10 Days in Iceland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Iceland Extended Ring Road Self-Drive Adventure 

Perfect for first-time visitors to Iceland, this 10-day road trip brings you on an incredible journey along the country's four coastlines. On the southern and eastern coasts, you'll hop between waterfalls, boat on iceberg-filled waters, and ATV through wilderness trails. Then, explore the volcanic regions of Lake Mývatn and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in northern and western Iceland before wrapping up your adventure back in Reykjavík.

Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins at the Keflavík International Airport, where you'll collect a rental car and drive along the famous Golden Circle to the Silfra fissure. Here, you'll snorkel between two continents and overnight before hitting the road to Vík, stopping en route to admire puffins and thundering waterfalls. Over the following two days, continue your journey to the Eastfjords town of Egilsstaðir, pausing for thrilling nature excursions like glacier boat tours and hikes alongside fjords. Next, it's time to head north to the volcanic region of Lake Mývatn for a two-night stay.

Your time based in Lake Mývatn is filled with unique excursions, including a hike amid lava-rock formations and a drive along the spectacular Diamond Circle. Afterward, continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and along the way, break for a thrilling rafting trip and a night in the village of Laugarbakki. A day dedicated to hiking Snæfellsnes Peninsula's quiet coastal trails gives you the opportunity to see fascinating marine mammals; then, it's time to complete your Iceland loop with a drive to Reykjavík. Here, you'll check out city sights and soak in the Blue Lagoon before bidding farewell. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Epic Iceland: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, South Coast, Westman Islands & Þórsmörk

Hike, boat, 4WD, and ferry your way around Iceland's famous and lesser-known landscapes on this self-drive adventure. Focusing on the country's western and southern coasts minimizes driving distances so that you can focus your time on the rugged landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the waterfalls dotted along the Golden Circle, and the glacier lagoons near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Other highlights include a soak in the Secret Lagoon, an overnight in the Westman Islands, and a hike among the gorges of Þórsmörk.

Your adventure begins in Reykjavík, which is an excellent place to shrug off jet lag while hopping between city highlights. The next morning, with a rental car on hand, you'll hit the road to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Two days here gives you ample time to hike to the staggering Glymur Falls, explore the black-sand Djupalonsandur beach, and visit the Shark Museum. Afterward, embark on a superb drive along the Golden Circle, pausing along the way to admire the powerful Strokkur Geyser and soak in the Secret Lagoon before boarding a ferry bound for Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands.

In Heimaey, choose between a Zodiac boat ride and a trip to the Eldfell's volcanic cone before ferrying back to the mainland and driving eastward to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Break up the drive with a thrilling hike behind Seljalandsfoss and a visit to the intriguing Reynisdrangar sea stacks; then, after a night's sleep, you'll seek out more of the area's glacier landscapes. The rugged mountain ridge of Þórsmörk is your next destination, and here, a guide will lead the way through the region's gorges and ravines. Afterward, return to Reykjavík, where a trip to the Blue Lagoon wraps up your adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Explore Iceland's Magnificent Westfjörds & Otherworldly Highlands

Crafted for travelers eager to leave the trodden path, this outdoor-oriented exploration is all about getting behind the wheel and discovering the isolated landscapes of western Iceland and the highlands. Throughout, you'll hike amid geothermal landscapes, through green valleys, up to a crater, and to numerous waterfalls. When you're not out adventuring, settle in for scenic drives, soak in natural hot springs, and visit insightful museums.

Upon arriving at Keflavík International Airport, your 10-day road trip begins with a scenic drive to Hólmavík—a small fishing village in the Westfjords. Spend the evening here checking out the town's highlights, then embark on a day trip to Djúpavík for a delightful hot spring soak and hike alongside a fjord. Next, drive to Ísafjörður, where you'll explore fjords by kayak and overnight before continuing to Patreksfjörður. After an overnight, catch a ferry to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and enjoy a fun-filled day chasing waterfalls and walking to the top of the Saxhólar crater.

The second leg of your journey gets rolling with a full-day journey along the Golden Circle, in which you'll pause to snorkel in the Silfra fissure and hike under the Kerlingarfjöll massif. Next, explore Geysir's geothermal landscapes and marvel at the towering Gullfoss waterfalls while driving to Hella. A two-night stay in this small town ensures you have time to venture off the tourist trail to take in more of the Icelandic highlands' lush valleys and volcanic terrain. Then, with your trip coming to a close, return to Reykjavík and spend your remaining time exploring the rugged Reykjanes Peninsula. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Active Iceland Winter Road Trip

Experience the serenity of Iceland's frozen landscapes on this intrepid winter journey along the country's southern coast. Ideal for travelers who'll happily bundle up in return for quiet trails and memorable experiences, you can look forward to hiking atop glaciers, navigating ice caves, trekking to frosted waterfalls, and snowshoeing amid snowy plains. In between, rejuvenate while soaking in hot springs, tucking into cozy restaurants, and chasing the northern lights onboard a minibus.

Your wintry Iceland road trip begins with a drive from the Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík, and along the way, you'll get a superb introduction to the country's geothermal wonders during stops at the Blue Lagoon and the Gunnuhver hot springs. Next, venture through snowy landscapes to Þingvellir National Park and the mighty Strokkur Geyser on your way to Hella, and after a restful evening, join a 4WD tour featuring Þórsmörk's waterfalls and dried lava fields. Your road trip then continues to Vík, but before arriving, you'll have paused to explore the frosted waterfalls of Urriðafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

Next on your agenda is a scenic drive to Skaftafell, and although it's under a two-hour trip, you'll make a day of it by visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and joining an ice-caving experience. The excitement continues over the following days, with a bucket-list-worthy glacier hike in Skaftafell Nature Reserve on the agenda, as well as a brisk trek in Vatnajökull National Park, an overnight in Hella, and a snowshoeing excursion in the Hengill volcanic area. Then, with two days left on your journey, return to Reykjavík and round off your winter escape with a memorable whale watching and northern lights tour. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Photogenic Iceland: Scenic Self-Drive Adventure

Southern Iceland's dramatic landscapes just beg to be captured, and this scenic photography tour gets you out exploring amid the best of them. Snap pics of an iceberg-dotted beach, towering rock formations, volcanic wonders, and waterfalls that showcase the mighty power of Mother Nature. With a rental car on hand and plenty of time to stop during scenic drives, your next iconic photo is never far away.

Straight off the plane, you'll collect a rental car and make your way to Reykjavík—a perfect place to take your camera out and snap pictures of the impressive Sun Voyager and towering Hallgrimskirkja church. Then, continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to capture the three-tiered Kirkjufellsfos waterfall and Saxhólar crater. Many more picture-perfect destinations await over the following two days as you drive along the famous Golden Circle and hike within the Icelandic highlands. In addition, pause in Þórsmörk Valley to take in lush landscapes and Stakkholtsgjá to hike along a dazzling canyon floor.

After an overnight in Hella, your trip continues east through the multicolored mountains of Landmannalaugar along Route 1 to the charming fishing village of Höfn. During the drive, stop by Skaftafell Nature Reserve to hike atop a glacier and at Diamond Beach to photograph gleaming icebergs. Then, on the morning of Day 8, conquer a six-hour drive to Reykjavík, stopping along the way to admire the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Eldhraun lava field. Once back in Reykjavík, hop between chic eateries before wrapping up your trip with an idyllic soak in the Blue Lagoon. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Iceland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Iceland? Check out these other 10-day Iceland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.