“From thundering falls to quiet fjords, Iceland unfolded like a storybook we never wanted to close.”
Are you dreaming of an unforgettable adventure with your adult family? Iceland is the perfect destination for a mix of jaw-dropping landscapes, geothermal relaxation, and unique cultural experiences. With a bit of planning, your 10-day Iceland trip can be smooth, exciting, and full of lifelong memories. Here’s your ultimate guide for a 10-day Icelandic road trip tailored for a group of six adults – not three adult couples, but a mom, dad and 4 adult siblings. Get ready for a wonderful adventure. Let’s go!
10 Days Around Iceland’s Ring Road: An Epic Adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice
Embarking on a 10-day road trip through Iceland via the Ring Road proved to be one of the most memorable adventures our group had ever taken. From glacier hikes and hot spring soaks to puffin encounters and powerful waterfalls, every day brought a new sense of wonder.
Day 1: Reykjavík Welcome & Icelandic Food Tour
We landed in Reykjavík at 6:00 a.m., bleary-eyed but buzzing with excitement. Our first stop was Brauð & Co., where we indulged in their famous cinnamon rolls—fresh, warm, and cinnamon-rich.
Next, we tried horseback riding on the iconic Icelandic horses across lava fields. These gentle creatures were perfect for beginners and gave us an immediate connection to the local culture.
A stroll through downtown Reykjavík led us to the Harpa Concert Hall, where we caught glimpses of two bride-and-groom photoshoots. That evening, we dove into Icelandic cuisine on a walking food tour led by Karitas from Wake Up ReykjavÍk.
We tried horse (yes, really … and it was very delicious), fermented shark (🤮) followed by a shot of the National Icelandic drink – Brennivín, langostine, marinated lamb, yummy Arctic char, and the “pylsur” famous Icelandic hot dogs. We capped it all off with a piece of happy marriage cake.
The tour ended with happy bellies and a cozy stay in our penthouse apartment.
Day 2: Golden Circle Wonders
We began with a return trip to Brauð & Co. for round two of cinnamon buns. Then we hit the Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park, where the tectonic plates meet; the bubbling Geysir area, where steam poured from the earth; and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, whose thunderous roar was unforgettable.
Though we missed the Secret Lagoon and Fridheimar tomato greenhouse due to time, we explored the vivid Kerid Crater before settling into a charming cabin with an outdoor sauna and a quirky neighbor: the American School Bus Café.
Day 3: Waterfalls and Glacier Climbing
Our early detour to the serene Hrunalaug hot spring was a hidden gem. Next came Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where we walked behind the cascading waters.
We then explored Dyrhólaey’s black sand beaches and set off for a spontaneous glacier hiking and ice cave adventure. Climbing the glacier in crampons felt like a scene from a movie—and indeed, the area had hosted films like Interstellar and Game of Thrones.
We ended the day in the charming town of Vik.
Day 4: Glacier Lagoons and Reindeer Sightings
After hiking in Skaftafell National Park and discovering a hidden waterfall, we visited the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where blue-hued icebergs floated serenely.
We stayed in a guesthouse in Höfn that was once a farm, complete with a glacier view and homemade ice cream. On the drive there, we even spotted a herd of reindeer!
Day 5: Eastern Fjords and Farmhouse Charm
We enjoyed a slower day as we drove up Iceland’s east coast. Stops included a quirky red chair on a rock, a double waterfall, and a foggy lighthouse.
In Djúpivogur, we browsed handmade local crafts before heading to our favorite Airbnb of the trip—a secluded farmhouse in Fáskruðsfjörður, surrounded by sheep and ocean views.
Day 6: Puffins, Lava Fields and Natural Baths
In Borgarfjörður Eystri, we stood just inches away from hundreds of puffins gathering nesting materials. Though road closures prevented us from reaching Dettifoss, we explored the lava fields of Mývatn and the underground geothermal cave of Grjótagjá.
Dinner at the farm-to-table Vogafjós restaurant, followed by an evening soak at Mývatn Nature Baths (aka the “Blue Lagoon of the North”), was the perfect end to a long day.
Day 7: Akureyri Adventures
After morning pastries and cappuccinos, we explored the harbor town of Akureyri. The heart-shaped traffic lights lifted our spirits, and local brews and sightseeing kept us entertained. We ended the night watching the midnight sun hover on the horizon.
Day 8: Kirkjufell and Snaefellsnes Peninsula
A friendly neighborhood cat visited us before we hit the road. The clear skies gave us perfect views of Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain.
We visited Skarðsvík white sand beach, climbed Saxhóll crater, and made it to Djúpalonssandur black pebble beach after a road detour and unexpected hike. Our accommodations featured the owner’s impressive artwork and a coastal view.
Day 9: A Birthday in the Hot Springs
We celebrated our daughter Meaghan’s 25th birthday with a relaxing day. Highlights included Gerðuberg’s basalt columns, more beautiful waterfalls and a visit to Hvammsvík hot springs.
We arrived at Hvammsvík and spent the next 2.5-3 hours soaking in the springs, looking out over the ocean. They had 8 different ones, one of which was ocean temp. Matt did the cold plunge into it but noone else wanted to join him. No, thank you! We did get pelted with hail briefly though!
After we were fully relaxed and our hands were prune-y, we headed back to Reykjavik. We had tapas at one place (even tried kangaroo steak, but not the smoked puffin 🫨), some local brews and dinner at another. Both places were stops we made during the food tour that we did on the day of our arrival. One more food stop was needed – many wanted the famous Reykjavík hot dog one more time! We grabbed a few souvenirs from some shops, including some Icelandic cakes, then made our way to our last night of accommodations. It seemed only fitting to watch food shows again.
Day 10: Sky Lagoon Farewell
After a minor laundry mishap and a coffee spill (lessons learned!), we made our way to Sky Lagoon. Its 7-step ritual, from hot spring to sauna to exfoliating salt scrub, left us refreshed and glowing.
We returned the car (after driving 1,500 miles) and prepared for our flight home, reflecting on favorite activities (glacier hiking, hot springs, puffins) and Airbnbs (the farmhouse won unanimously).
Final Thoughts: Iceland — The Land Of Fire And Ice
Be sure to book glacier hikes in advance, start your Golden Circle early, and don’t underestimate the beauty of Iceland’s remote farms and fjords. And yes, the cinnamon rolls at Brauð & Co. are absolutely worth the hype.
Don’t forget:
- Waterproof clothing—weather changes fast, and you will get wet
- Book early—accommodations for a group this large are not easy to come by and fill up quickly
- A sleep mask—even at the end of May, the sun doesn’t truly set
- Watershoes/Flip flops—although not totally needed, we found they were more useful than bringing a pair of sneakers
- An appetite for adventure!
Planning a trip to Iceland?
Download our Iceland Itinerary or I can help you plan a custom itinerary. Download our Iceland Packing List.