10-Day Iceland Itinerary: The Ultimate Summer Road Trip

Reykjavík is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, but it makes an excellent starting point for an Iceland road trip as the country's international airport is located just outside the capital. Spend your first two days adjusting to the time zone, exploring the city, and preparing for the journey ahead.

What to do in Reykjavík

• Start by exploring the compact city center on foot.

• Walk through downtown Reykjavík and the harbour area, and visit Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic concrete church inspired by Icelandic basalt columns. Explore Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavík’s striking glass cultural center.

• Rent an electric scooter to move around the city quickly.

• Browse local shops selling Icelandic wool sweaters and handmade goods.

Where to eat in Reykjavík

Reykjavík has an excellent food scene, with a strong focus on seafood.

My recommended spots:

• Apótek Bar: Great cocktails in a historic building

• Skál!: Creative Icelandic dishes made with local ingredients

• Fiskfélagið (Fish Company): One of the city’s best seafood restaurants

• Sandholt Bakery: Perfect for breakfast or pastries

• Loki Café: Known for lamb soup and Icelandic specialties

Where to stay in Reykjavík

• EDITION Reykjavík: Modern luxury hotel by the harbor

• Sandhotel: Boutique hotel on the main shopping street

• Apótek Hotel: Stylish hotel in a former pharmacy

• Konsulat Hotel: Historic building turned luxury hotel

Today, the road trip truly begins. You can either opt for renting a vehicle and driving yourself—we did it with a Tesla!—or have a private guide usher you along the way. Head east along Iceland’s famous South Coast, one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Stops along the South Coast you should not miss

• Skógafoss: A powerful 60-meter waterfall where rainbows often appear in the mist. Climb the staircase to the top for sweeping views of the coastline.

• Seljalandsfoss: One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, known for the path that allows visitors to walk behind the cascade.

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: This beach is formed from volcanic basalt fragments, giving the sand its deep black color. The dramatic basalt columns and powerful Atlantic waves make it one of Iceland’s most striking landscapes.

• Seljavallalaug Hidden Pool: A remote geothermal pool built in 1923, located in a narrow valley and reached by a 15- to 20-minute walk from the parking area. Water temperatures usually range between 20–35 degrees Celsius.

Where to stay

• UMI Hotel

• Hotel Rangá

Continue east toward Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. One of the most rewarding hikes in the region is Múlagljúfur Canyon with its roughly four-mile round-trip trail.

The trail leads to viewpoints overlooking a deep canyon with waterfalls, moss-covered cliffs, and glacier rivers. The dramatic scenery makes this one of Iceland’s most underrated hikes.

Where to stay

• Glacier Lagoon Hotel (Hotel Jökulsárlón): Located near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the hotel offers excellent access to glacier hikes and ice-cave tours.

Start the day slowly with a relaxing soak in geothermal waters before continuing your road trip. One of the most memorable experiences in Iceland is kayaking among floating icebergs in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Nearby Diamond Beach is also worth visiting, where ice fragments wash ashore on black volcanic sand.

Stokksnes and Vestrahorn

Drive to Stokksnes Peninsula, famous for the dramatic Vestrahorn mountain rising above black sand dunes. The location is sometimes called “Batman Mountain” because of its distinctive shape.

Today you’ll explore one of Iceland’s most visually unique canyons. Stuðlagil Canyon is famous for its geometric basalt columns surrounding a turquoise glacial river. The best viewpoints require a short hike along the river.

Puffin watching

In summer months, Iceland’s cliffs are home to thousands of puffins. Several locations along the northeast coast provide excellent viewing opportunities.

Head to Húsavík, widely considered the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Boat tours from Húsavík regularly spot humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and occasionally even blue whales.

GeoSea geothermal baths

End the day at GeoSea, a geothermal spa overlooking the Arctic Ocean. The infinity-style pools create a spectacular setting for sunset and a nice glass of bubbly.

For the final adventure, head into Iceland’s central highlands. Kerlingarfjöll is one of the most unique landscapes in the country, known for its vivid rhyolite mountains colored in reds, oranges, yellows, and greens by geothermal activity. The highest peak rises to about 1,477 meters.

What to do in Kerlingarfjöll

• Hike through the geothermal valley Hveradalir.

• Explore steaming hot springs and colorful mountains.

• Enjoy remote wilderness landscapes far from the crowds.

Where to stay

• Highland Base: The only hotel in the area, offering modern lodging in the middle of Iceland’s rugged highlands.

Drive back toward Reykjavík via the Golden Circle and spend your final evening in the city before departing Iceland.