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Do you have plans to go to Iceland? Cool!! Iceland seems small but the driving distance is a lot. Of course you want to get the most out of your stay and preferably see everything! But sitting in the car all day is also not the intention. That is why you will really have to make choices which part you want to discover. This depends entirely on your time. We decided to travel the south (from Reykjavík to Höfn) and the peninsula Snaefellsness. We were able to do this in peace and quiet in 10 days. We would like to share this perfect itinerary with you!
Day 1 Flight Amsterdam – Reykjavík
Our flight was operated by Icelandair. It is important to know that the outward flight is in the afternoon and the return flight is early in the morning. This means you have lost almost 2 days. We still booked our tickets at Icelandair because of the good deal!
Arrival at Keflavík airport around 4:00 PM. Quickly pick up the car at the airport and go!
Oh, good tip: There is a Bonus supermarket close to the airport. Here you can buy the necessary groceries and continue to your accommodation. In the beginning of our trip we take it easy and spend 2 nights in Reykjavík.
Accommodation: Mengi Apartmens
Day 2 Reykjavík – Whale watching – Blue Lagoon
Morning! Ready for the first full day in Iceland? First get a nice sandwich at the best bakery Braud & Co. Then we stroll through the streets of Reykjavík to make our way to the harbour. We are going to do the whale watching tour! At 12:00 from the Reykjavík harbour. From Mengi Apartments you can walk to the harbour in 20 minutes. Here you will go on board of the Elding ship. The tour takes about 2 hours. Put on a suit against the cold and think about what’s to come later in the day!
That is an afternoon of relaxing in the Blue Lagoon. From Reykjavík you can get here by car in just 45 minutes. Nothing is better than a hot spring on a cold autumn day. Swim to the bar for a healthy smoothie, put on a nice mask, close your eyes and enjoy!
Accommodation: Mengi Apartmens
Day 3 Reykjavík to Vik – Seljalandfoss, Plane Wreck & Reynisfjara Beach
Time to get out of the big city and discover the real Iceland! We drive from Reykjavík to Vík. The distance is about 2.5 hours. But of course we are not supposed to continue driving all day.
On the way we make a stop at the waterfall Seljalandfoss. This waterfall is so unique because you can walk behind it. Don’t forget the waterfall that is 100 meters away!
We also pass Plane Wreck on the way. A famous plane wreck on a black beach. Here you can take really cool photos! Notice that you have to make an effort for this. The walk is 4km one way. You have to walk often through bad weather.
Then we reach Vík. We check in and immediately take the car to the beautiful Reynisfjara beach. A rough stretch of beach with basalt bars, high waves, columns in the sea and black sand. Can not be missed!!
Then we look at the church in Vík located at a higher point and do some shopping.
Accommodation: Black Beach Suites, Vík
Day 4 Vík to Höfn – Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon & Eldhraun
Today we have a long journey ahead of us. But trust us, it is more than worth it!
We drive from Vík to Höfn. A journey of about 3.5 hours. Here we make some nice stops too. We take the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon along the way. A beautiful large canyon where you can walk. We also stop at Eldhraun. Here you will find the lava fields covered with moss. Just like you live in Teletubbie land.
Due to the long journey we don’t make too many stops. Along the way we see many more beautiful things and the landscapes. So cool!
Accommodation: Milk Factory, Höfn
Day 5 Höfn back to Skogar – Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón & Diamond beach
This is a busy day with super cool highlights! We drive a little further from Höfn to Stokksness. The farthest point to where we go. Stokksness is a beautiful beach surrounded by mountains. You’ll see the reflection of the mountains in the water.
We drive back from Stokksness. The next stop is Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón, Diamond beach. These cool glacial lakes are close together. Spot the ice floes, seals and who knows, you might catch an ice floe from the beach!
The last stop is at Skaftafell National Park. Here you can make beautiful hikes and even camp. Go for the hike to a glacier or to the special waterfall Svartifoss. Which is known for the basalt bars.
After this beautiful hike we get back in the car to check in at our hotel in the town of Skogar. And you are so lucky.. You’ll have a very cool waterfall in your backyard! The Skogafoss is not the least waterfall. Take the stairs up along this waterfall and admire this beautiful piece of nature from above.
Accommodation: Hotel Skogar, Skogar
Day 6 Skogar to Uthlid – Kerið Krater & Golden Circle
We have waited a long time for it, but today is the day! We are going to the the Golden Circle tour! Since we first pass the Kerið crater, we make a stop here. We take a walk around the large crater.
And now really the Golden Circle! We start at Geysir. The well-known geyser that spouts up to 20 meters high. So impressive!
We continue our way to Gullfoss waterfall. Which means the golden waterfall. And yes, it lives up to its name.
The final stop of the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park. A huge park with a great history. Here you can walk for days.
We check in, do some cooking and then we sit back and relax in the hot tub with a glass of wine!
Accommodation: Uthlid Cottages
Day 7 Uthlid – Snaefellsness
Today we slow down a bit. We have to drive 4 hours to the peninsula Snaefellsness. Remember to go shopping on your way! There are very few supermarkets on Snaefellsness! Tip: you will pass the town of Borgarnes. Here is a Bonus where you can do groceries for several days. From here it is only a 25 minute drive to our cottage.
Once arrived and settled we explore the area. From our house we see the Eldborg crater. Of course we have to admire this one! You can walk here in about 3 kilometers.
And now dinner and hot tub time!
Accommodation: Snorrastadir Farm Holidays
Day 8 Snaefellsness
Ready to discover the peninsula? They call Snaefellsness Iceland in miniature, because of the craters, basalt bars, rock formations, harbour towns, etc. So many beautiful things to be found here! And easy to explore in one whole day.
We first make a stop at Gerduberg. These are huge basalt bars 400 meters long. Here you feel yourself really small.
Anarstapi is also definitely worth a stop. This one was high on our list. It is a beautiful fishing village with hiking trails and rough rock formations in the sea. Take a seat and see if you might spot whales!
Then we arrive at a bright orange lighthouse called Svórtuloft. From here you have a beautiful seaview. Especially cool if you have a clear and blue sky!
The most idyllic church in Iceland is Ingjaldshólskirkja. Situated in a green landscape with an enormous access road, this really makes it a fairytale that you should step into.
The Kirkjufell is characteristic of Snaefellsness. A large mountain in the shape of a gnome hat. There is also a waterfall here. Another fun fact: Game of Thrones was recorded here!
We end this busy day at the Landbrotaulaug hot pot. A hot spring in the middle of nature. How cool!? By the way, this is only a 5-minute drive from your accommodation.
Accommodation: Snorrastadir Farm Holidays
Day 9 Snaefellsness – Reykjavík
Time to leave the beautiful peninsula and head back to the big city. We park our car in Reykjavík and explore this city from above. On this clear day we take the lift up into the Hallgrímskirkja. Here you have a beautiful view of the city. We get a coffee and cake at Café Babalú and continue our way to our last accommodation near the airport. We chose this because of the early return flight.
And, let this nice stay also have a wonderful private hot tub. Great! A nice ending!
Accommodation: Comfort & Rest
Day 10 Return flight Reykjavík – Amsterdam
All the beauty comes to an end. But what a cool trip! Within 15 minutes we are back at the airport for the return flight from Reykjavík to Amsterdam.
We will never forget this trip!
Our nights
Reykjavik 2 nights
Vík 1 night
Hofn 1 night
Skogar 1 night
Uthlid 1 night
Snaefellsness 2 nights
Airport hotel/Reykjavik 1 night