On a 3 week Iceland itinerary you can discover almost all must sees of this wonderful country. You will not only travel around Iceland’s ring road, but you can also visit special places like the Westfjords or the Snæfellsnes peninsula, two of the top things to do in Iceland. But also the most beautiful sights on the ring road of Iceland, such as Skogafoss, Stokksnes, the glacier lagoon Jökulsarlon or Dettifoss you will be able to admire on this Iceland road trip. In our 3 weeks Iceland itinerary we have also included some highland highlights, such as the famous Landmannalaugar.
For this you need a good off-road vehicle, because the highlands of Iceland are not to be driven with a normal rental car. If you do not have a rental car for Iceland yet, read our guide to booking a rental car or look directly at the, in our opinion, best provider for rental cars northbound.is*.
PS: By the way, you can find important tips and information for your first trip to Iceland on our Iceland travel tips page.
Hi Guys!
We are Sabrina and Andreas, two adventurous travelers who never miss an opportunity to discover the world. Whether by plane to distant countries or with our campervan Bruno, we just love to travel. We hope to give you helpful tips for your next trip on our blog.
Sabrina & Andreas Globetrotters, Travelers, Adventurers
Iceland 3 Week Itinerary
Our 3 week Iceland itinerary is based on a classic Iceland round trip along the ring road and makes additional detours to highlights like the Westfjords or the Snæfellsnes peninsula. For our Iceland road trip we tried to take the highlights of Iceland’s ring road and in addition the most amazing highland sights, which can also be driven with a normal and cheap four-wheel drive car (like the Dacia Duster).
You can drive the route in the same way or you can change or add single parts or just get inspired. For example, you can leave out the wonderful Westfjords or the highland on your road trip if you want to save a few days.
Whether you drive the Iceland round trip clockwise or counterclockwise doesn´t matter. You should rather orientate yourself on the weather and the opening hours of the highland roads, which are mostly located in the south and east of Iceland. Of course, you can also do this Iceland itinerary without the highland roads and instead spend more time on the Snæfellsnes peninsula or spend a few days in the Westfjords.
Iceland 3 Week Itinerary – Overview
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Where Should I Book my Rental Car for Iceland?
In general we like to book our rental cars for everywhere in the world with German providers. Unfortunately at these providers you find no campervans or rental cars with roof top tent. Also cars that are suitable for the highlands are not available here.
For this you have to search with Icelandic suppliers. A specialized price comparison site for car rental in Iceland is northbound.is*. There you can find everything from normal small cars to SUVs with roof tent to large SUVs and motorhomes. With both portals one can cancel all cars up to 48 hours before beginning of renting free of charge. So you can book early, but also cancel at short notice in the event of spontaneous changes.
Car Rental at the Iceland Specialist with Years of Know-How:
Northbound.is
Northbound.is- compares all Icelandic car rental providers
- specialized in Iceland roundtrips and the highlands
- specialized insurances for the rough Iceland available
- free cancellation up to 48h before start of rental period
- normal rental cars, campervans, motorhomes, SUV (also with roof tent) & off-road vehicles available
Find The Best Prices for Iceland Rental Cars at northbound.is*
Day 1 of the Iceland Itinerary | Golden Circle
On your first day you pick up your rental car and buy some groceries. You could check out the capital of Iceland on this first day and stroll the streets of Reykjavik a bit if you need some time to arrive and acclimate. However, the capital doesn’t have super much to offer and you’ll have seen the most important things in a couple of hours.
Therefore, we would rather recommend you to concentrate on the nature highlights of Iceland and thus head directly into the nature towards the northeast. You will visit the highlights of the Golden Circle, one of the most popular sights in Iceland.
The Golden Circle in Iceland
The Golden Circle is one of the most famous sights in Iceland. But what is the Golden Circle anyway? The route is neither a circle nor is it golden. But you get to see 3 top sights within a few hours or kilometers.
Accordingly, there are many more tourists on the road here, because you can visit the Golden Circle in Iceland also as a day tourist from Reykjavik. In our opinion, you can see everything here in half a day, so it will be a relaxing day.
Thingvellir National Park
The first sight of the Golden Circle is Thingvellir. This is the most important historical site in Iceland and is located in the national park of the same name. Over 1000 years ago, the first parliamentary assembly in history took place here. 4000 people gathered in Thingvellir in the year 930 to discuss new laws and moderate disputes.
But the geology of the place is also very worth seeing, because in Thingvellir the rifts between the Eurasian and the American continental plate are visible and you can virtually walk between the continents. Thingvellir National Park is also home to Iceland’s largest lake (Thingvallavatn), which is surrounded by a total of four active volcanoes.
Strokkur Geyser
Strokkur is the most active and temporally reliable geyser in the world. Every few minutes it shoots a fountain of water several meters high into the air. Right next to it, by the way, is the geyser “Geysir”. Read correctly! This is the namesake of all other geysers in the world, but unfortunately it is no longer active today. The area around the geysers is a large geothermal area.
Everywhere it bubbles out of the earth and there are signs posted that you should be careful because the steam shoots out of the earth at almost 100 degrees. The highlight of the area is the geyser Strokkur, which erupts every 8-10 minutes and shoots a steam and water fountain about 25 meters into the air. All the time a lot of tourists stand at the barrier of the geyser and wait with their cell phones for the next eruption.
Further back you can climb a hill from which you have a good overview of the whole area. In addition to the large parking lot for visitors, there is a restaurant and a visitor center with a souvenir store.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss is Iceland’s most visited waterfall. The water masses plunge from a height of 30 meters in several stages into the depth and causes a deafening noise. You should pay attention to waterproof clothes if you want to get close to the waterfall! There is a large parking lot for visitors, where you will also find a souvenir store, and a smaller parking lot (marked “for coaches”) where you can park closer to the waterfall.
You can get pretty close to the waterfall and from the right angle you can also see a big rainbow in the spray. For us, one of the most beautiful and definitely the biggest waterfalls in Iceland.
| Activity | Price p.P. | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater | from 65 € | Book now* |
| Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour | from 240 € | Book now* |
| Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour | from 199 € | Book now* |
Route Info
From the airport in Kevlavik you head north to the Golden Circle. There you can also look for a nice hotel, like the one below.
- Driving distance: 200 km
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
- Highlights on the way: Geysir, Gulfoss, Thingvellir National Park
Accomodation
You can stay overnight near the Golden Circle today, so you don’t have so much driving time. We’ve picked out a nice hotel for you that has a large common area and even a hot tub. Great for relaxing after a long day.
Efra-Sel Hostel at the Golden Circle
The Efra-Sel Hostel is located not far from the Golden Circle and is a good end point after visiting the Golden Circle.
- directly at the Golden Circle
- with own whirlpool
- large shared kitchen
- nicely equipped bathrooms
Day 2 | Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss
Today you will head south on the ring road and continue east. After a few kilometers you will pass one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland and should definitely stop there. If you then drive a few minutes north on a gravel road, you will pass a little insider tip of Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss
This waterfall is one of the most famous in Iceland and is famous for the fact that you can also get behind the waterfall, giving you a great photo perspective. Seljalandsfoss is located directly at the turnoff towards Þórsmörk (where, by the way, you can only get with a super jeep on a guided tour* ) not far from the ring road.
Super Jeep Tour to Þórsmörk | Check Availability*
The waterfall plunges 66 meters into the depths here and is fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, which spectacularly paralyzed air traffic throughout Europe in 2010. By the way, a visit is especially charming in the evening, as the sun is then wonderfully positioned when you stand behind the waterfall.
Glufrafoss
Glufrafoss (or Gljúfrabúi) is only a few hundred meters away and you should bring rubber boots and a rain jacket. You have to walk through a small canyon directly through the water to get to the waterfall.
The way to the waterfall is the amazing sight of this place. The waterfall itself is not that spectacular, but the gorge you have to go through is super adventurous and it’s fun to hop from rock to rock to get through the gorge on dry feet.
About 30 minutes drive further west, not far from the ring road, is one of the most spectacular and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is a must-do on your Iceland tour. The special thing about this waterfall is that you can walk to the bottom of Skógafoss and get really great shots.
The Skógafoss pours on a width of 25 meters fierce and 60 meters into the depth and offers particularly great photo motives, if you go close or zoom in with the camera. If you have seen enough, you can climb up to the top on the right side of Skogafoss via a staircase and see the waterfall again from a completely different perspective. You should make this small effort in any case, because from up there also starts a very special hike.
Fimmvörðuhál’s Hike
East of the waterfall the famous trekking trail Fimmvörðuháls leads up to the pass Fimmvörðuháls and further to Þórsmörk. This hike has a length of 25 km.
The hike is usually run in 2 days, because it is accordingly strenuous. The destination is the camping site of Þórsmörk, from where you can get back to the ring road by bus. You can also do the hike in one day, either by being very fast or by walking only to the middle of the hike, to the Fimmvoerduhals huts (about 8km), and then turning back.
Or you do it like us and just walk a few kilometers or as far as you can get and then turn around and walk back to the parking lot of Skogafoss. The hike along the river Skoga is really beautiful and the further you walk the less people you will meet.
Route Info
Today you continue south towards the east to two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
- Driving distance: 120 km
- Travel time: 1.5 hours
- Highlights on the way: Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss
Accomodation
If you drive back west for about 30 minutes, you will come to beautiful and secluded wooden cabins that are nevertheless very close to the ring road. But nevertheless far enough away to have your peace and quiet.
Brú Guesthouse
Brú Guesthouse is located not far from the ring road and consists of several wooden huts built next to each other in the greenery. You are completely by yourself and if you are lucky the friendly farm dog comes by and says hello to you.
- own modern wooden cabin
- own bathroom
- fully equipped kitchen
- View into the green
Brú Guesthouse | Check Availability*
Day 3 | Dyrhólaey & Vik
Dyrhólaey
About 13 km before Vik the road 218 turns right and brings you to the peninsula Dyrhólaey. The peninsula consists of an impressive rock plateau, which offers a spectacular cliff towards the sea, where thousands of birds (e.g. terns and puffins) breed. The way to the top, where is also an old lighthouse, is very steep and leads you in serpentines to the top. But even with a normal car equipped with some driving skills you should have no problems.
As you reach the top, you have a view of the black beach for miles to the west. On the other side of the plateau you can see all the way to the rock needles of Vik (Reynisdrangar) and you can also see a rock gate right at the foot of the plateau, through which even boats sometimes pass.
All in all, a wonderful view and a trip that is definitely worth it. When you go back down you can drive a bit further towards the beach, but in our opinion this is not really necessary.
Reynisfjara Basalt Columns
Only a few kilometers further east, just before Vik, road 215 turns off and brings you again to a black lava beach, where this time spectacular basalt columns are waiting for you. Directly at the sea and next to a big cave (Hálsanefshellir Cave) hundreds of columns, some of them 30 meters high, are waiting to be admired and climbed.
The nearby parking lot is, as everywhere in Iceland, free of charge and sufficiently large. You walk only a few minutes and then come to the pebble beach, where you can take great photos of you on the basalt columns. But be careful, you will not be alone here. The place is always very crowded and it is not easy to find a place where you can take an undisturbed photo.
And again, be careful: the waves here can be very treacherous and generally have an extremely strong current. A few years ago, an Asian tourist was even pulled into the sea here and drowned. So never turn your back to the waves!
Vík í Mýrdal
Vik is a nice little town and a tourist center of the area. Not only is the crazy Netflix series Katla set here, but you can also make good use of the tourist infrastructure here. There are gas stations, a large supermarket and many cheap hotels. Vik also has a Black Sand Beach to offer, but it’s not super spectacular either, so you don’t have to stay here very long. A place with a pedestrian zone to stroll is Vik in any case, but for refueling and filling the food supply it is definitely enough.
Route Info
You drive the whole time on the well-developed ring road and pass many beautiful sights.
- Driving distance: 70 km
- Driving time: 1 hour
- Highlights on the way: Dyrhólaey peninsula, Reynisfjara beach
Accomodation
On this day you can stay overnight near Vik. You can either go to a camping site or book yourself into a nice hotel.
Recommendation for a Camping Site
The campsite is idyllically located and offers tent sites and also wooden cabins with a little more comfort.
- Vik Camping:
Recommendation for Hotels in Vik
Budget Hotel 
We stayed at this wonderful little hotel that was recently modernized. You are within walking distance of the famous basalt columns at Black Beach Reynisfjara. There is free breakfast in the form of coffee, cookies and cereals and you only pay about 50 Euro per night here. We felt very comfortable here.
Luxury Hotel with all the Bells & Whistles
Hotel Vík í Mýrdal has super fancy rooms and everything you can think of. Starting at 140 Euro per night.
Day 4 | Via Highland Road F208 to Landmannalaugar
Highland
Today we continue east, where the southern F208 branches off from the ring road. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there from Vik. The F208 starts relatively easy but then becomes a tough highland road. You will drive the whole time on gravel roads and through moon-like landscapes, which we usually only know from the north of Argentina in the Puna de Atacama. You will probably meet only a few other cars, but you should still be careful on the road. The way over the southern F208 was one of the most beautiful and breathtaking roads we drove in Iceland.
After about 2 hours you can turn right into the F235. This road is a spur road and leads to the lake Langisjór. This beautiful blue lake is 20 km long, up to 75 meters deep and is practically the destination of the whole detour. But in reality, of course, the journey itself is just amazing. It is absolutely beautiful. Each way you will drive for about 1 hour. At the lake itself it is really beautiful, especially when the sun is shining. You can also take a hike around the lake or up a nearby mountain.
You can also just enjoy the great view and then drive back to the F208. Because the actual destination today is Landmannalaugar and you should and must take the whole day for this route. On the way stop every now and then, take pictures and marvel at the spectacular area. Do not rush, it is much too beautiful on this route.
In Landmannalaugar itself you can do numerous hikes and you should also stay overnight at the campsite there if you have a roof tent or a camper. Then you can spend the whole day here. Otherwise, you will have to turn around and go back the same way to get back to the ring road.
| Activity | Price p.P. | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour | from 163 € | Book now* |
| Landmannalaugar 4-Hour Hiking Experience | from 98 € | Book now* |
Route Info
After a piece of ring road you turn onto the spectacular F208. Iceland could hardly be more beautiful!
- Drivingdistance: 190 km
- Driving time: 6,5 hours
- Highlights on the way: wonderful landscape on the way to Landmannalaugar
Accomodation
It is best to spend the night at the campsite at Landmannalaugar, where you can pitch your tent. There are also wooden cabins here. If you are not staying at Landmannalaugar, we have found the following nice hotel on the ring road in the south:
Hunkubakkar Guesthouse
- Situated directly on the ring road
- Own wooden cabin in the green
- Breakfast is included
- Double room from 120 €
Hunkubakkar Guesthouse at Booking*
Day 5 | Landmannalaugar
HIGHLAND
Today’s day of the Iceland Highlands itinerary is entirely dedicated to hiking. You are in Landmannalaugar, an area in Iceland famous for its colorful mountains and versatile hiking opportunities. There are geothermal hot springs, lava fields and many different hiking trails that can last from a few hours to several days.
Landmannalaugar is located in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the highlands of Iceland and is most notable for its colorful rhyolite-bearing volcanic rock. Rhyolite is a rock that consists of quartz and silicon and, together with minerals such as iron and sulfur, is the reason for the colorful rock formations on site. Take advantage of the day to hike through the colorful mountains or rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
If you don’t have a rental car or not a 4×4 car you can also take a Super Jeep Tour from Reykjavikk to Landmannalaugar*. This is a great experience that you should definitely not miss.
Super Jeep Tour to Landmannalaugar | Check Availability*
What you can do in Landmannalaugar and what you should consider on site, you can read in our travel report: Landmannalugar | The Ultimate Guide
Route Info
Today you will drive from Landmannalaugar back to the ring road in the south.
- Driving distance: 90 km
- Travel time: 3 hours
- Highlights on the way: wonderful landscape on the way to Landmannalaugar
Accomodation
Drive back south to the ring road in the afternoon of this day of your Iceland itinerary, there you can look for a nice hotel not far from the ring road.
Hunkubakkar Guesthouse
- Situated directly on the ring road
- Own wooden cabin in the green
- Breakfast is included
- Double room from 120 €
Hunkubakkar Guesthouse at Booking*
Day 6 of the Iceland Itinerary | Laki Crater
HIGHLAND
The Laki craters, of which there are 130 in total, are a spectacular natural phenomenon and can only be reached by a four-wheel drive vehicle. The Laki craters result from the remains of the eruptions of the Laki volcano. The largest and most famous eruption of Laki dates back to 1783 and was one of the largest eruptions of a volcano in the history of Iceland. The area is truly an extreme example of volcanic landscape in Iceland. The series of craters is more than 25 kilometers long, over 100 meters high, and the craters are a mixture of red and black volcanic rocks.
Approach Laki Crater
You continue on the ring road to the east. There you turn about 6 km before the village Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the highland road F-206. To the Laki craters it is a total of about 48 km for which you should plan about 1.5 to 2.5 hours drive. The F-road 206 is only passable with an all-terrain vehicle (4×4), because some fords have to be crossed. On the way you will pass the Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge (which is also accessible without 4×4) and later Fagrifoss.
For the gorge you should plan at least 1-2 hours, for the waterfall 30 minutes are enough. After about 30 km uphill the road splits. On the left side the F-207 continues. On this route you will reach the only place to stay overnight here in the national park, namely the Blágil hut. Not far from there is a very rudimentary campsite. But you have to keep to the right and continue on the F206. You will arrive at the Laki craters after a total of 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
You can climb the 812 meters of the highest crater in about 1.5 hours. Up there, you can expect a spectacular view of the craters lined up next to each other. Back at the parking lot you can follow the F-207.
After about 7 km there is another parking lot. Here you can do another 2-3 hour hike. After that you can start the way back. You go back to the ring road on the same way you came. If you took your time and enjoyed the landscape, this trip was a day trip for you and you should now look for an overnight stay.
If you want to know more about our trip, then read our blog post to the Laki Craters.
Route Info
The route today goes from the ring road to the Laki craters and back.
- Driving distance: 120 km
- Travel time: 4 to 5 hours
- Highlights on the way: wonderful landscape on the way to the Laki craters
Accomodation
After this long day you should only stay overnight not far from the turnoff of the F206 to the ring road, otherwise the day will be too long. We have 2 options for you:
Wooden Cabins for the Whole Family
In the Eldhraun Holiday Homes* up to 6 people can stay in their own cabin. You are far away from the main road and have nature to yourself. From 200 € per cabin/night.
The beautiful Eldhraun Holiday Homes*
Cozy Wooden Huts for 2 Persons
At Hunkubakkar Guesthouse* you can get a nice wooden hut for 2 persons from 120 € per night with private bathroom.
The beautiful cabins of Hunkubakkar Guesthouse*
Day 7 | Pakgil & Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Pakgil
Just a few minutes outside of Vik (Google Maps link) begins a true dream road of Iceland, the Kerlingardalsvegur to Pakgil. The road to Pakgil Canyon leads to the secluded Thakgil campsite in Katla National Park, which should also only be visited with a 4×4 vehicle (read our rental car guide here). The way is really the goal here. You always have fantastic views and the route is really varied. The campsite at the end of the road is surrounded by high mountains and has a small river flowing through it. From here also start various hikes in the beautiful surroundings.
Here it is super idyllic and we would have stayed here with pleasure, if the hut prices would not have been so high (180€ per night). So we enjoyed the nature a bit and then drove back towards Vik.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
From Pakgil it is less than an hour drive to the impressive canyon of Fjaraglufir. By the way, drone flying is allowed there for once. The river has dug deep into the canyon here, leaving behind a wonderfully rutted landscape. The gorge with the unpronounceable name is a canyon in the south of Iceland, located about 70 kilometers west of Vik. The canyon is up to 100 meters deep in some places and has a length of about 2 kilometers.
The canyon was formed about 2 million years ago and offers steep cliffs and fantastic views of the rugged rocky landscape. In about 1 hour you can walk along a trail at the edge of the canyon to a waterfall and then back to the parking lot. You should plan a total of about 2 hours time on site.
Route Info
You drive the whole time on the well-developed ring road and pass many beautiful sights.
- Driving distance: 70 km
- Driving time: 1 hour
- Highlights on the way: Pakgil, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Accomodation
Hunkubakkar Guesthouse
- cozy wooden cabins in the green
- Not far from the canyon
- Rooms with private bathroom
- Free breakfast included
Day 8 | Skaftafell National Park
Your next stop is Skaftafell National Park. The national park was established in 1967 and later annexed to Vatnajökull National Park. It has an area of over 1,700 square kilometers and is located not far from the ring road. There is also a large visitor center with restaurant, toilets and souvenir store here.
Unfortunately, there is a fee for the huge parking lot. You will be photographed automatically when you drive in and have to pay your day ticket of 600 ISK (approx. 4 €) at parking machines. You can do many beautiful hikes here, of which we would like to recommend 2 in particular.
Hike to the Glacier Vatnajökull
This hike takes you to a side arm of the glacier Vatnajökull, which you can also see at the nearby glacier lagoon Fjallsárlón. But here you can get much closer and, if you wear rubber boots and carefully cross a small river, you can even get directly to the glacier’s ice shield. It takes about 30 minutes to get from the parking lot to the glacier.
If you have more time then you can also stay to the left of the glacier and take the hiking trail up the hill, which takes you in 7 hours along the glacier and then on a circular trail through the whole Skaftafell National Park. More info here.
Hike to Svartifoss Waterfall
The second major highlight of Skaftafell National Park is the Svartifoss waterfall, which pours over a rock face full of basalt columns. It takes about 45 minutes to get from the park’s large visitor center to the waterfall and a loop trail back to the parking lot.
When it rains it can be a bit slippery on the paths, but the trail leads through colorful and different landscapes through the national park and is highly recommended. If you have more time on site, then try one of the many other trails of Skaftafell National Park.
Route Info
You will drive the whole time on the well-built ring road and pass many beautiful sights.
- Driving distance: 80 km
- Driving time: 1 hour
- Highlights on the way: Skaftafell National Park
Accomodation
Hotel Skaftafell
If you don’t want to drive far after a long day of hiking, then stay overnight at the nearby Hotel Skaftafell within walking distance of the glacier.
- comfortable rooms with private bathroom
- Free breakfast included
Hotel Skaftafell | Check Prices*
Day 9 | Jökulsárlon Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
On day 9 of your Iceland itinerary you will drive the ring road further east and after some time you will inevitably pass the largest and most famous glacier lake in Iceland: Jökulsárlon.
It is located between Skaftafell National Park and Höfn and is with its 284 meters the deepest lake in Iceland. Jökulsárlon is known for the icebergs floating on it, which can be up to 30 meters high.
On the shore of the lake there are many skuas and also seals to see. By the way, there is another glacial lake nearby, the much smaller and more remote Fjallsárlón, with smaller icebergs. There are much fewer tourists on the road and you can enjoy a little more peace and quiet.
You can book boat trips on the Jökulsárlon or even take a hike on the glacier tongue*. Of course, this is not possible on your own, but only as part of a guided tour. If you do one of these tours you can be sure to an experience of a lifetime.
Adventurous Experience at Jökulsarlon | Check Availability*
Directly opposite and within walking distance is Diamond Beach. A sandy beach with black lava sand and blue glittering ice chunks that float on the water and partly lie on the beach. The sight is really unique and definitely on of the best things to do in Iceland.
What else you can do at the glacier lagoon, where to park and more travel tips you can read in our travelogue to the glacier lagoon & Diamond Beach
| Activities | Price p.P. | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Ice Cave Day Tour | from 155 € | Book now* |
| From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Trip | from 160 € | Book now* |
| Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Boat Tour from Reykjavik | from 200 € | Book now* |
Route Info
Today you will drive from your hotel near Skaftafell National Park to the glacier lagoon.
- Driving distance: 70 km
- Driving time: 1 hour
- Highlights on the way: Glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach
Accomodation
There are not many hotels in the immediate vicinity of the glacier lagoon, and many are also quite expensive. During our two visits to the glacier lagoon, we stayed in the Skyrhúsid Guesthouse, which is only 10 minutes away. You are super fast at the hotel and still sleep in a quiet distance away from the ring road.
Skyrhúsid Guest House
- Large shared kitchen
- Lovingly furnished rooms
- located off the ring road
- 10 minutes to Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
- Double room from 80 Euro
Camping
If you want to stay overnight in a tent, you have to drive to Höfn. There you can stay in wooden cabins or in your own tent.
Day 10 | East Fjords #1
Today you can drive relaxed along the East Fjords on your Iceland itinerary and stop at the numerous sights of Iceland. The ring road leads here partly directly along the coast and offers a really wonderful view of the spectacular landscape of Iceland. Along the way, there are always parking lots that offer the opportunity to stop and marvel.
Of course, you won’t pass many villages. But you see super many sheep, cliffs and the most wondrous rock formations. Nature really shows its unusual and impressive side here. The most beautiful highlights at the East Fjords Iceland are among others the following:
Stokksness
Stokksness is a headland at the foot of the Vestrahorn. To visit the beautiful beach, you have to pay 800 ISK per person at the Viking Cafe. The friendly woman at the cafe then gives you a map and explains what you can see.
There is also a Viking village nearby. This is a backdrop for a movie (which was probably never filmed), which is unfortunately not really kept up and therefore no longer looks so good. Of course, this does not detract from the landscape around it.
The sand on this peninsula is pitch black and as fine as on a sandy beach in the Caribbean. In addition, grass hills grow here on the sand, which give the whole a special sight. The special thing on every photo that you shoot here is the mountain Vestrahorn, which is located at the beginning of this peninsula and offers a majestic view. The combination of jet black sandy beach, green overgrown hills and the intimidating looking Mount Vestrahorn in the background is pretty awesome. For us, one of the top destinations in Iceland.
Höfn
Höfn, a small town with about 1,600 inhabitants, is the main town of the municipality of Hornafjörður and bewitches you with its small harbor and colorful houses. In addition to a small local museum dedicated to the long history of the municipality, a maritime museum and also a glacier museum invite you to visit. It is well worth taking a short walk along the harbor in the town.
The Golden Valley
The Golden Valley is an insider tip not far from the Ring Road (link to Google Maps). You don’t have to drive along a highland road here, but it feels quite like it. You should not drive this route with a normal rental car.
The golden valley is, as the name suggests, a valley with colorful shimmering mountains waiting for you. You walk all the time over thick pebbles and the mountains around you enchant with bright colors and loop left and right again and again, so that you do not know how far you can still walk here.
The mountains are not really golden, but the experience of walking through this narrow gorge, seeing the steep hills around you and being completely alone is very cool. If you go here, you will probably be all alone: a real insider tip.
Hoffellsjökull Glacier
Less than 10 minutes off Iceland’s ring road is the Hoffellsjökull glacier, which is part of the Vatnajökull National Park area. You can get to the glacier easily with a four-wheel drive car. Otherwise, you can also park your car less than 4 km from the glacier and walk the rest. There are several hiking trails on site. Near the glacier there is also a nice hot pot (geothermal pools) where you can warm up for 500 ISK.
Route info
Today you will head towards the eastern fjords of Iceland. Before that you will pass an Icelandic highlight (Stokksness) and an insider tip (Golden Valley).
- Driving distance: 230 km
- Driving time: 3 hours
- Highlights on the way: Stokksness and Golden Valley
Accomodation
In this area there are not many accommodations, but we found a really special one here. The Eyjar Fishing Lodge is actually a hotel, which many anglers use. But also as a normal tourist you can stay here and have a wonderful backdrop from the huge living room windows and can relax in the evening in the jacuzzi.
Eyjar Fishing Lodge
- Huge cozy living room
- Whirpool
- own restaurant
- in the middle of nature
- Double room from 80 Euro
Day 11 | East Fjords #2
Today the Iceland itinerary continues through the East Fjords. However, the main itinerary moves away from the actual fjords and continues more inland. If you don’t plan to visit the Westfjords on the other side of the island, feel free to plan a little detour here.
Unfortunately, there is no road that runs along the East Fjords as in the West Fjords, but you can make detours towards the sea via roads 953 or 92. If you have less time, just follow our suggested route and enjoy the highlights along the way.
Öxi Road
You’ll have to backtrack a bit on the Ring Road to take the fabulous Öxi Road. The small detour is worth it, because the road feels like a highland road and awaits you with spectacular views.
The Öxi Road is actually no longer an insider tip, because we met many other tourists, also many with normal rental cars. Who is in the southeast of Iceland, should drive this small side road in any case, because it offers so much more than the almost parallel ring road.
You drive on gravel roads, but at the beginning (coming from the south) up a steep serpentine road. Once at the top, a phenomenal view of the valley stretching for miles in front of you and the waterfall next to you reveals itself. Simply fantastic!
In the further course you drive along a wildly flowing river, which knows how to shine with some smaller waterfalls. Later on, the road gets wilder and wilder and invites you to numerous photo stops.
Hengifoss Waterfall
Shortly before Egilsstadir you turn left onto road 931 and drive towards Hengifoss. The relatively large parking lot of the waterfall was already well attended when we arrived and next to a food truck is the access to the steep path to the top. This waterfall is probably not the most beautiful in Iceland, but at least one of the highest.
From the parking lot you need about 1h for the steep climb to the waterfall. The path would have actually gone a little further, but was closed at our time because of falling rocks. But even from where we were standing, about 1km from the waterfall, you had a great view of the red layers that run through the back wall of the waterfall. By the way, these were formed by oxidized lava layers, which were formed in the last millennia.
Waterfall Circle
From Hengifoss you drive south on road 910 to another insider tip in Iceland, the Waterfall Circle. The road is asphalted throughout and therefore also passable for normal rental cars without four-wheel drive. First you wind your way up narrow serpentines and then it goes straight ahead for kilometers.
The Waterfall Circle is a great circular route on which you encounter several waterfalls. What we didn’t know was that there was also a hotel in the middle of nature, the Laugarfell Highland Hostel. Not even Google knew this lonely hostel. Right next to it is also a hot pot, but the entrance fee is 1500 ISK, so we limited ourselves to the hike to the waterfalls.
The hike itself is very special, because you hardly meet other people and the paths are hardly trodden. During our hike, the river that accompanied us was still partially covered by large snowfields and the waterfalls on the hike became larger and larger. We did not go the hike completely, because we lacked the time for it, but some kilometers we went up to a large waterfall and from there the same way back.
If you have time, you will walk the almost 8 km in 2-3 hours as a round trip. Really one of the most beautiful hikes on our Iceland trip, because it is so secluded and close to nature hiking here is not often.
Route Info
We continue in the direction of the East Fjords. Today another insider tip is waiting for you, the Waterfall Circle. If you like to hike in peace and solitude, then this is the right place for you.
- Driving distance: 280 km
- Driving time: 4 hours
- Highlights on the way: Öxi Road and Waterfall Circle
Accomodation
Egilsstadir is a nice little place that reminded us quite a bit of Norway. Our hotel recommendation is by a lake with a beautiful view of nature.
Skipalaekur Guesthouse
- Somewhat out of the way
- Shared kitchen
- Right next to a cozy campground
- Double room from 90 Euro
Beautiful Campsite
With a view to the sea you can stay on a green meadow at the campsite Sólbrekka in Mjóafjörður. Per person you pay 1200 ISK. You can get more information here.
Day 12 | Stuðlagil Canyon
Studlagil Canyon is a canyon not far from Egilsstadir with impressive basalt column formations. You can also hike directly down to the bottom of the canyon. The name Studlagil also means basalt column canyon in Icelandic and there are said to be the largest number of basalt columns in Iceland.
Basalt columns are formed when lava cools down and the cooled lava contracts into crystal shapes. The resulting columns are mostly vertical, but here in the canyon horizontal ones also occur. Most of the columns have a hexagonal shape (with 6 sides), but there are also basalt columns with 4 or 5 sides.
By the way, the river at the bottom of the gorge used to carry much more water, but when the Kárahnjúkar dam was built in 2007, most of the water has been diverted through an underground tunnel to power a power plant. You drive just a few kilometers off the ring road onto a gravel road and then have to choose between 2 parking lots.
If you have little time and no desire to hike, you continue straight until you come to this parking lot (Google Maps link). Here you park at a small campground with toilet. You can go down 240 steps on a steep metal staircase and can look down on the gorge from a small viewing platform about 50 meters above the ground. You can’t get further down into the gorge.
If you really want to descend into the canyon and hike around, you have to drive to a parking lot that branches off the road a few miles earlier (Google Maps link). From this parking lot you can continue on a somewhat rugged road for about 2 km until you get to the 2nd parking lot. From there it is another 2 km to walk for which you need about 30 minutes. Once at the canyon, you can walk all the way down to the water and admire the canyon from all directions.
Route Info
From Egilsstadir you don’t drive long to the canyon. There you will walk for a few hours before you continue to your nearby hotel.
- Driving distance: 150 km
- Driving time: 2 hours
- Highlights on the way: Stuðlagil Canyon
Accomodation
Today you will spend the night directly between Studlagil Gorge and Askja Crater in a cozy guesthouse.
Fjalladyrd Guesthouse
- cozy wooden cabins
- Breakfast included
- very quiet location
Fjalladyrd Guesthouse | check prices*
Day 13 of the Iceland Itinerary | Askja Volcano
HIGHLAND
Askja is a famous volcano north of the Vatnajökull glacier – the largest glacier in Iceland – and is part of the Vatnajökull National Park. Askja volcano is up to 800 meters higher than the surrounding plateaus and reaches a total height of 1510 meters above zero. Askja includes several volcanoes, the largest of which has an extension of 50 km³.
The most famous of the Askja craters is the Víti volcano, whose name means ‘hell’. The Víti volcano is a volcanic crater where water has collected, reaching a temperature of approximately 30°C. That is why the crater has become a popular bathing place. Yes, you can actually go swimming in this volcanic crater! But be careful, the way down is very slippery, especially in wet weather.
How to get to Volcano Askja
In winter it is not possible to reach Askja even with a good four-wheel drive car. But in summer, depending on the depth of the fords on the way and your driving skills, you can also do it with a normal SUV (read about it our car rental guide for Iceland) like the Dacia Duster. There are generally 2 ways to get there. One is the highland road F-88, which we would not recommend to you.
This track is only suitable for real off-road vehicles, because there are quite deep fords. But there is a parallel route, which is much easier to drive: the highland tracks F905 and F910. For Askja you should plan the whole day. There are almost 110 km of F-roads to be covered, some of them with very difficult terrain.
You will be shaken the whole time in the car. For the approach you should prefer the F905/F910 and leave the ring road at this point (Google Maps Link) and then drive over the highland roads F905 and F910 to Askja.
You will be on the road for almost 4 hours, crossing 4 fords. The surrounding lunar landscape is very impressive and compensates for the jerky ride. At the top there are some huts and a campground. However, this is quite expensive and the tent is pitched on stony ground. Showers cost extra. If you have time, you should rather go back to the ring road after your hike.
From this point it is not far and after another 8 km you will reach a small parking lot further up. From this parking lot it goes about 2.5 km by foot, then you reach the crater lake in which you can also swim.
To get back to the ring road, you have to go back the same way. Unfortunately, during our Iceland road trip, the roads to Askja were still closed due to snow, so we couldn’t drive to the crater.
Route Info
The drive to Askja will take you the whole day. When you come back you should find a nearby hotel to rest. In the next section we recommend you a nice accommodation.
- Driving distance: 100 km
- Driving time: 6-7 hours
- Highlights on the way: Askja
Accomodation
Since the trip to Askja can take all day, you should either stay overnight directly at Askja (see description above) or close to the ring road, so you don’t have to drive so far. We can recommend the following accommodation:
Cozy Wooden Cottages in a Lonely Area
If you don’t want to drive directly to the ring road then stay overnight in a more lonely area in cozy wooden cottages. At Fjalladyrd – Modrudalur á Fjollum you can get a double room with shared bathroom from 70 € per night.
Fjalladyrd - Modrudalur á Fjollum at Booking.com*
Day 14 | Húsavík – Whale Watching in Iceland
Dettifoss
Before you get to Husavik you should turn onto road 864. This is a real gravel road and will shake you up, but you will pass the impressive waterfall Dettifoss on the way.
The Dettifoss pours from a height of 44 meters into the gorge and is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. We dared to come within a few meters of the roaring, marveled at the masses of water and take beautiful photos with the drone. You can get super close here, because there is no barrier. For us, the most beautiful and impressive waterfall in Iceland.
On to Husavik
Afterwards you drive further north and end up in the coastal town of Husavik. Húsavík is the capital of whale watching tours in Iceland. Almost all the whale watching tours you can do in Iceland start in this small town.
The perfect conditions for whales in Skjälfandi Bay allow for a really good success rate of almost 98% during whale watching tours in Húsavík, at least that’s what the operators say. Mainly minke whales, humpback whales and sperm whales can be observed in Húsavík. With a little luck also orcas and rare blue whales.
Even if you are lucky enough to see the great animals from land, you should book an organized tour*. You can take a speedboat out to sea or a slower sailing boat, which is better for the animals. On such a tour you will be on the water for about 3 hours and you should book the tickets online in advance.
Whale Watching in Husavik | Check Availability*
On the sea it gets really cold thanks to the wind, even if the sun is shining like during our visit. However, your provider will give you a thick seasuit that will keep you super warm. On the way back you get cocoa and a cinnamon bun. There is of course no guarantee that you will see a whale, but in the summer months you can almost count on it. Some operators will also give you a free ticket for the next day if you don’t see any whales.
We saw a humpback whale several times during our trip and quite close to our boat. A very special experience to experience such a large animal so close, although we should have a much more blatant experience with a whale later in the Westfjords.
Route Info
Today we will head to Husavik. On the way you will see the impressive Dettifoss. Unfortunately you have to drive over a very bumpy gravel road. But it is worth it!
- Driving distance: 150 km
- Driving time: 1,5 hours
- Highlights on the route: Dettifoss, whales
Accomodation
We chose our own wooden hut between Husavik and Myvatn. The cabins are extremely secluded at the end of a long valley and are about 30 minutes from the main road. Super secluded, but also super beautiful.
Laxárdalur Cabin
- located in a valley far away from the ring road
- Own wooden cabin with own kitchen, bathroom and toilet
- is idyllically situated on a farm
- Wooden cabin for 2 from 120 Euro
Do you prefer camping?
If you prefer camping, you can stay at Husavik Camping (Google Maps link) for 1500 ISK per person.
Day 15 of the Iceland Itinerary | Mývatn
Today you drive straight to Lake Mývatn (Icelandic for mosquito lake). There are really many mosquitoes here, but also many other things to marvel at. The lake is the fourth largest in Iceland and is of volcanic origin. The whole area around the lake is still volcanically active today, as the border between the Eurasian and the American continental plate also runs here.
You can drive around the lake today and take in the numerous sights. You won’t be in the car much, so you’ll have plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the surroundings. The sights we list here can be experienced clockwise around the lake.
Thermal Caves
There are several caves near Lake Myvatn that are filled with hot thermal water and are suitable for swimming in theory. However, we would not recommend this as there is no information about the water quality. There are two smaller caves called Stóragjá. Here warm thermal water has collected and through small openings in the cave you can also look inside.
Much more exciting is the Grjotagja cave nearby. It is much bigger and you can walk in and look at the clear and turquoise water.
Geothermal Area Hverir
This thermal area reminds a little bit of the Hveradalir geothermal area and can be found not far from the lake. Hot steam comes out of the earth in numerous places and also small sulfur volcanoes can be observed here.
All quite impressive, if there had not been this really stormy wind during our visit, because of which we also did not stay long there. but usually you can spend 1-2 hours here.
Höfði
This is a small forest area with direct connection to the lake. The special, apart from the beautiful walks through the forest, are the unusually shaped rocks, which are here numerous in the sea. You can reach them after about 15 minutes from the small parking lot. One hour is enough to experience this place.
Lake Myvatn
The lake itself is not that spectacular and there are not really many points from which you have a nice view of Lake Myvatn. So the highlight of Myvatn is rather the sights around it (see above) than the lake itself. However, there is a small viewpoint on the northwestern shore that offers beautiful views of the lake (Google Maps link).
Myvatn Nature Baths
If you want to relax from your exhausting trip, we can recommend the Mývatn Nature Baths*. These are comparable to the Blue Lagoon* near Reykjavik, but usually not as crowded.
Relax at the Mvatn Nature Baths*
| Activity | Price p.P. | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Myvatn Nature Bath | from 45 € | Book now* |
Route Info
You drive once around the lake and don’t sit in the car very much. All the more time you have for other things.
- Driving distance: 60 km
- Driving time: 1 hour
- Highlights on the way: Lake Myvatn, thermal area, caves
Accommodation
Only 6 km from the Mývatn natural baths is the Fosshótel Mývatn. Here you get breakfast, you can rent bikes and that already from 120€ per night in a double room.
Fosshótel Mývatn at Booking.com*
Day 16 | Goðafoss & Drive to the Highland Road F35
The 16th day of the 3 weeks Iceland itinerary is a driving day on the way to the highlands. But before that you will have a look at one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland – Godafoss.
Godafoss waterfall is located not far from the ring road and is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. The water of the Skjálfandafljót River, which rises hundreds of kilometers away in the Icelandic highlands, plunges about 11 meters in a large arc over a width of almost 160 meters. Since 2020, this waterfall has even been protected as a nature reserve.
Godafoss is not very high, but it has a considerable width. And also the gorge, in which he has dug in his further course is very impressive. The area around the waterfall is well developed for tourism, which is why we were surprised that we hardly met any other tourists here. But maybe it was due to the late hour, because we were here just before 9 pm.
There are some paths around the waterfall and along the gorge on which you can also come down to the riverbed and thus admire the waterfall and the river from all perspectives. There is also a pedestrian bridge over the river, so you can easily get to the other side. When you have had your fill of the waterfall you continue towards the highland road F35 – the Kjölur.
On the way you will pass the waterfall Fosslaug. Here is also a natural hot spring where you can bathe in 40 degree hot water. We have looked for a suitable overnight accommodation for you below, so that you can start the next day well-rested in the direction of Kerligarfjöll.
Route Info
Today is a driving day, but still there is at least one special waterfall on the program, the Godafoss.
- Driving distance: 200 km
- Drivingtime: 2,5 hour
- Highlights on the route: Godafoss
Accommodation
You should spend the night near the F35 today, so that you don’t have to drive so far the next day on the way to Kerlingafjöll.
Bólstaðarhlíð Guesthouse
- near the F35
- situated on a farm from 1825
- generously equipped rooms
- Shared kitchen
Bólstaðarhlíð Guesthouse at Booking.com*
Day 17 | Kerlingafjöll & Hveradalir
HIGHLAND
The highland road F-35 is probably the easiest to drive in Iceland. There are no fords and the surface is relatively easy to drive. Nevertheless, it is an adventure to fight your way towards the highlands on this track.
Hveravellir
Your first major stop on the F35 should be the geothermal area Hveravellir. You can find some typical features of high temperature areas in Hveravellir. For example, there are hot water springs here, such as Bláhver (in Englisch “Blue Spring”) surrounded by sinter terraces, fumaroles, and the hissing solfatare Öskurhöll (in English “Roaring Hill”). 
In general, Hveravellir is a large steaming field with boardwalks leading across it. From all kinds of cracks, holes, small streams and from the meadows steam escapes in fumaroles or bubbles water.
You can wander around here for hours and be enchanted by the area. There is also a hot tub where you can take a bath. In addition, there are showers that you can use after your bath.
We found Hveravellir not so exciting and for the fact that you even have to pay entrance or parking fees, it is actually not special enough. It’s good that after a few kilometers one of Iceland’s most gnarly areas begins.
Kerlingafjöll
Kerlingarfjöll is the highlight on the F35 and you should definitely not miss it. It is one of the most surreal yet beautiful places in Iceland. You can experience a landscape that no human being can imagine. These colors, this smell, these temperatures. This place is unique in Iceland. There are many hot springs, it steams and hisses at every corner. And there are many hiking trails to discover.
It bubbles everywhere, clouds of mist waft around and there is a sulfurous smell of rotten eggs. From the actual visitor parking lot, it’s only a few meters until you have a view of the entire area. If you then go down a few more steps, you are right in the middle of it and can wander through the area on several fixed paths.
Small bridges have been built and steps carved into the mountains to make the hike as pleasant as possible. And so that people do not trample nature unnecessarily. You can’t get enough of it here and you won’t be able to get out of your amazement. Kerlingarfjöll is unique!
If you want to know more about the journey and have more travel tips for the geothermal area Kerlingarfjöll, then read our travel report.
Route Info
The drive is on the adventurous Kjölur, the F35. The dusty road is not easy to drive, but you will drive from north to south through the highlands and experience Iceland from a completely different perspective.
- Driving distance: 200 km
- Driving time: 4 hours
- Highlights on the way: Kerlingafjöll & Hveradalir
Accomodation
There is a nice hotel on site in Kerlingarfjöll that you should take advantage of, especially if you haven’t had enough of this wonderful place and want to do another hike the next day. It’s not cheap, but it’s located right in the Icelandic highlands. You won’t find any luxury here, but the nature compensates for the high price of 200€ per night.
Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort at Booking.com*
If you don’t want to spend that much, then you have to go back to the campsite in Hveravellir or alternatively continue towards the Westfjords. Because there you will spend the next days.
Overnight Stay in Direction Westfjords: Steinnes Rustic Cabin
- Here you have a whole cabin just for yourself
- Through a huge window you look into the nature to the horizon
- You have your own kitchen and a big bathroom
- The cabin is located in the middle of a farm a bit away from the Westfjords
Day 18 Iceland Road Trip | Approach Westfjords
Today the adventure in the Westfjords begins during your 3 weeks Iceland itinerary. You will drive the first part towards the Westfjords. There you will spend the next days and enjoy the really wonderful nature. The destination of today will be the area around Drangsnes. In this small and cute coastal town there is a wonderful hot pot where you can recover from the stress of the last days.
We would recommend you to find a place to stay in the area and start early the next morning. You will have plenty to see in the Westfjords.
Route Info
Today you will drive towards the Westfjords and your destination will be the small town of Drangsnes, the gateway to the Westfjords.
- Driving distance: about 200km
- Travel time: approx. 3 hours
- Highlights on the way: the beginning Westfjords and the Hot Pots in Drangsnes
Overnight stay
Accommodation tip in Drangsnes: Malarhorn Guesthouse
- Accommodation directly in Drangsnes. So you don’t have a long drive anymore
- Large double room with private bathroom
- Delicious breakfast buffet
- Location directly by the sea
Day 19 | Westfjords #1
From Drangsnes you start towards the northern Westfjords. First you will climb up the mountains and if you are lucky you will see the first bigger snowfields.
Snowfields in the River
When we saw the snow fields next to the road, we parked our car directly on the road – because there is never a shoulder in Iceland – and walked down to the water.
To get to the big chunk of ice, we still had to cross the water. I threw some big stones into the water so that we could cross over on dry feet. On the other side, we then climbed the almost 4 meter high ice boulder and were pleased as punch about the great view.
The river made its way straight through the big chunk of ice we were standing on. A totally cool highlight of Iceland that is not in any travel guide, but still totally special. When do you ever walk over large snowfields under which a small river flows?
The Whale Sighting
Starting in Reykjanes, you drive past numerous fjords, some of which are only a few kilometers wide. Inevitably, our gaze then wanders to the water, as we keep a lookout for whales, which are more common here in the Westfjords in the summer. And we could hardly believe our luck, because suddenly it happened. We saw a whale in the fjord. 
I quickly unpacked my drone and headed towards the whale. Meanwhile, Sabrina tried to keep an eye on the whale in the camera lens, which was not so easy.
When the drone had reached its destination, the whale was first no longer visible, but after a few moments he emerged again and made directly in front of the camera eye of my drone even the typical whale move: jump vertically up out of the water and land with a loud splash back on the water surface. Really a cool experience!
Valagil Waterfall
The next destination was just before the overnight stay the hike to the Valagil waterfall. We parked our car at the official parking lot and started walking. Since the parking lot was otherwise empty, we were happy that we would probably be all alone on the hike. We walked over moss-covered paths, crossed small streams and marveled again and again at the high mountains surrounding us.
We always had a distant waterfall safely in sight. Only shortly before reaching our destination did we realize that this was not the Valagil waterfall at all and that we would probably not reach this much more distant waterfall.
The Valagil was hidden in a crevice on the right and revealed itself only a few hundred meters before the finish. From more than a hundred meters the water plunges down here. But the waterfall is not necessarily the highlight here, but rather the hike through the lonely valley in beautiful nature. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the waterfall. We needed about 2 hours for the complete way there and back (including many photo spots).
After the hike we continue a few kilometers to Ísafjörður, a small fishing village directly at the fjord. Here you will recover from your first day in the Westfjords.
Route Info
As the crow flies, today’s route is not much at all, but since it goes through numerous fjords and there are always beautiful things to discover (with luck, even whales), the trip does take a few hours.
- Driving distance: approx. 230 km
- Travel time: approx. 4 hours
- Highlights on the way: the fjords, with luck whales, snowfields next to the road
Accomodation
Overnight Tip: Hotel Isafjordur
- Large rooms with TV and WLAN
- Free breakfast buffet
- Double room with private bathroom
Hotel Isafjordur | Check Prices*
Day 20 | Westfjords #2
Today we are heading towards the southern Westfjords and on the way there are again many great sights waiting for you. First, however, comes a bit of a motoring challenge.
The One Lane tunnel
Shortly before our destination of the day we had a very special car experience. We drove through a long and dark tunnel, which despite its length suddenly became a single lane. Oncoming traffic then had to swerve into stopping bays cut into the rock every few hundred meters. Thank God we were on the lane that didn’t have to swerve.
For Sabrina, who was driving at the time, nevertheless a very grueling experience!
After all, if the oncoming traffic swerves into a lay-by too late, then you’re standing there and someone has to put the car in reverse. The next main goal of the second Westfjords day is the famous Dynjandi Waterfall
Dynjandi Waterfall
Today you come to the most beautiful and impressive waterfall in the Westfjords (and in my opinion one of the most impressive in all of Iceland), Dynjandi. You can get quite close to the waterfall and stand almost directly under the thundering water masses. Very impressive despite the still bad weather. There is also a toilet facility and a large parking lot, all again Iceland-typically completely free.
Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pot
Now we continue towards the southern tip of the Westfjords. Unfortunately it rained all day, so we skipped many photo spots where we normally would have stopped. But when we passed another hot pot, we couldn’t resist to get into the warm water of the hot pot despite the rain and really icy wind and enjoy the view of the fjord.
The Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pot consists of an almost swimming pool sized artificial pool with changing room and a small natural pool in about 50 meters distance. All free of charge and in the middle of nature. It’s a crazy feeling to lie in 40 degree warm water while the wind and rain drops the size of marbles whip around your head. And so Sabrina didn’t last too long in the water. I relaxed but still determined 30 minutes in the natural pool and dared me only then back out into the cold.
After the southernmost coast of the Westfjords is reached, you drive a little east, because there we can recommend a really great hotel. The next day it goes again in the other direction, but this short detour you can get over because of the great accommodation quite well.
Route Info
Today you will cross the Westfjords from north to south and see the spectacular landscape in its full glory. The highlight today will surely be the Dynjandi waterfall. But you should not miss the hot pot either.
- Driving distance: approx. 190 km
- Driving time: approx. 4 hours
- Highlights on the way: Dynjandi Waterfall, Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pot
Accomodation
Accommodation Tip: Guesthouse Bjarkaholt in the south of the Westfjords
- Directly across the road is a great hot pot
- There is a fully equipped kitchen
- Also the rooms are super comfortable
- The host is super friendly & explains the area to you
Day 21 | Westfjords #3
On today’s day of the 3 week Iceland itinerary we head to what we consider the biggest highlight of the Westfjords, the cliffs of Látrabjarg.
Látrabjarg
Today we are going to the westernmost point of the Westfjords, to the cliffs of Látrabjarg. The road is asphalted at the beginning, but later becomes a gravel road and quite adventurous to drive. On the way you can make a short stop at the shipwreck BA 64. This is an old and already rusty wreck that can not be entered, but still be viewed from all sides, because it is located directly on the beach.
When you arrive at the cliffs, you can smell the acrid stench of bird droppings, because tens of thousands of seagulls and other birds breed here. It is best to walk several hundred meters along the cliff and if you are lucky you will see one or even more of the famous Puffins.
There are puffins that breed in several places in Iceland, but nowhere as common as here on the cliffs of Látrabjarg. You can spend several hours here looking for, watching and photographing the small colorful birds. If the weather is good, you also have wonderful views of the cliffs and the sea. Really a wonderful place in Iceland.
After your visit at Latrabjarg you will head back east and drive along the south coast of the Westfjords towards the ring road.
Hellulaug Hot Pot
This hot pot is located right next to the road and yet it is not visible. We had the pool to ourselves and enjoyed the warm water and the great view of the sea. By the way, parking and entrance are free here.
We continue in the direction of the east. The whole time you drive directly along the coast and always have phenomenal views of the sea and the mountains. We also stopped frequently on the way to take photos or simply to marvel at the area. Everything here looks just beautiful and totally pristine. There is always a hidden waterfall here, a great coastal section there or an interesting animal on the roadside, where you want to stop.
Also, the area is completely different from what you see in the rest of Iceland. The landscape here is rougher and more pristine and you meet few other tourists on his trip. At the end of the day you will arrive in the very small town of Reykhólahreppur and can spend the night in a super cute little accommodation and once again enjoy the special atmosphere of the Westfjords.
Route Info
You will drive along the south coast of the Westfjords and experience the peace and seclusion of this Icelandic region.
- Driving distance: approx. 300 km
- Travel time: about 6 hours
- Highlights on the way: Látrabjarg, Hellulaug Hot Pot
Overnight stay
Accommodation Tip: Reykhólar Hostel
- Extremely large kitchen and cozy common area
- Completely secluded on a dead end road with view of the fjord
Day 22 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today we take road 60 south to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Just getting here is a special highlight, because road 60 leads through deserted areas and wonderful landscapes. You should have a full tank of gas, because there are no gas stations along the way.
Once on the peninsula, you will first drive to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall and the neighboring Kirkjufell mountain. Both together form the most famous photo motif of the peninsula and also one of the most striking of all Iceland. You will then continue to the easternmost end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula and drive along the coast to Djúpalónssandur beach.
This beach is surrounded by rugged rock formations and consists of small, polished black stones and black lava sand. The next highlight is the Lóndrangar viewpoint. Here you can park for free and walk along the spectacular cliff. But be careful, it is really windy here. Then you continue along the southern coast of the peninsula back towards the ring road. You will find your accommodation today in the village of Borgarnes, where we can recommend cozy wooden cabins.
Day Trip to Snæfellsnes | Check Prices*
Route Info
Today you have to drive a lot, because you want to go from the Westfjords to the peninsula Snæfellsnes. The route is unbelievably beautiful and you will meet only a few other cars, since you are not driving on the ring road.
- Driving distance: approx. 380 km
- Driving time: approx. 7 hours
- Highlights on the way: Lóndrangar, Kirkjufellsfoss, Kirkjufell
Accomodation
Hótel Hafnarfjall
- Off the main road is the Hotel Hafnarfjall, which consists of a main house and several small wooden cabins
- Absolutely quiet and directly at the sea
- You have a cabin for yourself with a view into the nature.
- The cabin has a bathroom, kitchen and large floor-to-ceiling windows
Day 23 | Return Flight & Blue Lagoon
If you’re flying home in the evening or the next morning, this spa is conveniently located near the airport and is the perfect way to end your Iceland road trip. It’s only a 30-minute drive to Keflevik Airport, so you can make the most of the last few hours before your flight home. The Blue Lagoon is a swimming pool that is fed with 40 degree hot water from a geothermal spring.
The water here is iceblue and offers a strong contrast to the black lava rock that surrounds the lagoon. The entrance fee is not cheap with just under 45 Euro, but for that you also get a lot on offer.
There is a free drink, a free face mask and you also get free towels here. The Blue Lagoon is always very crowded, but since the area is very spacious, it gets lost very quickly and you don’t get the feeling that it’s really crowded. The tickets should be booked a few days in advance and you also have to choose a certain time when booking.
Tickets are available on the official website or also at GetYourGuide*. We recommend booking through GetYourGuide, because there are often still tickets for the same day, while they are already fully booked on the official website.
Route Info
Today we will go back to the airport maybe with a little detour via the Blue Lagoon. If you want to you can also visit the capital Reykjavik. You won’t need more than a few hours for that.
- Driving distance: approx. 115 km
- Travel time: approx. 2 hours
- Highlights on the way: Ring Road, possibly Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon
Accomodation
If you fly back the next morning, you can stay at the nice Hotel Vogar near the airport. It’s not the most luxurious, but good & cheap and perfect for the last night.