Nadia Fauzi

Iceland feels like another planet. From roaring waterfalls and glaciers to black sand beaches and endless empty roads, it is one of the most dramatic and beautiful countries we have ever visited.

We travelled to Iceland in 2015, just the three of us then, on our way to Oxford for Irwan’s MBA graduation. We debated whether to visit in winter to chase the Northern Lights or in spring to enjoy longer daylight hours. In the end, we chose longer days, and we don’t regret it one bit.

We spent about ten days driving across the country from Reykjavík to the Golden Circle, down the South Coast, through Southeast Iceland, and up towards the Eastfjords and North Iceland, before looping back to Reykjavík. It was one of those trips where the journey itself was just as memorable as the places we stopped along the way.

This guide brings together our itinerary, where we stayed, what we did, and practical tips for planning your own Iceland road trip.

Where we stayed

Because we were doing a road trip, we chose hotels along our route so we could explore without rushing or backtracking.

• Reykjavík Residence Hotel, Reykjavík
  Comfortable and centrally located, perfect for exploring the city on foot
• Icelandair Hotel Vík, Vík
  A great base along the South Coast, close to waterfalls and black sand beaches
• Fosshotel Vatnajökull, Höfn
  Surrounded by dramatic landscapes and close to glacier areas
• Hotel Laxá, Lake Mývatn
  Quiet, scenic and ideal for exploring North Iceland
• Icelandair Hotel Akureyri, Akureyri
  Convenient and comfortable in Iceland’s “capital of the north”
• Reykjavík Loft Hostel, Reykjavík
  A relaxed and budget-friendly option for our final night

If you’re travelling during peak season, I’d recommend booking accommodation early, especially outside Reykjavík where options are limited.

We rented a car for the trip: a Suzuki Vitara that cost around €100 per day and drove the entire route ourselves. Having a car gave us complete freedom to stop whenever something caught our eye, which happened a lot in Iceland.

Driving in Iceland is relatively straightforward, but the weather can change quickly. If you plan to explore beyond the main highways or drive on gravel roads, a 4×4 is worth it.

What we did

Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon

We started in Reykjavík by exploring the colourful streets and visiting the Hallgrímskirkja Church, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. At 74.5 metres (244 ft) tall, it is the largest church in Iceland.

We also visited the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa surrounded by lava fields. Touristy, yes, but still a memorable experience and a great way to start the trip.

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most famous routes and an easy day trip from Reykjavík.

• Thingvellir National Park: where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet
• Geysir Geothermal Area: home to Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes
• Gullfoss Waterfall: one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls
• Brúarfoss: a lesser-known waterfall with striking blue water

South Coast highlights

The South Coast is packed with some of Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes.

• Seljalandsfoss: a waterfall you can walk behind
• Gljúfrabúi: a hidden waterfall just steps away
• Skógafoss: one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: famous for basalt columns and dramatic waves
• Mýrdalsjökull Glacier: a vast ice cap dominating the region
• Sólheimasandur plane wreck: a surreal sight on a black sand plain

Southeast Iceland, Eastfjords & North Iceland

As we drove east, the scenery became quieter and more dramatic. We explored areas around Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and continued through the Eastfjords, where winding coastal roads and small fishing villages felt wonderfully remote.

In North Iceland, we visited Lake Mývatn and Akureyri, and went whale watching, which ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.

What to do in Iceland

• Go on a road trip and explore beyond Reykjavík
• Chase waterfalls as there are hundreds, and each one feels different
• Visit glaciers, geothermal areas, and black sand beaches
• Try whale watching in Akureyri
• Slow down and enjoy the drives. Some of the best views are along the road

Dos and don’ts

Do:
Rent a car if you want flexibility
Check weather and road conditions daily
Dress in layers, even in summer
Book hotels and car rentals early
Respect nature and stay on marked paths

Don’t:
Underestimate driving distances
Ignore wind and weather warnings
Get too close to cliffs or waves at black sand beaches
Assume petrol stations are frequent in remote areas

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Looking back, Iceland remains one of our most unforgettable trips. Choosing longer daylight hours over the Northern Lights turned out to be the right decision for us as we saw so much of the country and experienced its landscapes at their most dramatic.

If you’re thinking about visiting Iceland, I can’t recommend a road trip enough. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left.