In this 10-day Iceland itinerary, I’ll tell you about the most incredible places to explore in the south of the island. It’s a perfect 10-day route to take in winter, when the north of the island is less accessible due to snow and unpredictable weather.
From the famous waterfalls to the black sand beaches and stunning ice caves, this route will allow you to discover the best of Iceland in 10 days.
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This 10-day route through Iceland is exactly the itinerary I followed during my winter trip around the island in a camper (I traveled at the end of December). It’s an ideal route for winter since you need to travel more slowly and cautiously due to snow, winds, and harsh weather.
During winter, it’s not recommended to visit certain areas of Iceland, such as the far north or the East Fjords. Although it’s possible to drive around the island in winter, it’s best to travel at a relaxed pace since there are often road closures due to snow or ice, and sometimes you may need to stay longer than expected in one place. If you’re traveling to Iceland in summer or spring, I also provide a suggested 10-day itinerary for those seasons at the end of the post.
If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, renting a 4X4 vehicle is essential, whether it’s a camper or a car. My partner and I rented the Easy Luxury 4X4 de CampEasy, and we loved the experience. The van was super spacious and comfortable for exploring the island.
Summary of Southern Iceland itinerary:
- DAY 1: Blue Lagoon + Reykjavik
- DAY 2: Golden Circle
- DAY 3: La Costa Sur – cascadas y paisajes
- DAY 4: Costa Sur
- DAY 5: Skaftafell + Svínafellsjökull
- DAY 6: Día de descanso
- DAY 7: Glaciar Jökulsárlón + Diamond Beach
- DAY 8: Costa Sur
- DAY 9: Termas de Hvammsvik
- DAY 10: Reykjavik
10 day Southern Iceland Itinerary
- DAY 1 in Iceland: Blue Lagoon + Reykjavik
Accommodation in Reykjavik: Reykjavik Eco Campsite or Hotel Reykjavík Saga
Your journey will begin at Keflavík International Airport, near the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. The first thing we did upon arrival was pick up the van we rented from CampEasy. This was the company where we rented the camper, and the experience was very good.
After picking up your rental car or camper, I recommend starting with a relaxing activity: visiting the famous Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa, surrounded by lava fields, is the perfect place to start or end your trip since it is very close to the airport. It is a natural mineral-rich pool with a temperature of approximately 37°C, offering many health benefits.
It is very important to book your entry to the Blue Lagoon in advance, as the best time slots tend to sell out quickly. I went early in the morning and liked it because I was able to watch the sunrise in the pool and have the afternoon free to explore the city.
After enjoying the Blue Lagoon, head to Reykjavik, the picturesque capital of Iceland. Spend the afternoon exploring the city center, visiting the Hallgrímskirkja church and walking through its colorful streets.
- DAY 2 in Iceland: Golden Circle
Accommodation in Selfoss: Gesthus Selfoss or Golden Circle Domes
The famous Golden Circle is a must-see tourist route. It is a 300-kilometer journey that passes by waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes. Some of the points of interest along this route are:
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir
- Casacada Öxarárfoss
- Cascada Gullfoss
- Kerid Crater
A great idea for that night is to stay at a hotel in the Golden Circle, such as the Golden Circle Domes, a unique accommodation with dome-shaped rooms located in a secluded area, making it ideal for viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland. You could also continue to Selfoss, where you’ll find the Selfoss campsite if you’re traveling in a camper.
- DAY 3 in Iceland: South Coast
Accommodation in: Skógar Campsite or Hótel Skógafoss by EJ Hotels
Today, you’ll venture into the South Coast of Iceland, known for its stunning waterfalls and cinematic landscapes. Some places to visit include:
- Urriðafoss
- Gluggafoss
- Seljalandsfoss: One of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland because you can walk behind the waterfall, although it’s not always possible in winter.
- Skógafoss: Another impressive waterfall, with a 60-meter drop. There are stairs beside the waterfall that take you to the top, where you can view the entire waterfall from above.
This night we slept at the Skógar campsite, which is literally the parking lot of the Skógafoss waterfall. It doesn’t offer many services—just a public restroom—but it’s definitely worth staying there if you want to wake up next to the waterfall. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, Hótel Skógafoss by EJ Hotels is an excellent option, and it offers rooms with views of the waterfall.
- DAY 4 in Iceland: South Coast – plane wreck, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara, Vik, Skaftafell
Accommodation in: Skaftafell Camping, Hótel Kría (Vík) o Hotel Skaftafell
Continuing along the South Coast, today you’ll pass by some of the most iconic locations:
- The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck: In 1973, a DC-3 plane crashed on the Sólheimasandur beach. Today, its wreckage has become a very popular photo spot. You can walk to the plane, but it’s over two hours (round trip), so the best option—especially in winter—is to take a bus that gets you closer to the wreck, saving time. I didn’t visit it because there was too much wind.
- Dyrhólaey: Cliffs offering stunning views of the South Coast.
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: This black sand beach is famous for its basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar rock formations that rise from the sea. It is considered one of the most dangerous beaches in the world due to its giant waves, so it’s important to visit with great caution.
- Vik: A picturesque village, making it an ideal stop to take a break and enjoy the views.
For tonight, I have two options for you to choose from. The first option is to stay in Vik, where you’ll find several hotels, such as Hótel Kría.
Another option, which is the one I chose, is to continue the journey to Skaftafell, where you can camp at a site that, in my opinion, is one of the most well-equipped in Iceland. If you prefer a hotel, I recommend Hotel Skaftafell.
- DAY 5 in Iceland: Skaftafell + Svínafellsjökull
Accommodation in: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Skaftafell is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Iceland. If you’re traveling in the summer, you can take the hike to Svartifoss, an impressive waterfall surrounded by black basalt columns.
Another stop for the day is the Svínafellsjökull glacier, part of Vatnajökull National Park, the largest glacier in Europe. If you want to experience the glacier from within, you can join a tour to walk on the glacier.
After a day of glacier exploration, I recommend spending the night at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. It’s a comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, a sauna, and a hot tub—perfect for relaxing after a day of pure adventure. I stayed here after several nights of camping, and it was perfect.
- DAY 6 in Iceland: Rest day
Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, and road conditions can change quickly during the winter. This rest day is meant to give you some flexibility in case roads are closed or if you need an extra day to catch up on the itinerary. During my trip, I had to stay an extra day at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon because there was a yellow alert due to strong winds. So, we used this day to rest and relax in the hotel’s sauna.
- DAY 7 in Iceland: Jökulsárlón Glacier + Diamond Beach
Accommodation in: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon or Skaftafell Camping
If you travel to Iceland in winter, you have the chance to experience one of the most thrilling adventures: a tour of the ice caves. The ice formations inside the caves are unique, glowing with an intense blue light, creating a spectacular landscape. I took this tour with Getyourguide , which departs from Jökulsárlón. From there, they take you in super jeeps to a remote area off the beaten path, where the ice caves are located.
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After the tour, visit Diamond Beach, where icebergs break off from the Jökulsárlón glacier and accumulate on the black sand of the beach, resembling diamonds. That night, you can return to Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon or continue to Skaftafell.
- DAY 8 in Iceland: South Coast – Pending spots
Accommodation in Selfoss: Camping at Gesthus Selfoss
Today, you’ll start heading back towards the Reykjavik area. You can revisit some of the spots that left the biggest impression on you along the South Coast or visit a place that you may have missed. For us, the Kerið crater had been on our list, so we took the opportunity on the way back to see it.
Another highly recommended spot is the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon—it’s said to be spectacular.
That night, we returned to stay at the Selfoss campsite, which was one of our favorites from the trip.
- DAY 9 in Iceland: Hvammsvik Hot Springs
Accommodation in Reykjavik: Reykjavik Eco Campsite or Hotel Reykjavík Saga
For this last day, we didn’t have any specific plans since the original idea was to reach the Snæfellsnes Peninsula the previous day, but we couldn’t make it due to delays in our itinerary caused by the strong winds in the Vatnajökull National Park area.
In the end, we visited an amazing place north of Reykjavik: the Hvammsvik hot springs. Geothermal pools are a part of daily life in Iceland, and you can’t leave the country without visiting one. The Hvammsvik hot springs are spectacular because they’re right by the ocean, surrounded by an incredible landscape! It’s a much less touristy spot than the Blue Lagoon, but it’s still recommended to book the entrance in advance.
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In addition to the hot springs, the landscape in the area with the fjords in the background is beautiful, so if you have time, I highly recommend exploring this area. We stopped along the way to greet the Icelandic horses that were scattered throughout the region.
That night, we returned to stay at the Reykjavik Eco Campsite, where we had spent the first night of the trip. It’s a very comfortable campsite located on the outskirts of the city. It also has a hostel, the HI Eco Hostel.
- DAY 10 in Iceland: Reykjavik + flight
On your last day, I recommend spending a few hours exploring the city of Reykjavik. The Icelandic capital is a peaceful city, with colorful houses, cozy cafes, and beautiful sea views. Here are some places to visit in 1 day:
- Rainbow Street
- Coffee stops at Kaktus, Hygge, and Mokka ☕️
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Sólfar Sculpture – The Sun Voyager
It’s a perfect way to end your trip, enjoying the charm of the city before heading home!
10 day Iceland itinerary map
In this map, you’ll find all the stops marked day by day. You can download it and use it on your trip.
Suggested 10-day itinerary for Iceland – full circle
- DAY 1 in Iceland: Reykjavik
- DAY 2 in Iceland: Golden Circle
- DAY 3 in Iceland: South Coast to Vik
- DAY 4 in Iceland: Jökulsárlón Glacier + Diamond Beach
- DAY 5 in Iceland: East Fjords
- DAY 6 in Iceland: North Iceland – Myvatn
- DAY 7 in Iceland: North Iceland – Akureyri
- DAY 8 in Iceland: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- DAY 9 in Iceland: Return to Reykjavik
- DAY 10 in Iceland: Reykjavik
Renting a car in Iceland
If you’re planning to rent a car to explore Iceland, I recommend doing so through rentalcars.com, a website that compares prices from all car rental companies and usually offers a lower price.
It’s important to get insurance because the weather in Iceland is unpredictable all year round. There are extremely strong winds that can be very dangerous. Unfortunately, we saw several accidents during our trip.
If you’re renting a camper, I recommend CampEasy. It’s the company we used, and we had an excellent experience. The camper we rented was the Easy Luxury 4X4 from CampEasy, and we were very comfortable.
Other useful posts about Europe:
- Iceland winter packing list
- How to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
- Crystal Blue Ice Cave in Iceland
- Ultimate Guide for an Iceland campervan trip
- Best places to visit in March in Europe
- Tips for planning your first trip to Europe
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