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11-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary with Kids (Ultimate Family Guide)

Felicia

This might be the most ambitious trip I’ve ever blogged, and one of our favorite family adventures to date. If you ask anyone in our family: me, my husband, or our kids – what trip stands out the most, our Iceland Ring Road itinerary always comes up. We originally planned this Iceland trip in 2020… but like so many travel plans that year, it didn’t happen. We pushed it to 2021, and when that fell through,  I was determined to make it happen in 2022. In June 2022, we drove the entire Ring Road around Iceland.  If you’re wondering whether Iceland lives up to the hype, the answer is YES!

We didn’t fall in love with Iceland because it was easy (it wasn’t: we landed with lost luggage on a national holiday when most stores were closed). We fell in love with it because every single day felt wildly alive. The landscapes and geology are breathtaking in a way that’s hard to put into words—waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, fjords, geysers, and volcanoes layered into one unforgettable landscape. The weather is just as dramatic, shifting from sunshine to rain to wind in a matter of minutes. This was the trip that truly put our gear, and our flexibility, to the test.

More than anything, this trip was a collection of moments—equal parts awe and chaos, laughter and powering through. If Iceland is on your list but you’re not sure where to start, this is exactly how we did our 11-day Ring Road trip. You can follow just a portion (ie South Coast for Days 1–4), or take on the full loop. I’m sharing the highlights, the lessons learned, and what I wish I knew before we went.

Quick tips: anything that ends in “foss” means waterfall—you’ll be seeing a lot of them throughout this itinerary. I created short (~1 minute) daily videos for each day—links are included if you prefer visual guides. If you are on Instagram, you can find more of our Iceland content by searching “wongsvisiticeland”, or clicking this link. PS – Our boys were 7 and 9 when we went, and they loved it!

Day 1: Arrival, Reykjavík and the Golden Circle – Vlog link

We landed in Reykjavík at 9am local time, but didn’t make it out of the airport until nearly noon. Our luggage was lost (a less-than-ideal start), so we spent the morning filling out forms at the airport. Once we picked up our car from Blue Car Rentals, we headed straight into the city to explore. Our first stop was Braud & Co for warm pastries, followed by a slow wander through Reykjavík’s streets. For lunch, we kept it classic with lamb hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur—Iceland’s most famous hot dog stand since 1937.

Although we were reassured that we’d be reimbursed for essential items and clothing, we quickly realized the timing wasn’t in our favor. It was Fishermen’s Day, a national holiday in Iceland, and most shops were closed. Thankfully, we managed to find a few open stores and grabbed some basics: beanies (because it was cold), a couple of raincoats (Icewear and 66 North are popular brands in Iceland), and some wool socks. By mid-afternoon, we were ready to get on the road, officially kicking off our Iceland Ring Road adventure as we drove out toward the Golden Circle.

We spent the afternoon exploring some of the Golden Circle’s most iconic stops, starting at the Geysir geothermal area, where the ground literally steams beneath your feet and geysirs erupt. Then, we continued to the Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most powerful and breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland. We ended the day soaking in the geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon, which felt amazing after a long travel day and a chaotic start. Thankfully, I had packed our swimsuits and lightweight Nomadix towels in our carry-ons (we visited several hot springs during this trip!)

Day 1 Tips:

Day 2: Þórsmörk and South Coast Waterfalls – Vlog link

We spent most of Day 2 exploring Þórsmörk, also known as the Valley of Thor, a remote and breathtaking region tucked between glaciers in South Iceland. This is not a place you casually drive to and around. Getting here requires navigating rough F-roads, multiple river crossings, and constantly changing conditions. We chose to explore Þórsmörk via the Super Jeep tour with Southcoast Adventure. We highly recommend this experience – the Super Jeep gave us access to places we never could have reached on our own, without stress. Our guide led us on short hikes through birch forests, moss-covered canyons, glacial valleys, and quiet, uncrowded landscapes that felt completely untouched. At one point during the tour, our driver received an SOS radio call from another vehicle stuck in a river crossing. Thankfully, we were able to help pull them out (it was a memorable sight with fish falling out of their backseat doors), but it was a sobering reminder of just how powerful, dangerous and unpredictable Iceland’s rivers can be. Click HERE to watch a short video of this epic adventure.

Seljalandsfoss
Gljúfrabúi,

Later in the afternoon, we made our way back toward the Ring Road and stopped at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, where you can actually walk behind the falls. Just a short walk away is Gljúfrabúi, a hidden gem tucked inside a narrow canyon. Getting there requires stepping through shallow water and mist. We were soaked from head to toe, but it was absolutely worth it! Here’s our video of Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui!

Tips:

Day 3: Waterfalls, Horses, and the Black Sand Coast – Vlog link

This day felt like classic Iceland—and if you can’t do the full Ring Road, we’d recommend making it at least this far. We started the day exploring a mix of lesser-known stops and iconic waterfalls, including Rutshellir Cave, Skógafoss, and Kvernufoss. Skógafoss was powerful and unforgettable—you can feel the force of the water as you get closer. In contrast, Kvernufoss felt quieter and more tucked away, offering a more intimate experience. We stopped for lunch near Skógafoss at Mia’s Country Van (aka Sveitagrill Míu), where we had some of the best fish and chips of the trip.

Skogafoss
Kvernufoss

We continued on to the Dyrhólaey Peninsula for sweeping coastal view. On the way out to Dyrholaey, we checked out the Loftsalahellir Cave.

After hearing so much about the adorable Icelandic horses and learning about their history, we enjoyed a family horseback ride near Vik. Icelandic horses are known for their gentle temperament and unique gait. Vik Horse Adventure offers one of the few tours that accommodate younger children. Our guides were thoughtful, patient, and made the experience feel safe and special for everyone.

We ended the day at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, one of Iceland’s most dramatic and well-known landscapes. Although this beach is incredibly beautiful, it is also very dangerous. Sneaker waves are powerful and unpredictable. Stay well back from the shoreline, supervise children closely, and never turn your back on the ocean. Important 2026 Update: Due to ongoing erosion and safety concerns, access to certain areas of Reynisfjara is now restricted. Visitors are required to stay within marked, roped-off viewing areas, and climbing on the basalt columns is no longer permitted.

We stayed at Black Beach Suites and had dinner (burgers, craft beer) at Smiðjan Brugghús—a perfect end to a full day on the South Coast.

Tips for South Coast and Vik:

Day 4: Glaciers, Lagoons, and Diamond Beach – Vlog link

This day felt completely otherworldly. We drove deeper into Iceland’s glacier region, where the landscapes shift again. Here, they are more rugged, more dramatic, and impossibly vast. Along the way, we stopped at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Svinafellsjökull, and Múlagljúfur Canyon, each one feeling more remote and surreal than the last – hiking details below.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Svinafellsjokull glacier
Mulagljufur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (~1 hour)
Also known as the “Majestic Canyon,” this is a great first stop to stretch your legs and take in Iceland’s unique geology. The scenic trail runs along the top of moss-covered cliffs, with sweeping views of the winding Fjaðrá River below. Here’s our video of this canyon.

Svinafellsjökull
One of the most accessible glacier viewpoints in Iceland, with dramatic ice formations framed by dark volcanic peaks. It’s a quick stop, but incredibly striking. It’s a short walk from the parking lot and you can probably spend 20-30 minutes here. This is also where the Svartifoss waterfall hike begins. The hike to Svartifoss (a 20m waterfall framed by basalt columns) takes about 45 minutes (1.5 km) one-way from the Skaftafell Visitor Center.

Múlagljúfur Canyon (~2 hours)
One of our favorite stops in all of Iceland—and far less crowded than other South Coast highlights. This hike leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking a deep canyon with waterfalls and glaciers in the distance. We saw sheep grazing and it was so magical! Here’s our video from this beautiful hike.

After these hikes, it was time to move into the glacier area. The following stops are within minutes of each other, but each one offers a slightly different perspective of Iceland’s glacier landscape. We started at Fjallsárlón, a quieter and less crowded lagoon with incredible views of the Fjallsjökull glacier spilling down into the water. As chunks of ice break off, they float slowly across the lagoon, creating a peaceful, almost surreal scene. From there, we drove a short distance to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon—one of the most iconic stops in Iceland. Think of it as a larger, more expansive version of Fjallsárlón, with striking blue icebergs drifting through crystal-clear water.

Jökulsárlón iceberg lagoon
icebergs
Lagoon boat tour

At the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, we took an Amphibian Boat Tour. It was such a memorable experience, floating among massive ice formations while learning more about the glacier. (Tip: kids under 6 are free, and ages 6–12 are discounted—great option for families.) We timed it for the last tour of the day (~6:30pm), which gave us beautiful evening light If your group is 12+ years old, then you can kayak in the lagoon! We’d love to try that next time.

Just across the road is Diamond Beach, where icebergs from the lagoon are carried out to sea and then washed back onto the black sand shore. When we first arrived, there were only a few pieces scattered along the beach. But slowly, as the tide shifted, more ice drifted in—and before we knew it, the shoreline was dotted with shimmering “diamonds.” Note: This experience changes constantly. Some days the beach is covered in ice, and other days there’s very little—it all depends on glacier activity and tides. That unpredictability is part of what makes it so special.

We ended the day at Lambhús Glacier View Cabin, surrounded by quiet and open space.

Tips for Day 4:

Day 5: Glaciers, East Fjords + Hidden Gems – Vlog link

This day perfectly captured Iceland’s contrasts. We started the morning snowmobiling on Vatnajökull Glacier. Getting up close to the glaciers in Iceland is an incredible experience! While there are some really cool (literally) glacier hikes, most are limited to kids 12 years and older.  At the recommendation of friends, we booked this family-friendly snowmobiling tour with Glacier Journey and loved it! The views (watch this video) from the top were stunning.

From there, we made our way to Höfn for lunch at Pakkhús Restaurant, where we tried local langoustines, Icelandic fish stew, and skyr. Everything was simple, comforting, and so delicious. Then we continued on to the East Fjords. As we drove, the scenery shifted constantly: winding coastal roads, dramatic cliffs, and stretches where we spotted Icelandic horses, sheep, and even a few reindeer along the roadside. We stopped to take a photo with the “Big Red Chair” a roadside art installation located in the Southeast, approximately 12 miles east of Hofn along Ring Road (Route 1) . We also took a soak at a roadside geothermal tub near Djugivogur – here’s our video! Note: It is not always maintained/ open. On our drive, we passed more waterfalls, including Sveinstekksfoss and Gufufoss.

We ended the day in Seyðisfjörður, a small, colorful town tucked between mountains, and settled in at Seydisfjordur Guesthouse after dinner at Askur Pizzeria.

Tips for Vatnajokull and East Fjords

Day 6: Puffins and Studlagil Canyon – Vlog link

Day 6 was rainy, moody, and unforgettable. We started the day visiting the Seyðisfjörður rainbow church Seyðisfjarðarkirkja, a famous powder-blue timber church located at the end of a brightly painted rainbow pathway known as the Rainbow Walk or Nordurgata. We grabbed breakfast in this charming and artistic fjord town.

We then headed toward Borgarfjörður Eystri—one of the best places in Iceland to see Atlantic puffins, hosting 10,000 nesting pairs from mid-April to mid-August. You can observe the puffins up close from safe, maintained wooden walkways and staircases. Peak viewing is in June and July. Watching the adorable puffins waddle, fly, and perch along the cliffs was such a special experience. We parked at the Hafnarhólmi marina and enjoyed lunch in their cafe.

From there, we made our way to Stuðlagil Canyon, a stunning geological wonder. Towering basalt columns rise up from a striking blue-green river, creating one of the most surreal landscapes in Iceland. You can approach the canyon from the east or west side (more details below) Here is our reel and a guide on how to hike to Stuðlagil Canyon:

West Side (Easy Access) : Drive to “Stuðlagil Canyon Parking” on Google Maps and park. Minimal walking needed. There are bathrooms and facilities here. This is best for a quick stop or families with limited time. The trade off is the viewing platform and views are more distant (you can see them in this pic taken from the East side).

East Side (Best experience -what we did): Drive to “Stuðlagil East Side Parking”. Cross the large bridge (not the small one), then turn right onto a dirt road. Option to park: First lot: longer walk (~1 hour each way total) or. Second lot (closer): rough road—better with AWD/4WD. From the closer lot, it is a 30 min walk each way to the canyon. To enter the canyon, carefully climb down (be careful, it can be slippery!)

We ended the day at Fjalladýrð, a cozy farm stay in Möðrudalur that became one of our favorite accommodations of the trip. We enjoyed a traditional Icelandic dinner (we even tried moss soup), and met some friendly goats here.

Tips for Day 6.

Day 7: North Iceland Waterfalls + Geothermal Landscapes – Vlog link

Dettifoss

We started the day slowly at our farm stay, with a cozy Icelandic breakfast and more time with the goats. From there, we headed into North Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. Our first stop was Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, followed by nearby Selfoss. Even with rain and fog limiting visibility, the hike felt raw and beautiful—loud, misty, and unforgettable. Here is a video of our experience. Next up was Viti Crater, known for its vivid blue water and sweeping views… which we didn’t see at all thanks to thick fog.

We continued on to Hverir Geothermal Area (also known as Namaskard), where steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and bright mineral colors made it feel like we had landed on another planet. Note: there is a sulfur smell here.

By afternoon, we made our way to Húsavík, stopping by the quirky Eurovision museum before heading to GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths, one of our favorite hot springs in Iceland. Soaking in warm seawater while overlooking the ocean was the perfect reset. More info here. Our final stop of the day was the stunning Goðafoss waterfall.

We ended the day in Akureyri at our farmstead Guesthouse Bægisá, where we were greeted by baby lambs and a home-cooked dinner by the host.

Tips from Day 7:

Day 8: Akureyri, Baby lambs, and Scenic Drive to West Iceland – Vlog link

We started the morning slowly at Guesthouse Bægisá with a delicious breakfast and more time with the baby animals (a baby cow and lambs that the kids did not want to leave) . Note: the boys’ sheep hats were knit by our host!

From there, we headed into Akureyri to visit Forest Lagoon, one of Iceland’s newer hot springs (opened in 2022). Surrounded by trees and overlooking the fjord, it was such a beautiful and peaceful experience. Here’s a video of the experience.

One of my favorite small details about Akureyri: the town has heart-shaped ❤️ traffic lights. They were installed after Iceland’s financial crisis as a reminder of what really matters—and honestly, it’s the kind of thoughtful detail that makes this place feel special.

We spent most of the afternoon heading toward West Iceland to position ourselves for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula the next day. This day was one of our longer driving days along the Ring Road. We ended the day checking into the Midraun Lava Resort, where the kids burned some energy off at the playground / bouncing structure before we all enjoyed a hearty Icelandic buffet dinner at the Resort

Tips for Day 8:

Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Vlog link

We started the day at Midhraun Lava Resort with a delicious breakfast buffet before heading out to explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature” for its diverse landscapes. This day was also the rainiest days of our trip.

We made our way to Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most iconic mountains (and recognizable from Game of Thrones), before continuing on to Hellissandur—known as the street art capital of Iceland.

From there, we stopped at Svörtuloft Lighthouse and the dramatic coastal cliffs at Lóndrangar. It was cold (in the 40s °F), windy, and rainy, but still so beautiful in that rugged Iceland way.

After warming up with a hearty Icelandic lunch nearby at Samkomuhúsið Arnarstapa, we decided to lean into the weather and went for what ended up being the wettest hike of our trip (and possibly our lives)—into Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge. It was slippery, soaked, and a full-on adventure, but also one of those experiences we’ll never forget. It was also a test of our gear, which actually kept us pretty dry! If you’re curious – watch our video!

We wrapped up the day with a long drive toward Húsafell, the boys passing the time with car karaoke (a road trip essential at this point). We stopped at Hverinn Restaurant for soup and fish and chips before settling into our cozy Airbnb for the night. There was definitely more we would have loved to see on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, but considering the weather, I think we made the most of it. Next time, we’d love to do the Arnarstapi to Hellnar coastal hike – it looks incredible on a clear day.

Tips for Snaefellsnes Peninsula:

Day 10: West Iceland to Reykjanes Peninsula (Caves, Hot Springs + Final Adventures) – Vlog link

On our last full day in Iceland, we made the most of it, packing in a little last bit of things that make this country so special. We started the morning in Borgarfjörður with a guided tour of Víðgelmir Cave—one of the largest lava caves in Iceland. Walking through massive underground tunnels carved by ancient volcanic activity felt surreal and completely different from anything we had experienced so far on the trip.

After a quick lunch at Húsafell Bistro, we headed out for another guided experience, the Húsafell Canyon Baths. This was one of the most unique hot spring experiences we had, with a series of stone-lined pools tucked into a quiet canyon.

We continued on to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss—two very different waterfalls located side by side. Hraunfossar is a series of delicate streams flowing out of a lava field, while Barnafoss is fast, powerful, and dramatic.

From there, we began the drive south toward the Reykjanes Peninsula. Along the way, we made an impromptu stop in a field of lupines for a DIY family photo session (tripod and remote)—one of those spontaneous moments that ended up being a favorite. Lupines typically bloom in Iceland from late May through early July, and seeing these vibrant purple fields in peak season added to the magic and beauty.

We grabbed dinner in Grindavík at Papa’s Restaurant, where we had fish and chips and even tried fermented shark (even a tiny bite was a memorable experience).

After listening to the Eurovision soundtrack for much our roadtrip, the kids were interested in finding that “Volcano Man” keyboard installation from the movie that is bolted into the Valahnukamol cliffs near the Reykjanesviti lighthouse on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It was one of those funny, spontaneous detours that made the day feel extra special.

On our way back, we stopped at Gunnuhver, the largest mud pool and geothermal area in Iceland, where steam and bubbling earth reminded us just how active and alive this landscape is.

We ended the night at our Airbnb on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This one was the splurge stay of the trip – the “Converted Water Tower” had caught my attention for its architecture and design on instagram. It was also located close to the Blue Lagoon, which would be our final stop of this trip.

Tips:

Day 11: Blue Lagoon + Departure

We ended our trip with a visit to the Blue Lagoon—a relaxing and easy stop before heading to the airport. While it wasn’t our favorite geothermal experience in Iceland, it was still unique, soothing, and a memorable way to close out our journey. Here is a video of our experience at the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula—just 15 minutes from Keflavík Airport and about 30 minutes from Reykjavík. Its milky blue water is rich in silica and sulfur, known for its skin-soothing properties, and makes for a very different experience compared to the more natural hot springs we visited throughout the trip.

Tips for Visiting the Blue Lagoon (with Kids)

What to Pack for Iceland in Summer (Quick Guide – more detailed list to come!)

Even in summer, Iceland’s weather is unpredictable: think wind, rain, and temps in the 40s–50s°F. The key is layering.

Final reflections

Iceland surprised us in the best way. We went in with high expectations, but it was even MORE amazing than we could have imagined. It’s adventurous without being overwhelming. Wild, yet accessible. Demanding, but deeply rewarding. This trip still lives in our family stories. It shaped how we travel, how we slow down, and how we stay open to wonder. If Iceland is on your list—I hope this blog post helps bump it higher up. And if you’re considering it with kids, know that it’s not just possible—it’s magical.

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Disclaimer

All opinions expressed in this post are our own. This was not a sponsored trip. Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. All photos, videos, and written content on this site are the property of Everyday Adventure Fam and may not be used or reproduced without permission.

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