Iceland Road Trip: Your Guide to Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes. From towering mountains and majestic glaciers to thundering waterfalls and soothing geothermal pools, Iceland offers an array of stunning sights and experiences.
Whether you’re driving the iconic Golden Circle, discovering the hidden gems of the south coast, or soaking in the vibrant culture of Reykjavik, this guide will help you make the most of your Icelandic road trip.
For East Coasters, the adventure is closer than you think—a direct flight from Boston lands you in this paradise in just under 5.5 hours. Join me as I share the highlights of our unforgettable road trip adventure!
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Day 1,2: Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Day 3: Reykjavik
Day 5: Golden Circle
Day 7: South Coast Sights
Day 8: Blue Lagoon
Accommodations
For this trip, we booked three different accommodations to maximize efficiency on our road trip. On Day 1, we stayed in Grundarfjörður for easy access to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Days 3-5 were spent in Reykjavik, and for Days 6-8, we stayed on the southern coast in the town of Hvolsvöllur.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
After picking up our rental car at Reykjavik airport, we headed to our first destination: the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Located north of Reykjavik, this western stretch of Iceland juts out into the ocean, named after the glacier-capped volcano, Snaefellsjokull.
Why visit?
The drive is absolutely worth it, as this region offers a bit of everything—black sand beaches, rugged lava-rock landscapes, craters, and glaciers. Since it involves quite a bit of driving, I recommend booking an overnight stay. The route is stunning, with plenty of scenic overlooks and attractions where you can stop to break up the journey.
Gerduberg Basalt Cliffs
Our first stop was the Gerduberg Basalt Cliffs, a perfect spot for a quick photo op. These natural hexagonal pillars, formed by cooled lava and shaped by time, are truly awe-inspiring. The cliffs are easily accessible with parking right next to the site, making it an effortless stop. You can even climb up to capture different angles of the rock formations against the stunning Icelandic landscape.
Kirkfulfell View from kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall
This stunning view of a waterfall with the iconic Kirkjufell mountain in the background is like stepping into a postcard of Iceland. It’s easy to reach with just a short walk from the parking lot near the small town of Grundarfjordur.
Be sure to cross the bridge for the perfect shot, capturing the waterfall in the foreground and the mountain’s peak rising behind it. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some horses grazing in front of the mountain, adding another layer of beauty to this already iconic scene!
Svöðufoss Waterfall
Another must-see in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is Svöðufoss, where water cascades 35 feet over a steep basalt cliff. It’s just a short 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the falls. When we visited in the morning, we were pleasantly surprised to find only one other car, giving us the falls almost entirely to ourselves. As a bonus, a few sheep wandered across the fields in front of the waterfall, providing a perfect, picturesque moment for a truly “baa-utiful” photo!
Lighthouses
After a brief stop at Skarðsvík Beach—a small golden sand beach framed by dramatic lava rocks—continue along the gravel road to discover two strikingly orange lighthouses. The road might be a bit rough on your rental car, but for lighthouse enthusiasts like myself, it’s worth it for the photo opportunities.
First, take the road to the right to reach Öndverdarnes Lighthouse, the smaller of the two. Then, head left to find Svörtuloft Lighthouse, both offering a unique and vibrant contrast against the rugged Icelandic landscape.
Djúpalónssandur Beach, Black Sand Beach
Iceland is known for its black sand beaches, and Djúpalónssandur is a must-visit during your road trip around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This beach is covered with black lava “pearls”—small, beautiful stones that are protected by the Icelandic government, so resist the temptation to take one as a souvenir.
The beach features striking rock formations, a volcanic landscape, and the remnants of a British fishing trawler that wrecked here in 1948. The scenery at Djúpalónssandur is nothing short of breathtaking.
Lunch at Fjöruhúsið café, Hellnar
For lunch, make a stop in Hellnar at Fjöruhúsið Café, known for its delicious fish stew. It’s also a great spot to grab a coffee, snack, or a simple meal while enjoying the scenic surroundings. If you’re up for a hike, start in Arnarstapi and trek the 2-mile (about 45-minute) trail to the café, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the seaside cliffs. The two towns, Hellnar and Arnarstapi, are just a few miles apart.
Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi offers more breathtaking views, including a perfectly formed volcanic sea arch. Stroll along the coast in both directions to marvel at the incredible basalt formations that line the shore.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland’s charming capital, is an excellent base for various activities, including day trips like the Golden Circle tour (which I’ll cover later). However, I recommend dedicating at least one full day to exploring the city itself. From shopping and sightseeing to dining at its many restaurants, Reykjavik has plenty to offer. You can also visit museums, stroll through the botanical garden, or unwind in one of the city’s public thermal swimming pools.
Hallgrimskirkja church
A defining symbol of Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja Church features a striking exterior of crushed volcanic rock and a modern architectural design. It’s the perfect starting point for a city walk.
Option: For 1400 ISK per adult, you can take an elevator up the 250-foot tower for panoramic views of the city.
Rainbow road
The Rainbow Road in Reykjavik is a popular Instagram spot, offering a vibrant photo opportunity. Along this colorful street, you’ll find plenty of shops and cafés to explore.
Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall
Make sure to visit the Sun Voyager, an iconic sculpture on the waterfront. From there, continue your walk along the shoreline to the Harpa Concert Hall, a stunning building with a honeycombed facade that photographers love. Step inside the lobby to admire its architecture and check out the entertainment options available.
Old Town
North of Hallgrimskirkja Church lies Reykjavik’s old town, now a vibrant hub filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants. Laugavegur, one of Iceland’s oldest shopping streets, is perfect for browsing. Another charming street, Skolavordustigur, leads up from Laugavegur to Hallgrimskirkja, lined with authentic boutiques offering a local shopping experience.
Grasagarður Botanical Garden
This city-run botanical garden (free to enter) showcases Iceland’s native trees, herbs, flowers, and plants. We spotted the lovely Floran Café nestled within the garden—a perfect spot for relaxation, though we didn’t have time to stop.
Thermal Swimming Pool Experience
While most tourists flock to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland's many thermal swimming pools offer a more authentic and affordable experience. Definitely visit the Blue Lagoon, but complement it with a stop at a local community pool.
We visited Laugardalslaug, an outdoor, year-round heated pool complex with excellent facilities, including showers, lockers (accessible via wristband), and towel rentals.
Note: Be sure to follow proper Icelandic pool etiquette during your visit!
Food:
Here are some standout food spots we tried during our time in Reykjavik. One thing you can't miss in Iceland is the incredibly fresh fish—be sure to try the catch of the day!
Dill - Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, where we enjoyed a 3-hour multi-course dining experience. Each dish was beautifully crafted with local Icelandic ingredients and intricate details. Though expensive, if you’re looking for a memorable, farm-to-table dining experience in Iceland, this is the place!
Brauð & Co - This bakery revolutionized Reykjavik’s bread scene with fresh, artisan loaves and creative takes on the snúður, Iceland’s classic cinnamon roll. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee and pastry to go. Beloved by locals, Brauð & Co has several locations, but we visited the one just a five-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja Church.
Sandholt - Unlike Brauð & Co, Sandholt offers indoor seating as well as outdoor picnic tables. Their pastries are top-notch—we loved the chocolate croissant and poppy seed bun. They also serve excellent sandwiches, and their homemade chocolates are renowned.
Loki Café - For a taste of traditional Icelandic cuisine, head to Loki Café, located in a bright yellow building across from Hallgrímskirkja Church. They serve classic dishes like flatbread with smoked lamb, dried fish with butter, and even the infamous fermented shark!
Skál! - Located in Hlemmur Mathöll, Iceland’s first food hall, Skál! serves elegant Icelandic dishes in a casual setting. Despite the food hall vibe, we were blown away by the quality of the food. We had fish mains and shared a delicious pie dessert—everything was fantastic and one of our favorite meals on the trip!
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Icelandic Hot Dogs) - Not far from Reykjavik’s harbor, you’ll find the iconic hot dog stand, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Iceland’s signature hot dogs are made with lamb, and the best way to enjoy one is with “everything”: ketchup, mustard, raw onion, crispy onions, and remoulade.
Hiking Day Trip to Kerlingarfjöll
Eager for an unforgettable hike, we set out for a day trip to Kerlingarfjöll, a breathtaking mountain range in the Icelandic Highlands. This geothermal wonderland is filled with steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vibrant, rainbow-colored hot springs.
Since the journey involves navigating rugged, gravel roads, you’ll need to either rent a 4×4, take a bus, or book a guided tour. We chose a tour with Arctic Adventures, which conveniently picked us up in Reykjavik and brought us straight to the trailhead.
While the long drive might test your patience, it’s simply part of the adventure if you want to reach this remote destination. At first, I questioned whether the trip was worth it, but once we began the hike, any doubts quickly disappeared. The landscape was so unique and awe-inspiring—it was one of those moments where the reality was every bit as extraordinary as the pictures.
Golden Circle Route
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most famous driving routes, offering a perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural landmarks. Here are the must-see stops along the way:
Þingvellir National Park
Iceland’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir is steeped in history and natural beauty. The park sits in a rift valley between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, creating dramatic landscapes. Be sure to visit the gorge, Law Rock (where Iceland’s parliament was established), and take a scenic hike to the picturesque Öxarárfoss waterfall.
Geysir Geothermal Field
Next, head to the Geysir Geothermal Field, where bubbling hot springs and steaming vents dot the landscape. The highlight is Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every few minutes, sending boiling water high into the air. It’s an awe-inspiring sight and a classic stop along the Golden Circle.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, is a short drive from the geothermal area. This massive, two-tiered waterfall thunders into a rugged canyon, offering breathtaking views from various vantage points. The mist from the falls creates rainbows on sunny days, making it a magical experience.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
For a unique stop, visit Friðheimar, a greenhouse tomato farm where you can learn about sustainable Icelandic agriculture. The farm features a charming restaurant (reservations required) and a bistro for walk-ins, both showcasing a menu centered around tomatoes. Be sure to try the tomato soup, served with freshly baked bread, for a true farm-to-table delight. We also sampled the tomato cheesecake made with green tomato jam, and were pleasantly surprised by how delicious tomatoes can be in desserts!
Kerið Crater
Rounding out the Golden Circle is Kerið, a vividly colorful volcanic crater lake. The deep blue water contrasts beautifully with the vibrant red and green slopes of the crater, making for an unforgettable sight. You can take a short hike around the rim or down to the lake’s edge for a closer look.
Westman Islands, Heimaey Island
Our visit to Heimaey Island, the largest and only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, was an unforgettable day trip during our time in Iceland. This stunning volcanic island is packed with natural beauty, rich history, and some incredible hikes.
Puffin Overlook
If you're eager to spot puffins in their natural habitat, head to the cliffs at Stórhöfði, known as one of the best puffin-watching spots in Iceland. The overlook offers spectacular views of the ocean and the cliffs, where thousands of puffins nest during the summer months. Bring your camera for some up-close shots of these adorable birds!
Home Rock Hike
One of Heimaey’s most scenic hikes is the ascent of Heimaklettur, or "Home Rock," the island’s highest point, located near the harbor. The climb is steep, with ladders along the way, making it challenging for those with a fear of heights. However, the breathtaking views of the island and surrounding ocean make it all worthwhile. On a clear day, you can spot other islands in the archipelago and even catch a glimpse of Iceland’s mainland. During our hike, we were lucky enough to see puffins perched on the cliffs close to the trail.
Volcano Crater Hike
For a hike with a dramatic backdrop, explore Eldfell, the volcanic crater formed during the 1973 eruption that forever altered Heimaey. This trail is much easier than Heimaklettur, and once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the island, the harbor, and the expansive lava fields that reshaped Heimaey’s landscape.
Dinner at Slippurinn
After a day of adventure, we treated ourselves to dinner at Slippurinn, a highly acclaimed restaurant located in an old boat repair shop by the harbor. Slippurinn focuses on using fresh, local ingredients, many foraged from the island itself. We enjoyed a fantastic three-course meal featuring the day’s specials from the chalkboard: seafood soup, pan-seared cod, and rich chocolate mousse. It was the perfect way to cap off our time on Heimaey Island.
South Coast Sights
The South Coast of Iceland is a stunning region filled with dramatic landscapes, towering waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches.
Here are some must-see stops along this unforgettable route:
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss offers a unique experience—you can hike behind the waterfall! This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail takes about 46 minutes to complete, giving you a full-circle view of the falls as the water cascades down from the cliff. The surrounding scenery makes it a photographer’s dream.
Skógafoss Waterfall
A little further along the coast is Skógafoss, a mighty waterfall dropping 200 feet. The mist often creates vivid rainbows on sunny days, adding to the magic. You can walk up close to the base or climb the staircase beside the falls for stunning views from above. The sheer size and power of Skógafoss make it one of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
For a taste of Iceland’s icy landscapes, stop at Sólheimajökull Glacier. You can book a guided glacier hike to explore the crevasses, ice formations, and blue-hued ice caves, or simply take in the view from the base of the glacier. It’s an otherworldly experience that brings you face-to-face with one of Iceland’s glaciers.
Dyrhólaey Lighthouse
This scenic cliff is home to the iconic Dyrhólaey lighthouse, perched high above the Atlantic Ocean. The panoramic views from here are breathtaking, with towering cliffs, archways, and the endless stretch of black sand beaches below. If you come during the summer months, you might also spot puffins nesting in the cliffs!
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
No trip to Iceland’s South Coast is complete without visiting Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach. The striking black volcanic sand, powerful waves, and rock formations make this beach unlike any other. Be sure to take caution near the water as the waves can be unpredictable.
Vik
The final stop on your south coast Iceland road trip is likely the charming town of Vik. From here, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the iconic red-roofed church, black sand beaches, and dramatic rock formations in the distance. Vik is also a great place to grab a meal, with several options available. We enjoyed a unique and delicious pizza at Black Crust Pizza, featuring a jet-black crust topped with langoustine, Iceland’s version of lobster.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s premier thermal spa, renowned for its milky blue, silica-rich waters. It’s the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate, offering not only a relaxing experience but also benefits for your skin.
Conveniently located near the airport, the Blue Lagoon is an ideal stop to include as one of your final activities. It provides a wonderful opportunity to relax and unwind after a busy trip before heading to the airport to catch your flight home.
General Tips
Language
The official language is Icelandic, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, making it easy for visitors to communicate.
Currency
Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s still good to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors or remote areas.
Packing
Be sure to pack layers and rainproof clothing. You will want a hat, gloves, and sturdy boots. Iceland’s weather can be highly variable, so having versatile clothing will keep you comfortable no matter what the conditions are.
Expenses
Iceland can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to food. Budget accordingly, as dining out and groceries can add up quickly.
When to Visit?
The best time to visit Iceland largely depends on what you want to experience:
Summer - In summer, the weather is generally cloudy and showery, but sunny days can also occur. The extended daylight hours, especially from mid-May to early August, mean you’ll experience light nights and, in Reykjavik, the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun where the sun barely sets.
Winter - Winter days are short and dark, but it’s also the prime time to catch the Northern Lights, which are visible from September to May. If you’re interested in seeing the auroras, winter is the ideal season to visit.
Thanks for reading!
- The Maine Chick
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