Iceland is a destination that feels like another world. With its mix of dramatic waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, sprawling glaciers, charming towns, and relaxing hot springs, it offers a travel experience unlike anywhere else. On our 9-day trip, we explored the country by campervan, allowing us the flexibility to chase sunsets, linger at favorite spots, and discover hidden gems along the way. If you’re planning your own adventure, this detailed day-by-day Iceland itinerary will walk you through exactly what we did, including highlights of the Golden Circle, South Coast, Eastfjords, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Reykjavík.
Day 1: Arrival & The Golden Circle
Summary:
- Overnight flight, landing at 8:30 AM local time
- Picked up campervan and groceries
- Relaxed at the Blue Lagoon
- Hiked to Brúarfoss waterfall
- Stopped at Gullfoss
- Camped and dined at Skjól
We arrived at Keflavík Airport in the morning, grabbed our campervan from Indie Campers, and made a quick grocery stop at Krónan. From there, we kicked off the trip with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, where we spent a couple of blissful hours unwinding in the milky blue geothermal waters. Some say the Blue Lagoon is overhyped, but trust me, it is worth the visit! Our ticket included unlimited time in the lagoon, a couple of beverages, and 3 different masks. It was the perfect way to jumpstart the day after an overnight flight. Refreshed, we drove deeper into the Golden Circle to Brúarfoss, a stunning waterfall known for being the bluest in Iceland. From there, we stopped at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. We wrapped up the day with dinner and an overnight stay at Skjól Campground.
Day 2: South Coast Adventure
Summary:
- Soaked at Hrunalaug Hot Spring
- Visited Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi
- Stopped at Skógafoss
- Hiked to Kvernufoss
- Explored Dyrhólaey cliffs
- Walked Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Camped in Vík
The morning began at Hrunalaug Hot Spring, a small, rustic geothermal pool tucked away in the countryside. This is more of a “natural” hot spring, and the hosts limit the number of people in the pools, which we really enjoyed. From there, we drove to Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall for an unforgettable view. Just a short walk away is Gljúfrabúi, a (not so) “hidden” waterfall partially concealed behind a cliff. Next, we visited Skógafoss, an immensely powerful waterfall that tumbles from a height of 60 meters. A short walk took us to Kvernufoss, a quieter waterfall set in a lush canyon. In the afternoon, we continued to Dyrhólaey, where cliffs rise above black sand beaches and puffins nest during the summer. Our final stop was Reynisfjara Beach, famous for its basalt columns and roaring Atlantic waves. That evening, we settled into the Vík campsite.
Day 3: Glaciers & the East
Summary:
- Explored Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
- Walked near Svínafellsjökull glacier
- Took a glacier tour at Jökulsárlón
- A visit to Diamond Beach
- Stopped at Stokksnes and Vestrahorn
- Drove through the Eastfjords
- Camped near Seyðisfjörður
We left Vík behind and headed to Fjaðrárgljúfur, a winding green canyon that looks straight out of a fantasy movie. The landscape was unreal, and this view was one of the highlights from our trip! Next came Svínafellsjökull, known for being featured in the movie “Interstellar,” where we walked up close to a glacier tongue surrounded by jagged peaks. The ultimate peak of the day was our Arctic Adventures glacier tour at Jökulsárlón, where we cruised past massive icebergs floating in the lagoon, along with massive seals. Just across the road, Diamond Beach sparkled with glistening ice fragments washed ashore. Before making our way east, we stopped at Stokksnes, a dramatic black sand beach framed by the jagged Vestrahorn mountain. Afterward, we drove through the remote Eastfjords, camping near Seyðisfjörður.
Day 4: Eastfjords to Mývatn
Summary:
- Walked through Seyðisfjörður town
- Visited Borgarfjarðarhöfn puffin colony
- Hiked Stuðlagil Canyon
- Explored Dettifoss and Selfoss waterfalls
- Soaked in Mývatn Nature Baths
- Camped near Lake Mývatn
Our morning started in Seyðisfjörður, a colorful town surrounded by mountains, known for its iconic blue church which is led by a rainbow road. Next, we drove to Borgarfjarðarhöfn, home to one of the best puffin colonies in Iceland. This stop was actually a few hours out of our way, but it truly was worth it. The puffins were active, and you could get as close as a foot away from them. We spent time watching the charming seabirds before continuing to Stuðlagil Canyon, where turquoise water winds through striking basalt formations. In the afternoon, we hiked the Dettifoss and Selfoss loop, experiencing the raw force of Europe’s most powerful waterfall. To end the day, we unwound in the mineral-rich pools of Mývatn Nature Baths before heading to a nearby campsite.
Day 5: Goðafoss & Húsavík
Summary:
- Stopped at Goðafoss waterfall
- Joined a whale tour in Húsavík
- Relaxed at GeoSea geothermal baths
- Drove to Akureyri
- Camped overnight in northern Iceland
From our campsite, we drove to Goðafoss, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, nicknamed the Waterfall of the Gods. After enjoying the views, we continued to Húsavík, a charming seaside town considered the whale watching capital of Iceland. Our whale tour did not disappoint, with sightings of humpbacks and other marine life. Afterward, we visited GeoSea, a stunning oceanside geothermal spa with infinity pools overlooking the Arctic waters. We then drove toward Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, where we camped for the night.
Day 6: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Summary:
- Saw Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
- Explored Arnarstapi & Gatklettur
- Walked across the Stone Bridge
- Visited Búðakirkja black church
- Watched seals at Ytri Tunga Beach
- Camped near Hvammsvík
We woke up early and drove into the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its wide variety of landscapes. Our first stop was Kirkjufell, the iconic cone-shaped mountain, and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. In Arnarstapi, we admired Gatklettur, a natural stone arch, before walking to the Stone Bridge, a dramatic coastal formation. Continuing along the peninsula, we visited the picturesque black church at Búðakirkja, then stopped at Ytri Tunga Beach, known for its seal colony. That evening, we camped near Hvammsvík.
Day 7: Hot Springs & Whale Watching
Summary:
- Soaked at Hvammsvík Hot Springs
- Shopped at local stores
- Dinner at Fiskmarkaðurinn
- Camped near Sandgerði
Our morning was spent soaking in Hvammsvík Hot Springs, where multiple pools sit right along the shoreline. We had a wonderful experience here where we were able to enjoy a few cocktails, go for a “polar plunge” in the icy waters, and relax in the variety of spring pools. In the afternoon, we drove into the Reykjavík area. We enjoyed some shopping at local centers before heading to RVK Brewing Company for craft beers. Dinner at Fiskmarkaðurinn was a highlight, featuring modern Icelandic cuisine and some of the best sushi we’ve had in awhile. That night, we camped near Sandgerði.
Day 8: Reykjavík City Day
Summary:
- Returned campervan and checked into Exeter Hotel
- Enjoyed Reykjavík walking tour
- Stopped at Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and Sun Voyager
- Shopped Laugavegur Street
- Sampled the famous Iceland hot dogs, pastries, and local craft beer
- Dinner at Matur og Drykkur
On our final full day, we returned the campervan and checked into Exeter Hotel in Reykjavík. The afternoon was spent exploring the city on foot. Highlights included Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s landmark church, and Harpa Concert Hall with its striking glass architecture. We strolled along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture before heading to Laugavegur Street for shopping. Along the way, we sampled Icelandic hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, pastries at Brauð & Co, and craft beer at Skúli Craft Bar. That evening, we enjoyed an unforgettable 11-course farewell dinner at Matur og Drykkur. Get a full rundown of our Reykjavík city itinerary: Exploring Reykjavík: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Capital
Day 9: Departure
Summary:
- Breakfast at hotel
- Taxi to Keflavík Airport
- Flight home
We enjoyed a final Icelandic breakfast at the hotel before packing up and taking a taxi to Keflavík Airport. Note: Taxis are the only form of transportation if you don’t rent a car!
Tips for Visiting Iceland
- Rent a car or campervan: It offers flexibility and convenience, especially when exploring remote regions. Our van had a full bed and kitchen, making it easy to sleep and eat on-the-go!
- Layer up: Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, so bring waterproof and windproof clothing. In the 9 days we were in the country, we went from being bundled up in layers to being in shorts and a t-shirt.
- Book popular attractions early: Spots like the Blue Lagoon and whale tours sell out quickly.
- Stock up on groceries: Food can be expensive, so buy essentials at local supermarkets.
- Respect nature: Stay on marked paths and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile landscapes.
- Check road conditions: Weather can change rapidly, so always check safetravel.is before long drives.
- Plan extra time: Even short drives often take longer due to photo stops and unexpected discoveries.
What to Pack for Iceland: The Essentials
Packing for Iceland is all about layers, waterproof gear, and having the right mix of comfort and function. Here are the must-haves I recommend bringing:
Clothing
- Hiking pants and joggers
- Long- and short-sleeve shirts for layering
- Fleece zip-up or vest
- Swimsuit (for hot springs)
- Plenty of warm socks and underwear
Outerwear
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Down coat or insulated jacket
- Hat, beanie, and gloves
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Sandals (handy for hot springs or campsites)
Gear & Accessories
- Reusable water bottle
- Microfiber towel
- Power bank and charging cables
If you’d like the full detailed list, check out my Complete Iceland Packing Guide
Helpful Resources for Your Iceland Trip
Planning a road trip or campervan journey through Iceland is much easier with the right tools. Here are the resources I used and recommend:
- Campsite map: The Complete Happy Campers Campsite Map of Iceland | Happy Campers
- Campsites list with amenities and pricing: Tjalda.is | Þú finnur tjaldsvæðið þitt á tjalda.is
- Weather updates: Icelandic Meteorological Office
- Traffic information: Traffic Info
- Road conditions: Vegasjá Road Map
- Safe Travel app: Safetravel – Be safe in Iceland
Our 9-day Iceland road trip was a journey through fire and ice, filled with jaw-dropping scenery, unique experiences, and unforgettable memories. From soaking in hot springs to hiking behind waterfalls, every day brought something new. Iceland truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world, and this itinerary is a perfect blueprint for making the most of your time there.
