Planning a trip to Iceland? You’re in for a treat! This Nordic island nation boasts dramatic landscapes with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. In July 2022, I embarked on an unforgettable 6-day journey to Iceland with friends, and now I’m thrilled to share our detailed Iceland Travel Itinerary to help you craft your own adventure. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities, cultural experiences in Reykjavik, or simply breathtaking scenery, this itinerary offers a taste of Iceland’s diverse wonders.
Essential Iceland Travel Tips
Before diving into the itinerary, let’s cover some crucial tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Iceland.
- Cost Considerations: While flights to Iceland can be reasonably priced, be prepared for higher costs for car rentals, food, and gas compared to many other destinations. Accommodation costs are similar to those in the United States. Budgeting wisely is key to enjoying Iceland without breaking the bank.
- Payment Methods: Forget exchanging currency! Credit and debit cards, especially VISA, are widely accepted throughout Iceland. Apple Pay is also frequently used, making transactions convenient and cashless.
- Dress for All Weather: Even in July, Iceland’s weather is unpredictable. Pack layers and be prepared for wind and rain. The saying “Iceland should be called Windland” rings true! Essential clothing includes waterproof and windproof outerwear, warm layers like fleece or wool, comfortable hiking pants, and sturdy footwear. Stores like Icewear and 66°North are readily available in Iceland if you need to purchase gear upon arrival.
- Driving in Iceland: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Iceland beyond Reykjavik. Driving is on the right side of the road, just like in the US. An automatic transmission is worth considering for ease of driving, especially on Iceland’s varied terrains.
- Parking Made Easy: Download the EasyPark app for streamlined parking payments in Iceland. This app simplifies parking in cities and at popular tourist attractions, saving you time and hassle.
- Power Up with Adapters: European adapters are a must for charging your electronic devices. Don’t forget to pack a few to keep your phones, cameras, and other gadgets powered up throughout your trip.
- Bugs and Wildlife Encounters: While Iceland lacks bears and moose, be aware of the Icelandic midge, or “lúsmý,” a biting insect prevalent in summer. Pack bug spray and consider bringing Benadryl, especially if you are prone to insect bite reactions. Wildlife sightings will likely include sheep, Icelandic horses, and perhaps a fox.
- Staying Connected (or Disconnected): Cell service can be unreliable outside of urban areas. Download offline maps using Wi-Fi beforehand to navigate effectively. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or international data plan if constant connectivity is crucial.
- Valuable Travel Resources: For detailed trip planning, check out helpful resources like the blog by @kyanasue (www.kyanasuepowers.com) on Instagram and Guide to Iceland (guidetoiceland.is) for comprehensive information and tour bookings.
- Embrace the Daylight Hours: Summer in Iceland means nearly 24 hours of daylight. While you’ll miss the Northern Lights, take advantage of the extended daylight for longer days of exploration. Be mindful that the long daylight hours can shift your sleep schedule, leading to later nights and mornings.
Prepare for Iceland's wind and rain with layers and waterproof gear.
Packing Essentials for Your Iceland Itinerary
Packing strategically is crucial for an Iceland adventure. For our 6-day trip, my husband and I shared a checked suitcase and each had a carry-on backpack. Comfort and practicality are key – Iceland is all about exploring nature, so leave the fancy attire at home. Hiking gear is perfectly acceptable, even for dinner.
Consider these packing essentials:
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants: Essential for Iceland’s changeable weather.
- Warm layers: Fleece jackets, sweaters, thermal underwear, and wool socks.
- Hiking boots: Sturdy and waterproof for varied terrains.
- Comfortable walking shoes: For city exploration and less strenuous activities.
- Swimsuit: For hot springs and lagoons.
- Quick-drying towel: Microfiber towels are lightweight and perfect for hot spring visits.
- Flip-flops or sandals: Convenient for lagoon and hot spring facilities.
- Hat and gloves: Even in summer, it can get chilly, especially in windy areas.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: Protect yourself from the strong summer sun, even on cloudy days.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring.
- European adapters: For charging electronics.
- Camera and extra batteries/memory cards: Capture Iceland’s stunning scenery.
- Small backpack: For day hikes and carrying essentials.
Exploring Iceland: Diverse Ways to Discover the Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland offers various ways to explore its stunning landscapes. Our trip provided a fantastic overview by combining stays in Reykjavik and a countryside cabin with a rental car. We enjoyed a mix of city life, nature excursions, shopping, dining, and relaxing in lagoons.
Here are other popular ways to experience Iceland:
- RV Rentals: Renting an RV or campervan offers flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace. Companies like Indie Campers and Happy Campers are popular choices.
- The Ring Road (Route 1) – Full Island Loop: Many visitors dedicate around 9 days to drive the entire Ring Road, circumnavigating the island and experiencing diverse regions. Guided tours with companies like Iceland X are also available for a comprehensive Ring Road experience.
- Cruises: Island cruises provide a unique perspective of Iceland’s coastline. Some cruises focus solely on Iceland, while others combine Iceland with other European destinations.
Iceland’s Culinary Delights: A Food Lover’s Paradise
Icelandic cuisine was a definite highlight of our trip. The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and unique flavors made every meal memorable.
Our culinary journey began with The Reykjavik Food Walk. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour as it’s not only a delicious way to sample Icelandic food but also a fantastic introduction to Reykjavik and Icelandic culture. Our guide, “Day,” was amazing!
Here are some of the culinary stops and treats we enjoyed on the Reykjavik Food Walk:
Sampling traditional Icelandic Skyr during the Reykjavik Food Walk.
Indulging in flavorful Icelandic fish and chips on the food tour.
Trying traditional Icelandic lamb soup, a hearty and comforting dish.
Sampling rye bread baked in hot springs, a unique Icelandic culinary experience.
Enjoying Icelandic pancakes, a sweet treat during the food walk.
Our food tour guide also recommended exploring Iceland’s Food Halls, such as Mathöll Höfða and Mathöll Suðurlands (The Greenhouse). These vibrant spaces host multiple restaurants, offering diverse culinary options. Hipstur, a frequent vendor in food halls, quickly became a favorite of ours.
Exploring diverse food stalls at Mathöll Höfða food hall in Reykjavik.
Enjoying a variety of dishes at a food hall, perfect for group dining.
Sampling local craft beers and Icelandic delicacies at a food hall.
Delicious pastries and baked goods available at Icelandic food halls.
Fresh seafood options are abundant and delicious in Iceland.
For dessert, don’t miss Kjörís ice cream! It’s a local favorite and a perfect treat after a day of exploring.
Enjoying Icelandic ice cream with scenic views.
6-Day Iceland Travel Itinerary: Day-by-Day Breakdown
Now, let’s get into the specifics of our 6-day Iceland travel itinerary, designed to give you a fantastic taste of this incredible country.
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik & City Exploration
Our journey began with a direct red-eye flight from Chicago to Reykjavik’s Keflavik International Airport (KEF) on Icelandair. Opting for a north-facing window seat proved to be a stroke of luck as I was treated to a spectacular two-hour Northern Lights display over Canada – a truly magical start to the trip!
Another view of the Aurora Borealis illuminating the night sky.
(Note: Summer in Iceland is not ideal for Northern Lights viewing due to the bright daylight. For Aurora hunting, visit during the darker months, and utilize apps like My Aurora Forecast and Aurora Alerts to track activity.)
Upon arrival, we picked up our rental car from Iceland Car Rental at the airport and headed to our Airbnb in Reykjavik to meet our friends. Despite being tired from the red-eye flight, adrenaline kept us going, and we immediately set out to explore the city with the Reykjavik Food Walk.
The food tour concluded near the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church. We decided to visit and ascended to the top for panoramic city views. Be warned – the church bells are loud if you’re up there when they chime!
Hallgrimskirkja church, a Reykjavik icon, towering over the city.
Inside Hallgrimskirkja church, admiring the architecture.
Panoramic views of Reykjavik from the top of Hallgrimskirkja church.
Exploring the details of Hallgrimskirkja's unique design.
Another perspective of Reykjavik city from the church tower.
We enjoyed strolling through Reykjavik’s charming streets and did some shopping. I was impressed by Iceland’s cleanliness and minimal litter. We even visited a recycling center, Endurvinnslan flöskumóttaka, where our friend received direct account credit for returned items – a concept I’d love to see more of back home.
Quaint streets and buildings in Reykjavik's downtown area.
Visiting Endurvinnslan recycling center in Iceland.
Feeling the jet lag catching up, we returned to our Airbnb for a nap. Later, despite the late hour (but still bright daylight!), we embarked on an evening hike up Mount Ulfarsfell. This 2.5-mile loop trail led to a viewpoint with stunning panoramic views of Reykjavik, lined with beautiful Lupine flowers in full bloom.
Hiking Mount Ulfarsfell with views of Reykjavik in the distance.
Lupine flowers lining the hiking trails on Mount Ulfarsfell.
Vibrant Lupine flowers blooming along the Mount Ulfarsfell trail.
Panoramic view of Reykjavik city from the Mount Ulfarsfell overlook.
Enjoying the scenic hike on Mount Ulfarsfell.
Lush green landscapes and Lupine flowers on Mount Ulfarsfell.
Day 2: Blue Lagoon Relaxation & Countryside Cabin
Day two started with a leisurely morning before checking out of our Reykjavik Airbnb. We enjoyed lunch at Mathöll Höfða food hall again before heading to the world-famous Blue Lagoon.
We spent a significant part of the day relaxing and soaking in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. We booked the Premium Package, which included face masks, a drink in the lagoon, and sparkling wine with dinner at the resort restaurant – a truly indulgent experience. The Blue Lagoon provides towels, toiletries, and hair dryers, making it convenient to pack light with just swimwear and flip-flops.
Relaxing in the milky blue geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Enjoying the silica mud mask experience at the Blue Lagoon.
The unique and otherworldly landscape surrounding the Blue Lagoon.
Sipping drinks while soaking in the Blue Lagoon's warm waters.
The serene and relaxing atmosphere of the Blue Lagoon.
Steam rising from the Blue Lagoon's geothermal waters.
After the Blue Lagoon, we stocked up on groceries and checked into our Airbnb cabin in the countryside, ready for more nature adventures.
Day 3: Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike
A major highlight for me was hiking to and soaking in the natural hot river in Reykjadalur Valley. We parked near the cafe (with restrooms) and embarked on a scenic 2.5-mile (one-way) hike up to the river. The easy-to-moderate trail passes steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools, waterfalls, and grazing sheep, offering stunning valley views.
Hiking through the scenic Reykjadalur Valley towards the hot springs river.
Exploring the geothermal landscape of Reykjadalur Valley.
Steaming hot springs and mud pools along the Reykjadalur hiking trail.
Sheep grazing peacefully in the Reykjadalur Valley.
Beautiful waterfalls cascading down the valley in Reykjadalur.
Panoramic views of the vast Reykjadalur Valley from the hiking trail.
Information sign about the hot spring hike in Reykjadalur Valley.
At the top, a boardwalk runs alongside the hot river, allowing you to find your perfect soaking temperature. Changing areas are available. Our space-saving microfiber towels were essential for changing after our relaxing soak.
For dinner, we revisited Mathöll Suðurlands (The Greenhouse) food hall, followed by ice cream at Kjörís, and a relaxing evening at our cabin.
Day 4: Golden Circle Highlights: Tomatoes, Tectonic Plates, and Geysers
Day four was dedicated to exploring the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route. Our first stop was Friðheimar, the “Tomato Farm.” This greenhouse restaurant offers a unique glimpse into year-round Icelandic vegetable cultivation. Lunch amidst the tomato plants was a delightful experience. Even as a non-tomato enthusiast, I savored everything, from tomato soup with homemade bread to tomato ice cream and even tomato beer!
Dining amidst tomato plants at Friðheimar Tomato Farm.
Inside the greenhouse restaurant at Friðheimar Tomato Farm.
Fresh tomatoes growing in the greenhouse at Friðheimar.
Sampling tomato-themed dishes at Friðheimar restaurant.
Tomato beer and other unique offerings at Friðheimar Tomato Farm.
(Tip: Reservations are highly recommended for Friðheimar, especially in summer. Consider a guided greenhouse tour for a deeper understanding of their sustainable practices.)
Next, we visited Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We hiked between tectonic plates to the Öxarárfoss waterfall, taking in the historical and geological significance of this unique location.
Walking through the tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park.
Öxarárfoss waterfall cascading in Þingvellir National Park.
The dramatic landscapes of Þingvellir National Park.
Signage and information about Þingvellir National Park.
Our Golden Circle exploration continued at Geysir Geothermal Area. We witnessed the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes, shooting hot water high into the air.
Another eruption of the Strokkur geyser, a natural spectacle.
We grabbed a quick bite at Skjol Campground before our final stop: the majestic Gullfoss Falls. A short trail leads to stunning viewpoints, and getting close means getting wet from the waterfall’s spray – an exhilarating experience!
Another perspective of the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall.
Wet and slightly chilled, we were glad Gullfoss was our last stop before heading back to the cabin for the hot tub and warm showers.
Day 5: South Coast Wonders & Sky Lagoon Finale
Our last full day was dedicated to exploring Iceland’s South Coast. Despite feeling a bit tired, we embarked on a longer day trip towards Vik, making numerous stops along the scenic route. The drive itself was incredibly beautiful.
The stunning and scenic drive along Iceland's South Coast.
Our first stop was Reynisfjara black sand beach, famous for its basalt columns, dramatic rock formations, and powerful waves. We heeded warnings about the dangerous tides and rip currents, keeping a safe distance from the water’s edge.
Basalt columns and black sand at Reynisfjara beach.
We continued to the charming town of Vik for a delicious lunch with stunning views at Suður-Vík restaurant.
Scenic views from Suður-Vík restaurant in Vik.
We also admired the views from near Vik’s church. With more time, I would have loved to explore hiking trails in the area and visit Skool Beans cafe. However, a final lagoon soak beckoned, so we continued our journey.
Another scenic view of Vik and its surroundings.
On our way back towards Reykjavik, we stopped to view the Sólheimajökull glacier. A short half-mile hike leads to a viewing point, and glacier trekking tours are also available.
Viewing Sólheimajökull glacier from the hiking trail.
Next up were the waterfalls. First, Skógafoss Falls, where a short hike takes you to the base. A trail also leads to a viewpoint at the top, but we opted to move on.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall was our following stop. We completed a short loop hike around and even behind this iconic waterfall – a must-do South Coast experience!
The majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall from a different angle.
Finally, we drove back to Reykjavik to experience Sky Lagoon. I opted for the basic pass, although they offer a 7-step cleansing ritual. Sky Lagoon features clear water and an infinity pool overlooking the harbor, offering a different lagoon experience compared to the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. Choosing a favorite is impossible – both lagoons were wonderful in their own unique ways.
Enjoying the clear geothermal waters of Sky Lagoon.
Sky Lagoon was the perfect ending to our Iceland adventure and a wonderful way to say goodbye.
Day 6: Departure
Day six was simply breakfast at the cabin and a drive to Keflavik Airport for our flight home. We made sure to purchase our favorite Icelandic snacks and candies at the airport’s duty-free store before departing.
Icelandic chocolate and treats, perfect souvenirs.
Beyond 6 Days: Expanding Your Iceland Itinerary
This 6-day Iceland travel itinerary provided an unforgettable experience. If we had more time, we would have considered exploring:
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Often called “Miniature Iceland,” offering diverse landscapes in a smaller area.
- Westfjords: Remote and dramatic fjords, perfect for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
- Northern Iceland (Akureyri & Lake Mývatn): Explore geothermal areas, waterfalls, and charming towns in the north.
- Whale Watching Tours: Iceland is a prime location for whale watching.
- Glacier Hiking or Ice Cave Tours: For more adventurous glacier experiences.
I hope this Iceland travel itinerary and tips are helpful for planning your own Icelandic adventure! If you found this guide useful, please leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @adventureswkelly – I’d love to hear about your Iceland experiences! Skál! (Cheers!)
