Two-Week Travel Itinerary for Iceland: Culture, Nature, and Wildlife

Oct 17

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavík and explore the city’s cultural landmarks. Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and stroll through the streets of Laugavegur for local shops and cafes. End the day with a soak in the Blue Lagoon for a classic Icelandic geothermal experience.
Day 2: Take a day trip to Þingvellir National Park to explore the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament. Marvel at the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, then visit the nearby Geysir geothermal area and the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall.

Day 3: Drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes. Stop at Borgarnes to visit the Settlement Center Museum and learn about Viking history. Set up base in Stykkishólmur or a local guesthouse.
Day 4: Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, where you can hike around the glacier-capped volcano. Visit black sand beaches like Djúpalónssandur, dramatic cliffs at Arnarstapi, and spot seals at Ytri Tunga beach.
Day 5: Take a boat tour from Stykkishólmur to explore Breiðafjörður Bay, known for its islands, birdlife (including puffins), and occasional sightings of whales and dolphins.

Day 6: Head to the remote Westfjords region, one of Iceland’s most rugged and wildlife-rich areas. Drive to Látrabjarg Cliffs, the westernmost point of Europe and home to one of the largest bird colonies in the world, including puffins.
Day 7: Spend the day exploring the area’s fjords and natural beauty. Visit Dynjandi Waterfall, a series of stunning cascades, and relax in one of the many natural hot springs, like Reykjafjarðarlaug.

Day 8: Travel to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, and explore its botanical gardens and cultural sites. Visit the Akureyri Art Museum and sample local cuisine at downtown restaurants.
Day 9: Take a day trip to the Mývatn region, famous for its unique volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity. Explore Hverir Geothermal Area, Krafla Volcano, and the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgir. End the day relaxing at Mývatn Nature Baths.

Day 10: Head to the small town of Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital. Join a whale-watching tour in Skjálfandi Bay for the chance to see humpback whales, minke whales, and possibly orcas. Visit the Húsavík Whale Museum to learn more about the region’s marine life.
Day 11: Spend the day exploring nearby Ásbyrgi Canyon and Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, where you’ll find stunning rock formations, waterfalls like Dettifoss, and lush river valleys.

Day 12: Drive to the scenic East Fjords, known for their picturesque landscapes, charming fishing villages, and rich wildlife. Stop at Egilsstaðir and take a detour to Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls.
Day 13: Explore the quiet villages of the East Fjords, such as Seyðisfjörður or Borgarfjörður Eystri, known for its puffin colony and beautiful hikes.

Day 14: End your journey with a visit to Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Take a boat tour of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can see icebergs floating and seals swimming. Nearby, walk along Diamond Beach, where glistening icebergs wash up on the black sand.