2 Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

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Iceland is located in the Western Region of Northern Europe which lies between Norway and Greenland in the Northern Atlantic Ocean.

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It is known as the “land of volcanoes” since there are around 200 volcanoes in Iceland, 35 of which are active. It is definitely one of the best spots in the world to see the splendor of the Northern Lights.

Iceland, the least populated nation in Europe, is home to huge tracts of pristine wilderness and open fields. 2 weeks in Iceland means you will see everything from geysers to volcanoes, glaciers to hot springs, black sand beaches to stunning lava landscapes, and waterfalls to sculpted mountains.

Everywhere you turn, an incredible natural beauty is unmatched anywhere else. If you have 2 weeks in Europe, it can be challenging to decide where to go because everywhere seems so attractive. However, Iceland has the upper hand in this regard. Due to its size and shape, Iceland is one of the best destinations to spend a 2-week trip.

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BASIC TRAVEL TIPS FOR ICELAND

4 images, kirkjufell with northern lights, black sand beach, geothermal spot, and ireykjavik city - 2 Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Do you intend to visit Iceland? Then, you’ll find this list of advice for a hassle-free trip to be helpful. Learn more about getting around Iceland, the ideal time to go, the language and currency used there, the driving tips, and much more. With the help of this guide, you can make the most of your 14 days in Iceland and have a blast.

Getting around

While you can take a Golden Circle group tour, you might want to rent a car and explore the country at your own schedule and pace. We recommend renting a car for this, or a 4×4 that is authorized to drive on F-roads if you intend to continue heading to the Highlands.

By renting a car, you can take charge of your journey and wander at times that work best for you.

Even in the summer, you may take advantage of the prolonged daytime hours to escape the crowds that larger tour trips frequently bring. Since there is limited public transportation in Iceland, without a personal vehicle, you would miss out on a lot of great locations.

Another popular method of exploring Iceland is renting a campervan. However, keep in mind that you should park in designated camping areas.

Driving tips

If you drive nearly every day in your home country, driving in Iceland shouldn’t be much different, except when reading the signs. Try not to drive when it’s getting dark outside on new roads.

You only need an international driver’s permit if your license is not in English. If there are parts in your license in English, but not all, then you need to have to translated to English.

In Iceland, driving is done on the road’s right side and overtaking on the left. The typical speed restriction in inhabited areas is 30 to 50 km/h, 80 km/h on gravel roads, and 80 to 90 km/h on paved highways.

Signs that are colored red or yellow and have the shapes of a triangle or circle indicate danger or warning. Whereas, general directions or informational signs will be in the form of a blue or yellow rectangle. We advise utilizing the official website to monitor the road conditions since snow can still obstruct some roads (often F-roads) during the summer.

Best time to go

If lush scenery and warm weather appeal to you, then summer (June-September) and spring (March-June) are the most ideal periods to visit Iceland. The days are warmer in the early spring, while the summer has extended daytime hours with few dark hours. #However, the busiest period is during summer when lots of tourists flock to the country, and plenty of group tours take place.

If you don’t like long queues, crowds, and high prices, then visit Iceland during the off-seasons, which are around Autumn (September-November) and the middle of Spring (April-May). September is often a slower month for tourism because of the changing weather and occasionally more difficult access to the countryside. #However, off-peak travellers can still enjoy a variety of attractions, such as the stunning autumnal foliage and, of course, the beginning season of the aurora borealis.

2 weeks in Iceland cost

Iceland is not the most affordable destination. But with good planning, you can make it budget-friendly. For a 2-week trip to Iceland, budgeting varies widely based on travel style:

  • Affordable: Expect to spend around $1,400-$2,000 per person. This includes staying in hostels, using public transportation, eating at budget-friendly places or cooking, and focusing on free attractions like nature hikes.

  • Mid-range: Budget $3,000-$4,500 per person. This allows for staying in mid-range hotels or Airbnb, renting a car, eating out more often, and doing paid tours like glacier hiking or whale watching.

  • Luxury: For a high-end experience, plan on $6,000-$10,000+ per person. Luxury includes top hotels, gourmet dining, private tours, and exclusive experiences like private glacier tours or helicopter flights.

Costs can vary based on activities chosen, dining preferences, and type of accommodation. Iceland is known for being expensive, so planning and booking in advance can help manage expenses.

What to pack

It goes without saying that the term Ice-land has provided you with some idea of the attire that would be needed. However, one of the primary things you discover while considering Iceland is that you need to be prepared for any weather there.

There’s no need to prepare some equipment when camping because you may rent everything at Reykjavik.

No matter what season you intend to visit Iceland, you should pack a lot of layers of clothes, a wind and water-resistant coat, and some reliable hiking boots. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit as there are geothermal spas and swimming pools that you can visit anytime.

We have a packing list for a 2-week trip, which comes with a free printable.

Language and currency

The country’s official language is Icelandic, which is spoken by the majority of the inhabitants. If you’re a visitor, there’s no need to worry since English is taught as their second language, and practically all Icelanders are fluent English speakers. 

Furthermore, the majority of Icelanders are multilingual, speaking languages like Danish, French, German, and Spanish, and they enjoy the chance to converse in different tongues.

The Icelandic króna (ISK) is the country’s main currency, and tourists will be pleased to learn that Iceland is bank card-friendly. By far it is the most widely used means of payment in the nation, and almost every store, tour operator, restaurant, cab, and coffee shop accepts card payments.

The only situation in which travellers typically require ISK cash is to cover public toilet fees and hot spring admission.

Visa

Iceland is not part of the EU. However, it’s a member of the Schengen States. This means that Iceland implements the same visa policies for its citizens and foreigners when travelling to Iceland and around Europe.

If you hold a passport from most parts of Latin and North America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, a few countries in the Middle East, and some countries in East Europe, and the UK, you can enter and travel around Iceland for 90 days in a 180-day calendar. EU/Schengen members have freedom of movement when they enter Iceland, meaning they can stay as long as possible.

If your country is not listed above, you must arrange a visa in advance through the Icelandic Embassy or Consulate near you.

Other travel tips

Planning a trip anywhere in the world can be overwhelming. There are a lot of moving pieces, and you want to make sure that there are no overlapped dates or anything that you might overlook.

When I arrange my own travel trip, I use websites and tools that offer a wide range of options and have flexible cancellations, especially if my trip is yet to be finalised, but I plan to visit during peak season.

Below is a list of travel services I personally use, from arranging hotels, flights, tours, and even my rental car and travel insurance. I had to cancel a hotel or even a tour because my travel dates gas changed and I didn’t lose any money using these sites.

HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENT
TOURS
FLIGHTS
BUS (EU/US/CA)
TRAINS (EUROPE)
TRAIN/BUS (ASIA)
BOOKED TOURS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TOURS (ASIA)
HOSTELS
AIRPORT PICK UP
ESIM
BIKE RENTAL

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN ICELAND

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN ICELAND ITINERARY

It can be challenging for travellers to decide which locations to go to on their first trip because there are so many stunning places to view. Here’s a schedule of the top locations to see during your 14-day stay in Iceland.

Rather than having to adhere to the entire list, you can choose the activities that thrill you the most.

Most foreign flights land at Iceland’s main airport, Keflavik Airport (KEF), which is near the town of Keflavik. It’s far easier to rent a car at the Iceland airport than to have to arrange transportation into town.

You can reserve a car in advance using a booking agency, or you can do it right away at the kiosk in the arrivals terminal at Keflavik Airport.

OTHER ITINERARIES: 2 weeks in Portugal and 2 weeks in Germany or check our archive for European destinations

Golden Circle Route – Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes, Reykjahlíð, Egilsstaðir, Höfn, Vik

The Golden Circle, the most famous of all of Iceland’s scenic routes, is a circular sightseeing trip that includes both breathtaking landmarks and significant historic locations.

It is convenient for everyone to incorporate this route into their itinerary due to its proximity to Reykjavik and the airport region and the short journey between the sights.

You can spend 2 weeks or more touring the Golden Circle, but either way, you’ll see some of Iceland’s most breathtaking geological wonders.

In the simplest form, the Golden Circle Route is a well-travelled circuit connecting three of Iceland’s top tourist destinations. You’ll journey through the Southern Uplands from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, and back again, stopping at Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Þngvellir National Park.

However, you’ll discover that you can stop at additional places en route such as the hidden gems of the cities mentioned above. 

When making travel arrangements, you have the option of driving the route in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, it’s up to you. The Golden Circle Route is the ideal adventure from Reykjavik, especially for those with a brief layover or who don’t have a lot of time.

Unsurprisingly, this route is on top of nearly everyone’s list of places to visit during their two weeks in Iceland trip.

Reykjavík for 3 days

2 images - reykjavik downtown and blue lagoon - 2 Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a bustling Nordic town with colourful homes and unique alleys where inspiring galleries and spectacular museums sometimes appear next to bakeries and pubs.

It’s a walk-friendly city that integrates a metropolitan feel with a sense of cosiness. It’s reasonable to assume that Reykjavik’s city centre is ideal for wanderers.

Since Reykjavik is the heart of Iceland’s cultural and artistic life, it makes sense for visitors to begin their trip here. The capital region is close enough to diverse natural treasures to make it an ideal starting point for visiting a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes.

If you plan to do a whale-watching tour, I highly recommend you put in extra time to ensure that the tour provider does it. Check out this guide on what sustainable whale watching looks like.

Travellers are sure to be satisfied with everything it has to offer, from fancy dining to hot dogs on the street, and there are loads of vegan cuisine as well.

Things to do in Reykjavík and around
Accommodations in Reykjavik

Snæfellsnes Peninsula for 2 days

“Snæfellsnes” refers to the famous, ice-capped volcano Snaefellsjökull, which emerges from the sea at the point of the peninsula and translates as a snow mountain peninsula.

It offers spectacular views with representations of the majority of Iceland’s natural attractions, including volcanoes, waterfalls, bird cliffs, and glaciers.

As a result, it is frequently referred to as “Miniature Iceland”, and it is regarded as one of the most picturesque travel locations in the entire globe as well as the most photographed location in Iceland.

The direct drive from Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes Peninsula is around 1 hr 50 min, covering a distance of 135 km through Þjóðvegur and Snæfellsnesvegur. This city is an excellent place to base yourself if you want to take a photo of Kirkjufell at sunset or sunrise since Kirkjufellsfoss is only a 5-minute drive away.

Things to do in Snæfellsnes Peninsula and around
  • Day Trip to Gerðuberg Basalt Cliffs
  • Explore Kirkjufell Mountain and Arnarstapi fishing village through this tour
  • Visit Ölkelda Mineral Spring
  • Visit Ytri Tunga Beach
  • Join an 8-day adventure to the famous Ring Route of Iceland
  • Soak in Lýsuhólslaug Pool
  • Explore Sönghellir Cave 
  • Explore Búðakirkja Black Church
  • Visit Snæfellsjökull National Park – join this day tour
  • Explore Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum
Accommodations in Snæfellsnes
2 images - kirkjufell with northerlights and hallgrimskirja - 2 Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Reykjahlíð for 2 days

Reykjahlíð, the main village near Lake Myvatn, gets its name from a thriving farm that is located by the lake. There are roughly 20,000 birds in total in this area, which represent 16 distinct species.

The geological features that encircle the lake are now a major draw for tourists, and most 300 residents work in the tourism industry.

The direct drive from Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Reykjahlíð is around 5 hr 25 min, covering a distance of 453 km through Þjóðvegur. We recommend stopping over at two locations, starting at Hvitserkur, which is a 2 hr 35 min drive from Reykjahlíð with a distance of 211 km through Snæfellsnesvegur and Þjóðvegur.

Then stop at Glaumbær Farm & Museum which is a 1 hr 36 min drive from Hvitserkur with a distance of 119 km through Þjóðvegur.

Things to do in Reykjahlíð and around
Accommodations in Reykjahlíð

Egilsstaðir for 2 days

Egilsstaðir is East Iceland’s largest town and the key hub for administration, transportation, and services. Travellers can find all the essential amenities here, including a supermarket, gift stores, hotels, restaurants, an information centre, and tour guides.

Visiting Egilsstaðir and the adjacent communities is a genuinely unique experience due to the fact that the reindeer can only be spotted in the eastern part of the country.

The direct drive from Reykjahlíð to Egilsstaðir is around 2 hr, covering a distance of 165 km through Þjóðvegur. You can also ride a bus from Reykjahlíð to Egilsstaðir which takes around 2 hr 7 min.

Usually, there are 4 buses that run weekly, but we recommend checking the schedule in advance since it can vary during weekends and holidays.

Things to do in Egilsstaðir and around
  • Visit Skriduklaustur
  • Join a combination tour to Studlagil Canyon and Rjúkandi Waterfall
  • Explore Hallormsstadur Forestry Reserve
  • Experience the Vök Baths – book your tickets here
  • Visit Litlanesfoss Waterfalls
  • Explore Laugarfell
  • Visit Fardagafoss Waterfalls
  • Visit Waterfall Circle
  • Explore Snaefellsstofa Visitor Center
  • Visit Lagarfljot Lake
Accommodations in Egilsstaðir
2 images - askja glacier pool and strokkur geothermal - 2 Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Höfn for 2 days

Höfn, which translates as “harbour,” refers to the town’s location in one of the South Coast of Iceland’s few remaining natural harbours. It also has a great view of Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe, which is located in the Vatnajökull National Park.

Its food is particularly remarkable, and every July, there is a culmination of the annual Lobster Festival.

The direct drive from Egilsstaðir to Höfn is around 2 hr 45 min, covering a distance of 186 km through Þjóðvegur. Unfortunately, there isn’t a bus that travels directly from Egilsstaðir to Höfn.

However, you can travel to Breiðdalsvík and ride the bus to Höfn from there. The bus ride from Breiðdalsvík to Höfn takes approximately 2 hr 20 min with a distance of 164 km.

Things to do in Höfn and around
  • Day Trip to Vestrahorn Mountains
  • Day Trip to Hoffellsjokull Glacier – join an ice exploration tour
  • Soak in Höfn Swimming Pool
  • Explore the Skaftafell National Park through this expedition
  • Dine at Pakkhús Restaurant
  • Dine at Ishusid Pizzeria Restaurant
  • Explore Gamlabud Visitor Center
  • Glacier Adventure Tour – explore the ice cave and see the natural landscapes of Vatnajökull
  • Glacier Snowmobile Journey Tour
  • Explore Listasafn Svavars Guðnasonar Art Museum
Accommodations in Höfn
2 images - black sand beach and reykjavik aeral view of the city - 2 Weeks in Iceland Itinerary

Vik for 2 days

Since there are no other populated areas within a radius of 43 miles (70 km), Vik continues to serve as the primary shopping destination for all adventurers visiting the South Coast. Shops, petrol stations, ATMs, restaurants, hotels, swimming pools, museums, and a number of other essential services are all located here.

You can also find the most well-known black sand beach in Iceland, Reynisfjara Beach, which has been ranked among the Top 10 Non-tropical Beaches around the globe.

The direct drive from Höfn to Vik is around 3 hr 20 min, covering a distance of 272 km through Þjóðvegur and Route 1. The bus ride from Höfn to Vik takes approximately 3 hr 50 min. Usually, there are 5 buses that run weekly, but we recommend checking the schedule in advance since it can vary during weekends and holidays.

Things to do in Vik and around
Accommodations in Vik

MUST-TRY ICELANDIC FOOD AND DRINKS

Here’s a quick list of local dishes and drinks that you must try in Iceland during your visit. Remember that Iceland relies a lot on the sea for their food, there are a lot of dishes that are fish/seafood-based.

3 images of food - skyr, hakarl, and rugbraud - 2 Weeks in Iceland Itinerary
  • Arctic Char
  • Hangikjöt (smoked lamb)
  • Skyr (dairy product)
  • Plokkfiskur (fish stew)
  • Brennivín (spirit)
  • Kjötsúpa (lamb soup)
  • Hákarl (fermented shark/fish)
  • Rúgbrauð (dark rye bread)

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN ICELAND

Iceland’s natural beauty has a solid reputation, and for good reason.  You will be surrounded by geysers, volcanoes, glaciers, natural hot springs, waterfalls, and many more.

You can even travel throughout the entire country in a week continuously, and there are a lot of attractions in this country that 14 days might not be able to cover.

Iceland is exceptional among places because it has magnificent landscapes, a charming capital city, and amiable residents. Whatever you manage to see in this country, regardless of the time you have, will be entirely worth it.

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Embark on an affordable 2-week adventure in Iceland! Explore Reykjavik's vibrant culture, marvel at waterfalls along the Golden Circle, soak in hot springs, and hike in stunning national parks. Opt for budget accommodations like guesthouses or hostels. via @twoweektraveller