Iceland Travel Itinerary: How To Plan The Ultimate Trip

Iceland Travel Itinerary: How to Plan the Ultimate Trip

Planning a Visit

With its beautiful natural landmarks, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and dramatic volcanic activity, Iceland is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. While most travellers focus on visiting Reykjavik and other major cities, it’s important to take some time out of your trip to explore nature. Iceland has few roads so travelling around by car can be cumbersome. The best way to see Iceland is by renting a camper van and going on an adventure tour.

What to Do in Reykjavik

Iceland’s capital is a small city that packs a big punch. The downtown area features some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks, including Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall, while buzzing Laugavegur Street houses many popular cafés and shops. While in Reykjavik, visit one of its many restaurants (including trendy options like KEX) or stop by Geysir Green Energy Exhibition Center—it offers fascinating insights into renewable energy sources. Don’t miss Thingvellir National Park either; it’s home to beautiful natural wonders like Silfra Fissure and Gullfoss Waterfall.

South Coast Region – Golden Circle

Spend a few days exploring Iceland’s western region, starting in Reykjavik and driving up to Thingvellir National Park. From there, head north on Route 1 (also known as the Ring Road) toward Borgarnes. From Borgarnes, explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region that is studded with hot springs and spouting waterfalls. Here you can visit Snaefellsjökull National Park for sweeping views of Iceland’s coastline and its glacier-covered island by boat or on foot. Hike through lava fields from your campsite at Arnarstapi or stay at an eco-friendly farm where sheep graze along with other animals and local produce is available for purchase.

East Region – Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Westfjords region is located on Iceland’s northwestern coast and offers a variety of fantastic hikes, as well as opportunities for whale-watching and birding. If you’re looking for solitude and an intimate experience with nature, it is recommended to drive up to Vestmannaeyjar (also known as The Islands of The West Men), a collection of nine islands off Iceland’s northern coast. At only 4 km by 3 km, it’s one of Iceland’s smallest regions but also one of its most beautiful. Its only major town is Heimaey, which has recently become very popular for visitors who are looking for unique accommodation options such as hotels made from old army barracks.

West Region – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Geographically, Snaefellsnes is Iceland’s most southwesterly region and a gorgeous mix of mountains, glaciers, coastline, and quaint fishing villages. The main town in Snaefellsnes peninsula is Grundarfjörður. The main sites in Snaefellsnes are where you’ll find Snæfellsjökull National Park (home of those awesome looking glaciers) and Kollafjörður Bay where you’ll find impressive rock formations like Brimketill, Draugurinn, and Dritvík; all shot with panoramic views.

North Region – The Westfjords

The Westfjords is a remote region of Iceland that’s well off of most travellers’ radars. But that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful. In fact, its natural beauty is just one of many reasons why you should put it on your Iceland itinerary. As you head here, you’ll make stops in towns like Hólmavík and Ísafjörður, exploring everything from towering waterfalls and rugged mountains to fjords and hot springs along the way. If you’re looking for something different from Reykjavik and don’t mind getting away from civilization for a bit, then a trip here should definitely be on your list.