13 Day itinerary in Iceland, Europe
This 13-day itinerary takes you on a relaxed journey around Iceland's famous Ring Road including the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Highlights include the Golden Circle with geothermal areas, waterfalls, and Thingvellir National Park. Explore the South Coast with its iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches,... Read More
By Preeti, Michele and Sonia
Physical Difficulty
Recommended Age
Operated in
GUIDANCE
starting point
trip type
trip attributes
Nature & Wildlife
Start
Night
End
Ring Road
Golden Circle
Snaefellsnes
North Iceland
Ring Road
Golden Circle
Snaefellsnes
North Iceland
Accommodation Categories
Relaxed Arrival Day
This is a slow-paced rip with a relaxed arrival day. Depending on your flight arrival time, we will recommend optional stops and activities in case you are up for more.
Golden Circle
Highlights ⢠Geysir geothermal area, with the Strokkur geyser that erupts every 8-10 minutes ⢠Gullfoss, the golden falls ⢠Thingvellir National Park, a historically significant site with the rift valley between the tectonic plates ⢠Beautiful Kerid, a volcanic crater lake The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular sightseeing route. The three pillars of this region are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall. Thingvellir, a historically significant site, is located in the rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The Strokkur geyser, which erupts 30 meters up into the air every 8-10 minutes, is the highlight of the Geysir geothermal area. Gullfoss, the golden falls, is one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls. Apart from the most famous sights, there are several options for activities and lesser-visited gems including the Kerid crater lake and the hot springs town of Hveragerdi. Here are some of our favourite activities in the Golden Circle: ⢠Geothermal bakery tour (all year) (0+) ⢠Secret Lagoon geothermal baths (all year) (0+) ⢠Laugarvatn Fontana spa (all year) (0+) ⢠Lava cave tour (all year) (3+) ⢠Snowmobiling tour (all year) (6+ with a rider) ⢠Horse riding tour (all year) (7+) ⢠Paddleboarding tour (all year) (8+) ⢠River rafting tour (Apr-Oct) (8+) ⢠Inside the Volcano tour (May-Oct) (8+) ⢠Ziplining tour (all year) (9+, 30kgs) ⢠Fishing tour (10+) ⢠Silfra snorkelling (all year) (12+) ⢠River kayaking tour (May-Sep) (16+)
South Coast waterfalls & black sand beaches
Highlights ⢠Iconic waterfall duo of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss ⢠Volcanic black sands at Reynisfjara with sea stacks and basalt columns ⢠Dyrholaey cliffs and stone arch, with possibilities to see puffins ⢠Views of the famous volcanoes Eyjafjallajokull, Hekla and Katla ⢠Optional: Skogar Folk Museum The scenic south coast is home to many of Iceland's most famous attractions and some offbeat ones, with views of world-famous glacier-volcanoes from road 1. Seljalandsfoss is a unique waterfall allowing the possibility to walk behind it. The picture-perfect Skogafoss is often accompanied by rainbows and is a favourite for photographers. The black sand beaches of Reynisfjara offer fantastic views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the Dyrholaey cliff. Here are some of our favourite activities on the South West Coast of Iceland: ⢠Lava cave tour (all year) (3+) ⢠Paragliding tour (May-Sep) (5+, 15kgs) ⢠Horse riding tour (all year) (6+) ⢠Ice cave tour (all year) (6+) ⢠Snowmobiling tour (all year) (6+ with a rider ⢠Inside the Volcano tour (May-Oct) (8+) ⢠Ziplining tour (Apr-Nov) (8+, 30kgs) ⢠ATV safari on the black sand beach (all year) (8+ with a rider) ⢠Glacier hike (all year) (10+) ⢠Glacier & ice climbing tour (all year) (14+) ⢠Biking tour (Apr-Oct) (16+)
Skaftafell Nature Reserve & Glacier lagoons
Highlights ⢠Skaftafell Nature Reserve with an optional hike to the picturesque Svartifoss waterfall ⢠Magnificent Fjadrargljufur canyon ⢠Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Breidamerkurfjara âdiamond beachâ ⢠Optional: Fjallsarlon, Heinabergslon and Hoffellsjokull glacier lagoons The landscape of Southeast Iceland is dominated by Vatnajokull, Europeâs largest glacier. Nestled between its glacier tongues is the beautiful Skaftafell nature reserve which offers a variety of hiking options, including the easy walk to the Skaftafellsjokull glacier tongue and a short hike to the picturesque Svartifoss waterfall. Jokulsarlon is the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland, dotted with icebergs that flow down to the sea and are then washed up on the popular "diamond" beach. With several lesser-visited glacier lagoons, the ancient Fjadrargljufur canyon and charming towns, South East Iceland will take your breath away! Here are some of our favourite activities on the South East Coast of Iceland: ⢠Flightseeing tour (all year) (0+) ⢠Glacier lagoon boat tour (Apr-Nov, 0+ for amphibian) (Jun-Sep, 10+ for zodiac boat) ⢠Puffin watching tour (May-Aug) (0+) ⢠Super jeep glacier tour (Mar-Oct) (0+) ⢠Snowmobile tour (Mar-Oct) (0+) ⢠Horse riding tour (all year) (6+) ⢠Crystal ice cave tour (Sep-May) (6+) ⢠Glacier hike (all year) (10+) ⢠Kayaking tour on the glacier lagoon (May-Sep) (14+) ⢠Glacier hike & Ice climbing tour (May-Oct) (14+) ⢠All day hike to Hvannadalshnukur summit / Hrutsfjallstindar peaks (Apr-Jul) (16+)
The Eastfjords
Highlights ⢠Options for detours to fishing villages and scenic fjords including the picturesque Seydisfjordur and the remote Mjoifjordur ⢠The mystical Lake Lagarfljot ⢠Serene Hallormsstadaskogur forest ⢠Optional: Hengifoss waterfall hike The Eastfjords have one of the most scenic stretches of the Ring Road with towering mountains, scenic fjords, and charming fishing villages, each with a special character. Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords, is set on the banks of the Lake Lagarfljot, which is rumoured to host a lake monster! The drive around the lake takes you through the largest forest in Iceland and hikers can take a short hike up to the Hengifoss waterfall. Here are some of our favourite activities in the East Fjords: ⢠Reindeer tour (Oct-Mar) (0+) ⢠Vok Baths (all year) (0+) ⢠Winter super jeep safari (Feb-Apr) (6+) ⢠Horse riding (May-Sep) (10+) ⢠Axe throwing (May-Sep) (16+)
Eastfjords villages
Highlights ⢠Narrow Mjoifjordur fjord with the tiny Brekkuthorp village ⢠Incredible coastal views from the Dalatangi lighthouse ⢠Charming Seydisfjordur, one of the best-preserved villages in Iceland ⢠Borgarfjordur Eystri, home of puffins and elves with its colourful mountain backdrop The remote fjords and charming fishing villages of the Eastfjords are not on the road 1 and the extra day (or two) to explore this region is well worth it. Mjoifjordur is one of Icelandâs most beautiful and remote fjords and home to one of its tiniest villages with just 40 residents. Seydisfjordur is one of the best-preserved coastal towns in Iceland; the town centre has timber houses, art shops and a pretty blue church. Borgarfjordur Eystri, the town of elves and puffins, is one of the best places to see puffins in the summer. Here are some of our favourite activities on your day exploring the Eastfjords villages: ⢠Bakkagerdi village walk (May-Oct) (0+) ⢠Hiking tour - 3 hours to all day options (May-Oct) (6+) ⢠Horse riding tour (May-Sep) (8+) ⢠Biking tour (May-Oct) (14+)
The wonders of Lake Myvatn
Highlights ⢠The bubbling geothermal landscape at Hverir and Leirhnjukur ⢠Fascinating lava-rock formations at Dimmuborgir ⢠Extraordinary Skutustadagigar pseudo craters ⢠Grjotagja lava cave and spring, also featured in the Game of Thrones series ⢠Optional: The impressive basalt columns and bright blue glacial river at Studlagil The volcanic Lake Myvatn area is surrounded by diverse natural wonders â including fascinating rock formations at the Dimmuborgir lava park, the unusual craters at Skutustadagigar, bubbling geothermal areas, the Viti and Hverfjall craters and the Grjotagja lava cave. The Studlagil canyon between North and East Iceland features some of the most impressive basalt column formations in Iceland. Here are some of our favourite activities around Lake Myvatn & Husavik: ⢠Flatey island tour (all year) (0+) ⢠Nature Baths (all year) (0+) ⢠GeoSea Baths (all year) (0+) ⢠Whale watching tour (Mar-Nov) (0+) ⢠Whale & puffin watching tour (Apr-Aug) (0+) ⢠Northern Lights tour (Sep-Mar) (0+) ⢠All day super jeep tour to Askja (Jun-Oct) (6+) ⢠Horse riding (all year) (7+) ⢠Snowmobiling tour (Jan-Mar) (8+) ⢠All day Lofthellir cave tour (Mar-Oct) (8+) ⢠Special interest tours - birding, geology, culture & history
Dettifoss, Jokulsargljufur & Husavik
Highlights ⢠The impressive Asbyrgi horseshoe-shaped canyon and the turquoise Botnstjorn pond ⢠Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall ⢠The 25km long Jokulsargljufur glacial river canyon ⢠Vesturdalur valley with its peculiar geological formations ⢠The fishing village of Husavik, known as the whale watching capital of Iceland The diamond circle route goes up north from the impressive Dettifoss waterfall to the equally spectacular Vesturdalur valley and Asbyrgi canyon. The offbeat Vesturdalur valley features fascinating geological wonders such as the Hljodaklettar basalt formations and colourful Raudholar hills. The basin of the horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi has an incredibly beautiful pond and serene forest area. The fishing village of Husavik is best known as the whale watching capital of Iceland and is also home to the GeoSea geothermal sea baths. Here are some of our favourite activities around Lake Myvatn & Husavik: ⢠Flatey island tour (all year) (0+) ⢠Nature Baths (all year) (0+) ⢠GeoSea Baths (all year) (0+) ⢠Whale watching tour (Mar-Nov) (0+) ⢠Whale & puffin watching tour (Apr-Aug) (0+) ⢠Northern Lights tour (Sep-Mar) (0+) ⢠All day super jeep tour to Askja (Jun-Oct) (6+) ⢠Horse riding (all year) (7+) ⢠Snowmobiling tour (Jan-Mar) (8+) ⢠All day Lofthellir cave tour (Mar-Oct) (8+) ⢠Special interest tours - birding, geology, culture & history
North West Iceland, Akureyri & Godafoss
Highlights ⢠Godafoss, the picture-perfect waterfall of the gods ⢠Akureyri town, the heart of North Iceland ⢠Optional: Scenic drive along the coast of the Troll peninsula including the Siglufjordur fishing village ⢠Optional: Detours in the Vatnsnes peninsula: Hvitserkur sea stack, Borgarvirki fortress & the Seal Centre Akureyri is the heart of North Iceland with a charming downtown area, several architectural sites, interesting museums and the beautiful Lystigardurinn botanical gardens. Nicknamed the beauty, the Godafoss waterfall is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Iceland. North West Iceland is an often-overlooked region with several options for lesser-visited detours in the Vatnsnes and Trollaskagi peninsulas - the colourful fishing village of Siglufjordur, the Hvitserkur sea stack and Borgarvirki fort amongst others. Look out for seals along the coastline of the Vatnsnes peninsula! Here are some of our favourite activities in North West Iceland & Akureyri: ⢠Forest Lagoon (all year) (0+) ⢠Beer spa (all year) (0+) ⢠Whale watching tour (all year) (0+) ⢠Dog sledding tour (Jan-Mar) (0+) ⢠Northern Lights tour (Sep-Mar) (3+) ⢠Horse riding tour (all year) (5+) ⢠River rafting (Jun-Sep) (6+) ⢠Drangey island boat tour (Jun-Aug) (6+) ⢠Ziplining tour (May-Sep) (8+) ⢠Kayaking tour (Jun-Sep) (12+) ⢠Paddle boarding (Jun-Sep) (14+)
Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland in miniature
Highlights ⢠The mystical Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano ⢠The photogenic Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall, also featured in the Game of Thrones series ⢠The beaches and rock formations of Djupalonssandur, Hellnar and Arnarstapi ⢠Berserkjahraun & Budahraun lava fields ⢠Budir black church The 90-km long Snaefellsnes peninsula is often referred to as âIceland in miniatureâ. Dominated by the majestic Snaefellsjokull glacier volcano, it offers an incredible variety of sights and hidden treasures - desolate lava fields and fascinating rock formations, windswept beaches with inspiring coastal views, orca whales and bird colonies. The picturesque Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall just outside of the Grundarfjordur town is a very popular icon of the region. Here are some of our favourite activities in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: ⢠Whale watching tour (Feb-Sep) (0+) ⢠Puffin & bird watching tour (Jun-Aug, depending on the puffins) (0+) ⢠Sea angling and bird watching tour (Jun-Aug) (0+) ⢠Snaefellsjokull snow cat tour (Apr-Aug) (0+) ⢠Lava cave tour (all year) (5+) ⢠Horse riding tour (all year) (7+) ⢠Kayaking tour (Jun-Sep) (10+) ⢠Biking tour (Jun-Sep) (14+)
West Iceland & Borgarfjordur
Highlights ⢠Unique waterfalls of Hraunfossar & Barnafoss ⢠Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring ⢠Saga heritage at Reykholt village ⢠The lava landscape Borgarfjordur, including the Grabrok crater ⢠Optional: The fascinating Settlement Centre in Borgarnes ⢠Optional: An exhilarating hike to see the 198m high Glymur waterfall The lava landscape of West Iceland is home to several lesser-known sights like the Grabrok crater and Glanni waterfall, just off road 1. A detour into the Borgarfjordur area will take you to the unique Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. The village of Reykholt on the way is steeped in saga history with a medieval centre and the oldest hot spring in Iceland. Hikers must take the road into the Hvalfjordur fjord for the exhilarating hike along a canyon and through caves to the 198m-tall Glymur waterfall. Here are some of our favourite activities in West Iceland: ⢠Horse farm visit (all year) (0+) ⢠Krauma geothermal baths (all year) (0+) ⢠Into the Glacier tour (all year) (0+) ⢠Lava cave tour (all year) (0+) ⢠Husafell Canyon Baths (all year) (5+) ⢠Horse riding tour (all year) (6+) ⢠Dog sledding (Jan-Mar) (6+) ⢠Snowmobile + Into the Glacier (8+) ⢠Hvammsvik hot springs (all year) (10+)
Reykjavik city
Highlights ⢠The towering Hallgrimskirkja church, the best-known icon of Reykjavik ⢠The Laugavegur main street and the town squares ⢠Tjornin, the city pond and the charming old harbour ⢠The Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural masterpiece ⢠Solfar Sun Sculpture overlooking the coastline ⢠Optional: Several interesting museums for history, art, whales depending on your interests ⢠Optional: The Perlan building The world's northernmost capital is one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities of the world. Spend the day in the capital exploring its charming downtown area, impressive landmarks and variety of museums. Depending on your interests, the city has a vibrant cultural and music scene, a variety of design shops and art galleries, and world-class restaurants. Here are some of our favourite things to do in and around Reykjavik: ⢠Reykjavik walking tour (all year) (0+) ⢠Reykjavik food walk (all year) (0+) ⢠Whale watching tour (all year) (0+) ⢠Helicopter tour (all year) (0+) ⢠Puffin boat tour (May-Aug) (0+) ⢠Sea angling tour (May-Sep) (0+) ⢠Northern Lights cruise (Sep-Apr) (0+) ⢠Imagine Peace Tower & Videy island tour (Oct-Dec, a few dates in Feb & Mar) (0+) ⢠Lava cave tour (all year) (3+) ⢠FlyOver Iceland (all year) (5+) ⢠Dog sledding (Jan-Mar) (6+) ⢠Buggy safari (all year) (6+ with a rider) ⢠ATV tour (all year) (6+ with a rider) ⢠Horse riding tour (all year) (7+) ⢠Inside the Volcano tour (May-Oct) (8+) ⢠Sky Lagoon (all year) (12+)
Reykjanes peninsula
Highlights ⢠Colourful geothermal areas of Gunnuhver & Krysuvik ⢠Beautiful Kleifarvatn lake on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge ⢠Green-hued volcanic crater lake of Graenavatn ⢠Stunning Reykjanesta bird cliffs and sea stacks ⢠The Bridge between the Continents ⢠The lava fields of Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark Positioned between the Keflavik airport and Reykjavik, the moon-like lava landscape of the Reykjanes peninsula serves as a first introduction to Iceland. Except for the world-famous Blue Lagoon, the geological wonders of this region remain lesser visited. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge cuts across the peninsula making it one of the most volcanically active parts of Iceland, with colourful geothermal areas, a dramatic coastline, bustling bird cliffs and the Bridge between the Continents. Here are some of our favourite things to do in the Reykjanes peninsula: ⢠Blue Lagoon spa (all year) (2+) ⢠ATV tour (all year) (6+ with a rider) ⢠Buggy tour (all year) (6+ with a rider)
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