How to spend 10 days in Iceland — 3 unique itineraries

Nestled in the North Atlantic, where geothermal wonders meet rugged landscapes, Iceland stands as a captivating canvas of natural beauty and untamed wilderness. A mix of glaciers, volcanoes, and enchanting folklore, makes it a fantastic place to take a 10-day Iceland itinerary.

Is 10 days enough for Iceland?

Yes, 10 days can be a sufficient amount of time to explore many of the key attractions in Iceland. The country is known for its stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, hot springs, and volcanic formations.

Remember that Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for various conditions.

Want to make the most of your 10 days in Iceland? Consider hiring a professional to plan your trip. Our Iceland travel experts will craft a perfect itinerary for you. And if you're still going to Iceland on your own, check out Rough Guides' content manager's personalized experience and find useful tips for your trip.

Places to visit on a 10-day Iceland itinerary

Here's our pick of the best places to visit on your 10-day trip to Iceland:

Vík

Kick off your Icelandic odyssey in Vík, a coastal village boasting black sand beaches and iconic sea stacks at Reynisfjara. Dive into the allure of this charismatic settlement, where the untamed beauty of the coast takes center stage. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Iceland.

Skaftafell

Next up is Skaftafell, nestled in Vatnajökull National Park. Nature's playground awaits with glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and diverse flora. Strap on your hiking boots for an adventure through this captivating landscape, a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Egilsstaðir

Discover the serene ambience of Egilsstaðir in the east. Lagarfljót Lake offers tranquility, while expansive forests and the impressive Hallormsstaðaskógur beckon explorers seeking an escape to nature in one of Europe's largest woodlands.

Akureyri

Journey to Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city, nestled amid striking landscapes. From the iconic Akureyrarkirkja church to the old town's charm, immerse yourself in the culture and dramatic fjord scenery of this northern delight.

Djúpivogur

Venture to Djúpivogur on the East Fjords, a haven for art enthusiasts. Outdoor installations dot the landscape, showcasing the town's dedication to creativity and environmental consciousness. Take a stroll and absorb the artistic vibe of this coastal retreat.

Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður, a colorful town nestled in a fjord, awaits with its unique charm. Meander through vibrant streets lined with historic buildings, immersing yourself in the artistic and cultural energy that defines this fjord-side destination.

Not a fan of planning? Our fully customizable Iceland itineraries allow you to go on the trip of your dreams without the hassle of researching and planning.

Tip from Rough Guides: Learn about the best ways to get to Iceland.

Itinerary #1: Iceland Ring Road in 10 days

Embark on a 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary, beginning with the Golden Circle exploration featuring the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park. Traverse the scenic south coast to Vík, exploring waterfalls, black sand beaches, and sea stacks. Continue to Skaftafell for glacier lagoons and the charming town of Egilsstaðir.

Discover the wonders of Lake Myvatn, follow the Diamond Circle route to Dettifoss waterfall, and explore Husavik, the whale-watching capital.

Head to Akureyri, explore North West Iceland and venture to Stykkishólmur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Explore Borgarfjordur, including Grabrok Crater and Hraunfossar waterfalls, before concluding your journey in Keflavík, exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula and the iconic Blue Lagoon before departure.

Itinerary overview

Check out this 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrive in Iceland and pick up your rental car.
• Drive the Golden Circle, Iceland’s popular sightseeing route.
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park.

Day 2

• Journey to Iceland’s scenic south coast.
• Enjoy views of glacier volcanoes along Road 1.
• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall and walk behind it.
• Explore Skogafoss waterfall, known for its rainbows.
• Relax on the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara with views of Reynisdrangar sea stacks and Dyrholaey cliff.

Day 3

• Discover Skaftafell National Park and its glacier lagoons.
• Hike in the Skaftafell nature reserve, including a short hike to Svartifoss waterfall.
• Visit Jokulsarlon, the famous glacier lagoon, and the “diamond” beach with icebergs.
• Explore Fjadrargljufur Canyon and nearby charming towns.

Day 4

• Drive through the scenic Eastfjords with towering mountains and fishing villages.
• Explore Egilsstadir, the capital of the Eastfjords.
• Drive around Lake Lagarfljot and visit Iceland’s largest forest.
• Hike to Hengifoss waterfall and explore Studlagil Canyon with impressive basalt columns.

Day 5

• Experience the wonders of Lake Myvatn.
• Visit Dimmuborgir Lava Park and Skutustadagigar craters.
• Discover bubbling geothermal areas and explore Viti and Hverfjall craters.
• Visit Grjotagja lava cave.

Day 6

• Follow the Diamond Circle route to Dettifoss waterfall.
• Explore Vesturdalur valley and Asbyrgi canyon.
• Discover the unique Hljodaklettar basalt formations and colorful Raudholar hills.
• Visit Husavik, the whale-watching capital, and relax at GeoSea geothermal sea baths.

Day 7

• Explore North West Iceland and Akureyri.
• Wander through downtown Akureyri, visiting architectural sites and museums.
• Marvel at Godafoss waterfall and explore lesser-visited gems like Hvitserkur sea stack and Borgarvirki fort.
• Look for seals along the Vatnsnes Peninsula coastline.

Day 8

• Discover the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, dominated by Snaefellsjokull Glacier volcano.
• Visit Kirkjufell Mountain and its picturesque waterfall.
• Explore lava fields, rock formations, and scenic coastal views.
• Look for orca whales and bird colonies.

Day 9

• Explore West Iceland and Borgarfjordur.
• Visit Grabrok crater and Glanni waterfall.
• Take a detour to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.
• Discover Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, and visit the medieval site of Reykholt.
• Hike to Glymur waterfall in Hvalfjordur Fjord.

Day 10

• Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula before departure.
• Drive through moon-like lava landscapes and visit colorful geothermal areas, bird cliffs, and the Bridge between the Continents.
• Relax at the world-famous Blue Lagoon before heading to the airport.

Ready to embark on an adventure? Book your trip now.

Short on time? Maximize your adventure with our 5-day Iceland itinerary, designed to hit all the highlights without feeling rushed.

Itinerary #2: Arctic Coast Way Fly & Drive

Embark on a 10-day Icelandic Arctic Coast itinerary, starting with a flight to Egilsstadir and exploration of Lake Lagarfljot. Journey through the remote Northeast, visiting Hraunhafnartangi, Raudinupur Cape, and the Earthquake Center in Kopasker. 

Explore remote fishing villages, including Raufarhofn and Melrakkasletta, known for arctic foxes. Follow the Diamond Circle route to Dettifoss, Vesturdalur Valley, and Asbyrgi Canyon before heading to Husavik for whale-watching. Discover the wonders of Lake Myvatn, visit Akureyri, and explore North-West Iceland, including the Skagi Peninsula and Vatnsnes Peninsula. 

Continue to West Iceland for the Grabrok crater, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss waterfalls, and Reykholt. Conclude your journey with an exploration of the Reykjanes Peninsula before departing from the airport. Read more.

Itinerary overview

Check out this 10-day itinerary of the Icelandic Arctic Coast:

Day 1

• Arrive in Iceland and transfer to the domestic airport.
• Take a flight to Egilsstaðir with stunning aerial views.
• Explore the town of Egilsstaðir.
• Options to visit Lake Lagarfljót, Fljótsdalur Valley, and Hallormsstaður Forest.

Day 2

• Journey through one of Iceland’s most remote regions.
• Visit Hraunhafnartangi for lighthouse and ocean views.
• Explore birdlife at Rauðinúpur Cape’s old volcano.
• Stop at the Earthquake Center in Kópasker.

Day 3

• Explore remote fishing villages along the Arctic Coast Way.
• Visit Raufarhöfn, the Arctic Circle Village, and the Arctic Henge.
• Enjoy rich wildlife and bird-watching at the Rauðanes and Langanes peninsulas.
• Discover Melrakkaslétta, known for its elusive Arctic foxes.

Day 4

• Follow the Diamond Circle route to Dettifoss waterfall.
• Explore Vesturdalur Valley with Hljóðaklettar basalt formations.
• Visit Ásbyrgi Canyon, home to a beautiful pond and serene forest.
• Head to Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital.
• Relax at GeoSea geothermal sea baths.

Day 5

• Discover the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn.
• Visit Dimmuborgir Lava Park and Skútustaðagígar craters.
• Explore bubbling geothermal areas, Víti, and Hverfjall craters.
• Visit Grjótagjá lava cave.

Day 6 

• Visit Akureyri, the heart of North Iceland.
• Explore downtown, architectural sites, museums, and botanical gardens.
• Marvel at Goðafoss waterfall.
• Discover lesser-known gems like Hvítserkur Sea Stack and Vatnsdalur Valley.
• Look for seals along the Vatnsnes Peninsula coastline.

Day 7 

• Visit Ketubjörg Cliffs for stunning ocean views.
• Explore Kálfshamarsvík lighthouse and basalt columns.

Day 8

• Discover the often-overlooked region of North-West Iceland.
• Revisit Hvítserkur sea stack and Borgarvirki Fort.
• Look for seals along the coastline.

Day 9 

• Explore the lava landscapes of West Iceland.
• Visit Grábrók crater and Glanni waterfall.
• Detour to Borgarfjörður to see Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.
• Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
• Discover Reykholt, known for its medieval center and Iceland’s oldest hot spring.
• Hike to Glymur waterfall in Hvalfjörður Fjord.

Day 10 

• Explore the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula.
• Visit colorful geothermal areas, bird cliffs, the Bridge Between the Continents, and the Blue Lagoon.
• Drive to the airport for departure.

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

Want an extended Icelandic adventure? Our 14-day itinerary lets you fully experience Iceland’s landscapes, culture, and hidden gems across the entire country.

Itinerary #3: The Magic of Eastern Iceland

Embark on a 10-day Eastern Iceland itinerary, starting in Höfn with glacier lagoon exploration and a lobster dinner. Travel to Djúpivogur, Fáskrúðsfjörður, and the East Fjords, discovering picturesque villages and nature reserves. 

Explore Seyðisfjörður, Egilsstaðir, and Lake Lagarfljót, then venture to Borgarfjörður Eystri, Vopnafjörður, and Raufarhöfn along the dramatic coastline.

Visit Ásbyrgi, Húsavík, and enjoy a whale-watching tour. Explore Jökulsárgljúfur, Dettifoss, and Mývatn, concluding the journey in Akureyri with visits to Skutustadagígar, Dimmuborgir, and Godafoss before departing from Akureyri International Airport. Read more.

Itinerary overview

Check out this 10-day Eastern Iceland itinerary:

Day 1

• Arrive at Höfn domestic airport and pick up your rental car.
• Drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
• Choose between a boat ride or glacier kayaking tour.
• Evening exploration of Höfn town and dinner featuring delicious lobster.

Day 2

• Drive to Djúpivogur.
• Cross the mountain pass for stunning glacier views.
• Explore Djúpivogur and its beautiful sights.
• Afternoon hike or boat tour to Papey Island.
• Continue to Fáskrúðsfjörður.

Day 3

• Explore the picturesque fishing villages of the East Fjords.
• Take a detour along the coast to a nature reserve for cave and quarry exploration.
• Overnight in Fáskrúðsfjörður.

Day 4

• Visit Mjóifjörður and Seyðisfjörður.
• Options to visit waterfalls or hike through scenic gorges.
• Continue to Egilsstaðir.

Day 5

• Explore the area around Lake Lagarfljót.
• Visit Iceland’s largest forest.
• Afternoon soak in hot pots and hiking along nearby trails.

Day 6

• Drive to Borgarfjörður Eystri, known for puffins and folklore about elves.
• Head north to Vopnafjörður.
• Visit a turf-roofed museum and see sea stacks along the shore.
• Overnight in Vopnafjörður.

Day 7 

• Drive along a dramatic coastline to Raufarhöfn.
• Visit the Arctic Circle village and the Arctic Henge.
• Overnight in Raufarhöfn.

Day 8

• Hike in the Ásbyrgi Canyon.
• Drive to Húsavík, known as the whale-watching capital of Europe.
• Enjoy a whale-watching tour.
• Overnight in Húsavík.

Day 9 

• Visit Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, Hljóðaklettar, and Dettifoss waterfall.
• Explore the Námaskarð geothermal area.
• Relax with a soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Day 10

• Discover the volcanic and geothermal wonders of Lake Mývatn.
• Visit Skútustaðagígar craters, Dimmuborgir lava formations, and Goðafoss waterfall.
• Continue to the charming town of Akureyri.
• Breakfast at your hotel, then drop off your rental car at Akureyri International Airport.

Create lasting memories in Iceland – book your trip with us.

Can't wait to see Iceland’s iconic sights? Make the most of a week with our 7-day itinerary, from black sand beaches to volcanic landscapes.

Prepare your 10-day Iceland itinerary

Allow our team of local Iceland travel experts to curate your dream trip to Iceland. When you're ready to embark on your adventure, reach out to us, and we'll craft a personalized itinerary just for you.

Feel free to browse our pre-designed Iceland itineraries for ideas, and remember that all can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For more inspiration, discover some of the best things to do in Iceland.

Prefer to do it alone? Get yourself a copy of The Rough Guide to Iceland and start planning your perfect itinerary. We also recommend reading our essential Iceland travel tips.

Want to explore Europe even more? We have prepared the most convenient European itineraries for you to explore the continent.