Best 12-Day Iceland Itinerary: Winter & Summer Versions
If you’re looking forward to a trip to Iceland and want to see as much as possible while you’re here, and travel through a few different regions of the country, we’d recommend planning to spend about 12 days in Iceland. This amount of time allows you to travel at a leisurely pace, while still packing your trip with so much fun, excitement, and adventure.
But how exactly should you spend your 12 days in Iceland? Where should you drive and in what order?
To help, we’re laying out three itineraries for you — two for summer and one for winter. Each is formatted to show you some of Iceland’s best sights, with activities suited to whatever weather you can expect during your trip.
Things to Know When Planning a 12-Day Road Trip in Iceland
There are two primary things that you’ll want to keep in mind as soon as you decide that you’re going to go on a 12-day road trip in Iceland.
Driving routes
The first is that your driving route may differ depending on the time of year you visit. For example, while the Ring Road — Iceland’s main highway that circles around the island — is open all year round, and typically very well-maintained, there are certain regions of the country that you could visit shortly off the Ring Road that are closed during the winter months due to weather. So, for example, if you have your heart set on seeing the Icelandic Highlands during your trip, you’ll want to for sure visit during the summer, when the roadways are open.
That said, even though some areas of Iceland are closed off during winter, and you’ll have to travel maybe a bit slower and shorter distances during the winter than you might in the summer, visiting during the winter months is still an enjoyable experience. There’s plenty to do and Iceland in winter is beautiful.
Book your car in advance
The second thing you need to keep in mind when planning a 12-day road trip in Iceland is that you’ll need to book your rental car in advance.
Not only is a car rental in Iceland crucial for seeing as much of the country as possible, but booking in advance will ensure you get the best deal on your rental, as well as your preferred model of vehicle. The same goes for a campervan rental in Iceland. If you want to drive a campervan around during your summer road trip, you’ll want to book that campervan rental right away.
Planning Your 12-Day Iceland Road Trip
Now that we have those two crucial considerations out of the way, it’s time to ask yourself a few questions.
Should you drive clockwise or counterclockwise?
If you’re driving the Ring Road, you’ll quickly notice that it is, as the name suggests, a ring. That means that you can drive either clockwise or counterclockwise around Iceland. The road will take you around the entirety of the island, except for two outlying regions, the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
We typically recommend that you begin your journey driving counterclockwise around the island, and starting at one of Iceland’s most popular areas, the Golden Circle right away. This way, you can get a quick introduction to some of the country’s best features, like massive waterfalls and geothermal areas.
That said, if you want to travel clockwise first and end your itinerary at the Golden Circle, that’s fine, too.
You may want to not even decide which direction you’re going to drive — which is an option if you’re renting a campervan and not reliant on hotel bookings — until you arrive in Iceland, and see what the weather is going to be. Then, you can choose to drive in one direction or the other based on where you’ll get the most sunshine.
Should you visit Iceland during summer or winter?
As mentioned above, your driving route will be somewhat reliant upon whether you visit Iceland for your 12-day road trip in the summer or the winter. So which season is right for you?
Iceland’s summer lasts from June to August and it comes with a few perks, such as better weather, warmer temperatures, easier access to every region of the country, and more daylight. However, summer is also Iceland’s busiest travel season, so you’ll see more crowds at top tourist spots, as well as higher travel prices.
In the winter, which lasts from September to May, there are fewer crowds and lower prices, but do note that there’s more winter weather and less daylight. Still, winter in Iceland is very unique and beautiful, with its vast snowy landscapes, frozen waterfalls and glaciers. You also get to enjoy activities you might not otherwise, such as glacier hiking or chasing the northern lights.
In short, there’s no wrong reason as to which season you should visit Iceland. It’s all up to personal preference.
Is 12 days in Iceland too long?
As you’re considering what to see during 12 days in Iceland, you may at first think there’s no way you’ll fill up 12 days of travel, but we assure you that, even if you spend 12 days in Iceland, you still won’t do and see every single thing on the island.
We recommend travellers planning an Iceland road trip to set aside a minimum of seven days for their trip. However, in the summer, 12 days is a very common trip length for many travellers, and it gives you ample time to see quite a lot of the country. Then, in the winter, 12 days will give you some buffer room, in case the weather impacts your plans, and allow for a more leisurely pace, so you’re not rushing from spot to spot.
12-Day Itinerary for Iceland: Summer
If you decide to plan your 12 days in Iceland for the summer months, sometime between May to September, you’ll enjoy lots of daylight, which makes for better driving conditions into the evening, and better weather than you might get in the winter. The temperatures are somewhere around 8 degrees to 14 degrees Celsius, or 46 degrees to 57 degrees Fahrenheit, so balmy and mild. Plus, all regions throughout the country are open.
12 Days on the Ring Road
For a summertime 12-day road trip in Iceland, we recommend the following, Ring Road-focused itinerary.
See this itinerary on Google Maps
- Day 1: Arrival + Reykjavik
After you fly into the Keflavik airport, you can pick up your rental car and drive straight to Reykjavik. If your flight arrives in the morning, you can head to your hotel and freshen up before spending the rest of the day exploring the city’s many cultural landmarks, restaurants, and museums. If your flight arrives in the evening, rest up for a busy following day.
- Day 2: Golden Circle
On the second day of your trip, it’s time to explore the Golden Circle. The circle is about 300 kilometres or 186 miles in total, so you could drive it very quickly, but we encourage you to take your time exploring the top spots along this route, including Gullfoss Waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and the Geysir Geothermal Area.
Afterwards, you’ll spend the night in the area before heading south.
- Day 3: South Coast to Vik
Next, it’s time to see Iceland’s South Coast, as you drive along the ocean to get to Vik.
Top spots to add to your itinerary for this day include Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Seljavallalaug Pool, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the Dyrholaey Arch.
Consider booking a glacier hiking tour while you’re here or near Vatnajokull. You can get 5% discounts when you book with Lava Car Rental and use code LAVA5 at checkout.
Spend the night in Vik.
- Day 4: Skaftafell + Jokulsarlon
From Vik, it’s time to drive to Jokulsarlon. You’ll spend less time driving today, but there are plenty of stops to check out along the way, including Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Skaftafell National Park, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach.
Particularly plan to spend some time at the glacier lagoon, where you can take boat tours to see the glittering icebergs up close.
Spend the night either in Jokulsarlon or nearby Hofn.
- Day 5: Eastfjords
The Eastfjords are a little more remote, and known for their quaint villages, amazing views, and wildlife-watching opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for the seals and puffins, particularly. Stop for photos often, and then spend the night in Egilsstadir.
- Day 6: Diamond Circle
Once you’re at the halfway point of your trip, you’ll have reached the Diamond Circle. This driving route features the hot spring cave of Grjótagjá, the Dimmuborgir lava fields, and the Dettifoss waterfall. Don’t miss Lake Myvatn while you’re in the area and, if you have some extra time, book a whale-watching tour in Husavik.
Plan to spend the night in Myvatn.
- Day 7: Akureyri
At this point, you’ve reached northern Iceland and one of this part of the country’s biggest cities. You’ll find plenty to see and do in Akureyri, whether you’re interested in museums, shopping, or dining. Don’t miss the historic town centre and the Nonni Museum.
Spend the night here before heading westward.
- Day 8: Troll Peninsula and Skagafjörður
Trollaskagi, or Troll Peninsula, offers beautiful views, as you make your way to Skagafjordur, which is notable for its history as Iceland’s herring capital. Keep an eye out for Icelandic horses as you go and consider a stop at the Hofsos thermal pool before you arrive in Skagafjordur to spend the night.
- Day 9: Snaefellsnes
As you drive to and spend a day exploring Snaefellsnes, you’ll have plenty of options for what to do and see. Stop into the cute fishing towns and hamlets, like Stykkishólmur, Budir, Arnarstapi, or Hellnar. Make sure to also see Snæfellsjökull National Park, Dritvík Cove, and Djúpalónssandur Beach.
Spend the night in Snaefellsnes before travelling on.
- Day 10: Silver Circle and West Iceland
Yes, while southern Iceland has the Golden Circle and eastern Iceland has the Diamond Circle, western Iceland has the Silver Circle. Here, you’ll see attractions like the largest hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver, as well as the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.
After you’ve spent some time exploring, consider a tour of the Langjokull glacier or Vidgelmir lava tube, before driving back to Reykjavik, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
- Day 11: Reykjavik
On the next-to-last day of your trip, you get the entire day to spend in Reykjavik, perfect if you didn’t quite have enough time in the city when you first arrived in Iceland. Be sure to visit Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Harpa Concert Hall.
- Day 12: Blue Lagoon and Departure
On your departure day, the fun still isn’t over just yet. Before your flight boards, you should visit the famous Blue Lagoon, where you can soak in the picturesque waters, surrounded by lava fields, or enjoy a luxurious spa treatment. After you’re done, head to the airport refreshed and rejuvenated, dropping your car rental off on the way.
12 Days on the Ring Road with a Side Trip to the Highlands
If you’re spending 12 days in Iceland in the summer in the express interest of seeing the Icelandic Highlands, which are only open to vehicle traffic from mid-June to September, then you can adjust our above Ring Road 12-day Iceland itinerary to also include a stop in the Highlands.
Do note that if you plan on visiting the Highlands during any Iceland trip, you will need to rent a 4x4 vehicle. Icelandic law requires 4x4 cars on the Highland roads, also known as F-roads, as they’re typically unpaved and quite rough.
- Day 1: Arrival + Reykjavik
Arrive in Iceland at Keflavik International Airport and pick up your rental car before driving straight to Reykjavik. You’ll spend the night here and, depending on when your flight arrives, you may have time to do a bit of light exploring.
- Day 2: Golden Circle
The first full day in Iceland is dedicated to one of the country’s most famous driving routes: the Golden Circle. Some travellers only see the Golden Circle during an Iceland road trip, but this is just the start of your explorations. Still, it’s a great way to kick the trip off, visiting favourited sites such as Gullfoss Waterfall, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park, all in one day.
Choose to spend the night nearby and rest up, before you head to the Highlands for the first time.
- Day 3: Landmannalaugar
Now it’s time for you to experience your first rugged F-road. You’ll take F208 North to Landmannalaugar. Compared to other F-roads, F208 is pretty easy to drive on, as there are no river crossings.
Park at the Landmannalaugar campsite and cross the adjacent bridge on foot, after which you’ll find hiking trails to a range of popular sites, including hot springs, volcanoes, and vibrant mountains.
Once you’re done, you’ll drive back to the Golden Circle area, where you’ll travel onward tomorrow.
- Day 4: South Coast to Vik
As you travel along Iceland’s South Coast to Vik, where you’ll spend the night, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Seljavallalaug Pool, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and Dyrholaey Arch are all popular.
- Day 5: Skaftafell + Jokulsarlon
From Vik, you’ll drive to Jokulsarlon, where you can spend the night, or in nearby Hofn. On the way, be sure to see Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Skaftafell National Park, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. The glacier lagoon and adjacent Diamond Beach are especially worth a good chunk of time, as some of Iceland’s most-photographed spots. Consider booking a boat tour around the lagoon. You can get a 5% discount on your tickets if you book directly with Lava Car Rental and use code LAVA5 at checkout.
- Day 6: Eastfjords
As you travel onward, at the halfway point of your trip, you’ll be getting into more rural areas of Iceland, so be sure you’ve plenty of fuel and any supplies you might need. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, like reindeer, puffins, foxes, and seals, as you travel through the fjords. You’ll end up in Egilsstadir, where you’ll spend the night.
- Day 7: Diamond Circle
As you keep going northward, you’ll reach the Diamond Circle and Lake Myvatn. Top spots to see on this day include the Dettifoss waterfall, the hot spring cave of Grjótagjá, and the Dimmuborgir lava fields. If you have time, book a whale-watching tour in Husavik, which is known as one of the best places to whale watch in all of Europe.
Spend the night in Myvatn.
- Day 8: Akureyri and Skagafjörður
Once you’re fully in northern Iceland, you’ll reach the unofficial capital of the region, and the region's largest city: Akureyri. Here, you’ll find lots of museums, cultural attractions, restaurants, shopping, hotels and more. However, don’t tarry. You’ll need to keep driving on to Trollaskagi, the Peninsula of the Trolls, and then Skagafjordur, enjoying the scenic views all the while before you spend the night here in this area known for its Icelandic horse population.
- Day 9-10: Kjölur Road
The next two days of your trip will be spent travelling back through the Highlands, along F35, or Kjölur Road. Again, this is another relatively easy F-road, as there are no river crossings. You’ll enjoy glacier views and hiking and swimming opportunities as you go.
Spend the night in Hveravellir.
- Day 11: Reykjavik
Finally, you’ll arrive back in Reykjavik, having completed a full circle around Iceland. Spend the day and night here, and make time for visiting museums, restaurants, and famous spots like Harpa Concert Hall.
- Day 12: Reykjanes, Blue Lagoon and Departure
If your flight leaves later in the day, you can use your final day in Iceland to do some final exploring. Visit the Reykjanes Peninsula and attractions like Gunnuhver and Reykjanesviti, and stop by the Blue Lagoon for a soothing soak in the hot mineral waters.
When you’re finished, drop off your rental car, head to Keflavik Airport, and jet back home.
Recommended cars in summer
When deciding what car rental in Iceland you’ll need for your 12-day road trip, you’ll want to consider whether you’re taking a Ring Road-exclusive route or if you’ll be stopping over in the Highlands.
- Ring Road
If you’re just staying on the Ring Road, a 2WD vehicle is more than fine to get you where you need to go. However, a campervan rental could be a nice option as well, as it will give you some flexibility, allowing you to camp along your journey rather than relying on hotel reservations.
- Ring Road and Highlands
If, though, you’re planning on taking some detours into the Highlands, you’ll for sure need a 4x4 rental in Iceland, as, as mentioned, 4x4 cars are mandatory according to Icelandic law, if you’re driving in the Highlands.
12-Day Itinerary for Iceland: Winter
If you’re planning on spending 12 days in Iceland in the wintertime, there’s one route that we’ll recommend, and that’s a South Iceland driving itinerary that stays on the Ring Road, without going all the way around the Ring Road, to the north or more rural areas of Iceland, where the weather can be a bit worse. Don’t worry — you’ll still have plenty to see and do.
Here’s what to see over 12 days in Iceland in the winter.
12 Days on the Ring Road in the South of Iceland in Winter
See this itinerary on Google Maps
- Day 1-2: Arrival + Reykjavik
After arriving in Keflavik, pick up your rental car and then drive on to Reykjavik, where you’ll spend the night. If you’re visiting around the holidays, soak up the festive cheer all around the city. Otherwise, be sure to check out the cosy cafes and museums. You’ll spend two nights in Reykjavik, giving you plenty of time to explore.
- Day 3-4: Snaefellsnes
Then, you’ll spend the next two days and nights in Snaefellsnes, where you can see such sites as Snæfellsjökull National Park, Dritvík Cove, Djúpalónssandur Beach, and the local hamlets, like Arnarstapi, Hellnar and Búðir. Be sure to pack appropriately. You’ll need plenty of warm clothing and outdoor gear to explore popular sites like those around the national park.
- Day 5: West of Iceland
Without going too far north, you’ll then head to a more western portion of Iceland, known as the Silver Circle. A great activity here is to take a dip in Deildartunguhver, the largest hot spring in Europe. Yes, even though it’s winter, the waters are still toasty warm, so pack your swimsuit. Also make time to see some frosty waterfalls, like the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls.
Before nightfall, head back to Reykjavik, where you’ll spend the night.
- Day 6: Golden Circle
Head on to the nearby Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most popular spots and where you’ll find many fellow travellers, even during the winter months. The three main tourist sites here are Gullfoss Waterfall, Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir Geothermal Area.
- Day 7: South Coast to Vik
After spending the night near the Golden Circle, you’ll head on to the South Coast of Iceland, making your way toward Vik. As you do, you can see Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Seljavallalaug Pool, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the Dyrholaey Arch.
- Day 8-9: Skaftafell + Jokulsarlon + Ice cave
From Vik, it’s on to Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon. You’ll spend two nights in Jokulsarlon, which positions you perfectly for spending one day seeing the glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, as well as a day going ice caving. You’ll need a tour guide to see the ice caves. Book your guided tour directly with Lava Car Rental and use code LAVA5 at checkout to save 5% on your tour price.
- Day 10: Road back to Reykjavik
Spend this day making your way back to Reykjavik from Jokulsarlon. On the way, you can stop by anything you ran out of time to see when you were originally driving along the South Coast.
- Day 11: Reykjanes + Blue Lagoon
Stay in Reykjavik another night, but drive the short distance to the Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon, too. In the former, check out the Reykjanes Geopark. In the latter, indulge in a spa treatment and simply soak in the vibrant blue waters. If it’s snowing while you’re there, the experience will be even more magical!
- Day 12: Departure
Finally, take your time making your way back to Keflavik airport, dropping off your rental car along the way.
Recommended cars
For any winter trip to Iceland, if you’re renting a car, we always recommend a 4x4 rental. Iceland’s winter weather can be quite tricky, especially for visitors, and you’ll appreciate the added traction that a 4x4 vehicle provides.
How Much to Budget for 12 Days in Iceland
So how much will this trip cost you? Here are some of the primary expenses that you can expect.
Car rental
You’ll pay more for a car rental in the summer than in the winter, as the summer is the high travel season in Iceland.
On average, you can expect to pay about 6,000 ISK/day, or 39 EUR or 42 USD, for an economy car rental in Iceland, in the winter, and then 8,500 ISK/day, or 56 EUR or 60 USD, for a 4x4 vehicle. Expect to pay double those prices in the summer months.
For the most recent rates, check the car rental prices on the Lava Car Rental website.
Accommodations
Average accommodation prices in Iceland are about 20,000–30,000 ISK per night for a double room in a nice hotel, or 141–212 USD or 133–199 EUR. Again, accommodations are more expensive in the summer than in the winter. To save money on accommodations in the summer, consider renting a campervan.
Food
Restaurant meals in Iceland range from 2,800 ISK, or 19 USD or 18 EUR, per person for fast food, to about 7,500 ISK, or 53 USD or 49 EUR, per person for a sit-down meal.
You can save money on your dining, though, by prepping food yourself in a home rental or campervan. For current Iceland grocery prices, check out this guide to the cost of living in Iceland.
Tours & Activities
You can find tons of free activities in Iceland. Visiting the majority of the beaches, national parks, geyser areas, waterfalls and more throughout the country is entirely free, except for a small parking fee.
For tours, you can find prices and discounts on the Lava Car Rental tour page.
Ready to Spend an Amazing 12 Days in Iceland?
Whether you visit in the summer or winter, spending 12 days in Iceland is a magical experience. The adventure all starts when you book your rental car with Lava Car Rental. Check out our full fleet of rental vehicles and find your perfect fit today.
Not sure you want to spend a full 12 days in Iceland? Reference our suggested itineraries for spending 7 days in Iceland, 10 days in Iceland, or 2 weeks in Iceland.
