When to visit Iceland ? 

We were living and working in Iceland for 5 months and these are the places you have to visit ! We offer 8 - day itinerary for roadtrip around Iceland with all the information you need around the road

fees 💸

equipment 🥾🧥

restaurants 🥘🥕😋

bars 🍺🍸

tips for accomandations 🛌

Our itinerary is unique, because if you are not a reader and you prefer to get information in short clear way, we also provide the photos of the place with all the necessary info. Iceland can be expensive, but not so much, when you travel with us ! Check it now and if you wanna know more secret tips, places, information about life, work and way more in this beautiful land , do not hesitate to CONTACT us @duotravel_monkey and we will be happy to share our information in online meeting, discussing YOUR perfect trip/life in Iceland !

What do you need to know before traveling to the land of Ice and Fire ? 

Iceland is a stunning country where you may often feel like you've landed on another planet.

• There are many places in Iceland (especially inland) that are inaccessible by regular cars, but our itinerary includes only locations that can be reached by a regular car. Renting a car is essential for traveling around Iceland. We recommend using www.discovercars.com for unbeatable prices. You can rent a car directly at Keflavik Airport or in the capital, Reykjavik.
• If you need to use public transport, make sure to download the Klappid app, where you can easily purchase tickets online and plan your routes.
• WEATHER!!! CLOTHING! Iceland is known for its changeable, extreme, inhospitable, and often unpredictable weather. Wind and precipitation can reach extreme levels depending on the season and area. The average wind speed often ranges between 10–15 m/s (36–54 km/h), but during stormy days, winds can reach up to 20–25 m/s (72–90 km/h) or more. Especially in winter months, winds can even exceed 50 m/s (180 km/h). As for precipitation, the southern coast is the wettest area, where rainy days can bring 100–200 mm of rainfall daily. On the other hand, the inland and northern areas experience significantly less rainfall. We highly recommend a jacket with Gore-Tex technology.
• ROAD SAFETY!!! Precipitation often occurs in the form of short but intense rain or snowfall, and conditions can change rapidly. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious on the roads and keep up-to-date with road closures. Iceland's main road, Route 1, has a speed limit of 90 km/h. Traffic is generally light, making driving quite easy most of the time. However, strong gusts of wind can lead to road closures, as the wind can be so strong that it makes it difficult to keep the car on the road, and sometimes it can even flip vehicles over. When it snows, snowdrifts can form on the roads, so be sure to check safetravel.is. Road closures typically occur during winter months.
• If you're traveling to Iceland in winter, you definitely can't miss the chance to see the Northern Lights! Check out our Instagram video: 5 Steps to See the Northern Lights. We'll reveal that you'll certainly need the Aurora app.

The legend for the pictures

1. Day – Natural and Cultural Gems of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

6 Stops = Waterfall, Famous Church, Canyon, Crater, Stone Bridge, Epic Mountain
Distance by Car in a Day = 446 km
Start: Reykjavik – Destination: Syðri-Þvera, Vatsnes, 711, Iceland
Destination: Reykjavik to Snæfellsnes Peninsula 170 km (3 hours)

1st Stop: Bjarnarfoss Waterfall – A beautiful waterfall visible from the road, with a short walk to reach it. The surrounding area is lovely, featuring trees (a rare sight in Iceland – joke: "What do you do if you get lost in an Icelandic forest? STAND UP"). Few tourists around (visit time: lunchtime at 12:00).

Transfer: Bjarnarfoss – Búdakirkja 3 km (14 minutes)

2nd Stop: Búdakirkja – A picturesque wooden church, typical of Iceland, built in 1848 and still in use today. The majority of Icelanders are Lutherans (58.61%), and this church is also Lutheran. Few tourists visit this spot, making it a peaceful location to explore.

Transfer: Búdakirkja – Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge 14 km (13 minutes)

3rd Stop: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge – A surreal and grand canyon located in the Botnsfjall mountains. The area is home to many birds (fulmars, ravens). Access to the canyon interior involves walking alongside or through a waterfall, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential. In case of a snow cap, headlamps are needed (we visited the canyon at the end of June, and the path was under a layer of snow). There were quite many tourists, but it was still manageable.

Transfer: Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge – Stone Bridge 5 km (13 minutes)

4th Stop: Stone Bridge – A fascinating stone formation by the ocean, perfect for epic photos. Enjoy a pleasant walk along the cliffs with stunning views. There are two parking areas available, both free of charge. We recommend taking the coastal route, as the alternative inland route passes by aggressive birds (arctic terns), which can be dangerous during the nesting season from May to August.

Transfer: Stone Bridge – Saxhóll Crater 25 km (21 minutes)

5th Stop: Saxhóll Crater – A pleasant short stop with steps leading to the crater, taking about 10 minutes to hike up. The crater is approximately 3,000 to 4,000 years old. At the top, you'll find names of the surrounding mountains. As with any mountain in Iceland, it can be quite windy!

Transfer: Saxhóll Crater – Kirkjufell 46 km (1 hour 34 minutes)

6th Stop: Kirkjufell – A very famous mountain that, in our opinion, is an unnecessary stop due to the excessive hype surrounding it, especially since every other mountain looks quite similar. The name Kirkjufell means "Church Mountain" because of its resemblance to a church. Parking is paid, but you can stop almost anywhere else to enjoy the view. We parked in the nearby village by the coast, among the houses in Grundarfjörður.

Transfer: Kirkjufell – Accommodation at Syðri-Þvera 181 km (3 hours 56 minutes) – Due to road reconstruction, over 70 km of the route consists of a dusty, rough road that is passable but requires you to drive slowly. The views from this road are very beautiful. We're not sure if this is only temporary. In any case, it's not a disaster, just something you should keep in mind for in terms of delays. The road leading to our accommodation is always a dirt road with potholes; however, if you're staying at Hotel Hvítsekur, the access road is paved.

2. Day Full of Experiences – Stone Wonder, Waterfall, and Whale Encounter 

4 Stops + 1 Activity = Rock Formation, Waterfall, Whales, Geothermal Waterfall, Town
Distance by Car in a Day = 345 km
Start: Syðri-Þvera (Hvammstangi) – Destination: Akureyri

Transfer: Syðri-Þvera – Hvítserkur 12 km (28 minutes) – dirt road

1st Stop: Hvítserkur – A very interesting rock formation resembling various animals. This 15-meter-high monolith, or sea stack, is an eroded volcanic dyke, or if you prefer, a petrified troll. We recommend walking down to the ocean (there's a small waterfall there) for better photos. Very few tourists around (we visited at 9:00 a.m.). We had also planned to visit the Bergárfoss waterfall (53 minutes away, 41 km), but due to our scheduled whale-watching, we didn't have time (if you have extra time, this waterfall is worth a visit).

Transfer: Hvítserkur – Fosslaug 117 km (1 hour 36 minutes) – dirt road at the end (approx. 400 meters)

2nd Stop: Reykjafoss – A charming, beautiful waterfall with available parking and restrooms (voluntary donation). It's a short walk to the waterfall (about 15 minutes), with quite a few tourists around, but the large viewing area above the waterfall (overhead view) makes the crowd manageable. The waterfall is not very tall but rather wide.

Transfer: Reykjafoss – Árskógssandur 112 km (1 hour 21 minutes)

3rd Stop: Whale Watching in Árskógssandur – Whale watching in Iceland is a must-do activity and truly worth it. We decided for a fjord tour in Ólafsfjörður. Like most companies, NorthSailing offers two tours per day – morning (10:00) and afternoon (14:00). You don't need to dress warmly, as they provide warm, waterproof suits. We sailed on a traditional oak boat and spotted our first whale within 15 minutes. The guide provides updates on whale locations, making it easy to spot them in time. The boat was full, but everyone had enough space to watch. On the way back, we enjoyed cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. Activity duration – 12 km (2 hours), Cost – 11,990 ISK (approx. 80 EUR) with discounts at local restaurants and museums.

Transfer: 621 Árskógssandur, Iceland – Foss, Hallandesnes, 606, Iceland 41 km (38 minutes) – steep dirt road at the end

4th Stop: Foss, Hallandesnes, 606, Iceland – A geothermal waterfall with a stunning view of the ocean and the town of Akureyri. Very few people know about this spot – we were the only ones there. However, the water isn't very warm. If you prefer more comfort, the Forest Lagoon (a geothermal spa) is right nearby – entrance fee is 6,900 ISK (approx. 46 EUR).

Transfer: Foss, Hallandesnes, 606, Iceland – Akureyri 4 km (5 minutes)

5th Stop: Akureyri – A charming port town (often called the capital of northern Iceland). We recommend a walk to the harbor, a stroll around town "city centre"), and a beer at the Backpackers Hostel (we were served by a Czech bartender there).

Transfer: Akureyri Center – Akureyri HI Hostel, a 15-minute walk

3. Day Full of Lava Wonders – From Divine Waterfalls to Volcanic Craters and Lakes

8 Stops = Divine Waterfalls, Volcanic Lake, Lava Field, Crater, Cave, Crater, Huge Waterfall, Surprising Waterfall
Distance by Car in a Day = 314 km
Start: Akureyri – Destination: Húsey Horse Farm - NOTE: TOLL FEE FOR TUNNEL!!! – The only toll tunnel in Iceland – Vaðlaheiðar Tunnel – you can pay at this website: www.tunnel.is – 1 passage for a regular car is 1,990 ISK (approx. 13.50 EUR)

Transfer: Akureyri – Goðafoss 35 km (33 minutes)

1st Stop: Goðafoss Waterfall – We recommend visiting in the morning when there aren't many people around. A very beautiful, powerful waterfall that seemed to be created by human hands (or, as the name suggests, by the gods). The waterfall is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide. There is a pleasant walk on both sides of the waterfall.

Transfer: Goðafoss – Mývatn Visitor Center 38 km (32 minutes)

2nd Stop: Lake Mývatn – A lake/crater filled with water formed by volcanic activity. There are various walking paths around the lake. It's a pleasant walk, with several islands and mounds created by volcanic processes. There is also a Visitor Center and a quite good ice cream shop that uses fresh milk from a local farm.

Transfer: Mývatn – Dimmuborgir Lava Field 11 km (12 minutes)

3rd Stop: Dimmuborgir Lava Field – A very beautiful walk through the lava field. The magma has truly created stunning artworks in the form of caves, various pillar-like formations, and more. There are many tourists, especially on the easier trails. Feel free to choose the more challenging route; it's not too difficult, and you may just need to step over a few rocks. At certain times, local Rangers also guide tours here, so if you're interested in that, be sure to plan your arrival accordingly.

Transfer: Dimmuborgir Lava Field – Hverfjall 5.1 km (approx. 10 minutes) – dirt road at the end

4th Stop: Hverfjall – One of the most beautiful craters in Iceland. The hike up to the crater from the parking lot takes about 15–20 minutes up a steep hill, with an elevation gain of 90 meters. The loop around the crater is 3.2 km, and several hiking trails lead from there (we did not complete the loop). The view from the crater is truly panoramic – with lava fields, geothermal areas, the lake, and other mountains – it's really stunning. It is the largest crater of its kind.

Transfer: Hverfjall – Grjótagjá 6.3 km (10 minutes)

5th Stop: Grjótagjá – A cave with geothermal water. This is where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed. It's a very beautiful cave, but you have to wait in line to enter, which takes away from the experience. The water inside is really hot, so feel free to test it with your finger (but there's no option for bathing).

Transfer: Grjótagjá – Krafla 15 km (15 minutes)
We recommend shopping (food) along the way, as there's almost nothing further down the road, making it a 2-hour drive to the nearest town.

6th Stop: Krafla – The most accessible crater in Iceland. It's about a 2 to 5-minute walk from the parking lot. The water is crystal-clear and turquoise. It's a very pleasant, beautiful, and photogenic spot. There's also the option to hike higher up to the crater (not a loop). The road to the crater goes through a geothermal area, which is worth stopping at as well.

Transfer: Krafla – Dettifoss 53 km (40 minutes)

7th Stop: Dettifoss – A massive, powerful, wide, and breathtaking waterfall. The walk from the parking lot to Dettifoss takes about 15–20 minutes, and you can view it from several viewing points. This waterfall is considered the most powerful in Europe. On the way back, you can turn left to see several waterfalls that flow into Dettifoss (a few can also be seen from the path to Dettifoss).

Transfer: Dettifoss – Beitarhúsið (Möðrudalsleið, 701, Iceland) 53 km (46 minutes)
Stop for refueling. This charming gas station is highly recommended, as the next one is quite far away.

Transfer: Beitarhúsið – Rjúkandi Waterfall 52.5 km (35 minutes)

Stop at Rjúkandi Waterfall – a beautiful waterfall visible from Road 1. We were pleasantly surprised to discover it by an accident, as it was truly stunning and we were the only visitors there. You need to park directly on Road 1 in a small parking area, and the walk to the waterfall takes about 10 minutes.

Transfer: Rjúkandi Waterfall – Húsey Hostel and Farm 55.6 km (1 hour)
This accommodation (a farm with horses) is reached via about 20 km of gravel road, making you feel like you're heading to the end of the world. It was the most beautiful accommodation we had during our entire trip. We also encountered some kría (Arctic terns), which can be aggressive during nesting season. The owner informed us about this issue.

Transfer: Stuðlagil Canyon Main Access - Hengifoss Waterfall 101 km (1 hour 24 minutes). The road to Hengifoss resembles a journey through Switzerland or Austria. The landscape is greener, with trees, grass, and beautiful lakes reflecting the mountains.

2nd Stop at Hengifoss Waterfall – A pleasant hike (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour) leads to this 128-meter waterfall, with a gentle incline. It is the second-highest accessible waterfall in Iceland. Along the way, you can see several smaller waterfalls, and the surrounding nature is very beautiful. There were quite a few tourists at the waterfall. We recommend refreshing your feet in the river at the base of the waterfall.

Transfer: Waterfall Hengifoss – Hostel Framtid, Vogalandi, Markarland 4, 765 Djúpivogur 176 km (2 hours 37 minutes). 

We really enjoyed this journey as it offered us stunning views of the mountains and fjords. We stopped several times. We recommend Saxa Sea View and the café Hamar Kaffihús, where you can have a meal and enjoy coffee at a reasonable price with breathtaking views. 

5. Day  – Adventure on the Glacier, Lagoon Cruise, and Majestic Vestrahorn

2 Activities + 1 Stop = Glacier Hike, Lagoon Cruise, Magical Vestrahorn
Distance  by Car During the Day = 288.8 km
Start: Hostel Framtid Vogalandi, Markaland 4, 765 Djúpivogur, Iceland
Destination: Haukafell Camping – Tents for Rent, Höfn

Transfer: Hostel Framtid – Glacier Adventure, Hali 2, Suðursveit, 781 Höfn í Hornafirði 153 km (2 hours)

1st Stop at Glacier Adventure – Glacier Hike – You can choose from various difficulty levels for hiking or climbing on the glacier. We selected the morning session at 9:00 AM (they also offer an afternoon session at 2:00 PM) with a medium difficulty level – The Vatnajökull Glacier Walk. Make sure to follow the clothing and footwear recommendations sent to you via email. If you do not have high boots, you will be required to rent footwear on-site for a fee. At the Glacier Adventure base, you will be provided with special crampons, a helmet, and a ferrata set. From the base, we were transported by a 4x4 vehicle almost to the glacier. It was a fantastic experience walking on the glacier, and our guide happened to be Slovak. She offered us so many  interesting information, and we even had the chance to descend into an ice canyon, which was truly an extra adventurous experience. Overall, this activity lasted 4 hours, but the time spent on the glacier was approximately 2.5 hours. The cost of the trip was 15,500 ISK = about 100 euros. We definitely recommend this activity; after all, you don't get the chance every day to walk on the largest glacier in Europe, covering    7,700 km², with an average ice thickness of 380 meters and a maximum thickness of 950 meters. Of course, it's essential to book this activity in advance and arrive half an hour before the actual activity.

Transfer: Glacier Adventure Base Camp - Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant, Fjallsarlon Rd, 785, Iceland 24.1 km (20 minutes).

2nd Stop - Zodiac Boat Tour Fjallsárlón – We highly recommend the glacier lagoon boat tour. You won't need warm clothing as they provide warm, waterproof, and supposedly buoyant suits. Tours run every hour, so you can choose a time that suits you best. Of course, it's necessary to book this activity in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before the activity starts. During the tour, we learned many interesting facts and even had the opportunity to "taste" a piece of collected ice from the glacier. It was a very calm, pleasant, and fun activity. If you're lucky (as we were), you will see and hear a piece of the glacier melting and falling. There are several glacier lagoons in Iceland; we chose Fjallsárlón due to the lower number of tourists, making it a quieter experience. However, if you don't mind larger crowds, you can visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon nearby, where you might even see seals. The cost of this trip was 10,000 ISK = about 65 euros. We spent 1 hour on the boat.

Transfer: Fjallsárlón Frost Restaurant – Vestrahorn, 781, Iceland 84.8 km (1 hour 5 minutes). Before the tunnel, turn onto the dirt road (to the right).

3rd Stop at Vestrahorn – One of our favorite places in Iceland. The entrance fee can be purchased on-site at the Viking Café and is relatively low, 900 ISK = about 6 euros. The ticket is in the form of a QR code, which you scan to open the barrier. There are accessible restrooms and accommodation available. You can enter the Vestrahorn area on foot or by car. We don't see a reason to go in on foot, as everything is beautifully visible from the car. Within the Vestrahorn area, there are three main stops:

a) Viking Village – a replica of a Viking village built as a film set for a movie that was never made. Here you will find wooden houses with grass roofs, whale bones, carvings, and the wreck of a Viking ship. This village will transport you back to the fascinating times of the Vikings.

b) Vestrahorn Mountain – the best viewpoint to see Vestrahorn, where you can take photos of the mountain reflecting in the water. We parked the car by the "beach" and walked across the black sand towards the water. The ocean and the water left behind enhance the photogenic and magical atmosphere of Vestrahorn. Here, you can take a photo like the one below. You need to find calm, still water and shoot from the right angle.

c) Lighthouse – at this stop, we walked to the lighthouse and along the rocky coastline. It is said that seals can be observed here, but we didn't see any.

Transfer: Vestrahorn – Haukafell Camping 27km (27 minutes).

Day 6 – Sparkling Beach, Glacier Lagoon, Canyon Hike, and Ending in the Town of Vík

4 Stops: Diamond Beach, Glacier Lagoon, hidden gem, famous town of Vík

Distance By a Car During the Day: 256 km

Start: Haukafell Camping – Tents for Rents, Höfn
Destination: Arsalir Guesthouse B&B, Austurvegur 7, 870, Vík, Iceland

Transfer: Haukafell Camping – Diamond Beach 59.6 km (48 minutes)

1st Stop at Diamond Beach – Be sure to park at Diamond Beach; parking here is free, while parking across at Jökulsárlón is paid. Diamond Beach is a unique beach with black sand, where pieces of glacier wash ashore year-round from the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

2nd Stop at Jökulsárlón – After a walk on Diamond Beach, we cross the Ring Road (Route 1) to catch a glimpse of Jökulsárlón, which in Icelandic means "glacier river lagoon." It is the result of climate change and is located at the foot of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which began melting and retreating from the Atlantic Ocean in the 1920s due to rising temperatures. Be sure to dress warmly and enjoy a walk along this crystal-clear water, where seals can often be seen lounging on the ice chunks.

Transfer: Diamond Beach – Mulagljúfur Canyon (63.993021, -16.436285785), Iceland 15.2 km (18 minutes)

1 st Stop at Mulagljúfur Canyon (hidden gem) – Not well known, yet an impressive canyon. The turnoff to this canyon is unmarked, and a rather rough dirt road leads to the trailhead (but nothing an ordinary car can't handle). From the parking lot, a gentle ascent takes you to the first viewpoints of the canyon. This area attracts most tourists, and it takes about 30 to 45 minutes to reach it. However, we recommend continuing on to the highest point, where the canyon reveals itself in a different perspective. The hike to this point may take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes. It's truly a remarkable canyon that you shouldn't miss! You'll also find the stunning waterfalls Hangandifoss and Múlafoss waiting for you there.

Transfer: Mulagljúfur Canyon - Vík 181 km (2 hours 14 minutes)

1st Stop at Vík – After traveling across the whole of Iceland, the most charming and beautiful town we found is Vík, with its photogenic church and incredibly stunning majestic cliff (Reynisfjall), home to numerous birds, surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic Ocean with its black sand beach overlooking the pointed cliffs (Reynisdrangar), formed, as you might guess, by volcanic activity. Vík has a population of only 318 residents, but it attracts many tourists year-round. Overall, South Iceland is more touristy than the North.

Be sure to take a walk along Vikurfjara Black Sand Beach and hike up to the church. If you enjoy beer, don't miss stopping at Smidjan, which also serves excellent hamburgers. You can also try black pizza at Black Crust Pizzeria and enjoy delicious soups at Lava Soup Company, where the Lava Show is also located—definitely worth checking out if you have time. If you still have energy, you can go to see puffins on the mentioned cliff. The walk from Vík to the Observation Deck (hidden gem) takes about 40 minutes to an hour. Puffins return to the cliff around 11:00 PM, and you can watch them up close. There's also a view of Vík itself, its cliffs, Dyrhólaey, and the famous Reynisfjara Beach.

7. Day – Dangerous Beach, Dyrhólaey, Special Waterfalls, and Geothermal Wonders to Conclude

5 stops = scenic beach, bird-rich promontory, surprise waterfalls, geothermal area

Distance by a Car during the day = 181 km
Start: Arsalir Guesthouse B&B, Austurvegur 7, 870, Vík, Iceland - Destination: Golden Circle Truck Hotel, Thrastalundur, 801 Selfoss, Iceland

Transfer: Vík – Reynisfjara Beach 11.1 km (13 minutes)

1st Stop at Reynisfjara Beach – This beach is considered the most beautiful non-tropical beach in the world and is famous for its dangerous "sneaky" waves, unpredictable waves, photogenic basalt columns on the beach, and for being the filming location for scenes from Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and more. This beautiful black sand beach is truly stunning, but it is essential to follow the safety precautions explained at the entrance to the beach. Parking is charged at 1000 ISK = 7 euros.

Transfer: Reynisfjara Beach – Dyrhólaey (lighthouse) 19.7 km (21 minutes).

2 nd Stop at Dyrhólaey - A 120-meter promontory formed by an underwater volcanic eruption late in the Ice Age, from which there are excellent views. You can drive up to the top, where there is a small lighthouse. This is also a great spot for birdwatching (including puffins), but only if it is not the nesting season, during which Dyrhólaey is closed to the public (usually in May and June).

Transfer: Dyrhólaey – Skógafoss Waterfall 27.6 km (26 minutes)

3rd Stop at Skógafoss Waterfall – One of the largest waterfalls in the country, with a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters. If you get closer to it, you will definitely get wet. On the eastern side of the waterfall, you'll find 527 steps that lead to the top, where you can enjoy a view of Skógafoss from above. If you have time, take a walk along the Skógá River, where you can find several smaller waterfalls. If you're in the mood for coffee and a snack, be sure to stop by the Skógar Museum. Feel free to try speaking in Slovak, Czech, or Hungarian—the owners are a Hungarian-Czech couple.

Transfer: Skógafoss Waterfall – Seljalandsfoss Waterfall 30.3 km (27 minutes)

4th Stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall + Gljúfrabúi (hidden gem) – For this adventure, you will definitely need waterproof clothing and shoes because you will not stay dry if you want the full experience from these two waterfalls. The parking lot at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is paid, costing 800 ISK (about 5.50 euros). Seljalandsfoss is visible from the road, while Gljúfrabúi is hidden, and many visitors are unaware of it, which is a huge shame for them but a bonus for you, as there will be far fewer photo-hungry visitors. Seljalandsfoss is a beautiful waterfall that you can walk behind during the summer months, and we highly recommend it; it is truly stunning (this is the moment when you will get soaked, and be careful—it can be slippery!). If you visit the waterfall in winter, don't despair; although you can't walk all the way around it, it is beautiful and lit up at night. At this location, we also experienced the most beautiful sunset (which, of course, is not possible during the polar day or night). Just 150 meters from this waterfall is a 40-meter waterfall hidden in a gorge, which you can reach by crossing the river (over the stones). It is one of the most memorable and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland due to its unique appearance—the waterfall cascades down from the green hills of the Eyjafjöll mountain range into the gorge.

Transfer: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – Hveragerði Geothermal Area 82.7 km (1 hour 6 minutes).

5th Stop at Hveragerði Geothermal Area – Here you can see the raw power and beauty of Iceland's geothermal activity. Even from the road, you can see steam rising from the ground. This geothermal area is also home to the longest MEGA Zipline  you can book HERE: (1 km) in Iceland. Various hiking trails lead through this area. We decided to soak in the Reykjadalur hot spring thermal river. It's about a 1 to 1.5-hour walk along the steam vents, hot springs, and active geysers. The river is quite long, and the higher you go, the warmer the water gets. There aren't changing rooms here.You will definitely appreciate having flip-flops due to the small rocks in the river. It's a nice spot for relaxation; however, the water is shallow, so to get fully submerged and not feel cold, you will need to lie down.

Transfer: Hveragerði Geothermal Area – Golden Circle Truck Hotel 17.6 km (15 minutes). 

8. Day – Golden Circle + Bonus Stops and Wandering Around Reykjavík

6 Stops = Crater, Hidden Waterfall, Geyser, Magnificent Waterfall, National Park, Capital of Iceland
Distance by a car During the Day = 187 km
Start: Golden Circle Truck Hotel, Thrastalundur, 801 Selfoss, Iceland
Destination: Guesthouse Pavi, Brautarholt 4, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland

Transfer: Golden Circle Truck – Kerid Crater 6 km (6 minutes).

1st Stop: Kerid Crater – This first stop is not among the three mandatory stops of the Golden Circle, but it is definitely worth visiting. The entrance fee is a small amount of 600 ISK (approximately 4 euros). This volcanic crater is very easily and quickly accessible from the parking lot, filled with sapphire-blue water, which can be admired from its entire perimeter, allowing you to enjoy views from every angle. You can also conveniently descend to the bottom via steps.

Transfer: Kerid Crater – Brúarfoss 37.4 km (34 minutes).

2nd Stop: Brúarfoss (hidden gem) – Although this stop is not among the main three of the Golden Circle, it's definitely worth a visit! After a short walk from the paid parking lot (750 ISK, approximately 5 euros), which you reach via a rough, unpaved road (we visited in winter, and it was manageable), you'll arrive at this small yet stunning waterfall. It has a unique shape and the clearest, most turquoise water we saw in Iceland. This place is truly beautiful, and we ended up spending much more time here than we had planned.

Transfer: Brúarfoss – Geysir 18.8 km (21 minutes)

3rd Stop: Geysir – This is one of the must-see stops on the Golden Circle, and you'll immediately notice the higher concentration of tourists – it's bustling! This highly active geothermal area, with boiling mud pits and erupting geysers, is famous for the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5–15 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters high. During our visit, we saw Strokkur erupt four times in just 25 minutes. Enjoy this unique natural phenomenon as long as you want.

Transfer: Geysir – Gullfoss waterfalls 10 km (10 minutes).

4th Stop: Gullfoss Waterfalls – This is the second mandatory stop on the Golden Circle. Gullfoss, or "Golden Falls," is about a 10-minute walk from the parking area along a flat path. In summer, more viewing areas are open compared to the winter months. This iconic waterfall is one of Iceland's most famous attractions, located within the canyon of the Hvítá river. Technically, Gullfoss consists of two waterfalls: the first cascade is 11 meters high, and the second is 21 meters. The canyon walls on either side reach up to 70 meters. Be sure to explore the gift shop, which offers reasonably priced souvenirs (due Icelandic standards) and some items unique to this location. The area is spacious, making the high tourist numbers more manageable compared to the geyser area.

Transfer: Gullfoss waterfalls – Þingvellir National Park, 57 km (45 minutes)

5th Stop: Þingvellir National Park – This is the third and final stop on the Golden Circle route. Þingvellir is remarkable because it sits within a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, creating a landscape filled with dramatic fissures and geological formations. It's also one of the few places in the world where you can dive between tectonic plates! This site holds cultural significance as it's home to Alþingi, one of the world's first parliaments, established by Icelanders in 930 AD. For "Game of Thrones" fans, the park is recognizable from various scenes filmed here.

Parking at the Visitor Center is 750 ISK (approximately €5.50), and nearby is Almannagjá, a prominent rift showcasing the tectonic divide. Walk through this imposing canyon, and enrich the experience with a virtual tour by scanning QR codes along the way, which provide history and geology insights. Be sure to see the Lögberg (Law Rock), where laws were announced and disputes settled, and the picturesque Öxarárfoss waterfall, just a 10-minute walk from the parking area.

Time here can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on how in-depth you wish to explore this natural and historic treasure.

Transfer: Þingvellir National Park – Guesthouse Pavi, 42.5 km (37 minutes)

1st Stop – Evening in Reykjavík – Iceland's capital, with around 135,000 residents, nearly half of the country's population, offers a wealth of experiences. This coastal city boasts a range of museums, events, architectural sights, landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife with bars, restaurants, and cafes.

You decide how you want to spend your evening here. We suggest a walk along the harbor to see the Sun Voyager sculpture, then following Rainbow Street up to the impressive Hallgrímskirkja church. The surrounding streets are packed with interesting bars and eateries. One of our favorites is Lemmy Bar, a spacious spot with unique decor in a historic building, featuring  cool beers, a terrace, and a mini-game area. Other popular places include The Drunk Rabbit Irish Pub, The Irishman Pub, and The English Pub, which offers live music every night.

The price of a 500 ml draft beer is around 1200 ISK (about €8), though happy hours often bring prices down by half. If you have extra time to explore, consider checking out FlyOver Iceland for an immersive experience or visiting Perlan, where you can enjoy stunning views and learn more about Icelandic nature and history.

Guesthouse Pavi, while not as central as Hostel B47, is more affordable, cleaner, and cozier. It's also only a 15-minute walk to the city center. We've tried several hostels in Reykjavík, and this one was the best. 

Enjoy Reykjavík – it's a city with something for everyone!

If you are still looking for inspiration on what to do in Iceland. You can get inspired by the links below.