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The Ultimate 8-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

2/20/2024

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The Ultimate 8-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary by exquisitEXPLORATIONS Travel Blog
The Ultimate 8-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
Road tripping in Iceland is an unforgettable journey through a land of contrasts, where fire meets ice and nature’s artistry is on full display. The open road invites adventurers to explore geysers, glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes, all under the ever-changing sky. Each turn brings a new vista, from the rugged coastline to the serene fjords, making every moment a discovery. With the freedom of a car or campervan, travelers can immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Iceland at their own pace, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Read on to see the perfect one-week Iceland road trip itinerary.

This post contains affiliate links. They cost you nothing but we make a small commission.

Perlan Museum and Viewpoint; The Ultimate 8-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary by exquisitEXPLORATIONS Travel Blog
Perlan Museum and Viewpoint

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

When you arrive at Keflavik International Airport, pick up your rental car or campervan (the best way to see Iceland) and drive into downtown Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. Explore Reykjavik on foot, taking in the street art and cool sculptures, like the Sun Voyager Sculpture. Visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church or explore a local museum like Perlan Museum or the National Museum of Iceland. Make sure to try the local cuisine, like Icelandic hot dogs or fried fish. For dessert, indulge in kleinur, the Icelandic twisted doughnut. If you're feeling adventurous, try the national dish of Iceland, Hákarl - fermented shark!

Stay in a rental apartment like this 2-bedroom flat with a view of the sea.
Whale-watching off the coast of Iceland; Iceland road trip; things to do in Iceland
Whale-watching off the coast of Iceland

Day 2: Whale Watching

The next day, take a whale watching tour to see whales, dolphins, and a wide variety of sea birds, including adorable little puffins. Continue to tour the city, hitting some of the highlights you missed the day before. 

Stay an additional night in your hotel or B&B.
Gullfoss: The Ultimate 8-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
Gullfoss

Day 3: Golden Circle

Kick off your Iceland road trip by driving the Golden Circle. ​Visit Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Geothermal Area. Then explore Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you chose to drive your Iceland road trip in a campervan, camp at Þingvellir National Park in either Nyrðri-Leirar or Syðri-Leirar campground. Camping is approximately $13 per person plus $11 for electricity and $2 for tax.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach; The Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Day 4: South Coast

Continue your road trip around Iceland by heading toward the South Coast to see Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.  Then continue on to see the unique Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Stay overnight in a hotel in Vik.

Day 5: Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón

The following day, drive to Skaftafell National Park for some glacier hiking. Your next stop will be taking in the absolutely breathtaking views of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

If you are in your campervan, camp at Skaftafell National Park in their designated camper area.

Day 6: East Fjords

Drive through the east fjords, visiting small fishing villages, like Breiddalsvik and Fáskrúðsfjörðu.

Stay the night in a hotel in Reyðarfjörður.

Day 7: Mývatn Area

Head northwest to the Mývatn area and visit the Mývatn Nature Baths, the lava fields of Dimmuborgir, and the Hverfjall volcanic crater.

Choose one of several campgrounds near Lake Mývatn, like Hlíð ferðaþjónusta.

Day 8: Akureyri and Godafoss

Visit the scenic town of Akureyri, exploring the Akureyri Botanical Garden. Your final stop will be the majestic Godafoss Waterfall. Then you will end your day - and your Icelandic road trip - back in Reykjavik.

Stay in a hotel for the night and prepare for your departure the following day.

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If you have an extra day, consider driving out to Snæfellsnes Peninsula for some seal-spotting at Ytri Tunga Beach or to see the Gerðuberg basalt cliffs.

Make sure you check road conditions and weather conditions before leaving Reykjavik. Download your itinerary from Google Maps so that you still have it handy even if you do not have cell service. You can also ask your rental car company to provide a physical map in case of unforeseen circumstances.

The Land of Fire and Ice is full of natural wonders - from lava fields to ice caves and from volcanic craters to geothermal pools. The Ring Road, which encircles the island, offers access to diverse attractions, from the majestic waterfalls and black sand beaches of the South Coast to the geothermal marvels of the Golden Circle. Travelers can experience the midnight sun or the aurora borealis, depending on the time of year, while enjoying the freedom and flexibility that comes with self-driven exploration. Iceland’s road trip is a true adventure, promising a tapestry of memories woven from the threads of its unique beauty.

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    explorations' RV, Travel, & Lifestyle Blog

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    Carolyn 
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    The daughter of an English teacher, Carolyn has been an avid reader and writer from an early age.  She decided to chronicle the exquisitEXPLORATIONS journey through a travel and RV lifestyle blog, full of RV-related tips and stories of their travel adventures. As a mom and dog mom, her focus has shifted slightly to include both pet-friendly and kid-friendly places to go and things to do.


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