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Iceland: the ultimate guide – map, itineraries and tips

From the majestic waterfalls of the south to the iconic Ring Road. Everything you need to travel on your own in one place - including lesser-known spots and exclusive car discounts.

Martin & Tina

Guide creator

Map of 84 places
Itineraries & trips around
Practical tips, accomodation tips
5% discount on car rental

Guide price: xxxxx

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What to expect

Iceland is not just a destination, it’s an intense sensory reboot. In this guide, we’ve put together our top travel experiences around the island. We’ll take you along the iconic southern coastline with its black beaches, show you the magical corners of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and drive the entire Ring Road together. We haven’t forgotten about winter lovers either – we’ve prepared a special version for travelling during the Northern Lights and frozen icefalls.

Forget about spending hours piecing together information from the internet. In one place you’ll find an interactive map, practical advice on wading and parking, and tried-and-tested accommodation tips. As an added bonus, you’ll get a 5% discount on car hire from our popular car rental company, which will make your investment in the guidebook worthwhile the first time you turn the key in the ignition.

Before your trip

Car rental

The best way to get around Iceland is undoubtedly by car. The most convenient way for us is to choose a car at Blue Car Rental, a car rental company based right at the airport that offers a wide range of cars at fair prices, including top insurance.

Blue Car Rental

Book through Retkee and get a 5% discount.

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Accommodation

Iceland is best discovered gradually, so it's not worth staying in one place. To make sure you don't miss out on a morning coffee with a glacier view, we've selected tried-and-tested hotels and apartments at strategic points around the island.

Skuggi Hotel

Reykjavík • $$$

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Skuggi Hotel is a modern hotel in the centre of Reykjavik, offering smaller but well-equipped rooms and free parking. Its main advantage is its location, where you are a few minutes to the water, but also to the very centre or to the supermarket.

Kerbyggð

Selfoss • $$

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One of the most beautiful accommodations we can recommend in Iceland. Separate cells for 4 to 6 people, with spacious kitchen, living room and jacuzzi on the terrace.

Vík Apartments

Vík • $$

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Modern and well-equipped apartments right in the centre of the small town of Vík, in the south of Iceland. The apartments are located opposite the business centre, just a few dozen metres from the Hotel Vík, where check-in and check-out takes place.

Hérað - Berjaya Iceland Hotels

Egilsstaðir • $$

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A modern and clean hotel right in the centre of Egilsstadir in the north of Iceland. The hotel is close to Vök Baths and several larger shops.

Hótel Hamar

Borgarnes • $$

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Beautiful accommodation near Borgarnes in the west of Iceland. It offers not only classic rooms, but also stunning cottages with beautiful views of the golf course and surrounding countryside.

How do our recommendations work?

We only recommend trusted companies and services we’ve personally tried. By clicking through and making a booking, you support Retkee and its continued development.

Places & trips

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51 places

From famous waterfalls to hot springs.

Attractions

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Interesting place

Búðakirkja

Iceland

Waterfall

Dettifoss

North Iceland

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Itineraries & trips

Plans for 1 to 14 days: the South Coast, Snaefellsnes and an adventurous winter trip.

Itinerary

A day in Reykjavik

1 day 5 places

Itinerary

The neglected peninsula of Snæfellsnes

2 days 12 places

Itinerary