8 days in Iceland Itinerary

Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital, effortlessly combines small-town charm with heaps of big city energy.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Reykjavik: Thermal Spas (in Grindavik), Thingvellir National Park (in Thingvellir) and Keflavik Maritime Center (in Keflavik). Spend the 6th (Wed) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. The adventure continues: pause for some serene contemplation at Hallgrimskirkja, steep yourself in history at Landnámssýningin/The Settlement Exhibition, get outside with Outdoor Activities, and let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour.

For reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Reykjavik trip itinerary app.

Des Moines, USA to Reykjavik is an approximately 14-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Des Moines to Reykjavik is 6 hours. While traveling from Des Moines, expect much colder days and slightly colder nights in Reykjavik, ranging from highs of 46°F to lows of 37°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sat) so you can go by car to Geysir.

Geysir tourism revolves around a famed geyser, which goes from very calm to extremely volatile depending on the subterranean seismic activity at the time.

On the 10th (Sun), indulge in some personalized pampering at Secret Lagoon - Gamla Laugin, take in the dramatic scenery at Bruarfoss Waterfall, then witness a stunning natural landmark at Haukadalur, then admire the sheer force of Gullfoss Falls, and finally witness a stunning natural landmark at Strokkur.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, read Geysir day trip planning website.

Getting from Reykjavik to Geysir by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Geysir can reach 46°F, while at night they dip to 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Vik.

Iceland's southernmost village, Vik, sports some of the country's wildest and most dramatic coastline.

On the 11th (Mon), tour the pleasant surroundings at Black Sand Beach, enjoy some music at Icelandic Lava Show, explore the striking landscape at Dyrhólaey, then admire the sheer force of Skogafoss, and finally appreciate the history behind Voyages Friendship Statue.

To see ratings, reviews, photos, and tourist information, read Vik travel route builder website.

You can drive from Geysir to Vik in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In October in Vik, expect temperatures between 45°F during the day and 41°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Hella.

Hella is a small town in southern Iceland on the shores of the river Ytri-Rangá and has, as of 2011, 781 inhabitants.Hella is situated to the east of Reykjavík on the Hringvegur (Route 1) between Selfoss and Hvolsvöllur.OverviewThe name of the town comes from caves near the river. Kick off your visit on the 12th (Tue): admire the sheer force of Gluggafoss/Merkjarfoss and then admire the sheer force of Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall.

For more things to do, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Hella online trip maker.

Traveling by car from Vik to Hella takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In October in Hella, expect temperatures between 45°F during the day and 41°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 12th (Tue) to allow time for travel back home.