You are about to embark on the most epic adventure of your life. This 10 Day Iceland Itinerary provides a complete guide to the land of fire and ice. You will see massive glaciers, active volcanoes, and dozens of waterfalls.
The 10 day iceland itinerary ring road covers 821.5 miles or 1,322 kilometers of paved highway. It is the longest ring road in Europe. You should know that Iceland is about the size of Kentucky.
However, the landscape feels like another planet entirely. First of all, you must decide when to visit. A 10 day iceland itinerary summer offers nearly 24 hours of daylight. This gives you more time for sightseeing. On the contrary, a 10 day iceland itinerary winter allows you to see the Northern Lights and blue ice caves.
Though winter is beautiful, it requires much more flexibility because of storms. Additionally, a 10 day iceland itinerary september or a 10 day iceland itinerary october offers a great balance of light and darkness. You might even see the aurora at that time. Later, you will need to choose a car.
A standard small car is fine for the Ring Road in summer. However, you will need a 4×4 vehicle for F-roads or winter travel. You must also prepare your budget. You should expect to spend about $2,500 per person if you rent a campervan.
This cost includes your car, food, and gas. Plus, Iceland is almost entirely cashless, so you do not need to take out much physical money.
Once you land at Keflavik airport, your adventure begins.
Day 1: Arrival and Reykjavik
You will likely land early in the morning at Keflavik International Airport. This airport is about 45 minutes away from the capital city. First of all, you should head to the Blue Lagoon. It is only 20 minutes from the airport.
The water stays at a perfect 37 to 39 degrees Celsius all year. It is rich in silica and sulfur. It is the most famous spa in the country. However, you must book your timed entry weeks in advance. Additionally, you should stock up on alcohol at the Duty Free shop inside the airport. Prices are much better there than in the city.
Later, you will drive into Reykjavik. It is the world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state. You can visit the Hallgrímskirkja church. It is 74.5 meters high. The design resembles the basalt columns you will see later on the coast.
You should also walk to the Harpa Concert Hall to see its unique glass architecture. Finally, try a famous hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. It is the cheapest meal you will find. You can also join a food walk to try local fish and lamb.
The city is very walkable and cozy. A perfect start.
Day 2: The Golden Circle
Today you will drive the most famous route in Iceland. The Golden Circle is a 230-kilometer loop. First of all, you must visit Þingvellir National Park. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The plates drift apart by about 2 centimeters every year. Additionally, it is the site of the world’s first parliament from 930 AD.
Later, you will drive to the Geysir Geothermal Area. You will see the geyser called Strokkur. It erupts every 5 to 10 minutes. The water can reach 30 meters into the sky. However, the Great Geysir itself is mostly dormant now.
Your third stop is Gullfoss, the “Golden Falls”. It is a two-tiered waterfall that drops 32 meters into a deep canyon. On top of that, you might want to stop at the Kerið Crater. This volcanic crater is 6,500 years old. It holds a lake of striking turquoise water.
You should spend the night in the town of Borgarnes or Hella. The open road is calling.
Day 3: Snaefellsnes Peninsula
This area is often called “Iceland in miniature”. It has every type of natural wonder in one small spot. First of all, you must see Kirkjufell mountain. It is the most photographed mountain in the country. Additionally, you should visit the black church at Búðir.
It stands alone in a dramatic lava field. You can also walk the coastal path at Arnarstapi. You will see a massive stone bridge and a rock arch called Gatklettur.
Gradually, you will reach Djúpalónssandur beach. It has black pebbles and old ship remains. However, you must stay away from the water. The waves are very dangerous. Later, you can stop at the Gerðuberg Cliffs to see giant basalt columns. You can even climb to the top for a better view. Plus, you might see seals at Ytri Tunga beach.
The beauty here is quiet and moody. A photographer’s dream.
Day 4: The Drive to Akureyri
Today involves a lot of driving. You will travel about 5 hours to reach the north. First of all, you should stop at the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum. You can learn how they make fermented shark. It takes 6 months to make it edible. Additionally, you can stop at Kolugljúfur Canyon. It is a hidden gem with a beautiful waterfall.
Later, you will see the Víðimýrarkirkja turf church. It is an easy photo stop on the way. You should also look for Reykjafoss waterfall. It is a stunning multi-tiered fall in the middle of farmland. Finally, you will reach Akureyri. It is the second largest city in Iceland. It is located at the head of a long fjord called Eyjafjörður.
The city is the capital of the north. You will find great restaurants here.
Day 5: Husavik and Whale Watching
You should drive one hour north to Husavik today. It is the best place for whale watching in all of Europe. First of all, you should join a boat tour. You can see humpback whales and dolphins in the bay. Additionally, you should visit the Husavik Whale Museum. It has a full skeleton of a blue whale.
Later, you can relax at the Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths. These infinity pools sit on a hillside overlooking the ocean. You will have fantastic views while you soak. On top of that, you can visit the Jaja Ding Dong bar. It is named after the Eurovision movie. Plus, you can see props from the film in their exhibit.
If you have a 10 day iceland itinerary with kids, they will love seeing the massive whales. This town is truly magical.
Day 6: The Diamond Circle
Today you will explore the wonders of the north. First of all, you must stop at Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods”. It is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide. Additionally, you will reach the Lake Mývatn area. You can walk among the Hverir boiling mud pots. The area smells strongly of sulfur.
Later, you should hike through Dimmuborgir. These are dramatic lava rock formations that look like a dark castle. You can also climb the Hverfjall crater. It is one kilometer wide. However, the most powerful stop is Dettifoss. It is the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. The water falls 45 meters into a massive canyon.
You should spend the night in the town of Egilsstaðir. The northern landscapes are wild and raw.
Day 7: The Eastfjords
The drive today takes you through narrow fjords and steep mountains. First of all, you should visit the town of Seyðisfjörður. It is a very charming artist community. You must walk down the rainbow street to the blue church. Additionally, you should stop at Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður. She collected interesting rocks and minerals for 60 years.
Later, you will drive along the coast. You can stop at the Hvalnes Lighthouse for great views. On top of that, you must visit the Stokksnes Peninsula. It is famous for the Vestrahorn mountain. The black sand dunes and the reflection of the mountain are stunning. Plus, there is an abandoned Viking village movie set nearby.
This part of the trip involves a lot of driving. However, the views are worth every minute.
Day 8: Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Today you will see the crown jewels of the south coast. First of all, you must go to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. You will see massive blue ice chunks floating in the water. You can even take a boat tour to get closer to the glacier. Additionally, you should look for seals swimming among the ice.
Later, you must cross the road to Diamond Beach. The ice chunks from the lagoon wash up on the black sand. They look like giant diamonds in the sun. On top of that, you should hike to Múlagljúfur Canyon. It is a hidden gem with mossy cliffs and thin waterfalls. However, the hike is moderately strenuous and takes about 45 minutes uphill.
You will spend the night in the town of Vik. The ice and sand contrast is breathtaking.
Day 9: The South Coast and Vik
There is so much to see around Vik. First of all, you must visit Reynisfjara Beach. It has dramatic black sand and huge basalt columns. However, you must never turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves kill people every year here. Additionally, you should go to the Dyrhólaey viewpoint. You will see a massive rock arch and a panoramic view of the black coast.
Later, you can see the Skógafoss waterfall. it is 60 meters high. You can walk right up to the base to feel its power. You can also climb the 400 steps to the top. On top of that, you should look for Kvernufoss. It is a hidden waterfall nearby that you can walk behind. Plus, you can visit the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. It is 100 meters deep and looks like a fantasy novel.
You should spend a second night in Vik. The south coast is the most popular part for a reason.
Day 10: The Drive Back to Reykjavik
It is your final day in the land of fire and ice. First of all, you must stop at Seljalandsfoss. It is a 60-meter waterfall that you can walk all the way around. Additionally, you should visit Gljúfrabúi waterfall next door. It is hidden inside a small canyon. However, you will get very wet walking into the gorge.
Later, if you have time, you can hike to the Reykjadalur Thermal River. It is a naturally warm river you can soak in. The hike takes about 45 minutes each way. Finally, you will return to the airport or the city. On top of that, you might want a second visit to the Sky Lagoon near Reykjavik. It has an infinity edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
You have completed the full Ring Road. A total dream.
What to Pack for Your Trip
You must bring the right gear for Iceland. The weather changes every 5 minutes. First of all, you need warm, waterproof layers. You should have a high-quality raincoat and rain pants. Additionally, you must bring waterproof hiking boots. Do not bring an umbrella because the wind is too strong.
Later, you should pack wool socks and warm base layers. You will also need a swimsuit for the hot springs. Plus, you should bring a reusable water bottle. The tap water in Iceland is some of the best in the world. Finally, you should bring a power adapter for your electronics.
Comfort is much more important than style here. You will be glad you have dry feet.
Driving Tips and Safety
You must be careful on the roads. Conditions can be unusual. First of all, the speed limit is 90 km/h on paved roads. It is 80 km/h on gravel roads. Additionally, you should know that headlights must be on at all times, day and night. You must also wear your seatbelt by law.
Later, you will see many single-lane bridges on the Ring Road. The car closer to the bridge has the right of way. However, you should always slow down and assess the situation. You must also watch out for sheep on the road. They often wander onto the pavement. If you hit one, you are liable for the cost.
Never drive off-road. It is strictly forbidden and damages nature for decades. Stay safe and enjoy the views.
Alternative: A 10 Day Iceland Itinerary March
If you visit in March, the experience is very different. You will have more darkness for the Northern Lights. Additionally, you can still visit the blue ice caves in the glaciers. However, the weather is much colder and more unpredictable. A 10 day iceland itinerary march requires a 4×4 vehicle for safety.
Later, you will see snow-capped mountains and frozen waterfalls. This creates an otherworldly contrast against the black sand. Though the Ring Road is mostly open, some mountain passes might close during storms. You should check the road conditions on road.is every single morning.
The crowds are much smaller in March. You will have the waterfalls all to yourself.
Final Thoughts on the Ring Road
This trip will change you. You will see things you never thought possible. A 10 Day Iceland Itinerary is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of the Ring Road. Whether you come in the summer or the winter, the beauty is endless. You should book your hotels and car months in advance if you visit in July or August.
Additionally, you should try to cook your own meals to save money. Groceries at the Bonus store are much cheaper than eating out. Plus, you can find a 10 day iceland itinerary map online to help you plan your stops. Gradually, you will fall in love with this island.
Finally, do not forget to respect the land. Do not walk on the moss. Leave no trace.
Your journey is waiting for you. Get ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Golden Circle or Ring Road?
The Golden Circle is a short loop near Reykjavik that takes one day. It is great for a quick trip, but the Ring Road shows you the whole country. The Ring Road includes glaciers, the Eastfjords, and the north. If you have 10 days, you should definitely drive the Ring Road.
Is 2 weeks in Iceland too long?
No, two weeks is not too long at all. You could spend extra time in the Westfjords or the Highlands. It allows you to travel at a slower pace and hike more. Many people wish they had more than 10 days.
What is the 10 day Iceland package?
A 10 day package usually includes a rental car and pre-booked hotels or guesthouses. Some packages include a campervan and a set route map. You can find these through local travel agencies or book everything yourself.
How many days to drive Iceland Ring Road?
You need at least 7 to 8 days to drive the whole circle. However, 10 to 12 days is the ideal amount of time. This gives you enough time to see the major sights without driving too many hours every day.
Concluding Words
A 10 Day Iceland Itinerary allows you to see the most famous destinations in the country. You will drive the entire Ring Road and see the Golden Circle, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the south coast.
This guide helps you plan your travel from the Blue Lagoon to the powerful Dettifoss waterfall. You will be prepared for the weather and the road conditions. Iceland is a land of incredible natural beauty that you will never forget.
