Let the raw power of Lake Myvatn and the ever-changing coastlines of Snaefellsnes spark your sense of discovery. One of our most immersive trips to Iceland, this North Iceland and Snaefellsnes journey is designed for travelers who want an authentic, tailor-made experience through volcanic landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and cliff-lined shores.
Set the pace, choose private guides, and stay in handpicked places with real character. Book your bespoke journey now, and turn Iceland’s dramatic scenery into memories that feel entirely your own.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reykjavik to Akureyri and Lake Myvatn | • Flight Reykjavik to Akureyri • Akureyri exploration • Hverir geothermal area • Leirhnjukur geothermal area • Dimmuborgir lava formations • Skutustadagigar pseudo craters • Grjotagja lava cave and warm spring | Lake Myvatn |
| 2 | Dettifoss, Jokulsargljufur, Asbyrgi | • Dettifoss waterfall • Jokulsargljufur glacial canyon drive and viewpoints • Vesturdalur valley • Hljodaklettar basalt formations • Raudholar hills • Asbyrgi horseshoe canyon • Botnstjorn pond and forested basin | Lake Myvatn |
| 3 | Northwest Iceland from Akureyri | • Godafoss waterfall • Lystigardurinn Botanical Garden • Troll Peninsula drive to Siglufjordur • Vatnsnes detour to Hvitserkur sea stack • Borgarvirki basalt fortress | Northwest Iceland |
| 4 | Snaefellsnes Peninsula | • Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano views • Kirkjufell and waterfall near Grundarfjordur • Djupalonssandur beach • Hellnar coastal walk • Arnarstapi cliffs and rock formations • Berserkjahraun lava field • Budahraun lava field • Budir black church | Snaefellsnes |
| 5 | Snaefellsnes highlights and Borgarfjordur | • Hraunfossar and Barnafoss • Deildartunguhver hot spring • Reykholt saga site • Borgarnes local history stop | West Iceland |
| 6 | Reykjavik | • Laugavegur and main squares • Hallgrimskirkja panoramic views • Tjornin pond • Old Harbor stroll • Solfar Sun Sculpture • Harpa Concert Hall | Reykjavik |
| 7 | Departure day | Transfer to Keflavik for check-in and security • Departure |
Start your Iceland travel day with a short flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri, enjoying sweeping views of fjords and volcanic terrain. Pick up your rental, meet a local guide if you wish, and ease into North Iceland with time for Akureyri’s cozy cafes, botanical garden, and harbor, plus insider tips to shape the days ahead.
Then dive into the volcanic world of Lake Myvatn. Walk among steaming mud pots at Hverir and Leirhnjukur, explore the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, circle the Skutustadagigar pseudo craters, and end at Grjotagja, the lava cave and warm spring made famous by Game of Thrones.
Make this a headline day in your Iceland itinerary with North Iceland’s biggest natural drama. Start at Dettifoss, then follow the 25 km Jokulsargljufur glacial canyon into Vesturdalur to see Hljodaklettar’s basalt formations and the colorful Raudholar hills. Finish in Asbyrgi’s horseshoe canyon, pausing by the turquoise Botnstjorn pond and the quiet forested basin for peaceful photo stops.
Nearby, Lake Myvatn and Husavik add great add ons, including the Myvatn Nature Baths, GeoSea, whale and puffin watching, Northern Lights tours, and winter snowmobiling.
Explore Northwest Iceland from Akureyri, combining classic waterfalls with charming coastal drives. Visit the stunning Godafoss waterfall, then enjoy Akureyri’s relaxed downtown and the Lystigardurinn Botanical Garden.
Continue along the scenic Troll Peninsula to the colorful fishing village of Siglufjordur, or detour to Vatnsnes to spot seals by the Hvitserkur sea stack and visit the striking Borgarvirki basalt fortress.
Explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature,” and one of the best places to visit in Iceland. Take in the Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano, photograph iconic Kirkjufell and its waterfall near Grundarfjordur, and stroll the dramatic shores and rock formations of Djupalonssandur, Hellnar, and Arnarstapi.
Cross the Berserkjahraun and Budahraun lava fields, then finish at the stark Budir black church.
Explore West Iceland in a single, flexible day that pairs Borgarfjordur’s saga landscapes with the wild edges of Snaefellsnes. Begin in Borgarfjordur with stops at Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, and Reykholt, then take in the lava fields around Grabrok crater and local history in Borgarnes.
Continue toward Snaefellsnes to add a signature experience that matches your style, from whale watching February to September and puffin and bird watching June to August, to a lava cave tour year-round, a glacier snowcat ride on Snaefellsjokull April to August, or sea kayaking June to September.
To round out the day, choose geothermal baths at Krauma or Hvammsvik, horse riding, a glacier tour, or a hike to the 198-meter Glymur waterfall for dramatic canyon views.
Explore Reykjavik at an easy pace, mixing landmark sights with local atmosphere. Stroll Laugavegur and the main squares, then head up Hallgrimskirkja for panoramic views across the city. Walk from Tjornin pond to the Old Harbor and continue along the waterfront to see the Solfar Sun Sculpture. Add stops at Harpa Concert Hall and Perlan for striking architecture and sweeping viewpoints.
Tailor the day with museums focused on history, art, or whales, then finish with a relaxed meal at a local restaurant to sample Icelandic flavors and round off your trip.
Keep departure day calm and simple. Enjoy a slow morning in Reykjavik with time for a final coffee, a short waterfront stroll, or any last-minute shopping on Laugavegur. Then transfer to Keflavik Airport with plenty of time for check-in and security.
If your flight schedule allows, add a final stop on the Reykjanes Peninsula for lava fields and coastal views, or unwind with a soak at the Blue Lagoon before heading to the terminal.
