Iceland
In September 2024, my family and I embarked on an unforgettable 9-day journey around Iceland, a land of breathtaking landscapes and boundless natural beauty. From exploring majestic waterfalls and volcanic craters to soaking in soothing geothermal hot springs and marveling at glaciers, our adventure was a perfect blend of exploration and bonding. Circling the country, we experienced the raw power of nature and the serenity of its untouched wilderness, creating cherished memories along the way.
Our journey took us along the famous Ring Road, where every turn revealed a new wonder. We walked along black sand beaches and discovered charming villages that showcased Iceland's rich culture and warm hospitality. This trip wasn’t just a getaway—it was a reminder of how extraordinary the world can be when explored with those you love most.
Explore Our Iceland Adventure: Interactive Map
To help bring our Icelandic adventure to life, I’ve included an interactive Google Map highlighting the key stops and experiences from our 9-day journey. Each pin on the map represents a memorable location we visited, from cascading waterfalls to otherworldly geothermal sites. Click on the pins to explore photos, descriptions, and stories from our trip. You can zoom in to view the intricate details of each site or zoom out to appreciate the route we followed along Iceland’s famous Ring Road. Whether you’re planning your own Icelandic adventure or simply curious about our journey, this map offers an engaging way to explore the beauty and diversity of this incredible country.
Iceland Trip Planning
For years, I’ve relied on the trusted Moon series guidebooks to plan my travels, whether exploring the diverse landscapes of America or venturing to destinations abroad. These books have been my go-to resource, offering detailed insights, expert tips, and curated recommendations that help bring every trip to life. While the internet provides an abundance of information at our fingertips, I find the tactile experience of flipping through pages, annotating sections, and bookmarking chapters to be both comforting and effective. For my Iceland adventure, the Moon guidebook served as the backbone of my planning, helping me discover hidden gems, prioritize must-see spots, and map out an itinerary that balanced exploration with relaxation. There’s something timeless and inspiring about planning a trip with a book in hand, and it’s a method I continue to cherish for its reliability and depth of information.
9-Day Iceland Trip Itinerary
Planning to see all of Iceland in just 9 days? It might sound ambitious, but with careful planning, it’s absolutely possible! Here’s a detailed look at the incredible itinerary we followed during our recent adventure. Each day was packed with breathtaking landscapes, unique experiences, and unforgettable memories. Click on each day to discover a brief overview of our experiences and the unforgettable moments we captured through our camera lens.
Our journey began with an overnight flight to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). After arriving, we explored Reykjavik’s highlights:
Visited the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church
Admired the architecture of Harpa Concert Hall
Strolled to the Sun Voyager Sculpture
Enjoyed panoramic views at Perlan and its Wonders of Iceland exhibit
The second day took us through the renowned Golden Circle, where we explored:
Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
The scenic Oxararfoss Waterfall
The hidden beauty of Bruarfoss Waterfall
The erupting geysers of the Geysir Geothermal Area
The powerful views at Gullfoss Waterfall Lookout
Day 3: Selfoss to Vik (The South Coast)
We continued along Iceland’s stunning South Coast, visiting:
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where we walked behind the cascading water
The majestic Skógafoss Waterfall
The dramatic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its basalt columns
Day 4: Vik to Höfn (The Glacial East)
The landscapes transformed as we entered the Glacial East:
Explored the charming Viking Park
Hiked the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Walked along the unique Diamond Beach, with its scattered ice chunks
Marveled at the serene Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Day 5: Höfn to Lake Myvatn
Our journey continued with a mix of nature and geothermal wonders:
Birdwatched at the Bird Sanctuary
Stopped at the picturesque Folaldafoss Waterfall
Admired the dramatic Dimmifjallgarður Mountains
Explored the otherworldly Krafla Lava Fields
Witnessed bubbling mud pots at Hverir
Relaxed in the soothing waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths
Day 6: Lake Myvatn to Siglufjörður
The highlights of the day included:
A visit to the breathtaking Godafoss Waterfall, “Waterfall of the Gods”
An overnight stay at Brimnes Cabins, offering serene fjord views
Day 7: Siglufjörður to Grundarfjörður
Driving through the scenic Tröllaskagi Peninsula, we passed picturesque fishing villages and ended the day with:
A stop at the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, a favorite among photographers
Day 8: Grundarfjörður to Reykjavik
Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park, we experienced:
The rugged coastline of Snæfellsjökull
Stunning views from Svörtuloft Lighthouse
A hike up Saxhóll Crater
A walk along Djúpalónssandur Beach, with its black pebbles and shipwreck remains
Visits to Malarrif Lighthouse and the Bárður Snæfellsás Statue, Iceland’s mythical protector
Day 9: Reykjavik and Departure
On our final day, we enjoyed the morning in Reykjavik:
Explored downtown, shopped for souvenirs, and indulged in local cafés
Flew home in the afternoon, concluding an incredible journey
In total, we drove approximately 1,960 kilometers, immersing ourselves in Iceland’s unmatched natural beauty. The itinerary was action-packed yet rewarding. If you’re planning your own trip or need tips, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help!