50 days in Iceland Itinerary

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

Escape the urban bustle at Thingvellir National Park and Hraunfossar. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Reykjadalur Hot Springs and Reykjavik Open Air Museum. Venture out of the city with trips to Bifrost (Glanni Waterfall & Grábrók Volcano), Kerið (in Selfoss) and Akranes (Akranes Lighthouse & Glymur). The adventure continues: take in the dramatic scenery at Gljúfrafoss, step off the mainland to explore Videy Island, surround yourself with nature on Dogsledding Iceland, and admire the masterpieces at Einar Jonsson Museum (Listasafn Einars Jonssonar).

To find ratings, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Reykjavik trip itinerary tool.

Lisbon, Portugal to Reykjavik is an approximately 10-hour flight. When traveling from Lisbon in August, plan for cooler days and slightly colder nights in Reykjavik: temperatures range from 16°C by day to 9°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Grundarfjorour.

On the 15th (Fri), stroll through Dritvik and Djupalonssandur, explore the fascinating underground world of Vatnshellir Cave, then enjoy the sand and surf at Djúpalónssandur beach, and finally don't miss a visit to Ingjaldscholskirkja. On the next day, take in the awesome beauty at Kirkjufell Mountain, see the interesting displays at Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum, and then get up close to creatures of the deep with Laki Tours.

Klarna Trips's itinerary builder makes planning a Grundarfjorour trip simple and quick.

Traveling by car from Reykjavik to Grundarfjorour takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of flight, ferry, and car. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Akureyri.

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

Your inner history buff will appreciate Akureyrarkirkja and Víðimýrarkirkja. Step out of the city life by going to Goðafoss Waterfall and Asbyrgi (Shelter of the Gods). You'll find plenty of places to visit near Akureyri: Husavik (Husavikurkirkja, The Húsavík Whale Museum, &more), Palshus (in Olafsfjordur) and Hvoll Folk Museum of Dalvik Iceland (in Dalvik). There's much more to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at Thermal bath Hofsos, Iceland, admire the natural beauty at Akureyri Botanical Garden, take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, and witness a stunning natural landmark at Grettislaug.

To find where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Akureyri trip itinerary maker website.

You can drive from Grundarfjorour to Akureyri in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of bus and flight. In September, plan for daily highs up to 13°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sun) so you can go by car to Reykjahlid.

Reykjahlid vacations include many outdoor activities.

Step out of the city life by going to Dimmuborgir Lava Formations and Grjotagja Cave. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Krafla Lava Fields and Selfoss Waterfall. Go for a jaunt from Reykjahlid to Vatnajokull National Park to see Hafragilsfoss about 1h 15 min away. Next up on the itinerary: take in the dramatic natural features at Askja, admire the sheer force of Dettifoss Waterfall, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Myvatn, and go for a walk through Viti Crater.

To see ratings, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Reykjahlid trip planner.

Drive from Akureyri to Reykjahlid in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September in Reykjahlid, expect temperatures between 13°C during the day and 5°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Egilsstadir.

Get outdoors at Hengifoss and Gufufoss. Get a sense of the local culture at Seydisfjordur Church and Minjasafnio a Bustarfelli - Bustarfell Museum. Change things up with these side-trips from Egilsstadir: Seydisfjordur (Skaftfell - Center for Visual Art & Skalanes), Folaldafoss Waterfall (in Sledbrjotur) and Petra Stone Collection (in Stodvarfjordur).

For ratings, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Egilsstadir planner.

Traveling by car from Reykjahlid to Egilsstadir takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Egilsstadir can reach 13°C, while at night they dip to 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Hofn.

Höfn or Höfn í Hornafirði is an Icelandic fishing town in the southeastern part of the country. Take a break from the city and head to Glacier Lagoon and Vatnajokull. Explore hidden gems such as Fellsfjara and Boat Tours & Water Sports. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Hofn: Fjallsarlon Iceberg Lagoon (in Jokulsarlon) and Skaftafell (Lac Polaire, Svartifoss Waterfall, &more). There's much more to do: take in the dramatic natural features at Hoffellsjokull Glacier, get the lay of the land with Walking tours, laugh and play at Hofn Swimming Pool, and test the waters at Hoffell Hot Tubs.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Hofn trip planning app.

Getting from Egilsstadir to Hofn by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Hofn can reach 9°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Vik.

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

You'll get in some beach time at Black Sand Beach and Reynisfjara Beach. Step off the beaten path and head to Sólheimajökulll and Horseback Riding Tours. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Vik: Kirkjubaejarklaustur (Dwarf Crags Dverghamrar, Fjadrargljufur Canyon, &more). And it doesn't end there: explore the striking landscape at Mýrdalsjökull, don't miss a visit to Dyrhólaey, trek along Fimmvorduhals Hiking Trail, and admire the sheer force of Skogafoss.

To see maps, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Vik road trip website.

Traveling by car from Hofn to Vik takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 8°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.