Discover Iceland beyond the guidebooks with our 14-day hidden gems itinerary.
Accompanied by your driver-guide, you’ll explore the corners most visitors never see, from the windswept cliffs of the Westfjords to the volcanic beaches of the southeast. With carefully chosen boutique accommodations, personalized activities, and a relaxed, immersive rhythm, this itinerary lets you savor Iceland’s nature, culture, and hospitality at their most authentic.
Whether you’re gazing over glacier lagoons, soaking in hidden hot springs, or sharing stories with a local artisan, each day brings quiet marvels and meaningful connections with our 2-week tour.
Destinations on Our 14-Day Hidden Gems of Iceland Tour
Day 4 – Westfjords to Siglufjörður
Day 5 – Hvammstangi & Vatnsnes
Day 10 – Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach
Day 11 – Vatnajökull National Park
Day 14 – Reykjavík & Departure
A note about this tour from our Travel Designer, Silvena
Two weeks in Iceland allows you to experience the full circle of the island at a relaxed pace. You begin in Reykjavík, then travel into the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, North Iceland, Eastfjords and the South Coast. Each region has its own character. Lava fields, glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, fjords, black sand beaches and waterfalls fill the days. I particularly enjoy how this itinerary balances famous landmarks with quieter places. You might visit a bustling harbour one day and a hidden hot spring the next. The variety of landscapes keeps the journey constantly fresh.
With fourteen days you can pause, hike, explore, and rest. This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to see Iceland fully but without rushing, experiencing both grandeur and intimacy.
Day 1: Arrival, Reykjavík’s Hidden Corners & Seaside Welcome
Ease into Iceland with a relaxed arrival day focused on creative culture and coastal charm.
Private Airport Pickup
Upon landing at Keflavík Airport, meet your private driver-guide for a scenic transfer into Reykjavík.
Reykjavík Street Art & Design Tour with Local Creative
In the afternoon, head out with a private guide—an artist or local creative—for an insider’s walking tour of Reykjavík’s street art, boutique design studios, and quirky architecture.
See murals tucked down hidden lanes, meet gallery owners, and explore neighborhoods like Grandi and Vesturbær that most visitors miss.
Geothermal Foot Soak & Dinner at a Seaside Hideaway
What better way to spend your first evening after arrival in Iceland than unwinding with a geothermal foot soak at a tucked-away local spa, where warm mineral waters bubble from natural springs?
As the sun lingers low over the ocean, enjoy a private table at one of Reykjavík’s lesser-known seaside restaurants, where you’ll sample fresh Arctic char, rye bread, and seasonal Icelandic specialties while waves crash in the background.
Day 2: Húsafell & Surroundings
Today, you leave the bustle of Reykjavík behind and journey into the serene landscapes of western Iceland, where waterfalls, lava fields, and geothermal baths make Húsafell a true hidden gem.
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
Begin with a visit to the neighboring waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.
At Hraunfossar, countless rivulets of glacial meltwater stream from beneath a mossy lava field into the turquoise Hvítá River, creating a lace-like cascade. Just upstream, Barnafoss roars through a narrow basalt gorge with dramatic force. Your guide will share the folklore behind these “children’s falls” and help you find the best vantage points for photographs.
Optional Adventures in Húsafell
Arrive in the Húsafell valley, a lush oasis framed by glaciers and birch woodlands.
Depending on your interests, you might choose to join a guided glacier hike onto Langjökull, explore the gentle nature trails that wind through the lava fields, or unwind in the Húsafell Canyon Baths, where stone-built hot pools sit beside a canyon stream.
Overnight in Húsafell.
Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Hidden Beaches, Lava Caves & Legends
Experience Iceland’s “miniature continent,” filled with dramatic coastlines, ancient lava fields, and sagas come to life.
Private Coastal Drive with Hidden Beaches & Seal Colonies
Depart Reykjavík with your private guide for a daylong adventure around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Instead of rushing from landmark to landmark, focus on lesser-visited coastal areas—black pebble beaches where seals haul out on rocks, secret inlets where seabirds nest, and tiny fishing villages where life still follows the rhythms of the sea.
Lava Cave Exploration at Vatnshellir
Descend into the ancient underworld with a private tour of Vatnshellir, a lava tube formed over 8,000 years ago.
Equipped with helmets and headlamps, follow your guide into the cavernous tunnels sculpted by volcanic forces. Marvel at the textures, colors, and eerie silence underground, and hear about how Iceland’s geology has shaped its landscapes—and legends.
Storytelling Stop at Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss Rock Formations
On your return journey, stop at the mythical stone formations associated with the saga of Bárður Snæfellsás, a half-troll, half-man said to protect the Snæfellsnes region.
Your guide will share the tale as you explore the strange, weathered rocks that stand guard over the land. Return to Reykjavík by evening, filled with stories of Iceland’s ancient spirit.
Day 4: Scenic Journey to the Westfjords & Waterfall Wonders
Leave the main tourist routes behind as you venture into one of Iceland’s most untouched regions — the dramatic and sparsely populated Westfjords.
Crossing to the Edge of the Map – Ferry or Fjordside Drive
Your day begins with a scenic journey through the West.
Depending on conditions, travel by ferry from the harbor town of Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur, gliding through Breiðafjörður Bay. The route takes you past islands teeming with seabirds, including puffins, during the summer months (May-August). With luck, you might spot seals basking on the rocks or a whale breaking the surface.
If road travel is the better option, the drive-through twisting fjords offers equally striking scenery, paired with stories of isolated fishing villages and Norse legends shared by your private driver-guide.
Pause at Dynjandi – Waterfall Picnic Amid the Peaks
En route to Ísafjörður, stop at Dynjandi, the majestic, fan-shaped waterfall cascading over 100 meters down a rugged cliffside.
Often dubbed the “pearl of the Westfjords,” Dynjandi makes an unforgettable picnic setting. Enjoy a light lunch outdoors, surrounded by towering mountains and the echoes of early Viking explorers who once passed through these valleys.
Explore Ísafjörður – Flavors, Folklore, and Fjordside Life
Arrive in Ísafjörður, the cultural hub of the Westfjords, where a walking tour offers a flavorful introduction to local life.
Sample Arctic char, dried fish snacks, and baked treats as you stroll the waterfront and admire the town’s brightly painted houses. Step inside the Westfjords Heritage Museum, set in a former 19th-century hospital, to explore maritime artifacts, folk tools, and tales of survival in this remote northern frontier.
Day 5: Hvammstangi & Vatnsnes Peninsula
Follow the northern coastline to Hvammstangi, a peaceful fishing town and the perfect base for exploring the wildlife and coastal beauty of the Vatnsnes Peninsula.
Hvammstangi Town & Fjord Views
Wander through Hvammstangi, a small harbor town overlooking Miðfjörður.
Your guide will introduce you to its maritime heritage and recommend cozy cafés where you can try freshly baked pastries or local fish dishes.
Seal Watching on the Vatnsnes Peninsula
The highlight of the day lies along the remote beaches and headlands of the Vatnsnes Peninsula, one of Iceland’s best seal-watching spots.
With binoculars in hand, you’ll scan the black-sand shores for harbor and grey seals basking on the rocks. Interpretive stops at the Icelandic Seal Center reveal more about these playful creatures and their role in Icelandic ecology.
Coastal Walks & Birdlife
For those who enjoy walking, your guide can lead you on short coastal hikes, where dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and grassy headlands host nesting seabirds.
This windswept peninsula offers tranquility and a chance to experience Iceland’s wildlife away from the crowds.
Overnight in Hvammstangi.
Day 6: Siglufjörður & Surroundings
Journey into the fjordlands of the far north today, where Siglufjörður, once Iceland’s “herring capital,” now shines as a charming fishing town surrounded by dramatic mountains.
Drive the Northern Fjords
The route to Siglufjörður winds along deep fjords and steep cliffs, offering breathtaking coastal scenery.
Your driver-guide will suggest photo stops at quiet coves, fishing hamlets, and high viewpoints that reveal the raw beauty of North Iceland.
Herring Era Museum & Harbor Walk
In Siglufjörður itself, visit the award-winning Herring Era Museum, where restored warehouses bring to life the boom years when the town thrived on the “silver of the sea.”
Afterwards, stroll the colorful harbor, where boats still bob in the water and cafés serve freshly caught seafood.
Optional Panoramic Hikes
If time and weather permit, take a short hike into the surrounding mountains.
Trails lead to panoramic lookouts above the fjord, where the views stretch across jagged peaks and out to the Arctic Ocean.
Overnight in Siglufjörður.
Day 7: Akureyri & Húsavík: Fjord Towns & Whale Watching
Today, you journey through North Iceland’s cultural capital and its whale-watching haven, blending charming town life with encounters on the open sea.
Akureyri & Botanical Gardens
Begin with a stop in Akureyri, Iceland’s northern hub set at the head of Eyjafjörður. Stroll through the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, one of the world’s most northerly, where arctic flora grows alongside exotic species.
A gentle walk through the compact town center reveals bright houses, cozy cafés, and sweeping fjord views.
Whale Watching in Húsavík
Continue east to Húsavík, the country’s whale-watching capital.
Board a traditional oak boat or modern RIB vessel for a whale safari on Skjálfandi Bay. Minke and humpback whales are common here, while puffins, dolphins, and sometimes blue whales add to the spectacle.
Overnight in Húsavík.
Day 8: Lake Mývatn & Northern Wonders
Explore a region shaped by fire and ice today, where lava formations, waterfalls, and steaming geothermal landscapes showcase nature’s creativity.
Dettifoss & Ásbyrgi Canyon
Begin with a visit to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where thundering glacial waters crash into a basalt gorge.
Continue to the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, said in legend to have been formed by Odin’s horse. Here, birch trees and calm ponds create a surprising oasis in the midst of rugged highlands.
Geothermal Marvels & Lava Formations
Arrive at Lake Mývatn, famous for its volcanic landscapes.
Wander among the steaming vents of Hverir, explore the twisted lava pillars of Dimmuborgir, and follow gentle nature trails alive with birdlife. Each stop offers a different facet of Iceland’s volcanic creativity.
Optional Mývatn Nature Baths
End your day with a soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths, where milky-blue geothermal waters overlook the surrounding lava fields. It’s a peaceful alternative to the Blue Lagoon and a perfect way to relax after a day of exploration.
Overnight near Lake Mývatn.
Day 9: East Fjords Hidden Gems
Today’s route reveals the quiet beauty of the East Fjords, where colorful villages and dramatic coastlines remain among Iceland’s least-visited treasures.
Scenic East Fjords Drive
Follow the winding coastal road past sheer cliffs, deep fjords, and scattered fishing hamlets. Your driver-guide will point out viewpoints where waterfalls plunge into the sea and seabirds nest on jagged rocks.
Choose Your Hidden Gem
Seyðisfjörður: Nestled at the end of a dramatic fjord, this artsy village is filled with colorful houses, a blue-painted church, and galleries that reflect its creative spirit.
Hallormsstaður: Alternatively, base yourself inland near Iceland’s largest forest. Here, hiking trails and lake shores provide gateways into highland adventures.
Overnight in Seyðisfjörður or Egilsstaðir.
Day 10: East Fjords to Jökulsárlón: Villages, Glaciers & Diamond Beach
Travel south today along Iceland’s wild East Coast, where steep mountains plunge into the sea and quiet fishing villages cling to sheltered coves.
Scenic Drive & Coastal Villages
The journey weaves through dramatic fjords, with stops in seaside hamlets where colorful houses stand against a backdrop of cliffs and open ocean.
Your guide will share stories of fishing traditions and local resilience in these remote settlements.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
By afternoon, arrive at the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where blue icebergs drift silently across the water.
Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, a stretch of black sand glittering with ice fragments washed ashore. Walk among the glowing sculptures of nature, each piece sparkling like crystal under the Arctic light.
Overnight in the Jökulsárlón area.
Day 11: Vatnajökull National Park: Ice & Trails
Today is dedicated to exploring Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier and some of Iceland’s best hiking landscapes.
Skaftafell Hiking & Glacier Experiences
At Skaftafell, choose between guided glacier hiking onto icy tongues or following scenic nature trails that lead to viewpoints of towering peaks and waterfalls such as Svartifoss, framed by dark basalt columns.
Your guide will adapt the day to your preferred pace, from adventurous climbs to leisurely valley walks.
By evening, continue westward to stay near Vík, surrounded by volcanic cliffs and ocean views.
Overnight near Vík.
Day 12: South Coast Adventure: Waterfalls & Black Sands
Iceland’s South Coast is rich in iconic sights, each with its own dramatic story.
Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss Waterfalls
Begin at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the curtain of water for a unique perspective, before heading to the mighty Skógafoss, a thundering wall of spray often adorned with rainbows.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Continue to Reynisfjara, one of Iceland’s most striking beaches, with black sands, hexagonal basalt cliffs, and the crashing Atlantic surf.
Overnight near the Golden Circle region.
Day 13: Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon: Iceland’s Classics with a Twist
Today combines Iceland’s most famous sights with a touch of relaxation.
Þingvellir National Park
Walk through the rift valley of Þingvellir, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and Iceland’s first parliament was established over a thousand years ago.
Geysir & Gullfoss
At the Geysir geothermal area, watch Strokkur erupt skyward every few minutes, then continue to Gullfoss, a mighty two-tiered waterfall plunging into a rugged canyon.
Secret Lagoon Soak
Conclude with a soak in the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest natural swimming pool. The warm, mineral-rich waters are a soothing way to end your Golden Circle day.
Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 14: Departure from Reykjavík
Spend your final morning at leisure in Reykjavík.
Your private driver will then transfer you to Keflavík Airport, marking the end of your Icelandic adventure filled with glaciers, fjords, wildlife, and the hidden gems that make this island so unforgettable.
