A Family Trip to Explore Iceland by Car

Are you planning to take a trip to Iceland with your family? Without a doubt, Iceland offers many opportunities for amazing and memorable trips. However, a family trip to Iceland requires a little bit of planning.

In this article, we lay down an open-ended plan that you can use to make your Iceland family road trip memorable.

After arriving at the airport, we suggest you pick up a rental van right away! While you may be tempted to go for a smaller car, a van could be much more convenient for a family. This is because it will have much more space to carry all the luggage and necessary camping items around.

Day 1

The best way to begin an exciting family trip is to reach the Þingvellir National park. This park is quite known for its historical value and immense beauty, along with its geological importance. In 2004, the park became the UNESCO heritage site.

After exploring the park, drive to the Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir in the southern park. Then, at the end of the day, stop at Vorsabær II (a country farm). Here, you and your family can interact with many farm animals and ride horses. This site also features affordable guest houses and hotels nearby.

Day 2

As soon as day 2 begins, drive to the Southern part of Iceland. After you have done your packing and had breakfast, visit the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. After that, visit the Skógar Museum which details the history of Icelanders.

After driving further in the south, you will reach the Dyrhólaey natural reserve which features several seabird colonies. Chances are that you and your family may even spot puffins here. 

Do not forget to visit the Black Beach of Vik in the evening for a walk.

Day 3

On the third day, consider heading to the Vatnajökull National Park, and then to Skaftafell. On your way, you will cross the Eldhraun and Mýrdalssandur, both of which are the largest lava fields on Earth in history. After that, take a hiking trail to the Svartifoss waterfall. This hiking trail is surrounded by many basalt columns, that can be very interesting for the children. 

Skaftafell also offers a birdwatching tour which is an option. On this birdwatching tour, you can find several bird species including puffins, great skuas, and nesting seabirds.

In case you are visiting during the summer season, you may also get to experience a boat tour through the icebergs with a local guide who will explain the phenomenon.

Day 4

On the fourth day, consider driving to the East Fjords towards the east. Here, you will get to explore some coastal villages and a small forest known as Hallormsstaðarskógur. During ancient times, people believed that there was a worm-like monster living in a lake by this forest. Locals will be more than willing to tell you stories like these. Close to this forest, you will also find a very beautiful waterfall. However, you will have to walk up for 30 minutes with a guide to reach it.