Looking to enjoy a long weekend in Iceland, cruise around the island in seven days or maybe get a little off the beaten track? In any case, here you will find some tips for planning your trip and suggestions for sights and routes.
Pack your shoes and camera: 14 days gives you enough time to see many of Iceland’s most beautiful sights
AROUND ICELAND IN 14 DAYS
Can you make Iceland in 14 days? Yes you can. Is there enough time? There’s never enough time! But two weeks give you the opportunity to circumnavigate the island without haste. Of course, the most popular way to explore Iceland is to take the ring road and wake up to a different view every morning. What could such a route look like? We give you an idea!
ROUTE TO ICELAND FOR 14 DAYS
CLOCKWISE OR COUNTER-CLOCKWISE?
The ring road is completely paved and goes through all regions – except for the Westfjords and the Sniffelsnes peninsula – and because it runs in a circle you are always where you started. If you are traveling independently of hotel reservations, for example with a mobile home, we recommend that you make this decision based on good weather.
SOUTH COAST – 2 DAYS
ONE PICTURE ROUTE AT A TIME
One of the long black beaches of the south coast: Reinisfjara
When traveling in Iceland, you’ll switch from one scenic route to the next. Anti-clockwise we start with a large stretch of the south coast with its many famous tourist destinations: photogenic waterfalls such as Skogafoss and Selialandsfoss, black sand beaches with and without diamonds, glacial lagoons and charming small towns of Age. Iceland’s widest pedestrianized areas, Landmannalaugar and Thorsmark, offer exhilarating hiking trails for those looking to stretch their legs or go on a full-day outdoor adventure.
Would you like to horseback ride the islands and visit the southernmost place in Iceland? For a trip to the West Islands we recommend an extra day to allow enough time for dead end tours and volcano trips!
EAST JORDE – 2 DAYS
POSTPONEMENT – WHERE DEADLINES AND REINDERES RULE
Sometimes blue, sometimes green, sometimes brown: the water that flows through Stuðlagil’s basalt columns changes color with the seasons.
The change of pace occurs at the entrance to the calmer and less crowded East Fjords. But here you will also find the highest rates: Iceland’s largest forests, Iceland’s dead-end capital, Borgarfjord Eistri, and Iceland’s most posh town, Seidisfjördur, with its colorful streets, thriving cultural life, summer and winter arts festivals, artists’ residences. , as well as art installations high in the hills.
As one of the last attractions, Stuðlagil Gorge now shows impressive basalt stacks from 20 to 30 meters high. With the opening of the Kárahnjúkur hydroelectric power station in 2007, a mighty glacial river flowing through an impressive gorge has become a much more restrained version of itself, while also becoming a popular photo opportunity.
NORTH – 3 DAYS
TROLLS, WATERFALLS AND WHALES
Námaskarð, Námafjall, Hverir – a geothermal area near Mivatna has many names. Don’t worry: you’ll get used to the smell pretty quickly
The road to Mivatna is an afterlife through the lunar landscape and geothermally active fields. Mivatn marks the entrance to North Iceland.
Wellness and whale watching days in Husavik and Miwatni, Europe’s largest waterfall Dettifoss and Asbirgi Canyon are a day on the Diamond Circle.
At the same time, you have already entered the Arctic Coastal Route, which takes you from the capital of the north – Akureyri – off the ring road and around the three peninsulas of Trollaskagi, Skagi and Watnsnes. This route allows you to turn the peninsula on or off on the fly, depending on how much time you have.
WESTFÖRDE – 3 DAYS
OF LONELINESS AND NATURAL FORCES
You are likely to find yourself alone in the pool in the Westfjords
Are you ready to geographically explore the oldest part of Iceland? For the most beautiful waterfall you have ever seen? Lonely Planet’s #1 Tourist Destination Selected 950 km Westfjords Way lies ahead, ready to show you the highest mountains, the deepest fjords and a region of rich heritage and solitude.
For those who just can’t get enough of solitude: Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a traveler’s paradise, a piece of untouched nature where only foxes and many birds live. One and multi-day tours depart daily from Ísafjörður.
SNIPHELSNESS, WEST ICELAND AND THE GOLDEN RING – 3
DAY MINIATURE VERSION OF SOMETHING GREAT
Did Christopher Columbus stay in the church of Ingyalsdshol in the winter of 1477? Maybe. No doubt you can.
Now you can either drive 3.5 hours to Sniffelsnes or take the Baldur ferry, which runs via Flatey island through the picturesque skyscraper garden from Breidafjördur to Stikkischolmur on the Sniffelsnes peninsula.
Snifelles is known for being an Icelandic miniature , which means it has it all: a glacier, lava caves, spectacular sea cliffs, and Mount Kirkjufell. The short distances between attractions allow you to explore the diversity of Sniffelsnes in a short amount of time.
After that, the area of Borgarfjördur, its glaciers, legend culture, Hraunfossar waterfalls and Deildatunguhwer hot springs deserve full attention.
REIKYAVIK – DAY 1
BROKEN CHOICE
Nevertheless, the best remedy against the gray winter weather: fans of colorful houses will find many photo opportunities in the capital of Iceland.
The Borgarfjördur area is just a few steps away from the famous Golden Circle, popular with the Geysers, Gullfoss Falls, Thingvellir and other gems. Some might think it’s too touristy but don’t worry, that’s the number of people to get used to.
How to spend time in the capital and its surroundings? There are many options: In the south you can visit Reykjavik with its sights, cafes, restaurants, bars and museums as well as take an afternoon hike to Fagradalsfjal volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. And when you want to unwind from all your adventures, you can wash away the travel dust at some city baths or at nearby spas like Blue or Sky Lagoon.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
DESTINATIONS
INSPIRATION
The Reykjanes Peninsula offers stunning views
A DAY ON THE REYKYANES PENINSULA
Planning a day trip or two near Keflavik Airport? Look no further: the Reykjanes Peninsula has some of Iceland’s best attractions, all within walking distance.
Before you start your trip, we recommend checking Safetravel.is for road and weather conditions and reading these tips for driving in Iceland .
TRANSITION TWO CONTINENTS
The bridge between the continents is a symbolic bridge between Europe and North America.
The Reykjanes Peninsula lies on the shores of the North Atlantic and there are distinct manifestations of the continental rift zone between North America and Eurasia. Reykjanes (meaning Steam Peninsula) has a unique volcanic landscape recognized by UNESCO as the Reykjanes Geopark with 55 geo-sites identified including the 2021 eruption of Fagradalsfjal volcano .
The first thing that will strike you when driving from Keflavik Airport is the region’s open, forest-free landscape. The land is covered in fields of black basaltic lava and palagonite ridges, and steam rises from hot springs and geothermal power plants that harness the power of volcanism in the area.
The close proximity to the open sea offers the opportunity to see thousands of seabirds from shore and, if you’re lucky, seals and whales, especially in early spring. Additionally, large sea waves smashing ashore add to the powerful landscapes.
CLOSE BUT FAR
Finding solitude is easy when hiking in Reykjanes Geopark.
Despite the fact that near Keflavik International Airport it is easy to find places where you can feel the seclusion and solitude typical of Iceland. For those interested in culture, Reykjane’s museums such as the Rock and Roll Museum and Viking World are good choices. The Reykjanes region also offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes as well as the world famous Blue Lagoon Spa.
Here are some recommendations for places to visit in the Reykjanes Peninsula, and for further study we recommend visiting the local tourist site VisitReykjanes.is.
11 PLACES TO SEE IN THE REYKYANES PENINSULA
The Fagradalsfjal volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula erupted in 2021
1. Fagradalsfjal volcano, which erupted in 2021, is a popular hiking spot for good reason. The new field of black basaltic lava is still hot and boiling and the new splash crater is a breathtaking spectacle. There are several hiking trails of different lengths and levels of difficulty to choose from. Make sure you are ready to hike to the volcano and check the map and site conditions.
2. The town of Grindavik . The small fishing village of Grindavik is only 10 km away from the eruption site of Fagradalsfjal. An ideal spot for a pit stop before and after a hike to the volcano. You can choose from several restaurants serving local fish, groceries and essentials, and after a hike take a dip in the local swimming pool’s hot tub.
3. Brimketill – a natural pond on the rocky coast west of Grindavik. It amplifies sea waves and creates large splashes that are interesting to watch – from a safe distance. Folklore tells of a pond used as a bath by the giant Oddney. However, swimming in Brimketilla is NOT suitable for humans, so caution is advised due to unexpected waves around the pond.
4. Reykjanesta is the extreme southwestern tip of the peninsula with stunning scenery where the North Atlantic ridge meets the coast manifested in fissures, fumaroles, craters and lava from recent eruptions. The Black Sea standing close to shore adds additional decor, as does distant Eldey (Island of Fire) rising precipitously on the horizon. Eldey Island is home to one of the largest colonies of northern gannets in the world with around 16,000 breeding pairs. EldeyIt is closed for bird protection reasons, but you can watch the gannets live via webcam here.
Gunnuhver is a powerful fumarole in one of the geothermal areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
5. Gunnuhver is a powerful fumarole on top of Reykjanes. The steam-saturated hot spring takes its name from folklore of the Gunna spirit being lured into a fumarole.
6. Stampar Crater. The beautiful Stampar is a series of craters created by the Reykjavik fires of 1210-1240. They extend north-southwest along the rift, indicating the direction of the rift zone between the continents.
7. Bridge Between Continents – a symbolic pedestrian bridge through one of the cracks marking the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is located in Sandwick Bay, one of the main filming locations for Clint Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers and Letters to Iwo.
8. Hafnaberg – a bird cliff on the south coast of Reykjanes, stretching for 15 km and reaching a height of 40 m. During the breeding season (April to July) the Chrisouvikurbiarg is home to a variety of seabirds, fulmars, whales and loons such as puffins and red squirrels.
Garskagaviti is one of the many interesting lighthouses in Iceland.
9. Selatangar is a historical monument with relics of a medieval fishing station that was abandoned in 1880. Remains of fishermen’s huts and barns where fish were stored can still be seen.
10. Seltun is a colorful geothermal area on the shores of Lake Krysuvik in the central part of the Reykjanes Peninsula with bubbling mud pots, smoking fumaroles and boiling springs.
11. Gardskaviti – a lighthouse in the small village of Gardur on the northwestern edge of the Reykjanes Peninsula and a popular spot for bird watching and northern lights in winter. The two lighthouses, the old and the new, reflect different styles and architectures, which is noticeable when traveling around Iceland.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
DESTINATIONS
INSPIRATION
The Reykjanes Peninsula offers stunning views
A DAY ON THE REYKYANES PENINSULA
Planning a day trip or two near Keflavik Airport? Look no further: the Reykjanes Peninsula has some of Iceland’s best attractions, all within walking distance.
Before you start your trip, we recommend checking Safetravel.is for road and weather conditions and reading these tips for driving in Iceland .
TRANSITION TWO CONTINENTS
The bridge between the continents is a symbolic bridge between Europe and North America.
The Reykjanes Peninsula lies on the shores of the North Atlantic and there are distinct manifestations of the continental rift zone between North America and Eurasia. Reykjanes (meaning Steam Peninsula) has a unique volcanic landscape recognized by UNESCO as the Reykjanes Geopark with 55 geo-sites identified including the 2021 eruption of Fagradalsfjal volcano .
The first thing that will strike you when driving from Keflavik Airport is the region’s open, forest-free landscape. The land is covered in fields of black basaltic lava and palagonite ridges, and steam rises from hot springs and geothermal power plants that harness the power of volcanism in the area.
The close proximity to the open sea offers the opportunity to see thousands of seabirds from shore and, if you’re lucky, seals and whales, especially in early spring. Additionally, large sea waves smashing ashore add to the powerful landscapes.
CLOSE BUT FAR
Finding solitude is easy when hiking in Reykjanes Geopark.
Despite the fact that near Keflavik International Airport it is easy to find places where you can feel the seclusion and solitude typical of Iceland. For those interested in culture, Reykjane’s museums such as the Rock and Roll Museum and Viking World are good choices. The Reykjanes region also offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes as well as the world famous Blue Lagoon Spa.
Here are some recommendations for places to visit in the Reykjanes Peninsula, and for further study we recommend visiting the local tourist site VisitReykjanes.is.
11 PLACES TO SEE IN THE REYKYANES PENINSULA
The Fagradalsfjal volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula erupted in 2021
1. Fagradalsfjal volcano, which erupted in 2021, is a popular hiking spot for good reason. The new field of black basaltic lava is still hot and boiling and the new splash crater is a breathtaking spectacle. There are several hiking trails of different lengths and levels of difficulty to choose from. Make sure you are ready to hike to the volcano and check the map and site conditions.
2. The town of Grindavik . The small fishing village of Grindavik is only 10 km away from the eruption site of Fagradalsfjal. An ideal spot for a pit stop before and after a hike to the volcano. You can choose from several restaurants serving local fish, groceries and essentials, and after a hike take a dip in the local swimming pool’s hot tub.
3. Brimketill – a natural pond on the rocky coast west of Grindavik. It amplifies sea waves and creates large splashes that are interesting to watch – from a safe distance. Folklore tells of a pond used as a bath by the giant Oddney. However, swimming in Brimketilla is NOT suitable for humans, so caution is advised due to unexpected waves around the pond.
4. Reykjanesta is the extreme southwestern tip of the peninsula with stunning scenery where the North Atlantic ridge meets the coast manifested in fissures, fumaroles, craters and lava from recent eruptions. The Black Sea standing close to shore adds additional decor, as does distant Eldey (Island of Fire) rising precipitously on the horizon. Eldey Island is home to one of the largest colonies of northern gannets in the world with around 16,000 breeding pairs. EldeyIt is closed for bird protection reasons, but you can watch the gannets live via webcam here.
Gunnuhver is a powerful fumarole in one of the geothermal areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
5. Gunnuhver is a powerful fumarole on top of Reykjanes. The steam-saturated hot spring takes its name from folklore of the Gunna spirit being lured into a fumarole.
6. Stampar Crater. The beautiful Stampar is a series of craters created by the Reykjavik fires of 1210-1240. They extend north-southwest along the rift, indicating the direction of the rift zone between the continents.
7. Bridge Between Continents – a symbolic pedestrian bridge through one of the cracks marking the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is located in Sandwick Bay, one of the main filming locations for Clint Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers and Letters to Iwo.
8. Hafnaberg – a bird cliff on the south coast of Reykjanes, stretching for 15 km and reaching a height of 40 m. During the breeding season (April to July) the Chrisouvikurbiarg is home to a variety of seabirds, fulmars, whales and loons such as puffins and red squirrels.
Garskagaviti is one of the many interesting lighthouses in Iceland.
9. Selatangar is a historical monument with relics of a medieval fishing station that was abandoned in 1880. Remains of fishermen’s huts and barns where fish were stored can still be seen.
10. Seltun is a colorful geothermal area on the shores of Lake Krysuvik in the central part of the Reykjanes Peninsula with bubbling mud pots, smoking fumaroles and boiling springs.
11. Gardskaviti – a lighthouse in the small village of Gardur on the northwestern edge of the Reykjanes Peninsula and a popular spot for bird watching and northern lights in winter. The two lighthouses, the old and the new, reflect different styles and architectures, which is noticeable when traveling around Iceland.
You don’t always need a lot when you have everything you need
ICELAND BUDGET – HOW TO SAVE THE CROWN WHEN TRAVELING
Iceland is expensive, which means the cost of accommodation, car rental and sightseeing tours is higher than in many other countries. But once you’ve booked everything, food and gas will be the biggest cost issue. However, there are some tips and tricks that can save you a few kroner while traveling while enhancing your Iceland experience!
SAVE FROM THE START – BUY ALCOHOL
Iceland is one of the countries with the highest alcohol taxes in the world. That’s why you save money right at the start of your holiday: beer, wine and spirits are significantly cheaper in a duty-free shop upon arrival at Keflavik Airport than in liquor stores across the country. Find out how much you can stock with a duty free calculator .
THE BEST TASTY WATER IN THE WORLD – FOR FREE
There’s no reason to buy bottled water: we pride ourselves on our delicious tap water
One of our specialties is “ Kranavatn” – Icelandic tap water . Filtered through lava, this spring water is safe to drink across the country — and delicious. By using reusable water bottles, you can not only save a lot of money on plastic bottles, but also be better for the environment.
HAPPY HOUR BAR-HOPPING IN REYKYAVIK
Would you like to try our wonderful craft beer in Reykjavik’s bars? Iceland also has happy hour and with the help of the Appy Hour app you can find out where and when the next pint is waiting at a good price.
SWEDISH BREAKFAST BREAKFAST.
Booking breakfast at home can save you a lot of time and money on groceries. This is not only an opportunity to fill up your stomach in the morning, but also to try unfamiliar buffet dishes that you may have never bought yourself.
LUNCH MENU – LUNCH MENU
Sometimes even twice as expensive for only half: Check out the local lunch menu
We have great restaurants and it would be a shame to miss them. If you’re going to eat at a restaurant but want to save a few bucks, go for a great lunch!
Most restaurants and gas stations in Iceland rotate daily for lunch, where you can enjoy fish or soup of the day, often accompanied by bread and coffee, sometimes for as little as $15-20. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are available almost everywhere.
FOOD SHOPS IN ICELAND
An interesting part of traveling abroad is opening new supermarkets! Grocery shopping is never cheap in Iceland, but bonus (Logo: pink pig) and Kronan (logo: smiling coin) These are supermarket chains that often offer the lowest prices. Recommended roadside snacks: Skyr – a special low-fat yoghurt filled with egg whites, vegetables from our own greenhouses (labeled “íslenskt grænmeti”), Flatbrauð (rye flatbread) with Icelandic cheese and Kleinur (doughnut-like pastries) will make any adventure perfect!
ISLANDISCHES HOTDOG
Icelandic hot dog has many fans. Order ‘Eina með öllu’ to find out what it’s all about
You’ve probably heard of the famous Icelandic pilsner or Icelandic hot dog . What’s in the middle? Icelandic sausage accompanied by sweet brown mustard, ketchup and tartar sauce, raw white and crispy fried onions is served in a hot dog bun. It’s good, cheap (about $5) and available at every convenience store and gas station. Try it and you may fall in love.
HOMEMADE DINNER
If you don’t want to dine in restaurants, you can book an apartment with a kitchenette. Many guest houses, cottages and hostels share a kitchen. This is also a great opportunity to taste Icelandic ingredients. Extra Tip : Packing a small box of salt, pepper, and your favorite condiments will ensure you have everything you need to prepare a delicious meal just the way you like it.
THAT’S A SMALL THING…
GAS
The length of the ring road is 1322 km, which means that you will have to refuel several times during your stay here.
Many car rental companies automatically provide their customers with discounted keys that work at certain gas stations. With them you can save up to 15 ISK per liter (unless Iceland wins an important football or handball game, then you can even save up to 20 ISK per liter!)
The view is free and changes every few hundred meters
LOKALE POOLS
Our luxurious geothermal resorts can be unforgettable but are not easily accessible every day. That doesn’t mean you should give up bathing in our hot water. Learn about the culture of the Icelandic basin and visit the local swimming pools (every town has one). Admission prices are lower (about $8) and the experience is no less relaxing.
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE
Aside from a few parking spots, Iceland’s natural wonders and landscapes are free! Admission to waterfalls, geysers and spectacular mountains is free, so have fun!