14+ day trip around Iceland

Here it is!  
I have listed all the things we would like to see, but as time permits we might have to nix a few things.  We will play that by ear.
We are renting a 4x4 - there will be five of us: 4 adults and my nine year old. We will travel late June/early July 2018.

Day 1 - KEF to Stori Napur. 2.5 hr drive time.
Hveragerdi - geothermal town
Reykjadalur – hike to the hotspring river – spend most of our day here and just relax

Day 2 - Stori Napur to Landmannalaugar.  2 hr drive time.
Gjain waterfall
Hjálparfoss
Haifoss
Sigöldugljúfur
Landmannalaugar
STAY IN LANDMANNALAUGAR - huts

Day 3 . Landmannalaugar

Day 4. Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork - almost 4 hours drive time
Drive to the Krossa car park up rd 249.  Catch bus.  
Buses run 11:45am, 7:15PM, 10:40PM
STAY AT VOLCANO HUTS

Day 5. Thorsmork.
Do an awesome day hike.
Any suggestions?
STAY AT VOLCANO HUTS AGAIN

Day 6 - Thorsmork to Seljavallalaug Pool area - 1.25 hours drive
See Gljufrabui and Seljalandsfoss
STAY SOMEWHERE NEAR SELJAVALLALAUG

Day 7 - Seljavallalaug to Vik
 Skogafoss and Dvernufoss
The plane - Solheimasandur
Dyrholaey
Reynisfjara
STAY SOMEWHERE NEAR VIK

Day 8 - Vik to Skaftafell.  About 2 hrs of driving.  
Spend more time in the Vik area if we want to.
1 hr drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur. 1.2 miles hike. Not sure how long to give us here.....

Skaftafell  
Svartifoss
STAY IN SKAFTAFELL

Day 9– Jokulsarlon Area - 1 hr drive from Skaftafell to Jokulsarlon
Fjallsárlón
Jokulsarlon and black sand beach (M): we want to be here when the tide goes out. Sunset is perfect here.
STAY AS CLOSE TO THE LAGOON AS POSSIBLE

Day 10 - Jokulsarlon to Seydisfjordur. 4 hours drive time.
Give ourselves some time to enjoy the beach - probably won't hit the road 2PM.
Vestrahorn
STAY IN SEYDISFJORDUR
       
Day 11 - Seydisfjordur to Myvatn 2.5 hours drive time.
Myvatn Nature Baths
Dettifoss
Dimmuborgir lava field and Grjótagjá cave with a geothermal beautiful pool in it
Skútustaðir  
Namaskard
Krafla
Godafoss
Aldeyjarfoss
 Askja  
STAY SAME PLACE IN MYVATN

Day 12 – Myvatn
See all the things we didn’t see the first day
STAY IN MYVATN AGAIN

Day 13 - Myvatn to Holmlavik (6 hours)- this day will suck.
Hvitserkur rock formation on the Vatnsnes Peninsula
STAY NEAR HOLMLAVIK

Day 14 - Homlavik to Isafjordur (3 hr drive)
See Sudavik
STAY NEAR ISAFJORDUR

Day 15 - Isafjordur to Brjánslækur (4 hr drive)
See Arnafjordur and Dynjandi
STAY IN BRJANSLAEKUR

Day 16 - Catch ferry and see Snaefellsjoekull Peninsula
Kirkjufell Mountain
Snaefellsjoekull National Park - not sure what to see here?
Dritvik and Djupalonssandur
Londrangar  
Hellnar
Arnastapi
STAY SOMEWHERE AT THE END OF THE PENINSULA – any suggestions on how to do this?

Day 17 - Snaefellsjoekull Peninsula to somewhere around Rey
See the rest of the peninsula and find a place to stay somewhere that makes it easy to get to the airport the next day, depending on when our flight leaves.  It's about 2 hr 45 min to glymur.  
2 hours from glymur to the airport.

Day 18 - driving to KEF
Glymur  – Iceland’s tallest waterfall

My biggest concern is having enough time in the WF.
Many thanks!

Dear chrissiepen,

Here you go:

I recommend you to rent a big 4x4 (7 seats) for you to have room enough during your trip.

Day 1 - KEF to Stori Napur. 2.5 hr drive time.
Hveragerdi - geothermal town
Reykjadalur – hike to the hotspring river – spend most of our day here and just relax.

Great plan!

Day 2 - Stori Napur to Landmannalaugar.  2 hr drive time.
Gjain waterfall
Hjálparfoss
Haifoss
Sigöldugljúfur
Landmannalaugar
STAY IN LANDMANNALAUGAR - huts

Good. Did you book the accommodation?

Day 3 . Landmannalaugar

Very good.

Day 4. Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork - almost 4 hours drive time
Drive to the Krossa car park up rd 249.  Catch bus.  
Buses run 11:45am, 7:15PM, 10:40PM
STAY AT VOLCANO HUTS

That make sense. Remember that Krosá is one of the most dangerous rivers in the country.

Day 5. Thorsmork.
Do an awesome day hike.
Any suggestions?
STAY AT VOLCANO HUTS AGAIN

Look at the website of Volcano Huts.

Day 6 - Thorsmork to Seljavallalaug Pool area - 1.25 hours drive
See Gljufrabui and Seljalandsfoss
STAY SOMEWHERE NEAR SELJAVALLALAUG

I recommend you this wonderful farm. They have accommodation and horse riding tours to the beach.

Day 7 - Seljavallalaug to Vik
 Skogafoss and Dvernufoss
The plane - Solheimasandur
Dyrholaey
Reynisfjara
STAY SOMEWHERE NEAR VIK

Yes, good plan.

Day 8 - Vik to Skaftafell.  About 2 hrs of driving.  
Spend more time in the Vik area if we want to.
1 hr drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur. 1.2 miles hike. Not sure how long to give us here.....

Skaftafell  
Svartifoss
STAY IN SKAFTAFELL

Nice day. Around 1h will be enough to explore Fjaðrárgljúfur area. May be 1,5h if you like to take photos.

Day 9– Jokulsarlon Area - 1 hr drive from Skaftafell to Jokulsarlon
Fjallsárlón
Jokulsarlon and black sand beach (M): we want to be here when the tide goes out. Sunset is perfect here.
STAY AS CLOSE TO THE LAGOON AS POSSIBLE

That´s smart. Remember that sunrise is also amazing at Jökulsarlón.

Day 10 - Jokulsarlon to Seydisfjordur. 4 hours drive time.
Give ourselves some time to enjoy the beach - probably won't hit the road 2PM.
Vestrahorn
STAY IN SEYDISFJORDUR

This is a nice fjord.
       
Day 11 - Seydisfjordur to Myvatn 2.5 hours drive time.
Myvatn Nature Baths
Dettifoss
Dimmuborgir lava field and Grjótagjá cave with a geothermal beautiful pool in it
Skútustaðir  
Namaskard
Krafla
Godafoss
Aldeyjarfoss
 Askja  
STAY SAME PLACE IN MYVATN

This is not possible since Askja is a long day tour. I recommend you the bath at the end of the day.

Day 12 – Myvatn
See all the things we didn’t see the first day
STAY IN MYVATN AGAIN

Yes.

Day 13 - Myvatn to Holmlavik (6 hours)- this day will suck.
Hvitserkur rock formation on the Vatnsnes Peninsula
STAY NEAR HOLMLAVIK

Long day but worth it. Please visit Hvitserkur, in that peninsula you will find a large community of seals.

Day 14 - Homlavik to Isafjordur (3 hr drive)
See Sudavik
STAY NEAR ISAFJORDUR

Nice.

Day 15 - Isafjordur to Brjánslækur (4 hr drive)
See Arnafjordur and Dynjandi
STAY IN BRJANSLAEKUR

Perfect. While you are waiting the ferry you can take a pleasant bath at Hellulaug natural hot pot.


Day 16 - Catch ferry and see Snaefellsjoekull Peninsula
Kirkjufell Mountain
Snaefellsjoekull National Park - not sure what to see here?
Dritvik and Djupalonssandur
Londrangar  
Hellnar
Arnastapi
STAY SOMEWHERE AT THE END OF THE PENINSULA – any suggestions on how to do this?

I recommend you to read our post. 

Day 17 - Snaefellsjoekull Peninsula to somewhere around Rey
See the rest of the peninsula and find a place to stay somewhere that makes it easy to get to the airport the next day, depending on when our flight leaves.  It's about 2 hr 45 min to glymur.  
2 hours from glymur to the airport.

This is a good plan. I love Glymur. I recommend you to stay in Akranes or Mosfellsbær that night.

Day 18 - driving to KEF
Glymur  – Iceland’s tallest waterfall

My biggest concern is having enough time in the WF.

Two days there is enough. This itinerary is realistic and well planned. Congratulations.


Many thanks!

Please send us your experience after your trip.

Best regards,

Hello,

So I have finally gotten my leaves approved from my company so have finalized my broad itinerary (as in I have finalized the major places I would spend my nights at and driving to) but yet to research about what are the places to visit on the way. Would really appreciate your feedback on how does it look and any further suggestions on the places I should visit along the way would be very helpful.

4-Aug:  Arrive at KEF at late night, check into REK hostel

5-Aug: Explore REK and rest (It's a 18 hr flight from India :))

6-Aug: Golden Circle guided tour

7-Aug: Rent a car and go towards Snaefellsjokull and stop at the attractions on the vew- Stay the night at Hellisandur

8-Aug: Explore around Snaefellsjokull and return to REK - Stay the night at REK

9-Aug: Start laugavegurinn trek

13-Aug: Last day of laugavegurinn trek - Return to REK and spend the night here

14-Aug: Rent a car in the morning and drive toward Akyureyri - Spend the night there, if possible go for a whale watching tour at Husavik

15-Aug: Move towards Myvtan area viewing the attractions in between and spend the night there

16-Aug: Start from Myvtan, Go to Deltifoss (if not covered on the previous day) and move towards Hofn exploring the Eastfjords on the way. Spend the night at Nesjum

17-Aug: Explore Jorkuslan and earby area and move towards Vik - spend the night at Vik hostel

18-Aug: Start from Vik and move towards REK/KEF exploring the attractions on the way - catch late night flight from KEF.

I know it is still a skeleton of a plan but thought to put it out here to have early feedback which could help me in further fine tuning. I have booked my accommodation and car rental as per this plan as of now. Also if there are any fellow travellers who would like to share the transportation, they are welcome.

Would be looking forward to your inputs.

Many thanks!
Kind Regards,
Kalika

Dear kalika,


4-Aug:  Arrive at KEF at late night, check into REK hostel

Ok.

5-Aug: Explore REK and rest (It's a 18 hr flight from India :))

It would be better to rent and then explore Rvk. :)

6-Aug: Golden Circle guided tour.

Perfect.

7-Aug: Rent a car and go towards Snaefellsjokull and stop at the attractions on the vew- Stay the night at Hellisandur.

Look: http://www.iceland24blog.com/2014/04/the-snfellsnes-peninsula.html

8-Aug: Explore around Snaefellsjokull and return to REK - Stay the night at REK
http://www.iceland24blog.com/2014/04/the-snfellsnes-peninsula.html

9-Aug: Start laugavegurinn trek

13-Aug: Last day of laugavegurinn trek - Return to REK and spend the night here

It looks nice. Did you hire a guide or will you do it on your now?

14-Aug: Rent a car in the morning and drive toward Akyureyri - Spend the night there, if possible go for a whale watching tour at Husavik.

You also have whale watching form Akureyri or from Dalvík.  

15-Aug: Move towards Myvtan area viewing the attractions in between and spend the night there.

Gódafoss! :)

16-Aug: Start from Myvtan, Go to Deltifoss (if not covered on the previous day) and move towards Hofn exploring the Eastfjords on the way. Spend the night at Nesjum

Perfect.

17-Aug: Explore Jorkuslan and earby area and move towards Vik - spend the night at Vik hostel

Good!

18-Aug: Start from Vik and move towards REK/KEF exploring the attractions on the way - catch late night flight from KEF.

It sounds great!

I know it is still a skeleton of a plan but thought to put it out here to have early feedback which could help me in further fine tuning. I have booked my accommodation and car rental as per this plan as of now. Also if there are any fellow travellers who would like to share the transportation, they are welcome.

Please read our blog where you can find a lot of information.

Best regards,

Thank you, Iceland24 :).

I am doing the trek with Utivist.

After reading about Golden Circle, I am a bit confused. I have already visited Yellowstone and there are many reviews which say that Golden circle has become way too touristy with hoards of crowds and if you have seen Yellowstone and plan to see rest of Iceland (which off I do :)), Golden circle can be skipped. Would love to have your views about it. Also if I decide to skip Golden Circle, what alternate would you recommend for my that day.
Appreciate your advise and help. :)

Thank you!
Kind Regards,
Kalika Jain

Dear kalika,

Even you have visited Yellowstone, Golden Circle is a must do in Iceland.

You will love Laugavegurinn trek. :)

Best regards,

Hello Iceland24,

I have finally detailed out my itinerary and would love to have your comments on it.

5 Aug
Reykjavik

6 Aug
Golden Circle

7 Aug
Borgarfjordur
Gerduberg basalt columns
Ytri Tunga beach (Seal watching)
Bjarnarfoss
Arnarstapi (Hike to Hellnar and back)
Hellnar
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Helissandur

8 Aug
Olafsvik Whale watching
Kirkjufellsfoss
Grundarfjörður
Helgafell Mountain
Stykkishólmur
Reykjavik

9-13 Aug
Lugavegurinn trek

14 Aug
Start from Reykjavik
Siglufjörður, Iceland
Akureyri

15 Aug
Godafoss Waterfall
Husavik
Asbyrgi Canyon
Dettifoss
Myvtan Area

Is it doable or too much? Would I have enough time to explore Myvtan on 15th evening and 16th morning before I head to Hofn via East Fjords?


16 Aug
Egilsstaðir
Seydisfjordur
Hofn

17 Aug
Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon
Skaftafell National Park
Vik

18 Aug
Skógafoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss
Toward KEF to catch return flight

P.S. - Your blog was a tremendous help in making this itinerary - thank you :)

Appreciate your help!

Thanks,
Kind Regards,
Kalika Jain

Dear Kalika,

Sorry for my late response. I´ve been on vacation.

Even I´m a bit late I´lll comment your itinerary:

5 Aug
Reykjavik

6 Aug
Golden Circle

Good, but short for one day (you can do it in half day). You can watch Barnafoss if you have time.

7 Aug
Borgarfjordur
Gerduberg basalt columns
Ytri Tunga beach (Seal watching)
Bjarnarfoss
Arnarstapi (Hike to Hellnar and back)
Hellnar
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Helissandur

Perfect for one day.

8 Aug
Olafsvik Whale watching
Kirkjufellsfoss
Grundarfjörður
Helgafell Mountain
Stykkishólmur
Reykjavik

Perfect.

9-13 Aug
Lugavegurinn trek

When did you book the huts?

14 Aug
Start from Reykjavik
Siglufjörður, Iceland
Akureyri

Perfect. You will like Siglufjörður. I recommend you the Herring Museum.

15 Aug
Godafoss Waterfall
Husavik
Asbyrgi Canyon
Dettifoss
Myvtan Area

Is it doable or too much? Would I have enough time to explore Myvtan on 15th evening and 16th morning before I head to Hofn via East Fjords?

I´d rather skip SIglufjörður and stay more time at Mývatn. It is my opinion. Or may be use one day to make the Askja Tour by bus or Super Jeep.


16 Aug
Egilsstaðir
Seydisfjordur
Hofn

Perfect.

17 Aug
Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon
Skaftafell National Park
Vik

Great!

18 Aug
Skógafoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss
Toward KEF to catch return flight

Yes.

P.S. - Your blog was a tremendous help in making this itinerary - thank you :)

Thank you for saying that.

Best regards,