10-Day Iceland Summer Road Trip

Iceland is one of the best destinations in the world for a road trip. In just 10 days, you can drive the famous Ring Road and see volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, geothermal pools, and remote highlands. This 10-day Iceland itinerary follows a logical route around the island and includes a mix of famous highlights and lesser-known places — from Reykjavík and the South Coast to whale watching in the north and hiking in the colourful Kerlingarfjöll highlands. This itinerary works best between June and September, when roads to the highlands are open and the days are long.

Days 1–2: Reykjavík

Reykjavík is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, but it makes an excellent starting point for an Iceland road trip as the country's international airport is located just outside the capital. Spend your first two days adjusting to the time zone, exploring the city, and preparing for the journey ahead.

What to do in Reykjavík

• Start by exploring the compact city centre on foot.
• Walk through downtown Reykjavík and the harbour area, and visit Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic concrete church inspired by Icelandic basalt columns. Explore Harpa Concert Hall, Reykjavík's striking glass cultural centre.
• Rent an electric scooter to move around the city quickly.
• Browse local shops selling Icelandic wool sweaters and handmade goods.

Where to eat in Reykjavík

Reykjavík has an excellent food scene, with a strong focus on seafood. My recommended spots:

• Apótek Bar — great cocktails in a historic building
• Skál! — creative Icelandic dishes made with local ingredients
• Fiskfélagið (Fish Company) — one of the city's best seafood restaurants
• Sandholt Bakery — perfect for breakfast or pastries
• Loki Café — known for lamb soup and Icelandic specialties

Where to stay in Reykjavík

• EDITION Reykjavík — modern luxury hotel by the harbour
• Sandhotel — boutique hotel on the main shopping street
• Apótek Hotel — stylish hotel in a former pharmacy
• Konsulat Hotel — historic building turned luxury hotel

Day 3: South Coast road trip

Today, the road trip truly begins. You can either opt for renting a vehicle and driving yourself — we did it with a Tesla — or have a private guide usher you along the way. Head east along Iceland's famous South Coast, one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Stops along the South Coast you should not miss

• Skógafoss — a powerful 60-metre waterfall where rainbows often appear in the mist. Climb the staircase to the top for sweeping views of the coastline.
• Seljalandsfoss — one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, known for the path that allows visitors to walk behind the cascade.
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach — formed from volcanic basalt fragments, giving the sand its deep black colour. The dramatic basalt columns and powerful Atlantic waves make it one of Iceland's most striking landscapes.
• Seljavallalaug Hidden Pool — a remote geothermal pool built in 1923, located in a narrow valley and reached by a 15- to 20-minute walk from the parking area. Water temperatures usually range between 20–35°C.

Day 4: Múlagljúfur Canyon hike

Continue east toward Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe's largest glacier. One of the most rewarding hikes in the region is Múlagljúfur Canyon with its roughly four-mile round-trip trail.

The trail leads to viewpoints overlooking a deep canyon with waterfalls, moss-covered cliffs, and glacier rivers. The dramatic scenery makes this one of Iceland's most underrated hikes.

Where to stay: Glacier Lagoon Hotel (Hotel Jökulsárlón), located near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, offering excellent access to glacier hikes and ice-cave tours.

Day 5: Hot tubs, kayaking & Stokksnes

Start the day slowly with a relaxing soak in geothermal waters before continuing your road trip. One of the most memorable experiences in Iceland is kayaking among floating icebergs in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Nearby Diamond Beach is also worth visiting, where ice fragments wash ashore on black volcanic sand.

Drive to Stokksnes Peninsula, famous for the dramatic Vestrahorn mountain rising above black sand dunes. The location is sometimes called "Batman Mountain" because of its distinctive shape.

Day 6: Stuðlagil Canyon & puffins

Today you'll explore one of Iceland's most visually unique canyons. Stuðlagil Canyon is famous for its geometric basalt columns surrounding a turquoise glacial river. The best viewpoints require a short hike along the river.

In summer months, Iceland's cliffs are home to thousands of puffins. Several locations along the northeast coast provide excellent viewing opportunities.

Day 7: Whale watching & GeoSea

Head to Húsavík, widely considered the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Boat tours from Húsavík regularly spot humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and occasionally even blue whales.

End the day at GeoSea, a geothermal spa overlooking the Arctic Ocean. The infinity-style pools create a spectacular setting for sunset and a nice glass of bubbly.

Days 8–9: Kerlingarfjöll Highlands

For the final adventure, head into Iceland's central highlands. Kerlingarfjöll is one of the most unique landscapes in the country, known for its vivid rhyolite mountains coloured in reds, oranges, yellows, and greens by geothermal activity. The highest peak rises to about 1,477 metres.

What to do in Kerlingarfjöll

• Hike through the geothermal valley Hveradalir.
• Explore steaming hot springs and colourful mountains.
• Enjoy remote wilderness landscapes far from the crowds.

Where to stay: Highland Base, the only hotel in the area, offering modern lodging in the middle of Iceland's rugged highlands.

Day 10: Return to Reykjavík

Drive back toward Reykjavík via the Golden Circle and spend your final evening in the city before departing Iceland.

Final tips for a 10-day Iceland road trip in summer

• Best time to visit: June–September. Northern parts of Iceland and the highlands are not reachable during winter.
• Car rental: a 4x4 is required if visiting the highlands.