10 day itinerary
Iceland
Itinerary
A 10-day road trip around Iceland in a van sounds like an incredible adventure! Iceland is a land of stunning landscapes, waterfalls, geysers, and unique culture. Let’s dive into an ideal itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and a bit of adventure. Buckle up!
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
- Morning: Arrive at . Pick up your van and head to Reykjavik.
- Afternoon: Explore the capital city! Visit for panoramic views, stroll around the colorful streets, and check out the .
- Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb or seafood.
- Overnight: Camp at a nearby campsite or a cozy guesthouse.
Day 2: Golden Circle
- Morning: Start your day early and head to . Walk between the tectonic plates and enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Afternoon: Visit the to see Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes. Then, head to , one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls.
- Evening: Drive to the town of Selfoss for dinner and spend the night at a nearby campsite.
Day 3: South Coast Adventures
- Morning: Drive towards the South Coast. Stop at Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls. Don’t forget to walk behind Seljalandsfoss for a unique view!
- Afternoon: Visit and hike up the stairs for a breathtaking view from the top.
- Evening: Head to the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara near Vík. Watch the sunset over the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
- Overnight: Camp in Vík.
Day 4:
- Morning: Drive to . Stop at the stunning along the way.
- Afternoon: Explore the park and take a hike to , known for its unique basalt columns.
- Evening: Head to and watch the icebergs float by. Don’t miss the nearby !
- Overnight: Camp near Jökulsárlón.
Day 5: East Fjords
- Morning: Drive along the scenic coastal roads of the East Fjords. Stop in charming fishing villages like .
- Afternoon: Explore in Stöðvarfjörður and enjoy the beautiful fjord views.
- Evening: Settle in , a picturesque town known for its colorful houses and artsy vibe.
- Overnight: Camp in .
Day 6: North Iceland -
- Morning: Head towards , the capital of North Iceland. Stop at the stunning , one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.
- Afternoon: Visit the geothermal area of and consider going whale watching if the season is right!
- Evening: Arrive in , explore the town, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
- Overnight: Camp in .
Day 7:
- Morning: Drive to . Explore the geothermal area of Hverir and the unique lava formations at .
- Afternoon: Relax in the , a less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
- Evening: Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and perhaps catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if the conditions are right!
- Overnight: Camp near Mývatn.
Day 8: Westfjords Adventure
- Morning: Start your journey towards the Westfjords. It’s a bit of a drive, but the scenery is breathtaking!
- Afternoon: Stop at the stunning , often considered one of the most beautiful in Iceland.
- Evening: Explore the small town of and enjoy a local meal.
- Overnight: Camp in .
Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Morning: Drive towards the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Visit the iconic .
- Afternoon: Explore , where you can hike and enjoy the stunning coastal views.
- Evening: Visit the charming village of and walk the coastal path to .
- Overnight: Camp in the area.
Day 10: Return to Reykjavik
- Morning: Start your drive back to Reykjavik. Stop at any sights you may have missed or want to revisit.
- Afternoon: Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs or visiting any museums you missed in Reykjavik.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant and reflect on your amazing journey through Iceland!
- Overnight: Camp or stay in a guesthouse in Reykjavik.
Bonus Tips:
- Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Pack layers and waterproof gear!
- Fuel: Make sure to fill up your van whenever you can, especially in remote areas.
- Camping: Check for campsites in advance, as some may require reservations, especially in peak season.
I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your Icelandic adventure! Enjoy the stunning landscapes, the unique culture, and the incredible experiences that await you. Safe travels! 🌍✨
