Iceland is a country tailor-made for epic road trips.
With its staggering landscapes, intricate coastlines, and the freedom of the open road, a road trip allows you to immerse yourself in Iceland’s magnificent scenery at your own pace.
From stunning waterfalls and thundering glaciers to bubbling volcanic pools and the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky, this two week Iceland road trip packs the best of Iceland into an unforgettable adventure.
Getting to Iceland
Iceland is easily reached by plane, with flights landing at Keflavik International Airport from North America and Europe. From the airport, collect your rental car and you’ll be off on the first leg of your Icelandic road trip within the hour.
Don’t forget to purchase gravel insurance for your rental car before setting off. Also remember that whilst in Iceland, it’s required by law to keep your headlights on at all times.
Our Recommended 2 Week Itinerary For Your Iceland Road Trip
We’ve mapped out the ultimate Iceland road trip itinerary to encompass the very best of Iceland’s iconic landscapes and natural attractions into two weeks of adventure.
Start at the quaint capital city of Reykjavik and head through the renowned Golden Circle, and through the uninhabited Westfjords in this circular route of the island.
Get ready for waterfalls, volcanoes, hot springs and loads more wow-factor moments along the way.
Day 1: Reykjavik
Spend your first day immersed in Iceland’s vibrant capital of Reykjavik. Wander the charming streets lined with colourful houses, grab lunch at one of the many cosy cafes, and breathe in that clean Icelandic air.
Must-see attractions include the iconic concrete Hallgrímskirkja church, whose unique architecture stands out against the city skyline. Take the elevator up the 74.5m high tower for sweeping views across Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains and sea. The revolving restaurant Perlan Museum also offers panoramic vantage points over the capital. And no visit is complete without seeing the Sun Voyager sculpture depicting a dreamboat pointed toward the sun, perfect for reflective photos by the waterfront.
As evening descends, head to the iconic Harpa concert hall, its mesmerising glass facade will be illuminated at night.
Day 2: The Golden Circle
Discover Iceland’s most popular natural attractions on the classic Golden Circle route just outside Reykjavik.
Start at Thingvellir National Park, wandering through the rift valley while learning about the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates exposed here. This site holds historical and cultural significance too as the place where Iceland established the world’s oldest parliament in 930 AD.
Journey on to see Strokkur geysers erupt 30m high every few minutes, before standing in awe at the raging double-tiered waters of Gullfoss Waterfall. This waterfall tumbles 32 metres over two rocky ledges into a dramatic, plunging canyon – not to be missed!
Finish by bathing in the natural geothermal pool at Laugarvatn Fontana for the perfect start to your trip.
Day 3: The South Coast
Continuing east takes you along Iceland’s picturesque coast, stopping to admire sights like the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, each unique and breathtaking in their own way.
Marvel too at Reynisfjara’s iconic black volcanic sand beach framed by stunning basalt columns and rock formations carved out by the pounding waves over millennia.
The interesting coastal villages of Vík í Mýrdal and Kirkjubæjarklaustur strike a lovely contrast to the stark landscapes, offering cafes, souvenirs and accommodation perfectly placed for exploring Iceland’s rugged southern landscapes.
Day 4: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The highlight of any south coast journey is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, filled with towering icebergs slowly calving from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier before floating out to sea.
Take a ride in an amphibious boat, sailing between shimmering frozen mountains with the glacial tongue as a backdrop for a truly magical experience.
Don’t miss the nearby Diamond Beach where smaller glistening ice chunks wash up on the black sandy shore, producing incredible photo opportunities on a sparkling ice-dotted beach against contrasting blue waters.
Day 5: Eastern Iceland
Venture into the less explored terrain of East Iceland, with cascading waterfalls like Dettifoss and Hengifoss set amidst a rugged backdrop of volcanic rock formations and native vegetation.
One of Iceland’s most thunderous waterfalls, Dettifoss roars 44 metres over a 100 metre wide basalt rim, sending up plumes of mist into the air. More natural wonders await at Lake Lagarfljot and its mythical monster legend, great for a pit stop.
The picturesque fjord of Seyðisfjörður slices between steep mountain peaks, dotted with colourful wooden houses and well worth the drive. Quaint Egilsstaðir town also charms it’s visitors, nestled beautifully within the surrounding rugged landscape – the perfect base to explore this region.
Day 6: Lake Mývatn
No Iceland road trip is complete without witnessing the geothermal wonders of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland.
Formed 2300 years ago by a volcanic eruption, this area bubbles with volcanic activity to this day. Marvel at the lava castles and pillars of Dimmuborgir and the explosion crater Hverfjall, massive in scale and fascinating to walk inside.
See mud pools bubble at Hverir, the lava fortress Krafla, and bathe in the mineral-rich waters of Jarðböðin Nature Baths, Iceland’s answer to Turkey’s Pamukkale. The lake itself hosts rich birdlife in summer while the surrounding landscape dazzles with waterfalls and craters wherever you turn.
Day 7: Akureyri
Known as Iceland’s “Capital of the North”, Akureyri charms visitors with its eclectic Scandinavian architecture, lively cafes and art galleries against a scenic fjord backdrop.
As Iceland’s second largest urban area after Reykjavík, this northern hub offers plenty of culture, shopping and dining experiences combined with epic nature just outside of town. Stroll through lush botanical gardens blooming with native Arctic-alpine plants.
Wander the walkable downtown, perusing shops and cozying up in one of the many popular cafes, bakeries or restaurants. Make time to visit iconic Akureyrarkirkja church perched on a hill overlooking the township, fjord and distant mountain peaks for quintessential Akureyri vistas.
Day 8: The Troll Peninsula
The Troll Peninsula in northwest Iceland takes its name from rock formations resembling trolls scattered throughout the dramatic landscapes.
Get your cameras ready for the iconic basalt sea stack Hvítserkur emerging 15 metres high in the shape of a dragon from the crashing North Atlantic waves. Legend tells Hvítserkur was a troll caught by the sunrise while attempting to drag his boat to land.
See waterfalls like Glanni crash down beside farmlands, and the twin cascades of Kolufossar illuminated at night. This relatively small peninsula packs scenic coastal drives overlooking ocean vistas, mountain peaks, rolling farmlands and abundant wildlife, including seals if lucky.
Day 9: Westfjords
Feel like you have Iceland to yourself exploring the remote, unspoiled wilderness of the Westfjords.
This is the place for epic nature in the form of roaring waterfalls like Dynjandi, the massive crater lake Rauðasandur, and beaches overlooking Látrabjarg – the biggest sea bird cliff in the North Atlantic that marks Iceland’s westernmost point.
After drinking in the rich birdlife and dramatic landscapes, relax body and mind in the hot springs river at Reykjarfjörður or the geothermal infinity pools of Drangsnes with uninterrupted views over the fjords. The Westfjords offer adventure and serenity bundled into one unmissable region.
Day 10 & 11: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Some call Snæfellsnes ‘Iceland’s miniature landscape’ for packing the island’s key attractions into a 90 km stretch.
Highlights along this route include black and yellow beaches like Djúpalónssandur contrasting vividly, quaint fishing villages like Hellnar and Arnastapi, iconic Mount Kirkjufell shape shifting through the day and perfect for photography against the Snaefellsjokull Glacier as a backdrop.
Don’t miss the pretty harbour town Stykkishólmur, said to inspire ancient Norse sagas, and the glacier volcano Snæfellsjökull itself, capping the peninsula and featuring in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Day 12 & 13: Reykjavik & Surroundings
Spend your final days in Iceland enjoying top highlights easily accessed from Reykjavik.
That includes a relaxing therapeutic soak at the Blue Lagoon, bathing in the steaming, silica-infused waters overlooking a lava field. Revisit classic Golden Circle attractions like Gullfoss Falls and Geysir, avoiding the crowds associated with tour buses. And catching the magical Northern Lights dancing across the clear night skies makes for an unforgettable final impression – if you’re lucky.
Day 14: Heading Home
After two weeks immersed in Iceland’s raw, epic landscapes – it’s time for home. Bid a fond farewell to long summer days or perpetual winter darkness before transferring to Keflavik International Airport via shuttle bus to jet back home with precious memories and stunning photos as mementos from your trip of a lifetime exploring Iceland by road.
Total Iceland Road Trip Driving Time
| Day | Location | Driving Time | Driving Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reykjavik | - | - |
| 2 | Golden Circle | 2 hours 30 mins | 230 km |
| 3 | South Coast | 4 hours | 380 km |
| 4 | Jökulsárlón | 2 hours 45 mins | 270 km |
| 5 | Eastern Iceland | 3 hours 30 mins | 300 km |
| 6 | Mývatn | 2 hours 15 mins | 185 km |
| 7 | Akureyri | 1 hour 15 mins | 95 km |
| 8 | Troll Peninsula | 3 hours 30 mins | 310 km |
| 9 | Westfjords | 4 hours 30 mins | 430 |
| 10-11 | Snæfellsnes | 3 hours | 370 km |
| 12-13 | Reykjavik | - | - |
Key Things To Note For Your Iceland Road Trip
When road tripping in Iceland, there are some key things to remember.
- Be sure to check road and weather conditions daily as these can be highly unpredictable.
- Always fill your gas tank completely when possible as petrol stations are limited in rural areas.
- Carry food, water and blankets in case you get stranded.
- Respect fences, barriers and signage warnings not to enter certain areas or drive off-road. Ensure your rental car and travel insurance covers any incidents.
- You’ll need a specific ‘Highland Permit’ when using certain F roads in the Highlands.
- A 4×4 vehicle is also needed for many roads in the Highlands, but your rental company will be able to advise you on the best car for your journey.
- And most importantly, take your time to soak up the epic Icelandic landscapes along the way!