How Many Days in Iceland? The Perfect Iceland Itineraries for 4 to 10 Days

Iceland may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of popular travel destinations, yet this small island country welcomes over 2 million visitors every year. That’s a huge number, and it’s part of the reason why Iceland is becoming not only more crowded, but also more expensive.

That’s why many travelers ask: What are the best places to visit in Iceland, and how much time do you need to see them? How many days are enough for a trip to Iceland?

This article helps you answer that. You’ll find 3 different Iceland itineraries below, for 4, 7, and 10 days. They show how to make the most of your time and which must-see places to include in your trip.

I’ll also give you tips on how much time to spend in Iceland depending on your travel style and the destinations you want to visit. At the end of the post, I’ll answer some common questions about traveling to Iceland.

So first, let’s look at how to decide how many days to stay in Iceland. Then I’ll show you the 3 sample itineraries. Finally, I’ll answer general travel questions to help you plan your perfect Icelandic trip.

How much time do you need in Iceland?

In the following, you can read about how to decide how many days to spend in Iceland. These are the things you should consider before planning your trip:

What are the factors to decide how long to stay in Iceland?

How many days you should spend in Iceland as a tourist depends on many factors. The points listed below will hopefully help you get a clearer idea of how much time to plan for your trip to Iceland.

• Budget

The first and one of the most important things to consider when planning your trip is your budget. Iceland is a very expensive place, so it’s important to know how much money you can spend on your trip. This can also affect how many days you stay in the country.

• Which season you visit

Another important factor is when you visit Iceland. In summer, the weather is relatively better, and there are more things to do. Summer is also the only season when you can safely drive the full Ring Road around the island. I don’t really recommend visiting in spring or autumn. Many places are closed during these seasons, including the highlands, and the weather is very unpredictable. In winter, many people visit Iceland to see the northern lights, which are truly amazing. But because of the weather, it’s not a good time for long road trips. Snow, ice, and storms can make driving difficult or even dangerous.

• Weather

Because Iceland has a lot of rain, even in summer, I always suggest you plan for a bit more time than the perfect weather would need. So if your itinerary has about 7 days of activities, try to go for at least 8, 9, or even 10 days. There is a good chance that a few days might be ruined by rain!

• Which destinations you’re interested in

It’s also important to think about what kind of places and activities you’re most interested in. Do you want to go hiking around Iceland’s exciting canyons and volcanoes? Or would you prefer to relax in one of the island’s famous geothermal baths? Maybe you want to drive around the whole island to see as many sights as possible? All of this will affect how much time you should spend in Iceland.

• Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or with family

Another thing to think about is who you’re traveling with. Are you going solo, with your partner, or with family? Are you bringing young children? Depending on who you travel with, you’ll likely choose very different types of activities, and plan your days in a different way.

• Travel time between destinations

It’s also important to think about the distances between the places you want to visit. Even though Iceland looks small on the map, transportation is relatively slow, so you need to plan for longer travel times. If you want to visit remote areas in the countryside, make sure to give yourself enough time to get there and back.

• First-timer or returning

How much time you spend in Iceland can also depend on whether it’s your first visit or if you’ve been there before. If it’s your first time, you might need more days to explore the country, get familiar with everything, and of course, see all the famous places for the first time. If you’re returning, it’s usually easier to choose what you really want to see and skip the rest.

So these are the main things to think about when deciding how long to spend in Iceland.

The ideal amount of time in Iceland – My opinion

This is just my personal opinion, but you need about 7 to 10 days if you want to see the best places in Iceland.

Especially if you plan to travel the Ring Road, you should leave enough time for driving because travel times can be quite long in Iceland. For a full Ring Road itinerary, I recommend a minimum of 7 days, but 10 or even 14 days is better.

If you just want a taste of Iceland, taking day trips from Reykjavík can be a good idea. In that case, 4 or 5 days might be enough.

But no matter how much time you have, choosing from the itineraries below will help you have a memorable trip in Iceland.

Iceland itineraries for 4, 7, and 10 days

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland that lasts anywhere from 4 to 10 days, I’ve put together 3 quick itinerary overviews to help you plan your journey.

4-day Iceland itinerary

If you only have 4 days in Iceland, here is how I think you can see the most in a short time:

Day 1: Reykjavík and surroundings

Start your trip in the capital city. If you want to relax, visit one of the geothermal baths. Spend a few hours in the morning at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. Then explore the city in the afternoon and evening. See the famous Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s most famous church. Take a walk on Skólavörðustígur, also called Rainbow Street. Try some delicious fish and chips. Visit the city’s well-known museums and exhibitions. This is also a great place to buy souvenirs.

Day 2: Golden Circle

Drive the famous Golden Circle route. It shows you many of Iceland’s best places. Visit Thingvellir National Park and the Öxarárfoss waterfall. See the Brúarárfoss waterfall, the Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Kerid crater. These are some of the most exciting spots.

Day 3: South Coast

Head to the south coast and see its famous sights. Must-see places are Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Take a rest in Vik í Mýrdal, then continue southeast. Visit the glacier lagoons, especially Jökulsárlón. Walk on Diamond Beach. Also stop at lava fields by the road like Gönguleið um Eldhraun. My personal favorite, don’t miss Fjadrárgljúfur canyon. Some of these activities might also take part of day 4. It’s best to stay overnight in Vik í Mýrdal or near Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Day 4: Head back and catch anything you missed on day 3

There are plenty of sights in this area. Arrive back near Reykjavík in the evening.

7-day Iceland itinerary

7 days is usually enough to drive around Iceland’s famous Ring Road, which gives you the chance to explore almost every part of the island. The pace might feel a bit quick sometimes, but it’s still a great way to see most of the country’s top sights.

I followed this 7-day itinerary myself, and it worked perfectly. Here’s how I spent one week in Iceland a few years ago:

Day 1: Reykjavík

Start your trip in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Visit the unique Hallgrímskirkja Church, a famous symbol of Iceland. If you like museums, there are several worth seeing in the city. If you have time, drive out to visit the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon to relax in geothermal baths. Near Reykjavík, on the Reykjanes Peninsula, there are often volcanic eruptions, so if you’re lucky, you might see an active volcano.

Day 2: Golden Circle

Spend the day driving the famous Golden Circle route. It includes many of Iceland’s best sights, all easy to visit in one day. Visit Thingvellir National Park, where you can see the border between the European and North American tectonic plates. Walk to the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall nearby. See the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, and the nearby Geysir, the largest geyser in Iceland, which erupts rarely. Stop at Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls, and then visit the colorful Kerid volcanic crater. Spend the night in Reykjavik or Selfoss.

Day 3: South Coast

Head to Iceland’s south coast, where many famous sights are waiting. First, visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the falling water — a unique experience. Then go to Skógafoss, a 60-meter waterfall with beautiful surroundings and stairs to climb on top. Visit Dyrhólaey peninsula for views, a lighthouse, and volcanic rock arches. Drive to Reynisfjara beach with its black sand, basalt columns, and sea stacks. Be careful of sudden waves here. Stay overnight in Vík í Mýrdal, the largest town in the area, where you can eat and shop.

Day 4: Southeast Iceland

Continue to southeast Iceland. Stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a spectacular canyon with easy walking paths and great views. If you have time, visit the small Stjornarfoss waterfall. Along the way, explore mossy lava fields like Gönguleið um Eldhraun. Visit the glacier lakes Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón, where you can take boat trips to see icebergs up close. Walk on Diamond Beach, famous for ice chunks that look like diamonds on the black sand. Spend the night nearby or drive to the town of Höfn.

Day 5: Egilsstaðir and surroundings

Explore the area around Egilsstaðir, the main town in eastern Iceland. Optional: Visit Hengifoss waterfall, but it is a long and hard hike. Go to Borgarfjörður Eystri for puffin watching in summer and see traditional grass-covered houses in Lindarbakki. In the afternoon, visit Stuðlagil Canyon. There are two ways to see it: a quick visit from the top, or a longer hike down to the river for better views. Stay the night in Reykjahlíð.

Day 6: Northern Iceland

Visit Lake Mývatn and enjoy views around the lake. Explore Hverir geothermal area with steaming, bubbling mud pools and colorful formations. See Krafla Víti crater with its bright blue water. Stop at Goðafoss waterfall, a large and beautiful waterfall with multiple viewpoints. Travel toward the southwest, possibly stopping in Akureyri for food and supplies.

Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Spend the last day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Visit the famous Kirkjufell mountain and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. Go to Arnarstapi village, known for its beautiful coastline and great restaurants. See the stone bridge near the lighthouse and visit viewpoints like Arnarstapi Cliff and Hellnar. Stop at Búðakirkja, the photogenic black church. In the afternoon or evening, drive back to Reykjavik. If you still have time, explore more attractions around Reykjavik or visit places you missed.

10-day Iceland itinerary

If you have 10 days in Iceland, that’s the perfect amount of time to see most of the island’s best places and really enjoy the beauty of the trip.

It’s an ideal length for driving around the Ring Road, with enough time to stop at hidden gems, take breaks, and enjoy the journey at a more relaxed pace.

Even if the weather turns bad (which is common in Iceland), you’ll have more flexibility to adjust your plans than on a shorter trip.

This is the 10-day Iceland itinerary I recommend:

Day 1: Exploring Reykjavík

The 10-day Iceland adventure begins in the capital city, Reykjavík. After arriving, take your time to explore the city center. Start with the famous Hallgrímskirkja church. Then walk down Rainbow Street, a colorful road filled with shops and cafés. Try some local dishes, like fresh fish and chips, or check out one of the museums if you are interested in history or Icelandic culture. It is a relaxed first day and a good way to ease into your trip.

Day 2: Golden Circle

Today is all about visiting some of Iceland’s most famous natural sights. The Golden Circle is a popular route that you can easily drive in one day. Your first stop is Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between two tectonic plates. Not far from here, visit the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall. Then head to the Geysir geothermal area, where you can see the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes. One of the highlights of the day is Gullfoss, a powerful and dramatic waterfall. Finish the route with a stop at the amazing Kerid crater. Stay overnight somewhere along the south, like Selfoss or Hella.

Day 3: Landmannalaugar and Highlands

This day takes you off the beaten path to Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland’s most unique areas in the highlands. You will need an AWD vehicle to get here, but the views are totally worth it. The mountains here are full of color, shaped by volcanic activity. You can go on a short hike to explore the lava fields and scenic trails. The Laugahraun lava field is a great starting point. If the weather is good, you might also see the Bláhnjúkur or Brennisteinsalda mountains. In the evening, head back down and stay somewhere near the South Coast.

Day 4: South Iceland

Start the day with some of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. First stop is Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the water for a magical view. Then head to Skógafoss, another stunning waterfall with stairs that lead to the top. After that, stop at Dyrhólaey for ocean views, sea cliffs, and maybe puffins in summer. Visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, famous for its basalt columns and powerful waves. Be very careful near the water. Stay overnight in Vík, a small town with shops and restaurants.

Day 5: Southeast Iceland

Keep heading east today toward the glacier area. Stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon for a short and beautiful walk. Along the way, drive through mossy lava fields like Gönguleið um Eldhraun. Later, visit the glacier lagoons Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón. At Jökulsárlón, you can take a boat tour to get close to the floating icebergs. Across the road is Diamond Beach, where broken ice chunks rest on the black sand. It is an unforgettable sight. I recommend to stay near the town of Höfn.

Day 6: East Iceland

This day includes lots of driving, but the scenery is amazing. Start with a visit to Stokksnes and the stunning mountain called Vestrahorn. Then follow the winding roads through dramatic fjords. Near Egilsstaðir, if you have the energy, you can hike to Hengifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls. If you have more time, head out to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a quiet and colorful village where you can see puffins up close in summer. Stop by Lindarbakki, a little red house with a grass roof. End your day with a visit to Stuðlagil Canyon, known for its tall basalt columns and turquoise water. Sleep near Lake Mývatn.

Day 7: North Iceland

Spend the day exploring the area around Lake Mývatn. Walk along the lake and enjoy the peaceful views. Visit the Hverir geothermal field, where the ground steams and bubbles with sulfur and minerals. Then go to the Víti crater of the Krafla volcano, which has bright blue water inside. In the afternoon, stop at Goðafoss, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in northern Iceland. If you have time, visit the city of Akureyri for a quick meal or short break.

Day 8: Across the North to the West

This day is about transitioning from the north to the west of Iceland. If you missed Akureyri yesterday, you can explore a bit in the morning. Then drive toward the Vatnsnes Peninsula to see the sea stack called Hvítserkur. It looks like an animal drinking from the ocean. In the late afternoon, continue your journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and spend the night somewhere along the coast, like Grundarfjörður.

Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Day 9 is dedicated to exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Start your day with a visit to Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. Then drive to Arnarstapi and Hellnar, two small coastal villages with amazing cliffs and rock formations. On the way back, stop at Búðakirkja, the black church that sits alone in a lava field. In the evening, return to Reykjavík for your final night.

Day 10: Relax near Reykjavík

After a busy journey around Iceland, it is time to slow down and relax. Start your last day by visiting either the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon. Both offer warm, mineral-rich waters with beautiful views and are the perfect way to unwind before heading home or to the airport. If you have more time and want an adventure, you can drive out to the Reykjanes Peninsula to explore volcanic landscapes. If there is any volcanic activity, you might even join a guided tour. After a relaxing day, head back to Reykjavík or make your way to the airport, feeling refreshed and ready for your journey home.

So, these were three different Iceland itineraries. I showed you the best things to do in Iceland, how to explore the most interesting Icelandic towns and see the best of the amazing countryside in 4, 7, and 10 days.

Because this article is quite long, I only gave a quick overview of the routes. But if you want to learn more about these places, you can find lots of detailed information and travel tips in my other Iceland articles.

Finally, let’s take a look at some useful tips and things to know before your trip to Iceland:

General questions about a trip to Iceland

After the different Iceland itineraries, let’s take a look at some common questions that come up when planning a trip to Iceland.

Is it worth visiting Iceland?

Yes, visiting Iceland can be worth it, but not for everyone.

First, you should know that the weather is often cold, rainy, and unpredictable. It rarely looks like the sunny pictures you see on social media. Also, Iceland is one of the most expensive travel destinations. Flights, food, car rental, and accommodation all cost more than in most European countries.

So in my opinion, Iceland is only worth visiting if you truly enjoy exploring nature, hiking in the outdoors, and you don’t mind cold or rainy weather. And of course, if you have the budget for such an expensive trip.

Best time to visit Iceland

Iceland’s weather has a big impact on your trip. Some places are best in winter, others in summer. But if you ask me, I think summer is the best time to visit.

Winters in Iceland are cold, dark, and windy. The roads can be dangerous, and many areas are closed or hard to reach. You’ll need special gear and experience if you plan to travel in winter.

In summer, the weather is milder, the days are long, and most places are open, even the remote highlands. You still need to be ready for rain, but you can see more and drive safely.

If you want to hike, explore nature, or drive the Ring Road, I really recommend visiting in summer. It’s the best time to enjoy everything Iceland has to offer.

How to get around in Iceland

In my opinion, the best way to explore Iceland is by driving around the island. You can either rent a car and go on a self-drive tour or join a guided tour. It depends on your travel style.

I personally think renting a car is the best option. It gives you freedom and flexibility, even though it is quite expensive. If you plan to go into the Highlands, make sure to rent an AWD vehicle with high clearance. You can compare rental prices on Rentalcars.com.

If you do not want to drive, you can join guided tours instead. There are many tours available for almost every attraction. I recommend booking them through GetYourGuide.

There is also a public bus system in Iceland, but it is not very practical for sightseeing. So I would not recommend it. There are no other public transport options in the country.

How to make the most of your time in Iceland

Here are some practical travel tips to help you enjoy your time in Iceland even more:

• Travel by car

Even if driving in Iceland might seem difficult at first, it’s actually one of the best ways to explore the country. It’s often faster than joining guided tours, and parking is usually easy and well organized. Plus, having your own car gives you complete flexibility — you can stop wherever and whenever you like, without following a group schedule.

• Book accommodation close to your destinations

Just like in other road trip itineraries I share, it’s smart to stay close to your next destination. On a longer trip, like 10 days, this often means booking a new hotel almost every night. That might sound like a hassle, but it really helps you avoid spending hours on the road just getting to your accommodation. And trust me — in Iceland, you’ll want to spend that time outdoors instead.

• Wake up early

Here’s a tip that’s not so fun for night owls like me: try to wake up early each day. In summer, Iceland has long daylight hours, so you can enjoy nature late into the evening. Still, mornings are great for visiting popular sights with fewer people around. Starting early gives you more time to explore, and more peace and quiet while you do it.

Costs of an Iceland trip

As I’ve already mentioned, Iceland is not a cheap place to visit, and you’ll notice that in almost every part of your trip. Prices are high for accommodation, food, fuel, parking, and even simple things like groceries or souvenirs.

During the busy summer season, it’s difficult to find a hotel room for two people under 200 € per night. In most cases, a standard double room in a 3- or 4-star hotel will cost between 200 and 400 € per night. And this doesn’t include any luxury stays.

Food, guided tours, and other activities can also add a lot to your daily budget. From my experience, a realistic daily budget for two people in Iceland is somewhere between 300 and 700 €, depending on how you like to travel.

Whatever the length of your trip, keep this daily range in mind, and don’t forget to include your flight or other transport costs to get to Iceland.

Conclusion: How many days in Iceland?

In my opinion, the best way to explore Iceland is to spend at least one full week in the country. This gives you enough time to see the main highlights and enjoy the natural beauty without feeling too rushed. But if you can stay for 10 days or more, that’s even better. With more time, you’ll be able to explore the hidden gems, try different activities, and enjoy a more complete travel experience.

That said, no matter how long your trip is, whether it’s 4, 7, 10, or even more days, Iceland is always an amazing place to visit. Every part of the island offers something unique and unforgettable.

I hope this guide gave you useful tips and some inspiration for your own Iceland trip. If it did, don’t wait too long, start planning today! Book your flight, car, and accommodation, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Iceland.