Since arriving home, many people have asked why Iceland? Since it’s been on my radar for a while this question surprised me at first but then I realized it’s not a very common vacation destination for Americans. To answer, I explained how my husband and I have been hankering to go to New Zealand but it can be difficult to take 2-3 weeks off work to travel so far. So we tried to think of a closer destination with equally stunning natural beauty. Iceland met this requirement with its waterfalls, geysir, wildlife viewing opportunities, hikes, geothermal baths, unique landscapes, mountains, beaches and more! May was a great time for us to visit since it’s already summer but before the crowds arrive. In our first four days in Iceland, we focused on Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, Southwest Iceland and Southeast Iceland. The second half of our ultimate Iceland itinerary took us on the Ring Road to the Eastfjords, Northern Iceland and then a detour to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to complete our 8 day adventure!
DAY 5: THE EASTFJORDS
This day was a long driving day for us to get from the Southeast region over to the Eastfjords but it’s beautiful of course. Read more about why you should add the Eastfjords, with its reindeer, puffins, mountains, fjords, and cute towns, to your itinerary. Beyond all there is to see and do, it was a great place to rest and relax.
Restaurant Recommendations: Lobster at Eldhúsið Restaurant or another restaurant in Höfn in Southeast Iceland, a slight detour off the Ring Road. Bistro Skaftfell for a coffee/tea break or lunch/dinner in Seyðisfjörður.
DAY 6: Northern Iceland
In certain parts of driving on the Ring Road it seems like you’re the only one around. At least that’s how we felt moving from the Eastfjords into Northern Iceland! It’s the perfect way to disconnect and getaway from it all.
Dettifoss Waterfall is the largest waterfall and Europe and well worth the short detour off the Ring Road to take quick walk to marvel at its flow! What a stunner she is!
The Lake Myvatn area is full of geological wonders including the Hverir geothermal area. There’s also another blue geothermal lagoon like the Blue Lagoon to go for a relaxing soak in but its a bit less touristy. Lake Myvatn itself is a beauty and there’s plenty of hiking trails to choose from in the vicinity.
Restaurant Recommendation: Guesthouse Egilsstadir for lunch/dinner in Egilsstadir in the Eastfjords on the Ring Road.
DAY 7: NORTHERN ICELAND-Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland, is worth a stop if you’re going whale watching. Originally our plane was to take a tour from here but then we changed our minds since we decided we wanted to see orcas instead. The town itself is prettily situation on the water with lots of boats to admire.
Goðafoss, waterfall of the Gods, is a spectacular waterfall to visit just off the Ring Road in Northern Iceland. It gets its name because its associated with an import historical event in Iceland: the conversion from heathendom or Christianity in 1000.
This day contained another one of our long drives. Except for a stop in Akuyeri for lunch, we powered through until we reached the Snæfellsnes Pensisula except of course for many scenic stop offs along the way to enjoy majestic views! And to pet Icelandic horses on roadside farms of course!
Restaurant Recommendations: Strikið In laidback Akuyeri and Narfeyrarstofa in Stykkisholmur- make reservations if you’re going during peak season in the summer!
DAY 8: SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA in WEST ICELAND
Stykkisholmur is a charming town to use as a base to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from, which is commonly referred to as “Iceland in a nutshell.” The town is situated on Breiðafjörður Bay, contains lovely historic homes and is well known for its focus on sustainability and environmentalism.
The drive along the north coast of the peninsula is stunning! Don’t miss stopping at Kirkjufell. We decided to go whale watching here because we wanted to see orca whales. Read all about our whale watching adventure on our recommended activity list.
Snæfellsjökull National Park is most famous for Snæfellsjökull Glacier, an active volcano that was the setting for Jules Vernes’ famous Journey to the Center of the Earth. There’s adventure and outdoor activities a plenty available here! There’s hiking to craters, lava fields and tubs, and the coastline and mountains all in one place.
It’s an easy drive back to Reykjavik or Keflavik to catch a flight back from Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the National Park.
Accommodation Recommendation: In Stykkisholmur, stay at Hotel Egilsen right in the middle of town or, from the same owner Greta, the B&B Baenir & Brauð which is still close by but slightly removed.
Sample Budget Estimate for an 8-day Icelandic adventure for two people:
Flights: $1800 (from Atlanta)
Accommodations: $1200 (consider renting a camper van or tent camping to cut down on this cost)
Transportation: $600 (car rental + gas)
Activities: $600 (this could easily increase depending on what you want to do)
Food: $400 (we don’t always include food in our budget since it’s part of our every day budget but food in Iceland can get expensive especially if you want to eat well)
Total: $4800
What are your budget and itinerary tips for Iceland? If you haven’t been, which part of this beautiful country do you most want to visit? Comment below and show us some love by sharing the below on Pinterest!
