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The Ultimate Iceland 10-Day Itinerary for an Unforgettable Family Adventure

When I first started planning our Iceland 10 day itinerary, Iโ€™ll be honestโ€”I wondered if it might be too rugged to do with kids. Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoesโ€ฆ it all sounded epic, but also a little intimidating with little ones in tow. Turns out, Iceland was one of the most family-friendly adventures weโ€™ve ever had. Wide-open spaces for the kids to run wild, short and doable hikes, cozy geothermal pools to warm up in, and campgrounds that felt like home with hot showers and communal kitchensโ€”it had everything we needed. If youโ€™ve been dreaming of dramatic landscapes and wondering how to make it work as a family, this guide is for you.

This itinerary is designed to balance those must-see sights with kid-friendly downtime, so you never feel like youโ€™re dragging your little ones from one stop to the next.

In this post, Iโ€™ll walk you through why renting a campervan was our best decision, how to keep travel days smooth with kids, and a flexible itinerary that mixes adventure with breathing room. My hope is that by the end, youโ€™ll feel not just inspired but confident that an Iceland family trip can be one of the most rewarding experiences youโ€™ll ever share.

Getting to Iceland

Most international travelers will arrive in Iceland through Keflavรญk International Airport (KEF), located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

A wide range of major airlines fly into Iceland, including Icelandair, jetBlue, Fly Play, Alaska Airlines, Delta, KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, and more. We flew Delta on a direct 6-hour flight from Minneapolis (MSP), which made getting there with kids super convenient.

The best part? We booked our flights using points and milesโ€”just 45,000 points per person plus $52 in taxes. This made our Iceland family trip so much more affordable and is one of my favorite ways to save big on international travel.

Flight prices to Iceland vary by season, but you can often find deals under $1,000 roundtripโ€”and sometimes as low as $500 during the winter.


โœˆ๏ธ Want to learn exactly how to book cheap flights to Iceland with points and miles? โœˆ๏ธ

Check out my step-by-step guide here!


How to Get Around in Iceland

When planning a family trip to Iceland, the single most important decision is how youโ€™ll get around. Public transport is limited outside of Reykjavik, and tours donโ€™t always align with family schedules. Thatโ€™s why renting a campervan or car is the absolute best way to experience the countryโ€”especially with kids.

  • Campervan Advantage: A campervan is basically your hotel, kitchen, and car all rolled into one. It gives you maximum flexibility to stop whenever you need a breakโ€”whether thatโ€™s for a snack, a nap, or to climb on lava rocks they spotted from the road. Campsites in Iceland are well-equipped, and many even have playgrounds.
  • Rental Car + Guesthouses: If camping isnโ€™t your thing, a standard rental car also works great. Youโ€™ll have the freedom to follow your own schedule while staying in cozy guesthouses or family cabins along the way.
  • Why It Works for Families: No waiting for buses, no worrying about strict tour timings, and no lugging bags from place to place. Just pack snacks, playlists, and enjoy the rideโ€”because in Iceland, the journey is as breathtaking as the destination.

Also, I highly recommend booking through Discovercars.com. They compare pricing across multiple companies so you get the best rate, and they have a great cancellation policy too!

Best Campervan Rental in Iceland With Kids

When we booked our trip, we were looking super last minute and discovered that not only were hotels fully booked, but even campervans were nearly sold out! We ended up renting through Go Campers, and honestly, the whole process was seamless. The campervan itself was fairly new and in great condition, had everything we needed, and the customer support was fantastic throughout our trip. It gave us peace of mind knowing we were well taken care of as we circled the island with kids.

When booking your campervan, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Transmission type: Is it manual or automatic? Icelandโ€™s roads can be trickyโ€”choose what youโ€™re comfortable driving.
  2. Seats vs. sleeping space: Double-check! Some vans sleep 4 but only have 3 seatbelts.
  3. Off-roading permissions: Want to visit places like Landmannalaugar? Youโ€™ll need to drive F-roads. Make sure your rental agreement allows itโ€”even if itโ€™s a 4×4. Some Campers are specifically approved for these roads.
  4. Camping equipment: Does the van come fully stocked with bedding, cookware, and camping gear, or do you need to add extras?
  5. Heating: If traveling in colder months, confirm thereโ€™s a reliable heating system so everyone stays warm at night.

๐Ÿ‘‰ The bottom line: Book early if youโ€™re traveling in peak season (Juneโ€“August). Campervans sell out fast, and last-minute rentals are pricey. With kids, having the right setup can make the difference between an amazing adventure and a stressful one.

 For more details on the pros and cons of renting a car/campervan, check out my guide on 
 ๐Ÿš—  Renting a Campervan in Iceland! ๐Ÿš—  

Booking Your Campsites

One important thing to know before your campervan trip: wild camping in Iceland is illegal. You canโ€™t just park and sleep anywhereโ€”you must stay at designated campsites.

The good news is that Iceland has an incredible network of campgrounds, many with family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, laundry facilities, and warm showers. And unlike some destinations, you donโ€™t need to book campsites months in advance. In most cases, you can simply pull up late at night, park your van, and pay in the morning if no staff are around.

Almost everyone youโ€™ll see is traveling this wayโ€”about 99% of people are camping in vans or cars. Most campgrounds we stayed at had a shared indoor area with a small kitchen (sink, stove, prep space) and tables. These were lifesavers for cooking meals, charging electronics, and winding down as a family.

Another bonus? Campgrounds were a fun way to meet fellow travelers from all over the world. Swapping stories over dinner or coffee made the trip feel even more memorable.

Our Favorite Campsites in Iceland

Here are a few family-friendly campgrounds we personally enjoyed and recommend:

The Ultimate Family Packing List

Putting together the right Iceland packing list is one of the most important steps before your trip. The weather here is famous for being unpredictableโ€”cold, windy, and often wet.

Rain, mist from waterfalls, and ocean spray mean youโ€™ll want to be fully prepared with waterproof layers. Without the right gear, even the most beautiful day of sightseeing can turn uncomfortable fast. A good packing list makes all the difference between being miserable in the rain or fully enjoying Icelandโ€™s epic landscapes with your family.

  • The Layering System is Everything:
    • Base Layer: Merino wool is fantastic. It keeps you warm and wicks away sweat.
    • Mid-Layer: A cozy fleece jacket for everyone.
    • Outer Layer: Non-negotiable waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
  • Essential Gear:
    • Waterproof rain suits. We lived in ours. Brands like Reima are worth the investment.
    • Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Happy feet equal happy hikers.
    • Hats, gloves, and warm wool socks.
    • Sleep masks for the bright summer nights. This was a lifesaver for getting the kids to bed.
    • A portable potty for roadside emergencies if traveling with a toddler.
  • Campervan Comforts:
    • A hanging laundry bag to contain the chaos of dirty clothes.
    • Headlamps for late-night bathroom runs or reading.
 ๐Ÿงณ Check out my Ultimate Iceland Packing List Guide for summer ๐Ÿงณ 

Our 10-Day Family Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

Now that youโ€™ve got all your pre-trip details sorted, itโ€™s time for the real adventure to begin!

This itinerary assumes you arrive first thing in the morning on your first day, but feel free to adjust based on your travel plans.

Here is the exact day-by-day plan from our family adventure. We built this itinerary to be flexible, mixing Icelandโ€™s epic sights with enough downtime to keep the kids happy and prevent burnout. Think of this as your roadmap, but always feel free to take a detour for an unexpected playground or a promising-looking ice cream shop!

Day 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik

Morning: Arrival and Campervan Pickup

Our journey began with an early morning landing at Keflavรญk Airport (KEF). After grabbing our bags, we headed straight to pick up our home for the next ten days: our campervan from Gocampers. If youโ€™re renting a van, be aware that many rental companies are a short shuttle ride from the terminal. The process was smooth, and after a quick tutorial on the vanโ€™s features (the heater is your best friend!), we were officially on our way to kick off our Iceland road trip.

Late Morning: Breakfast at Kokulist Bakery + Blue Lagoon

We started the late morning with breakfast and coffee at Kokulist Bakery, then made the short 20-minute drive to the Blue Lagoon. Floating in the warm, milky-blue water and covering our faces in silica mud was the perfect way to shake off jet lagโ€”calm, fun, and completely unforgettable.

The Blue Lagoon is family-friendly, and allows kids as young as 2. For families with older kids (12+), another fantastic option is SkyLagoon. Known for its serene and luxurious vibe, SkyLagoon features a 7-step ritual that takes you through a hot spring, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and more. Thereโ€™s even a swim-up bar, waterfall, and infinity pool!

If the Blue Lagoon doesnโ€™t quite fit your style, SkyLagoon is an excellent alternative for families with older kidsโ€”or anyone looking for a more relaxing soak.

Whichever spot you choose, I highly recommend booking your reservation in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid any last-minute stress!

P.S. The best time slots for these Lagoons sell out in advance!
โ„๏ธ Book your Blue Lagoon tickets here to secure your spot! โ„๏ธ
โ„๏ธ Book your Sky Lagoon tickets here to secure your spot! โ„๏ธ

Afternoon & Evening: Reykjavik Downtown

After our relaxing soak, we drove into Reykjavik and checked into the Reykjavik Eco Campsite, which gave the kids a chance to run around while we got organized. Our first order of business was a grocery run to Kronan to pick up some staples like pasta, skyr, bread, eggs etc. and, of course, plenty of snacks.

With groceries taken care of, we spent the afternoon exploring downtown Reykjavik. A must-visit is Hallgrรญmskirkja, the stunning Lutheran church that towers over the city. You can even ride the elevator to the top for sweeping views of Reykjavik.

Be sure to stroll down the famous Rainbow Street and do a little shoppingโ€”there are plenty of Icelandic stores perfect for souvenirs, from hand-knitted wool sweaters to Icelandic volcanic salt.

We wrapped up the night with a delicious dinner at Sushi Social, the perfect way to end our first evening in Reykjavik.

Half a day is generally enough time for most people to explore Reykjavik, as it’s a small, walkable city.

Some things you might want to do/see this afternoon include:

  • Try a famous Icelandic hot dog from Bรฆjarins Beztu Pylsur
  • See the inside of the Harpa Concert Hall
  • Take photos at the Sun Voyager sculpture
  • Visit Hallgrรญmskirkja church (and the observation deck at the top, reachable by elevator)
  • Walk down the Rainbow Street (Skรณlavรถrรฐustรญgur)
  • Enjoy coffee with a view at Cafรฉ Loki
  • Stroll around Tjรถrnin Pond

Day 2: South Coast Waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Gljรบfrabรบi, Kvernufoss, Skรณgafoss)

Alright, today is full-on waterfall chasingโ€”bring your rain gear and a sense of adventure, because the South Coast is one dramatic view after another..

Early Morning: Hitting the Ring Road

We began our morning with a quick breakfast in the campervan, made sure everyone had on their layersโ€”rain jackets, waterproof pants, and a fresh pair of wool socksโ€”and hit the Ring Road, all buzzing because it finally felt like the trip had really started. I swear, within ten minutes there were a dozen โ€œLook! Horses!โ€ and โ€œWhoa, is that another waterfall?โ€ moments.

Mid-Morning: Seljalandsfoss โ€“ Walk Behind the Falls!

Our first stop was the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall, took us about two hours from Reykjavik. Because of the way the cliff face is formed, you can walk all the way around the back of this waterfall โ€“ which you’ll definitely want to do! We parked, zipped up our rain gear, and followed the path behind the falls. It was a simply magical, one-of-a-kind moment that none of us will forget.

When you stop at Seljalandsfoss, donโ€™t miss the trail that extends past the main waterfall. A quick 10-minute walk leads to Gljรบfrabรบi, fittingly nicknamed the โ€œCanyon Dweller.โ€

This 130-foot waterfall hides inside a narrow gorge, almost completely out of sight. If youโ€™re up for an adventure, you can step into the canyon for an up-close viewโ€”but be warned, youโ€™ll get drenched! Waterproof layers and sturdy boots are a must if you plan to experience this secret spot up close.

Afternoon: Onward to Skรณgafoss

Kvernufoss was up next, and honestly, itโ€™s a must-stop! Itโ€™s a short walk through a green gorge and you can walk right behind the fallsโ€”itโ€™s usually way less crowded, so enjoy the peace.

From there, we continued along the Ring Road to Skรณgafoss, one of Icelandโ€™s most famous waterfalls. Standing at the base, the sheer power of the water is breathtakingโ€”you can feel it rumbling in your chest. On sunny days, the mist often creates a glowing double rainbow, and Game of Thrones fans might recognize this as a filming location from season 8.

We decided to climb the steep stairs to the top. Itโ€™s definitely a workout, but the view is worth every step. From up there, you can see the river winding through green fields, mist rising from the falls, and the crowds below looking tiny. If climbing isnโ€™t your thing, no worriesโ€”itโ€™s just as magical to stay at the bottom, feel the spray on your face, and chase after rainbows.

Skogafoss was my favorite of all the waterfalls, and it conveniently has a really epic-ly positioned campground right next to it, so we decided to stay the night at this campsite instead of going further per the original plan.

Evening: Camping at Skรณgar

The Skรณgar campsite, just a short walk from Skรณgafoss, was our home for the night. We set up the van, hung up our soaked gear to dry, and made a warm, simple ramen dinner while the kids explored the surrounding fields. Falling asleep to the sound of one of Iceland’s greatest waterfalls thundering nearby was nothing short of magical.

From soaking sprays to secret canyons, Day 2 delivered everything an Iceland road trip promisesโ€”and the adventure was only just beginning.


Day 3: Black Sand Beaches & Vรญk

Morning: Dyrhรณlaey Peninsula & Puffin Spotting

We kicked off the morning with a drive up to the Dyrhรณlaey Peninsula, a must-visit spot during the summer for puffin watching. The kids were mesmerized, pointing out puffins nesting along the cliffs. Beyond the puffins, the massive rock arch and the black sand coastline stretching for miles made for truly breathtaking scenery.

Afternoon: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

In the afternoon, we visited the world-famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Itโ€™s known for its striking basalt columns but it’s also one of Icelandโ€™s most dangerous beaches. Itโ€™s a stunning and dramatic location and the ocean here is unpredictable, with powerful sneaker waves that can suddenly surge far up the shore. If you visit, always obey the warning signs and keep a close eye on the little ones.

The basalt columns were a blast for the kids to climb, and the views were unlike anything else weโ€™d seen. Puffins flying above just added to the excitement. When you enter the beach, youโ€™ll notice a โ€œdanger zoneโ€ map and a daily forecast indicating how far back you need to stay. Make sure to respect these boundariesโ€”this beach has claimed several lives in recent years.

Evening: The Charming Village of Vรญk

We ended our day in the picturesque village of Vรญk and this was my favorite town in Iceland. With so much to see and the variety of landscapes all around, you could easily spend a week here and still not run out of things to do!

The town itself is tiny, and options for accommodations right in the center are limited. We stayed at Vรญk Campground (Vรญk tjaldsvรฆรฐi), nestled just below the cliffs and only a short walk or drive from the black sand beach. The campsite had a good-sized communal area and kitchen, plus clean hot showers and bathrooms. We had no trouble finding an electric spot when we arrived, which made settling in super easy. After settling in we took a walk to see the iconic red-roofed church on the hill.


Day 4: South Coast Surprises โ€“ Ice Cave Plans, Canyons & Vatnajรถkull National Park

Early Morning: Weather Strikes and a Change of Plans

We had scheduled Katla ice cave tour for this morning โ€”a highlight the we had been talking about for weeks. In Iceland, though, the weather writes its own script. By 7:00 AM, fierce winds had rolled in, and we received the disappointing email: our tour was canceled for safety. We were all super bummed (especially our youngest, who had been excited to walk inside a โ€œice caveโ€ for days), and Iโ€™ve been absolutely dying to do a cave tour in Iceland after seeing all the blue cave photos on social media. but thatโ€™s Iceland for you!

Traveling by campervan gave us the flexibility to pivot. So we decided to explore Fjaรฐrรกrgljรบfur Canyon instead.

Afternoon: Exploring Fjaรฐrรกrgljรบfur Canyon & Journey to Skaftafell

This was a pretty short and easy hike and a great way to break up the 2-ish hour drive to the next campground.

We had a simple picnic lunch at a scenic pull-off and then continued east toward Vatnajรถkull National Park, making our way to the Skaftafell area.

By mid-afternoon, we reached Svartifoss and set out on the trail. The hike is a bit steepโ€”about 1.5 km each wayโ€”but easy enough if you take it slow with kids. The waterfall is framed by dark basalt columns, and the scenery is just stunning.

Vatnajรถkull National Park is massiveโ€”the largest glacier in Europe! Thereโ€™s so much to see here that if you have extra time, Iโ€™d spend another day exploring.

Evening: Campsite in Skaftafell

After a full day of hiking and canyon views, we set up at the Skaftafell campsite. The kids ran around while we got dinner ready in the campervan. It was simple and cozy, and just perfect.

Even though our original ice cave plan didnโ€™t happen, the day turned out amazing. It reminded us that Iceland is full of surprises, and sometimes the best memories come from unexpected adventures.


Day 5: Glaciers, Icebergs & Diamond Beach

Morning: Mรบlagljรบfur Canyon

We almost skipped this hike because the fog was so thick we could hardly see a few feet ahead. But since we were already in the area, we decided to give it a go but we didnโ€™t make it all the way. Still, reaching the start of the canyon was totally worth it!

Afternoon: Jรถkulsรกrlรณn Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

After wrapping up the trail, we headed to the famous Jรถkulsรกrlรณn Glacier Lagoon. The shift was incredible: from hiking along foggy cliffs to suddenly standing in front of a lagoon full of giant blue icebergs.

You can even take a boat tour here to get up close to the icebergsโ€”itโ€™s so cool to see them floating right in front of you. The kids loved exploring along the shore and checking out all the floating ice.

From there, we drove a short distance to Diamond Beach. Honestly, this stop was just okay for usโ€”there werenโ€™t many icebergs on the beach that day, and of course, Iceland decided to start raining right as we arrived. Still, the kids had fun playing with the smaller ice chunks along the black sand and taking a few photos with the dramatic coastline in the background.

Evening: Campsite in Hรถfn

After Diamond Beach, we headed to Hรถfn for the night and stayed at the Hรถfn campsite. The campsite was simple but comfortable, with clean showers, a communal kitchen, and plenty of space for the kids to run around.


Day 6: Stokksnes, Hengifoss & Icelandic Horses

Morning: Stokksnes Peninsula

The views here were once again, out of this worldโ€”I know Iโ€™ve been saying that about every place we visited in Iceland, but that’s just how every place here is. Iโ€™m not sure how much weight my words have anymore but you will see that for yourself when you go.

We spent the morning exploring the black beach at Stokksnes . Afterward, we stopped at the Viking Cafe, a cozy little spot with hearty sandwiches and a chance to refuel before the afternoon.

Afternoon: Hengifoss & Finnstaรฐir Horse Ranch

After a long 3 hr drive we arrived at Hengifoss, one of Icelandโ€™s tallest waterfalls. The hike up is a bit steep, but totally doable with kids.

Next, we drove to Finnstaรฐir Horse Ranch near Egilsstaรฐir. We instantly fell in love with the peaceful countryside and the gentle Icelandic horses. After a quick training on how to ride, we went for an hour-long ride into the forest. The girls even rode their horses all by themselves! The horses were so calm and friendly, it felt amazing to just wander through the forest with them. It really felt like a slice of real Icelandic farm life and an absolute must do in my opinion.

Evening: Stuรฐlagil Canyon Campsite

After the horse ranch, we drove to our campsite just outside Stuรฐlagil Canyon for the night.


Day 7 โ€“ Stuรฐlagil, Dettifoss, Selfoss, Mรฝvatn

Morning: Stuรฐlagil Canyon Hike (From East Side)

After breakfast, we made our way to the east side to hike down to the canyon. The west side, where the campground is located, only has a viewing platform. You can absolutely skip the hike and admire the canyon from aboveโ€”itโ€™s still beautifulโ€”but we wanted the full experience, so we opted for the hike.

Weโ€™d seen all those iconic photos of vibrant blue water between dramatic basalt columns, so we were excited to finally see it in person. But when we arrived, the river was a completely different shade and muddy after the rain. It was a powerful reminder that in Iceland, nature is always in charge and no two visits are ever the same.

Still Studlagil Canyon is one of the most stunning and interesting places Iโ€™ve visited in Iceland and it felt wonderfully off the beaten track.

Afternoon: Dettifoss and Selfoss

After soaking in the beauty of Stuรฐlagil Canyon, we hit the road againโ€”this time heading north toward Dettifoss and Selfoss.

Dettifoss is known as Europeโ€™s most powerful waterfall, and you can actually hear it before you see it. The nearby Selfoss waterfall is just a short walk upstream and offers a totally different perspectiveโ€”so itโ€™s worth visiting both.

Evening: Mรฝvatn Nature Baths

After the intensity of Dettifoss, we drove to the Mรฝvatn region, a spot for geothermal activity, geysers, and steam, all of which resembled the sights weโ€™d already seen in Yellowstone recently, so we decided to skip those. We did however go to the Myvatn Hot Springs since the kids have been talking about the Blue Lagoon non-stop after our visit there at the beginning of the trip.

After soaking up in the warm mineral-rich water, we camped in the Mรฝvatn area, ready to explore more the next day.


Day 8: Northern Wonders & the Journey South

Morning: Goรฐafoss โ€“ The Waterfall of the Gods

We started our day at Goรฐafoss, also known as the โ€œWaterfall of the Gods.โ€ The morning light made it even more beautiful, and the kids loved feeling the cool mist. The paths are easy to walk and perfect for families, with plenty of spots to take photos.

Afternoon: Daladรฝrรฐ Petting Zoo & Akureyri

Next, we stopped at the Daladรฝrรฐ Petting Zoo, about an hour away. Itโ€™s a small family-run farm with goats, bunnies, and Icelandic sheepdogs. The girls had the best time feeding the animals and playing on the playgroundโ€”it was a great break from all the driving.

By lunchtime, we reached Akureyri, Icelandโ€™s second-largest city. It felt cozy and colorful after days in nature. We grabbed lunch at a cute cafรฉ downtownโ€”hot chocolate for the kids, coffee for usโ€”and took a short walk around the harbor before heading out again.

Evening: Drive to Borgarnes

The drive south was long but so scenic. We passed by mountains, open fields, and herds of Icelandic horses along the way. As the sun started to set, we reached a campsite near Borgarnes. It was a long day on the road, but the views made every mile worth it.


Day 9: The Golden Circle & Back to Reykjavik

Morning: รžingvellir National Park & Geysir

We saved one of Icelandโ€™s most famous areas for the end of our trip โ€” the Golden Circle. Our first stop was รžingvellir National Park, where we walked between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The girls were amazed to learn that we were literally standing between two continents!

Next, we visited the Geysir geothermal area. The kids waited excitedly for the Strokkur geyser to erupt, shooting boiling water high into the sky every few minutes. It was such a fun and memorable stop for all of us.

Afternoon: Gullfoss & Return to Reykjavik

Our last big stop was Gullfoss, one of Icelandโ€™s most powerful waterfalls. The double cascade and misty rainbows were beautiful.

After driving the entire Ring Road and seeing so many incredible natural wonders, the Golden Circle didnโ€™t quite have the same magic for us. It also felt much more crowded than other parts of the country. Still, it was worth seeing once โ€” especially if itโ€™s your first time in Iceland.

After soaking it all in, we made the drive back to Reykjavik, checked into our campsite, and enjoyed one last dinner in our campervan โ€” tired but oh so grateful for the memories weโ€™d made.

Day 10: Departure Day

On our final morning, we enjoyed one last Icelandic breakfast and talked about our favorite moments from the trip. We packed up, cleaned the campervan, and made our way back to Keflavรญk Airport. Dropping off the van felt bittersweet โ€” it had been our home for ten incredible days

We left Iceland with full hearts, cameras full of photos, and a deep appreciation for the raw, untamed beauty of this country.


Extra Days on Hand: Explore the Snรฆfellsnes Peninsula

If you have an extra day or two in Iceland, the Snรฆfellsnes Peninsula is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Itโ€™s often called โ€œIceland in Miniatureโ€ because it has a little bit of everythingโ€”volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, and charming fishing townsโ€”all packed into one scenic region.

We actually had this area in our original plans, but we underestimated how much time weโ€™d want to spend at each stop along the Ring Road. We decided to slow down, soak up the beauty, and truly enjoy the journey instead of rushing through it. So, the Snรฆfellsnes Peninsula and the Icelandic Highlands are officially on our list for next timeโ€”and we canโ€™t wait to come back to explore them properly.

๐Ÿ’ก If Youโ€™re Planning This Route

  • Drive Time: About 2.5โ€“3 hours from Reykjavik to Grundarfjรถrรฐur (one way).
  • Where to Stay: You can either return to Reykjavik for the night or stay locally in Grundarfjรถrรฐurโ€”there are a few cozy guesthouses and campgrounds nearby.
  • Family Tip: Pack binoculars for the kidsโ€”theyโ€™ll love spotting seals and seabirds along the coast!
  • Lunch Idea: Stop at Bjargarsteinn Mathรบs in Grundarfjรถrรฐur for a family-friendly meal with amazing views of Kirkjufell.

Before You Go

Driving around Iceland with kids might sound like a big adventureโ€”and it isโ€”but itโ€™s also one of the most rewarding trips weโ€™ve ever done as a family. Every day brought something new: waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and endless open roads.

From all the photos and videos Iโ€™d seen of Iceland, I expected to be cold, miserable, and (physically) blown away by the crazy winds. And yes, we did almost get blown away on some days! But honestly, the rough weather never stopped us. We still hiked, explored, and did everything on our Iceland road trip itineraryโ€”it just added to the adventure.

Traveling by campervan gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, stop when we wanted, and wake up to incredible views right outside our door. Sure, there were long drives and unpredictable weather, but thatโ€™s part of what makes Iceland so specialโ€”you never quite know what youโ€™ll find next.

If youโ€™re thinking about doing this trip, my advice is: go for it. Plan well, pack layers, and keep your plans flexible. Iceland will surprise you in the best ways. Our girls still talk about the waterfalls, the wild horses, and the seals we spotted along the wayโ€”and thatโ€™s the kind of magic that stays with you long after the trip ends.

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