![LogoLong_website-[Recovered]_edited_edit](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e52d56_fd2f65176ca74d41b1e18a339e54f2a0~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_316,h_97,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/LogoLong_website-%5BRecovered%5D_edited_edit.png)
The number of vacations that we take with our family is limited. A unique, beautiful, and adventurous trip to Iceland creates memories that won’t be forgotten. The diverse landscape and the geological wonders create magic and excitement and excellent opportunities to see things that they have learned in the classroom. Spend a lot of time outdoors and epic adventures – eat and drink with the locals, Iceland is a well-rounded trip that provides new experiences. Easily accessible from the US East Coast and start your self-driving journey on his flexible but action-packed 10-day itinerary.
Vacation wrap-up Reel
Day 1: Hella
You are most likely to arrive on a morning flight to the Reykavik International Airport, in the town of Keflavik. Pick up a rental car, a walkable distance from the arrival terminal. Stop at a bakery in town for pastries and breakfast, the first taste of colorful and healthy options that Iceland has to offer. Optional stop at Viking World (https://vikingworld.is/), a Viking ship museum near the airport.
Drive down the long roads through the lava fields, taking your time to stop at any stores of interest. Optional stops at Gunnhever.
Arrive in the afternoon in Hella and check in to the Hotel Laekur. A beautiful farmland with small but clean and cozy rooms. Walk about the property, including a creek and a beautiful forest filled with beautiful and mysterious trees.
Fill up on snacks and road trip supplies at the nearby Bonus Grocery. For dinner, try the Eldsto Art Café. A small local restaurant with local art for sale. Note that most meat served in lasagna is horse – be sure to ask if you aren’t sure.
Finish the night back at the Hotel Laekur, say hi to the Icelandic horses, and have a nightcap in their community attic turned cozy lounge. Stare through the skylights to see if you can catch the Northern Lights.
Day 2: Waterfalls
This day is all about chasing waterfalls. As you head South on the ring road, consider stopping at some of the smaller and lesser known hot springs for a quick dip. Visit the popular Seljlandsfoss Waterfall and prepare to get wet for an up-close look. The parking lot hosts a wonderful gift shop and food trucks. Further down the road, stop the Rutshellir, right off the side of the road. A troll house built into the side of moss-covered rock boulders. Leave a wish, and then climb up the moderately accessible sides for amazing views of the surrounding land, including the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 3: Glacier Hike, Gorges, and Diamonds
Gear up for a day of adventure. Not too far down the road you will arrive at Myrdalsjokull and meet up with the expedition company to suit up in cramps, ice picks, and helmets to begin your glacier walk. Walking to the top of the Solheimajokul glacier, you embrace the majestic beauty of the landscape, and the impact glaciers have on our planet.
Towards your next destination, the drive is constant “Wow! Whoa! Ahh!. There are many giant and powerful waterfalls. A beautiful creek off the side of the road begs you to stop and fill up your water bottle. No need to buy plastic bottles in Iceland, all water from taps and moving water – is clean, delicious, healthy, and the best water you will ever have.
Navigating to the Fjadrargljufur Gorge, you will truly see what the power of water has on Iceland’s landscape. You can spend hours walking the trails above this stunning gorge.
Next, arrive at Diamond Beach, sunset is the most brilliant time to see the ice shine like diamonds. Walk the black sands beach soaking in the beauty.
Spend the evening at Hofn, with many dinner options to choose from – including reindeer burgers!
Check into the quiet cabin like rooms at Arnanes Country Hotel for a simple, good night's sleep.
Day 4: Vik
Another delicious light and simple breakfast provided by the staff, returning back on the ring road towards Vik – witness many glacial outlets, and countless side of the road waterfalls. Don’t forget to stop at gas stations for budget friendly and delicious hot meals. Grab some bags Kleinur’s, an amazing donut/pastry treat. They are great to have in the car for a quick snack.
Stop across the road from Diamond Beach admiring the Jokulsarion and Fjallsarlon Lagoon. A huge body of water off of a glacier, with plenty of icebergs waiting to be washed out to sea. The smaller lagoon is a fun playground to run and enjoy icebergs at the shoreline.
A stop at Skaftafell National Park can be a short one by visiting the information center, or a long one and taking one of the beautiful hikes from the parking lot.
Continue down the road and take in the Eldhraun lava fields. Look up the history and geology and read aloud as you travel, it is fascinating.
Arriving back in Vik, spend the evening at sunset atop the Dyrholaey cliff. From here you can see the sunset behind the black beaches to your right, or the Sea Arch being illuminated by the sun, on your right.
Catch a late show at the Volcano Show, for a fun and educational lesson on volcanoes. The information about the sleeping giant under the town of Vik is a story that you won’t forget!
Vik hosts many restaurants to fill up on for dinner.
Check-in at the Volcano Hotel and spend the evening in their library reading and resting.
Day 5: Thingvellir National Park
On one of the most educational days, visit Thingvelir National Park. Scuba dive between two continents, walk the trails through a rift valley, and see the Euroasian Continent from North America. Be sure to stop into the museum for an interactive learning journey. The gift shop also has great sandwiches.
Once finished exploring the National Park, visit Gullfoss Waterfalls, one of the largest in Iceland. The gift shop has beautiful and unique art pieces, including volcanic glass bowls.
Just down the road, visit the Geysir Geothermal area and witness active geysers and hot springs all around you. It is an exciting walk around the fields and witness these hot water fountains.
Across the road, the Geysir Hotel has a wonderful and elegant menu for a relaxing dinner.
Arrive in Laugarvatn, and check in at the Arbakki Farmhouse Lodge. A bed and breakfast that makes you feel like you are at home.
Day 6: Reykjavik
Take your time to drive from the farm home to the capital city of Reykjavik. In the downtown area, check into Midgardur by Center, a traditional hotel with a lot of amenities to enjoy. Unpack and settle in for a few days, then venture across the street to a local matholl, meaning a food court. A variety of many deliciously prepared foods from all sorts of cuisines from Mexican to Japanese, to Icelandic. There is something for everyone to enjoy a hearty lunch.
A visit to the Perlan satisfies the curious minds diving into the one-of-a-kind geology and geography of Iceland. Climb through an ice cave, watch the Northern Lights in the theatre, and admire views of the entire city atop the museum. All ages love it!
Enjoy dinner on the hotel property or eat at one of the many options within walking distance. Treat yourself to a spa treatment or enjoy cocktails and live music in the hotel bar.
Day 7: Blue Lagoon
Check into the most popular attraction in Iceland, the cloudy blue and warm waters of the Blue Lagoon. Built off of a lava field with average temperatures of 100 degrees, the water comes from the underground 464-degree pools. Enjoy a soak, a swim, a complimentary facial, and drinks from the swim-up bar. This a relaxing and special treat after all of the adventures that have been experienced.
Spend the afternoon driving around the Reykjavane Peninsula, you stumble upon shipwrecks, beautiful coastlines, and angry waves. The best gas station meals are a welcomed treat after swimming all day.
Day 8: Sky Lagoon
An early morning wake up calls for a stop at Solfar, Saebraut where you enjoy the sunrise next to an iconic sculpture. The Solfar, means the Sun Voyage.
Check-in at the Sky Lagoon for a completely different experience than the previous day. A cold 40 degree air temperature feels amazing in the quiet and serene warm waters. Enjoy a mimosa and watch the sunrise over the ocean. Complete the 7-step ritual to experience the waters at Icelandic do. It is refreshing and rejuvenating!
Get back to the hotel and clean up to enjoy lunch nearby. Walk along the city and discover the landmark Hallgrimskirkja Church, rainbow road, and colorful rows of homes.
Day 9: Rekjyanes Peninsula
Time to check out of the city and pack up for one more night. Head eastwards more toward the airport on the Rekjyanes Peninsula. This geographic wonderland needs more time to explore. Start at the Gunnuhver Hot Springs where you will see muddy, boiling puddles. Get another view of the North American and Euroasian Continents and walk the above ground rift on the Bridge Between Two Continents. Take in more crashing waves against rocks, and find the Karlinn, a 50–60-meter high rock. It is an ancient crater plug that stands majestically in the sea off of Valahnuk, where the tide has eroded the rock over the years.
Depending on volcano activity, which has exploded over the past 3 years, you may be able to visit the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system. It is the most active area on the island. You can hike trails to see the newest land created on earth that is still cooling and emitting gasses.
Enjoy lunch in the darling town seaside of Grindavik. Again, depending on volcanic activity – they may or may not be evacuated.
Check into Raven’s bed, a bed and breakfast in the heart of Keflavik. A charming home with so many knick knacks to look at and admire, or enjoy a hot tub heated by the thermal activity underneath the earth.
Nearby is the LiBRARY bistro/bar for an incredible food menu, delicious craft cocktails, and a gorgeous environment.
Finish the evening to pack up, rest up, and be ready for the next day of travel.
Day 10: Travel Home
Enjoy a final breakfast at a nearby Icelandic café and visit some of the local shops for any last-minute keepsakes before you depart.
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
See more photos from this travel guide, and other destinations.
Comments