After spending an incredible 14 days in Iceland, I’m excited to share our Iceland 2 week itinerary with you. It’s no secret that Iceland is an amazing destination. You are going to be wowed by this truly spectacular country. You’ve made an excellent decision to travel there as we completely fell in love!
From mountains to waterfalls and glacier lagoons to black sand beaches, Iceland is a spectacular place to visit if you love exploring nature and witnessing stunning landscapes that you won’t see anywhere else. This Iceland two week itinerary showcases the best of the best, and you’ll be able to see so much of this beautiful country.
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It can be a little daunting to plan a trip to Iceland, especially if you’re looking to venture outside of Reykjavik and the popular Golden Circle route. Don’t worry, we’ve done all the research for you! Have less time than 2 weeks? Check out our 3 day, 5 day or 10 day itineraries.
After spending hours upon hours of research, combined with personally traveling around Iceland for two weeks (and stumbling upon spots that I didn’t read about in guide books), I’ve put together this complete Iceland 2 week itinerary. You’re welcome to steal it for yourself!
Iceland 14 Days Itinerary: What to Know Before You Go
The currency of Iceland is the Icelandic króna, but don’t worry about bringing too much of it. Most places in Iceland accept and prefer credit card payments, so it’s entirely possible to travel without any cash on you. Speaking of cash, Iceland is a pretty expensive country to visit. Even though the flights are cheap, we found that dining out at restaurants and buying beer at the bar was pricey.
Here’s a money saving tip. Stay at cottages and guest rooms along your journey that have kitchenettes. We mostly cooked all of our own food and saved a great deal. Splurge at a couple of restaurants. Otherwise, buy groceries and prepare your own meals. Buy beer at the store to save even more money, too!
When Should I Visit Iceland?
Iceland is an amazing year round destination and incredible in all seasons. Depending on the time of year, you’ll experience different climates and the days will be longer or shorter.
When we traveled to Iceland in June, the days were long and the sun only went down for a couple of hours each night. Touring Iceland by car was even easier because the hours of daylight were extended until 11:00pm or even midnight. You could spend more hours on the road if you choose to do so on your Iceland 2 week itinerary.
On the flip side, you’ll experience fewer hours of daylight in the winter. The climate will be snowy and icy, and the temperatures will be much colder. Some of the roads may be closed due to inclement weather. However, you will have the opportunity to see the northern lights and the chance to explore ice caves that aren’t open in the summer.
Iceland Packing List: What Should I Bring to Iceland?
The weather in Iceland can change on a dime, so plan accordingly. Dress in layers. You should definitely bring a waterproof jacket if you’re going to Iceland in June. There were some days when I ventured out in a tank top and leggings, and there were other times where I was wearing a shirt, a heavy sweater, and a jacket.
Bring a hat and gloves. In June, you can expect the weather to mostly feel like a spring day. However, it can rain off and on quite unexpectedly. Thankfully, when we visited Iceland in June, we only experienced two rainy days out of 14! That is very lucky. I hope you have similar luck with the weather, too.
For electronics, Iceland uses a standard European two prong Schuko plug. Bring adapters if you’re from other areas in the world that don’t use that plug. I personally love this universal travel adapter because it works everywhere in the world.
Remember not to bring appliances where the voltage varies, like hair dryers, shavers, or straightening irons. I found a straightening iron that works worldwide that I bring along on my travels. Most accommodations have hair dryers, and you should consider bringing a rechargable electric razor, too.
Flights to Iceland
Flying to Reykjavik is a breeze for those living in Europe and the east coast of North America. For instance, our flight from Toronto to Reykjavik was only about five hours long. Even if you require a lengthier flight to reach Iceland, it’s totally worth it.
We found a seat sale between Toronto and Reykjavik. With many budget airlines, you’ll have to pay extra for carry-on and checked baggage, which can often make the seats equally as expensive as other airlines. The best thing you can do is compare flight prices online at least a couple months in advance to weigh your options.
Looking to save on your flights, accommodation, and more? Check out my guide to travel price comparison websites that will save you money!
When flying from Toronto to Iceland, chances are that you’ll arrive super early in the morning. For this reason, many people choose to visit the Blue Lagoon upon their arrival because they won’t be able to check in to their hotels until later in the day.
However, we reached the Keflavik Airport at around 4:30am and the Blue Lagoon didn’t open until 9:00am. Justin and I decided to relax in the airport for a little while before heading into Reykjavik for breakfast.
Getting to Reykjavik From Keflavik Airport
The Keflavik Airport is about a 45 minutes drive away from Reykjavik. Traveling by bus is the cheapest and best option to get from the airport to Reykjavik. I recommend booking your bus ticket in advance online. The Flybus will always be waiting according to the flights that come into the airport. There will always be a seat for you on the bus, even if your flight is early, late or delayed.
The bus trip transports you to the BSI Bus Terminal. If you chose a Flybus+ ticket, you board a smaller bus that will take you directly to your hotel. We knew that our apartment wouldn’t be ready for some time, so we departed the Flybus at the BSI Bus Terminal. Inside the bus terminal, there are lockers where you can store your belongings. We stashed our luggage and bags there so we wouldn’t have to lug them around town.
Iceland 2 Week Itinerary, Day 1: Reykjavik
For our Iceland 2 week itinerary, our first day in Reykjavik was a little bit of a blur. Naturally, we didn’t plan too many activities or things to do because we knew we’d be jetlagged and tired. Instead, we wandered around town at our leisure after grabbing a bite to eat. We explored the waterfront, popped into a few shops, and discovered street art.
Check into your hotel or accommodation in Reykjavik. If possible, choose a property that allows you to check in early because there’s a good chance that you will reach Iceland in the early morning. We loved staying at Old Charm Reykjavik Apartments. The location couldn’t be better as it’s right in the middle of all the action. It also lives up to the name as it’s a very modern apartment inside a charming home.
Justin and I made the mistake of having a nap that lasted until nearly 9:00pm. Don’t do this! Once we woke up, we discovered that many restaurants had closed for the evening. Luckily, we had a kitchen at our disposal.
We walked over to a grocery store near the Hallgrimskirkja church called Krambúð was open for 24 hours a day. Furthermore Krambúð had lots of vegan meals and ingredients, like Violife cheeses, sausages, steaks, and snacks. We stocked up on seitan steaks, rice, plant-based milk, and an assortment of other ingredients and snacks to last us a couple of days.
If you are looking for accommodation in Reykjavik beyond the one I suggested above, please feel free to use this handy map. It shows all hotels and apartments in Reykjavik. Enter your travel dates for even more accurate details. Click each property to learn more and book your stay.
Iceland 2 Week Itinerary, Day 2: Reykjavik
Ready for day 2 of our Iceland 2 week itinerary? We woke up feeling refreshed and ready to explore Reykjavik. While it is possible to see Reykjavik in one day, I suggest going there for two days upon arrival. The first day will allow you to get over the jet lag and settle in, while the second day will be a full exploration day.
Things to Do in Reykjavik
While you should walk up and down the streets, wandering into some shops and discovering the vibes and the colorful murals, I have a few places that you absolutely need to work into your itinerary. You can also consider getting a Reykjavik City Card for free admission to several city attractions, thermal pools, transportation, and other discounts as well.
Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest church in Iceland and it towers above all other buildings in Reykjavik. The architecture is modern and intriguing, and there’s an amazing view of the city from the top. You simply must check it out.
Laugavegur is the main shopping street and one of the oldest streets of Reykjavik. You’ll find boutiques, bars, restaurants, interesting houses and street art all along Laugavegur. It literally translates to mean “wash road” and used to lead to the hot springs where the whole city’s washing was done. Hit up the Lebowski Bar if you’re looking for a fun places to enjoy a pint (but be prepared for the steep price tag).
Walk along the harbourfront for a beautiful view and check out Sólfar (The Sun Voyager) statue. The Harpa concert hall is also located on the waterfront. It’s a magnificent building from the outside and the inside, and you should definitely venture inside if you have the time (or even catch a performance!).
Iceland 2 Week Itinerary, Day 3: The Golden Circle
It’s day three of our 14 days in Iceland itinerary, and the road trip begins! From downtown Reykjavik, we picked up our rental car. We highly recommend renting a car in Iceland so you have the freedom to explore everywhere you’d like to go, without any limitations.
Renting a Car in Reykjavik
Renting a car in Iceland allowed us to drive all over the country at any time of day. The best part of a road trip around Iceland? Being able to stop wherever you want, whenever you want. If we saw something that looked interesting, we pulled over to take a look. If we decided to spend two hours at that one waterfall, we did it without any difficulty.
On many days, we reached our accommodation late at night because we were out exploring all day. This is a possibility in the summer as Iceland becomes “the land of the midnight sun” and it stays light out nearly 24 hours. A car rental gave us the flexibility to make the trip exactly how we wanted it.
We chose a 4WD Suzuki Jimny with an automatic transmission (sadly, neither of us can drive a manual car). We wanted to have the flexibility to drive off the Ring Road, so we opted for the four wheel drive vehicle. If you’re not planning to drive on any of the F-Roads (which we didn’t end up doing), you probably don’t need a 4WD car.
Book your rental car far in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the busier summer months. I recommend using Discover Cars to compare car rental prices to find the best rate for your journey. We arranged to pick up our rental car in Reykjavik and return our rental car at the airport for a seamless adventure.
And one more thing, always drive with your headlights on in Iceland, even during the day. It’s the law! We didn’t know this at first and drivers kept flashing their high beams at us. We figured it out and turned our lights on for the remainder of the trip.
The Golden Circle Tour
Now that you’ve picked up your rental car, it’s time for a self drive tour of the Golden Circle. It’s close to Reykjavik and will give you a great introduction to the natural wonders of the country. The Golden Circle consists of three main sites: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gulfoss.
If you aren’t able to rent a car, it’s still possible to take a Golden Circle tour. Check out this amazing group tour if you prefer a bus tour over driving yourself. You can also choose to pick up your rental car one day later and take the group tour from Reykjavik instead.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of Iceland’s first parliament. It’s also the only place in the world where two individual tectonic plates are visible above ground. Most tectonic plate boundaries are only seen underwater.
At Thingvellir, the ridges of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates tower above the ground. You can walk between them. The rift runs right through Þingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland.
At the Silfra Fissure, a crack between the North American and Eurasian plates at Þingvallavatn, you can snorkel or scuba through the middle. There are plenty of other amazing natural marvels at Þingvellir National Park, so be sure to check out my post about The Golden Circle to read more information about everywhere you need to go.
Geysir
Our next stop of the Golden Circle was Geysir, the place for which all geysers are named. Unfortunately, Geysir rarely erupts anymore. However, there’s a slightly smaller one called Strokkur that erupts very regularly.
You can see the hot water burst from the surface once every two to ten minutes. While we were visiting, Strokkur erupted a few times. The water shoots anywhere from 15 to 40 meters high. It’s quite the sight!
Gullfoss
The last stop on our Golden Circle self drive tour was Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Falls. It’s a gigantic and stunning waterfall, even on a rainy day.
I enjoyed the moody atmosphere as the raging waters plunged over the cliff edge. There are paths along the waterfall so you can get a closer look. We didn’t spend too much time here due to the rain, but it’s quite a magnificent stop.
Where to Stay: Gesthus Selfoss
Spend the night at Gesthus Selfoss. We booked a charming cabin that had its own hot tub. You can also stay at their campgrounds if you’re looking for a budget option. The location put us right on track to continue our Ring Road tour the following morning.
Iceland 14 Day Itinerary, Day 4: The South Coast
Ready for day 4 of our Iceland two week itinerary? It’s time to visit the south coast of Iceland, and we were left truly in awe of this gorgeous region. You can cover a lot of ground in a day, including multiple waterfalls, black sand beaches, and several other interesting stops.
On the south coast, you’ll drive entirely on the Ring Road (Route 1), the main highway that encircles the whole country. It’s a paved road with numerous points of interest on the way.
You can also opt to book a tour of South Iceland from Reykjavik if you don’t have a car. Visiting South Iceland is an absolute must, especially if you’re spending one week or two weeks in Iceland.
Safety Tip!
It might seem like a no brainer, but safely pull off to a parking lot or to the side of the road if you see an intriguing pit stop. There are so many stories of tourists in Iceland causing traffic accidents because they stop right in the middle of the highway to get out and wander around. Don’t be a silly tourist! Drive responsibly.
We drove from Selfoss to Vik, and continued our journey to our accommodation for the night near Hofn. This was a big stretch of driving, but it’s totally doable in a day. Here are some of the exciting places we visited.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a famous waterfall with a 60-metre drop. It’s possible to walk behind the waterfall. Be sure to bring your rain jacket! When you visit Seljalandsfoss, don’t miss Gljúfrabúi. It’s a “secret” waterfall in the same area as Seljalandsfoss.
Gljufrabui has a cute name, “the one who lives in the canyon”. As we continued to walk on the path, we could only see the very top of Gljúfrabúi peeking out from the large cliff (called Franskanef). However, there’s a narrow entrance in the Franskanef Cliff, thought to be the home of elves.
Turf houses at Drangshlíð
Before you reach the next waterfall, stop at the turf houses at Drangshlíð. Also known as Drangurinn í Drangshlíð, this is a charming little discovery at the side of the Ring Road in South Iceland. There are a few elf stories related to this place as described in Þjóðsögur Jóns Árnasonar: the Collection of Folklore by Jón Árnason.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland that’s absolutely stunning. Climb up the staircase to the top of the mountain to view the waterfall from above.
Sólheimasandur Plane Crash Site
Sólheimasandur Plane Crash Site is another intriguing place to visit. The wreckage of the plane sits near the Sólheimasandur black sand beach. It’s about a 45 minute walk to get to the ruins of the plane from the car park. It’s well worth the trek, even if it does end up being a little bit overcrowded.
Black Sand Beach
Finally, the last attraction is Reynisfjara, the black sand beach. Justin and I admired the views from the peak before venturing down to the nearby Kirkjufiara Beach to put our own footprints in the sand. There’s nothing quite like this scenery – deep blue waters, black sand beaches, and far off rock formations, shaped over centuries.
Where to Stay in South Iceland
Justin and I spent the night at Lambhus Glacier View Cabins in southeast Iceland. They are adorable self catering cottages on a peaceful and quiet farm. Savor the breathtaking views of Vatnajökull Glacier from your own private cabin.
Iceland 14 Day Itinerary, Day 5: Southeast to East Iceland
Continuing in a counterclockwise direction around the Ring Road, we visited areas of Southeast Iceland and East Iceland. From Hofn, Justin and I had to backtrack a little bit to visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, but it’s well worth it.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
If there’s one thing you must do in South Iceland, it’s take the zodiac boat tour at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Make sure you reserve your tickets well in advance as the small zodiac boat tour sells out.
There’s a larger boat that heads out to the glacier lagoon, but the zodiac boat allows you to zip along the water. We got super close to icebergs (close enough to reach out and touch them) and the massive glacier wall. We even saw a lazy seal lounging on an iceberg at one point!
Again, we highly recommend that you rent a car for the complete freedom of a giant road trip. You can book a tour to visit Jokulsarlon Lagoon from Reykjavik if you don’t drive.
The Eastfjords
For the next bit of this 2 week Iceland itinerary, drive out along the open road to Iceland’s Eastfjords. When you’re visiting Iceland, the journey truly is the destination. We took photographs from the car (well, I took them as Justin drove).
We stopped anywhere we wished along the way. I’m not even exactly sure where any of these places are on the map. This is one instance (of many) where I was so content that we tackled these Iceland self drive tours ourselves.
For lengthy amounts of time, we wouldn’t see another soul on the road. It was just the two of us and the open highway. We were greeted by gorgeous views as we zipped around rugged mountains, weaving in and out of deep fjords.
In many instances, the ocean was to the right, and steep cliffs were to the left. The mountains truly left us in awe. They towered above the road, causing massive shadows even on this bright and sunny day. Iceland is such a magnificent, yet lonely place.
Where to Stay: Fljotsdalsgrund Guesthouse
The two of us spent the night at a lovely accommodation, Fljotsdalsgrund Guesthouse near Fljotsdalsgrund Guesthouse when we stayed there)
Our room had everything we needed: a private bathroom, a full kitchenette, a large bed, a couch, and free parking.
Iceland 2 Week Itinerary, Days 6 and 7: Myvatn
It’s time for days 6 and 7 of this two weeks in Iceland travel guide. From Egilsstaðir, we ventured to the tiny town of Seydisfjordur. Then, it’s off to the Myvatn region where we recommend spending at least a day and a half in total.
Seydisfjordur
The charming n Iceland. Don’t miss it!
Stop at the top of the mountain to absorb scenery of the fjord, mountains and town from afar. There’s a little car park to do so. Then, drive down into Seydisfjordur.
With no plans in mind, we wandered around and snapped photographs. Walking along the main street in town, we encountered some shops with handmade goods by local artists and craftspeople. I stopped at a local bistro for a cup of coffee. The pretty blue church (Blaa Kirkjan) is an iconic sight. If you’re lucky, there’s a summer concert series there where you can listen to local musicians perform live.
Things to Do in Myvatn
Our next stop on our Iceland 2 week itinerary was the Myvatn region in North Iceland. With so many natural wonders to explore, we spent two nights at Lake Myvatn. Much like the famous Golden Circle route of the south, many of these natural attractions are part of the Diamond Circle of the north.
It isn’t possible to see everything in only one day, so I highly recommend setting aside two days to properly reach Myvatn and see it all. I’ll outline the best attractions and activities to do in Myvatn, and you can organize it over a day or two.
Namafjall Hverir Geothermal Area
The Namafjall Hverir Geothermal Area is a landscape that looks like Mars than Earth. There are vents letting off steam and bubbling gray mudpots on a green, orange, and gray speckled ground.
A robust mountain range looms over the squat fumaroles, venting steam into the air. Gaping gray holes bubble and gurgle hot mud endlessly. It’s one of the most intriguing places we’ve ever visited and an example of Iceland’s unique landscapes.
Dimmuborgir Lava Field
The Dimmuborgir Lava Field are a collection of fascinating rock formations created from solidified lava over 2000 years ago. This mystifying place spans about 2km in length, and you can hike the trails to see the landscape up close and even climb on some of the rocks.
Grjótagjá Cave
You might recognize the Grjótagjá Cave from an episode of Game of Thrones. Climb down into the cave to witness the vivid blue waters. This geothermal hot spring is a little too hot to soak in, but it’s worth visiting to admire its beauty.
Krafla & Viti Crater
At Krafla, explore the Viti Crater which has a surreal green-blue lake inside it. You can walk around the circumference of this large 300m crater, admiring the lake from many angles. Viti was formed in 1724 after a gigantic eruption in the Krafla volcanic region that lasted for five years (called the Mývatn Fires).
Dettifoss
Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Its waters come from the glacier river, Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which flows from the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. Dettifoss is located within Vatnajökull National Park, the largest national park in Iceland.
Myvatn Nature Baths
We actually skipped the Blue Lagoon and decided to visit the Myvatn Nature Baths instead. It’s a fantastic alternative to the Blue Lagoon in the north of Iceland. It’s equally as relaxing, a better price, and less busy than the Blue Lagoon. Definitely stop here for a relaxing soak in the hot springs.
Where to Stay in Myvatn: Skutustadir Farm Guesthouse
Want to see more of Lake Myvatn and the entire region? Justin and I stayed at Skutustadir Farm Guesthouse, at the southern end of Lake Myvatn. At this guesthouse, there are various types of lodging for many preferences and budgets.
The large cottage where we stayed was bright and beautiful, with an open concept layout. There were a few couches and chairs in the living space where we relaxed, read books, and used the complimentary Wi-Fi on our phones. Cooking food in this kitchen was a breeze. I can’t say enough good things about Skutustadir Guesthouse!
Iceland 2 Week Itinerary, Days 8 and 9: Husavik and Akureyri
Continuing on this Iceland 2 week itinerary, we’re off to north Iceland to visit Husavik and Akureyri. It’s time to spot a variety of wildlife and work in some rest and relaxation.
Husavik
On our way to Akureyri, we embarked on a whale watching tour in Husavik. In fact, you have the best chance of seeing whales in Husavik more than any other place in the country. Husavik is branded as the “Whale Capital of Iceland.”
We didn’t only see whales on our boat tour – we also saw puffins! You’ll immediately fall in love with these cute little birds. Between the whales and the puffins, this was one magical journey and the perfect half day tour. Book your whale watching tour here.
Furthermore, we recommend spending the entire day in Husavik as there are a few other interesting attractions and sights to see. Take a look at our blog post about the best things to do in Husavik. Visit the whale museum, walk around town, and check out some other intriguing spots. After you spend the morning exploring Husavik and the afternoon on your whale watching tour, it’s time to drive to Akureyri.
Akureyri
Akureyri is considered the unofficial northern capital of Iceland as it’s the second largest city after Reykjavik. As we were at the halfway point of our road trip around Iceland, we spent one day mostly relaxing. Visiting Akureyri is a must on any Iceland 2 week itinerary.
You can make your day in Akureyri as busy or as relaxed as you’d like. I’ve written all about the best things to do in Akureyri, so you can take your pick. Definitely wander around and explore the town. There are also some tours, museums and activities in Akureyri, too.
Where to Stay: Ytri Vik Cottages
About 30 minutes outside of Akureyri, we booked the most beautiful accommodation we’ve stayed at to date. You must stay at Ytri Vik cottages when you travel to Iceland. Enjoy the most serene and beautiful landscape, whether it’s from the massive property or from the privacy of your own hot tub.
We fell in love with these cottages. It was our own peaceful escape and I didn’t want to leave. I spent my birthday here and it was one of my favorite birthdays ever!
14 Days in Iceland Itinerary, Day 10: Hvammstangi
As we near the end of our Iceland 2 week itinerary, we drove west towards the town of Hvammstangi (about a two and a half hour drive). Not sure where that is? It’s tucked away in the northwest corner of the country, between Akureyri (the unofficial northern capital of Iceland) and the Westfjords.
You’ll definitely want to spend a whole day in Hvammstangi. It’s known as the seal capital of Iceland, there’s a beautiful gorge and waterfall to visit (Kolugljufur Gorge), and it’s a very peaceful place to relax.
Spend the day going seal watching on the Vatnsnes Peninsula and explore the Kolugljufur gorge and waterfall afterwards. And if you visit Iceland in June, you’ll see sheep with their baby lambs everywhere you go.
Where to Stay: Hvammstangi Cottages
We spent the night at another self catering cottage, Hvammstangi Cottages. Upon your arrival, you’ll find a cluster of several cottages near a small campsite. However, you won’t need to worry about your privacy. While the cottages were all booked up, we rarely saw anyone else. The buildings are staggered and spread out enough that you’ll never feel like crowds of people are around.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable overnight stay with additional perks. Justin and I thought it was cute that there was a bunk bed. The most difficult decision of the day was deciding who would sleep on the top or bottom bunk.
14 Days in Iceland Itinerary, Day 11: Westfjords
The Westfjords are certainly a less visited area of Iceland, but definitely make the trip if you have the time. It’s such a spectacular, awesome region of the country. It’s far off the beaten path, and we only had one day to see a very small portion of it. I found a way to spend one day in the Westfjords on this Iceland 2 week itinerary.
If you have a couple more days to spend in Iceland, definitely use them to see more of the Westfjords. You won’t regret it. The drive between Hvammstangi and the westernmost point of Iceland is about seven hours.
We spent our whole day driving towards the Latrabjarg Bird Cliffs so we could witness thousands of nesting birds on the cliffs. The main attraction were the puffins. We saw so many puffins right up close, and it was well worth the drive. Even if you don’t see puffins, the Westfjords offers such incredible scenery like no other.
Beyond the adorable puffins, the Latrabjarg cliffs are astonishingly beautiful. These are gigantic, extremely steep cliffs that are 14km long and 440 metres high. Besides puffins, there are millions and millions of other nesting birds at Latrabjarg.
You can see razorbills, arctic terns, white-tailed eagles, guillemots, gannets, and others. You can hike along the cliffs to appreciate the epic scenery. All you can hear are the sounds of birds all around, echoing off the rocks.
Where to Stay: Fosshotel Westfjords
Naturally, after driving for eight hours, you’ll want to find a cozy and comfortable hotel to rest your head. We stayed at the Fosshotel Westfjords in Patreksfjörður. The Fosshotel Westfjords is a modern and spacious hotel in a small town.
Our room was a quiet retreat to get an excellent night’s sleep. There’s a restaurant on site, but it’s also near the main town with other dining spots. We highly recommend staying here on your adventures to the Westfjords.
Two Weeks in Iceland Itinerary, Day 12: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day 12 of our Iceland 14 days itinerary was mostly a travel day and a rest day. After making such an epic journey to the Westfjords, we needed a short break. From the Westfjords, we opted to take a ferry to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula rather than drive the long way around the island.
The Ferry Baldur operates between Brjánslækur and Stykkishólmur. I highly recommend booking your trip in advance, especially if you’re bringing a car with you. Make your way to the small town of Grundarfjörður.
Kirkjufell
If there’s one thing you must do in Grundarfjörður, it’s see Kirkjufell with your own eyes. This mountain is one of the most photographed places in Iceland. Translated as “church mountain”, it’s a 463 metre high mountain near the small town of Grundarfjörður.
It’s featured in Game of Thrones, but was always a highlight for tourists to Iceland for many years before the show aired. With the mountain looming in the background and a winding river with waterfalls in front, it’s a beautiful scenic spot for viewing and photographs.
Where to Stay: G4 Apartment Grundarfjordur
First, we grabbed some more groceries in town and drove right to our accommodation. We stayed at G4 Apartment Grundarfjordur, a cozy apartment by the seaside. We totally fell in love with this small house, and it truly felt like home. G4 Apartment was very inviting and comfortable, and the owner made our stay as welcoming as possible.
There were hand-painted pictures on the walls representing Iceland. Charming antiques and framed photos graced every room. The kitchen was very well equipped, with everything you could possibly need to cook your own meals and make coffee. Plus, you’re right near Kirkjufell and the small town, just in case you need to go grocery shopping or purchase any necessities.
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Iceland 2 Week Itinerary, Day 13: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
After a relaxing evening a good night’s sleep, we were back on the road for our final full day of our Iceland two week itinerary. Touring Iceland by car is the best way to see Iceland, and we were so fortunate to see so much of this astonishingly beautiful country.
Here are a few more places to visit as you tour around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often dubbed “Iceland in miniature” for the spectacular natural wonders there.
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull National Park is one of the best things to do at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. With Snæfellsjökull Glacier looming in the distance, it’s a spectacular drive with continually gorgeous scenery all around.
Within the national park, add Saxhóll to your travel itineary. Saxholl is a crater from a volcano that erupted 3000-4000 years ago. It’s 109 metres above sea level, and there’s a staircase that makes climbing to the top a breeze. Enjoy the view from up there!
Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge
The Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is a beautiful place at the side of the mountain. You might have to walk through the water a little bit to reach the inside, as we had to even do this in June. Once you reach the inside of the cavern, you’ll be in awe of the moss covered rocks that extend up to the sky.
Continue your Iceland self drive tour until you are back where you started in Reykjavik. You’ll spend one night in Reykjavik before travelling back home. You can stay once again at Old Charm Reykjavik Apartments for its amenities and ideal location.
Spend the night relaxing at your apartment, enjoy a meal in town, or party at a local bar for a grand finale to your amazing 14 days in Iceland. The next morning, drive yourselves to the airport if you’re dropping off the rental car at the airport.
You can also drop off your rental car in Reykjavik that evening and book a bus transfer back to the airport. Fly back home after enjoying this ultimate Iceland 2 week itinerary and I know you’ll remember this trip for the rest of your life.
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And there you have it! That’s our entire Iceland 2 week itinerary. Rent a car and take a self drive tour of Iceland with ease with our travel guide. Feel free to steal our travel guide in its entirety to plan your trip or visit the places that interest you the most.
If you only have one week in Iceland, you can easily modify this guide to suit your needs. I suggest sticking to Reykjavik, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast of Iceland for a one week Iceland itinerary. Have any questions? Feel free to post them in the comments below and I’ll try my best to help!
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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.
Michael Emerson
Saturday 3rd of August 2024
which two weeks were you in Iceland? Trying to decide between end of May/early June and second half of August for two weeks there next year.
Lauren Yakiwchuk
Tuesday 6th of August 2024
We were there at the end of May and early June! Highly recommend this time of year.
Jessica Chiu
Sunday 24th of September 2023
Hi,
Thank you for sharing the details of your trip. We are a family of 5 and with three teens we would prefer not to pack and unpack every night, is there a location you would recommend we use a base for the ring road instead of checking in and out of a hotel every day?
Thank you Jessica
Lauren Yakiwchuk
Tuesday 26th of September 2023
Hi Jessica,
It really depends on how far you plan to drive on the Ring Road each day. Doubling back to your hotel each day will create twice the amount of driving in theory. You could base yourself in Reykjavik and drive to parts of South Iceland and the Snaefellsness Peninsula in West Iceland, as well as the Golden Circle route for one day.
I don't think it would be doable to visit any parts of North Iceland though. It could be an idea to divide your hotel stays between Reykjavik and either Akureyri / Lake Myvatn in the North in order to hit all of the northern spots.
Hope that's helpful! Have a great time!
Judy
Thursday 12th of January 2023
Hi thanks for the very information blog. I'm just planning my Iceland trip. I am Canadian too. Although from Vancouver. Would you mind telling how much your whole trip cost for 2 people? I'm looking at taking a tour but they seem so expensive but if the cost is almost the same I think I'll like someone else driving. Thanks!
Lauren Yakiwchuk
Thursday 12th of January 2023
Hi Judy,
I hope you have an amazing time in Iceland! I don't recall the exact prices, unfortunately.
I feel like you'd probably end up paying less if you booked a rental car and your accommodations yourself over a tour. We also booked accommodations with little kitchenettes so we could make our own food as dining in restaurants can be quite expensive there.
If you stick primarily to the Ring Road (Hwy 1), the roads are very easy to drive and you drive on the right hand side of the road like in Canada. We didn't have any issues with driving, but I understand if you'd rather travel on a tour with someone else doing the driving. We really enjoyed exploring on our own in June because the days were so long that you could keep visiting nature even later at night and it was still daylight out! :) I'm sorry I couldn't help more with the pricing, but I hope you have a wonderful trip.
-Lauren
kristen
Thursday 6th of January 2022
I liked the post, very interesting and well written, I really needed to know about Iceland, thanks for sharing :D!
Li
Thursday 6th of January 2022
Thanks a lot for providing such a detailed itinerary. It is very helpful for us to plan our summer trip to Iceland. It will be very helpful if you can map out your stops on your website and mark on average how long the drive between cities. Thanks