What you'll do
10 day Ring Road itinerary that will work for both summer and even winter (with slight adjustments).
🗺️ You will visit : Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Iceland, East Fjords, North Iceland + Troll Peninsula, Snæfellsnes, Reykjanes Peninsula
🚗 Pretty straight forward with no challenging roads (except for road to Háifoss - optional).
📸 Also great for first time visitors as it hits most of the popular sites and activities, but also shows more off the beaten path locations and quieter side of Iceland.
📝 You may need to adjust first and last day depending on your arrival and departure times.
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík (date)
✈️ Arrive at KEF Airport at :
🚗 Pick up rental car at the airport :
🏨 Accommodation in Reykjavík :
♨️ Blue Lagoon (on the way from the airport) or Sky Lagoon (later in the day)
🚶 Self-guided Reykjavík city tour
Keflavík International Airport
public_transport
Iceland's international Airport
Airport is located in Keflavík (not in Reykjavík as many people think!) which is about 45min drive from capital city Reykjavík.
It is a small airport, but you will find everything you need there from restaurants, shops, info centre, atms, etc.
TIP: if you want to buy alcohol in Iceland (after arrival or as a gift home before departure) buy it here in duty free store to save some $
Use airport transfers to get to your hotel, Blue lagoon or Reykjavík : https://www.re.is/tour/flybus or https://grayline.is/airport-bus-transfer
You can also use taxi ($$$) or use public bus (Strætó) https://www.straeto.is/en/route-planner/timetables/southern-peninsula/route-55
There're also shuttle services to get you to your rental car
🚗 Pick up car rental (use free shuttle bus in front of the arrivals hall)
BlueCar Rental : https://www.rexby.com/janiniceland/t/renting-a-car-in-iceland-how-to-save-9percent
Duration cca 45 min
Set navigation to ,,Hallgrímskirkja'' where you can park your car (paid parking right next to the church, use EasyPark or Parka app to pay)
Blue Lagoon
Hot Spring
Luxurious spa retreat in Iceland
Onlu 20 minutes drive from Keflavík international airport, Blue Lagoon Iceland Resort & Spa is a magical oasis where healing waters, luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and stunning views come together.
Hallgrimskirkja
Sightseeing
Iconic church in Reykjavík
Hallgrímskirkja is a vibrant church located in the heart of Reykjavík and one of the symbols of the city.
The parking there is free and it can be a good place to start if you want to do self guided Reykjavík walking tour.
You can also visit the top of the tower for some panoramic views of Reykjavík. Cost for the tower tickects : Adults: 1400 ISK, Children: 7-16 : 200 ISK
City tour. Walk to Frakkastígur street down towards the ocean.
One of the most popular bakeries in Iceland, especially famous for it's cinnamon buns
Tip : take some pastries to go for later
Plan B : if the weather is really bad, skip the tour and drive to the harbour area to do some indoor interactive activity near the city centre like Lava Tour or FlyOver Iceland.
Brauð & Co
restaurant
Warm cinnamon rolls in Reykjavík
Brauð & Co is a popular bakery in Reykjavík that lures you in with the irresistible smell of freshly baked bread and pastries. With locations around the city, this cozy spot is known for its warm cinnamon rolls that have people lining up out the door.
Continue walking straight and cross the main road by the ocean.
Sun Voyager
Sightseeing
Symbolic sculpture in Reykjavík
The Sun Voyager is a sculpture in Reykjavík, created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. It's like a dreamboat or an ode to the sun, symbolizing hope, progress, and freedom.
Harpa
Sightseeing
Cultural hub with diverse events
Harpa is a vibrant cultural and social hub located in the heart of Reykjavík, offering a diverse range of events, concerts, conferences, and more. With its award-winning architecture and top-notch facilities, Harpa is a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy music, dining, and entertainment. In short, it is a very unique building next to the harbour that's definitely worth a short visit.
From Harpa cross the main road to Ingólfsstræti street and then take left turn to Laugavegur Street.
📝 Note: This is a shorter version of the tour. If you want explore more you can continue walking to nearby Ingólfur square . On the way you can visit the Penis museum - nope, not a typo - or popular hotdog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur selling traditional icelandic hotdogs (lines can be very long though-you can get pretty much the same thing at the gas stations). For some history you can also check-out Settlement Exhibition and then walk past Tjörnin lake and down to Bankastræti.
Skólavörðustígur (Rainbow Street)
Sightseeing
Vibrant pedestrian street in Reykjavik
Skólavörðustígur also known as a Rainbow Street, is a vibrant pedestrian street in Reykjavik, known for its charming shops, cozy cafes, and colorful atmosphere.
🏨 Check-in to your hotel in downtown Reykjavík
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
hotel
Nice hotel in downtown
This hotel is right in the heart of Reykjavík, on Aðalstræti — one of the oldest streets in the city — just a short walk (about 200 meters) from the Reykjavík Art Museum. What makes it really stand out is that it’s actually built on top of a Viking-era longhouse, and there’s a small exhibition inside the hotel where you can see the ruins and even Iceland’s oldest human remains, dating back to around 870 AD.
The rooms are nicely decorated with a clean, modern feel — wooden floors, fresh bathrooms, and everything you need like satellite TV and a kettle for tea or coffee. There’s also an on-site café bar called Uppsalir if you feel like grabbing a drink or a bite without leaving the building.
Raðagerði Veitingahús
restaurant
Restaurant near Grótta Lighthouse
Cozy place for lunch or dinner combining Icelandic atmosphere and Italian cuisine .
Raðagerði Veitingahús is a cozy restaurant located by the beautiful Grótta nature reserve. With a diverse menu inspired by simple Italian cuisine, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal. You can book a table in advance and have a relaxing time at Raðagerði. If you're planning to visit with a group of more than 10 people, just shoot them an email at radagerdi@radagerdi170.is. Don't forget to give them a heads up if there are any changes or cancellations to your reservation. Enjoy your dining experience at Raðagerði!
Grótta Island Lighthouse
Sightseeing
Scenic lighthouse in Reykjavík
Nice photo spot in Reykjavík and a popular place to go watch northern lights.
Just remember to watch tide (or tide chart forecast) closely as the narrow path gets sometimes cut out and you might end up stranded there.
Grab a dinner in downtown Reykjavík or at Raðagerði Restaurant from where you can then take an evening walk over to Grótta Lighthouse.
And if you have time and you didn't go to Blue Lagoon on the way from the airport, you can visit Sky Lagoon for some relaxing evening experience.
Sky Lagoon
Hot Spring
Hot springs spa relaxation near Reykjavík
A good alternative to Blue Lagoon just a little further away near Reykjavík.
Admission : starts at 10.490 isk