Visiting Iceland for first time with family end of June beginning of july for 7D/8N
Hello,
We are a family of four vising Iceland end of June from US and I didnt realize the accommodations are very expensive at this time of the year for a family of four ( kids are 18 and 13 ). We like the outdoors but kids will also prefer some slow days. We also would like to include some very scenic hikes ( 3 or 4 hours max ) on 1 or 2 days. Below is what I have so far. Apartments have already been booked.
Day 1 – Arrival at 7 AM + South to Selfoss
- Keflavík International Airport – Land, immigration, pick up rental car
- Grocery stop:
- Krónan
- Costco (optional)
- Brauð & Co (bakery stop for bread)
- Spend some time in Reykjavik
- Drive toward Golden Circle
- Þingvellir National Park
- Optional hike: Öxarárfoss (moderate hike)
- Alternative trail: Lögberg–Drekkingarhylur
- Kerið Crater
- Overnight: Selfoss guesthouse (Selfoss)
Day 2 – Golden Circle Loop
- Þingvellir National Park
- Brúarhlöð Canyon
- Brúarfoss
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss
- Lunch stop option: Friðheimar
- Secret Lagoon
- Return to Selfoss
Day 3 – South Coast Waterfalls
- Seljalandsfoss
- Gljúfrabúi
- Skógafoss
- Kvernufoss
- Overnight: Kennarabústaður
Day 4 – Glacier Lagoon Region
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Diamond Beach
- Optional: Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Overnight: Dalshöfði area
Day 5 – South East Highlights + Return West
- Svartifoss
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Dyrhólaey (optional puffin viewpoint)
- Drive toward Vík / westward return
- Overnight: Vík
Day 6 – Westward Exploration + Puffins
- Explore westward stops not yet covered
- Possible puffin viewing:
- Dyrhólaey (if missed earlier)
- Cliffs near Vík or nearby coastal viewpoints
- Leisure driving / scenic stops
- Overnight: Hafnarfjörður
Day 7 – Reykjanes + Reykjavik Evening
- Grindavík area exploration
- Optional: Whale watching tour (from Reykjavik harbor)
- Reykjavik evening visit:
- Hallgrímskirkja
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Sun Voyager
- Return to Hafnarfjörður
Day 8 – Departure
- Flight at 11 AM
On day 4, We are planning to do glacier hike or boat tour to experience Jökulsárlón. We have a long drive to the glacier lagoon on this day. Is there any other scenic 1 or 2 hour hike in this area to experience the region?
How does the above itinerary look? Also, any must try food options along this route? We are vegetarians so our options are limited.
Thanks