Iceland's difficult terrain takes time to negotiate, and you can't cover the whole country in a single trip. Our Grand Tour concentrates on Iceland's main sights, while our other suggested routes focus on two fascinating regions, the island's west and north, and the south and east.
Recommended Iceland itineraries
If you are planning your travel to Iceland yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.
Deildartunguhver, Iceland
Iceland Itinerary 1 - Grand tour of Iceland - 2 weeks
Two weeks in Iceland and no idea where to start? Our Grand Tour puts you on the right track.
1. Reykjavík
Though one of Europe's smaller capitals, the vibrant heart of Iceland offers everything from style-conscious bars and restaurants to great museums and galleries.
2. Blue Lagoon
Take a dip in the sublime waters of this famous open-air swimming pool, fed by geothermal water and set in the middle of a lavafield.
3. Golden Circle
See Þingvellir, site of Iceland’s original open-air parliament, hot waterspouts at Geysir, and a stunning two-tier waterfall at Gullfoss.
4. Akureyri
Chill on the north coast in Iceland's second-largest town, renowned for its sunny summer days and thriving bar and restaurant scene.
5. Húsavík
Whale watching is on everybody's list of must-dos in Iceland, and the expertly run tours from Húsavík offer virtually guaranteed sightings.
6. Lake Mývatn
A proliferation of geological oddities, from bubbling mud pools to steam vents, clustered around a beautiful lake teeming with birdlife.
7. Dettifoss
Europe’s largest waterfall plunges over bare granite into a deep, sunless chasm on the edge of the Interior.
8. The Interior
Venture into Iceland's uninhabited Interior to witness some truly awe-inspiring scenery: from glaciers to lava deserts, the views are jaw-dropping.
9. Heimaey
A steaming volcano cone, grassy clifftop walks and abundant wildlife make this small, self-contained island community an essential overnight stopover.
Iceland Itinerary 2 - The best of the west and north - 1 week
This one-week tour guides you through the best destinations between Reykjavík and Akureyri, including a detour into the West Fjords.
1. Borgarnes
Step into Iceland's stirring past at the Settlement Centre and learn more about the country's Saga heroes.
2. Stykkishólmur
Skim across the waters of Breiðafjörður in a rigid inflatable, checking out the myriad islands and rich birdlife in this part of the west.
3. Flatey
A night on this idyllic island provides a taste of rural Iceland: stroll through flower meadows down to the shore to watch the thousands of birds that call Flatey home.
4. Ísafjörður
Explore the West Fjords 'most agreeable town, and try a spot of sea kayaking too.
5. Ósar
The place to get up close to entire colonies of seals, lolling on the black volcanic sands.
6. Hofsós
Take a restorative swim in the new oceanside pool and drink in the extraordinary coastal vistas.
7. Akureyri
Iceland's second town offers a profusion of bars and restaurants, and the beautiful surroundings in Eyjafjörður are perfect for exploring on horseback.
Iceland Itinerary 3 - The south and east - 1 week
A one-week tour from Reykjavík to Mývatn via the south and east coasts, with an excursion into the fringes of the Interior.
1. Borgarfjöður Eystri
This tiny, isolated community has plenty of puffins, hiking trails and spiky mountains to investigate – you might even spot a Greenland shark being landed at the harbour.
2. Papey
Spot seals, razorbills and puffins on this half-day outing to a tiny islet, once home to reclusive monks.
3. Jökulsárlón
Glacial lagoon just above a black-sand beach, where you can cruise between powder-blue icebergs as they shear off the front of the ice sheet.
4. Skaftafell
Waterfalls, glaciers, peaks, moorland and almost unlimited hiking potential at this popular national park.
5. Vík
Pleasant village near Iceland’s southernmost point, with bracing sea breezes, black-sand beaches and some easy scenic walking trails.
6. Þórsmörk
Camp and hike at this isolated highland valley, thick with summer wildflowers and hemmed in by spectacular peaks and glaciers.
The Rough Guide to Iceland and related travel guides
In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.
Travel advice for Iceland
Find even more inspiration for Iceland here
- The best places to stay in Iceland: an expert's guide
- The best places to visit in June
- Hot tub happiness: the dos and don'ts of Icelandic spas
- Top 10 hot springs in Iceland to take a dip
- 11 Unique things to do in Iceland
- 20 great places to pitch a tent
- 6 reasons why you should still visit Iceland in 2018
- A day-by-day itinerary for the perfect weekend in Reykjavík
- Best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
- The best places to visit in Iceland this summer
Rough Guides Editors
11/13/2020
