People will ask me about the top destinations I’ve visited in the world from time to time. Iceland never fails to be included in my response. The conversation typically leads to me gushing about my travel experience for a few minutes, and for good reason. This country is truly one of a kind, with breathtaking landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and unforgettable hikes. This 8 day Iceland itinerary took a lot of time and energy to plan because I wanted to vet out every detail to create an outstanding itinerary. To this day, it’s the most shared Google doc that I have ever made for any of our adventures.
Fun Fact: Traveling to Iceland played a massive role in my desire to start a blog.
With only 8 days to explore, we didn’t want to find ourselves stuck in the car for an entire day. We chose an unconventional route, opting out of driving the whole Ring Road and focusing our attention on the South and West. Even though we ended up back-tracking from Höfn to Selfoss, I enjoyed the layout of our 8 day Iceland itinerary.
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When To Go
Seeing the northern lights was at the top of our list, so we decided to travel to Iceland in the early Fall. The shoulder season hosts smaller crowds, and accommodations are a bit more affordable. Disclaimer: Many people travel to Iceland during this time to see the northern lights without a lot of luck. We were insanely lucky and saw them five times!
Fall
Cooler temperatures and regular daylight hours are what you can expect leading into the northern lights season. October sees some of the highest rainfall totals. Although it’s hardly considered a heavy rain season compared to other parts of the world, a raincoat is essential to keep in your pack.
Winter
Winters in Iceland are much milder than in my hometown of Chicago. Temperatures average around 33°F/-0,3°C during these months, and you can take advantage of some fun winter activities. You’ll have less daylight, but the best chance of seeing the northern lights. Remember that the more remote destinations are harder or impossible to access because of potential weather-related road closures.
Spring
Mild weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices make traveling to Iceland in the spring very appealing. April is when the famous puffins migrate back to the coasts. The weather can be somewhat unpredictable depending on what part of the country you’re traveling through – not uncommon for spring, in my opinion!
Summer
Saving the most popular for last. Summer is the peak tourist season in Iceland. You can expect longer days (possibly the midnight sun), beautiful temperatures, wildlife sightings, access to F roads, and ideal camping conditions. Sounds great, right? On the less glamorous side of the spectrum, you will experience the heaviest crowds and the highest prices.
If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.
How To Get Around
The best way to navigate this stunning country is by renting a car or van. It can be pricey to rent a car; however, the freedom and flexibility it provides are worth the cost. You can rent a 2WD vehicle and easily get around most of the main roads, but if you want to venture into the highlands or drive on any F roads, a 4WD car is the better choice.
Note: We rented a 4WD car for the 8-day Iceland itinerary below, and a few stops require this type of vehicle.
We chose to book our rental car through Cars Iceland and had a great experience. I recommend adding portable WiFi for the car unless you have a cellular plan. Phone maps are easier to use than car GPS systems, in my opinion, so the WiFi makes it much easier to search for things along the way.
Know Before You Go
I’ve compiled some helpful information to ensure you have a smooth journey while planning your 8-day Iceland itinerary.
- The most common electric outlets are C and F with 230 V volts and 50Hz standard frequency. I recommend purchasing a universal travel converter before any international trip.
- Credit cards are widely accepted in Iceland, even for small purchases, so there is no need to carry around a lot of cash. ATMs can be found in each town and at most major petrol stations if needed.
- VAT taxes are included in the prices, so tipping isn’t required. However, rounding up the bill is always appreciated.
- Iceland has an extremely low crime rate, making it very safe for travelers.
Planning a trip to Iceland but unsure what to pack? Check out my Iceland packing list blog post that outlines everything you’ll need for a safe and comfortable trip!
8-Day Iceland Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Iceland & Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Total Drive Time: 4 hours.
We were exhausted from a restless flight and eager to start the trip; we landed at Keflavík International Airport and picked up our rental car. Our adventure began with an early lunch at Café Bryggjan in Grindavík before a quick pitstop in Selfoss to grab snacks and sandwich supplies.
Main Sights
- Seltún Geothermal Area: A colorful geothermal area with boardwalks scattered across the clusters of hot springs.
- Gígvatnsvatn: A volcanic crater with striking teal water just north of the Seltún hot springs.
- Seljalandsfoss: A remarkable waterfall with a (slippery) path that allows you to explore behind the roaring waters. A rain jacket and rain pants are ideal if you decide to navigate the trail.
- Skógafoss: One of the grandest waterfalls in Iceland due to its size and power. Follow the misty footpath leading up to the front of the waterfall, or take the steep stairs along the edge to take in the view from the crest.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: One of Iceland’s most spectacular canyons. This canyon is a can’t-miss stop while traveling on the Southern coast.
Helpful Fact: The Icelandic word “foss” translates to waterfall, meaning you will see it commonly used in many of the country’s must-see sights.
Where To Stay
We stayed at Hrifunes Guesthouse in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and opted for the delicious three-course dinner prepared by the hosts. The following morning, a fantastic breakfast spread (included in the room rate) was available to enjoy with our fellow travelers.
Alternate Accommodation Options
Day 2 – Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Höfn
Total Drive Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes.
After a good night’s sleep, we started our second day early and continued to explore the Southern coast on our way to Höfn. There are many popular sights along this coast, so we broke them up into two different days on our 8-day Iceland itinerary.
Main Sights
- Dverghamrar: A peaceful canyon of unusually shaped basalt columns directly off the Ring Road.
- Vatnajökull National Park: This vast national park is known as one of the most popular wilderness attractions to travelers, and Skaftafell is recognized as its crown jewel. Skaftafell offers a variety of delightful day hikes with rewarding views to take in. We took the S6 Route to Sjonarnipa, which leads you past Svartifoss and up to a fantastic glacier lookout. We packed sandwiches and enjoyed lunch with a view.
- Skaftafellsjökull: The glacier extends from the largest ice cap in Iceland, which is accessible by hiking the trails in Skaftafell.
- Jökulsárlón: It’s easy to get mesmerized by the beauty of the dazzling icebergs that drift along the coast of the famous glacier lagoon. At the base of the river, you will come across the astonishing Diamond Beach, where the ice boulders wash to shore. The contrast between the black sand and the blue ice would make any photographer swoon.
Helpful Tip: Have some extra time in your 8-day Iceland itinerary? Want to get up close and personal with a glacier? Then booking a glacier hiking tour is right up your alley! Troll Adventures offers glacier tours ranging in duration and distance.
Plan on hiking in Iceland? Check out my Complete Hiking Packing List post that outlines the hiking ten essentials you need in your pack for a safe journey outdoors.
Where To Stay
Höfn offers a variety of accommodation options as one of the larger towns in the Southeast. We stayed at Hotel Jökull, with spacious rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
Alternate Accommodation Options
Where To Eat
Pakkhús Restaurant came highly recommended to us, and it did not disappoint. We savored an incredible seafood dinner in a harborside warehouse-style building. Talk about amazing vibes.
Day 3 – Höfn to Selfoss
Total Drive Time: 5 hours.
If we were following the traditional Ring Road route, we would have next made our way towards the East Fjords. Instead, we decided to make our way back to Selfoss to finish exploring the Southern coast. Dare to be different, right? Plus, the South is packed with so many marvelous stops that we needed an extra day to see them all.
Main Sights
- Hvannadalshnúkur: We pulled off at this parking spot to admire the glacier.
- Reynisfjara: The famous black sand beach with seaside basalt stacks that look like a moody pipe organ from an old church.
- Horseback riding in Vík: We booked our tour with Vík Horse Adventure and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon riding horses on the black sand beaches.
- DC-3 Solheimasandur: The popular abandoned plane crash site. Keep in mind that the plane is on private land and it requires about a 30-40 minute walk one-way from the car park. We were not expecting this, and the walk felt never-ending. In all honesty, I wish we skipped this and spent our time elsewhere.
Where To Stay
When you get the opportunity to stay at a cozy guesthouse that doubles as a working farm, you take it. Lambastadir Guesthouse is a lovely farm stay a little over 5 miles outside of Selfoss, and they offer comfortable rooms with a private bathroom. Those looking to unwind after a long day can take advantage of the outdoor sauna and large hot tub.
Alternate Accommodation Options
Where To Eat
A converted house with a unique backstory, Tryggvaskáli Restaurant provides its guests with a first-class dining experience. The interior is tastefully decorated with a variety of antiques and dim lighting to stage a cozy setting. The produce is locally sourced to create their delectable Icelandic fine dining menu. I recommend ordering the chef’s special three-course meal for the full effect of this fantastic restaurant.
Day 4 – The Golden Circle & Borgarnes
Total Drive Time: 1 hour and 34 minutes, not including the Golden Circle drive time.
The Golden Circle is a 184-mile route that captures three of Iceland’s top sights. It’s competing against Reykjavík and the Blue Lagoon for the most popular attraction in the country, so expect a crowd no matter the season.
The self-drive tour of the Golden Circle is relatively easy to navigate, and you don’t need a 4WD vehicle to access the main stops. There are many resources out there to make your self-drive journey a breeze. However, if you would prefer a guided tour, there are several tour options out of Reykjavík.
The Golden Circle
We opted for the classic route on our 8-day Iceland itinerary with a few memorable add-ons.
- Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Silfra Fissure, here you can snorkel or scuba dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. We booked a snorkel tour through Troll Expeditions; this experience was incredible, and I highly recommend carving out time for this adventure.
- Strokkur Geyser: A dramatic geyser eruption that shoots a sizable amount of water into the air every ten or so minutes.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: Icelandic for Golden Falls, this two-tiered magnificent waterfall is dazzling and powerful, resulting in a spray that leaves its visitors damp if they get too close.
- Kerið Crater Lake: A caldera known for its stunning blue lake and contrasting red volcanic rock backdrop. We decided to skip this stop since they charged a small entrance fee. We had seen so many gorgeous sights on the trip without payment, so we did not regret skipping this one.
- Although not technically considered Golden Circle attractions, we took a detour to see Bruarfoss and Faxafoss. Bruarfoss was once accessible by a shorter path on private land; unfortunately, due to tourists trampling the natural plant life and leaving behind garbage, the path is now closed. Thankfully there is a new (longer) trail for those looking to add a stop at one of the country’s bluest waterfalls to their itinerary. The trail is 3.9 miles out and back, with two other waterfalls along the way. Something about the steady rush of the brilliant blue falls made this one of my favorite attractions of the entire trip. Faxafoss, on the other hand, is much more accessible than Bruarfoss. The parking lot is a short walk from the falls, so you’ll be basking in its beauty in no time.
Other Stops
- Friðheimar Greenhouse is a well-known farm that grows tomatoes and various other crops. Tomatoes are the primary ingredient in the majority of their dishes, serving up soups, ravioli, mussels, and even tomato beer. Reservations are recommended throughout the year.
- After the Golden Circle, we went to the town of Hveragerði. This hillside town sits on a highly geothermal area and is often called the “Hot Spring Town.” This otherworldly landscape is home to a geothermal park, a lava tunnel, and a great hiking trail to a hot spring.
Where To Stay
We had the privilege of staying at the Borgarnes B&B. Unfortunately, the B&B has since closed, but I could not write this post without at least giving it a shout-out. Our host, Berta, was an angel. Shortly after our arrival, she stopped by our room to let us know that the northern lights were putting on a show outside. Having just cracked a bottle of wine, we walked to the water’s edge and marveled at the lights dancing across the night sky.
Alternate Accommodation Options
Where To Eat
Dinner
We dined at La Colina Pizzeria and had a simple yet tasty pizza dinner, a brief intermission from our delicious Icelandic seafood meals. The restaurant is inviting with its red and white checkered tablecloths, woodfire ovens, and crisp beer – the perfect combination for a relaxing evening.
Coffee
For those who love a cup of coffee in a cozy restaurant full of interesting antiques, Blómasetrið – Kaffi Kyrrð has got you covered. If you’ve got time to spare, you can spend the morning with a plate of waffles and some entertaining games.
Day 5 – The Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Stykkishólmur
Total Drive Time: 3 hours.
The West region of Iceland is the most geologically diverse part of the country. Travelers can find impressive waterfalls, hot springs, lava tubes, wildlife sightings, glaciers, and cute coastal towns; there’s something for everyone. We carved out one day on our 8-day Iceland itinerary to drive around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the northwest part of the country. This peninsula boasts several famous sights, so buckle up for a breathtaking adventure.
We used the charming town of Stykkishólmur as our home base for the next two days. It’s built around a harbor and offers scenic views, pleasant accommodation options, and several restaurants.
Main Sights
- Ytri Tunga Beach: A popular spot to see some cheeky seals. This beach is one of the most reliable spots to see seals in Iceland, as there’s a colony hauling out here year-round.
- Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge: A nifty little gorge with a waterfall hidden within. It’s slick on the rocks, so proper footwear and a raincoat are two must-have items.
- Arnarstapi & Gatklettur: Arnarstapi is a quaint coastal town on the southern end of the peninsula and home to a beautiful stone formation off the coast.
- Hellnar: An old fishing village with scenic look-outs along the coast.
- Snæfellsjökull National Park: This national park encompasses the western tip of the peninsula and features diverse landscapes and gorgeous sights. There are several trails you can explore, varying in distance and difficulty. We did a little bit of “off the beaten path” driving on an F-road up through the center of the park near Snæfellsjökull, an ice-capped stratovolcano. We hopped out for a quick hike to an appealing summit; without a soul in sight, it felt like we had the park to ourselves.
- Kirkjufell Mountain: Featured in Game of Thrones, Kirkjufell is commonly known as one of the most photographed spots in Iceland. When you Google “Iceland,” you will be bombarded with images of this striking mountain set behind the roaring Kirkjufellsfoss in various seasons.
Day 6 – The West Region
Total Drive Time: 6 hours.
Our second day in the West was dedicated to traveling to the other inland areas in the vast region. We saw some of the most diverse landscapes on one of our longer driving days and treated ourselves to some ice cream on the way back to Stykkishólmur.
Main Sights
- Hraunfossar & Barnafossar: Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls streaming from the Hallmundarhraun lava field. With the fall foliage peeking out from behind the falls, this was a breathtaking stop. Barnafossar is more like a series of rapids that flow from the waterfall’s base. These two waterfalls are next to one another and easily accessible from the parking lot.
- Glanni: Three side-by-side crests make up this wide-set waterfall near some local lava fields.
- Víðgelmir Lava Cave: This impressive (and a little spooky) lava cave is the largest and most accessible in Iceland. Surtshellir is another lava tube about 25 minutes from Víðgelmir that offers travelers the option to explore the cave without a guide.
- Erpsstaðir Creamery: An adorable family dairy farm, the perfect place for anyone in need of satisfying their sweet tooth. They offer homemade ice cream, skyr, cheese, and tours of the farm to meet the farm’s residents.
Helpful Tip: Skyr is thick and creamy Icelandic yogurt, and it’s among one of the top food items to try while visiting the country. Other musts include Pylsur (the Icelandic hot dog), any seafood dish you can get your hands on, and rúgbrauð, more commonly known as lava bread.
Alternate Option: Take the ferry from Stykkishólmur to the Westfjords and explore that region for the day. While the ferry is available all year round, limited trip options are available in the fall and winter months. Some of the roads are closed in Westfjords during the winter, which would put a significant damper on your adventure.
Where To Stay
As I mentioned above, we stayed in Stykkishólmur on days five and six. We chose Höfðagata Guesthouse and were pleased with our stay. The rooms were quaint, and breakfast was included in the room rate.
Alternate Accommodation Options
Where To Eat
Dinner
Residing in an old fish packing house, Sjávarpakkhúsið offers a cozy and delicious dinner spot with a view of the harbor.
Narfeyrarstofa is a charming fine-dining restaurant with a variety of tasty food options.
Day 7 – Stykkishólmur to Reykjavík
Total Drive Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Onwards to explore the northernmost capital of the world, Reykjavík. Despite its size, this city is rich with colorful buildings, welcoming restaurants and bars, and exciting art. To avoid any restaurant and store closures, we planned to end our 8-day Iceland itinerary in Reykjavík on the weekend. The trip was quickly coming to an end, but before heading into the city we stopped for one last memorable hike; this would ultimately be our favorite of the trip.
Glymur
If you’ve ever researched “hiking in Iceland,” there’s no doubt that Glymur was near the top of your search results. This trail is a can’t-miss if you want to enjoy a remarkable hike to the second-highest waterfall in the country. Given the elevation gain and several tricky sections, this hike is considered moderate to difficult, depending on your fitness level. There are also two river crossings, so be warned that your feet may be fully submerged in water on this 4.3-mile loop.
The AllTrails app is a great tool for any hike. You can download the trail map offline and review the trail length, elevation gain, route type, description, and recent reviews.
The trail is packed with jaw-dropping views and is well worth enduring the slight inconvenience of wet hiking boots. Across all of my travels, Glymur is easily one of my most memorable hikes.
After this incredible farewell hike, we made our way to Reykjavík.
Main Sights
- Hallgrímskirkja: The tallest and most immense church in Iceland with impressive architecture. Once inside, you can view the expansive pipe organ made up of over 5000 pipes.
- Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall: A unique building situated on the coast with a colored glass exterior and an ever-changing gleam.
- Old Harbour: Originally used for trade but now offers a fantastic view of the city, beautiful art galleries, wildlife tours, and various restaurants.
- Sun Voyager: One of the most popular attractions in the capital is this steel boat sculpture by the sea. A common misconception is that the sculpture is a Viking Ship when in reality, it is an ode to the sun.
Day 8 – Reykjavík & Blue Lagoon
Any first-time Iceland trip would be incomplete without visiting the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal hot spot is one of the country’s top tourist attractions, and we were excited (and a little nervous) to see if it lived up to its reputation.
Blue Lagoon
Total Drive Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes round trip from Reykjavík.
Know Before You Go
Given the lagoon’s popularity, a reservation is highly recommended. Each ticket provides a guest with a towel and a robe with the premium booking. They have comfortable changing rooms with showers and lockers to store your valuables. The geothermal water contains a lot of silica, so guests are encouraged to condition their hair before and after their visit to avoid stiff, unmanageable hair. If you have long hair, you may be better off putting it in a ponytail or bun before entering the lagoon.
Experiencing The Blue Lagoon
I imagined the waters to be fairly crowded, given that this is one of the top tourist spots in the country. To my surprise, the crowds were reasonable, and there was plenty of space to spread out and unwind. No need to be an experienced swimmer to enjoy the Blue Lagoon since the water is relatively shallow (4.7 ft. max). The best part? Each ticket includes a silica face mask and a free drink—the perfect combination for relaxation after a long week of travel and hiking.
If this is your first time visiting Iceland, I believe it’s worth adding the Blue Lagoon as a stop on your 8-day Iceland itinerary.
Where To Stay
Many great accommodation options are available in Reykjavík, no matter your budget. I’ve compiled a list below:
Hotels
B&Bs & Guesthouses
Airbnb
- Stroll to Reykjavik Harbor from a Cozy Apartment
- Unique Penthouse with Three Apartments and Patio
- Beautiful New Cottage in Downtown Reykjavik
Where To Eat
The capital offers its visitors a plethora of restaurant options of varying cuisines given its large size compared to the more remote towns. A few of the spots we visited have since closed, so I’ve compiled a list of options based on my latest research.
Coffee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drinks
Final Thoughts
Iceland is one of those countries that pulls you in with its beauty, keeps you engaged with its adventure, and leaves you wanting more. This country has a ton to offer, and you’ll be itching to return the moment you leave. To date, it is one of my favorite countries, and I only saw the South and West. Returning to this spectacular destination is high on my bucket list, and I hope to be back there soon.
Have you had the opportunity to explore Iceland? Did you use my 8-Day Iceland Itinerary to help plan your adventure? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!
Iceland is so high up on my list, hopefully, I get to go next year! thanks for such a great itinerary.
I would love to hear about your experience if you decide to go! It’s truly such a breathtaking country.
I usually like to travel during the low season to avoid big crowds but I think I should make an exception for Iceland! this country looks incredible and this itinerary seems perfect to enjoy the best that the place has to offer! well done!
Shoulder season travel is typically my favorite! We got lucky with great weather and smaller crowds on this trip. We’re going back in August on the tail end of the peak travel season and I’m excited to see what the experience will be like this time around.
We had a handful of days in Iceland and we saw a lot. But it is clear we need to plan a longer return visit. Sounds like renting a 4WD vehicle would get us to all the great spots. We would definitely want to see the western region which we missed. And this time I will definitely book some time in the Blue Lagoon!
Hi Linda! The country is so vast and has so much to offer, it’s hard to see it all! A 4WD car was incredibly helpful to see all the beautiful remote destinations. We’re going back for 12 days in August to see the entire Ring Road and I cannot wait!
Glad to see that Fjaðrárgljúfur is open again. It was closed when we were there a few years ago. How was the experience? Was it crowded?
We got super lucky with the weather on our trip and got to visit Fjaðrárgljúfur on a sunny day! It wasn’t too crowded either given the time of year we visited. We’ll be back in August of this year so I’ll report back on the updated experience.
Iceland sounds like a fabulous place to visit. I am a planner too, so I appreciate your detailed post. This will be such a helpful guide if we ever visit.
My husband and I are going back in August of this year for 12 days and we’re driving the entire Ring Road. I will definitely be sharing a new blog post about the experience!
On my bucket list for sure. Thanks for providing lots of valuable information. Makes planning alot easier.
Happy to help! I would love to hear about your trip if you decide to go.
Fab post! Iceland is a photographers dream with the ice, waterfalls and beautiful mix of green or black/volcanic scenery! I would loooove to go back.
So dreamy! My husband and I couldn’t resist going back since we truly fell in love with the country. I will report back with an updated itinerary to cover the entire Ring Road.
I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights, I didn’t realize your odds were better during the winter! Honestly this whole trip sounds amazing, definitely saving this post for future trip planning! Thank you!!
Hi Jill! You can see them in the fall months depending on cloud coverage. Winter is your best bet if they’re a must see item on your list. We were super fortunate to see them five time on this trip; I felt like I was dreaming. Thanks for stopping by!
I’d love to see the aurora but I’m not sure that the temperatures in the winter would be to my liking. Spring and summer would be my top picks of times to go.
We were so lucky to see the Northern Lights in the fall! We’re heading back to Iceland in the summer and I’m excited to see what the experience is like for us during a different season.
This is an excellent itinerary, thank you for all of the great tips and inspiring photographs! Getting a 4WD vehicle sounds like an especially good idea.
Glad you enjoyed the post! 4WD is great for those looking to explore off the beaten path destinations.
Iceland is such a breathtaking country! It’s been on the top of my list for the longest time – definitely coming back to this post to plan my journey whenever the time is right. Thanks for such a lovely detailed guide!
Thank you, Bea! I would love to hear about your experience if you decide to travel to Iceland
What a fab itinerary. I like that you’ve included information about traveling in the different seasons. This is definitely something I will consider for when I finally go!
Thank you so much! The season you pick when traveling to Iceland can give your trip a unique experience. I hope you get to visit soon!
Fantastic Post, This is a very helpful guide for me. Very detailed sharing. Iceland is such a beautiful country. hopefully I will go and visit this beautiful country. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it! Iceland is beyond anything I expected which made the trip that much better. Hopefully, you can visit soon!