Iceland has to be one of the most surreal travel destinations on earth, but what should you do when you visit to make the most of your time in this beautiful yet expensive destination? 

In this guide, I'll share all my favorite places, restaurants, hidden hot springs, and travel experiences from the "Land of Fire and Ice."

Iceland

Iceland | A Journey of Fire & Ice

This Iceland guide is the accumulation of over 2 years of planning and research with an Icelandic local. In this 13 day itinerary, you will travel to Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South, the East, the North, and part of the West to visit Iceland's most popular spots as well as hidden gems that few know about. It includes an interactive map with LOTS of hotels, restaurants, and spots to visit in Reykjavik (160 spots), the Golden Circle & the South (255 spots), the East (100 spots), the North (80 spots), and part of the West (150 spots) so that you can customize your own trip.  This is the exact itinerary we used during our 2021 Summer trip to Iceland.

Follow this guide exactly (weather and conditions permitting) for a guaranteed amazing set of experiences and hotels! Or, combine our insights with your own research to craft the trip of your dreams.

13 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

A comprehensive guide to a road trip around Iceland with the best things to do and see. 
All the information and top tips I wish I had on my first visit to Iceland including hidden gems and interactive map with over 100 pins.

Don't forget to tag us in your adventures @theliberosislife


Iceland Itinerary the ultimate 10 day roadtrip

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city in Iceland. It’s also the northernmost capital in the world. The city, on the southwest coast of the island nation, is home to less than 150,000 people (that’s 60% of the total population). It’s by no means sleepy, though. It has a thriving art scene (music festivals, independent record stores, pop-up exhibits) and foodie spots (Michelin restaurants, organic wine bars, coffee culture). A grand church towers over the city. Candy-colored houses line the streets. Thermal swimming pools are gathering spots for most neighborhoods. Northern lights sightings are a real possibility (seasonally, of course). It’s also the jumping-off point for exciting adventures all around the Land of Fire and Ice. Pack for all seasons, as the weather changes frequently throughout the day--no matter what time of year it is. And be prepared to fall in love.

This detailed guide includes:
Places: islands, neighborhoods
Stay: hotels
Eat: bakeries, cafés, coffee shops, food carts & halls, ice cream, Michelin stars, restaurants
Drink: beer bars, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars
Shop: beauty products, bookstores, chocolate shops, clothing boutiques, flea markets, outdoor wear, record stores, vintage clothing, wool products
Do: art museums, churches, concert venues, history museums, lakes, memorials, parks, peace stones, roads, sculptures, sports venues, squares, streets
Transportation: airports, bus terminals, car rentals, ferries


Note: I travel to Reykjavík quite frequently, so this guide is updated often.

Europe

Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík, Iceland: An Extensive City Guide

Active volcanoes. Dancing northern lights. Gushing geysers. Massive glaciers. Thermal hot springs. Thundering waterfalls. Iceland is the ultimate adventure destination. How have you not been here yet? It’s finally time. Start in the northernmost capital in the world. Reykjavik is a hip, modern city. Then start exploring the wild coastline, the sheep-filled countryside, the icy interior, and the peaceful islands. There are plenty of black-sand beaches, small fishing villages, turf-roofed houses, and epic hikes along the way. Just remember to pack layers. Sometimes, the Gulf Stream provides moderate temperatures. Other times, it’ll feel like you’re in the Arctic. Also don’t forget the long, dark winters and the 24-hour daylight during the short summers. If you take advantage of Icelandair’s free stopover program—a great excuse to visit Helsinki, Copenhagen, and even Paris—you can keep returning to discover which season you like best.


This detailed guide includes:
Places: regions, cities, islands, peninsulas, towns, neighborhoods
Stay: hotels
Eat: bakeries, cafés, coffee shops, food carts & trucks, food halls, ice cream, Michelin stars, pizzerias, restaurants, soup
Drink: beer bars, breweries, cocktail bars, wine bars
Shop: beauty products, bookstores, Christmas stores, chocolate shops, clothing boutiques, flea markets, knitwear, outdoor wear, record stores, vintage clothing, wool products
Do: art museums, bays, beaches, bridges, caves, churches, concert venues, cultural centers, fjords, geothermal areas, geysers, harbors, hikes, history museums, horseback riding, hot springs, lagoons, lakes, lighthouses, memorials, mountains, national forests, national parks, natural wonders, nature reserves, parks, peace stones, ponds, roads, rock formations, rocks, rootless cones, scenic drives, sculptures, shipwrecks, sports venues, squares, streets, swimming pools, thermal baths, tunnels, valleys, viewpoints, volcanoes, walks, waterfalls
Transportation: airports, bus terminals, car rentals, ferries, parking lots, transfers

Note: I travel to Iceland frequently, so this guide is updated often.

Keflavík, Iceland

Búðir, Iceland

Flatey, Iceland

Borgarnes, Iceland

Mývatn, Iceland

Skógar, Iceland

Stykkishólmur, Iceland

Thingvellir National Park, Selfoss, Iceland

Akureyri, Iceland

Stokkseyri, Iceland

Hveragerði, Iceland

Snæfellsnes, Iceland

Arnarstapi, Iceland

Siglufjörður, Iceland

Húsavík, Iceland

The Iceland Guide

Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Iceland on our exclusive private tour. This upscale journey takes you through stunning natural wonders, including majestic waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and the vibrant Northern Lights. Enjoy personalized itineraries tailored to your interests, guided by knowledgeable locals who will share insider insights. With luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and seamless transportation, immerse yourself in the beauty and elegance of Iceland while creating unforgettable memories in this enchanting destination.

Luxury Adventures in Iceland: A Private Exploration Awaits

Apotek Restaurant

I'm usually weary of all-day restaurants. But it seems to click at Apotek, probably because there's a lounge that's separate from the dining room. Brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, happy hour, and, of course, dinner are all served at this sleek spot. So you can have eggs Benedict and Bellinis one day, an Icelandic speciality dinner (puffin, whale, lamb, and skyr) another, and just pop in for a Reyka Vodka-based cocktail any day from 3-5 pm. Skál!

   Cozy restaurant, bar, and hotel are open all day with an amazing selection of European gastropub food with an Icelandic twist.

Apotek Restaurant

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