The North and the West Iceland trip

Arrive in Reykjavik and fly onward to Akureyri, trading city energy for North Iceland’s wide open landscapes. After landing, enjoy a short guided walk and a relaxing soak in a geothermal pool, followed by an optional evening outing to view the Northern Lights. It is a beautiful start to your Iceland travel experience.

Later, head to the volcanic Lake Mývatn area to explore steaming geothermal fields, striking craters, and surreal lava formations. If time allows, visit Grjótagjá cave and spring, or continue to Stuðlagil Canyon to see dramatic basalt columns and a bright blue glacial river.

Follow the Diamond Circle from thunderous Dettifoss to the 25 km Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, then on to the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi and its turquoise Botnstjörn pond.

Continue through Vesturdalur to explore Hljóðaklettar’s basalt formations and the colorful Rauðhólar hills, before ending in Húsavík, Iceland’s whale watching capital. If you like, finish the day with a soothing soak at the GeoSea baths.

Discover North West Iceland as your Iceland itinerary takes you from Akureyri to Goðafoss. Spend time in Akureyri’s charming downtown, visit Lystigarðurinn botanical gardens, and dip into local culture for authentic, tailor-made moments. Then marvel at Goðafoss, the famous Waterfall of the Gods.

For extra scenery, choose an optional coastal drive around the Tröllaskagi peninsula to Siglufjörður, or take a Vatnsnes detour to see Hvítserkur, the Borgarvirki natural fortress, and the Seal Centre, with good chances to spot seals along the shore.

Explore the historic Dalir valleys, where the Icelandic sagas feel close and the legacy of Eiríkur the Red and his son Leifur Eiríksson still lingers. Continue along the coastal roads of Fellsströnd and Skarðsströnd for sweeping views over Breiðafjörður, with Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords rising on the horizon.

Then head into remote Strandir, a region steeped in stories of sorcery and folklore. Unwind in the seaside hot pots at Drangsnes, or stop in Hólmavík to visit the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft.

Drive into Ísafjörður Bay and the northern Westfjords for some of Iceland’s most spectacular fjord scenery and truly remote landscapes, easily among the best places to visit in Iceland. Explore the lively little town of Ísafjörður, spot curious seals at Hvítanes cape, and stop for famous waffles at the charming turf-roofed Litlibær.

If you want to add extra adventure, take a gentle walk by Kaldalón’s glacial creek, follow the coastline of Snæfjallaströnd beneath snow-dusted mountains, visit Suðavík to learn about the arctic fox, or hike into the rugged Valagil gorge.

Follow a tailor-made route through Arnarfjörður, Dýrafjörður, and Önundarfjörður, weaving past small fishing villages and dramatic mountain passes. Pause for photos, meet locals, and take short walks to quiet viewpoints along the way. The day’s standout is Dynjandi, the Westfjords’ most iconic waterfall. Continue to historic Þingeyri, then stroll the golden shores of Holt beach in Önundarfjörður, a beautiful spot for birdlife and soft evening light.

At Látrabjarg cliffs, watch nesting seabirds from safe viewpoints, with excellent chances to see puffins at close range. Finish with Rauðasandur’s striking red sands and nearby seal watching, and, if you feel like more coastline, add the luminous beaches of Breiðavík and Örlygshöfn.

Discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called Iceland in miniature, where the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano shapes the skyline. Photograph the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall near Grundarfjörður, then head to Djúpalónssandur for its dramatic pebbled shore.

Enjoy easy coastal walks between Hellnar and Arnarstapi, and cross the otherworldly Berserkjahraun and Búðahraun lava fields. Finish at Búðir’s striking black church to personalise your Iceland trip experience.

Explore the lava fields around Grábrók crater and stop at Glanni waterfall as you travel along Route 1. Continue to the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss cascades, then visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. In Reykholt, the medieval saga centre and historic hot spring add a cultural layer to your Iceland trip.

If you want to extend the day, visit the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes, or head into Hvalfjörður for a rewarding hike to Glymur, Iceland’s 198 m waterfall.

Explore Reykjavík at your own pace. Take in the views from Hallgrímskirkja, stroll along Laugavegur and the city squares, and wander by Tjörnin pond and the charming old harbour. Continue along the coastline to admire Harpa Concert Hall and the Sólfar Sun Voyager sculpture.

Personalize the day with museum visits focused on history, art, or whales, and stop by Perlan for its exhibits and panoramic viewpoints. Between sights, dip into local design shops and galleries, then finish with Reykjavík’s world-class restaurants for an authentic, tailor-made city experience.

Departure day in Reykjavík is kept simple and flexible. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a last stroll through the city, pick up any final souvenirs, or stop for a relaxed coffee and a light meal.

At the arranged time, make your way to Keflavík Airport for check-in and your onward journey home, taking with you the memories of your Iceland trip.