10 days roadtrip in the North of Iceland

⏳ You have a few days of vacation to plan ? You’ve always wanted to discover a Nordic country ? Well, come on !
Discover the northern part of Iceland by exploring its national parks and big cities with this 10 days road trip. 😍

Itinerary of this 10 days road trip in the North of Iceland

Reykjavik > Thingvellir National Park > Borganes > Akureyri > Mývatn > Egilsstaðir

🚗 We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Reykjavik ?

Iceland’s capital, you can not miss out on Reykjavik. Everyone will love this exciting and always busy city. Don’t worry you’ll be back in the city at the end of your trip. 

• Discover Iceland’s independence symbol in the heart of the city, Domkirkjan church.
• Relax in Laugardalur Park for a moment and enjoy the surrounding nature.
• Visit Reykjavik’s concert hall, an architectural marvel, especially when the sun hits its windows.
• Eat one of the best hot-dogs in the city at Ingolfstorg square.
• Look for the perfect gift to bring your family / friends back at the Flea Market.
• Enjoy whale or shrimp skewers at Sea Baron (Saegreifinn).
• Warm up in a jacuzzi on Nauthólsvik beach.
• Want to learn more about the country ? Go to Iceland’s National Museum !
• At night, go on a bar crawl.
• Want to come home with sweater from Iceland ? Do not miss the Handknitting Association of Iceland. It will take you for ever to choose from the huge variety of sweaters !
• Go for a run along Lake Tjörnin, say hi to the many ducks swimming on the lake.
• If you are looking for a pool to relax at with friends, you need to know something. You have to take a naked shower before getting in the water.
• Go up Hallgrímskirkja church‘s steeple and appreciate the view over the city’s roofs, maybe you’ll even get a glimpse of the mountains.
• Admire the metal statue near the sea called “The Sun Voyager“.
• Warning : we promise we are not crazy and this really exists … In Reykjavik, you’ll find one the oddest museum ever … The Icelandic Phallological Museum where you’ll find a large collection of Icelandic mammals’ genitalia. Gentlemen, beware !
• Do not leave without going to Blue Lagoon, it’s only a 30min-drive away. It’s kind of pricey but it is really worth it ! You will get the chance to swim in a 39°C / 102°F water in a unique setting.

What to do in Thingvellir National Park ?

Nearby Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park is a national park in the South-west of the country. It is part of the Golden circle with the Geysir Hot Spring area and the Gullfoss waterfall. All three of them are incredibly beautiful natural sites. 

• Walk around the park and discover astonishing sceneries.
• Re-enact the scenes of Games of Thrones that were shot in this very park !
• Have a pic-nic while enjoying the sound of the waterfalls … the ideal sound to help you fall a sleep for an afternoon nap.

What to do in Borganes ?

Small town in the West of the country, Borgarnes is a town border by mountains, glaciers and national parks. 

• History enthusiasts, go to the Settlement Center, it tells the story of the vikings and colonisation of the Icelandic territory.
• Discover the Museum Library where pictures will take you to traditional Icelandic villages and tell you how the life of the village’s children is like.
• Go explore the surrounding glaciers on a hike or a snowmobile ride.

What to do in Akureyri ?

A city between mountains. A lovely city where even the traffic lights are welcoming ! I’m not kidding, they are shaped like hearts ! How cute is that ?   

• Walk through the stunning Botanical garden in the North of Akureyri.
• Explore the city’s church, also called the “Ice Cathedral” because of its architecture.
• Take a break in one of the many restaurants and coffee shops of the city.

What to do in Mývatn ?

Before getting to Mývatn, stop at Godafoss and admire one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, shaped like a horseshoe. 

Mývatn is named after its very popular lake, where you need to stop ! But what kind of strange name is that ? Well in fact Mývatn means “fly” … not the verb, the insect.

• To enjoy the hot springs to the fullest go to the Mývatn Nature Baths. Despite a kind of expensive price (35€), you’ll have wonderful relaxing day.
• Contemplate the Blue Lake from Mývatn Nature Baths.
• Go on a excursion in the middle of the country.
• Admire the different bird species flying around the lake.
• Games of Thrones fans, you might recognize some places … totally normal, some scenes were actually shot there !

What to do in Egilsstaðir ?

Nature and mountains, come and discover Egilsstaðir.

• Park your car, put your gym shoes on and climb up a trail for 30 min … Wait for it and you’ll get your breath taken away by the view : outstanding waterfalls of Fardagafoss.
• Explore the traditional Icelandic and folkloric museum the East Iceland Heritage Museum telling the country’s story since the Viking invasion.

To learning more…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment at the bottom of the page! The whole team will be happy to hear from you !