You’ve been dreaming about visiting Iceland for ages.
The waterfalls.
The volcanoes.
The Northern Lights.
But now that you’re actually planning the trip, it’s like,
“How the heck do I make this work?
How do I prioritize the must-sees?
And what’s the best way to avoid feeling like I’m racing through the country?”
If these questions sound familiar, you’re not alone, my friend.
I’ve had them too, and I get asked them all 👏 the👏 time!👏
But here’s the good news:
I’ve spent years traveling through Iceland, figuring out exactly what works (and what doesn’t).
I’ll show you how to plan the perfect Iceland itinerary with expert tips to help you make the most of your adventure. Having a detailed itinerary that lays it all out for you is a game-changer.
There are five important questions to ask yourself to craft a stress-free itinerary.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- How to Prioritize the Must-See Spots in Iceland?
- How Much Can I Fit Into a Day Without Feeling Rushed?
- Where Should I Stay to Make the Most of My Route?
- How Do I Find Great Places to Eat While Roadtripping in Iceland?
- How Can I Keep My Itinerary Organized + Easy to Follow?
1. How to Prioritize the Must-See Spots in Iceland?
It’s easy to get carried away when planning your Iceland itinerary.
With so many incredible locations, your bucket list can quickly get out of hand.
Instead of packing your days to the brim, aim for a more balanced approach by prioritizing what you want to see.
Here’s how:
Focus on Your Dream Travel Spots
Start by listing out the places you’ve always dreamed of visiting.
If hiking to Glymur or Jökulsárlón is on your wish list, make those a priority by bumping them up to the top!
Consider Seasonal Accessibility
Before finalizing your list, check whether your must-see spots are actually accessible during the time of year you’re visiting.
Some areas, like the Highlands, are only accessible in the summer. So, keep that in mind when planning.
The Time of Day Matters
Now that you’ve picked your must-see spots, let’s make sure you enjoy them to the fullest.
The thing about Iceland’s iconic locations is that they tend to get pretty busy.
To avoid the crowds, try visiting popular spots early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially if you’re heading there during the busy summer months.
Don’t Overlook Hidden Gems
Take time to explore beyond the popular attractions.
Some of my most unforgettable Iceland moments came from spontaneous stops at quieter places.
You might find a secluded hot spring or a picturesque small village that ends up being the highlight of your trip!
If you’re not sure where to find these hidden gems and must-see sights, don’t worry!
My 👉 Iceland itineraries include the most iconic locations AND secret spots. Routes have been meticulously researched and planned based on my years of exploring Iceland.
They’re designed to make sure you won’t waste any time on unnecessary detours or miss out on any gems along the way. 😉
2. How Much Can I Fit Into a Day Without Feeling Rushed?
OOO! This is a big one!
A well-paced itinerary can be the difference between an unforgettable Iceland road trip and a stressful whirlwind of too many stops and too little time.
The goal is to soak in the experience rather than rush through it.
To do this, you’ll need to consider:
👉 Driving distances: How far apart are the stops you want to see?
👉 Time at each stop: How long do you realistically want to spend at each location?
👉 Breaks + buffer time: Factor in meals, restroom stops, and a bit of downtime.
👉 Grouping by area: Plan your day around regions with nearby attractions—like the Golden Circle or South Coast—to avoid unnecessary backtracking.
Choose a few key highlights for each day and leave some room for spontaneous stops or extra time at places you really enjoy.
If you’re short on time, planning a perfectly optimized trip can feel overwhelming.
Trust me, you’ll be tempted to cram in as much as possible, but my advice? Don’t do it!
It’s hard to know how much time you’ll really need—unless you’ve actually done it before.
Good news: I have. 😀
I’ve helped countless travelers make the most of their Iceland road trips, and I’ve learned that the key is balance.
That’s why I put together my done-for-you Iceland itineraries, including perfectly paced schedules with detailed driving times.
You’ll know exactly how long to spend at each stop and the distances between locations. Plus, they’re all pinned on a digital map, making it easier than ever to navigate through Iceland.
Whether it’s a quick photo op or a full afternoon hike, you’ll have just the right amount of time to enjoy each stop. Even if you only have a week!
3. Where Should I Stay to Make the Most of My Iceland Itinerary?
Finding accommodation in Iceland can be a bit tricky, especially outside of Reykjavík where options can be limited.
Not only do you need to secure your accommodation well in advance, but you’ll want to book your stays strategically to cut down on extra driving.
Decide on One Home Base vs. Staying Along the Route
Some travelers like to stay in one place and take day trips, while others prefer moving from stop to stop.
If possible, I always recommend staying along your route — it gives you a much better feel for the country. But if you’re short on time or want to minimize packing and unpacking, a single base can still work well for certain areas.
Depending on your budget, you might want to look for a mix of hotels, hostels, guesthouses, or even try camping to keep things interesting!
Consider Renting a Camper Van
If you’re up for an adventure, but tent camping seems a bit intimidating, try renting a camper van.
It’s a great way to stay flexible, save time checking in and out of hotels, and it’s a whole lot more comfortable than traditional camping!
Happy Campers is my go-to choice. Another bonus? They have 4×4 campers for those rugged F-Roads so you can camp in more remote areas!
Plus, when you 👉 subscribe to my email list, you’ll get an exclusive VIP discount when you book with Happy Campers!
4. How Do I Find Great Places to Eat While Roadtripping in Iceland?
Iceland’s remote areas aren’t exactly known for an abundance of dining options.
You might find yourself far from a restaurant at mealtime if you’re not prepared.
Plan ahead: This is especially important to prepare for when you’re traveling to Iceland with kids. They’re always hungry! Research ahead of time for places where you can grab a bite to eat.
Try local favorites: Don’t miss out on iconic Icelandic eats, like a hot dog from a gas station (surprisingly good!) or a delicious ice cream. Exploring local food is part of the fun!
Eat well on a budget: Stock up at budget grocery stores and plan some meals yourself. And seriously, Iceland gas stations offer more than just fuel. At many of them you can grab a snack or a decent light meal.
Pro Tip: Try to book accommodation with restaurants on-site and meals included.
Having an itinerary that breaks down where to eat based on where you’re staying the night before and the night of is incredibly helpful.
It’s even better if it includes suggested stops for snacks or treats along the way.
(Psst… My 👉 Iceland itineraries take care of all these details for you!)
Looking for the best dining spots along the Ring Road? Check them out below.👇
➡️ READ: Best Restaurants in Iceland Along Ring Road: Indulge at These Top 16 Dining Spots!
5. How Can I Keep My Iceland Itinerary Organized + Easy to Follow?
Planning an Iceland trip is exciting — but keeping all your stops, routes, and timing organized? That’s where things can get tricky.
That’s why my itineraries come with both a detailed guide and a digital map, so you can stay on track without the stress.
Many travelers like to glance through the itinerary guide the night before, then use the digital map to guide them during the day.
This way, they’re prepared for what’s coming up while also having a handy guide to follow as they go.
Take a look at what one customer, Donna S., had to say about it:
“It was beyond helpful knowing how much you could fit into a day and how much time it took to get from one place to another! It was the Bible of the trip and my husband would ask – ‘What does Jeannie say?’ – as far as parking, tips, etc. It was the most EPIC of trips and this itinerary aided in that!”
Creating your dream Iceland trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
My 👉 Iceland itineraries give you a clear, day-by-day plan — complete with dining spots, accommodations, and tour recs that I personally trust.
They’re packed with insider tips and designed to help you see more without ever feeling rushed.
The digital map also includes practical stops like grocery stores, gas stations, and clinics — the kind of details that make a big difference on the road.
From famous landmarks to tucked-away gems, you’ll always know what’s nearby and what’s worth your time.
Happy Planning!
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