14 day itinerary for Iceland

Itinerary

A 14-day adventure in Iceland sounds like a dream come true! July is a fantastic time to visit, with long daylight hours and relatively mild weather. Let’s dive into an exciting itinerary that balances nature, culture, and a bit of adventure.

## Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

• Morning: Arrive at Keflavik International Airport. Pick up your rental car (a 4x4 is recommended for some of the more rugged areas).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation in Reykjavik. After settling in, explore the city. Visit Hallgrímskirkja for stunning views from the tower.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb or seafood.

## Day 2: Golden Circle

• Morning: Head out early to the Golden Circle. First stop: Þingvellir National Park. Walk between the tectonic plates and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Afternoon: Visit Geysir Geothermal Area to see the Strokkur geyser erupt. Then, head to Gullfoss waterfall for breathtaking views.
• Evening: Return to Reykjavik. Consider a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon (book in advance!).

## Day 3: South Coast Adventure

• Morning: Drive along the South Coast. Stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Don’t forget to walk behind Seljalandsfoss for a unique perspective!
• Afternoon: Visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara near Vík. Marvel at the basalt columns and sea stacks.
• Evening: Stay overnight in Vík. Enjoy dinner at a local eatery.

## Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park

• Morning: Head towards Vatnajökull National Park. Stop at the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.
• Afternoon: Explore the Svartifoss waterfall, known for its unique basalt column formations.
• Evening: Stay overnight in the nearby town of Höfn. Try some local lobster for dinner!

## Day 5: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

• Morning: Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Take a boat tour among the icebergs if the weather permits.
• Afternoon: Explore Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash ashore on the black sand.
• Evening: Drive back towards Vík and stay overnight.

## Day 6: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Morning: Drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Visit the charming town of Stykkishólmur.
• Afternoon: Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park. Hike to the glacier or visit the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.
• Evening: Stay overnight in the area. Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local guesthouse.

## Day 7: Westfjords

• Morning: Head towards the Westfjords. Stop at the stunning Dynjandi waterfall.
• Afternoon: Explore the remote beauty of the Westfjords. Visit the Látrabjarg cliffs for birdwatching (puffins galore!).
• Evening: Stay overnight in a guesthouse in the Westfjords.

## Day 8: Ísafjörður

• Morning: Drive to Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. Explore the town and its charming architecture.
• Afternoon: Take a boat tour to the nearby island of Vigur, known for its birdlife.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Ísafjörður and stay overnight.

## Day 9: North Iceland - Akureyri

• Morning: Drive towards Akureyri, stopping at Hólmavík to visit the Witchcraft and Sorcery Museum.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Akureyri, explore the botanical gardens, and stroll around the town.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Akureyri and stay overnight.

## Day 10: Lake Mývatn

• Morning: Head to Lake Mývatn. Visit the geothermal area of Hverir and the stunning Dimmuborgir lava formations.
• Afternoon: Relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a less crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
• Evening: Stay overnight in the Mývatn area.

## Day 11: Dettifoss and Húsavík

• Morning: Visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The sheer power is awe-inspiring!
• Afternoon: Drive to Húsavík, known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Take a whale-watching tour.
• Evening: Stay overnight in Húsavík and enjoy a seafood dinner.

## Day 12: East Fjords

• Morning: Drive towards the East Fjords. Stop at Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque town with colorful houses.
• Afternoon: Explore the stunning fjords and enjoy the scenic views.
• Evening: Stay overnight in the East Fjords area.

## Day 13: Back to Reykjavik

• Morning: Start your journey back to Reykjavik. Stop at any sights you missed on the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Reykjavik. Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs or visiting any remaining attractions.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in Reykjavik.

## Day 14: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for a last-minute stroll around Reykjavik or a quick visit to the nearby Reykjanes Peninsula.
• Afternoon: Return your rental car and head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A fun-filled, action-packed 14-day itinerary in Iceland that balances adventure, relaxation, and exploration. Make sure to pack layers, as the weather can be unpredictable, and don’t forget your camera to capture all those stunning landscapes! Enjoy your trip! 🌍✨