The Best Iceland Summer Road Trip: Itinerary & Map
The ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ is packed with incredible natural scenery and opportunities for adventures. This makes self-drive holidays to Iceland in the milder months highly attractive.
Reasons to visit Iceland in the summer also include more open roads that will take you to the country’s most stunning locations and natural features. Travel with ease between magnificent waterfalls, geysers, glaciers and national parks, while enjoying the incredible light qualities in Iceland’s summer skies.
Our guide to the best Iceland summer road trip is packed with tips for traveling around the country, along with an itinerary that will show you the natural beauty there.
What to Know Before You Travel
Iceland, one of the world’s safest countries to visit, offers volcanoes, glaciers, mountains, geysers, black sand beaches and cities nestled along its beautiful coastline.
This makes it essential to plan your Iceland summer itinerary with care, making sure that you see as much as possible. When creating a self-drive itinerary for an Iceland summer holiday, leave enough time for walking off the beaten track. Hiking is one of the best adventures to enjoy in Iceland’s summer.
Naturally, many holidays start and finish at Reykjavik (the world’s most northerly capital city). It’s a very walkable city, but also just 49km from Keflavik airport, which is the main international gateway to Iceland.
Climate/Weather
Iceland has the largest glacier in Europe (Vatnajökull), which is 8% of the country’s landmass, and it’s certainly worth exploring a glacier or ice cave in Iceland in the summer.
When considering what to do in Iceland in the summer, don’t dismiss the idea of a snowmobile tour. It’s possible year-round, and Langjökull is a great destination for snowmobile tours in Iceland.
However, summer is ideal for adventures and road trips – as the weather in Iceland is milder, you can avoid a strong wind chill, and you get more daylight.
Rules of the Road
There are many roads through Iceland, and they’re either paved roads, gravel roads or F-roads.
The speed limit varies from 30km/h to 90km/h and you drive on the right.
F-roads require hiring a four-wheel drive car due to the rougher terrain. However, these unpaved mountain roads should not be confused with driving off-road, which is strictly forbidden in Iceland.
Headlights must be on at all times while you drive. This country has an impressive range of wind factors, so drive with care.
Equipment & Clothing
Iceland in summer can be mild, but temperatures can range from 41 to 77 F.
Take plenty of layers of clothing and a warm, waterproof coat, along with thermal socks and underwear, gloves and strong walking shoes.
Also, take supplies such as food and water, an emergency roadside kit and a first aid kit when in Iceland’s wilderness, as conditions can be dangerous any time of the year.
Take a mobile phone and all the safety items recommended for hikes. Also, keep sun protection products in your rental car.
The best car for a summer road trip in Iceland
Choosing a car for an Iceland summer trip depends on your plans. If you’re going to stay on paved roads, then ordinary cars can suffice. However, consider the capacity and features needed for your activities, along with your budget. For instance, a seven-seat car may be needed.
If you’re driving on F-roads in Iceland, permitted cars with high-ground clearance and four-wheel drive are vital, even if snow and ice are less likely.
Also, ensure that you have adequate insurance when traveling in Iceland, as accidents and issues can arise in any season.
Seven-Day Itinerary for a Summer Road Trip in Iceland
With superb scenery and adventures on offer for self-drive holidays in Iceland, it’s about personal choice. You may even want to stay in the capital and take day trips from Reykjavik.
However, here’s an example of a seven-day road trip.
Day 1
Explore Reykjavik, taking in amazing views across the sea, soaking up Viking history in the National and Saga museums, and enjoying a romantic dining experience. Pick up your hire car at Keflavik Airport, or have it delivered to you in Reykjavik.
Day 2
Take Iceland’s Golden Circle driving route to see some incredible natural phenomena, including the Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Falls.
Day 3
Visit two of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and rest on the black volcanic beach at Reynisfjara. Add snowmobile and hiking options to this part of your Iceland itinerary for summer.
Day 4
Drive to the unmissable Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. Take a boat tour or walk on ‘Diamond Beach’ with its sparkling icebergs and sandy surface.
Day 5
Go onwards to the Egilsstaðir area of Iceland, and visit the superb East Iceland Heritage Museum to explore the country’s history. Then, travel through Iceland’s geothermal landscape and see one of Iceland’s most visited volcanoes, Krafla. Also, swim in the geothermal waters at Mývatn Nature Baths.
Day 6
You are now on the Diamond Circle, north Iceland’s awe-inspiring driving route. Highlights include Dettifoss waterfall, Ásbyrgi canyon, and the fishing village of Húsavík with its popular GeoSea Baths.
Day 7
Drive to Akureyri – the Capital of the North – and explore its various museums and botanical gardens, or add whale watching to your summer trip to Iceland.
Then, drive back to your starting point in Reykjavik in around five hours or take more time to create a circular road trip around Iceland.
Iceland Summer Road Trip Map
Iceland Summer Road Trip FAQs
Is Iceland worth visiting in the summer?
There are plenty of things to do in Iceland in the summer, and milder weather, longer daylight and open roads to explore.
Is Iceland too crowded in summer?
As summer brings pleasant weather, the top tourist attractions in Iceland are busier. However, there are many quiet, peaceful places to explore.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Iceland during summer?
It’s possible to see the Northern Lights in the night sky on an Iceland summer trip. However, the aurora borealis is most likely to be seen in Iceland from October to March.
Can I wear shorts in Iceland in summer?
It may be warm on your Iceland summer road trip, so shorts and sun protection are handy to have.
Does it get dark in Reykjavik in summer?
Between May and August, the summer never fully sets in Iceland, leading to bright night skies.
Does it rain in Iceland in summer?
Rain is less likely in summer than in spring in Iceland, but a waterproof coat will help reduce the wind factor.
What is the warmest month in Iceland?
July brings average temperatures between 10°C and 15°C (about 50°-59° F), making it the mildest month in Iceland.
Should I take a self-drive trip during the summer in Iceland?
With so many open roads and adventures to be enjoyed on an Iceland summer road trip, the answer is yes!
Ready to take a self-drive summer trip in Iceland?
The Icelandic Tourist Board offers tips on the best places to visit in Iceland, and a program of summer activities for your Nordic self-drive holiday. Lastly, make the most of memorable and flexible fly-drive holidays to Iceland by getting a list of affordable places to stay, and help choosing your ideal rental car, including a 4x4 for F-roads or winter self-drive holidays in Iceland.