12 day itinerary
Islande
Personalized with:Include parks and green spacesMake it family friendlyI want to travel at a relaxed paceRoad trip
Itinerary
A 12-day road trip in Iceland sounds like an incredible adventure, especially with family in tow. Iceland is bursting with stunning landscapes, parks, and green spaces, making it perfect for a relaxed exploration. Let’s dive into a fun and family-friendly itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive at . Pick up your rental car and head to .
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll around the city center. Visit the iconic church and enjoy the view from the top.
- Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like Icelandic Street Food, where you can try traditional dishes in a casual setting.
Day 2: Golden Circle
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to . Explore the rift valley and let the kids run around in the beautiful green spaces.
- Afternoon: Head to to see the Strokkur geyser erupt. Then, visit , where you can enjoy a picnic lunch with a view.
- Evening: Return to for dinner. Consider a family-friendly spot like the Laundromat Café.
Day 3: South Coast Adventure
- Morning: Drive to . You can walk behind the falls, which is a fun experience for the kids!
- Afternoon: Continue to . Climb the stairs for a breathtaking view from the top. Have lunch at the Skógar Museum café.
- Evening: Arrive in . Explore the black sand beaches and the . Overnight in .
Day 4:
- Morning: Head to . Stop at the visitor center to learn about the park and its glaciers.
- Afternoon: Take a family-friendly glacier hike or a guided ice cave tour (check age restrictions). Pack a lunch to enjoy in the park.
- Evening: Drive to for dinner and overnight stay. Try some local lobster dishes!
Day 5: East Fjords Exploration
- Morning: Drive through the scenic East Fjords. Stop at , a charming village with colorful houses.
- Afternoon: Visit in Stöðvarfjörður, a fascinating place for kids and adults alike.
- Evening: Overnight in . Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: North Iceland –
- Morning: Drive to . Explore the geothermal areas and the unique lava formations at .
- Afternoon: Visit the for a relaxing soak (family-friendly). Have lunch at the café there.
- Evening: Overnight in the Mývatn area. Enjoy a family dinner at a local eatery.
Day 7: and Surroundings
- Morning: Head to , Iceland’s second-largest city. Visit the , a lovely green space.
- Afternoon: Explore the city, including the . Have lunch at a family-friendly café.
- Evening: Drive to nearby for a whale-watching tour (check for family-friendly options). Overnight in .
Day 8: and Glaumbær
- Morning: Drive to , known for its horse culture. Consider a family-friendly horse riding tour.
- Afternoon: Visit to learn about traditional Icelandic living. Have a picnic lunch on the grounds.
- Evening: Overnight in the area. Enjoy a local dinner.
Day 9:
- Morning: Drive to the . Stop at for some iconic photos.
- Afternoon: Visit . Explore the lava fields and coastal areas. Have lunch at a local café.
- Evening: Overnight in the area. Enjoy a family dinner at a cozy restaurant.
Day 10: West Iceland –
- Morning: Head to . Visit , Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
- Afternoon: Explore and . Have a picnic lunch in the area.
- Evening: Overnight in Borgarnes. Enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 11: Back to
- Morning: Drive back to . Stop at the to learn about Iceland’s history.
- Afternoon: Explore the city’s parks, like , where kids can enjoy the playgrounds and botanical gardens.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. Consider trying some Icelandic pizza!
Day 12: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or a visit to the (book in advance!).
- Afternoon: Return your rental car and head to the airport for departure.
Tips for a Relaxed Pace:
- Allow for flexibility in your schedule. If you find a spot you love, feel free to linger!
- Plan for plenty of breaks, especially for the kids to stretch their legs.
- Keep snacks and water handy for the road.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in Iceland! Enjoy your adventure! 🌍✨