18 days in Iceland Itinerary

Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital, effortlessly combines small-town charm with heaps of big city energy.

Go for a jaunt from Reykjavik to Thingvellir to see Thingvellir National Park about 46 minutes away. Spend the 7th (Mon) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. And it doesn't end there: let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, shop like a local with National Museum of Iceland, appreciate the history behind Sun Voyager, and take in panoramic vistas at Perlan.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Reykjavik road trip planning tool.

Zurich, Switzerland to Reykjavik is an approximately 7-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Traveling from Zurich in August, expect Reykjavik to be slightly colder, temps between 16°C and 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) so you can go by car to Grindavik.

A historical fishing town on the scenic south coast of the Southern Peninsula, Grindavik boasts one main attraction, the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa.

Grindavik is known for spas, nature, and historic sites. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: test the waters at Blue Lagoon, get impressive views of Fagradalsfjall Active Volcano, delve into the distant past at Selatangar, and snap pictures at Bridge Between Continents.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Grindavik trip planner.

Traveling by car from Reykjavik to Grindavik takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. August in Grindavik sees daily highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Blaskogabyggd.

A conglomeration of several districts, Blaskogabyggd encompasses a handful of settlements totaling around 930 people in southwestern Iceland.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Tue): take in the dramatic scenery at Bruarfoss Waterfall, take in the natural beauty of Blesi, then take in the natural beauty of Strokkur, then admire the sheer force of Gullfoss Falls, and finally take in the natural beauty of Geysir.

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, go to the Blaskogabyggd route planner.

Traveling by car from Grindavik to Blaskogabyggd takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. In August in Blaskogabyggd, expect temperatures between 16°C during the day and 9°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Vik.

Iceland's southernmost village, Vik, sports some of the country's wildest and most dramatic coastline.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Wed): enjoy the sand and surf at Black Sand Beach, then don't miss a visit to Dyrhólaey, then take in the dramatic scenery at Skogafoss, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Reyniskirkja Church. Here are some ideas for day two: hike along Fimmvorduhals Hiking Trail, take in the dramatic natural features at Sólheimajökulll, get engrossed in the history at Skaftfellingur Museum, then stroll through Reynisfjara Beach, and finally pause for some photo ops at Voyages Friendship Statue.

To find photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Vik trip tool.

Drive from Blaskogabyggd to Vik in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. August in Vik sees daily highs of 14°C and lows of 11°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Landmannalaugar.

Landmannalaugar is a place in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland. On the 18th (Fri), take in the pleasant sights at Landmannalaugar, then stroll through Laugavegur, and then stroll through Fjallabak Nature Reserve.

To find maps, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Landmannalaugar tour builder website.

Traveling by car from Vik to Landmannalaugar takes 3 hours. In August in Landmannalaugar, expect temperatures between 14°C during the day and 11°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Fri) early enough to drive to Reykjahlid.

Reykjahlid vacations include many outdoor activities.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Sat): take in the dramatic scenery at Dettifoss Waterfall and then take in the dramatic natural features at Askja. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the pleasant sights at Viti Crater, take in the dramatic natural features at Mt. Namafjall (Namaskard), then Head underground at Grjotagja Cave, and finally take in the natural beauty of Mývatn Nature Baths.

To see maps, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, read Reykjahlid trip planner.

You can drive from Landmannalaugar to Reykjahlid in 6.5 hours. In August, daily temperatures in Reykjahlid can reach 16°C, while at night they dip to 8°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Akureyri.

Often referred to as Iceland's second city, Akureyri offers an array of cultural attractions in a scenic setting.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Mon): surround yourself with nature on Whale Watching Hauganes and then hit the best photo ops around with an inspiring photography tour. On the 22nd (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the natural beauty at Akureyri Botanical Garden, take in the dramatic scenery at Goðafoss Waterfall, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Akureyrarkirkja.

To see reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Akureyri travel itinerary planner.

You can drive from Reykjahlid to Akureyri in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Akureyri can reach 16°C, while at night they dip to 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.