10-Day Spring Itinerary Across Iceland: Whales, Thermal Baths, Glaciers & the Northern Lights

You’ll land at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and head straight to Reykjavík (about a 45-minute drive—check the local tourist bus, which departures are aligned with flight arrivals). Check in at a centrally located hotel such as Grandi by Center Hotels, ideal for a first-night stay near the harbor. For your first evening, keep it casual—grab dinner and cocktails at Jungle Bar and, if you’re in the mood, check out local comedy or live music. Reykjavík has a relaxed nightlife scene and is a perfect soft landing spot before exploring the country.

Catch a short domestic flight from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV) to Akureyri (AEY), often called the Capital of the North. Upon arrival, check into Berjaya Akureyri Hotel or a nearby guesthouse. The town is walkable, but renting a car is recommended if you plan to explore beyond. There’s not much to do in this town, so enjoy the afternoon unwinding at the Forest Lagoon, a serene geothermal spa nestled in nature with views of the fjord.

Drive about 1 hour to Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland—the reason why you flew to the north! Book your whale tour in advance (April–May is prime humpback season). After the excursion, don’t miss a visit to the Húsavík Whale Museum and grab lunch by the harbor.

Start your day driving east toward Lake Mývatn. Stop at the stunning Goðafoss waterfall en route—it’s an easy detour from the Ring Road. Check into Fosshotel Mývatn or a countryside guesthouse. This remote region is peaceful and geologically rich—a perfect base for Northern Lights viewing in early spring. If you’re visiting Mývatn in late spring or summer, be prepared for midges—tiny non-biting flies that swarm in large numbers near the lake. They don’t sting, but they can be overwhelming. Bring a mesh head net if you’re sensitive to bugs, and consider skipping the area if that’s a dealbreaker for you.

Spend the day exploring the highlights of Mývatn. Begin at the steaming geothermal fields of Námaskarð (Hverir), then visit Dettifoss and Selfoss waterfalls. For lunch, head to Vogafjós Farm Resort—a charming spot offering farm-to-table dishes and fresh dairy. In the afternoon, visit the lava cave at Grjótagjá and hike up the marked trail to Hverfjall crater for panoramic views. End your day with a warm dinner at your hotel.

Fly back to Reykjavík or drive if you’re continuing a Ring Road route. Pick up your rental car (if you haven’t already) and enjoy a relaxed afternoon. In the evening, visit Kaldi Bar for cocktails, and if the skies are clear, check out the Aurora app and drive to Grótta Lighthouse—a popular and accessible spot to witness the Northern Lights.

Dedicate the day to Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle. Stop at Friðheimar—a greenhouse restaurant where everything revolves around tomatoes (don’t miss the tomato beer!). Then head to Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. For a memorable overnight, book a stay at Buubble Hotel or similar glamping domes. Plan to check in before sunset to enjoy the peaceful countryside views.

Begin with a visit to Hellisfjoss waterfall, then stop at the Lava Centre museum and Schoolbus Café in Hvolsvöllur. Continue along the south coast to Seljalandsfoss and the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall (wear waterproof layers!), then on to Skógafoss and the dramatic Dyrhólaey cliffs. Finish at Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, where puffins often nest in spring. Stay overnight in Hotel Vík í Mýrdal.

Take a scenic drive from Vík to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (about 2.5 hours each way). Admire the floating icebergs and cross over to Diamond Beach to see glacial ice scattered on black volcanic sand. Snowmobiling tours may be available earlier in the season, depending on conditions. Return to Vík for a cozy night in.

If the weather allows, take the ferry from Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands). Rent a scooter and visit the Beluga Whale & Puffin Sanctuary, as well as the Eldheimar Volcano Museum. If ferry conditions aren’t ideal, head back to Reykjavík and unwind at Sky Lagoon, a luxurious thermal spa with ocean views and a 7-step ritual. In the evening, enjoy a unique cocktail experience at Amma Don, a cozy speakeasy inspired by the owner’s grandmother’s living room, located next to Michelin-starred ÓX.

Start the day with a guided snorkeling tour at Silfra in Þingvellir National Park—where you will float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The water is freezing, but they equip you with a warm layer and a dry suit. Back in Reykjavík, shop for local ceramics, wool, or chocolate. Optionally, visit the Blue Lagoon near KEF airport (book ahead, it’s often crowded). End the night at Hús Máls og Menningar, a local favorite bar with live music—the perfect final note to your Icelandic adventure.