Iceland can be a unique and fun-filled adventure for the entire family if you just have a few insider tips from us locals. Being more than one shouldn’t be a train smash to your getaway budget with our help. By following our family trip itinerary examples and advice, you’ll soon be on your way to the family trip of a lifetime.
This guide focuses on helpful pointers as well as 5, 7, and 10-day Iceland family trip itineraries that you can use as is or use as inspiration to create your own. So, if you’ve been considering a family holiday to the Land of Fire and Ice, read on!
Why Bring Your Family to Iceland?
There are many reasons why Iceland makes the perfect family destination, such as:
- Iceland has claimed the title of the safest country in the world for more than 18 consecutive years. So, this is one place you don’t have to be that helicopter parent while on holiday.
- Iceland places an extremely high value on sustainability and how we take care of the environment, and we boast some of the purest water coming straight from our taps. So, if clean and healthy is what you’re looking for for your family, Iceland is it!
- There are many places, including local attractions and accommodations, that offer special prices to children under 16 years of age.
- The Land of Fire and Ice promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime type of trip, filled with all sorts of interesting sights and activities, as well as a myriad of contrasting landscapes and natural wonders. There are also plenty of things to do outdoors, irrespective of season, so there’s no reason why the kids should be stuck inside with you having to constantly hear “we’re boooooored!”
- Icelanders are famous for being warm and welcoming. So, this is one place you know people will go out of their way to help and assist your family and make you as comfortable as possible.
Address a Few Practical Planning Essentials
A trip to the Land of Fire and Ice requires a bit of prep and planning beforehand. Here’s what you need to know:
- The best way to explore the island is via a road trip in your own rental vehicle. This way, you’re always in control of your time and trip itinerary. With a family, the most convenient and affordable way to do that is by renting a motorhome.
- Keep in mind that not all roads are made equal here in Iceland, and your route may require a 4x4 (even if it’s a motorhome). Just have a chat with your rental agent about it. These road conditions, as well as the specific regions you’ll be traveling in, may also require additional insurance, which your rental agent will also advise you on.
- Some of our roads, such as the F-roads, are closed during certain periods of the year (mostly the colder months). This means that your specific road trip route may not be possible during certain times. Please double-check to ensure that all roads on your planned route will be open during your visit to the island.
- Plan your itinerary based on the season. Except for the road closures, you also need to pay attention to seasonal attractions, opening hours, and daylight hours. It’s not gonna help much, creating the ultimate jam-packed trip itinerary, if a third of it isn’t available during your visit, and you’ve got only 4 hours of daylight hours to do it all in.
The Importance of an Accurate Budget
You need to properly budget for an Iceland trip, so you don’t get caught by surprise. For example:
- Peak season (summer and the period over Christmas and New Year) brings peak season prices.
- Not all gas stations in Iceland charge the same gas prices, so do your research and be selective. Also, if at all possible, fuel up at Costco in Reykjavik (notoriously the cheapest gas station in Iceland).
- If you’re planning on dining out, you’d better have one heck of a budget, especially when it comes to drinks. So, unless you’ve got cash coming out of the kazoo or would like to keep the credit card manageable, we’d suggest doing the cooking yourself (especially easy to do in a motorhome).
- Also, be selective with where you go grocery shopping. Bonus and Kronan should be your go-to shops for affordable grocery runs. And exclude water from your budget planning. Iceland has some of the purest water in the world coming straight out of our taps.
- Research potential discounts. This could include partnership agreements with your rental agency for discounts on gas, attractions, etc. Check out cards that could offer further savings, such as the Costco membership card, the Reykjavik Card, and the Camping Card (although this one is only valid when traveling between May and September).
- Budget a little extra for tolls and parking fees. We have one toll route on the island via the Vadlaheidargöng Tunnel, but we have plenty of parking fees. These tend to be very minor, but if you start tallying up all the extra $5s, you’ll soon be pushing $200+.
- Be sure you’re up to date with all the camping, parking, and road rules of Iceland. Iceland doesn’t take too kindly to offenders, and if caught, you’ll end up with such a hefty fine that you may need to cut your trip short to remortgage the house.
Sample Trip Itineraries for Families Traveling to Iceland
Below you will find a few sample itineraries for family trips to Iceland. These are based on the preferred stays for most families coming to the island. Use as is or customize to your heart’s content!
A 5-Day Iceland Family Trip Itinerary
This itinerary is for the family with limited time on the island, but who would like to see and experience as much as possible of what the Land of Fire and Ice has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
Driving Distance: +/- 49.5 km/30.7 miles
Driving Time: +/- 47 minutes
We recommend picking up your rental from the airport so that you can begin your self-drive adventure immediately. Travel from Keflavik and make a stop at our famous Blue Lagoon, where you can soak those achy flight muscles in our warm, healing waters.
Then move on to the capital city of Reykjavik, where you will stay for the night (if you’re in a motorhome, we highly recommend Reykjavik Eco Campsite, which puts you within walking distance of almost everything). From here, you can explore the capital city. These are a few of the must-visit sites that kids of all ages will also find exciting:
- Hallgrimskirkja (be sure to climb the tower with its breathtaking views over the city at the top).
- The National Museum of Iceland
- The Saga Museum
- Whales of Iceland Museum
- Perlan
- Go shopping on Laugavegur Street (everything from souvenirs to clothes and outdoor gear – also a good place to get refillable water bottles).
- Have a Stroll Around Lake Tjörnin.
- Grab a bite to eat at our famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand.
Day 2: Exploring the Golden Circle
Driving Distance: +/- 274 km/170 miles
Driving Time: +/- 3 hours, 46 minutes
The Golden Circle is a 230-kilometer (140-mile) loop road beginning and ending in Reykjavik (so, you’ll obviously be sleeping over there again, so book two consecutive nights).
The route takes about 3 hours to drive, but we recommend allowing at least 6 to 8 hours when considering all the possible stops along the way. These are a few to look forward to:
- Visit Thingvellir National Park, where we recommend checking out Oxararfoss Waterfall, the short hike through Almannagja Gorge (it’s got a well-maintained pathway), and possibly go snorkeling at the Silfra Fissure, where you can lie suspended between two continents (this one’s only for the bigger kids, though).
- Geysir Geothermal Area (nothing like watching water “volcanoes” erupting)
- Gullfoss Waterfall (a definite favorite with kids after you’ve told them about the legend of Gygur, a rich Viking who dumped all his treasure into the base of the waterfall, so no one else could get it).
- Take a dip in the Secret Lagoon (our oldest geothermal pool, which spent many decades completely forgotten).
- Kerid Crater (a volcanic crater now known for its little trail around the water, which is now filling the crater).
- Fridheimar Restaurant (famous for everything tomato, it’s quite the experience.)
Day 3: Hot Springs, Waterfalls & Horses
Driving Distance: +/- 90.7/56.3 miles
Driving Time: +/- 1 hour, 23 minutes
For this part of the trip, you will need a 4x4 (and, yes, you get 4x4 motorhomes). You’ll also need to be aware of ice and snow during our colder months of the year. First stop is having a relaxing soak in the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths.
Then begin your journey north to visit the Hraunfossar Waterfalls. Finally, head to Hestaland Farm, where you’ll get to ride on the island’s very own horse breed: the Icelandic Horse. There are numerous campsites around Hestaland, so use the Tjalda Camping app to find the one that works best for you and your family.
Day 4: Exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula En-Route Back to Reykjavik
Driving Distance: +/- 208/129 miles
Driving Time: +/- 2 hours, 50 minutes
Today, you are in for a real treat as you explore the region known as “Iceland in miniature,” since it gives you a taste of everything here in the Land of Fire and Ice. You’ll end the day back in the capital city, so you can already book your camping spot. Some of the highlights of the day include the following:
- Budir Church (this ominous-looking black church standing in the middle of a lava field usually leads to ample theories and stories from the young ones).
- Hike through Raudfeldsgja Gorge (this is just over a kilometer walk, so even if you have to carry smaller kids, it’s not too strenuous, and the gorge, which looks more like a crack leading to another realm, really grabs hold of the younger one’s imagination).
- Arnarstapi Cliffs (Great for birdwatching as well as elf watching since it’s a legendary spot for our “Hidden Folk”).
- Londrangar Cliffs (Again, these dramatic cliffs are great for birdwatching in general, but they simply cannot be missed during our Puffin season from April to August, since it’s one of their favorite breeding grounds).
- Vatnshellir Lava Cave (this is a guided tour due to safety reasons, so budget accordingly).
- Djupalonssandur Black Sand Beach (let the kids test their strength with the weighing rocks).
- Kirkjufell Mountain (what’s not to like about a strange cone-shaped mountain that was featured on TV?).
Day 5: Departure Day
Driving Distance: +/- 49.5 km/30.7 miles
Driving Time: +/- 47 minutes
Arrange your flight for later in the day, so that you can squeeze in a few last-minute adventures. Take the kids to Borgarnes Swimming Pool (about an hour from Reykjavik) and spend the day there relaxing in the warm waters of the waterpark before heading to the airport.
Alternatively, you can just spend the day catching up on the things you’ve still not seen or done in Reykjavik, before driving to Keflavik Airport and flying back. Please just remember that there are checks and paperwork required when returning your rental, so ensure you’ve allocated enough time so you don’t end up missing your flight!
A 7-Day Iceland Family Trip Itinerary
7 Days gives you just enough time to take on our popular Ring Road route. The Ring Road is a 1322-kilometer (820-mile) loop road that wraps around the island and gives you a taste of almost every region in Iceland. As one of our main roads, it’s paved, well-maintained, and open all year round, adding to its popularity as a road trip route.
Day 1: Arrival & Heading Out to Snæfellsnes
Travel Distance: +/- 243 km/150.9 miles
Travel Time: +/- 3 hours, 31 minutes
Today, you’ll be arriving in Iceland, and unlike most other itineraries, you won’t be heading out to the capital city for your first overnight stay.
In this itinerary, you’ll merely make a stop in Reykjavik to take in some of the sights before heading out to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik), where you’ll be staying at the Arnarstapi Campsite. Please refer to Day 1 of our 5-day trip itinerary for the recommended family sights in Reykjavik.
Day 2: Snæfellsnes and Western Iceland
Travel Distance: +/- 10 km/6.2 miles
Travel Time: +/- 15 minutes
Do the Arnarstapi to Hellnar Coastal Hiking trail. Don’t worry; this is a hike suitable for the whole family, with a well-maintained pathway. This is also an out-and-back trail, so you’ll walk to Hellnar and then return (so it will be your second sleepover at Arnarstapi Campsite).
The hike itself is not very long (5 kilometers/3 miles return, taking roughly 2 hours), but it can end up taking an entire day if you consider all the interesting stops along the way, as well as whether you have tiny tots in your party. So, prep accordingly.
If you still have sufficient time after the hike and none of you (grownups included) need a nap, you can drive out to the Snæfellsjökull National Park and check out the Saxholl Volcanic Crater. Some of the highlights on the Arnarstapi to Hellnar trail include the following:
- The Statue of Bardur (a troll-man said to be the guardian of Snæfellsnes).
- The Gatklettur Rock Formation (a rocky arch out in the ocean courtesy of time and the elements).
Day 3: Snæfellsnes and Western Iceland (Continued)
Travel Distance: +/- 115 km/71 miles (although this heavily depends on your choice of stops today)
Travel Time: +/- 1 hour, 36 minutes
Today, you’ll continue your exploration of the area, without moving to a new overnight camping spot (so the third night at Arnarstapi). Here are the possible stops to add (in order of travel):
- Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufoss Waterfall (try to get a photo of both from the right angle).
- Berserkjahraun Lava Fields (ironically, the kids can go berserk here and just run around, clambering over rocks and interesting formations).
- Stykkisholmur (if you need to stock up on a few things).
- Kolgrafarfjordur Fjord (a popular spot for spotting marine life such as whales and dolphins).
- Djupalonssandur Black Sand Beach
- Londrangar Cliffs
Day 4: Moving On & Exploring the Golden Circle
Travel Distance: +/- 268 km/166 miles
Travel Time: +/- 3 hours, 39 minutes
Today, you’ll leave the Snæfellsnes Peninsula behind and head out onto the popular Golden Circle route. If you have time, you can hit Bjarnafoss Waterfall and Gerduberg Cliffs on your way out of Snæfellsnes, before hitting those Golden Circle hot spots. These include:
- Porufoss Waterfall (one of our waterfalls that doesn’t get enough credit).
- Thingvellir National Park and all its exciting sights and things to do (refer back to our 5-day itinerary, if you can’t remember).
- Reykjadalur Thermal River (yes, a RIVER that is a natural hot spring, so you’ll understand why the rest of the day will be spent here).
For the ultimate convenience, book yourself a camping spot at Reykjadalur Hveragerdi Campsite, a mere hop, skip, and a jump away from the river.
Day 5: Exploring the Golden Circle (Continued)
Travel Distance: +/- 83.4 km/51.8 miles
Travel Time: +/- 1 hour, 30 minutes
Today, you’ll finish off your Golden Circle exploration. Use the Tjalda app to find a camping spot near Gullfoss. The highlights include the following:
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Kerid Crater
Day 6: Exploring the Waterfalls of Southwest Iceland Before Heading Back to the Capital
Travel Distance: +/- 300 km/186.4 miles
Travel Time: +/- 4 hours, 6 minutes
Today will be an immersive experience into some of our most impressive water displays. Start the day with a stop at Skogafoss Waterfall. Then do the family-friendly Fimmvörduhals Trail, which can be reached via a gate at the back of the upper viewing platform.
The trail is a well-maintained pathway of roughly 7 kilometers and boasts over 20 waterfalls as you make your way along the Skoga River. After your hike, make a final stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall before returning to Reykjavik for the night.
Day 7: Exploring Reykjavik Before Flying Home
Driving Distance: +/- 49.5 km/30.7 miles
Driving Time: +/- 47 minutes
Day 7 can be dealt with in two ways:
- Either spend the entire day exploring Reykjavik, sleep over, and make a quick stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport, or
- Explore Reykjavik and stop by the Blue Lagoon before catching your flight later that afternoon/evening.
A 10-Day Iceland Family Trip Itinerary
Follow our 5-day family trip itinerary up to day 4, but instead of making your way back to the capital city, make your way to Sæberg Campsite, where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Making Your Way North
Travel Distance: +/- 99.4 km/61.7 miles
Travel Time: +/- 1 hour, 34 minutes
Today, you will explore your surrounding area and begin making your way up north. Be sure to stop at the following along the way:
- Hvitserkur Rock Formation
- The Icelandic Seal Center
Sleep over at the Hvammstangi Campground.
Day 6: Heading to Akureyri
Travel Distance: +/- 203 km/126 miles
Travel Time: +/- 2 hours, 32 minutes
Today, you’ll start your journey to the so-called capital city of the north, Akureyri. Be sure to stop at Vidimyrarkirkja along the way (the kids will love this little church with grass growing on its roof). In Akureyri, you can choose between outings such as the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, the Sundlaug Akureyrar waterpark, or Kjarnaskogur Forest (which has a playground).
Then make a couple of quick trips to Godafoss Waterfall as well as a meet-and-greet with the huskies at Snow Dogs, before retiring to Hamrar Campground for the night.
Day 7: Husavik and Surrounds
Travel Distance: +/- 336 km/208.7 miles
Travel Time: +/- 6 hours, 41 minutes
Head out to Husavik, Iceland’s whale capital, where you will (you guessed it) head out on a whale-watching boat tour. After the tour, you can try to tick off as much of the following as time allows before heading back to Hamrar Campground for your second overnight stay:
- Geosea Geothermal Baths
- Asbyrgi Canyon
- Hljodaklettar (aka Echo Rocks).
Day 8: Myvatn and Starting the Drive Back
Travel Distance: +/- 318 km
Travel Time: +/- 4 hours
Today, you’ll be exploring Myvatn and beginning the drive back to the capital. Highlights of the day will be the following (in order of travel):
- Skutustadagigar Pseudo Craters
- Dimmuborg Lava Formations (previously trolls, according to legend).
- Namafjall Geothermal Area
- Myvatn Nature Baths
Spend the night at Hvammstangi Campground.
Day 9: An Icy Adventure On Your Way Back
Travel Distance: +/- 355 km/220 miles
Travel Time: +/- 4 hours, 45 minutes
It’s still quite a stretch back to the capital, where you’ll be spending the night (especially with smaller kids), so we’ve broken it up with an icy adventure along the way at Langjökull Glacier.
Here, you can decide on a variety of tours, from hiking the glacier (only available with bigger kids) to riding across in a Super Jeep, exploring an ice cave (only available during our colder months), and much more. Just remember that these tours need to be booked and paid for ahead of time, especially during our peak seasons, so plan and budget accordingly.
Day 10: Last-Minute Sights Before Flying Home
Travel Distance: +/- 473 km/293.9 miles
Travel Time: +/- 7 hours, 44 minutes
Today, you’ll spend catching up on any sights you have not yet seen in the capital city before catching your flight home.
Time to Make Those Precious Family Memories!
Iceland truly is a dream destination for both young and old. Its history, myths, legends, and breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders feed our curiosity, speak to our sense of adventure, and result in unforgettable magic moments with our loved ones.
So, use our Iceland family trip itinerary examples, plan out your holiday, rent a motorhome in Iceland, and make those precious family memories that will last a lifetime!
