Perfect 10-day Iceland itinerary

A trip to Iceland feels like stepping onto another planet. Think steaming geothermal springs, massive glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and eerie black-sand beaches. This 10-day Iceland itinerary, designed by our local travel experts, blends the big-name sights with a few quieter detours, giving you time to really take it all in.

The ultimate 10-day Iceland itinerary

If you want to see Iceland but aren't sure if 10 days is the right duration, see our other Iceland itineraries: 

• 5 days in Iceland 
• 14 days in Iceland

This itinerary is desgined to be an extended road trip, which is by far the best way to plan a trip to Iceland, as there are so many great sights that are hard to come by otherwise.

Day 1: Golden Circle

Travel time: 3-4 hours by car

You'll start thisitinerary by flying into Iceland’s Keflavík International Airport. The Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most famous day trips, packing in some of the country's most impressive natural sights. The route earned its "golden" name not from precious metals, but from Gullfoss (Golden Falls), its main highlight. 

Things to do

 Even though it's a popular route, these spots keep their wild, untouched feel.  This is easily one of the best road trips in Iceland.

Thingvellir National Park 

At this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can walk between two continents as the North American and Eurasian plates move apart by 2 cm each year. The landscape is full of dramatic rifts, deep cracks, and clear glacial water. 

Geysir Geothermal Area 

Here’s where the term “geyser” comes from. The Great Geysir, while not as active these days, gave its name to all others. Nearby, Strokkur erupts every 8-10 minutes. The area is full of bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, showcasing Iceland’s position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The vivid blue pools here reach temperatures of 80-100°C, with their colors coming from the minerals and silica in the water. See our top 10 favorite hot pools in Iceland.

Gullfoss Waterfall 

This two-tiered waterfall drops 32 meters into a canyon. On sunny days, the mist creates rainbows. During peak flow, 140 cubic meters of water pour over the edge every second. 

Kerid Crater Lake 

This 3,000-year-old volcanic crater is surrounded by red volcanic rock, with a calm aquamarine lake in the center. Its oval shape and bright colors make it a popular spot. Unlike most volcanic craters, Kerid wasn’t formed by an explosion, but by a cone volcano that emptied its magma chamber and collapsed in on itself.

Where to stay

Stay in the bustling town of Selfoss for easy access to the Golden Circle, or choose a quieter spot in Hveragerði, known for its geothermal activity and peaceful surroundings.

Day 2: South West Coast

Travel time: 2-3 hours by car

The South Coast of Iceland is home to some of the most active volcanoes on Earth, including Eyjafjallajökull, which famously halted European air travel in 2010. The landscape is shaped by volcanic eruptions, with black sand beaches and waterfalls that reflect the endless melt of glaciers.  

Things to do

Explore waterfalls, black sand beaches, and dramatic coastal cliffs.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall 

Seljalandsfoss is unique because you can walk behind it, thanks to a cave that has formed over thousands of years.  To get the best views, time your visit around sunset, when the low light makes the water curtain shimmer. A short walk away is the lesser-known Gljúfrabúi waterfall, which is just as stunning.

Skógafoss Waterfall 

Skógafoss is known for its impressive size and perfect rectangular shape. Legend has it that a Viking settler buried treasure behind the falls, though the ring said to be from the chest is now displayed in a local museum. On sunny days, the massive waterfall creates double rainbows. You can climb 527 steps to reach a viewing platform at the top, where you can start the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail that stretches between two glaciers.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara beach looks otherworldly, with its unique hexagonal basalt columns and towering sea stacks. The beach’s black sand isn’t sand at all but tiny volcanic rock fragments shaped by powerful Atlantic waves.  

Dyrhólaey Cliffs 

Dyrhólaey is a massive natural arch that was once a separate volcanic island before it connected to the mainland. Its name means "door hole hill" because it’s large enough for boats to sail through in calm seas. In summer, it’s a hotspot for puffins, and the views from the top are incredible.

Where to stay

 Vik is the perfect base for your south coast adventure, with charming accommodation options and proximity to must-see sights like Reynisfjara Beach and Skógafoss Waterfall.

Day 3: South East Coast

Travel time: 3-4 hours by car

On day 3 of this 10 day Iceland itinerary, you’ll explore Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, which covers about 8% of Iceland. This region, central to Iceland's “Land of Fire and Ice” nickname, is shaped by massive ice caps sitting on active volcanoes. The glacier continuously reshapes the landscape, carving valleys and forming lakes.

Things to do

Day 3 of this 10 day itinerary is spent in the natural beauty of glaciers, volcanoes, and crystal-clear lagoons.

Skaftafell Nature Reserve 

Once a remote farming area, Skaftafell is now a popular spot for hikers. One of the main attractions is Svartifoss (Black Falls), which flows over dark basalt columns. The area also offers beautiful views of the glacier and unique natural contrasts, with wild berries and Arctic flowers growing beside ancient ice. 

Fjadrargljufur Canyon 

This dramatic canyon, with 100-meter high walls, was formed at the end of the last ice age. Its winding path suggests it was once carved by a river flowing beneath the glacier. The canyon gained attention after being featured in a Justin Bieber music video, leading to occasional closures to protect its fragile moss.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 

Watch a 1,000-year journey end as ancient glacial ice breaks free and drifts across this 284-meter deep lagoon – Iceland's deepest lake. These icebergs contain black stripes of volcanic ash from ancient eruptions, creating a natural timeline of Iceland's volcanic history. Seals frequently pop up between the bergs, hunting fish that swim in from the nearby ocean. The lagoon only formed in the 1930s when the glacier began retreating, and it grows larger every year.

Diamond Beach 

This otherworldly beach sparkles with ice jewels washed up from Jökulsárlón lagoon, and creates a unique contrast against the black sand. The ice blocks can be as large as small cars, though they gradually melt and reshape themselves throughout the day.  Sunrise is a particularly popular time to visit, when the ice catches the light and glows.

Where to stay

The village of Höfn is an ideal place to stay, known for its stunning views of Vatnajökull Glacier and fresh seafood restaurants.

Day 4: Eastern Fjords - North

Travel time: 4-5 hours by car

The Eastern Fjords are Iceland's quieter, lesser-known corner. The land here is shaped by 13-million-year-old basalt layers carved by glaciers into deep fjords and valleys. The unique geography here creates a microclimate, giving it often better weather than other parts of Iceland, which locals call "Sun Valley."

Things to do

Day four of this Iceland itinerary is spent taking in Iceland’s remote beauty in the Eastern Fjords, where dramatic mountains meet the sea.

Lake Lagarfljót 

This 38km-long lake is home to Iceland's version of the Loch Ness Monster—the Lagarfljót Worm, first reported in 1345. The Hallormsstaður Forest, Iceland's largest, surrounds the lake and is a rare sight in the country’s treeless landscape. The misty lake shores have inspired many Icelandic folktales.

Hengifoss Waterfall

Hengifoss is a 128-meter waterfall with striking red clay layers, the remains of ancient forest floors compressed during volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The hike to the waterfall is about an hour long and passes another waterfall, Litlanesfoss, which is also worth a visit.

Studlagil Canyon 

Until 2009, the basalt columns in Studlagil Canyon were hidden under water. When the water levels dropped, they revealed one of the largest collections of basalt columns in the world. The river here has a distinctive blue color, thanks to glacial silt reflecting sunlight.

Egilsstadir 

Egilsstadir is Iceland’s youngest regional capital, established in 1947. Each winter, the town hosts the "Days of Dark" festival, making the most of the limited daylight. Local restaurants serve reindeer, a rare dish in Iceland, along with berries and mushrooms foraged from nearby forests.

Where to stay

Stay in the charming town of Egilsstaðir for easy access to local attractions, or opt for a stay in Seydisfjördur, a picturesque village with colorful houses and a lively arts scene.

Day 5: Eastern Fjords - South

Travel time: 3-4 hours by car

On day 5 of this 10 day Iceland itinerary, you’ll explore the southern part of the Eastern Fjords.

Things to do

Explore remote fjords, small coastal towns, and dramatic landscapes.

Seydisfjördur

Famous for its rainbow street and baby-blue church, Seydisfjördur is Iceland’s first town with electricity, powered by waterfalls since 1913. The town’s colorful wooden buildings and surrounding mountains make it a hub for artists, and it hosts the country's top contemporary art festival. 

Mjoifjordur 

With just 20 residents, Mjoifjordur lives up to its name, meaning “Narrow Fjord.” The drive offers stunning views of 52 waterfalls. Due to little winter sun, residents once received “sun payments”—extra wages for the dark months. Despite its size, it was once home to one of Iceland's main whaling stations.

Borgarfjördur Eystri 

Known as the "Elf Capital," this village takes elf folklore seriously—construction must be approved by a seer. It’s also home to one of Iceland’s most accessible puffin colonies, where you can get up close to the birds in summer on wooden platforms.

Dalatangi Lighthouse 

Located at Iceland's easternmost point, Dalatangi Lighthouse offers views of the North Atlantic. The older lighthouse, built in 1895, was Iceland’s first concrete building. The drive is challenging, crossing a mountain pass featured in National Geographic’s "Extreme Roads." On clear days, you might spot whales below.

Where to stay

Seydisfjördur or Mjoifjordur are great choices for staying close to nature, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning fjord views.

Day 6: Lake Mývatn - South 

Travel time: 3-4 hours by car

Lake Mývatn, formed by a volcanic eruption 2,300 years ago, is one of Iceland's most geothermally active areas. The lake’s name means "Midge Lake" due to the swarms of tiny flies that attract a variety of rare waterfowl, including 28 species of ducks, the highest concentration in Europe. Despite its harsh volcanic look, the ecosystem is fragile, with microorganisms NASA studied for clues about life on Mars. 

Things to do

Iceland's volcanic heart with geothermal areas, bizarre lava formations, and unique wildlife 

Dimmuborgir Lava Formations 

Known as the "Dark Castles," these strange lava formations were created when lava flowed over a marsh, causing steam to rise and form towering pillars. Icelandic folklore says they're petrified trolls turned to stone by sunlight, while Christmas traditions claim the 13 Yule Lads live here.

Skutustadagigar Pseudo Craters 

These craters weren’t formed by volcanic eruptions, but by steam explosions when lava flowed over wetlands. The result is a landscape of over 150 symmetrical craters. These pseudocraters are among the best-preserved in the world, comparable to similar formations found on Mars.

Grjótagjá Cave 

This steam-filled lava cave once hid a secret bathing spot and was used as a hideout for outlaws in the 1700s. The clear water in the cave remains around 43°C, though it can fluctuate with volcanic activity. The cave is also known for its role as Jon Snow and Ygritte's love nest in Game of Thrones.

Hverir Geothermal Area 

The Hverir geothermal area has a unique, almost otherworldly landscape. Here, fumaroles release hot gases from deep underground, while bubbling mud pots are scattered throughout. The ground is often colored by mineral-rich steam. The ground temperature just feet down reaches 200°C.

Where to stay

Stay in Reykjahlíð, located near Lake Mývatn, for easy access to the area’s natural attractions and geothermal baths, or in Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city.

Day 7: Lake Mývatn - North

Travel time: 2-3 hours by car

You’ll spend day 7 of this 10 day Iceland itinerary in the northern Mývatn region. 

Things to do

Visit some of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls, hike through lush valleys, and explore Húsavík.

Dettifoss Waterfall 

Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall, with 500 cubic meters of water crashing every second. At 45 meters tall and 100 meters wide, it creates a mist visible from afar. The muddy water comes from sediments carried by glaciers.

Ásbyrgi Canyon

Ásbyrgi is a large, horseshoe-shaped canyon. According to Norse mythology, it was formed by the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. The scientific explanation is that it was carved by a massive glacial flood. The canyon’s sheltered environment supports Iceland’s northernmost woodland, creating an unexpected forest in the middle of this rugged terrain.

Vesturdalur Valley 

The "Echo Rocks" (Hljódaklettar) form natural amphitheaters where basalt columns create interesting acoustics. The nearby Raudhólar (Red Hills) get their color from iron-rich volcanic rock. Together, these geological features create a landscape unlike anything else in Iceland, and make for a great place to hike.

Húsavík 

Húsavík is well-known for whale watching, boasting a 98% success rate during the season (see more on when to go to Iceland). The area's nutrient-rich waters draw up to 23 species, including blue whales, humpbacks, and white-beaked dolphins. You can also check out the 1907 wooden church, a great example of Icelandic architecture.

Day 8: North West Iceland

Travel time: 2-3 hours by car

Even though it's just 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, this area has a unique microclimate that gives it some of the most stable weather in Iceland. The local geography also leads to some of the country’s most dramatic lighting conditions. 

Things to do

Enjoy breathtaking landscapes that are off the main tourist path.

Godafoss Waterfall 

Known as the "Waterfall of the Gods," this horseshoe-shaped waterfall got its name in 1000 AD when Iceland's law speaker threw his pagan idols into the falls to mark the country's conversion to Christianity. The falls split into two main horseshoes, offering several viewing spots. In winter, the falls freeze, forming ice sculptures that change over time.  It's one of the best things to do in Iceland. 

Akureyri Botanical Garden 

The botanical garden in Akureyri shows that even in the Arctic, plants can thrive. It features nearly every native Icelandic plant species as well as 7,000 foreign species. Founded in 1912 by four women, the garden’s goal was to prove that plants could survive at 65°N latitude. Today, it’s an important research center for Arctic plants. 

Siglufjördur 

Once called the "Herring Capital of the World," Siglufjördur reinvented itself after the herring stocks collapsed in 1969. The Herring Era Museum highlights the town's prosperous past when the herring industry helped create Iceland's first millionaires. The drive through the Troll Peninsula is scenic, with two one-lane tunnels carved through the mountains.

Hvítserkur Sea Stack 

This 15-meter basalt sea stack looks like a dragon or a troll drinking from the sea, according to local legends. It’s the remains of an ancient volcanic formation, with its base reinforced by concrete to protect it from erosion. At low tide, you can walk right up to it, and it’s also a popular nesting spot for seabirds like fulmars and gulls. Local farmers used it as a natural landmark to help find their way home during bad weather.

Where to stay

Akureyri is a perfect base, with a mix of cultural experiences and access to the surrounding natural wonders, or stay in Siglufjördur for a quieter, scenic village experience.

Day 9: Reykjavík

Travel time: 4-5 hours by car

Reykjavík, the northernmost capital in the world, is not your typical Arctic city. Despite the long winter nights, it has a lively, creative vibe and colorful buildings that brighten up the darker months.

Things to do

On the second to last day of this 10 day Iceland itinerary, experience the creative and cultural side of Iceland's capital

Hallgrímskirkja Church

This Lutheran church took 41 years to build and has a unique design inspired by Iceland’s basalt formations. The tower functions as both a bell tower and a firewater reservoir. Inside, you’ll find a massive pipe organ with 5,275 pipes. 

Old Harbor Area 

Once Reykjavík’s fishing hub, the Old Harbor is now a cultural area with art galleries and seafood restaurants in old warehouses. You can watch fishermen unload their catch or check out the Marshall House, a former herring factory turned art space

Harpa Concert Hall

This striking building with a glass façade seems to float between the city and sea. The design reflects Iceland’s landscapes and northern lights, and at night, LED lights create stunning light shows.

Laugavegur Street 

Once known as "wash road" because it led to the hot springs where locals did laundry, Laugavegur is now the city’s main street for culture. It shifts throughout the day, from coffee shops in the morning to shopping and restaurants in the evening, with nightlife that goes on late into the night.

Where to stay

 Stay in the city center for easy access to restaurants, galleries, and cultural attractions, or opt for a quieter spot in the Old Harbor area for a more relaxed surrounding.

Day 10: Reykjanes Peninsula

Travel time: 1-2 hours by car

On the last day of this 10 day Iceland itinerary, you’ll take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula. This is where you’ll find the country's youngest and most active geological features. Recent volcanic activity, including the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption, continues to reshape the landscape.

Things to do

Volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and geothermal wonders.

Gunnuhver Hot Springs 

This geothermal area is known for its large mud pot – a 20-meter wide crater of boiling gray mud. The superheated seawater creates interesting mineral deposits you won’t find elsewhere in Iceland. The walkways are often rebuilt as the geothermal activity shifts, so the area is always changing.

Bridge Between Continents 

This 15-meter footbridge crosses the divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are slowly moving apart. The surrounding black sand desert was formed by crushed lava rock, and you can see fresh cracks forming as the plates continue to separate.

Kleifarvatn Lake 

This mysterious lake has no visible surface inflow or outflow, and its depth (97 meters) changes with seismic activity – it partially drained after a 2000 earthquake. Peculiar underwater hot springs release streams of bubbles that add to its otherworldly atmosphere.  The surrounding mountains are colored by mineral deposits from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Reykjanestá 

At the southern tip of the peninsula, this point offers great opportunities for seabird watching. The lighthouse here has been rebuilt multiple times due to earthquakes and harsh weather. On clear days, you might see Eldey island, home to a large gannet colony. 

Prepare you 10 days in Iceland itinerary

These itineraries, designed by local experts, make it simple to plan an incredible trip. Want to skip the planning hassle? Our tailor-made travel service lets you customize every detail for a trip that fits your style.

Ready to dive in? Check out Rough Guide to Iceland.  Want to explore Europe even more? See our Europe itineraries.