Experiencing Iceland through my own eyes has been truly transformative. This is my ultimate Iceland road trip guide for first-time travellers visiting to discover this raw and rugged island.
The universe painted Iceland with incredible patience and emotion, creating a striking yet deeply moving landscape. As you drive around, the scenes change in a heartbeat, unfolding like a masterpiece that is brilliant, unforgettable, and alive. Shaped by a continuum of fire, ice, lava and water, there exists a pattern left behind by constant change and breathtaking resilience. The vast, splendid landscape is humbling, revealing our pettiness in the grand scheme of things.
Although known as the land of fire and ice, Iceland is actually mostly green. Situated between the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America, it is a hotbed of geological activity.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
There is no “perfect” time to visit Iceland. It all depends on the kind of experiences you seek.
- Spring (April – May) – Cold and windy, longer daylight hours compared to winter, advantages of the best rental deals, thawing landscapes and no tourist rush. It can be a great time for photography.
- Summer (June – August) – Ample daylight, warmer temperatures and a time to experience the midnight sun. The best time for road trips, hiking, camping & adventures. Ideal time to explore the highlands. High season rush.
- Autumn (September – October) – 11-13 hours of daylight, great time to visit, as it is pre-winter, so seasonal activities like ice cave tours start to open up. Beginning of the Northern lights season. Slightly less rush compared to Summer.
- Winter (November – March) – Imagine frozen lakes and waterfalls, exploring the landscape during dark days and warming up in cosy cabins. It’s low season, but it is the best time for Northern Lights and winter activities.
As first-timers on this Iceland road trip, we chose the last two weeks of September 2025 to explore the shifting landscapes, chase the Northern lights and spot some whales in the North Atlantic.
We rented a mid-range AWD SUV from Blue Car Rentals, which was ideal given the fast-changing weather in Iceland.
Travel Tip:
- Be mindful that Iceland is expensive: rental cars, fuel, food, souvenirs, and everything else. Budgeting wisely is the real flex.
- Book your car in advance. Go with full insurance, even if it feels pricey; you never know when you may need it while navigating gravel roads or the infamous Icelandic weather.
I planned this trip entirely on my own. No tour packages, no borrowed itineraries, just lots of curious reading and patient research. We neither skimped nor splurged, but freely and fully enjoyed our time in Iceland.
Day 1 – Arrival in Reykjavik
After a red-eye flight, we arrived at Keflavik airport on a partly cloudy and wildly windy morning. With the full euphoria of landing in a new country, we found ourselves in the duty-free area, stocking up on liquor for the trip ahead.
As we stepped out of the airport, I noticed the long queues at each car rental counter and was silently grateful for having made advanced arrangements.
A bus took us to the Blue Car Rentals pick-up facility, where we gathered our keys and drove off through what was our first-ever view of lava fields.
Luckily, an early check-in awaited us at the Fosshotel Lind, so we were able to freshen up before heading out.
Our first stop was at a 1011 store for a local SIM card. We bought a thirty-day Simmin card, which served us well during the trip. After lunch and coffee at Hlemmur Mathöll (Food Hall), we set out to explore the city.
Reykjavik is best explored on foot.
- Hallgrímskirkja Church – An Iconic landmark in the city, constructed to depict the naturally occurring tall basalt columns in Iceland.
- Rainbow Street – A colorful street lined with eateries and souvenir shops, exuding a touristy vibe, in a really nice way.
- Reykjavik Harbor – We walked around the harbor, took some photos, and continued along the waterfront, admiring the architecture of the Harpa Concert Hall from the outside.
- Sun Voyager (Solfar) – Walking along the waterfront, we admired the sculpture of the Sun Voyager and kept walking until sunset.
Reykjavik glowed softly under city lights as we wandered its streets, paused for dinner, grabbed some ice cream, and called it a night.
Day 2 – The Golden Circle
We began with a hearty breakfast before setting out anticlockwise around the Ring Road. We planned to trace the south, east, north, and west, then finally return to Reykjavik.
Leaving the city behind, we hit Route 36 and drove towards the Golden Circle, enjoying the scenic drive.
Thingvellir National Park
- Almannagjá Gorge – The ground literally splits apart between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Walking through the gorge feels absolutely celestial, with rocky cliffs rising on either side, moss-covered rocks everywhere, and the sound of water echoing through the valley.
- Öxarárfoss – Cascading over basalt cliffs, this picture-perfect waterfall is the ideal photo spot. Imagine capturing this scene with a perfect rainbow in the background.
- Silfra Fissure – A glacial fissure, filled with crystal clear blue water, is the ultimate spot for snorkelling and diving. Dive, snorkel or check it out as a one-of-a-kind attraction.
- Þingvallavatn Lake – Iceland’s largest natural lake stretches out at the edge of the park. On a still day, the water mirrors every cloud and mountain peak, creating a surreal sight.
- Thingvellir Church and Old Farmhouses – An old white church and a cluster of turf-roofed houses near the lake have been preserved as a timeless reminder of Iceland’s earliest settlers.
Thingvellir National Park is a geological treasure trove that makes you feel as if you are on another planet. We completely lost track of time and ended up spending 3-4 hours, following as many trails as we could.
Bruárfoss Waterfall :
We discovered one of Iceland’s rarest gems, hiking past numerous flowing streams that converged into a breathtaking sky-blue glacier waterfall, which made its way through a narrow ravine.
Geysir Geothermal Area :
An area of bubbling mud pots and erupting geysers is free and open all day. Stokkur is Iceland’s most famous geyser, which erupts approximately every 7-10 minutes.
The adjoining Geysir Glima is a casual and popular spot where we had a late lunch.
Gulfoss
Gulfoss, meaning “Golden Falls”, is a two-tiered torrent that gushes into a deep canyon, creating a misty aura about it. Under the afternoon light, there was a beautiful rainbow in the midst of the mist.
That night, we stayed at the Arbakki Farmhouse Lodge, located by a river in the Reyholt area.
One of the highlights of this Iceland trip was catching our very first Aurora sighting in the open area just outside the farmhouse.
Aurora Tip:
Open areas in Reyholt/Selfoss are ideal for watching the Northern Lights. A clear and starry night is the perfect prelude. Even with slight cloud cover, there is a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. No expensive tours required!
Day 3 – Stunning Waterfalls and Sneaker Waves
Following a stunning Aurora show the night before, we still managed to wake up early. Breakfast was scheduled for much later, so we drove to the Kerid Crater right away.
Kerid Crater:
A volcanic crater lake filled with sulfur-laden blue water. In the early hours, as the sun came out and lit the sky, we had the whole place to ourselves!
Post breakfast, we checked out and continued driving along the South coast for a day of chasing waterfalls.
Seljalandsfoss:
This celebrity waterfall, famously showcased in movies like “Star Trek: Discovery” and the official video of Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You, plunges to a gushing pool on the ground before flowing out. You can walk 360 degrees around it to capture the most outstanding photos of this thundering beauty.
Gljúfrabúi:
A few minutes’ walk from Seljalandsfoss is Gljúfrabúi, a smaller but magical waterfall that’s inside a partly obscured mossy canyon. A narrow trail through a stream leads you to witness what looks like water tumbling straight down from the sky!
Skógafoss:
A grand and jaw-dropping waterfall, which is among the most visited places on the South Coast. A flight of 527 steps take you to a viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the waterfall and its surrounding landscape.
Reynisfjara Black Beach:
This dramatic black pebble and sand beach is a wild masterpiece in Iceland. Tall basalt columns, sea caves and the Reynisdranger sea stacks stand as theatrical props on a beach known for its dangerous sneaker waves.
At sunset, we called it a day at Hotel Dyrholaåey near Vik, where we checked in for two nights.
Our second encounter with Lady Aurora happened on this clear and starry night. A little after midnight, we watched with abated breath as pure magic unfurled in a luminous dance over the mountains behind the hotel. It was an unforgettable experience.
Other Northern Lights Spots near Vík:
- Reynisfjara Beach Parking:- open views toward the ocean.
- Church Hill above Vík Church:-go behind the church to face northward for the perfect Aurora direction!
- Dyrhólaey Viewpoint:-Open skies all around, darkness with a soft glow from the lighthouse.
Day 4 – Sólheimajökull Glacier, Dyrhólaey & Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Sólheimajökull is the snout of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier. There is a viewing platform and a downhill path that leads to the glacier. It is a popular place for guided glacier hikes.
Dyrhólaey Peninsula
Dyrhólaey is a cape on the South coast near the town of Vik. The lighthouse viewpoint boasts of wide vista views. There is the iconic sea arch, cliff views and waves crashing on black beaches stretching on both sides.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a magnificent canyon carved by time and nature. Cloaked in moss, it rises steeply, while a waterfall flows through it into a river that snakes downstream. A wildly haunting and completely otherworldly landscape.
In the two nights that we spent at Vik, we explored these casual restaurants:
- Hotel Dyrholaåey – Breakfast was decent and part of our package. We sampled the dinner buffet one night and found it to be good, but pricey!
- Smidjan Brugghús – Good for coffee, craft burgers and beer.
- The Soup Company – The Icelandic lamb soup and rye bread were comforting and totally worth it. Plus, there were refills!
- Black Crust Pizzaria – Completely overpriced & overrated! Skip it
- Skool Beans Cafe – The hot chocolate with marshmallows was yummy & comforting on a cold, windy afternoon!
Day 5 – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
On day five of our Icelandic Ring Road adventure, we checked out of Vik and headed towards Hofn, covering the final stretch of the South Coast and taking in some amazing sights.
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The giant shards of blue ice are actually icebergs floating at the foot of the Vatnajökull glacier. The lagoon appeared slightly murky, framed by the imposing icy glacier in the background. Though boat tours are popular here, on an exceptionally windy day like this, the facility was closed.
Diamond Beach
This beach shimmers with beauty from the glacial ice chunks washed down from the Jökulsárlón Lagoon. The ice looks like diamonds strewn against the black volcanic sand. If you’re lucky, you might spot seals gliding through the surf or lounging on the icebergs.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
It’s like stepping into a scene from an animated dream! Massive shards of bluish ice drift through the glassy lagoon in a frozen symphony of blue light and stillness. The air can be sharp and biting, so make sure to stay warm.
After an afternoon at Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, we headed towards Rey Stays in Hofn for the night.
Travel Tip:
If you’re staying overnight in Hofn, try the Pakkhús Restaurant beside the harbor. No bookings required if you arrive by 7 pm.
Day 6 – Vestrahorn & Beyond
After five sunny days, we woke up to a dark, broody morning. We planned to visit Vestrahorn and drive through the Eastern Fjords to Seyðisfjörður.
Vestrahorn:
A volcanic mountain, combined with a reflective floodplain, makes for one of Iceland’s most eerily staggering landscapes. Nearby, the Viking Village film set adds a bit of whimsy. We loved the coffee with local baked treats at the Viking Cafe after a walk in the moody weather.
Drive through the East Fjords:
This was our most beautiful Ring Road drive. The landscape unfolded with every curve along the misty fjords. With each pause, we took in the scent of the wet moss, the rain-soaked cliffs rising from the sea and the hissing and crashing of the Atlantic waves. There was an inexplicable melancholy throughout.
Although we planned to stop at Djúpivogur and Fáskrúðsfjörður, the intense cloud burst continued. Reluctantly, we rerouted to Egilsstaðir instead, for some coffee and a refuel.
An unforgettable experience on the ultimate Iceland road trip:
As we drove into the mountains, the rain turned to snow. Before long, flakes layered the windshield and thickened on the road. The entire landscape turned into a magical winter wonderland, and that is exactly when things got scary! Our car lost traction and halted. The wheels would not budge. Luckily, a patrolling tow truck appeared and guided us to safety, allowing us to continue on our way without much hassle.
We descended upon Seyðisfjörður to find a rain-drenched harbor town surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The rain continued as we completed the check-in at Bankinn – Hotel Aldan and finally proceeded to our room. At night, we savoured some awesome Nordic fare at the Aldan.
Day 7 – Exploring Seyðisfjörður & Vok Baths
The next morning, we awoke to sunny skies. As we moved about Seyðisfjörður, we noticed the defining charm of this quaint town was its unhurried pace.
We spent some time hiking through the mountains, enjoying the expansive views, and admiring the numerous waterfalls on our trail.
Other notable sights included the Blue Church, the cobbled rainbow path, colorful wooden houses, breathtaking mountains and harbor views.
At noon, we packed a picnic lunch from a cafe and drove out again.
Gufufoss
A pretty waterfall that looks like a smaller version of Skogafoss.
Lake Lagarfljót
At a picnic bench near a picturesque meadow, dotted with cottages, we had a leisurely lunch, overlooking the lake.
Vok Baths
A geothermal pool floating on Urriðavatn lake in Egilsstaðir, offering open views, a tea bar, a pool bar, a sauna, and a bistro, invites you to relax and unwind.
Late in the afternoon, another mountain hike offered a surreal view of Seyðisfjörður bathed in the glow of the golden hour. Afterwards, we enjoyed drinks and grills at the Kaffi Lára El Grillo Bar, then warmed up for a night under the stars.
What started as flashing streaks of green over the mountains turned into a bright display after a long but worthwhile wait. Our final experience with the nocturnal green lights in Iceland ended beautifully.
Day 8 – Northward Bound
Armed with some Icelandic coffee and breakfast bakes from Aldan, we set out for another day of adventure, driving northward towards the Myvatn area.
Dettifoss:
Dettifoss, the second-most-powerful waterfall in Europe, is accessible from both the east and west sides. Entry from the west is recommended, as the east side has gravel roads that are accessible seasonally.
Selfoss:
Located within the Vatnajökull National Park, just a short walk from Detifoss, Selfoss is a waterfall on a glacial river that is characterised by several unique drops.
Goðafoss:
The “Waterfall of the Gods” was my favourite of the day. The walk through iconic lava fields and basalt rock formations was rugged and dramatic. The waterfall itself features clear, bluish water flowing in streams, creating a breathtaking scene.
Hverir Geothermal Area:
A captivating terrain, geologically active with fumaroles, bubbling mud pools and mineral deposits that color the earth, giving it a Mars-like appearance.
Lava fields, volcanic craters and geothermal pools surround the highly active Myvatn area, making it one of the most fascinating areas in Iceland.
As dusk descended, we checked into Vogahraun Guest House for the night. On the other side of the road, we found the lovely Vogafjós Restaurant, which served us delicious Arctic Char and beer. The night was sorted.
Day 9 – Whale Watching in the North Atlantic & Akureyri
Whale watching had long been on our bucket list. On a morning full of promise, we set sail on a traditional oak boat from the famed Husavik harbor.
Thirty minutes in, we spotted a pod of pilot whales cutting through the ocean in perfect sync. They had us spellbound for a good twenty minutes before drifting off.
Soon after, four humpbacks broke the surface, swimming in pairs, twisting, arching and igniting the ocean with their play. Every so often, they dove deep, flicking their tail fins to create fountains in the air.
Whale watching was a remarkable highlight of our Iceland road trip.
After enjoying fish and chips by the harbor, we visited the charming church above and then drove towards Akureyri. The hour-long drive along Route 85 took us through scenic valleys along the Eyjafjörður coast.
Akureyri greeted us with autumn hues, colorful wooden houses, heart-shaped traffic lights, local shops, museums and bistros neatly lining its streets.
We stopped at the Akureyrarkirkja for panoramic views of Eyjafjörður, took photos at the picture frames, walked up to the harbor and the Hof Cultural Centre.
Refreshed after coffee at Kaffi Ilmur, we drove off toward Karuna Guesthouse in Varmahlíð.
We ate dinner at Kaffi Krókur in Sauðárkrókur, as most other places nearby were closed.
Day 10 – A Full Circle Around Iceland’s Ring Road
On a dark & rainy morning, we began an unforgettable 430 km drive across northern and western Iceland.
Kirkjufell
Iceland’s iconic and most photographed landmark near Grundarfjörður rises beside Kirkjufellsfoss, making every angle frame-worthy.
Kirkjufellsfoss
The thrice-cascading waterfall at the base of the jagged mountain adds essence and charm to the landscape, making it feel complete.
On our way back to Reykjavik, we passed through Borgarnes, where we stopped for a bite at Geirabakarí Kaffihús.
With that, our travel around the ring road came full circle. By sundown, we reached Reykjavik and checked into B18 Apartments for a couple of days before wrapping up our ultimate Iceland road trip.
Not ones to retire early, even after a long day, we got out and about in Reykjavik. After dinner at Hlemmur Mathöll, we walked over to Valdi’s for some ice cream and wandered the streets for some time.
Day 11 – The Iconic Blue Lagoon
Another rainy morning dawned, yet we were resolute about finishing everything on our itinerary.
Our first stop was Braud & Co., where we got their famous cinnamon bun with coffee. Despite the weather, a serpentine queue covered nearly half a block. When we finally got in, we managed a seat – unbelievable, since it’s not a sit-down cafe.
- Clock Tower at Hallgrímskirkja: We walked up Rainbow Street to the Hallgrímskirkja Church, this time exploring the interior and climbing the clock tower for an aerial view of the city.
- Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden & Museum: Located right behind the church is a peaceful spot featuring expressive sculptures. We just strolled through the garden but skipped the museum.
- Laugavegur Street: Reykjavík’s main shopping and culture street is lined with local shops, bookstores, and souvenir outlets.
The Blue Lagoon:
Nestled in the lava fields of the Reykjanes, this is Iceland’s iconic spot for relaxation. Featured among National Geographic’s 25 wonders of the world, the milky-blue waters draw hordes of travellers year-round.
The water is known to contain silica, algae and geothermal minerals, which de-stress, rejuvenate, and nourish the skin. After spending more than 3 hours experiencing this incredible place, we understood exactly why it’s a global bucket-list experience.
Twilight descended as we returned to the city for dinner at Harry’s Seafood and Grill Restaurant.
Day 12 – And it’s a Wrap
On our last day in Reykjavik, the weather brightened up.
We dropped the rental car at the city office and walked back to Laugavegur to brunch at Sandholt Bakery.
Afterwards, we shopped for souvenirs and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon around town.
We strolled around:
- Austurvöllur Square,
- Lake Tjörnin
- Grjótaþorpið, the oldest part of Reykjavik
- City Hall
- Hegingarhúsið Prison
- Hafnartorg Gallery Food Hall for coffee and small bites
A bit later, we checked out the interiors of Harpa, the architectural marvel, although we didn’t watch any shows.
Back at B18 Apartments, we rested a bit, packed up and went out for our last meal in the city. This time, we tried the Pósthús Food Hall & Bar.
Some cafes/food that we tried out and would like to mention. Most other places we ate at are already named throughout the blog.
- Vikinga Pylsur for hot dogs
- Reykjavik Roasters for great Coffee and free refills
- Skyr, most hotels will serve it at breakfast, but you can buy your own at Bonus or Kronan. We loved it.
Travel Tips: Your debit, credit, or travel cards work everywhere, no cash required. We had issues at gas stations, so we purchased prepaid cards available at staffed N1 stations during working hours. Always keep your tank at least half full.
Closing Thoughts
The purpose of this blog post is not just to help readers plan a vacation, but also to share the immersive experience of our time in Iceland.
Iceland is so much more than just a holiday. It is unlike any other place on the planet.
As my parting thoughts, I would like to share something I came across during my research. At the time, it didn’t resonate, although it did pique my curiosity.
Now, it beautifully sums up what Iceland felt like to me.
These are borrowed lines from Nicolò Cesa, an Italian author, sociologist and professional tour guide specialising in Iceland.
“Iceland, more than any other place on the planet, brings you back to your origins. It teaches you what it means to be a guest, a traveller, a tiny and helpless grain of sand at the mercy of the winds of existence, winds we, in our urban and postmodern lives, fool ourselves into thinking we can control or keep at bay. But we’re still the same thing, even if we’ve forgotten. Iceland is a timeless museum, eternal, where the most beautiful work of art is nothingness itself, the mother of all solitudes and silence is its soundtrack.”
Looking to plan your next adventure? For road trip inspiration across India, explore the following links:
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Suhrita Goswami is an experienced freelance content writer. She specializes in writing educational, travel, food, lifestyle and living related content. Her ideas are fresh & unique. She is an avid reader and travel enthusiast.