Driving around the entire island for a holiday is easier said than done. With our Iceland Itinerary for 14 days, you will have time to spend at your preferred attractions! And all of this while also seeing every possible corner of this magnificent country.

Iceland is the perfect destination for a longer holiday, since it is remote and has an amazingly high number of natural wonders to visit. In our opinion, driving an Iceland itinerary for 14 days is the best way to experience the country.

Obviously, we have made the ultimate guide to do this, so read on to learn everything you need to know about how to have the best two weeks on the road in Iceland.

A winding road stretches through the diverse and rugged landscapes of Iceland, with mountains and the ocean in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

An Iceland Holiday

Going to Iceland for too short of a time will not be fun for anyone involved. A minimum of a week is needed to enjoy the country properly. However, driving an Iceland itinerary for 14 days is the best choice if you really want to dive deep into this country. With this amount of time, you will experience first-hand why the island has seen a boom in tourism.

The changing glaciers and the geological activity on the island continuously shape the landscape, giving life to new natural wonders. Because non-explosive volcanic eruptions have become frequent in the last few decades, we totally recommend taking a 14-days itinerary in Iceland if you'd like to catch some real-life lava during your trip!

You should also make sure to travel cheaply in Iceland when you’re there for so long, as it is one of the most expensive countries in the world. If you have a tight budget, consider picking a shorter itinerary to really get the most out of it:

Before Driving in Iceland

Before you jump in behind the steering wheel and start moving, you should check the FAQs for driving in Iceland. Some rules and regulations might differ from what you’re used to at home.

Check the weather by season in Iceland to determine when you feel most comfortable driving. Various seasons bring their own challenges. Regardless of that, a tip from us and a good choice if you want to have the best road conditions, best weather, and longest days will be to drive in Iceland in summer.

An Iceland 2 Week Itinerary

Without further ado, it’s time to get down to the core of this article about an Iceland itinerary for 14 days. This itinerary assumes that you will be arriving on the 1st day and leaving on the 14th day, and there will be no rushing between any locations. This is all about experiencing Iceland with plenty of time to explore the things you want to explore.

Reykjavik cityscape at twilight with illuminated buildings and their reflections in the calm water.

Day 1 – Reykjavik: Snacks and Planning

You arrive in Iceland today. Touchdown in Keflavik, and take a trip to the capital to start your adventure. We suggest you take the time today to explore Reykjavik and buy whatever you didn’t bring (or forgot to bring) for your trip around Iceland in 14 days.

The aim of the day is to rent your Iceland car and prepare for the two weeks you will be spending on the road. Snacks are a must. Now, remember that you will visit large towns on your Iceland itinerary of 14 days, so there will be time to replenish the stock continuously. Today, you can look forward to:

  • Exploring the capital of Reykjavik

Day 2 – Golden Circle and Selfoss

Today, you will take on the most popular road trip route in Iceland: the Golden Circle. On this part of your self-driving route around Iceland in 14 days, you will drive through some of the sights that Icelanders are the proudest of. Thingvellir is the cradle of the Icelandic state. It is also the birthplace of the oldest parliamentary assembly in the world, so it’s easy to see why it is a heritage site.

All around Thingvellir National Park, you will find caves, waterfalls, geothermal areas, and much, much more. To get here, you will follow Road 36 from Reykjavik to Thingvellir. From there you will go all the way up to Gullfoss waterfall, and later continue south to Selfoss town.

This route will be roughly 187 kilometers long and take roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes of driving. The places to visit along this road are:

Breathtaking sunset over the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, surrounded by lush green cliffs and rugged terrain.

Day 3 – South Coast Part 1

Today you wake up in Selfoss and the aim of the day is to see all the sights along the south coast between Selfoss and Vik. This route will be about 130 kilometers, so it’s a bit shorter than yesterday’s trip. You will drive on Ring Road 1 all the way, but you might want to take a detour or two to see some of the sights in the area.

The big stars of this leg of the Iceland itinerary of 14 days will be Reynisfjara Beach, Reynisdrangar, and the Solheimasandur plane crash. Close to Reynisfjara, you can also see the rock formation Dyrholaey. These are found nearby the end of the route in Vik, so don’t forget to visit these other sights along the way:

  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Skogafoss
  • Irafoss
  • Arbaejarfoss
  • Urridafoss
  • Kvernufoss
  • Drangurinn i Drangshlid
  • Rutshellir caves

Stunning view of Reynisdrangar sea stacks at sunset, with black sand beach and dramatic skies in Iceland.

Day 4 – South Coast Part 2

Waking up in Vik, you can make sure to visit Reynisfjara if you didn’t get the chance. The aim of the day is to reach Skaftafell and explore the amazing Skaftafell National Park – a part of Vatnajökull National Park.

This leg of your Iceland Ring Road Itinerary in 14 days will be a short drive but have a lot of exploring. In Skaftefell, you can either choose to go on a glacier hike with a tour company, go on any of the park rangers’ walks, or simply explore the area yourself. If you go on your own, stay on the hiking trails and make sure to bring a map or GPS, so you don’t get lost.

In the area, you should visit Svartifoss waterfall and pay a visit to the Skeidara bridge monument. On the 141-kilometer-long drive from Vik to Skaftafell, you can also see the following sights:

  • Dverghamrar
  • Foss a Sidu
  • Fossalar waterfall
  • Stjornafoss waterfall
  • Kirkjugolf
  • Elhraun (massive lava field)
  • Fjadrargljufur

Group of hikers exploring the blue ice formations of a glacier in Iceland, wearing helmets and winter gear.

Day 5 – Heading East

Today, you will explore Jökulsarlon and later move on to Höfn. On your Iceland itinerary for 14 days, this part will only take up a max of two hours of driving and cover a mere 137 kilometers. Just like earlier, this leg is completely on Ring Road 1 and has the option to take short detours to nearby attractions.

Before you reach Jökulsarlon, make sure to visit some of these highlights:

  • Fjallsarlon
  • Mulagljufur Canyon
  • Bredidarlon

In Jökulsarlon, you should opt for one of the boat rides in the lagoon to get up close and personal with the massive icebergs floating around. With some tours, you will also have the option to taste what 1000-year-old (safe-to-eat) ice tastes like.

When you’re done with the boat tour, we suggest you take a walk on Diamond Beach before you move on. Just promise to keep this the best Iceland itinerary in 14 days and don’t climb any of the stranded icebergs. They are incredibly slippery, and the sand is not as soft as it looks.

Person in a red jacket sitting on ice formations at Diamond Beach in Iceland, watching a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

Day 6 – Egilsstadir

The capital of the east is the goal of this leg. Leave Höfn early and don’t be afraid to take the scenic route along Ring Road 1. If you want to cut your travel time by about 40 minutes, you can choose to turn onto Road 939 after Djupivogur. Then, go through the mountains instead of the fjords.

This part of the Iceland itinerary in 14 days will take about 2 hours and 40 minutes if you take the short route through the mountains.

When you arrive in the Egilsstadir area, you should have time to head west and take a trip around the lake to see all the hidden gems in the area. Finish your day in Egilsstadir and maybe have a dip in the Vök Baths as a relaxing end to a day full of driving.

Some highlights in the area include:

Sheep resting near a road sign indicating directions to Egilsstaðir and Hallormsstaður in Iceland.

Day 7 – Going North

Halfway through your journey, it’s time to start moving towards the north of the island. From Egilsstadir, you will follow your most faithful companion on this Iceland Itinerary in 14 days: Ring Road 1.

Along the way, there is an amazing ravine made up of almost perfectly shaped hexagonal basalt pillars. We strongly recommend that you take the time to get to Studlagil. Take a short hike to the ravine to see one of the most breathtaking geological formations in Iceland.

The goal of today is to travel the 165-kilometer-long road from Egilsstadir to Reykjahlid where you should take a trip around lake Myvatn. You will find plenty of accommodation around the lake, and many attractions like:

Breathtaking view of Stuðlagil Canyon with its unique basalt column formations and clear turquoise water in Iceland.

Day 8 – Diamond Circle and Akureyri

It’s time to hit the northern equivalent of the Golden Circle:the Diamond Circle. This will officially be the start of the second half of your journey around Iceland in 2 weeks.

A small portion of the Diamond Circle is already taken care of since you’ve traveled around lake Myvatn. Now it’s time to head north to see some of Iceland’s unique marvels. We suggest taking a counter-clockwise lap around the circle to line up smoothly with your final destination: Akureyri.

This will be a 211-kilometer-long trip, but will only be about 2 hours and 40 minutes of actual driving time. The majority of the time will be spent hiking the trails and visiting attractions. After that, the end of the day will be spent in the beautiful capital of the north: Akureyri.

Sights to see on the Diamond Circle are:

  • Dettifoss
  • Godafoss
  • Asbyrgi Canyon
  • Viti Crater
  • Selfoss Waterfall
  • Hljodaklettar Rock Formation
  • Jökulsargljufur Canyon
  • Hringsbjarg Cliffs
  • Husavik
  • Forest Lagoon

The stunning Akureyri Church illuminated at dusk, standing majestically with a staircase leading up to it in Akureyri, Iceland.

Day 9 – From North to West

Today will be the second-longest driving day of your Iceland Itinerary in 14 days. The aim of the day is to reach Holmavik inthe Westfjords, which will take about 4 hours and 15 minutes and cover 334 kilometers in a day.

We suggest leaving Akureyri fairly early, so you don’t have to rush through this route. On the way, there is an impressive rock formation right after Blönduos called Hvitserkur. We highly recommend you have a look at if you think rocks are cool (like we do). Apart from that, this leg will mostly only offer scenic views of the Icelandic landscape and not many attractions to visit.

Take Ring Road 1 until you reach the turnoff for Road 68. Continue north from there until you reach Holmavik. All along the road from Akureyri, you will find that the places to eat become more and more scarce. Also, since Holmavik isn’t a large town, you would be wise to keep an eye out along the way for dinner to eat or simply bring with you to the accommodation. Today, you can look forward to:

  • Hvitserkur
  • Holmavik

A breathtaking view of Hvitserkur, a unique rock formation, along the rugged coastline in Iceland, under a cloudy sky.

Day 10 – Isafjordur

Waking up in Holmavik (or close to it) your next leg will be a shorter one as the goal is to hit Isafjordur and sleep there for the next two nights. On your way, you should unpack your bathing gear and head east to Drangsnes on the opposite side of the fjord from Holmavik. It’s a wonderful little natural hot spring with a great view that you simply can’t miss.

On your way to Isafjordur, there is also an extremely hot natural hot spring that is a complete-hidden gem in the Westfjords: Hörgshlidarlaug. It is off Road 633 right before the fjord (you will understand when you see it). Just take a right on the gravel road for about 2 kilometers, and you will see the bath. It’s a completely unique experience.

Just remember to let the hose at the bath run in the water for a bit to cool it down for you. Otherwise, you’ll be doing the rest of the Iceland itinerary in 14 days with some sore skin. Today’s highlights include:

  • Drangsnes
  • Hörgshlidarlaug
  • Isafjordur

A stunning view of Isafjordur, Iceland, featuring clear blue skies and a tranquil fjord reflecting the surrounding mountains and charming town.

Day 11 – Latrabjarg Bird Cliff

From Isafjordur, you will visit the famous Latrabjarg cliffs. Given that you will spend 14 days in Iceland in the summer, this will be a Puffin bird paradise for you. If you’d rather do an Iceland winter itinerary for 14 days, then you might want to stay and explore the many museums and other amazing things in and around Isafjordur.

Spend some proper time at the cliffs, marvel at the many birds, and see if you can spot any whales, orcas, or dolphins in the water. On your way back to Isafjordur, you will be able to visit these highlights:

  • Dynjandi waterfall
  • Holtsfjara
  • Raudasandur Beach
  • Bolafjall Mountain
  • Valagil

A close-up of a vibrant puffin standing on a rocky cliffside in Iceland, with another puffin partially visible in the background.

Day 12 – Budardalur

Today will be another driving day, as you will be covering about 266 kilometers in about 3 hours and 45 minutes. From Isafjordur, you will simply keep on Road 60 southwest bound all the way to Budardalur.

This leg of the Iceland itinerary in 14 days will take you along the southern parts of the Westfjords. There, you will be able to find a geothermal pool (Hellulaug) that is easily accessible from the main road.

This will be the last goodbye to the classic fjords in Iceland, as you will be cruising in and out of them throughout the southern part of the Westfjords.

There is not much to see or do along this particular route other than having a swim at Hellulaug. So, we recommend spending the morning in Isafjordur and enjoying the cultural attractions that can be found there.

Leaving Isafjordur right before 12 should be enough to comfortably get you to Budardalur in good time. You will have leeway to check into your accommodation and have time to have dinner without any stress. The stops on the itinerary for today are:

  • Isafjordur
  • Hellulaug
  • Budardalur

A picturesque view of a thermal bath in Iceland, surrounded by rugged natural landscapes with a few buildings in the background and two people relaxing in the hot spring.

Day 13 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Reykjavik

Today’s itinerary will take you around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and all the way back to Reykjavik. This is the last leg of the Iceland itinerary you’ve driven in 14 days. This route will be 315 kilometers and take roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes. If you want to hit the gravel roads and drive around the Snaefellsjökull, then simply add 30 minutes to your trip.

In general, you will follow Road 54 all the way from Budardalur, around the peninsula until you reach Ring Road 1. From there, it’s smooth sailing to Reykjavik and the end of your magnificent journey.

Highlights around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula include:

  • Kirkjufell (Iceland’s most photographed mountain)
  • Ytri Tunga
  • Arnarstapi Cliffs
  • Djupalonssandur
  • Snaefellsjökull Glacier

A stunning landscape in Iceland featuring dramatic rock formations along the coastline, with a solitary white house perched atop a hill, framed by mountains and a vibrant blue sky.

Day 14 – Going home

This is your last day in the country, and we feel like you have deserved a treat for your effort. If you have time today, the absolute last stop on your Iceland itinerary for 14 days is the world-renowned Blue Lagoon.

This must-visit spa is on the way between Reykjavik and Keflavik. You can then comfortably leave the city a little bit earlier and have yourself a soak in the rejuvenating hot springs before your flight. The final stops for today are:

  • Blue Lagoon
  • Keflavik Airport

Tourists enjoying a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon, a famous geothermal spa in Iceland, surrounded by rocky terrain and set against a backdrop of mountains and a partly cloudy sky.

What to Pack for Your Iceland Itinerary of 14 Days

Scared you might forget some essentials? Then use our handy packing list as a guide:

  • Waterproof hiking shoes
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof pants
  • Wool sweaters
  • T-shirts & long-sleeved shirts
  • Underwear
  • Thermal vests
  • Thermal leggings
  • Warm gloves
  • Warm scarf
  • Bathing suit
  • Quick drying towel
  • Toiletries & medications
  • Electronic devices; chargers, cables, power bank, adapter, etc.
  • Backpack (for hiking as well as day outings)
  • Water bottle (to refill with Iceland’s high-quality water all throughout your trip)

Start Your Iceland Itinerary in 14 Days

Now you know exactly what can be expected from a fully packed road trip itinerary in Iceland. If you have two weeks to spare and want to see as much as possible of this magnificent country, you must rent a car in Iceland and hit the roads. There is nothing that compares to a really good road trip!