Iceland Road Trip – Waterfalls, Glaciers & Wild Landscapes

Your detailed trip plan

A suggested sequence — every flight, hotel and day can be changed.

• 9Destinations
• 2Transport
• 7Accommodation

1. 17 May

   Flight WAW → KEF

   Flight
   Scandinavian Airlines 1 stop 1PC

   10:15 WAW 8h 0m 16:15 KEF
2. 17 May

   Reykjavik

   Stay from
   

   • Iceland
   • 1 nights

   Reykjavik is not your typical capital city, it has no magnificent buildings, or a historic city centre or grand monuments, this city is much more than that. Iceland’s capital is different, full of life and very close to nature. Its location, at the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean, between two fjords and surrounded by a lunar volcanic framework, makes the city, which name literally means Bay of Smokes, incomparably special. The world’s northernmost capital is the perfect place for outdoor and wildlife lovers. Surrounded by sea, whale watching is one of the most popular touristic activities. The city has plenty of open spaces: parks, pedestrian areas, a lake situated next to the city hall and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach just 15 min away from the city centre. Throughout the city there are 7 municipal geothermal pools where locals go to socialize and relax after work. Other activities like cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing and fishing can all be enjoyed on the doorsteps of the capital. Aside from all its natural wonders, Reykjavik has always something to offer. It is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city full of museums, art galleries and cosy coffee shops. Its nightlife is exciting and outrageous, during a night out, it seems locals are making up for the prohibition on beer that was in force till 1989 and nightspots tend to stay open until the early hours of the morning. During the day, the capital is a much more relaxed place, with its trim colourful houses, rubbish-free streets and an easygoing pace of life. Reykjavik is considered the one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. Getting lost in this city is almost impossible: Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most places in the city centre and are essential landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cosy and very special. Its peculiar personality and magnetic surroundings will make you agree that there’s no better city in the world.
3. 17 May

   Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels

   1 nights
   

   ★★★ 8.6 Booking.com · 1,093 reviews

   • REK, Reykjavik
   • Standard Room
   • WITH BREAKFAST
4. 18 May

   Thingvellir National Park

   Stay from
   

   • Iceland

   Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Iceland’s most historically and geologically significant destinations. Located about 40 kilometers northeast of Reykjavík, the park sits in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. This unique location offers stunning landscapes, with dramatic cliffs, clear glacial rivers, and expansive lava fields covered in moss and wildflowers during the summer months. Visitors to Thingvellir can explore a network of well-marked trails that wind through the park’s most iconic sites. The Almannagjá gorge is a must-see, offering breathtaking views and the chance to stand between two continents. Another highlight is the crystal-clear waters of Silfra fissure, famous for snorkeling and diving between the tectonic plates. The park is also home to Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, which provides excellent opportunities for fishing and bird-watching. Thingvellir is steeped in history as the site of Iceland’s first parliament, the Althing, established in 930 AD. Interpretive signs and a visitor center provide insight into the park’s cultural significance, and guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about the nation’s Viking heritage. Whether you’re interested in hiking, photography, or history, Thingvellir National Park offers a memorable experience in the heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle.
5. 18 May

   Vik

   Stay from
   

   • Iceland
   • 1 nights

   The village of Vík is situated on the island's main ring road, about 180 km by road southeast of Reykjavík. Vík í Mýrdal or simply Vík, as the locals call it, is a remote seafront village in the south of Iceland and is the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland. The natural environment in Vík í Mýrdal is quite beautiful, with a bird-filled black sand beach, Mount Reynisfjall to the west, Hjörleifshöfði to the east and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier at the top of the mountainous area which is perfect for exploring the lovely trails.The village of Vík is located on the main ring road around the island, around 180 km (110 mi) by road southeast of Reykjavík.
6. 18 May

   Hotel Katla by Keahotels

   1 nights
   

   ★★★ 8.5 Booking.com · 3,723 reviews

   • MYRD-1, Myrdalshreppur
   • Standard Room
   • WITH BREAKFAST
7. 19 May

   Höfn

   Stay from
   

   • Iceland
   • 1 nights

   Höfn, a small fishing town on Iceland’s southeast coast, is often called the gateway to Vatnajökull – Europe’s largest glacier. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, black-sand shores, and shimmering glacial lagoons, it feels both remote and welcoming. Colorful houses, a working harbor, and views of the vast ice cap give the town a postcard-perfect charm that contrasts beautifully with the wild landscape around it. The main reason many travelers come to Höfn is to explore the nearby glacier region. From town, it’s an easy drive to sights such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where blue icebergs float in a milky-blue lake and wash ashore on black sands. In summer you can take boat tours among the icebergs, while in winter the area becomes a base for ice cave excursions, glacier hikes, and – with clear skies – northern lights watching. Despite its small size, Höfn has a surprisingly good selection of restaurants and cafés, many specializing in local seafood. The town is famous for its Icelandic langoustine (lobster), celebrated every summer during the Höfn Lobster Festival with open-air concerts and food stands. You’ll also find bakeries, cozy coffee shops, and a few bars where locals and visitors mingle after a day of outdoor adventures. Höfn works well either as a one-night stop on the Ring Road or as a longer base to explore Iceland’s southeast. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to comfortable hotels, and there are several campsites in the area. Whether you’re driving the full circuit around the island or focusing on the south coast, plan at least a night here to enjoy the harbor views at sunset and wake up to the sight of glaciers glowing on the horizon.
8. 19 May

   Milk factory

   1 nights
   

   ★★★ 8.9 Booking.com · 1,739 reviews

   • RARO-6, Hofn (Hornafjörður)
   • WITH BREAKFAST
9. 20 May

   Egilsstadir

   Stay from
   

   • Iceland
   • 1 nights

   Egilsstadir, Iceland, is the largest town in the east of the island. Belonging to the Austurland region, it has a population of around 2,300. Egilsstadir sits on a plain along the Lagarfljót River. Its small airport and good hotel and restaurant facilities have made this small Icelandic town a popular tourist destination, both for Icelanders and foreign visitors. One of the main attractions of Egilsstadir is its natural environment, being the gateway to the main fjords of eastern Iceland: Seyðisfjörður, Reyðarfjörður and Vopnafjörður. Very close to Egilsstadir you can visit two spectacular waterfalls: Hengifoss, almost 120 metres high, and Fardagafoss. Its valleys and mountains (including the 1800-metre-high Snæfell Peak) offer the best environment for hikers, especially during the summer. Near Egilsstadir is the Hallormsstadaskógur forest, the largest wooded area on the island. Egilsstadir can also be a good base camp for a trip to the wonderful Vatnajokull National Park.
10. 20 May

    Hérað - Berjaya Iceland Hotels

    1 nights
    

    ★★★ 8.0 Booking.com · 1,402 reviews

    • HFJ-2, Egilsstadir
    • King Room,1 Double Bed
    • WITH BREAKFAST
11. 21 May

    Myvatn

    Stay from
    

    • Iceland
    • 1 nights

    Mývatn, located in northern Iceland, is a stunning region renowned for its unique volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and abundant birdlife. The area is named after Lake Mývatn, a serene body of water surrounded by dramatic lava fields, hot springs, and craters. Visitors can explore the surreal landscapes of Dimmuborgir, known as the "Dark Castles," with its unusual lava formations, or relax in the soothing geothermal waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths. The region is also a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting numerous species, especially during the summer months. With its otherworldly scenery and diverse natural attractions, Mývatn offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
12. 21 May

    Hótel Laxá

    1 nights
    

    ★★★ 9.1 Booking.com · 1,632 reviews

    • RIK-2, Reykjahlio
    • Standard Double or Twin Room,2 Twin Beds
    • WITH BREAKFAST
13. 22 May

    Hvammstangi

    Stay from
    

    • Iceland
    • 1 nights

    Hvammstangi is the most densely populated area in the west Húnaþing County. It is a service centre for the surrounding neighbourhood and also a school site and an administrative centre. It has a population of 580 people. Trading has taken place at Hvammstangi for over 50 years old and the Trading Museum by the harbour displays this history. Hvammstangi has a good harbour and shrimps are the main fishing industry along with small fishing vessels. The largest knitting and sewing factory in the country is located in Hvammstangi. In Hvammstangi are many specialised small businesses e.g. cosmetics and cooling products production, a goldsmith, a plastic bag manufacturer etc. Bardúsa, a crafts hop, offers very ambitious and equally beautiful handcrafted goods. The cultural life in Hvammstangi is also very diverse it offers choirs, a drama society, the Kormákur sports society, a community centre for young people - to name but a few. Last but not least Hvammstangi has many possibilities for the tourist: a swimming pool, camping grounds, guesthouses and shops. From Hvammstangi is only a short travel to Vatnsnes with a wealth of varied historical sites, beautiful scenery, great views of the mountains at Strandir and last but not least a seal habitat within easy walking distance.
14. 22 May

    Albert Guesthouse

    1 nights
    

    ★★ 8.7 Booking.com · 452 reviews

    • ICD, Hvammstangi
    • Twin Room, Private Bathroom,2 Twin Beds
    • WITH BREAKFAST
15. 23 May

    Reykholt

    Stay from
    

    • Iceland

    Reykholt is a village in the valley of the river Reykjadalsá, called Reykholtsdalur. It is part of Borgarfjörður, Western Region. Today, the village has 60 inhabitants, a school centre and a library concentrating on the works of Snorri Sturluson. A statue of Snorri by Gustav Vigeland can be found here. Archeologists are still working here and finding medieval remains. In the vicinity, Japanese scientists are doing research on the aurora borealis (the northern lights).
16. 23 May

    Reykjavik

    Stay from
    

    • Iceland
    • 1 nights

    Reykjavik is not your typical capital city, it has no magnificent buildings, or a historic city centre or grand monuments, this city is much more than that. Iceland’s capital is different, full of life and very close to nature. Its location, at the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean, between two fjords and surrounded by a lunar volcanic framework, makes the city, which name literally means Bay of Smokes, incomparably special. The world’s northernmost capital is the perfect place for outdoor and wildlife lovers. Surrounded by sea, whale watching is one of the most popular touristic activities. The city has plenty of open spaces: parks, pedestrian areas, a lake situated next to the city hall and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach just 15 min away from the city centre. Throughout the city there are 7 municipal geothermal pools where locals go to socialize and relax after work. Other activities like cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing and fishing can all be enjoyed on the doorsteps of the capital. Aside from all its natural wonders, Reykjavik has always something to offer. It is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city full of museums, art galleries and cosy coffee shops. Its nightlife is exciting and outrageous, during a night out, it seems locals are making up for the prohibition on beer that was in force till 1989 and nightspots tend to stay open until the early hours of the morning. During the day, the capital is a much more relaxed place, with its trim colourful houses, rubbish-free streets and an easygoing pace of life. Reykjavik is considered the one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. Getting lost in this city is almost impossible: Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most places in the city centre and are essential landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cosy and very special. Its peculiar personality and magnetic surroundings will make you agree that there’s no better city in the world.
17. 23 May

    Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels

    1 nights
    

    ★★★ 8.6 Booking.com · 1,093 reviews

    • REK, Reykjavik
    • Standard Room
    • WITH BREAKFAST
18. 24 May

    Flight KEF → WAW

    Flight
    Scandinavian Airlines 1 stop 1PC

    10:30 KEF 6h 35m 19:05 WAW