10 Days in Iceland: From Hiking Along High Cliffs to Insider Tips for the Northern Lights

Iceland is ideal for a self-drive trip. We visited the country in March. Since Iceland has long winters, a visit to the south coast at this time of year is a natural choice. Conditions there are generally less extreme, making it easy to drive on your own.

Of course, the same still holds true: Iceland is Iceland, and nothing there is as changeable as the weather. Read our itinerary and practical tips for your road trip through southern Iceland.

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Reykjavik

Ten days is a relatively short time—especially for a visit to what we consider a truly special country. For that reason, we mainly used our time in Reykjavik to stock up on supplies for the road and to enjoy a nice meal at one of the many restaurants. Want to try something other than fish & chips? At Himalayan Spice, you’ll feel like you’re in Nepal. Delicious food at a fair price.

Day 2: Past Þingvellir National Park to Geysir

Drive 100 kilometers

With the rental car fully loaded, we set off toward the Golden Circle—by far the most visited part of Iceland. We chose the route that runs north of Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake. The lake is part of Þingvellir National Park. Here, the fault line between two tectonic plates is visible on the Earth’s surface as a sort of ridge protruding from the ground.

The area is perfect for shorter hikes, such as the one to the Öxarárfoss waterfall (which is located near P2). Be sure to stop by the visitor center (P1), if only to enjoy the beautiful reflections in the water from atop the basalt rocks. You can easily get there on foot.

Later that afternoon, we continued on our way to Geysir. We make a quick stop at Laugarvatn, where they bake bread underground. And that’s when you realize that the earth is literally coming to life. The regularly erupting Strokkur geyser, at our final destination for the day, is further proof of that.

Tip: After you’ve seen the geyser up close, walk to the top of the hill behind it. It’s generally less crowded there, and you’ll have a beautiful view of the area from above. Even on cloudy days, this gives you an even better sense of the geyser’s size, because it stands out more clearly against the multicolored landscape than against the sky, which is the same color.

We are staying at the Geysir Hotel, which is named after the geyser, and which relies exclusively on green and renewable energy sources, such as a green hydroelectric power plant.

Day 3: In the Heart of the Golden Circle

That’s what we did today, too. Even before breakfast, we drove to the Gullfoss waterfall (just under a 10-minute drive from Hotel Geysir). When we arrived, there really wasn’t a soul in sight. Mission accomplished!

After that, we went to visit a few local farmers: at the Efstidalur dairy farm, we opted for the homemade ice cream made from milk from their own cows. After that, we drove a little further toward Reykholt to the Fridheimar tomato farm for a (naturally) tomato-based lunch. Both the restaurant and the wine bar are located in one of the greenhouses, which certainly enhances the dining experience.

Fridheimar relies entirely on green energy, including hot water that is pumped up to heat the greenhouses. On the way back, we’ll stop at the Braurfoss waterfall. You’ll be amazed by the blue-colored water.

Day 4: Heading toward the Eyjafjallajökull volcano

A 120-kilometer drive

We set course for the south coast. What really catches your eye, of course, are the Icelandic horses. You have to really try hard not to want to take pictures of them everywhere, because they look absolutely stunning.

We’re staying at the boutique hotel Anna, which is located in a sort of mini-village at the foot of the mountains. Tip: enjoy a nice lunch at the neighboring Skalakot Hotel. The homemade goulash soup is heavenly. Take a hike up from the nearby little church to enjoy a beautiful view of the mountain range and the ocean (allow 1 to 2 hours).

A more challenging hike leads to the Midskalagil Canyon waterfall. The starting point of the trail is a bit hard to find; with your back to the church, walk across the yard of the former farm to the river. If you don’t want to walk the entire route, it’s still nice to cross the bridge and then walk a short way uphill. That alone will give you a beautiful view of the canyon. Nearby is also the Arjanurfoss: unlike the “big” waterfalls in the area, you’ll likely have this one all to yourself.

Day 5: Seljalandfoss Waterfall and Kloof River Waterfall

There are several famous waterfalls along the south coast. We chose Seljalandfoss. Once again, we went before breakfast. Instead of a crowded parking lot, there was exactly one other visitor. It was so peaceful—the perfect place to enjoy the moment.

Tip: Mount your camera on a tripod and use a slightly longer shutter speed. This will make the waterfall look beautifully “soft.” It’s also possible to walk behind the waterfall; just be prepared to get wet! Since you’ll be wet anyway, head straight to the “gorge river waterfall,” about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. It thunders down into a cave. It’s definitely an intense experience.

Day 6: Jökulsarlón Lake

250 kilometers

We’re driving to our easternmost destination: the Glacier Lagoon Hotel near Lake Jökulsarlón. Despite its size, the hotel exudes a certain tranquility, thanks in part to its beautiful design. You can thoroughly enjoy the spa facilities, with the mighty Vatnajökull glacier reflecting in the swimming lake as the perfect finishing touch.

Of course, we’ll visit Jökulsarlon. Make sure you get there a little before sunset. You won’t regret it. We’re lucky that the clouds from the previous days have given way to sunshine. That means there’s a chance of seeing the Northern Lights at night.

Day 7: Ice Caves in the Vatnajökull Glacier

More than 10% of Iceland is covered by glaciers. Natural caves form inside them. Today we’re visiting one in the Vatnajökull glacier. Partly because the ice is several meters thick, it has a beautiful bluish tint.

Please note that visits are strictly regulated and the cave gets quite crowded: groups come in and go out one after another. Nevertheless, it’s a stunning natural wonder. Tip: Bring your tripod if you want to take photos. Due to the limited light, you’ll want to be able to use a slow shutter speed.

Day 8: Vik and Myrdal: Black Beaches and Basalt Columns

200 kilometers

The drive from Jökulsarlon to Vik is beautiful. The landscape is very varied, with glaciers dominating the view, especially at the beginning. Vik itself is known for its black sand beaches, of which Reynisfjara is by far the most famous. And for good reason: gigantic basalt columns tower above the beach. There are also several rock formations in the ocean.

It’s best to visit the beach early in the morning and at low tide. The rising sun casts a golden glow over the beach, and the white crests of the crashing waves stand out beautifully against the black sand. You’ll see warning signs everywhere about the extremely dangerous waves. They’re there for a reason! To warm up afterward, we recommend grabbing a cup of lava soup (served in a black bread bowl) at The Soup Company.

Day 9: Hiking along the cliffs near Vik

There are several high cliffs near Vik that you can climb. We’re doing the Reynisfjall Sea Cliffs hike. You can park your car in the village (for example, near the Soup Company). The trail leading up is visible from a distance. The first part is steep, but after that, the trail gently winds along the cliff.

Small posts have been placed to mark the route. But be careful: they aren’t equally visible everywhere. As soon as you reach the top and walk through the gate, the trail immediately turns left along the edge of the cliff. We missed that part at first. The route is about 8 km long; be sure to allow at least 3 hours for the hike if you also want to enjoy the view from time to time.

Day 10: Skogafoss Waterfall, then back to the airport

225 kilometers

On the way back to the airport, there are several places where you can stop. We decide to stop at Skogafoss Waterfall and walk a short distance upstream, where there are even more waterfalls. We have lunch in Selfoss at The Old Dairy Foodhall; from skyr to Asian cuisine to pizza: there’s something for everyone here.

If you want to drop off your car without a lot of extra hassle or travel, choose the Aurora Hotel. It’s the only hotel within walking distance of both the drop-off area and the departure hall.

South Iceland Road Trip on the Map

Read about all our road trips here.