Iceland Trip Ideas & Inspiration
These are ways to shape a trip, not fixed packages. Iceland rewards a slower pace than the map suggests, because the weather and the stops along the way take time. Tell me how you like to travel and I’ll adjust the days.
Ways to spend the time
- 4–5 nights: Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and the south coast — A few nights in Reykjavík with day trips, or one night on the south coast near Vík. A good short trip, and a natural stopover between Canada and Europe.
- 6–8 nights: South to the glacier lagoon — The Golden Circle, then east along the south coast to Jökulsárlón, with a night or two in the southeast so the days aren’t all driving.
- 10+ nights: The Ring Road — The main road around the island, taking in the south, the east fjords, the north around Lake Mývatn and Akureyri, and back to Reykjavík. Best in summer, when the days are long.
- Self-drive: A camper van trip — A camper van combines your car and your bed, which suits a shorter, flexible trip. By law you must spend the night at a campsite, not at the roadside. Vans are not allowed on the highland F-roads.
Is Iceland right for this trip?
A good match if
- Dramatic scenery is the main reason for the trip
- You don’t mind changeable weather and packing layers
- You’d enjoy a road trip, or a short stopover on the way to Europe
- Snorkelling, hiking or chasing the northern lights sounds like you
Maybe look elsewhere if
- Warm weather and beach time are a must
- You want an inexpensive trip; Iceland is a costly destination
- You’d rather not drive and don’t want to rely on tours
Keep planning
- Things to See & Do — Reykjavík, the south coast and Silfra
- When to Go & Travel Tips — Seasons, driving and safety
- Europe travel planning — The bigger picture
- Expedition cruises — Iceland, Greenland and the Arctic by ship
- Scotland — More dramatic northern scenery
- Ireland — Coast, music and a road trip
- Trip checklist — Layers and waterproofs
Let’s plan your Iceland trip
Tell me when you’d like to go, how long you have, and whether you’d rather drive yourself, travel by camper van or join small-group tours. I’ll plan the route and book the stays, car and flights.
The initial 30-minute consultation is complimentary. The professional research fee is $50 per traveller aged 2 or older, paid before research begins.