The Ultimate 10-Day Iceland Itinerary: Discover the BEST of Iceland
Iceland is a country of stark contrasts, with its rugged landscapes and natural wonders that are truly out of this world. From the majestic aurora borealis to the hot springs, Iceland is a place of unending beauty and wonder. If you are planning a trip to Iceland, it’s essential to have a solid itinerary in place to make the most of your time in this incredible country. In this post, we will be sharing the ultimate 10-day Iceland itinerary that will take you on a journey through some of the best destinations Iceland has to offer.
Getting Around Iceland
If you aren’t going on a guided tour then you’ll need a rental car – I always check rentalcars.com for the best prices. If you’re going with a group of friends or family then the rental car can be relatively inexpensive when split!
Flights for Iceland
Haven’t booked your flights yet? Be sure to go set your price alerts now on Kayak.com – they’re my favorite place to compare flight prices and I use their price alert tools to notify me of the best times to book flights.
Now lets get to the itinerary, thats what you’re here for!
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
Your Iceland adventure begins in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. This charming city is a great place to start your trip as it offers a variety of things to do and see. Take a stroll through the historic city center, visit the Hallgrimskirkja church, and soak in the views from the top of the tower. Reykjavik also offers a great range of accommodation and dining options, so you’ll have no problem finding a comfortable place to stay and delicious food to eat.
Day 2: The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular routes in Iceland and for good reason. This 300 km route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Iceland, including Thingvellir National Park, Geysir hot springs, and Gullfoss waterfall. Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place of great historical and cultural importance. The Geysir hot springs are one of the most famous natural wonders in Iceland, and Gullfoss waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.
Day 3: The South Coast
The South Coast of Iceland is a must-see destination for any Iceland traveler which is why its on this ultimate 10 day Iceland Itinerary. This part of Iceland offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country, including Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Reynisfjara beach. Seljalandsfoss is a beautiful waterfall where you can walk behind the curtain of water, Skogafoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland, and Reynisfjara beach is a black sand beach with incredible basalt columns.
Day 4: Vatnajokull National Park
Vatnajokull National Park is the largest national park in Europe and home to the Vatnajokull glacier, which is the largest glacier in Europe. This national park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, ice climbing, and even glacier skiing. The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is one of the most popular destinations in the park, and Skaftafell Nature Reserve is a great place for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Days 5 & 6: The Eastfjords
The Eastfjords of Iceland are a hidden gem that not many tourists get to see. This area is home to some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Iceland, including Egilsstadir, Seydisfjordur, and Vatnshorn. The Eastfjords are a great place to experience the true wilderness of Iceland and to see some of the country’s unique wildlife.
Day 7: The North
Most people miss the North when they’re making an their Iceland Itinerary!
The North On the seventh day of your Iceland adventure, you will head to the north of the country. The north of Iceland is a place of great natural beauty and is home to some of the most famous destinations in Iceland. One of the main stops in the north is Akureyri, the largest town in the north and the second-largest urban area in Iceland. This charming town is known for its beautiful botanical garden and its excellent restaurants. Another stop on your journey through the north is Lake Myvatn, a lake with a unique ecosystem and a variety of bird species. Lastly, Dettifoss waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and it’s a sight to behold. To make the most of your day in the north, we recommend taking a guided tour that will take you to these destinations and give you the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
Day 8: The Westfjords of Iceland
The Westfjords On the eighth day, you will venture into the Westfjords, one of the most remote and unspoiled regions of Iceland. The Westfjords are known for their rugged landscapes, picturesque villages, and wildlife. The main stops on your journey through the Westfjords will be Isafjordur, Latrabjarg, and Raudasandur. Isafjordur is the largest town in the Westfjords, and it’s a great place to experience the local culture. Latrabjarg is the westernmost point of Iceland and a popular spot for bird watching, and Raudasandur is a beautiful red-sand beach. To make the most of your time in the Westfjords, we recommend taking a guided tour that will give you an in-depth look at the unique culture, history and wilderness of the region.
Day 9; The Blue Lagoon & Back to Reykjavik
The Blue Lagoon On the ninth day is the best time to fit it in on your Iceland Itinerary. You’ll be sore and want to relax your muscles after a long week of having fun so plus its a must-visit destination in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. The water in the Blue Lagoon is rich in minerals and is said to have healing properties. To make the most of your visit to the Blue Lagoon, we recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds, and booking a spa treatment to fully relax and rejuvenate.
Day 10: Departure from your ultimate 10 days in Iceland
Departure from Reykjavik On the final day of your Iceland adventure, you will return to Reykjavik for your departure. Before leaving, there are a few last-minute activities and things to do in Reykjavik. You can visit the city’s famous hot springs, visit the newest lagoon – sky lagoon, take a dip in one of the city’s swimming pools, or go shopping for souvenirs.
A 10-day trip to Iceland is the perfect amount of time to explore the country’s main destinations and to experience its unique culture and natural beauty. This itinerary is designed to give you a taste of the best Iceland has to offer, but there is so much more to explore and discover. To make the most of your trip, we recommend renting a car, taking guided tours, and being flexible with your itinerary to allow for spontaneous stops along the way.
