The Ultimate 2 Week Iceland Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

With these many natural treasures, Iceland is the only nation in the world. Over the past several years, the arid, Mars-like environment has gained enormous popularity, and with good reason: it is full of hot springs, glaciers, volcanoes, and tremendous waterfalls. It's simple to get to Iceland, which is unique. This two-week Iceland route guide will take you all around the island, stopping at tons of undiscovered attractions.

You can't do more than 90 km/h on the main highways in a nation where there are more sheep than people. The best length of time to see much of Iceland is two weeks, but if you want, you can do the same tour in ten days. Always keep a watch on the roads throughout the winter to make sure they aren't blocked by snow.

Planning Your 2 Week Iceland Adventure

Are you dreaming of experiencing the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland? Planning a two-week adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! With a bit of research and preparation, you can create a trip that meets your travel goals and budget.

Your first task is to decide where you'll be exploring! Some suggested regions include:

Reykjavk: The capital city is full of culture, nightlife, and stunning architecture.
Westfjords: an area with majestic waterfalls, picturesque mountains, and tranquil fjords
North Iceland: This region offers spectacular natural settings as well as a wide range of activities for all types of travelers.
East Iceland: Here you'll find vast glaciers, rugged cliffs, hot springs, and incredible wildlife experiences.

After deciding on your destinations, start booking your accommodations. You can choose from camping sites, guesthouses, or luxury hotels—whatever fits within your budget! Then look into transportation options like rental cars or local buses to get around easily.

Once it's all planned out, it's time to enjoy the wonders of Iceland on your two-week adventure!

Exploring the Golden Circle: Geysers, Waterfalls and Canyons

For all of the intrepid travelers out there, the Golden Circle is an absolute must! This popular Iceland tourist route includes some of the most breathtaking natural sights in all of the archipelago: geysers that shoot boiling water into the air, crystal-clear waterfalls that cascade into gorgeous canyons, and captivating geothermal sites.

Here's a brief overview of what your visit will entail:

Geysers: Make sure to stop by Geysir, a hot spring area where you can witness the powerful Strokkur Geyser spouting boiling water up to 30 meters in the air.
Waterfalls: Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most picturesque waterfall cascades, is an absolute must-see. From here, you can take in magnificent views of rolling hills and lava fields.
Canyons: Take a gander at the striking Thingvellir National Park with its stunning canyon walls. Here you'll find some important archeological sites as well as opportunities for horseback riding.

Whether you're looking for majestic vistas or historic attractions—or both—this route has it all! So don't miss out on this chance to discover why Iceland is truly one of the world's wonders.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Iceland is world-renowned for its beautiful Northern Lights! A visit to the country isn't complete without a night spent chasing this phenomenon. This natural spectacle usually appears in green or white and is best seen from the end of August to mid-April.

The Best Time and Location

One of the best places to witness the Northern Lights is on the Golden Circle. It’s located in South Iceland, and it runs 270 km between Reykjavk and Vik. Here, you'll find a variety of landscapes, from waterfalls to lagoons. It's also one of the darkest places in Iceland, making it perfect for admiring the lights in all their glory!

What You Should Bring

When you are out hunting for the Northern Lights, be sure to bring your thermal wear, including hats, gloves, and insulated coats, to keep you warm. A tripod for your camera will also allow you to take clearer pictures of this wondrous moment! We recommend an extra battery back too—sometimes you can stay out all night!

Lastly, as with any travel plan, don’t forget your enthusiasm! Experiencing the Northern Lights in person is something that will stay with you forever, so make sure you enjoy every second of it!

Whale Watching and Puffin Spotting in Iceland

Did you know that Iceland is one of the hottest destinations for whale-watching? With its abundance of ocean life, there's no better place to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Plus, if you're lucky, you might even get to experience the spectacle of puffins flying across the sky!

To make sure you don't miss out on this incredible opportunity, here are some tips for whale watching and puffin spotting in Iceland:

When to Go

Iceland is a great destination all year round for whale watching and puffin spotting! If you want to get the best results, we recommend going between July and August, when the days are long and the weather is warm.

How to Find Whales and Puffins

Whales and puffins can be quite hard to spot, but thankfully, there are plenty of experienced tour guides who will be able to help. They can take you out on a boat or kayak trip so that you can enjoy up-close encounters with these captivating sea creatures.

Where to Go

Whale watching and puffin spotting should usually take place near an island in Iceland’s North Atlantic Sea. You could head towards Reykjavik’s coastal area or visit Akureyri—it’s up to you! Just make sure that your travel company of choice is fully licensed by the Icelandic Tourist Board.

Relaxing in the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa

Your two-week Icelandic getaway isn't complete without a relaxing day at the famous Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa! Located just a short drive from Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon provides a chance to unwind and revive your senses. With temperatures hovering around 100°F and stunning blue waters, this is one of Iceland's most popular attractions, and it's easy to see why!

Here are some of the things you can expect when you make your way to the Blue Lagoon:

Hot Geothermal Waters: Feel your stress melt away as the water warms up to 38°–45° Celsius (100°–113° Fahrenheit). The natural minerals found in the hot springs have been known to help with skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Luxury Facilities: Get pampered like royalty at the Blue Lagoon Spa with massages, facials, and other treatments. You can also enjoy drinks from the swim-up bar or grab a bite from one of their restaurants before making your way back out into the lagoon.
Spectacular Views: Featuring some of Iceland’s most beautiful scenery, take in views of mountains, volcanic landscapes, and waterfalls that make a backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

The Blue Lagoon is truly a magical place, and it's just one more reason why Iceland should be at the top of your travel bucket list!

Delving Into Iceland’s Vibrant Food Scene: From Skyr to Puffin

Did you know that no trip to Iceland is complete without trying the country’s unique food? From warm skyr to fresh puffin, Iceland’s cuisine is a delicious representation of the culture.

Skyr

Skyr, a type of yogurt made from pasteurized skimmed milk, is one of Iceland's most popular dishes. It's tart and creamy, and it's usually served with fresh and dried fruits. Plus, it's super healthy—low in fat and high in protein!

Puffin

Puffins are not just cute little birds—they are also a delicious dish in Iceland! The meat is white and tender with a hint of smokiness, which gives it a unique and delicious flavor. Puffin meat can be served as an appetizer or main course; either way, it's sure to hit the spot.

Plokkfiskur

Plokkfiskur is an Icelandic fish stew made with fish filets, potatoes, onions, and cream. Hearty and full of flavor, this dish is best savored on a cold winter evening. And don't forget to top it off with some freshly baked rye bread!

Don't be afraid to try new foods when you're there—Iceland has a lot of unique flavors that you won't be able to find anywhere else. So go ahead and indulge in the country’s tasty cuisine before your trip comes to an end!

Budget saving tips

It's important to make your trip to the Seychelles memorable and enjoyable without breaking the bank. So here are some budget-saving tips so you can explore this little slice of paradise!

Skip the Rentals

There's no need to rent a car or scooter; walking around the islands is really the best way to appreciate their beauty. Plus, there are plenty of local buses and taxis that can take you wherever you want to go.

Book Accommodations at Off-peak Times

If you want to save a bit of money, try booking accommodations during the off-peak season. Not only will it be cheaper, but you'll also have more time in each place since there won't be as many crowds—it'll be like having your own secret paradise!

Pack Your Own Snacks

If you're traveling with kids, it's always a good idea to pack some snacks so they won't get hungry. Not only will this save money, but it'll also help avoid unnecessary trips to restaurants, which can really add up!

Find Affordable Activities

There are plenty of affordable activities on the islands that don't cost a fortune. From snorkeling trips to island-hopping tours, there's something for everyone, no matter what your budget is!