Around Iceland in 14 days
Can you do Iceland in 14 days? Yes, you can. Is it enough time? There is never enough time! But two weeks allow you to circle the Island once without having to rush. By far, the most popular mode of exploring Iceland is to drive along the Ring Road and wake up with a different view every morning. What would an itinerary like this look like? What would an itinerary like this look like? We'll give you an idea!
Iceland itinerary for 14 days
Clockwise or counterclockwise?
The Ring Road is fully paved (Completed in 2019!) and leads through all regions of Iceland—except the Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—bringing you right back to your starting point. If you're traveling independently, like in a camper van, consider planning your route based on the best weather conditions for each region.
The South Coast – 2 days
One scenic route after another
On a trip around Iceland, you'll hop from one scenic route to the next. Driving counterclockwiwe'lle'll start with the extensive stretch of the South Coast, with its many famous tourist destinations: photogenic waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, black sand beaches with and without diamonds, glacier lagoons and charming little towns like Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Vík and HöIceland'snd's most extensive hiking areas, Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, offer breathtaking hiking paths for the ones who want to stretch their legs or go on a whole-day outdoor adventure.
Want to do some island hopping and visit Iceland's southern point? We recommend an extra day for a trip to Westman Island so that there is enough time for puffin tours and volcano trips!
Eastfjords – 2 days
Switching gears – where puffins and reindeer rule
A change of pace occurs when entering the quieter and less crowded Eastfjords. Don't let the quiet fool you; there are plenty of superlatives here: the biggest forests in Iceland, the puffin capital of Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri, and the artsiest town in Iceland, Seyðisfjörður, with its colorful streets, flourishing cultural life, summer and winter art-themed festivals, artist residencies, and even art installations high in the hills.
One of the more recent attractions, Stuðlagil Canyon, now shows its impressive 20-30m high basaltic lava columns. When the hydroelectric plant Kárahnjúkur was opened in 2007, the mighty glacial river leading through the impressive canyon became a much tamer version, revealing this extremely popular photo spot. Sight improvements are underway in 2024-25 to make the area more accessible to visitors.
The North – 3 days
Trolls, waterfalls, and whales
The way to Mývatn is an otherworldly stretch through the lunar landscape and geothermal active fields. Myvatn marks the entrance into North Iceland. Spa and whale watching days in Húsavik and MývaEurope'spe's biggest waterfall, Dettifoss, and the Ásbyrgi Canyon make for a full day on the Diamond Circle.
At the same time, you have already entered the Arctic Coast Way, which will lead you from the capital of the North—Akureyri—off the Ring Road and around the three peninsulas Tröllaskagi, Skagi, and Vatnsnes. This route allows for spontaneously including or excluding peninsulas, depending on the time you have on your hands.
Westfjords – 3 days
Solitude and the power of nature
Are you ready to explore the geologically oldest part of Iceland? For the most beautiful cascading waterfall you've ever seen? Voted travel destination No.1 by Lonely Planet, the 950 km (590 miles) Westfjords Way lies ahead, ready to show you the highest mountains, deepest fjords, and a region of rich heritage and solitude.
For those who can't get enough alone time, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a hiker's paradise. It is a remote peninsula of untouched nature inhabited only by the Arctic fox and many birds. One—and multi-day tours start from Ísafjörður every day.
Snæfellsnes, West Iceland, and Golden Circle – 3 days
A miniature version of something great
Now, one can either drive 3.5 hours to Snæfellsnes or take the Ferry Baldur, which sails via Flatey Island across the picturesque skerry garden of Breiðafjörður to Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Snæfellsnes is famous for being Iceland en miniature, meaning it has everything: a glacier, lava caves, spectacular sea rock formations, and the as-seen-on-TV Kirkjufell Mountain. Small distances between sights make it possible to explore the diversity of Snæfellsnes in a short time span.
To follow up, the Borgarfjörður area's glaciers, saga culture, Hraunfossar waterfalls, and powerful Deildatunguhver hot springs are worthy stops on your itinerary.
Reykjavík - 1 day
Spoilt for choice
From the Borgarfjörður arit'sit's only a short hop to the famous Golden Circle, which is popular for Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir, and other gems. Some might consider it too touristy don'ton't worit'sit's exactly the right number of people to get used to society again.
How do you spend your time in and around the capital city? There are so many options: A half-day trip to Reykjavík with its landmarks, cafés, restaurants, bars, and museums is an option, as well as an afternoon hike to the Volcano Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes peninsula. And if you want to relax from all your adventures, you can wash the travel dust off in some of the town swimming pools or the nearby spas, such as Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
Then you can start planning your next trip to Iceland!
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