The Land of Fire and Ice: The Ultimate 10 Day Iceland Itinerary

If you’ve read any travel publication over the last 20 years, the chances are you’ve been told to go to Iceland more times than you can remember. In the early 2000s, tourism in Iceland was seeing a steady year-on-year increase. Then, something strange happened. In 2010, tourism figures jumped by a staggering 20%.

Anyone living or travelling in Europe in April 2010 will remember only too well why. On 20th March, an Icelandic volcano, which very few of us had heard of, erupted. A few weeks later, the name Eyjafjallajökull was ingrained on our minds. Eyjafjallajökull’s ash cloud as-good-as closed European air space. 107,000 flights were cancelled, 10 million passengers’ journeys disrupted and the airline industry lost an estimated $200 million. Iceland’s tourism sector reaped the benefits.

Ironically, most of the tourists drawn to Iceland by Eyjafjallajökull never get to see it. They leave Reykjavik for a tour of the Golden Circle and a dip in the Blue Lagoon. That’s not to discredit Iceland’s most famous natural wonders; they’re magical of course. But if you want to delve deep into this Atlantic island’s treasures, our 10 day Iceland itinerary will take you beyond the tourist trail.

When to visit Iceland

Summer is Iceland’s peak tourist season. The almost 24-hour day light between May and August are perfect for packing as much into you 10 day Iceland itinerary as possible. Temperatures are surprisingly mild, with summer averages hovering around 10°C (50°F). If visiting in summer, it pays to avoid European school holidays when visitor number soar, taking hotel prices with them.

Visiting Iceland in winter is no bad idea. It’s chilly, although despite the name, average temperatures rarely fall below freezing. In Reykjavik, expect them to hover around 1°C (33°F). The long nights give rise to some great opportunities for viewing the aurora borealis without straying too far from major settlements.

Getting to Iceland

Iceland may be a out on a whim somewhere between Scandinavia and Greenland, but unlike its nearest neighbors, Iceland capitalizes on its location. The perfect stepping stone between Europe and North America, if you live on either side of the North Atlantic, Iceland is just a flight away.

Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF) is the ultimate transatlantic hub. If you’re heading across the pond, this 10 day Iceland itinerary can make an ideal stopover adventure. Keflavik is 50km from downtown Reykjavik. Renting a car is the easiest way to get around on this 10 day Iceland itinerary. If you prefer not to drive, there’s a frequent bus from the airport to the city center. Alternatively, pre-book a private transfer.

Travel Tip: If you don’t have 10 days to spare, you can see many of Iceland’s top sights in just 3 days.

There is one other way to get to Iceland. Smyril Line’s Norrona ferry sails once a week from Hirtshals in Denmark to Seydisfjordur in Iceland with a stop in Torshavn, Faroe. The full voyage takes around 50 hours. Break it up with a stopover in Torshavn; our 5 day Faroe Islands itinerary is the perfect companion for exploring this unique, rugged archipelago.

10 Day Iceland Itinerary

Days 1-2: Reykjavik

At 64°N, Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital. Nuuk is slightly, very slightly, further north but Greenland is a Danish territory. Home to 64% of the Icelandic population, Reykjavik was the country’s first permanent settlement, founded by the Vikings in 870. Now, its home to Iceland’s top museums, best restaurants and a surprisingly lively nightlife.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is small by capital city standards. Staying by the harbor or on bustling Laugavegur put you in the best locations for sightseeing and nightlife, but staying a short walk from the center can help to reduce costs. Guesthouses, found throughout Iceland, offer a cheaper alternative but often come without the luxury of private bathrooms. When the cost of living in Iceland is 28% higher than in the U.S. and 34% higher than the UK, a few savings along the way can be very helpful.

The Reykjavik EDITION is our all time favorite place to stay. Right by the water, adjacent to iconic Harpa Concert Hall, it smacks of elegance. For sea views at a slightly more sensible price, Center Hotels Arnarhvoll won’t disappoint.

If you want to be in the heart of the nightlife, Hotel Von is our top pick on Laugavegur. Alda Hotel is another great choice. For a rare Icelandic bargain, Guesthouse Aurora and Igdlo Guesthouse will save more than enough to justify the short walk downtown.

Reykjavik’s Top Restaurants

Icelandic cuisine is very much what you would expect from a historically isolated island. It’s heavily focussed on seafood, locally-reared meat, dairy and bread. In more recent times, with the introduction of commercial fertilisers, fruit and vegetables crops have drastically increased.

Present day Reykjavik, like most capitals, has plenty of international restaurants. But during your 10 day Iceland itinerary, it pays to sample some of the local cuisine. A foodie walking tour of Reykjavik is a great introduction.

For an authentic introduction to Icelandic cooking, head to Fjallkonan on Ingolfstorg Square. Simple, hearty classics like lamb burgers, halibut and arctic char are their highlights. If you’re looking for a more relaxed quick bite, Icelandic Street Foods is perfect for lunch.

OX, which holds one of Reykjavik’s two Michelin stars, is the place to go for a modern taste of Iceland. With a maximum of 17 diners, you can be sure of an intimate, personal experience.

Unmissable Things to Do in Reykjavik

At first glimpse, Reykjavik doesn’t have all that many landmarks to tick off. There’s futuristic Hallgrimskirkja church, the magnificent Sun Voyager statue, historic old town and the Old Harbour, but once you’ve taken a walking tour of the city to see them, you might feel as if you’ve run out of things to see.

Rest assured, this isn’t the case at all. Reykjavik’s museums and immersive experiences could keep you occupied for this entire 10 day Iceland itinerary.

The Saga Museum, dedicated to Viking history, should be high on your list, as should the Maritime Museum. Then there’s the National Museum, Aurora– the Northern Lights museum, the Art Museum and Einar Jonsson sculpture museum. Of course, no 10 day Iceland itinerary would be complete without browsing through the bizarre Phallological Museum and taking in Reykjavik’s award winning lava show.

Getting out into nature, take a whale watching cruise or a boat tour in search of puffins. Go snorkelling in the Silfra Fissure which separates the Eurasian and North American plates or unwind in a natural hot spring. Oh, and of course, there’s the Blue Lagoon.

Day 3: The Golden Circle

There’s no doubt that the Golden Circle is the road well traveled, but it is for a reason. As much as this 10 day Iceland itinerary is about getting away from the crowds, you can’t come to Iceland and miss its most popular attractions.

It’s an easy day trip from Reykjavik whether you’re driving or joining a tour, and a great introduction to the landscape which awaits you. The drive around the Circle is around 250km and fits perfectly into one day.

Start by heading north to Thingvellir National Park which sits at the juncture of the tectonic plates. Turn further inland to Laugarvatn geothermal springs before reaching Skrokkur. Pause for lunch at the Skjol Center and continue to Gullfoss. This impressive two-drop waterfall plunges 32 meters at a rate of 141m³ per second.

Make a stop at volcanic Bruarhlod gorge before you turn back toward Reykjavik. This afternoon pause at Skalholt Cathedral. It was built as recently as 1963 but the site has been of religious significance since 1056. Allow time for one final stop at Kerid crater before arriving back in the city.

Day 4: Lava & Yoghurt – Reykjavik to Vik

Leaving the bright lights of Reykjavik behind, our 10 day Iceland itinerary heads south. Take a detour to Raufarholshellir, an underground lava tube formed by volcanic activity 5000 years ago. Stop by the picture perfect town of Selfoss for lunch at Rosti Burger.

While you’re here, don’t miss Skyrland. Home of the Icelandic dairy masterpiece Skyr, a mild-tasting creamy yoghurt, the immersive visitor centre tells the story of how this Viking staple grew into a modern superfood.

Following the coastal road towards Vik, you’ll get a close-up look at Eyjafjallajökull. Stop off at the Lava Centre to watch real-time footage of the latest eruptions before heading to the Skogar Museum to learn about life in the shadow of the volcano. Before you leave, wander around the back of the museum for a glimpse of Kvernufoss waterfall.

Arriving in Vik early evening, grab dinner at Black Crust Pizzeria. Their charcoal crust is as black as volcanic ash. If you prefer your pizza “less burnt”, they have more traditional sourdough too.

Where to Stay in Vik

Hotel Vik I Myrdal is the firm favorite of travellers who make it to Iceland’s deep south. Guesthouse Carina is Vik’s sole budget option, if you can class it as one, whilst Vik Apartments are ideal for when you need a little extra space.

Day 5: The South Coast

The fifth day of our 10 day Iceland itinerary sees you traversing 270 miles along the shores of the Atlantic. Heading east from Vik, stop for a picture of Svartifoss falls before reaching Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. The deepest lake in Iceland, it runs to depths of 250 meters. Take a tour in an amphibian boat and sail amongst gigantic icebergs.

Aim to reach the small fishing town of Hofn by mid-afternoon to allow time to visit Svavarssafn Art Museum. Take an evening stroll down to the Universe sculpture before retiring to Nailed It for some of the freshest fish and chips of your life.

Where to Stay in Hofn

There’s only one full service option in Hofn; as such, it doesn’t come cheap. It’s simply called Hofn. Staying in a guesthouse often proves far better value here. The Old Airline is our top pick.

Day 6: Icelandic Fjords – To Egilsstadir

This morning’s journey takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery of this 10 day Iceland itinerary. Hugging the coast, you’ll encounter clifftop hairpins as you round rugged fjords aplenty.

Today’s first stop is a little unusual. But in Iceland, nothing is unbelievable. Petra’s Stone Collection, in the late Petra’s private garden on the banks of Stodvarfjodur is a sight to behold. Her thousands-strong collection take over her backyard, house and extensive gardens. When she started collecting in 1946, the idea of anyone venturing this far along the remote east coast was unthinkable. Now, over 20,000 visitors admire her rocks every year.

With no shortage of photo opportunities along the way, and a compulsory lunch stop at Cafe Sumarlina, the journey to Eglilsstadir won’t be a quick one. When you do arrive, pay a visit to the East Iceland Heritage Museum.

Where to Stay in Egilsstadir

Eglisstadir is one of eastern Iceland’s busiest tourism hubs, so accommodation options are plentiful. Upscale Lake Hotel Gistihusid Eglisstadir is our first choice, if purely for its enviable quiet, lakeside location. Herao is an excellent alternative. If you’ve loved the guesthouse vibe so far, Lyngas Guesthouse is the best option.

Day 7: The Far North

Today, our 10 day Iceland itinerary heads to the far north of the country. By nightfall (in winter, anyway), you’ll have reached Akureyri, the most important settlement on the north coast. This leg takes you through ultimate road tripping territory. Miles upon miles of uninterrupted beauty and twisting roads lay ahead.

Make a stop at Hverir. This awe-inspiring geothermal sulphur spring is filled with fumaroles and mud pools. When you do finally reach Akureyri, make tracks for Rub23 for dinner. Expect elegant sushi platters, locally caught fish and Icelandic lamb.

Where to Stay in Akureyri

For solitude and fjord views, you won’t beat Bryggjan Boutique Hotel. Hotel Kea is ideal if you want to be in the heart of the action. In recent years, Akureyri has seen a major increase in visitors making it one of the few budget-friendly destinations on this 10 day Iceland itinerary. Hafnarstraeti Hostel offers low-cost dorm beds and private rooms whilst Guesthouse Solgardar is tucked away in a residential area a short walk from the main street.

Day 8: Around Akureyri

Now Iceland’s northern tourist hub, a day in Akureyeri might come as a shock to the senses a week after leaving Reykjavik on your 10 day Iceland itinerary. But, after 5 days of non-stop travel, make the most of a chance to take it easy.

Take a stroll around the Botanical Garden which includes an extensive collection of arctic plants. Visit author Davids Stefansson’s former home, admire the Art Museum and sip coffee at cute Blaa Kannan Cafe.

If you do want to get out of town, ditch the car and take a tour to Lake Myvatn and Godafoss waterfall. This evening, a highlight of this 10 day Iceland itinerary, head out in search of the Northern Lights.

Day 9: The Snaefellsnes Peninsula

After a brief respite from the wilderness, our penultimate day of adventure takes us to one of the most remote corners of Iceland. Heading west on the longest drive of our 10 day Iceland itinerary, take a detour to Holmavik to visit the Sheep Farming Museum and the curious Museum of Icelandic Sorcery.

Grab a quick lunch at The Leif Eiriksson Center overlooking the Atlantic before pushing on to Snaefellsnes. This remote volcanic peninsula was made famous by the 13th century Laxdoela saga as the birthplace of Bolli Bollasson, a member of the Byzantine Varangan Guard. When you reach Olafsvik, Matarlist is our number one choice for dinner.

Where to Stay in Olafsvik

So far less touched by tourism than anywhere else on our 10 day Iceland itinerary, there aren’t many places to stay in Olafsvik, but the few which exist have high standards. VestMar apartment is our top pick. North Star Hotel, along with their attached guesthouse are the alternatives.

Day 10: Return to Reykjavik

Spend the final morning of your 10 day Iceland itinerary pottering around the peninsula. Head to its western extreme, Londrangar cliffs for views like no other. Starting your journey back to the capital via Saxholl Crater, stop off at Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum.

Pausing at picturesque Selvallafoss waterfall, the journey back to Reykjavik is an easy one. Stick to the coast road to stop for lunch at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Akranes before concluding your 10 day Iceland itinerary right back where you began.

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