Iceland Itinerary That Works—We Tested It, You Enjoy It

Why Iceland?

Planning a vacation to Iceland? Get ready for a road trip like no other! This is a land where volcanoes meet glaciers, waterfalls tumble from every cliff, and the weather loves to surprise you.

Imagine long open roads, scenic views at every turn, and an itinerary packed with jaw-dropping natural wonders. From the steaming geysers of the Golden Circle to the black sand beaches of Vik and the icy magic of Jökulsárlón zodiac boat tour – you won’t run out of places to say “wow”.

Where you sleep adds to the magic. Cozy countryside Airbnbs, or stylish hotels tucked away in dramatic landscapes—it’s all part of the Icelandic adventure.

And let’s talk about the summer weather—one moment its sunny, next its pouring rain, followed by icy wind, and even snow… sometimes all in one day. Layers are your best friend along with raincoats.

So pack smart, charge your camera, and hit the road. Iceland’s not just a destination— it’s a storybook waiting to be read, one kilometer at a time.

Iceland Travel Itinerary

10-Jun-2025 (Tuesday):

Flying from Delhi to Reykjavik with a change of flight in Frankfurt, by Lufthansa. Land the same day in the afternoon at Reykjavik, rent a car and visit Sky Lagoon, followed by an early dinner.

Stay at: Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels at Reykjavik.

11-Jun-2025 (Wednesday):

Discover the breathtaking Golden Circle attractions – Thingvellir National Park, Oxararfoss, Silfra, Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss, Kerid Crater, followed by late lunch at Vínstofa Friðheima famous for its Tomato soup and Bruschetta.

Stay at: Skeid2 Airbnb at Hvolsvollur

12-Jun-2025 (Thursday):

Explore Seljalandfoss, Skogafoss, Kvernufoss, Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey, and Vik church & town, followed by an early dinner at Black Crust Pizzeria at Vik, which is famous for its Black Crust pizza.

Stay again at: Skeid2 Airbnb at Hvolsvollur

13-Jun-2025 (Friday):

Spend the day exploring Yoda Caves (Gjgjaja), Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Stjórnarfoss, Svartifoss, and Mulagljufur Canyon.

Stay at: Fosshotel, Glacier Lagoon

14-Jun-2025 (Saturday):

Experience the Glacier hike at Skeftafell Glacier followed by Jökulsárlón zodiac boat tour, then a quick photo click at the Diamond beach. Lastly a quick detour to Hofn town.

Stay at: Lon Guesthouse, Thorgeirsstadir Þórgeirsstaðir, Þjóðvegur, 781, Iceland.

15-Jun-2025 (Sunday):

Reserved for long drive to Seydisfjordur, with a longer route along the coast exploring Hvalnes Lighthouse, Lækjavik beach, Djupivogur, Borgarfjörður eystri for puffins, Vestdalsfossar and lastly the rainbow path at Seydisfjordur.

Stay at: Curry House Apartment, Seydisfjordur

16-Jun-2025 (Monday):

Visit the spectacular Studlagil canyon after a quick photo stop at Gufu waterfalls, followed by Viti crater, Namafjall and Hverfjall Volcano.

Stay at: Fosshotel, Myvatn Lake

17-Jun-2025 (Tuesday): Enjoy whale watching at Husavik, followed by a hot bath at Geosea, Husavik. Later, visit Hvitserkur (the Rhino rock) and finally call it a day at Hvvamstangi

Stay at: Eyri Seaside House at Hvvamstangi

18-Jun-2025 (Wednesday):

A long day drive to Isafjordur, the Westjfords with quick detour at Kolugljufur Canyon.

Stay at: THE TANGS, ISAFJORDUR

19-Jun-2025 (Thursday):  

A quick visit to Onundarfjordur Pier, followed by Dynjandi falls and finally Kirkujfell mountain.

Stay at: Colella 2, next to Kirkujfell mountain

20-Jun-2025 (Friday):  

Driving day – visited Bulandshofdi view point, Ingjaldshóll Church, Skardsvik beach, Svortuloft Lighthouse, Londranger view point, Gatklettur  at Arnarstapi, Budakirkja, Saxholl Crater and Ytri Tunga Beach. Dinner at Kaffi 59 restaurant.

Stay again at Colella 2, next to Kirkujfell mountain

21-Jun-2026 (Saturday):

Discover Lava Tunnel at Raufarholshellir, followed by visit to Perlan Museum where we experienced Volcano show and then Northern Light show. Next stop was Sun Voyager in downtown followed by photo clicks at Hallgrímskirkja (church). Munched on Hotdogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, lunch at Lebowski bar and finally a rye bread ice cream at Café Loki.

Goodbye to Iceland with return of car at Lotus Car Rental, Keflavik Airport.

Iceland Car Rental

We booked a Toyota Rav4 (AWD) from Lotus Car Rental, from Keflavik airport with Platinum Insurance, which came with Unlimited mileage, free WiFi, and the customer has no liability in case of any issues with car. I had an excellent experience with them – car collection and return was a breeze.

Iceland Travel Adaptor Type

  Type C (Europlug): Two round pins

  Type F (Schuko): Two round pins with two earth clips on the side

We bought three F type adaptors from Amazon, which helped us charge phones, GoPro, Laptops and Camera battery. Most power sockets in Iceland are designed for three pin round plugs.

Iceland – Forex Card

I used a BookMyForex FOREX Card to carry Euros. All it took was logging on to their app, submitting the required documents online, and transferring INR to them. Within sometime, Euros were loaded on my card. What made it even better was that the card was never declined for any transaction.
Upon returning to India, the unused Euros were promptly converted back to INR at the prevailing forex conversion rate.
Their service was convenient and hassle-free, making my travel experience even better!

Iceland – Petrol Pumps and Parking app (Parka)

My online research suggested me to buy Petrol from N1 petrol pumps, but on each transaction their unmanned stations deduct 22000 ISK, no matter how much fuel you buy. The excess money would be returned a month later. So, better to fuel up at Orkan wherein they offer you to preauthorize lesser denominations of say 8000 ISK which seems sufficient to fill up half tank gasoline.

Download Parka app for a hassle free parking throughout Iceland.

Iceland Schengen Visa application at New Delhi, India

Along with Norway and Liechtenstein, Iceland is part of the EEA, which allows free movement of goods, services, capital, and people with the EU. To visit Iceland as a tourist, a Schengen visa is required. Visa applications can be submitted up to six months before entering the Schengen area and are processed by the Embassy of Iceland in New Delhi for all of India.

Website:

Where to apply for Schengen visas:  VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.

VFS Centre, New Delhi

Schengen visa applications are managed by VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. The Embassy of Icelandin New Delhi usually processes these applications within 10 to 15 working days after they are submitted at any VFS Visa Application Center in India.

According to the European Commission guidelines, a Schengen visa can be applied for up to six months before the planned trip, but no later than 15 days before departure.

When visiting multiple Schengen countries, the visa application should be submitted to the consulate of the country where the longest stay is planned. However, if the stays are of equal length, apply at the consulate of the first country on the itinerary.

In our case, after visiting the VFS office at Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Baba Kharak Singh Rd, Connaught Place, New Delhi, the Schengen visa arrived at our home within 15 days. This time, however, it was a single-entry visa, unlike last year’s Switzerland visa.

Iceland vs Switzerland

Iceland:

For travelers who can drive and hike, Iceland is your kind of place. It’s like nature threw everything into one country—glaciers, canyons, snow-capped mountains, icebergs, black sand beaches, lakes, waterfalls (lots of them), volcanoes, caves, geysers, and even steaming hot baths in the middle of nowhere. Just bring a fat wallet as its brutally expensive. Honestly, it makes Switzerland look affordable. And public transport? Don’t count on it. To truly feel Iceland, it’s better to rent a car and drive. This way, you can enjoy the vistas unfolding at every turn. Its worth every penny you spend.

Switzerland:

Switzerland is like that friend who’s always on time, well-dressed, and effortlessly stunning. Getting around is a dream — trains, buses, gondolas, ferries — everything runs with clockwork precision. You sit back, sip your coffee, and the Alps just show up at your window. The views? Unreal. Meadows that look hand-painted, crystal-clear lakes, charming trails, waterfalls tucked into hillsides, and snow-capped peaks that follow you everywhere.

It’s organized beauty — serene, polished, and picture-perfect.

For those craving a bit more wildness, more variety, more raw “wow”, Iceland quietly steals the show.

Iceland or Switzerland?

Switzerland charms. Iceland stuns.
First makes you feel cozy and spoiled.
The other makes you feel connected to the nature— in the most beautiful way.

Common ground?

They both love your money.