There are only a few number of destinations worldwide that have enraptured me with its mind blowing beauty — and among my extraordinary trips to Antarctica and the Faroe Islands, the country of Iceland is now high up on this list! (Iceland itinerary)

…Though of course, I must admit: when I was first planning my Iceland itinerary, I was a bit skeptical that the hype for it might be just a fluke and I will end up not only disappointed but also broke (besides, it IS famous for being an expensive getaway). Nevertheless, I was thankfully wrong: Iceland is truly worth the hype, the money, and more!

Speaking of such ‘hype’, I’m sure you are already aware of this, but Iceland has been constantly hitting headlines and topping bucket lists for years now as it repeatedly gains the favor of its visitors (including me). All of that attention is fairly well-placed because even if Iceland is a small Nordic island nation, it is filled to the brim with dramatic landscapes full of hot springs, glaciers, geysers, lava fields and volcanoes among many others. In fact, you can just take one look at the photos and videos online and offline and they will already speak multitudes of its wonders — so imagine how it could be like when you see everything in flesh!

With all that said and done, if you’re now bitten by the travel bug and also hoping to make things happen, below is a suggested Iceland itinerary that you can do for 10 days.

10 days because I deem it as the most optimal time for exploring Iceland’s famous “Ring Road” (Route 1) — which is basically their main road that goes all around the island at about 1,300 kilometres. Technically, you can drive the whole of this Ring Road in just less than 24 hours but in order to see all the key spots, you need at least a week. In order to have some ample time, 10 days is the most optimal. (Of course, if you stay longer, the better it will be!)

Anyhow, you can easily tweak the 10-day Iceland itinerary below if you happen to have longer or lesser days ahead, so no worries on that!

. Where to Stay in Iceland? To find the best deals, check Agoda and Booking.com. But if you’re rather interested in renting comfortable houses or apartments to cook your own food, check AirBnB. When it comes to places to stay in Reykjavik, come and check out my list of the ‘Best Hotels in Reykjavik‘ which features the top recommended choices for cheap to luxurious accommodation choices.

Top photo of Northern Lights from Shutterstock.com.

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Pre-Travel Guide for Iceland

What is the currency in Iceland?

The country uses Icelandic króna (ISK) wherein €1 equals to about ISK 104~, USD $1.10~ or Php 60~ (this is as of November 2018). However, most places and shops also accept payment in US dollars, Euro, Canadian dollars, as well as Danish, Norwegian and Swedish currencies. Though if I may point out, most people just pay by card (credit or debit) because most establishments accept it — even taxis. Therefore, it is not totally necessary to carry large amounts of Icelandic currency. But then again, it also helps to have some cash on hand in case of emergencies. So when exchanging your money, I highly advice that you do NOT exchange it at the airport since the rates there are not competitive. So what should you rather do? Either exchange your money at a bank or at a money exchanger in your home country or in the city center of Reykjavik. You can also just withdraw from an ATM with your debit/credit card (but do one big withdrawal to minimize fees with your bank). NOTE: When it comes to tipping, you do NOT have to worry about it because in a sense, gratuity already comes together with the cost that you’ll be paying for.

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Iceland’s location grants fluctuating weather throughout the year — which could either be a boon or a bane. In fact, during my trip, I’ve come to experience all four seasons in just a day! (NOTE: My visit was around middle of October). Anyhow, there is actually never a bad time to go and visit Iceland. In a way, it all just boils down to what your priorities or preferences are. For an overview, below are its seasons: Winter: (December to February) Aside from colder temperatures (that can go as low as -30°C) you must also expect shorter days and some wind chill. It’s great for hunting bright Northern Lights, grabbing the lowest prices and seeing lesser crowds but be wary of the fact that most highland roads can be impassable if not dangerous.

★ Spring: (March to May) Days are now longer and you’ll even get to see greener landscapes with lesser snow. This is one of the best times to visit Iceland given that is ‘shoulder season’ (when prices are still lower and tourists are fewer). Weather will still be erratic at times — but it’s better than winter and you can still catch the Northern Lights until early April. An added bonus are the cute puffins who start to arrive in Iceland around April for their annual nesting.

Summer: (June to August) This is the peak season with higher prices and more people — which is no wonder because the weather is mild, the landscapes are at their greenest, and the days are longer, including the Summer Solstice wherein daylight can last for about 21 hours! The Northern Lights start to show in late August too.

★ Autumn: (September to November) You will love Iceland as it is bathed in hues of orange, red and yellow! Temperatures will start to get slightly cooler but there will be fewer crowds with lower prices (as it is also off season). Again, Northern Lights can be seen at this time if you are lucky. If you want a bit of snow that is still ‘comfortable’ for driving, this is a great time to go too; after all, I loved the feeling when I suddenly went through mountain passes that are all clad in white! HELPFUL TIPS:

– Northern Lights in Iceland typically start to show in late August to early April.

– Weather is really unpredictable so make sure that you are prepared for the cold and for possible wind chills.

– For the most part, temperatures don’t go higher than 20°C in the day.

How to go to Iceland?

International visitors will land at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) which is an hour away from Reykjavik. Most airlines that offer great fares to the country are Icelandair and WOW Air. (NOTE: Iceland also has another airport called as Reykjavik Airport (RKV) but it is mostly used for domestic flights as well as international flights to the Faroe Islands and Greenland only.) When searching for flights, I highly recommend browsing through Skyscanner to find the best deals from your point of origin. You will find that most flights from key points in Europe will be below $100. If you’re from the Philippines like me, though the cost is mostly at Php 50,000, it is possible to get Php 25,000 roundtrip flights especially if you book during off season. From KEF, you can get to the city center of Reykjavik by bus or taxi. You can also rent a car and there are several shops at the airport where you can purchase one (otherwise, it’s best to book online beforehand). By bus: Flybus (ISK 2,900), Grayline (ISK 2,500), and Airport Express (ISK 2,100) can drop you off at the Reykjavik bus terminal. They can also bring you directly to your hotel in Reykjavik for a higher charge of around ISK 3,000 to 4,000. There’s also a cheaper option by taking the public bus system called as “Strætó”. Just look for bus 55 at the airport’s departures area and they would indicate their stops and arrival times (but it’s often infrequent, so you can check the times online) with the last stop at BSI Umferðarmiðstöðin, which is Reykjavik’s main bus terminal. Tickets cost about ISK 1,800 which you can pay for in the bus or purchase beforehand at the Airport Information Desk.

By taxi: Be wary that a metered taxi from the airport can cost about ISK 15,000 so it’s best to ride the bus, get a shared transfer, or get your own rental car.

By shared transfer: If you don’t have a rental car, this is the next best thing for you! Check out the shared transfer services on this this link.

By private transfer: For a more hassle-free experience, you can also choose to book a private transfer.

Should I get a visa to visit Iceland?

Since Iceland is a part of the Schengen member states, you can check this list of countries to see who does NOT need tourist visas to enter the country. Naturally, if you’re NOT a citizen of any of the listed countries, you will then need to apply for a tourist visa in the Iceland embassy that’s near you. If you’re a Philippine citizen like me, you can read my guide on ‘How to Apply for a Schengen Visa‘ (FYI: The Norwegian Embassy in the Philippines handles visa applications for Iceland.)

How to get around Iceland?

Going around by car currently offers the most flexibility and practicality for travel around Iceland — it’s fairly expensive but it will save you the time and the hassle, as well as give you enough opportunities to control your itinerary and see more sights along the way! By car. You can expect to pay no less than $500 for a week rental in the peak season with day rates starting usually at $30. As for gas, it’s also expensive in the country at $2 per liter. (To rent a car beforehand, book online). As an example, for my 10-day road trip, I got a Hyundai i30 Estate for $610, and my gas totalled to a cost of about $400. If you want to travel on a budget without shelling money for accommodations, you can opt to rent a camper van. As for some other driving matters that you need take note of… If you want to save time, I highly suggest booking online beforehand. Otherwise, you can get a rental at the airport itself; but be wary when you’re coming during peak season because the car you want might not be available due to the high number of visitors.

Gas stations are easy to find around major towns but they become less frequent (at 100 to 200km apart) as you go on your Ring Road trip. Hence, it’s always advisable to fill up when you can. The gas stations operate 24 hours and are self-service with payments done only by credit card. However, if you have a credit card that does not have a PIN number, you will need to find a gas station that has an attendant so that you can process your payment with them inside.

have a PIN number, you will need to find a gas station that has an attendant so that you can process your payment with them inside. Driving in Iceland is on the right side of the road and it is mandatory to have your headlights on at all times (yes, even during the day). Speed limits on highways are at 90km/h on paved roads and 80km/h on gravel roads.

Speaking of gravel roads, there could be parts in the east or north of Iceland where the road suddenly changes into gravel; therefore, please mind your speed at all times to avoid accidents.

Take note that there are roads that start with an “F” and those are only for 4×4 vehicles due to its rough dirt paths that often cross rivers and such (they close from October to mid-June); so it’s best to avoid them if you have a different car. Rest assured, the stops I will be mentioning in this Iceland itinerary won’t be making use of F-roads, but if in case your GPS leads you to one, do avoid it (unless again, you have a 4×4 vehicle).

There are single-lane bridges on the highways of the Ring Road and whoever is the closest to it has priority when crossing the bridge.

As I’ve already mentioned, weather can change drastically in a day in Iceland. So it always helps to check the website Road.is

If you don’t want to drive, there’s the option of carpooling through websites like Samferda. Naturally, expect that it can be a hit or miss. This is more ideal if you don’t have any time constraints and are not sticking to an itinerary.

You can watch this helpful video to learn more about driving in Iceland. By bus.There is no railway system in Iceland but there is a bus system. Take note, however, that they are still quite expensive and infrequent. One popular option with buses is the “Full Circle Passport” which enables you to travel the Ring Road and it costs about ISK 40,000. However, it is often only available in the summer and you have to choose which way you travel (clockwise or counterclockwise) because there is no going back and forth. You can chose from buses like BSI, Gray Line, Discover Iceland, Sterna and Trex. (They also have other unlimited ride and route options, one example of which is the Hop On and Hop Off Bus Passport). Another option is to join day tours or sightseeing companies — o.

Where to find the best Iceland accommodations?

To find the best deals, check Agoda and Booking.com. But if you’re rather interested in renting comfortable houses or apartments to cook your own food, check AirBnB. I mostly stayed in AirBnBs during my 10-day Iceland itinerary road trip and it made for great experiences (e.g. I stayed in a cottage in the middle of nowhere with great views, a farm land that had beautiful Icelandic horses, etc.). When you’re in Reykjavik though, come check out my list of the ‘Best Hotels in Reykjavik which features the top recommended choices for cheap to luxurious accommodation choices in the vicinity.

What are some practical and money-saving tips I should know of when in Iceland?

Much like what I keep on saying in this article, prices in Iceland are high — even higher than in other parts of Europe and this is mainly due to high import duties and a high VAT rate. To make the most of your Iceland itinerary, remember the following things: When it comes to tipping, you do NOT have to worry about it because in a sense, gratuity already comes together with the cost that you’ll be paying for.

Most of the meals that they serve in restaurants are big, so it can be a smart move to split it with your friend to save on costs.

To further save on food, it’s best to shop for it in supermarkets (NOT convenience stores). For this, look out for the Bónus or Krónan shops because they have considerably lower prices than the other supermarkets.

There’s NO need for you to buy water at the store because tap water in Iceland is totally safe and drinkable.

If in case you need some added warm layers to your wardrobe, there are good second-hand shops like Red Cross and Salvation Army at Reykjavik’s downtown.

When you’re visiting in the summer, don’t forget to bring an eye mask with you for sleeping! After all, there is the Summer Solstice wherein the sun stays up almost 24 hours. Speaking of clothing, it’s always a smart move to pack a wind breaker or a waterproof jacket/raincoat because rain can happen sporadically (not to mention that the waterfalls can get you wet). For a complete packing list, see my post here [coming soon].

If you plan to go camping or if you have a camper van for your Iceland itinerary, there are sites all over the country where you can stay for the night and enjoy fully-equipped facilities (showers, laundry, kitchen, etc.). The cost for this usually spans from ISK 500 to 1,000 a night. Just take note that it can get really cold so pack up on thermal wear and warm sleeping bags.

For some peace of mind, other than your GPS, it also helps to have a pocket WiFi on hand. It not only helps you stay connected but it’s also helpful for sharing a connection among you and your friends. For this, I highly recommend Tep Wireless and you can even use my coupon code to get 15% off! On the other hand, you can buy a local SIM card at the airport’s duty free store.

It’s always good practice to get travel insurance for your trip, more so when you’re going through a wild place like Iceland. To avail, I would highly recommend World Nomads since they offer the best price and coverage.

Recreational drones are still allowed in Iceland without a permit, but you must take note of the rules such as: NO flying it in areas where there is a no-fly drone sign, NO flying beyond 130 meters, and NO flying near airports, crowds of people, and government buildings.

There are two kinds of plugs/sockets in Icelad: C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins, with two earth clips on the side.

Aside from using my Iceland itinerary guide below, you can also browse through Trover to search for some inspiration as well as see what other hidden gems you can find in the country!

The Beauty of Iceland – a photo list by Aileen Adalid

Must-try Icelandic food and drinks?

Icelandic cuisine predominantly makes use of fish, lamb or some other type of meat. Rest assured, if you’re a vegetarian there are places in Reykjavik like AALTO Bistro, Glo, Pylsa/Pulsa and Vinyl where you can dine in. Anyhow, some of the things that you must try are… Any Icelandic fish like Haddock, Halibut, Atlantic salmon, brown trout and more.

Hákarl = Traditional dish of fermented shark for the adventurous

Harðfiskur = Dried parts of fish that are eaten as a snack together with butter

Dried parts of fish that are eaten as a snack together with butter Hangikjöt = Smoked lamb

Smoked lamb Kjötsúpa = Rich lamb soup

Skyr = You’ll find these in supermarkets. It’s basically a famous Icelandic brand of yoghurt-like dairy product that are in flavoured and unflavoured varieties

Slátur = Sausage made from the offal of sheep as well as its blood

Sausage made from the offal of sheep as well as its blood Pylsa = Basically a hot dog. You should check out a spot called as ‘Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur’ in Reykjavik for the best pylsa

Beers = Examples of local brands are Bruggsmiðjan, Egils, Gæðingur Öl, and Vífillfell

If you want to try something with a higher alcohol content, check out Brennivín (or “Black death”) a local spirit



Helpful Icelandic phrases

Icelandic is the national language but most of the locals can speak English (and even Danish) given that both are compulsory to be learned in schools. Anyhow, it always helps to know an Icelandic phrase or two! Hello: Halló (Ha-low)

Hello (informal): Sæll (Sight-l) — to a man // Sæl (Sigh-l) — to a woman

Thank you: Þakka þér fyrir (Thah-ka thyer fi-rir)

Thank you (informal): Takk (Tahk)

Yes: Já (Yaw)

No: Nei (Nay)

Goodbye: Bless (Bless — often said twice, “Bless bless”) Excuse me (getting attention): Afsakið (Av-sa-kith)

Excuse me (begging pardon): Fyrirgefðu (Fi-rir-gyev-thu)

Is there someone here who speaks English?: Er einhver hér sem talar ensku? (Er eyn-kver hyer sem ta-lar en-sku?)

Help!: Hjálp! (Hya-oolp!)

Cheers!: Skál!

Iceland Itinerary

NOTE: The following sections are in a tabbed format; so, in order to see the next day’s contents, just click the headings.

Also, ‘Day 1’ is a full day so it does NOT take into consideration your flight arrival. As such, please plan accordingly.

Also, I made the Iceland itinerary below into 10 days because I deem it as the most optimal time for exploring the famous “Ring Road” (Route 1) — which is basically the main road that goes all around the island at about 1,300 kilometres. Technically, you can drive the whole of this Ring Road in just less than 24 hours; but, in order to see all the key spots, you need at least a week. In order to have some ample time, 10 days is the most optimal. Of course, if you can stay longer, the better it will be and you can easily tweak the itinerary below if you have longer days (if not shorter).

. Best Tours in Iceland? Come and check out this list of the top things to do in Iceland which features the best activities and tours to do in Reykjavik and more!

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Booking Essentials

Overall

I dearly hope that this Iceland itinerary will help you make the most of your Ring Road trip! Of course there is still so much to see in Iceland (there are over 10,000 magnificent waterfalls after all) — but I believe that my travel guide here is a pretty good start. Now, please feel free to tweak this itinerary and make full use of my extra activity suggestions in order to make your trip shorter or longer and better fitting for your travel style. Enjoy and do let me know how your trip goes!

How about you? What do you think of this Iceland itinerary?

What would you love to see the most?

Or have you done the Ring Road before? How was it? Any other tips to add?