4 Day Iceland Itinerary: Reykjavik To Vik, South Coast

Planning a trip to Iceland can feel a little overwhelming at first—there’s so much to see and figuring out what’s actually worth your time can be a challenge. I get it. I researched my Iceland road trip for months to curate the perfect 4 day Iceland itinerary.

My hope is this Iceland itinerary helps streamline your trip planning!

With just 4 days in Iceland I recommend focusing on the Golden Circle and Ring Road between Reykjavik to Vik.

This article includes:

• 4 day Iceland itinerary – downloadable map, route details, best stops
• Where to stay
• Estimated costs
• Tips for visiting Iceland

Best Way To Get To Iceland

The best airport for Iceland is Keflavik Airport, which is about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik.

While Reykjavik does have an airport in the city, it’s only for domestic flights and is quite small so you’re better off booking a flight into Keflavik and driving or taking a shuttle into Reykjavik.

NOTE: Most flights from North America arrive into Iceland between 6:00 – 8:00 am so you’ll be able to enjoy a full first day in Iceland!

TIP: Book a window seat on your night flight to Iceland – you might see Northern Lights from the plane!

Once you arrive at Keflavik you can rent a car from the airport or take a transfer into the city.

There are shuttle buses ($30) or private airport transfers ($40+) available to Reykjavik.

Renting A Car Or Campervan In Iceland

If you’re only planning to visit Reykjavik, you can get by without a rental car. There are plenty of public transportation and ride share options within the city.

However, to truly explore Iceland you’ll definitely need your own vehicle – especially if you want to see the south coast where some of the best waterfalls and glaciers are!

TIP: I recommend booking international rental cars with Discover Cars. As one of the largest rental car booking sites they’re able to negotiate the best deals and they offer free cancelation up to 48 hours before your pick-up.

NOTE: You do not need a 4×4 vehicle for this itinerary. However, if you want to explore the highlands (only accessible via F-Roads) you will need a 4×4 high clearance vehicle. More on F-Roads and rental car insurance later!

4 Day Iceland Itinerary Map

Use this map to plan your 4 day Iceland itinerary, including Golden Circle and Ring Road from Reykjavik to Vik! I’ve labeled items by activity type (noted by icon) and day (noted by color).

Day 1: Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik

Welcome to Iceland! Chances are you’re on a flight that arrives in the morning, so you’ll have all day to explore!

The airport is about 45-minutes from downtown Reykjavik. I recommend heading into town to explore for the day. This way you can stock up on any supplies you need, and adjust to the timezone before starting your road trip.

TIP: Like most things in Iceland, alcohol is very expensive. If you plan to buy alcohol during your trip I recommend picking it up at Duty Free before you leave the airport. You won’t find it cheaper anywhere else in Iceland.

1. Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lónið)

First, stop at Blue Lagoon! It’s a highlight to any Iceland itinerary and it’s located between the Keflavik airport and Reykjavik.

Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field. You’ll probably recognize its milky-blue waters from photos – it’s one of the most iconic photo spots in Iceland!

The mineral-rich waters that stay warm year-round, usually around 98–104°F (37–40°C), making it a perfect stop to relax after an international flight!

TIP: There are nice showers and changing rooms at Blue Lagoon, so you can refresh after your long flight and hot soak before exploring Reykjavik for the day.

You can book Blue Lagoon tickets in advance (which I highly recommend, since it usually sells out during the busy season).

TIP: The silica in the water can make your hair feel dry, and leaves a funky odor in your swimsuit. I recommend getting your hair wet before you get in the water to minimize damage from the silica. I also like to travel with a dry bag, so I can store my wet clothes in it without soaking everything in my suitcase. (You can also use it to keep your electronics dry on some of the wetter waterfall hikes in Iceland)

NOTE: Sky Lagoon is located near downtown Reykjavik and is a good alternative to Blue Lagoon.

2. Downtown Reykjavik (Skólavörðustígur)

Next, head into the heart of Reykjavik – to Skólavörðustígur, one of Reykjavík’s most iconic streets.

This is a popular spot, known for its colorful buildings, boutique shops, local art galleries, and the striking view of Hallgrímskirkja Church at the top of the hill.

FUN FACT: Historically, the name Skólavörðustígur refers to a trail leading from the city center to a stone cairn built by schoolboys on the hill where the Hallgrímskirkja church now stands.

You can explore on your own, or join a walking tour with a local guide!

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Skolavordustigur Rainbow Street

Skolavordustigur is one of the main streets in downtown Reykjavik and a popular spot to shop, stroll, and snap photos.

You’ll also hear it referred to as the Rainbow Street, especially during summer when the pavement is painted in vibrant rainbow stripes leading up to the church.

Originally done for Reykjavík Pride, the rainbow has become a semi-permanent symbol of inclusivity and one of the most photographed spots in the city.

💰 Cost: Free

Stay in downtown Reykjavik for night one before your Ring Road trip from Reykjavik to Vik, along the south coast.

There are many hotel choices in Reykjavik depending on your preferences and budget!

We stayed at Dalur HI ECO Hostel during our trip. It’s very budget-friendly and has shared hostel-style rooms starting around $35/night – it’s mostly young people in their early 20’s, so it can be a little bit loud when the nightlife groups return.

It’s also a bit farther away from the city center so expect a bit of a walk (45 minutes) or a short cab or bus ride (15 minutes).

Some great options that are more conveniently located to downtown are:

📍CityHub Reykjavik – sleeping pods, centrally located and affordable
📍Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel – luxury hotel with cozy vibes and full amenities
📍Vacation Rental – private space, sleeps up to 6

NOTE: Most downtown hotels do not have free parking.

Day 2: Reykjavik To Golden Circle

One your second day, head out of Reykjavik to the Golden Circle (about 45 minutes away). Total drive time is only 2.5 hours, but there are many stops to see!

I recommend exploring the Golden Circle and ending the day in Selfoss so you’re perfectly situated for an easy start to day 3 which follows the south coast.

The best way to see the Golden Circle from Reykjavik is with your own rental car so you can go at your own pace, and stop at hidden gems that bus tour’s don’t include in their Golden Circle Iceland itinerary.

NOTE: if you prefer a bus tour, the best one is this day trip from Reykjavik to the Golden Circle because it includes a stop at Fridheimar and Sky Lagoon (as well as other great stops on the Golden Circle).

1. Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir)

Thingvellir National Park is the first stop on a Golden Circle Iceland itinerary, and about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

You can walk between continents, snorkel in glacial waters, and visit ancient Viking meeting grounds.

Thingvellir is where Iceland’s history and geology collide—literally. It’s the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament (the Althing, founded in 930 AD) and sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are drifting apart.

Walk the Almannagjá Gorge

Almannagjá Gorge is a paved trail through the rift valley where the plates are pulling apart.

It’s a short 2.5 mile loop trail that takes approximately 1.5 hours and brings you to several beautiful cliffs and Oxararfoss waterfall.

💰 Cost: Free

Snorkel or Dive in Silfra Fissure

Silfra Fissure is one of the clearest freshwater dive sites in the world, where you can swim between continents in glacier water filtered through volcanic rock.

I recommend booking your snorkel tickets in advance as this usually sells out! The water is cold year-round (2–4°C / 35–39°F) but you’ll be given a dry suit to stay warm.

💰 Cost: $150 USD

2. Brúarfoss Waterfall: glacier blue water

Bruarfoss is a hidden gem along the Golden Circle. It’s far less popular, so you won’t find busloads of people here.

It gets its name from a natural stone arch that once spanned the river (but has since collapsed). Today, it’s popular because of it’s vivid, glacier-blue water, and is sometimes referred to as “Blue Waterfall”.

There are two options to hike to Bruarfoss: A short, easy 0.5 mile trail to the falls or a longer 4 mile trail that includes two additional waterfalls, Hlauptungufoss and Miðfoss.

3. Haukadalur (Geysir & Strokkur Geysers)

Haukadalur is the next stop on a Golden Circle road trip. Its home to two famous geysers: Geysir and Strokkur.

While Geysir is mostly dormant, it’s famous for being the origin to the word geyser.

Strokkur is an active geyser that erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting water up to 100 feet (30 meters) in the air.

4. Gullfoss Waterfall “Golden Falls”

10 minutes past Haukadalur is Gullfoss – one of the best waterfalls in Iceland! This is definitely worth a stop, but you can easily see the waterfall in half an hour as both the viewpoints are a short walk from the parking area.

There are two main viewpoints:

• Upper viewpoint (wheelchair/stroller accessible): Gives a broad view of the two-tier waterfall and canyon.
• Lower viewpoint (via stairs): Gets you closer to the waterfall for that mist-on-your-face experience.

5. Fridheimar Tomato Farm

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the tomato beer and tomato ice cream!

NOTE: Fridheimar Tomato Farm is open until 4:00 pm daily and reservations are highly recommended.

6. Kerid Crater (Kerið)

Kerid Crater is a short, but super interesting stop. This was a cone-shaped volcano that erupted and emptied its magma reserve, which caused the cone to collapse into the empty chamber, creating the crater.

During the summer, the water in the crater is a vivid blue. When I visited during the winter the lake was frozen. From here you can really see why they call Iceland the “land of fire and ice”!

Hotels Near The Golden Circle

I recommend staying near Selfoss on your second night in Iceland. It’s close to the Golden Circle, and is a great starting location for day 3 as you continue along the south coast towards Vik.

Top hotels near Selfoss:

📍Hotel Hjarðarból – mid-range Icelandic guesthouse
📍Hotel Selfoss – mid-range & very walkable
📍Cozy cottage with Icelandic charm – vacation rental

Day 3: South Coast Of Iceland To Vik

1. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most unique waterfalls in Iceland because it has a cave-like path where you can walk behind the falls and get a full 360° view.

It’s an impressive 197 ft (60 m) tall waterfall that plunges over a cliff that you’ll see from the main road, even before turning off to the parking area.

The path on the far side of the waterfall (left side) tends to be a bit slippery, and has a few sections that I would classify more as a scramble than a stair step (but only one or two, with moderate mobility you can tackle the full loop).

TIP: Wear a rain jacket and waterproof shoes if you want to walk behind the waterfall – you will definitely get wet!

Beyond Seljalandsfoss is a lesser known hidden gem – Gljufrabui (meaning: Canyon Dweller). It’s a 10-minute hike past Seljalandsfoss and is a smaller waterfall hidden behind a narrow canyon wall.

You’ll need to walk through a shallow stream or hop rocks to reach Gljúfrabúi, but it’s a relatively easy hike and definitely worth it to escape the crowds.

2. Skógafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss is another easily accessible waterfall right off the road from Reykjavik to Vik, along the south coast of Iceland.

You can walk right up to the base of Skogafoss, or take a staircase with over 400 steps to a viewing platform at the top, which is also the access to several hiking trails beyond the falls.

Some of the most famous hiking trails in Iceland starts from Skogafoss waterfall!

Waterfall Way (sometimes called Skógá Trail) is 16 miles round-trip between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers, and treks past 26 different waterfalls.

Fimmvörðuháls Trail is an extension of Waterfall Way and takes you from Skógar to Thórsmörk (also spelled Þórsmörk). This is a harder hike, and is 14.6 miles (one-way) which takes around 8 hours to complete.

NOTE: you’ll need to pre-arrange transportation back from Thórsmörk to Skogar for this one-way route. There are limited options, so advanced planning is necessary. Southcoast Adventure and Reykjavik Excursions both offer Thorsmork transfers.

On these trails you’ll see Fosstorfufoss, Steinbogafoss, Neðstifoss, Fremri-Fellsfoss, Kæfufoss, as well as Heljarkambur Peak and Magni Volcano.

This hike passes through high elevation, so keep a close eye on the weather forecast as it can change quickly in mountain passes. I also recommend trekking poles and microspikes for these hikes as they tend to be icy well into the summer months.

3. Kvernufoss Waterfall

Just a short ways past Skogafoss is Kvernufoss. It’s a lesser known waterfall, but equally beautiful.

From the parking lot, the half mile long trail follows the river through the canyon to the falls.

The waterfall is nestled into the back of the canyon, and you’re able to walk behind it, similar to Seljalandsfoss, but without the crowds.

4. Sólheimajökulll Glacier

Solheimajokull is one of the most accessible glaciers in Iceland, making it one of the most visited even though it’s one of Icelands smaller glaciers.

It’s located just off of Ring Road, between Reykjavik and Vik. The glacier lagoon is a 15 minutes walk from the parking lot, so it’s an easy and quick stop before you continue on to Vik.

NOTE: Do NOT attempt to walk on the glacier without a certified guide. Crevasses can be deadly and often aren’t visible until it’s too late. You can book guided tours of Solheimajokull here.

5. Dyrhólaey Peninsula

Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula on the southern coast of Iceland, between Reykjavik and Vik, known for its dramatic cliffs, with views of endless black sand beaches in one direction and glaciers in the other. It was one of my favorite stops on my Iceland road trip!

One of its most famous views, the arch-shaped rock formation that juts out into the Atlantic, is also it’s namesake. Dyrhólaey means “door hill island” in Icelandic, and the arch (like a door) has been carved out by the sea.

From the upper viewpoint you can see black sand beach of Reynisfjara, the sea stacks of Reynisdrangar, Dyrhólaey lighthouse and the stone arch.

Dyrholaey is also home to puffins and Arctic terns! Puffins nest here from May to early August, and it’s one of the best spots on the mainland to watch puffins.

There’s an easy path you can walk down to Kirkjufjara Beach. It’s a beautiful black sand beach, right next to Reynisfjara Beach.

6. Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach is a must-see stop on any Iceland itinerary. Its home to the iconic black sand beaches, famous sea stacks and fascinating basalt rock stacks (formed from cooling lava) that Iceland is known for.

This beach is so visually stunning it’s even been featured in films like Game of Thrones and Star Wars.

Along the east side of the beach you’ll find Hálsanefshellir Cave – a sea cave formed from massive hexagonal columns. You can climb a few, but avoid the wet ones and don’t go deep into the cave during high tide.

From the coast you can spot the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Local lore says that these stacks are trolls who turned to stone when caught in the sun.

7. Vik (Vík í Mýrdal)

Finally, arrive in Vik after a full day of exploring Iceland’s south coast. I loved my time in Vik, and even spent an extra night here after getting snowed in. Luckily, there are plenty of fun things to do in Vik, and several great spots to eat!

It’s formal name is Vík í Mýrdal, but it’s mostly referred to as Vik. This is a popular spot because it’s one of the few towns along the Ring Road with a gas station, grocery store, and accommodations.

Since it only takes 2.5 hours to drive from Reykjavik to Vik, it’s the perfect spot to overnight before continuing on with your Iceland itinerary.

Vik sits just beneath the massive Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which also hides an active volcano (Katla volcano) beneath it. I guess no matter where you live in Iceland you have to get used to proximity to volcanos!

One of the most popular spots in Vik is Vík Church (Víkurkirkja). It’s a red-roofed church perched on a hill above the town.

FUN FACT: Vík Church also doubles as the designated evacuation point if Katla ever erupts.

During the summer, the hills beside Vík Church are filled with Lupines, and after dark this is a great spot to watch the northern lights.

After dinner, we wandered up the road to the top of the hill. There are lots of open fields next to the church where you can find a quiet spot to sit and see the aurora borealis trail across the sky.

Horseback Riding in Vik

While you’re in Vik, I highly recommend a sunset or sunrise horseback ride to Reynisfjara Beach. This was one of my favorite activities on my Iceland road trip (ice caves were my other favorite – more on that next!).

Even if you don’t have much experience with horses this is a great activity! The guides will pair you with a horse that fits your experience level. My horse was named Silfur (translation: Silver).

💰 Cost: $120 USD

Where To Eat In Vik

While most of Iceland isn’t exactly known for it’s food, Vik has some really great and delicious restaurants!

📍Restaurant Suður-Vík
📍Skool Beans
📍The Soup Company

I recommend dinner at Restaurant Suður-Vík, it’s a short walk through town (or they have parking next door) and the food and service were both fantastic! I recommend the curry.

In the morning, be sure to stop by Skool Beans (on the outskirts of town behind the campground.)

It’s an old school bus that has been turned into a cafe (the hot chocolate is delicious!), and they have a small gift store inside with local art and jewelry.

There’s also a Kronan grocery store in Vik, which is one of the larger markets along Ring Road, and a great place to stock up on snacks for the remainder of your Iceland road trip!

Where To Stay In Vik

There are several options for hotel or guesthouse accommodations in Vik, and they’re all really conveniently located and walkable to most things in town.

It’s also possible to stay a little farther outside of town and drive into Vik, instead. Parking is much easier in Vik than Reykjavik.

We stayed at Hotel Kria and loved it. It’s right in the center of town, so we were able to walk to dinner and shopping easily. The rooms are well appointed, but my favorite part was the dining and working areas.

We were snowed in at Vik for an extra day, which meant we spent a bit more time cooped up indoors than we had originally planned. Hotel Kria had nice, quiet spaces to get some work done, play card games and hang out.

📍Hótel Kría – stunning mid-range hotel in the middle of town (pictured below)
📍Guesthouse Carina – friendly Icelandic guesthouse in Vik
📍Cozy Luxury Chalet – vacation rental outside of Vik

Day 4: Vik To Skaftafell & Reykjavik

Day 4 of this Iceland itinerary has a bit of driving, but it’s well worth it – I promise!

First, head a bit farther east towards Vatnajökull National Park where you’ll find Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (with floating icebergs!), Diamond Beach, and the launch point for exploring ice caves or hiking on a glacier.

Then, turn around and start your trip back to Reykjavik or the airport. On the way, you’ll pass Svartifoss waterfall, Eldhraun lava field, and Fjadrargljufur Canyon.

1. Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park covers nearly 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. It’s namesake, Vatnajökull Glacier, is also the largest glacier in Europe (by volume).

There are tons of great outdoorsy things to do in Vatnajökull National Park. The primary glacier (Vatnajökull) is the source for several smaller outlet glaciers, like Breiðamerkurjökull (which provides the floating icebergs in Jökulsárlón Lagoon and Diamond Beach).

2. Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Lagoon is fascinating to see – year-round you’ll find icebergs bobbing in the lagoon.

There’s a short trail around the water, and if you walk a short ways past the parking area you’ll be able to get away from the crowds.

This is also the meeting location for most excursions, and has nice (heated) restrooms and a small cafe with counter-service and pretty good coffee!

Explore Glacier Ice Caves

Vatnajökull National Park is also home to my favorite part of my Iceland road trip – exploring an ice cave!

You’ll recognize ice caves (sometimes called glacier caves) from their deep blue ice walls.

The caves also have a ripple pattern on the walls because they’re formed when glacier melt water runs through it and hallows it out.

FUN FACT: The bluer the ice, the older and denser it is. When ice compresses over centuries, it squeezes out air bubbles—letting light bounce in magical ways.

I didn’t even know ice caves were a thing until I started planning my trip to Iceland, and then I was hooked! I absolutely had to see one.

So I researched which glacier caves were the best and decided to book an Ice Cave Tour of Vatnajökull Glacier from Jökulsárlón.

This tour is a 10/10 recommendation from me! It’s a bit pricy, but well worth it (and once you see the massive super jeep needed to access the glacier you’ll understand the price! Those jeeps are a quarter million dollars each.)

Our guide picked us up from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon parking area in a massive off-roading jeep (necessary for navigating the very rugged backcountry terrain in Iceland), and explained a bit about the geography, history and wildlife as we road out to the glacier.

In total, the tour takes around 3 hours – including travel time to the glacier (~30 minutes), a short hike to the ice cave, and time inside the cave to explore.

💰 Cost: $175 USD

NOTE: Most ice caves are only safe to explore from November through March. During the summer, they’re fairly unstable due to the glacier melt. The exception is Katla Ice Cave, near Vik, which is open year-round.

Glacier Hikes

3. Diamond Beach (Fellsfjara)

Across the street from Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon is Diamond Beach – which is definitely a bucket list item for any trip to Iceland!

The black sand beach is usually filled with soccer ball sized chunks of ice that have broken off of the icebergs in Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon.

The ocean carries these floating pieces of ice, that look a lot like jumbo sized diamonds, in and out of the beach with the tides.

The best time to visit is during colder months, when there are more “diamonds”, but you can see it any time of the year.

NOTE: Sneaker waves are possible here, so always be cautious when on the beach.

There’s a large parking lot next to the beach, so the crowds tend to gather directly in front to fit. If you walk a little farther up the beach you’ll be able to avoid the crowds.

TIP: This is the farthest east you’ll travel on this 4 day Iceland Itinerary. From here, it’s a 5 hour drive back to Reykjavik or the airport. I recommend planning for 8 hours to return, including stops and short hikes at Svartifoss, Fjadrargljufur Canyon and Eldhraun.

4. Svartifoss Waterfall

Svartifoss is famous for its dark basalt columns that frame the waterfall like organ pipes, giving it a dramatic and architectural appearance. The black columns also give Svartifoss its name – Black Falls.

In order to see Svartifoss you must hike a 2.1 mile trail to the base of the waterfall, located just behind Svartifoss Campground, along Ring Road.

AllTrails has this hike classified as moderate, but I think anyone can complete this hike if you take it at your own pace.

The short hike will also pass by two smaller waterfalls (Hundafoss and Magnúsarfoss) on the way to Svartifoss.

I thought the trail was wide and well-maintained, but there is a gradual incline for most of the 1-mile hike up to the falls.

There is also one section with a narrow 6-foot bridge over a creek that requires some balance to cross.

TIP: Trekking poles would be helpful on this trail if you’re concerned about balance, mobility or endurance.

5. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is something straight out of a fairytale with moss-covered cliffs, winding rivers, and panoramic cliffside trails.

About 9,000 years ago, near the end of the last Ice Age, the glacier meltwater from the Fjaðrá River carved the narrow, winding canyon that is up to 328 feet (100 meters) deep.

There’s a short, easy, well-marked 2 mile hike along the canyon. You’ll have incredible views the entire way, but my favorite is top of the canyon, where the river curves in a dramatic “S” shape.

NOTE: The trail closes occasionally after periods of heavy use, or significant rainfall – usually in early spring. Keep an eye on the AllTrails hiking guide to check current trail conditions.

6. Eldhraun lava field

Eldhraun was formed during a massive volcanic eruption between 1783–1784. The eruption was one of the most devastating eruptions in human history and lasted for 8 months, causing widespread famine in Iceland and a drop in global temperatures (known as a volcanic winter) which caused crop failures throughout Europe.

Today, it’s one of the largest lava fields in the world, and the most hauntingly beautiful place on the Ring Road.

Thick, velvety moss now covers the ancient lava and has turned it into a green, rocky blanket of rolling formations. It’s often foggy here, which adds to its otherworldly vibes.

Just off Ring Road is a viewpoint and a short hiking trail (0.1 miles) through the lava fields. It’s definitely worth a quick stop to see.

NOTE: Please be sure to stick to the designated path! The moss that covers the lava rocks and makes this place special is easily damaged when walked on, and can take decades to regrow.

Quick Tips: Planning A Trip To Iceland

There’s a few challenges that come with planning a trip to Iceland due to it’s unpredictable weather and the remoteness of most of the country.

These are a few tips I learned from my recent Iceland road trip:

Pack Snacks From Home

The cost of food and groceries in Iceland are expensive. As a country that has to import most of their food, expect to pay a premium for basics and have limited options in the grocery stores.

I packed some granola bars and non-perishable items in my suitcase which worked well on our road trip as snacks or backup options if our meal plans were delayed.

Book Everything In Advance

There are limited options in Iceland for hotels, rental cars (especially if you need an automatic vehicle), tours etc. This is a very tricky destination to show up and “wing it”.

The majority of visitors come to Iceland in the summer, which means you’ll have to book extra far in advance in order to get better rates and find availability.

Car rental rates significantly increase as you get closer to your travel dates, so I highly recommend securing something as soon as possible so you can save money.

DiscoverCars is a great option, and they offer free cancellations as long as it’s more than 48 hours before your scheduled pick-up time.

Prepare For All Weather (Even Summer Blizzards)

Weather is unpredictable all year. You’ll want to be prepared for wind, rain, ice and sun. That’s a lot of things to remember to pack.

Even in the summer, temperatures do not typically exceed 60°F (15°C), and you could even see snow.

Along the south coast of Iceland you will almost certainly experience strong winds and rain during your trip. Waterproof jackets and shoes are a must.

Expect limited services

Cell coverage is fairly decent in Iceland – as long as you’re near cities or on major routes (like Ring Road), but I would still recommend downloading an offline map in the Google Maps app prior to your trip so you’re able to navigate without cell connection.

Most rental car companies will offer a mobile wifi device with your rental for a small fee – get it!

This is a great option if you do not have international data on your cell plan (for example, Verizon will not work in Iceland if you haven’t paid their international data fees).

You can connect to the wifi device to use your phone instead of paying for international data rates. Typically, the wifi plan through your rental car will be less expensive than the daily international service fees you’ll pay (for example, Verizon is $10/day.)

Additionally, there are infrequent gas stations along Ring Road, especially in more remote areas, so be mindful of how much gas is left in your tank and refill when you have the opportunity.

TIP: Many gas stations are not staffed, so you cannot pay an attendant and you must pay at a machine with a credit or debit card. In Iceland, a pin is required to use any card (debit and credit). Be sure you know the pin number for your credit or debit card before you travel! – yes, credit cards have pin numbers!

Get Travel Insurance (With International Medical Coverage)

I used to think travel insurance was unnecessary… and then I realized that most US healthcare plans do not cover you for incidents which occur outside of the US.

Now, I always travel internationally with a supplemental travel insurance plan.

My favorite travel insurance company is SafetyWing, for a few reasons:

• You can find plans for as few as 5-days, or for full-time nomadic travel
• The website is really easy to use, and they’re very transparent about what is (and isn’t) included in each plan
• It’s really affordable – I paid $60 for an entire month abroad!
• It includes emergency medical and trip protection

What are F-Roads?

F-Roads are rough mountain roads in the Highlands of Iceland, and are typically only open in summer.

Legally, you must have a 4×4 vehicle to drive on an F-Road. If you are renting a vehicle, make sure your rental agreement allows driving on F-Roads (many do not).

Some rental car agencies will require additional insurance if you plan to use F-Roads.

Don’t worry – there are no F-Roads on this Iceland itinerary! Unless you plan to go deep into the Highlights most of the main roads in Iceland are paved and well maintained.

NOTE: If you’re keen to try F Roads in Iceland I have a complete beginner guide on the topic! It includes a downloadable map and suggested routes for first-timers.

Upgrade Your Rental Vehicle Insurance

I typically don’t think it’s worth upgrading rental vehicle insurance, but in Iceland I highly recommend it.

There are a massive number of things that can damage your vehicle that are not covered under the basic coverage.

Most rental companies include mandatory liability insurance and CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) in the base price. Typically, the deduction for damages is around $2,200 USD.

At a minimum, I recommend adding gravel protection. It’s not covered in most base plans, and it’s the most common type of damage in Iceland.

I have a friend who was charged over $800 to replace a rear window that was knocked out due to a rock that was thrown into her window by a passing vehicle.

It may also be worth upgrading your plan so you have a lower deductible if something does happen.

TIP: Wind can be incredibly strong in Iceland. Many people have car doors ripped off from the wind, so be extra careful when getting in and out of your vehicle.

Lodging Tax In Iceland (Gistináttaskattur)

Iceland has a lodging tax, also called Gistináttaskattur, that is applied to each nights stay. Rates are slightly different depending on whether you’re in a hotel or a campground.

This tax is not always included in your booking price, and it’s not uncommon for it to be paid on-site when you arrive.

Because the US typically includes tax in the booking price this European practice can sometimes catch travelers off guard – it’s not a scam! Just a different culture.

• Hotels, guesthouses, and similar accommodations: 800 ISK ($6 USD) per night.
• Campsites and motorhome/caravan parking spots: 400 ISK ($3 USD) per night.

Important Websites & Apps For An Iceland Road Trip

• Vedur.is for up-to-date forecasts and storm warnings
• Road.is for current road conditions
• EasyPark or Parka to easily pay for parking
• Google Maps for offline maps you can access without using data
• My Aurora Forecast for northern lights alerts and predictions

Best Time To Visit Iceland

Honestly, Iceland is fantastic during any season! One of the reasons I love Iceland so much is because depending on when you visit you’ll have an entirely different experience.

You can return over and over again and always have something new to explore.

⚠️ Winter Storms are not uncommon, and can bring hurricane-force winds over 100 mph which cause roads to close – sometimes for days. Be sure to build in some “buffer” time in your winter Iceland itinerary so you don’t get stuck and miss your return flight.

What To Pack For Iceland