17 day itinerary
Iceland
Itinerary
Iceland is a stunning destination, and 17 days will give you plenty of time to explore its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique experiences. Here’s a fun and adventurous itinerary for you and your friends:
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive at . Pick up your rental car (essential for exploring).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation in . Grab lunch at a local café.
- Evening: Explore downtown . Visit for panoramic views and stroll around the . Dinner at a cozy restaurant like Icelandic Street Food.
Day 2: Golden Circle
- Morning: Start your Golden Circle adventure! First stop: . Walk between the tectonic plates and enjoy the scenery.
- Afternoon: Head to to see the Strokkur geyser erupt. Then, visit .
- Evening: Return to . Enjoy a group dinner and maybe check out some local nightlife!
Day 3: South Coast to Vik
- Morning: Drive along the South Coast. Stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
- Afternoon: Visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and see the .
- Evening: Arrive in Vik. Dinner at a local restaurant and maybe catch the sunset at the beach.
Day 4:
- Morning: Head to . Hike to , known for its basalt columns.
- Afternoon: Explore the and consider a glacier hike (book in advance!).
- Evening: Stay overnight in the nearby town of Höfn. Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner.
Day 5:
- Morning: Visit . Take a boat tour among the icebergs if the weather permits.
- Afternoon: Explore , where ice chunks wash ashore.
- Evening: Drive back towards Vik, stopping for photos along the way. Overnight in Vik.
Day 6:
- Morning: Drive to , a stunning area known for its colorful rhyolite mountains.
- Afternoon: Hike one of the trails (like the Laugavegur trail) and enjoy the hot springs.
- Evening: Camp or stay in a mountain hut if you’re feeling adventurous!
Day 7: The East Fjords
- Morning: Drive through the scenic East Fjords. Stop in charming fishing villages like .
- Afternoon: Hike to a nearby waterfall or explore the coastline.
- Evening: Stay overnight in or . Enjoy a local dinner.
Day 8: North Iceland -
- Morning: Head towards , the capital of North Iceland. Stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
- Afternoon: Visit and explore the geothermal areas, including Hverir.
- Evening: Arrive in . Dinner in town and maybe check out the local nightlife.
Day 9: Whale Watching
- Morning: Go on a whale-watching tour from . Keep an eye out for humpbacks and orcas!
- Afternoon: Explore ’s botanical gardens and the charming town center.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Relax and enjoy the evening.
Day 10:
- Morning: Drive to , known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland.
- Afternoon: Take another whale-watching tour or visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner and stay overnight in .
Day 11: and
- Morning: Drive to , famous for horse riding. Consider a horseback riding tour.
- Afternoon: Visit , a traditional turf farm and museum.
- Evening: Stay overnight in the area. Enjoy a cozy dinner.
Day 12:
- Morning: Head to the . Visit .
- Afternoon: Explore . Hike to the glacier or visit the black sand beaches.
- Evening: Stay overnight in the area. Dinner at a local eatery.
Day 13: More of Snæfellsnes
- Morning: Visit and for stunning coastal views and rock formations.
- Afternoon: Explore the charming village of .
- Evening: Return to . Enjoy a night out in the city!
Day 14:
- Morning: Explore the . Visit the (book in advance!).
- Afternoon: Check out the geothermal areas and the bridge between continents.
- Evening: Return to . Dinner and maybe a visit to a local bar.
Day 15: West Iceland - Borgarfjörður
- Morning: Drive to Borgarfjörður. Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
- Afternoon: Explore Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.
- Evening: Stay overnight in the area. Enjoy a quiet evening.
Day 16: Relax and Explore
- Morning: Return to . Spend the day exploring any missed attractions, like the .
- Afternoon: Enjoy some shopping or visit a local café.
- Evening: Celebrate your trip with a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.
Day 17: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing in .
- Afternoon: Head to for your flight home.
This itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it perfect for a group of friends. Make sure to check the weather and road conditions, as they can change quickly in Iceland. Have an amazing trip! 🌍✨
