14 Days in Iceland: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

Two weeks in Iceland can start in Reykjavík, with Hallgrímskirkja, Perlan and the Harpa concert hall, then head out to Þingvellir, the hot pools at Laugarvatn and Flúðir, and the south coast waterfalls around Vík. Reykjavík works as the first base.

At a glance

• Recommended length: 14 days
• Start: Reykjavík
• Campsites: around 200 registered
• Lodging tax, hotels and guesthouses: 800 kr. per unit
• Lodging tax, campsites: 400 kr. per unit

Is 14 days enough in Iceland?

They cover the capital, Þingvellir, two hot springs and the south coast as far as Vík, and the seven day-blocks below fill about half the trip.

With the extra days, the same route can be slowed down. Add a second night near Vík, or spend a full day at Fjaðrárgljúfur and the nearby sights. A shorter trip can drop the Sky Lagoon and the Laugarvatn stop and keep the waterfalls and Dyrhólaey.

When to plan 14 days in Iceland

The climate facts cover January to April in Reykjavík. By April the high reaches 44°F (7°C) and sunshine rises to about five and a half hours a day. Rain falls on 15 days in January and 12 in April, so plan a waterproof layer for any of these months.

Where to stay in Iceland for 14 days

Most are open from the beginning of June to the end of August or mid-September.

Camping outside organized campsites in a camper van or caravan is illegal without landowner permission. A traditional tent may be pitched for one night on uncultivated land along public routes in inhabited areas. The lodging tax is 800 kr. per unit at licensed hotels and guesthouses and 400 kr. at campsites.

Getting around Iceland in 14 days

Parking rules in Reykjavík are strict, so read the signs. You may not park within 16 feet (5 meters) of a crosswalk or intersection, or within 49 feet (15 meters) of a bus stop sign. On the road, parking is only allowed on the right-hand side.

14 Days in Iceland, day by day

Day 1: Hallgrímskirkja and Perlan

Start at Hallgrímskirkja, a parish church and national sanctuary. It is the largest church in Iceland and houses the largest organ in the country. Perlan follows, a nature exploratorium with interactive exhibits on Iceland’s natural wonders.

Both are listed among the city’s popular landmarks, along with Tjörnin and Mount Esja. Keep the first day free of driving and let the city set the pace.

Day 2: Harpa, Laugavegur and the National Museum

A self-guided walk can run from Hallgrímskirkja down to the Harpa concert hall.

The National Museum of Iceland is at Suðurgata 41. Sky Lagoon is at Vesturvör 44 to 48 in Kópavogur, in Greater Reykjavík, and fits a second half of the day.

Day 3: Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park is at 806 Selfoss. The Service Center is at Leirar, close to the camping grounds, so stop there first to get oriented.

Day 4: Fontana and Secret Lagoon

Fontana is at Hverabraut 1 in Laugarvatn. Secret Lagoon is at Hvammsvegur in Flúðir, at Hverahólmi. It was made in 1891 and is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, with a main pool, a hot paddling pool and a cold pool.

Two hot springs in one day suit a rest day after the capital. Enter each address separately, since they are in different villages.

Day 5: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

Seljalandsfoss plunges over the cliffs of Vestur-Eyjafjall in the Seljalandsá river. It is one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Gljúfrabúi stands nearby on the land of the abandoned farm Hamragarðar, and is about 131 feet (40 meters) high.

Plan both stops together, since they sit on the same stretch of the south coast.

Day 6: Dyrhólaey and Vík

Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter (394-foot) promontory rising out of the black sand just west of Vík. A small orange-roofed lighthouse, built in 1927, stands on its highest point.

In Vík, the Katla Visitor Centre is at Víkurbraut 28, in the historical Brydebúð building. The Hafnleysa Maritime Museum is at Víkurbraut 17. Both are good choices if the weather turns.

Day 7: Fjaðrárgljúfur

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon about 98 feet (30 meters) deep and about 1.2 miles (2 km) long. It is the last stop in this plan, and a canyon walk suits a calmer day after the coast.