If you think you can copy and paste a random Iceland itinerary from “LostLuggageLarry065” on a Reddit thread…
…and expect it to be everything you’d hoped for?
Think again.
There’s no one-size-fits-all itinerary for Iceland.
An itinerary that worked for someone else might leave you skipping key stops or unexpectedly ending up on a hike you didn’t plan for!
After years of helping people plan their dream trips to Iceland, I’ve noticed the same itinerary mistakes pop up again and again.
Like packing too much into one day, underestimating driving times, or completely forgetting about daylight hours (which can make or break your itinerary, btw).
The good news?
These mistakes are totally avoidable.
A little smart planning goes a long way in making sure your trip is unforgettable for all the right reasons.
So, before you finalize your itinerary, let’s go over the most common planning mistakes, and how to make sure you don’t fall into these traps.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Ignoring Daylight Hours
- Underestimating How Much the Season Impacts Your Trip
- Not Considering the Pace at Which You Want to Travel
- Forgetting to Plan for Essential Breaks
- Poorly Structuring the Day
- Find Your Perfect Iceland Itinerary
1. Ignoring Daylight Hours
Hands down, one of the biggest mistakes I see travelers make when planning their Iceland itinerary is not taking into account the daylight hours.
Iceland’s daylight hours change drastically throughout the year.
In June, you’ve got nearly endless daylight, meaning you can pack your itinerary with adventures from early morning until late at night.
What if you’re visiting in February, though?
The sun doesn’t rise until around 10 a.m. and sets by 4 p.m., which seriously limits your sightseeing window.
Yet, I see it all the time – travelers cramming their itinerary with every must-see spot they’ve heard about from a friend, neighbor, or Instagram.
The problem is they don’t consider whether they’ll even have enough daylight to see them.
And trust me, exploring Iceland in the dark is not the same!
So, before you start planning, check the daylight hours for your travel dates.
💥 My Iceland Itineraries are perfectly timed and built around daylight hours, so you can see more without feeling rushed or missing a thing!
2. Underestimating How Much the Season Impacts Your Trip
The season in which you visit plays a huge role in what you can (and can’t) see in Iceland.
I can’t tell you how often I’ve seen travelers plan their trip around a specific sight or experience, only to realize too late that it’s completely out of season!
Like hoping to see the Northern Lights in the middle of summer… it’s not gonna happen!
Or planning to hike to a waterfall in winter, only to find that it’s not accessible.
That’s why it’s so important to plan around the season you’re visiting. Decide what’s at the top of your must-see list and make sure it’s actually possible at that time of year.
Not too sure how to plan for that? Don’t worry, I’ve done all the hard work for you!
If you’re ready to make the most of your winter trip to Iceland, don’t let winter conditions, road closures, and short days ruin your plans.
My detailed 👉 Iceland Itineraries map out exactly where to go, what to do, and where to stay, tailored to each season.
No guesswork, just a well-planned itinerary designed to help you make the most of every single day in Iceland.
These itineraries make sure you see the best of Iceland… at 👏 the right 👏 time! 👏
3. Not Considering the Pace at Which You Want to Travel
The next important factor you need to consider is how fast or slow you want to travel.
When I help people plan their trips, one of the first questions I ask is: What’s your ideal travel pace?
I find it helpful to frame it on a scale from 1 to 5:
1 = Slow and relaxed. You’re in no rush, happy to take your time and soak in each spot.
5 = Full-speed ahead. You want to see as much as possible and don’t mind running on little sleep or downtime. (Espresso will be your best friend!)
Ask yourself: where do you fall on that scale?
Are you determined to hit every possible highlight, or would you rather take it slow, enjoy fewer sights, and maybe plan for a return trip later?
(Pro Tip: I highly recommend the latter! 🙋♀️)
When my husband and I first visited Iceland on our honeymoon, we packed a lot into the time we had. I’ve since perfected my approach, but if you’d like to see what that looked like, check it out here.👇
➡️ READ: Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: How To Experience the Best Attractions in Just 7 Days
Why is Pacing Important?
Your chosen pace will affect:
👉 How far you drive each day.
👉 The number of attractions you can reasonably fit in.
👉 How long you spend at each attraction.
If you’re sprinting from one place to the next, you might only have 10 minutes at a stunning waterfall before rushing off to see the black sand beach.
Take this 5-Day Iceland Itinerary for example. It’s fast-paced, but you get to go all the way to the Glacier Lagoon.
If you love filling your days with unforgettable experiences, making sure you see as much as possible on your trip, then this is an excellent choice.
That’s a very different experience than lingering, taking photos, and truly taking in the landscape, like this 5-Day Iceland Itinerary: South Coast + Golden Circle Itinerary.
It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore Iceland at a relaxed pace, without the stress of tight schedules or long drives.
Two Key Factors When Setting Your Travel Pace
Be realistic about how much you can fit into a day without making it stressful for everyone. That starts with setting reasonable expectations from the get-go.
Your group’s physical abilities: If someone in your group recently had knee surgery or isn’t as mobile, you’ll need to build in extra time at each stop and possibly adjust your itinerary to include shorter walks or more accessible sites.
Are you traveling with kids? As someone who travels with little ones, I can tell you – it changes things! My children love exploring new places, but we definitely move at a slower pace than we used to.
At the end of the day, choose what works best for you.
If you’re planning a trip with kids, here are some of the best family-friendly activities in Iceland.👇
➡️ READ: Iceland with Kids: 6 Things to Do with Your Kids for the Best Family Trip!
Consider your pace when planning so you can actually enjoy the adventure rather than feeling rushed.
If you’re not sure how to pace your days because you don’t know how much time to spend at each site or how long the drive will be, my 👉 Iceland Itineraries cover all of that!
4. Forgetting to Plan for Essential Breaks
One tip that’s easy to overlook but totally crucial?
Planning for breaks, downtime, and, yep, the essentials, like eating and using the restroom.
It might sound silly, but trust me, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of all the places you’re visiting. You’ll be jumping from one tour to the next, but then (whoops!) you forget to factor in basic needs like food, bathroom breaks, and even rest!
Having a Meal
The fact is, you can’t just keep hopping from one spot to another without fueling up.
So, think about what your food situation is going to look like.
Are you okay with grabbing quick gas station sandwiches? Or maybe you’re planning to stock up on bread and peanut butter and go full-on road trip style with PB&J on the go?
Or, do you want to take a break, sit down, and savor the food scene?
(Iceland has an amazing foodie culture, so it’s worth making room for that.)
No matter what kind of traveler you are, eating takes time, so make sure you plan for it.
Psst… If you’re taking a road trip along the Ring Road, you’ll want to stop by these.👇
➡️ READ: Best Restaurants in Iceland Along Ring Road: Indulge at These Top 16 Dining Spots!
Bathroom Breaks
Another thing that takes time, and it’s a biggie, is using the restroom!
In Iceland, you won’t find rest stops like you do in the U.S.; there just aren’t any.
Also, not every site or stop will have a bathroom/facilities so it’s smart to plan ahead.
Luckily, my Iceland itineraries include maps that pinpoint restrooms and gas stations along your route.
Trust me, nothing ruins your sightseeing mood faster than scrambling to find one!
It makes a big difference when you’re on the go… and need to go! 😉
So, just like meals, bathroom breaks take time and planning so you will definitely need to work them into your itinerary.
You can often grab a bite to eat, use the restroom and refuel at a gas station. But here are a few things you must know about gas stations in Iceland – before you start driving!👇
➡️ READ: Iceland Gas Stations: 7 Things You Need to Know Before Your Trip
Down Time
Don’t forget to plan for some downtime. Whether it’s a moment to relax at your hotel or some solo time to recharge, it’s important to balance out your days.
Some people want to go full-speed from sunrise to sunset, cramming in as much as possible. But others prefer a slower pace with some downtime at the end of the day.
Know what works for you and plan accordingly.
5. Poorly Structuring the Day
Having some sort of structure to your day is crucial!
How long should you allocate for each site? What about driving time? It’s essential to plan ahead.
Even if you don’t stick to a strict schedule, having a framework to follow will help you make the most of your time.
Tips on How to Structure Your Day
If you’re wondering how to build out a well-balanced itinerary, here’s a quick framework I use when planning:
- Start with your starting and ending points: Example: If you’re driving from Reykjavík to Vík, that’s about 2.5 hours of driving.
- Plan key stops and activities: List out what sights you’re stopping at. (Waterfalls, beaches, hikes, tours).
- Allocate realistic times for each activity: Estimate how long each stop will take. (e.g., a tour = 3 hours, a waterfall = 1 hour, a hike = 1.5 hours)
- Factor in meals: Where and when are you eating? Pinpoint a good location in advance.
- Account for restroom stops: Check if your planned locations have toilets or find nearby options.
- Accommodation: Make sure you’re reaching your overnight stop at a reasonable time and can fit in dinner, because driving at night in Iceland can be challenging, especially in winter.
By structuring your day this way, you’ll avoid feeling rushed, hangry, or scrambling for a bathroom in the middle of nowhere.
A little planning goes a long way toward making your trip way more enjoyable!
Find Your Perfect Iceland Itinerary
Planning a trip to Iceland isn’t just about stringing together a list of must-see spots.
It’s about making sure everything flows so you’re not racing against the clock, missing out on incredible sights, or realizing too late that your dream location is out of season.
The great news is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
I’ve spent years perfecting my 👉 Iceland Itineraries that take the guesswork out of planning.
Take a peek at what’s inside:
✅ Detailed daily itineraries with top attractions AND hidden gems.
✅ Precise directions so you know exactly how much to fit in a day.
✅ Accommodation and tour options for every budget.
✅ The best restaurant options from fine dining to cozy cafes!
Plus, all my itineraries come with a digital map with hundreds of pinned locations including grocery stores, restrooms and gas stations. Trust me, this is a lifesaver!
The best part is that it’s customizable.
Want to spend an extra night at one location? No problem, my itineraries are easily adjusted to suit your timeline.
So, if you want to travel smart, avoid common mistakes, and make the absolute most of your time in Iceland, grab one of my detailed 👉 Iceland Itineraries today.
Happy Planning!
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