The ultimate 10-day roadtrip in Iceland
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a captivating destination for road trip enthusiasts. With its dramatic landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, geothermal wonders and friendly locals, it's no wonder that Iceland is a dream destination for travelers. If you have ten days to spare, we've planned the ideal road trip that takes you through some of the most spectacular sights in this magical country.
Day 1 - 3: Keflavíkurflugvöllur to Vik
As you land, begin your Icelandic adventure by picking up your rental car from Rentalcars. Spend the first day exploring the south coast of Iceland. You start your journey towards Vik, a picturesque village on the south coast. Along the way, you will see many admirable things, make stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Read my other blogpost for a closer look into the falls.
Afterwards explore the black sand beaches of Vik and Reynisfjara. The black sand is something extraordinary. We’ve never seen anything like it. The contrast with the white waves makes it a beautiful scenery. The beach of Vik is mostly overlooked by tourists, but this beach is also a gem. You can take a hike that takes you on a tour of the city of Vik or even ride a horse on the beach!
Reynisfjara is the most famous beach in Iceland but also one of the most dangerous beaches in the world. If you’re heading out be extra careful. The ‘sneaker waves’ are extremly powerful, which makes it’s so dangerous. As you walk to the beach you’ll see a sign with three colours: red, yellow and green. It means there are different zones: If it’s red you can only enter the red zone the same with yellow and green. So always be safe and respect the zones, it’s not worth to risk your life.
After the beach we drove to the other side of the coast where we left our car in the parking lot and made a small upwords hike to the otherworldly Dyrhólaey Arch. Here you can spot the famous mascot of Iceland: puffins! But be aware that they are only here during spring and summer … So we didn’t get a chance to see them. But it still left us with beautiful views over the coastline.
Day 3 - 5: south coast adventure
Continue your adventure along the south coast, discovering the stunning landscapes Iceland is famous for. Marvel at the powerful Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. This canyon has a walking path up to the hill. Due to heavy rainfall, the path was sadly closed. Always remember: stay on the path! The moss is sacred in Iceland, you will see signs: ‘Do not walk on the moss!’.
The last day we took a moment to explore Skaftafell National Park, where you can hike to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall and enjoy breathtaking views of the Vatnajökull Glacier. You will need good hiking shoes, because the path to it, is a little bit slippery! This 3-hour drive from Vik is worth the visit. You can combine it with a visit to the black diamond beach, as we did.
At the Black diamond beach you can spot the gletsjer (Breidamerkursandur) and big chunks of ice in winter season. We went in march-april so the big chunks were a little smaller, be aware of that! I think this was the least favorite thing we saw.
Day 5 - 7: Golden circle to Reykjavik
The Golden Circle is a famous route you must take when in Iceland. Go to the Gullfoss, the ‘Golden waterfall', which was absolutely stunning. After you went to the foss, not far ahead awaits the geyser geothermal area, home to the erupting Strokkur geyser. I thought that every geyser would erupt, but apparently this isn’t a common happening. Only once in a while it will erupt and if your lucky you will witness it.
Another gem in the circle is Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between two tectonic plates or even dive into it! If you’re looking for an experience I would recommend doing it! We just walked the area by taking different walking routs. You can even find a film location from Game of Thrones.
The golden circle has a lot to offer. Stop once and a while for discovering new gems. We found so many nice places just near the road. Be aware that the roads in Iceland are a bit rough. So a 4X4 car is highly recommended. Also do not drive a path that crosses water, even if it’s just a little, you don’t want to get stuck in the middle of a river! Always be careful and take precaution by leaving your car on a safe spot if you go for a hike.
Day 7 - 9: The capital Reyjavik
As you head towards the capital, Reykjavik, it's time to explore this vibrant and culturally rich city. Begin your exploration with a visit to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church. Stroll down Laugavegur, Reykjavik's main shopping street, where you can find local boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Don't forget to try a traditional Icelandic hot dog. Spend your evening dining at one of Reykjavik's fine restaurants to savor Icelandic cuisine at the harbor.
On day 2 in the capital, start your day with a visit to Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural masterpiece along Reykjavik's waterfront. Check the riverside and get yourself warm with a nice cup of coffee at a local coffee place. The houses also are super colorful, which is a pleasure to look at it. It just cheers you up during the rain.
Explore the city's cultural scene by visiting Reykjavik Art Museum, National Gallery of Iceland or the unique Icelandic Phallological Museum, which showcases a collection of penises from various animals. A fun activity to do when it’s stormy weather.
Day 10 - 11: The blue lagoon
Spend your last full day at the famous Blue Lagoon. Enjoy the soothing, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by a stunning lava field. This geothermal spa is the perfect way to relax and reflect on your unforgettable journey through Iceland. We stayed the night in The Silica hotel, which was so nice! On the next day you’ll be heading back home.
Iceland is a destination like no other, where every twist and turn of the road reveals a new natural wonder. This 10-day road trip takes you through the heart of the country. From the south coast's stunning waterfalls to the geothermal wonders of the Golden circle. With the Blue Lagoon as your grand finale, this roadtrip promises an adventure of a lifetime in one of the world's most enchanting destinations.