide, we’ll share our itinerary and tips—perfect inspiration for your own Iceland road trip.
While a two-week drive along the famous Ring Road is ideal, we planned a shorter itinerary, focusing on Iceland’s south coast highlights. Our journey began in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on the west coast and ended in the charming village of Höfn on the east. For us, this six-day adventure was everything we hoped for—and more.
Essential Tips for Your Iceland Road Trip
Planning an Iceland road trip? Here are a few tips to help you save time and money 
Tip #1 Book a rental car
The first step for your Iceland road trip is booking a rental car. Do this early, as cars sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Most rental companies require a credit card, though some may accept debit cards.
Tip #2 Respect the speed limits
Speed limits in Iceland are 90 km/h on paved roads, 80 km/h on gravel, and 50 km/h in urban areas. Stick to these limits—speeding fines are steep (trust us, we learned the hard way 
)
Tip #3 Avoid going off-road
We strongly advise against off-road driving, even with the right vehicle and gear. While Icelandic destinations may seem close on a map, distances are often greater than expected. Plan your Iceland road trip with these factors in mind: avoid overpacking your itinerary, leave time for breaks, and embrace unplanned detours. Be prepared for strong winds that can affect driving and, in winter, road closures due to snow. Flexibility is key to fully enjoying your journey.
Tip #4 Eat at home
Dining out in Iceland is pricey, and eateries can be few and far between. We recommend packing non-perishable foods like pasta, rice, and canned tuna—this was a game-changer for us! For lunch, we enjoyed simple meals like sandwiches at scenic picnic spots. Dinners were cooked in our rented apartments or cottages. Tap water in Iceland is potable, so a refillable water bottle is all you need.
Tip #5 Beware of weather
Iceland can be cold and windy, especially in winter, with the coldest months spanning November to March. Be sure to dress appropriately for the season. For detailed packing tips, check out our dedicated article “what to pack for a winter trip“.
Exploring Iceland Without a Road Trip
If driving isn’t your thing and an Iceland road trip doesn’t appeal, don’t worry—there are plenty of tour companies across the island. While we loved the freedom of having our own car, we understand that long drives can be tiring. Many travelers choose to stay in Reykjavik and join organized tours. The Golden Circle Tour is one of the most popular options. Another top activity is chasing the Northern Lights. Although sightings aren’t guaranteed, many tours offer repeat trips to increase your chances.
Arriving in Keflavik Airport?
Popular Tours
Our Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Iceland
Our journey hit a hiccup on day one when Francesca’s bag went missing. It was a reminder to always keep essentials in your carry-on! After three hours of driving west, we arrived at Saebol/Ocean Lair 2 in Grundarfjordur, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This apartment was ideally located, making it the perfect base for viewing the Northern Lights.
Despite the rough start, things took a turn for the better when we saw the Northern Lights right from our accommodation. Unfortunately, our camera’s tripod was lost with the bag, so we couldn’t capture great photos. Still, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is known for its prime Northern Lights viewing spots, with the iconic Kirkjufell mountain in the background. Kicking off our Iceland road trip here was definitely a win.
DAY 2: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
On day 2, we explored the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home to the stunning Snæfellsnes National Park. Our first stop was the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and its waterfalls. We recommend parking at the free lot near the waterfalls, just a few minutes away from the best views of the falls with the mountain in the backdrop.
Next, we visited Djúpalónssandur Beach, a black sand beach at the foot of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, known for its dramatic rock formations. On the beach, you’ll find the remains of the Epine GY7, a fishing boat that was shipwrecked there on March 13, 1948.
Our third stop was at the Snæfellsjökull glacier, perched atop an imposing volcano. It was windy and cold at the top, so we only paused briefly to take in the views. As we continued around the peninsula, we stopped several times to admire the stunning panoramas. Later, we drove toward the Golden Circle, where we had a cottage booked for the night.
Overnight: Middalskot Cottages
Middalskot Cottages are set in a peaceful, rural area, yet perfectly situated along the Golden Circle route. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights here, even if just for a short time. The cottage features a dining area, kitchen with an oven and microwave, and provides towels and bed linen. We highly recommend Middalskot Cottages for anyone touring the Golden Circle.
DAY 3: Golden Circle
On day 3, we explored the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most popular route and a must-see. We kicked off the day with a visit to the geothermal Haukadalur Valley, home to the famous ‘Geysir’.
Geysir
Geysir, the hot spring that gave its name to all geysers, is currently inactive. However, Haukadalur Valley is full of geothermal activity, including the impressive Strokkur. We expected just two hot springs but were pleasantly surprised by the variety! The area is dotted with fumaroles, some glowing in sparkling blue, and the powerful Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes, a true natural spectacle. Be sure to have your camera ready!
Gulfoss
Next, we visited the majestic Gulfoss waterfall, one of Europe’s largest by volume. Its powerful cascades are truly awe-inspiring. The waterfall is easily accessible via a walking path with several viewpoints, offering stunning views of its grandeur. We took our time, soaking in the beauty from two main spots before moving on to our next destination.
Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is a man-made pool fed by natural hot springs, located along the Golden Circle. Surrounded by Iceland’s geothermal wonders, it’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge. As the country’s oldest pool, it may be small, but it offers great facilities. Be sure to book in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
Kerid Crater
Our fourth stop was Kerid Crater, a striking volcanic lake. Believed to be younger than other formations in the area, its red rocks stand in sharp contrast to the vibrant azure lake and surrounding greenery. The entrance fee is just 3 Euros. We enjoyed walking around the crater’s edge and descending to take in the view of the lake below
Urridafoss
Just before sunset, we made an unplanned stop at Urridafoss waterfall. It wasn’t on our itinerary, but we were pleasantly surprised by its stunning beauty!
Overnight: Asolfsskali Cottage
Asolfsskali Cottage is tucked away off the Golden Circle, on a peaceful farm. The cottage is cozy, beautifully decorated, and comfortable. Katrin, the host, is warm and welcoming, and Mosi, the adorable farm dog, even escorted us to our cottage upon arrival . We had a wonderful stay!
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DAY 4: Iceland Road Trip - South Coast
Skogafoss
Our first stop on day 4 was the stunning Skogafoss waterfall. By this point, we had already visited three waterfalls—and trust us, in Iceland, they quickly become a part of your daily itinerary! As you continue your journey, you’ll notice waterfalls around nearly every corner. Standing at 60 meters tall, Skogafoss impresses with its powerful, cascading veil of water. You can walk right up to the base of the falls; however, be sure to wear a rain jacket to stay dry. Additionally, there are steps leading to the top of the falls, where you’ll find a pleasant viewpoint, though it may not feel quite as dramatic as the view from below.
Reynisfjara Black Beach
Our second stop of the day was Reynisfjara, a world-famous black-sand beach located near Vik í Myrdal. Known for its towering basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves, and breathtaking views, Reynisfjara is often regarded as the finest example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. In fact, we found the beach and its dramatic rock formations truly awe-inspiring. That said, be cautious of the strong winds and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge, as the waves can be unpredictable!
Vik
After visiting Reynisfjara, we made a quick stop in Vik for lunch. This charming fishing village is a favorite among tourists, thanks to its convenient location and stunning surrounding landscapes. However, with heavy rain pouring down, we didn’t spend much time exploring. Instead, we decided to continue our journey eastward.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is only 2 million years old 
We mentioned this in a reel on our Instagram page, and it truly lived up to the hype. Although it wasn’t part of our planned itinerary, this hidden gem quickly became one of the standout moments of our journey. Less crowded than other attractions, the canyon’s sheer beauty and breathtaking views left us in awe.
Overnight: Guesthouse Nypugardar
For our fourth night, we stayed at Guesthouse Nypugardar, conveniently located near the Vatnajökull glacier and close to Hofn village. The guesthouse offers both breakfast and dinner, along with cozy, comfortable beds. To top it off, we were lucky enough to catch the northern lights again right outside! It’s a fantastic place to stay for anyone exploring the West Coast.
DAY 5: Iceland Road Trip - East Coast
On day 5, we found ourselves near the majestic Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Its sheer size is truly humbling, making you feel incredibly small in its presence. This area is famous for activities like the Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Trekking, which are among the most popular experiences. Although we were very tempted to try them, we ultimately decided to pass this time.
Diamond Beach
Our first stop of the day was Diamond Beach, a stunning black sand beach named for the countless ice rocks scattered along the shore, sparkling like diamonds. These icy fragments were once part of a glacier before breaking away and eventually washing up on the beach, creating a truly mesmerizing sight.
Jökulsárlón
Just a short walk from Diamond Beach is Jökulsárlón, a breathtaking glacier lake. This stunning spot offers incredible views of the Vatnajökull glacier and the icebergs that drift across its waters. The icebergs, calved from the glacier’s edge, appear in two colors: milky white and vibrant blue. These hues result from air trapped within the ice and the interplay of light with ice crystals—a true visual delight. As one of Iceland’s top attractions, Jökulsárlón is an absolute must-see!
Seljalandsfoss
After visiting Jökulsárlón, we began our journey back west and made a stop at the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Located along the Golden Circle, Seljalandsfoss is a favorite among tourists. Since our Golden Circle day was packed, we decided to visit it on the return leg of our trip. Needless to say, this breathtaking waterfall is yet another Icelandic gem that’s well worth a visit. What makes Seljalandsfoss unique is the pathway that loops behind it, allowing you to walk all the way around. Just be prepared to get soaked—so a rain jacket is a must!
Overnight: Borg Apartments
Borg Apartments offer modern and well-equipped units. The apartment we stayed in included a fully equipped kitchen, along with a washing machine and dryer—perfect for a comfortable stay. We had a great experience and would recommend it for anyone looking for convenience and comfort.
DAY 6: Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon
On the final day of our Iceland road trip, we decided to take it easy. We spent a few hours in Reykjavik, the lively capital of Iceland. While our time there was brief, we felt the city had a vibrant energy, especially at night. We strolled along the harbor to see the Sun Voyager, then visited the Hallgrímskirkja church and wandered through the charming little lanes.
In the afternoon, we spent the rest of the day unwinding at the Blue Lagoon. If you’ve ever thought about visiting Iceland, chances are you’ve heard of this world-renowned geothermal spa. Famous for its rejuvenating properties, the water is rich in silica and sulfur, which are believed to have healing qualities. The experience includes a complimentary silica mud mask and a drink of your choice.
After days of driving, our Iceland road trip ended beautifully at the Blue Lagoon. If you plan to visit, make sure to book in advance, as spots fill up quickly. Entry prices vary by day and time slot, but if you book through our partner Get Your Guide, the price remains consistent.
Overnight: Comfort and Rest
Comfort and Rest is a cozy apartment ideally located near Keflavik Airport. The owner, Jolanta, was incredibly welcoming and helpful—she even prepared the hot tub in the garden for our arrival. If you’re catching an early flight from Keflavik the next morning, we highly recommend this place for a comfortable and convenient stay!
Iceland FAQ
Where to stay in Iceland
We recommend staying at cottages for authentic experience.
When are Iceland’s northern lights?
The best chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon are during the winter months when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest.
Which Iceland Volcano is erupting?
Whilst we did not experience any eruption during our trip, volcanic eruptions are frequent in Iceland. We recommend checking the latest news or official sources for the most recent volcanic activity in Iceland.
Why Iceland is the best?
Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes, and unique geological features.
Bonus End of Trip
Francesca’s bag was finally returned!
It was delivered to Comfort and Rest on the very last night of our trip. What can we say? ‘All’s well that ends well!‘
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