Iceland has always been high on my travel bucket list. After years of dreaming about its stunning landscapes, I finally made it to the “land of fire and ice.” What was once just a dream is now a reality, and I’m excited to share my 7-day Iceland itinerary with you! In just 7 days, my friends and I explored the best of Iceland’s Golden Circle, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and South Coast. Think towering waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal hot springs, and glacier-studded mountains. All in one epic road trip!
If you’re planning your own adventure, this Iceland itinerary will help you hit all the highlights while uncovering a few hidden gems along the way. This post is quite a long one, so if you don’t have time to go through it all right now, consider pinning it on Pinterest for later! Let’s dive in and make your Icelandic dream come true!
Table of Contents
Planning Your Iceland Trip: Things to Know Before You Go
Do I need a Schengen Visa to enter Iceland?
Depending on your nationality, you may need a Schengen Visa to visit Iceland. Iceland allows up to 90-day visa-free travel for citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and most European nations. However, if you’re from a country that requires a visa to enter the Schengen Area, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen Visa at least 3 months before your trip. To help you prepare, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen Visa.
Do I need Travel Insurance for Iceland?
Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen Visa to visit Iceland. As a Philippine passport holder, I needed a Schengen Visa, so naturally, travel insurance was a requirement. For my trip, I chose Malayan Insurance Travel Master plan (not sponsored!), which meets Schengen Travel Visa Insurance requirements. This plan offers comprehensive coverage, including COVID-19 protection for emergency medical treatment, such as hospitalization due to a COVID-19 infection, and trip cancellation if the insured tests positive for COVID-19 before traveling. Thankfully, I didn’t need to make any claims during this adventure!
How to get to Iceland
From the US
If you’re coming from the US, major airlines like Icelandair, Delta and PLAY Airlines offer direct flights to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) from cities such as New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS), with flight times averaging 5–7 hours. If your city doesn’t have direct flights to Iceland, you can easily connect through major hubs like New York, Boston, or Toronto.
From other European Countries
Several European cities offer direct flights to Iceland’s Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Flight durations typically range from 2.5 to 4.5 hours. Popular departure cities include:
- London (LHR, LGW, STN): Icelandair, British Airways, PLAY Airlines, and easyJet
- Copenhagen (CPH): Icelandair, SAS, and PLAY Airlines
- Amsterdam (AMS): Icelandair, KLM
- Paris (CDG/ORY): Icelandair, PLAY Airlines, and Transavia
- Berlin (BER): Icelandair, PLAY Airlines, easyJet
- Frankfurt (FRA): Icelandair, Lufthansa
From the Philippines
Traveling to Iceland from the Philippines requires at least two layovers, as there are no direct flights. The most common routes to Iceland from the Philippines involve connecting flights through major hubs in Asia and Europe. The total travel time can range from 20 to 30 hours, depending on layover durations and the route you choose. Here are some examples:
- Manila (MNL) → Singapore (SIN) → Copenhagen (CPH) → Reykjavik (KEF)
- Manila (MNL) → Doha (DOH) → London (LHR) → Reykjavik (KEF)
- Manila (MNL) → Dubai (DXB) → Amsterdam (AMS) → Reykjavik (KEF)
Iceland was one of the Nordic countries we visited on our winter trip, so we didn’t fly from Manila. We flew in from Helsinki. Our flight departed Helsinki at 16:05 and landed at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) at 16:55 local time. While the flight itself took nearly 4 hours, the two-hour time difference between Finland and Iceland made it feel much shorter on paper!
How to get around Iceland
Renting a Car
Renting a car is the best way to explore Iceland. We rented our car from Blue Car Rental and opted for the highest coverage possible, including zero-liability insurance. This covered damages typically included in CDW/SCDW, GP, TP, Tire Protection, and SAAP, but also extended to damages like the underside of the car, wind-blown doors, and water damage. It’s an extra expense, but peace of mind is priceless.
For our 6-day car rental, we paid ISK 115,496 (PHP 47,167 or USD 826), which was an amazing deal! Since we were a group of five, it only worked out to 9,433.50 pesos per person! Such a great value for the convenience and flexibility it gave us throughout the trip!
This amount doesn’t include gas, tolls, or parking fees. But if you’re curious, those additional costs came to about ISK 61,886 (PHP 25,794 or USD 441), bringing the total to around 14,592 pesos (or USD 250) per person for the entire car rental experience!
Guided Tours
If driving isn’t your thing, guided tours are a fantastic alternative. Let’s face it. Sometimes it’s just a relief to know that all your travel needs are taken care of, especially in a new destination like Iceland. They’re ideal for solo travelers, those uncomfortable driving in winter, or anyone on a short trip. Here are some of the top-rated tours in Iceland:
- From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour
- Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise
- Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon Tour
- From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip
- Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik
Public Transportation in Iceland
Iceland’s public transportation system consists primarily of buses operated by Strætó, which are easy to spot thanks to their bright yellow color. While the network is limited compared to other countries, it’s a convenient way to get around Reykjavík and nearby areas. Strætó also connect Reykjavík with Keflavík International Airport (KEF), with schedules aligned to match incoming and outgoing flights.
To use Strætó, you have several payment options:
- One of the Klapp solutions
- Reykjavík City Card
- Contactless payment with a debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, and Europay) when you board
- Contactless payment with Apple Pay or Google Pay when you board
- Cash payment when you board (note that bus drivers do not provide change)
While Strætó buses are useful for urban travel, they don’t reach most tourist attractions, making them less ideal for exploring Iceland’s natural wonders. For that, renting a car or joining guided tours is a better option to follow this Iceland itinerary.
How to get to Reykjavik from Keflavík International Airport (and Vice Versa)
Since Mirro and Abby’s flight was earlier than ours, they took the rental car with them. The rest of us booked the Flybus, a hassle-free and comfortable airport transfer service. Flybus operates every 30–45 minutes and takes about 45 minutes to reach Keflavík International Airport (KEF) from BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. I highly recommend booking this online in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
- 👉🏼 Book your airport transfer from Reykjavík to KEF here!
- 💰 Price: Around ISK 3,500–4,500 ($25–$35 USD) per person
Where to Stay in Iceland
Choosing where to stay largely depends on your Iceland itinerary and travel preferences.
Day Trips from Reykjavík
If you’re planning to explore Iceland through day trips from Reykjavík, the capital is the perfect base. It’s conveniently located near Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and offers easy access to popular attractions like the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and more. It’s also a popular choice for travelers visiting Iceland in winter who prefer not to drive in challenging winter conditions.
Self-Drive Trip Across Iceland
If you’re opting for a self-drive adventure, staying in different locations across the country will allow you to fully experience Iceland’s diverse landscapes. If you follow this Iceland itinerary, you’ll need to book accommodations in Reykjavik, Grundarfjörður, Vik, and Höfn.
You can still book accommodations at these places if you’re planning to tackle the Ring Road in one week, but you’ll need to add a few more stops in the north (e.g., Akureyri or Húsavík) and East Iceland. Essentially, you can book accommodations anywhere along the Ring Road, as long as it’s within your driving range for the day.
Below are the accommodations my friends and I stayed in during this trip.
Baron’s Hostel Reykjavik
The hostel offers budget-friendly accommodations in Reykjavik, just a 5-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja. That said, the building itself feels pretty dated. The long hallways look straight out of a hospital, and the elevator was the creepiest part of all. It was huge, big enough to fit hospital beds, which only convinced me even more that this place used to be a hospital lol! Still, for a short 1-2 night stay, it was a decent option, with clean bathrooms, plenty of shower areas, and a spacious communal kitchen with massive windows perfect for northern lights viewing!
Grund i Grundarfirdi
This charming guesthouse is nestled in the picturesque town of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It offers cozy rooms with breathtaking views of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and the surrounding coastline. A vehicle is essential to stay here, as it’s located outside the town proper in a remote area. However, its secluded location makes it the perfect spot to catch the northern lights!
Vík Apartments
This apartment is a fantastic option for families or groups exploring Iceland’s South Coast. It boasts spacious, spotless bedrooms, cozy living areas, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The fully equipped kitchen was a highlight, perfect for preparing meals, while the washing machine proved invaluable for tackling laundry before the next leg of our journey.
Skyrhúsid HI-Hostel
Skyrhúsid HI-Hostel is a cozy, budget-friendly haven along Iceland’s iconic Ring Road (Route 1) in the charming village of Höfn. It gets incredibly dark here at night, making it the perfect spot for spotting the northern lights. The shared kitchen is a standout, stocked with free goodies like coffee, fresh juices, milk, cookies, and traditional Icelandic cake. It truly felt like a home away from home!
What to Pack for a Winter Trip to Iceland
Start with thermal base layers to retain body heat, then add wool or fleece sweaters for extra insulation. An insulated, waterproof, and windproof winter jacket and pants (I used thrifted ski pants) are essential, along with thick wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry.
For footwear, opt for sturdy, waterproof boots with excellent grip to navigate Iceland’s icy roads and trails safely. Accessories are equally important. Bring a cozy hat, scarf, thermal gloves or mittens, and sunglasses to shield your eyes from the snow’s bright glare.
One thing I’ve learned while traveling in the Nordics is that their winter clothing is of superior quality. While it may be pricier than what you’d find elsewhere, these pieces are specifically designed to protect you in Arctic conditions. Even if you already have winter clothing from home, consider investing in a few high-quality accessories from iconic Icelandic brands:
- 66° North – An Icelandic brand founded in the Westfjords, known for its durable and technical outerwear.
- Icewear – A leading Icelandic brand that uses locally sourced wool to create comfortable and functional outdoor clothing.
- Handknitted Iceland (Handknitting Association of Iceland) – Known for their iconic, handknitted Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa).
7-day Ring Road Iceland Itinerary: Our Original Plan
Below is the 7-day Iceland itinerary that my friend and I planned. Though, to be honest, Mirro @mirromeetsworld did most of the heavy lifting (both figuratively and literally, lol!). Our original goal was to conquer the entire Ring Road, but Mother Nature had other plans. A snowstorm caused a road closure on our way to the north, forcing us to turn around and focus on the South Coast instead.
By abandoning our original Iceland itinerary, we had to let go of the opportunity to see the majestic humpback whales in Húsavík and the countless stunning landscapes in the north and east. We also forfeited our booked accommodations in Húsavík and Djúpivogur, as we missed the cancellation deadlines and couldn’t get a refund. It was a challenging experience, to say the least, but it made the trip even more memorable.
7-day Iceland Itinerary: The Exact Route We Took
Now that you’ve got all the background info, it’s time to dive into our full Iceland itinerary! I’m especially excited to share this with you, knowing that all our planning and even our unexpected detours can help make your Iceland adventure smoother and more enjoyable.
Arrival in Reykjavik (Day 1)
On Day 1, my friends Mirro and Abby arrived in Iceland earlier than the rest of us – Pat, Maki, and me. While they were getting things set up, the three of us were still exploring Tallinn, Estonia, on a day trip from Helsinki.
Mirro and Abby took charge of all the prep for our Ring Road adventure, and honestly, they did an amazing job. They picked up our rental car from Blue Car Rental and stocked up on essentials from the grocery store (because, as Asians, rice is non-negotiable! lol!). Abby also bought eggs, bread, spreads, seasonings, salad dressings, and vegetables to last us until our next grocery run.
Thanks to their efforts, everything was ready for us when we landed, and we could hit the ground running on our Iceland adventure!
Reykjavik to Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Day 2)
On Day 2, Mirro and Abby kicked off their Iceland adventure with a self-drive tour of the Golden Circle from Reykjavik. Meanwhile, the rest of us, Pat, Maki, and I, were still en route, arriving at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in the afternoon. After their tour, Mirro and Abby drove back to KEF to pick us up.
Before we even landed, Iceland greeted us with an unforgettable welcome – a volcanic eruption! From the plane window, we could see the fiery spectacle, and the pilot even circled a few times to give us passengers a better view of the volcano. It was breathtaking and surreal!
As we left Keflavík International Airport and drove along Route 41, a highway running along the northern shore of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the eruption remained visible in the distance. It felt like Iceland was putting on a show just for us.
By the time we began our drive to Grund I Grundarfirdi, our guesthouse in Grundarfjörður, the world around us was pitch black. As we navigated the roads under the night sky, something magical happened. We caught our first glimpse of the northern lights dancing across the sky. It was crazy how we got to witness two incredible natural phenomena in just one day! It felt like Iceland was showing us its wild and beautiful side, and we were lucky enough to experience it all.
Stay tuned for a more detailed post about Snæfellsnes Peninsula soon! 🙂
- Total Driving Time: 5 hours
- Total Driving Distance: 218 kilometers
Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Varmahlíð (Day 3)
On Day 3, we woke up early, eager to explore, but our plans hit a snag. Originally, we intended to start our drive at 7 AM, but the snowstorm from the day before had buried our guesthouse’s driveway in deep snow. It was impossible for our car to get through. One of the guests from the nearby Kirkjufell Guesthouse mentioned that the clearing would be completed by 11 AM, so we ended up starting a few hours later than planned. This is the reality of traveling in Iceland, where Mother Nature often has the final say.
Although we missed some of the highlights of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, we couldn’t pass up a visit to Kirkjufell Mountain, Iceland’s most photographed peak. Known as the “Mountain with an Arrowhead” from Game of Thrones, it was an absolute must-see for us! We also took the time to visit the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss. The walk to the waterfalls was snowy, windy, and slippery. Thank goodness I had my snow boots on!
Navigating the roads in Snaefellsnes during Winter
Icelandic winters are a mix of snow, sleet, rain, ice, black ice, and powerful winds that can blow cars off the road. Driving in these conditions requires caution, experience, and proper preparation. While snow may seem like the biggest challenge, the real danger lies in the wind. Imagine driving on icy, narrow roads when a sudden gust causes a whiteout, pushing your car into a ditch, water, or worse. Our group experienced a whiteout several times in Snaefellsnes and on the road to the North, and it was terrifying.
Stay tuned for a more detailed post about Snæfellsnes Peninsula soon! 🙂
The Long Road to Húsavík
By noon, our “gas station tour” kicked off. We fueled up at N1 Gas Stations in Búðardalur, Borðeyri, Blönduós, and Olis Gas Station Varmahlíð. We were on our way to Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, where we had booked an overnight stay and a whale-watching tour for the following day. The long drive was supposed to be a smooth journey, but little did we know, it would be anything but that.
We were about 30 minutes to Akureyri, when we saw the dreaded road closure sign. It felt like a punch to the gut. We were exhausted, frustrated, and starting to feel the weight of the long day. After weighing our options, we decided to turn back to Varmahlíð. We pulled into a few hotels, only to find that they were all fully booked due to the road closure. It felt like we were stuck in the middle of nowhere, with no place to go. But just as we were about to lose hope, I found Hlin Guesthouse nearby. It felt like a small victory in the midst of a long, dark night.
- Total Driving Time: 8 hours
- Total Driving Distance: 388 kilometers
Varmahlíð to Vik (Day 4)
On Day 4, our group embarked on the longest drive of our trip, traveling from Varmahlíð all the way to Vík. While the route from Akureyri to the east had reopened, we realized we wouldn’t make it in time for our guided tours scheduled for Days 5 and 6. Although we considered heading north so we could follow the original Iceland Itinerary, the risk of another road closure was too high. Opting for the southern route felt like the safest choice. The drive took the entire day, but we made the most of it by stopping at some stunning spots along the way.
Icelandic Horses
After hours on the road, we finally made it to Iceland’s breathtaking South Coast, one of the must-visit regions in any Iceland itinerary. As we made our way to Seljalandsfoss along the Ring Road, my friends and I spotted a group of these beautiful Icelandic horses and decided to stop for a closer look.
We approached them slowly and calmly, avoiding sudden movements. I was the first to extend my hand, unsure if they would come closer or if they might bite! But they were as curious as they were adorable. Two of them cautiously approached, and I gently booped their noses. They didn’t seem to mind at all!
Reminder: It’s perfectly fine to pull over for photos, but make sure you’re stopping in a designated area and not blocking farm driveways, some of them may look like regular roads. Keep in mind that pulling over just anywhere is not allowed for safety reasons.
Seljalandsfoss
After spending some time with the Icelandic horses, we continued our journey to Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. One of the unique features of Seljalandsfoss is that you can actually walk behind it for a completely different and equally stunning view! We arrived around 8 PM, and to our delight, we had the entire place to ourselves. It was a magical experience, standing in peaceful solitude with only the sound of rushing water filling the air. Since it was still winter, the path behind the waterfall was closed due to the risk of falling ice. While it would have been amazing to walk behind it, it’s just another reason to return to Iceland someday!
- Total Driving Time: 8 hours (crazy, right?!)
- Total Driving Distance: 463 kilometers
Vik to Hofn (Day 5)
Day 5 is an absolute highlight overload! After checking out from Vík Apartments, we headed to Vatnajökull National Park, home to Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe by volume.
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
Our first stop was the Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon for the Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tour. Nestled on the southern edge of Vatnajökull, Fjallsárlón is a stunning, lesser-known gem compared to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, but it’s just as breathtaking. The lagoon is a mesmerizing display of nature’s power, with icebergs calving off the glacier and drifting through the icy waters before gradually melting away. You can read more about our Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tour experience here.
- 👉🏼 Book your Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour here!
- 💰 Price: ISK 10,500 per person (PHP 4,200 or 75 USD)
Ice Cave Tour of the Blue Diamond of Vatnajökull National Park
After lunch, we set off on the most anticipated adventure of the day – the Blue Diamond Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajökull National Park! And trust me, it was nothing short of extraordinary. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, exploring an ice cave should definitely be at the top of your list. While Katla Ice Cave may be all over social media, let me tell you – the Blue Diamond Ice Cave is on a whole other level! You can read all about our unforgettable Blue Diamond Ice Cave Tour here.
- 👉🏼 Book your Blue Diamond Ice Cave Tour here!
- 💰 Price: ISK 23,900 per person (PHP 9,960 or USD 172)
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
We had originally planned to do the Zodiac Boat Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, but the first week of April brought an unusually cold spell, and the lagoon hadn’t thawed enough for boats to operate. I finally understood why it’s considered the most famous lagoon in Iceland. The view was simply marvelous! If you’re planning your own Iceland itinerary, be sure to include Jökulsárlón.
Diamond Beach
Just a short distance from Jökulsárlón, we arrived at the famous Diamond Beach. This stunning black volcanic sand beach is where icebergs from the glacier lagoon wash ashore. It’s also a prime spot for spotting Icelandic seals and even orca whales. While we didn’t spot any whales/seals during our visit, it didn’t take away from the sheer beauty of the place
Despite the number of incredible sights we saw that day, it never felt overwhelming. Thanks to our well-organized guided tours in Fjallsárlón and the Blue Diamond Ice Cave, everything ran smoothly. My friend Mirro, the only driver in our group, was understandably exhausted after the challenges of the past few days, so having these tours arranged for us was a huge relief.
By the time we drove to our accommodation in Höfn, Skyrhúsid HI-Hostel, the daylight was still with us. We were able to rest, shower, and enjoy an early dinner, which felt like the perfect way to wind down after such an eventful day.
- Total Driving Time: 3 hours
- Total Driving Distance: 209 kilometers
Drive back to Reykjavik (Day 6)
Day 6 was another adventure-packed day. Every stop was a Game of Thrones filming location, which felt like stepping into Westeros. Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, these destinations are must-visits on any Iceland itinerary!
Half-day Glacier Hike to Falljökull
We spent half a day on a Glacier Hike, where we got up close to the mighty Falljökull, the outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. This photo doesn’t do it justice, but it felt like stepping into a real-life scene from Interstellar. Even after completing the hike, I couldn’t quite believe I had actually done it. It was so memorable that the whole group agreed it might just be the highlight of our entire Iceland trip! You can read more about our Glacier Hike in Iceland here.
- 👉🏼 Book your Half-day Glacier Hike to Falljökull here
- 💰 Price: ISK 21,900 per person (PHP 9,100 or USD 156)
Reynisfjara Beach
Next on our Iceland Itinerary was Reynisfjara Beach, one of the most famous spots along Iceland’s South Coast. This dramatic black sand beach, with its towering basalt columns and crashing waves, was featured in the Game of Thrones Season 7 as Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, the Night’s Watch outpost on the edge of the Seven Kingdoms.
Reminder: Reynisfjara Beach is stunning but extremely dangerous due to its powerful sneaker waves. Always stay far from the shoreline, never turn your back to the ocean, and follow all safety signs.
Just a short drive away, the cliffs of Dyrhólaey were also featured in Season 7 as part of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. Unfortunately, we had to skip this stop as daylight was fading, and we needed to make it to our final destination, Skógafoss.
Skogafoss
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most majestic waterfalls. It made an appearance in the very first episode of the Game of Thrones Season 8. This is where Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen share a moment after their dragon ride, landing beside a stunning two-tiered cascade. While some elements were digitally enhanced, the breathtaking waterfall itself was very real and even more spectacular in person!
- Total Driving Time: 6 hours
- Total Driving Distance: 408 kilometers
Golden Circle Day Tour from Reykjavík (Day 7)
Mirro and Abby made their way back to Blue Car Rental to return our rental car before heading to KEF for their flight to Finland. For the three of us, Pat, Maki, and me, our last full day in Iceland was all about exploring the Golden Circle.
Iceland’s Golden Circle is a 300-kilometer route featuring three iconic stops: Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir), the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss. Since it’s conveniently close to the capital, the Golden Circle group tour from Reykjavík is a popular choice for travelers.
Most people do this tour at the beginning of their Iceland Itinerary. In hindsight, I realized that doing the Golden Circle at the end of our trip worked out fine. It was a great way to wrap up our journey! Both options have their perks, so it really depends on how you’d like to pace your adventure.
- 👉🏼 Book your Golden Circle Day Tour from Reykjavik here!
- 💰 Price: ISK 12,380 per person (PHP 5,160 or USD 88)
It would have been the perfect ending to this Iceland Itinerary if we got to relax at the Blue Lagoon. Unfortunately, the geothermal spa was temporarily closed during our visit due to a volcanic eruption in Grindavík. We were really looking forward to this grand finale, but, as often happens, Mother Nature had other plans. I guess this just gives us another reason to return to Iceland!
Since it was still early, my friends and I decided to take a leisurely stroll around Reykjavík, starting on Skólavörðustígur, a popular street filled with restaurants, boutiques, and cafés. We had an early dinner at Ristorante Antico (1892 Restaurant). After that, we found the vibrant Rainbow Road, painted to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Afterward, we popped into a nearby Bónus to pick up some Icelandic sweets to bring back home. With our bags full and our hearts content, we headed back to the hostel to unwind.
In the evening, we were just hanging out in the room when we spotted a glimmer of green light in the sky. Yes, it was the Northern Lights! We quickly grabbed our jackets, slipped on our shoes, and headed out to various viewpoints around town. We were lucky enough to catch glimpses of the aurora borealis at different times and locations. It truly became the perfect grand finale to our Iceland adventure!
Overall Experience in Iceland
Iceland was everything I hoped for and more! This Iceland Itinerary was packed with unforgettable moments, and while there were a few hiccups at the start of the trip, they didn’t take away from the incredible experience. Honestly, I can’t wait to plan my next trip, this time in the summer, for a whole new perspective. I’m sure it’ll be just as amazing, if not more. Until then, I’ll be cherishing the memories from this epic adventure!
A big shoutout to Blue Car Rental! From our initial inquiries months before the trip to booking the Toyota Rav4, the experience was seamless. Their customer service was reliable, and the car itself was a beast! Handled snow, black ice, and fierce winds like a pro.
A huge thank you to my friend Mirro, who took on the Herculean task of driving for the entire 6 days. As the only one in our group who could drive, he carried the full weight of navigating Iceland’s vast landscapes. Looking back, it was a big mistake not having an additional driver in the group, especially given the long distances and demanding conditions. Lesson learned for next time!
Essential Tips for Safe Winter Driving in Iceland
- Don’t speed – Speeding in Iceland is taken very seriously, with strict enforcement and almost no margin for error. Use your GPS to monitor speed limits, which are often displayed alongside your speedometer.
- Choose the right vehicle – Renting a 4WD vehicle is more expensive, but it’s worth the peace of mind. During our trip, we saw several smaller cars stuck in snowy ditches. A reliable vehicle with proper winter tires is essential for navigating Iceland’s unpredictable roads.
- Check road and weather conditions daily – Before hitting the road, always check Road.is for road conditions and Vedur.is for weather updates. And remember, 112 is Iceland’s emergency number. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it’s good to know just in case.
- Gas stations are your safe space – This might feel like next-level planning, but knowing gas stations along the Ring Road is a game-changer. Bookmark N1 gas stations on your browser, so you know where to refuel. Don’t wait until your tank is empty to refill. You might be miles away from the nearest station.
- Stay flexible – Winter in Iceland is unpredictable, and sticking to a rigid Iceland itinerary can be risky. Road closures or unsafe driving conditions may force you to stay put and miss planned stops.
- Never stop your vehicle on the road – Just don’t do it. If you want to take pictures, always look for designated pull-off areas. These are clearly marked with signs, often featuring a blue sign with a white “M.” Even if the road seems empty and there’s no traffic, never pull over on the side of the road.
Staying connected in Iceland
Access to the internet is essential to follow this Iceland itinerary. Reliable access allows you to use GPS and Google Maps for navigation, as well as check real-time road and weather conditions to ensure a safe and smooth journey. I used a Holafly eSIM for Europe with unlimited data, and it turned out to be a dependable travel companion. While some areas along the South Coast had weaker signals, this eSIM delivered reliable connectivity overall.
Get your Holafly eSIM and receive 5% off when you use my code PROJECTGORA.
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And that’s a wrap! I hope this Iceland Itinerary saves you time and makes planning your unforgettable adventure a breeze. Have questions or suggestions? Share them in the comments! I’d love to hear from you!
