Travel advice for Iceland
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Iceland
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Mike MacEacheran
updated 25.07.2019
Iceland is a world unto itself. From black beaches and glacial lagoons to Martian landscapes and science-fiction-worthy geothermal craters, it runs the gamut from the reassuringly familiar to the barely believable.
There are national parks, gushing waterfalls and snow-crested peaks, and yet it's as close to lunar topography as Europe gets. This is a frozen landscape with a midnight sun. A country that appears manageable on the map, but one that's home to a lifetime of out-your-comfort-zone adventures.
To make the most of your time, you'll need a car to see the best of what's on offer. Here are five road trip itineraries packed with once-in-a-lifetime wildlife and wonder.
8 days / from2092 USD
Iceland: A Game of Thrones Road Trip
This themed road trip will take you around Iceland, home to many filming locations of the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Travel around the country's coastline, past the many dramatic glaciers and cliffs, relax in geothermal spas, and spot whales in the rough seas. Warning: Spoiler alert!
customize ⤍8 days / from2052 USD
Iceland's Wild West
Welcome to the road trip of a lifetime, which will bring you to some of western Iceland’s wildest and most remote spots. On this adventure, you will pay unforgettable visits to Hraunfossar Waterfalls, as well as the Barnafoss and Deildartunguhver hot springs, and much more!
customize ⤍6 days / from1680 USD
Iceland's Highlights from East to West
Take a flight to the East where you get to enjoy the enchanting Eastfjords before you drive south. If you are looking to focus on a few regions with a mix of the most popular sights and something off the beaten path; and to avoid backtracking with a one-way domestic flight, this is the perfect trip.
customize ⤍7 days / from1650 USD
Discover North Iceland and Snaefellses
Discover the best of North Iceland and Snaefellsnes! The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons! The Snaefellsnes peninsula is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
customize ⤍5 days / from1300 USD
Best of the West
Take the road less travelled around the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes peninsulas. Visit places unspoiled by humans and see the wonders and creativity of nature at their very best! The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, and thundering waterfalls.
customize ⤍8 days / from1880 USD
East to West with the Westmand Islands
Drive around the Lake Lagarfljot and visit Hengifoss waterfall and the Hallormsstadur forest. Continue to the South Coast with its beautiful waterfalls, glacier lagoons and black sand beaches. Take a detour to spend a day in the stunning Westman Islands and end your trip with the Golden Circle.
customize ⤍13 days / from2200 USD
All of Iceland in 13 days
In just under 2 weeks, explore the highlights Iceland has to offer. From the popular Golden Circle, follow the Ring Road and explore waterfalls and lagoons on your way around the island. This itinerary leads you all the way to the North and the Westfjords of Iceland.
customize ⤍12 days / from2100 USD
Incredible Iceland in 12 days
This driving trip trip will take you to some of Iceland’s most incredible sights and natural wonders. Drive through glacial valleys and across towering mountains as you gaze over stark landscapes of shining silver steaks and marble lava fields patched with emerald green moss...
customize ⤍9 days / from1800 USD
West & Arctic Coast Way Highlights
The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons. Visit the 'capital of the North' Akureyri before continuing to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
customize ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Exploring the South Coast and Snaefellsnes
Glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, lagoons - Iceland offers stunning landscapes to explore. This itinerary allows you to discover the south in your own rental car. Drive the famous Golden Circle and discover waterfalls along the way.
customize ⤍10 days / from1900 USD
Arctic Coast Way Fly & Drive
North Iceland is one of Iceland's most fascinating regions with plenty of famous sights and lesser-known sights - impressive waterfalls, geothermal activity, lava formations and canyons. A visit to Akureyri as well as charming fishing villages along the coastline are included in the itinerary.
customize ⤍10 days / from2000 USD
Iceland: the Ring Road in 10 days
Spend 10 days driving along Iceland's scenic Ring Road, which stretches around the outside of the country. Soak in a thermal tub or pool beside gushing geysers or waterfalls, and relish the prospect of whale-watching, bird-watching, and glacier hiking in magical surroundings.
customize ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
Wild, wild West Drive
The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, thundering waterfalls, sea cliffs teeming with birds and rejuvenating hot springs! Snaefellsnes is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
customize ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
A week's trip to the South Coast and Snaefellsnes
With just a week's time, you'll be able to discover the popular Golden Circle, Skogafos and Seljalandsfoss, as well as Skaftafell National Park. This self-drive trip focuses on the south coast only, limiting your driving distances each day and as such allowing you more time to explore.
customize ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Classic Highlights with the Westman Islands
This Classic Highlights trip to Iceland's most visited sights with a day off the beaten path in the gorgeous Westman Islands. This trip is perfect for those who want to visit the most popular sights of Iceland, and have an extra day to do something different without adding a lot of extra driving.
customize ⤍6 days / from1680 USD
Westfjords Circle and Strandir
The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, thundering waterfalls, sea cliffs teeming with birds and rejuvenating hot springs! You also take a detour to where the road ends in remote Strandir to drive along the coastline.
customize ⤍5 days / from1320 USD
Classic Highlights - Golden Circle & South Coast
Our most popular short trip to Iceland's most visited sights! The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular tourist route with the rift valley at the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall. The South Coast is well known for its waterfalls and the Glacier Lagoon.
customize ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
Ring Road Express with the Golden Circle
Iceland's Ring Road is the most popular tourist route around the Iceland. The landscape is everything you have dreamed of - breathtaking waterfalls, volcanic landscape, black sand beaches, glaciers, fjords and charming fishing villages.
customize ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Explore North Iceland and Snaefellsnes
Discover the best of North Iceland and Snaefellsnes! The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons! The Snaefellsnes peninsula is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
customize ⤍6 days / from1250 USD
Western Iceland: Cliffs, Coast and Waterfalls
Welcome to the road trip of a lifetime, which will bring you to some of Iceland’s remotest spots, such the dramatic Latrabjarg Cliffs and the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls. Drive through glacial valleys and soak up breathtaking sunsets. Laze afternoons away soaking in natural hot springs!
customize ⤍10 days / from1900 USD
Iceland: West and North combined
Take the road less traveled and explore the North and the Westfjords of Iceland in your own rental car. Glaciers, lava fields, beaches, waterfalls and much more await those adventurous enough to explore Iceland further.
customize ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Longer North Iceland and Snaefellsnes
Have a bit more time to explore Northern Iceland? Stunning waterfalls, mighty canyons, a diverse scenery and much more is waiting for you. Take your rental car and go at your own pace, discovering Northern Iceland in a bit over one week.
customize ⤍7 days / from1800 USD
From East to West with the Westman Islands
Drive around the Lake Lagarfljot and visit Hengifoss waterfall and the Hallormsstadur forest. Continue to the South Coast with its beautiful waterfalls, glacier lagoons and black sand beaches. Take a detour to spend a day in the stunning Westman Islands and end your trip with the Golden Circle.
customize ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Wild West Drive and Strandir
This holiday is perfect for travellers who want to go off the beaten path and explore the stunning landscape of the Westfjords & Snaefellsnes including the remote Strandir regions. With your rented SUV, you can set your own schedule to explore the scenery.
customize ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Classic Ring Road with Snaefellsnes
There's a good reason the Ring Road is Iceland's most popular route: famous glaciers and volcanoes, stunning waterfalls, and amazing lagoons await. The Snaefellsnes peninsula makes the perfect add-on to your tour, granting you a compact overview of Iceland's scenery.
customize ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Extended Wild, Wild West
Awaken the adventurous part of your soul and visit the Westfjords and parts of the Snaefellsnes peninsula that are yet to be discovered by most Iceland visitors. Here's where you'll have nature to yourself, from lava fields and craters to red sand beaches.
customize ⤍5 days / from1300 USD
North Iceland Fly and Drive
Take an adventure to North Iceland, one of Iceland's most fascinating regions! This holiday is perfect for those pressed on time, in just five days you get to explore the highlights of North Iceland in your own rental car, so going at your own pace.
customize ⤍8 days / from1800 USD
Longer South Coast and Snaefellsnes
Discover the Golden Circle on a slightly longer tour: from waterfalls to black sand beaches, driving the popular Golden Circle all down to Snaefellsnes, the peninsula known as “miniature Iceland”, This itinerary allows you to go at your own pace in your own rental car.
customize ⤍6 days / from1715 USD
Iceland: Landscapes and Lagoons
This unforgettable driving trip will take you to some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. Whilst soaking luxuriantly in geothermal pools, you will relish the thought of driving through glacial valleys and across towering mountains, walking along black sand beaches.
customize ⤍5 days / from1400 USD
Circling the Westfjords
Take the road less travelled around the Westfjords. Visit places unspoiled by humans and see the wonders and creativity of nature at their very best! Suited for those on a tight schedule, this 5 day itinerary allows for a compact yet activity-packed trip.
customize ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Iceland: the Ring Road in 8 days
Spend eight days driving along Iceland's iconic Ring Road route, which runs around the whole of the country. Pass through spectacular scenery every day, and stopping off to stay in Vik, Akureyri and Reykjavik, whilst exploring the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, and much more!
customize ⤍5 days / from1400 USD
North Iceland circle
Take an adventure to North Iceland, one of Iceland's most fascinating regions! A rich wildlife and landscape makes this part of Iceland a visitor magnet all throughout the year. This holiday includes your domestic flight to Akureyri and a rental car to explore the region in depth.
customize ⤍15 days / from2400 USD
All of Iceland in 15 days
The extension to our popular all of Iceland route: visit the spectacular Dettifoss waterfall on the diamond circle route, as well as one of the most remote regions in Iceland: Strandir. This itinerary is best for those looking to explore Iceland at a leisurely pace.
customize ⤍11 days / from3549 USD
The Magic of Eastern Iceland
Be enchanted by eastern Iceland as you drive through glacial valleys and across towering mountains, looking over treeless landscapes of shining silver streaks and marble lava fields patched with emerald green moss. Enjoy a whale-watching trip at Húsavík and soak in geothermal pools.
customize ⤍9 days / from1900 USD
Classic Iceland in 9 days
This tour includes all of Iceland's highlights: the breathtaking waterfalls on the Ring Road, the popular golden Circle as well as the Snæfellsnes peninsula with its dramatic landscapes. Get ready for a fast-paced self-drive adventure and discover Iceland.
customize ⤍16 days / from2500 USD
Total Immersion: Your 16-day Road Trip
Ready to explore the nooks and crannies of Iceland? This 16-day itinerary allows you to discover the tourist highlights as well as the off-the-beaten-track destinations. From waterfalls over glaciers to volcanoes - tour the island in your own rental car.
customize ⤍The proverbial craft beer bars and New Nordic restaurants of Reykjavík are quite at odds with the city's unnatural surroundings. Start on the tried-and-tested Golden Circle route through the southern uplands to Thingvellir National Park, known for its UNESCO-listed nexus of tectonic and volcanic rift valleys and lava fields. Here you can suit up and swim between continents, snorkelling or diving the aquavit-clear waters of Silfra Gorge, an otherworldly crag splitting Europe and America.
Cut farther east to Geysir, an extraordinary kettle rush of boiling water and vapour that often reaches 70m, then continue 10km along Route 35 to Gulfoss Falls. A three-tiered dogleg in the Hvítá river, it's an astonishing cascade in a country renowned for hyperreal waterfalls.
En route back to the capital, park-up at the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal wonderland of bubbling pools located on a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Don't expect it to be quiet – it's only a 15-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport.
Ready to explore Iceland? Get in touch! Our tailor-made trips service is fully customisable so you can create your dream trip.
Iceland is blanketed in a vast cloak of rock and ice, and while it's beautiful to admire the geological drama from the comfort of a car, it's even better to go and play in. On the southern coast, immerse yourself on an adrenaline-packed glacier walk with Icelandic Mountain Guides in Vatnajökull National Park, home to the largest ice sheet in Europe. If movie moments come to mind, you're on the money: it's got cinematic pedigree with Game of Thrones, Batman Begins, The Fantastic Four and Interstellar all filmed here.
Heading around the southeast coast, the IMAX-sized Svínafellsjökull glacier crowds out the windscreen before it leads to Jökulsárlón. A 300m-deep glacial lagoon met head-on by a snaking ice tongue, it dwarves imaginative winter fantasies: up against it, the ice palace from Frozen seems little more than a snow globe. Film fans may also recognise it from two James Bond films (both A View to a Kill and Die Another Day) and Tomb Raider. Finally, head back along the coast to the black sands and mossy green hills of Mýrdalssandur beach, east of Vík. It should feel familiar, too: it doubled as a galaxy far, far away at the dramatic start of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Vatnajökull National Park © b-hide the scene/Shutterstock
It would be hard to think of a country more in tune with its environment than Iceland – and in the north certain experiences take some beating. Start your trip in Akureyri, embracing the town's rich marine history, before beelining to Húsavík to spot pods of orcas feeding along the shore. Skjálfandi Bay is one of the best places in the world to see humpbacks and minke in the wild, so a whale-watching trip is a must. As well as whales and bottle-nose dolphins, the bay shelters Puffin Island, home to one of the largest Atlantic seabird colonies.
Hop east from Húsavík along the coast to Langanes, past lighthouses, windswept farms and cliff stacks teeming with gannets. Finally, return to Akureyri via Lake Mývatn, where some 60-odd species of ducks congregate, including tufted and long-tailed ducks, harlequins and wigeons. Should it be midnight sun season, saddle up on your last evening with a shaggy but sturdy Icelandic horse. There are many stables and farms lining Eyjafjord, the longest sea inlet in Iceland, and dozens will take you on a ride through the fjord's history.
Puffin Island © Spumador/Shutterstock
The problem with Iceland's growing popularity is sharing it with others, but rarely is this ever the case in Borgarfjörður Eystri. The farthest northeast you can get on the mainland, the farming village (population 100) is off grid for most Icelanders. It's also the historic home of the huldufólk in Icelandic culture and the town's ring of ethereal mountaintops hide elves, trolls, demons and horse-headed sea monsters – creatures brought to life by stories shared by locals. Village life focuses on Álfaborg, a knobbily rock believed to be the home of the elf queen, while there are dozens of hiking trails to follow into this fairy-tale landscape.
Next head south, along a dirt mountain road, to Seyðisfjörður, a historic fishing village, now an unlikely hub for eastern Iceland's creative community. Swing by Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, then browse creative jumpers and scarves at knitwear startup Esualc. Finish your East Iceland tour in Egilsstaðir, on a monster hunt for the Lagarfljót worm, a cryptid who reportedly slithers around the lake on the outskirts of town.
Seyðisfjörður © Matteo Provendola/Shutterstock
One truth about Western Iceland is you're almost certain to encounter cliffs, coasts and waterfalls you never thought possible. Begin north of Reykjavik in Borgarfjordur with a visit to Deildartunguhver, a natural hot water playground and Europe's most powerful hot spring. Push on past Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, two impossibly pretty bridal veil cascades, before settling down for a couple of days in Patreksfjörður to discover the dreamy Westfjords.
Gawp at the puffin nested cliffs of Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Europe, then puzzle over Rauðasandur, an unfathomable red-sand beach with magnificent views across to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This 90km-long headland is where Jules Verne set his classic adventure Journey to the Center of the Earth and you'll soon find out why after taking the ferry from Brjánslækur to Stykkishólmur. Iceland in a nutshell, the cape crams in a hotchpotch of black beaches, lava tube caves, volcanic craters, brain-bending rock formations and the remarkable Snæfellsjökull glacier. Don't leave without seeing it, preferably on the back of a snowmobile.
Patreksfjörður © Alexey Stiop/Shutterstock
Ready to plan your trip to Iceland? Get in touch! Our tailor-made trips service is fully customisable and local experts are on hand to create the perfect itinerary.
Header image via pichetw/Shutterstock.
written by Mike MacEacheran
updated 25.07.2019
Mike MacEacheran is a travel journalist & guidebook author based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has reported from 108 countries for National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller, The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Observer, The Sunday Times, The Wall Street Journal, Mail on Sunday, The Independent, Evening Standard, The Sun, The Globe and Mail, Scotland on Sunday, The National and South China Morning Post. Follow him on Twitter @MikeMacEacheran
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