City BuddyCityBuddy
English
Beautiful rural road leading through blooming purple flowers with mountains in the background, creating a serene landscape.

8-Day Relaxed Autumn Journey Through Iceland

☕Relaxed Pace
8 daysautumn

A comfortable-paced 8-day itinerary exploring iconic nature sites, cozy towns, scenic walks, and local culture in Iceland during the mellow autumn season.

← Iceland
Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

A local guide takes you around for 2-3 hours covering all the main sights and hidden gems. It's 100% tip-based. Guides only earn what you give them at the end, so they bring their absolute best every time. Passionate storytelling, insider tips, restaurant recommendations you won't find online.

Do this on your first day. You'll get your bearings, learn the history, and get personal recommendations from a local for the rest of your stay.

Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Arrival & Reykjavik Leisure
Afternoon
Reykjavik Old Town

Estimated time: 2h

Leisurely walk through shops, cafes, and landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church

3.3(108 reviews)
Directions
Evening
Cozy Cafe

Estimated time: 1.5h

Relax with coffee and local pastries in a comfortable spot like Reykjavik Roasters

4.6(2,837 reviews)
Directions

Meals

DinnerTry Icelandic lamb or fresh fish at a mid-range local restaurant$20
Use local taxis for convenience from the airport to Reykjavik center
Day 2Golden Circle Highlights
Morning
Þingvellir National Park

Estimated time: 2h

Explore rift valley and historic sites, dress warmly

4.7(23,732 reviews)
Directions
Midday
Geysir Geothermal Area

Estimated time: 1.5h

Watch Strokkur geyser eruptions, stay on marked paths

4.7(12,897 reviews)
Directions
Afternoon
Gullfoss Waterfall

Estimated time: 1h

View from multiple platforms, waterproof jacket useful

4.9(5,303 reviews)
Directions
Evening
Laugarvatn Fontana Spa

Estimated time: 2h

Relax in natural hot springs and steam baths before heading back

Meals

LunchLunch at Geysir area cafe with hearty soups or sandwiches$15
Rent a car for flexible stops; watch for shorter daylight in autumn
Day 3South Coast Waterfalls and Village Charm
Morning
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Estimated time: 1h

Walk behind waterfall if weather permits

4.8(3,226 reviews)
Directions
Midday
Skógafoss Waterfall

Estimated time: 1h

Climb stairs for panoramic views

4.9(4,138 reviews)
Directions
Afternoon
Vík Village Visit

Estimated time: 2h

Explore local shops and cafes in the cozy town Vík

4.7(279 reviews)
Directions
Late Afternoon
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Estimated time: 1h

Cautious of sneaker waves

4.8(2,331 reviews)
Directions

Meals

LunchTry fresh seafood or street food in Vík$15
Driving day with multiple stops; dress for changing weather
Day 4Glacier National Park Exploration
Morning
Skaftafell

Estimated time: 3h

Gentle hikes with glacier views, bring layers

4.7(3,248 reviews)
Directions
Afternoon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Estimated time: 2h

Boat tour optional if open; reserve in advance

4.9(2,881 reviews)
Directions

Meals

LunchPacked lunch or cafe in Skaftafell visitor center$10
Car recommended; check weather for road conditions
Day 5Relaxation & Blue Lagoon Warmth
Morning
Drive back toward Reykjavik with stop at Vik

Estimated time: 2h

Choose a scenic route back; stop for photos

4.8(2,126 reviews)
Directions
Afternoon
Blue Lagoon

Estimated time: 3h

Book tickets early; warm mineral waters are soothing in autumn

4.6(31,475 reviews)
Directions

Meals

DinnerLight meal at Blue Lagoon cafe or nearby restaurant$18
Taxi or shuttle from Reykjavik; confirm schedules
Day 6Snæfellsnes Peninsula Highlights
Morning
Kirkjufell

Estimated time: 1.5h

Photo opportunities of mountain and waterfall

4.6(6,900 reviews)
Directions
Midday
Arnarstapi Village

Estimated time: 2h

Coastal walks and local cafes for relaxed exploration

4.5(3,928 reviews)
Directions
Afternoon
Snæfellsjökull National Park

Estimated time: 2h

Scenic views and short hikes, check weather for visibility

4.2(121 reviews)
Directions

Meals

LunchSeafood or Icelandic fare in Arnarstapi$18
Drive day; be mindful of daylight hours
Day 7Cultural & Leisure Day in Reykjavik
Morning
National Museum of Iceland

Estimated time: 2h

Learn about Iceland's history and culture

4.5(1,934 reviews)
Directions
Afternoon
Laugavegur Shopping Street

Estimated time: 2h

Local shops, souvenirs, and cafes

Evening
Northern Lights Watching

Estimated time: 2h

Join a guided tour or find a dark spot outside the city

4.8(4,750 reviews)
Directions

Meals

DinnerEnjoy Icelandic dishes in a Reykjavik restaurant$25
Use public transport or short taxi rides within city
Day 8Departure and Last Minute Relaxation
Morning
Relaxed Breakfast

Estimated time: 1.5h

Enjoy a slow start with pastries and coffee at a local cafe

4.7(1,309 reviews)
Directions
Late Morning
Airport transfer

Estimated time: 1h

Take taxi or shuttle to Keflavik airport

4.3(2,951 reviews)
Directions
Plan airport transfer with enough time for check-in

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$80
Food / day$40
Transport / day$20
Activities / day$25
Daily total$165
Trip total$2640

Accommodation based on double occupancy per room at $80/night per person, meals include mix of restaurant and cafe dining, transport covers local taxis and car rental/shared costs, activity costs include entry fees and small tours.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Documents

Booking

Packing

Health

Connectivity

Get eSIM for Iceland

The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.

Send this itinerary to your email

We'll send the full trip plan to your email. Perfect for printing or offline use.

← Most popular attractions in Iceland