19-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Iceland
Iceland is a playground for the imagination, offering families a rare chance to connect with raw nature while enjoying world-class infrastructure. This 19-day journey follows the famous Ring Road at a relaxed pace, ensuring that even the youngest travelers (and their parents) remain energized and enchanted by the waterfalls, glaciers, and folklore of the North Atlantic.
Our Family Travel Guide focus prioritizes comfort and accessibility. We’ve selected intercity routes that balance driving time with exciting pit stops, and highlighted attractions where strollers and little legs can navigate safely. Get ready for an epic journey that blends adventure with the ease of modern Icelandic living.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland - Arrival & Settling In
Arrival at Keflavik Airport
Touch down and pick up your family-sized SUV. The airport is stroller-friendly and easy to navigate with little ones.
Check-in at Hotel Reykjavik Saga
A central, family-friendly hotel that offers spacious rooms and easy access to the downtown area.
Tjörnin Lake Walk
Take a gentle stroll around the city pond to feed the ducks and swans—a favorite local activity for toddlers.
Dinner at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Enjoy a casual first meal at Iceland's most famous hot dog stand, located right in the heart of the city.
Day 2: Reykjavik, Iceland - City Wonders
Perlan Museum
Explore the interactive exhibits, including a real indoor ice cave that is safe and exciting for children.
Laugardalslaug Pool
Visit Reykjavik's largest thermal pool, featuring a dedicated kids' area with slides and shallow warm water.
Reykjavik Family Park & Zoo
Meet Icelandic farm animals, seals, and reindeer in a setting designed for young children and strollers.
Stroll Rainbow Street
Walk down Skólavörðustígur for photos and souvenir shopping in a car-free environment.
Day 3: Reykjavik, Iceland - Maritime Adventures
Whales of Iceland Exhibition
A massive indoor display of life-sized whale models that is stroller-accessible and educational.
Grandis Food Hall
A great spot for family lunch with diverse options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Old Harbour Walk
Enjoy the sea breeze and watch the fishing boats come in before heading to a local bakery.
Relaxation at the Hotel
Wind down early to prepare for the start of your road trip adventure tomorrow.
Day 4: Golden Circle, Iceland - History & Tectonics
Drive to Thingvellir National Park
A UNESCO site where you can walk between tectonic plates on well-maintained, stroller-friendly paths.
Lunch at Efstidalur II
A farm-to-table restaurant where kids can watch the cows through a glass window while eating ice cream.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Witness Strokkur erupt every few minutes. The paths are flat and easy for small children to navigate.
Gullfoss Waterfall
View the majestic "Golden Falls" from the upper deck, which is accessible for strollers.
Day 5: Golden Circle, Iceland - Secret Lagoons
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
A natural hot spring in Flúðir that is much quieter and more affordable than the Blue Lagoon.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Eat lunch inside a greenhouse surrounded by tomato plants. Kids love the bumblebees and tomato soup.
Kerið Crater
Take photos of the stunning blue water in this volcanic crater from the accessible rim path.
Stay in Hella
Drive to the south coast town of Hella for a quiet evening at a family lodge.
Day 6: South Coast, Iceland - Waterfalls & Wonder
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Watch the water tumble from 60 meters. While the path behind the falls is slippery, the front view is easy to reach.
Skógafoss Waterfall
A massive and iconic waterfall. The ground is flat gravel, making it easy to get close with a stroller.
Skógar Museum
Explore the traditional turf houses, which provide a magical "hobbit-like" experience for children.
Dyrhólaey Viewpoint
Drive to the top for a panoramic view of the black sand beaches and potential puffin sightings.
Day 7: Vik, Iceland - Black Sands
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Famous for its basalt columns. Keep a safe distance from the waves, as they are unpredictable.
Lunch in Vik Village
Stop at Smiðjan Brugghús for great burgers and a relaxed family atmosphere.
Icelandic Lava Show
The only place in the world where you can safely see real molten lava flowing indoors.
Evening Walk in Vik
Visit the iconic red-roofed church overlooking the town for sunset photos.
Day 8: Vatnajökulsárlón, Iceland - Glacial Giants
Drive to Jökulsárlón
A scenic drive east toward the most famous glacier lagoon in the country.
Amphibian Boat Tour
Take the family onto the lagoon to see icebergs up close. These boats are safe for all ages.
Diamond Beach
Walk across the road to see chunks of ice washed up on the black sand like sparkling diamonds.
Fjallsárlón Lagoon
A smaller, quieter glacier lagoon nearby that is perfect for a peaceful family moment.
Day 9: Höfn, Iceland - The Lobster Capital
Stokksnes & Vestrahorn
Visit the Viking Village film set and enjoy the stunning mountain views on the accessible beach.
Lunch in Höfn
Taste the famous local langoustine (Icelandic lobster) at Pakkhús Restaurant.
Höfn Swimming Pool
A great place for kids to play in the slides while parents enjoy the hot tubs with a view.
Harbor Stroll
Watch the fishing boats in this busy port town before retiring to your guesthouse.
Day 10: Eastfjords, Iceland - Scenic Serenity
Drive to Djúpivogur
Enjoy one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, with many safe pull-offs for photos.
Eggin í Gleðivík
Check out the 34 large granite eggs representing local bird species—a hit with the kids.
Petra’s Stone Collection
A whimsical garden filled with thousands of colorful Icelandic rocks and minerals in Stöðvarfjörður.
Stay in Fáskrúðsfjörður
Check into a charming hotel in this historic French-influenced fishing village.
Day 11: Egilsstaðir, Iceland - Lakeside Relaxation
Vök Baths
Floating geothermal pools on Lake Urriðavatn. They offer a very calm and high-end family experience.
Lunch in Egilsstaðir
Visit Askur Pizzeria for a quick and kid-friendly meal in the regional hub of the east.
Hallormsstaðaskógur Forest
Explore Iceland's largest forest with easy walking trails and plenty of picnic spots.
Lagarfljót Lake
Keep an eye out for the "Lagarfljót Worm," Iceland’s version of the Loch Ness Monster!
Day 12: Lake Mývatn, Iceland - Geothermal Wonders
Drive to Mývatn
Cross the lunar-like highlands of East Iceland to reach the volcanic Lake Mývatn area.
Hverir Mud Pools
See bubbling mud and steaming fumaroles. Stay on the marked paths as the ground is very hot.
Dimmuborgir Lava Fields
Walk through the "Dark Castles" of lava. The main loops are wide and stroller-accessible.
Mývatn Nature Baths
Relax in the "Blue Lagoon of the North" after a day of exploring volcanic craters.
Day 13: Akureyri, Iceland - Capital of the North
Goðafoss Waterfall
Stop at the "Waterfall of the Gods" on your way to Akureyri. It’s easily accessible from the parking lot.
Whale Watching from Akureyri
A smoother boat ride than the open ocean, making it better for children prone to seasickness.
Akureyri Botanical Garden
One of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, featuring beautiful flowers and a cafe.
Ice Cream at Brynja
Do as the locals do and enjoy a famous soft-serve ice cream, even in the cold!
Day 14: Akureyri, Iceland - Cultural North
Akureyri Church
Visit the iconic church designed by the same architect as Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik.
Hof Cultural Center
A modern building with great views of the fjord and kid-friendly exhibitions.
Kjarnaskógur Forest
A massive playground and wooded area perfect for letting the kids run off some energy.
Dinner at Akureyri Fish & Chips
Enjoy fresh, local catch in a casual setting that is perfect for families.
Day 15: Tröllaskagi, Iceland - Giants & Tunnels
Drive the Troll Peninsula
Explore high mountains and deep fjords, passing through some of Iceland's longest tunnels.
Siglufjörður Herring Era Museum
An award-winning museum that brings the old fishing days to life with interactive displays.
Pool with a View in Hofsós
Swim in an infinity pool that looks directly over the North Atlantic Ocean.
Stay in Sauðárkrókur
A peaceful town known for its horse breeding and proximity to local history.
Day 16: Westfjords, Iceland - Remote Beauty
Drive to Ísafjörður
Prepare for a long but spectacular drive into the most remote part of Iceland.
Lunch at Tjöruhúsið
Often called the best seafood restaurant in Iceland. It’s family-style and very welcoming.
Maritime Museum in Ísafjörður
Learn about the seafaring history of this isolated region in an old 18th-century house.
Evening Fjord Walk
Take a quiet walk along the water’s edge in the largest town of the Westfjords.
Day 17: Westfjords, Iceland - Dynjandi Majesty
Dynjandi Waterfall
The jewel of the Westfjords. The path to the base is easy, though the climb to the top is steep.
Picnic at the Falls
There are great picnic tables at the base of Dynjandi for a memorable family lunch.
Flateyri Village
Visit the "Old Bookstore" and enjoy the quiet charm of this tiny fishing village.
Relax in Ísafjörður
Stock up on supplies at the local supermarket before heading south tomorrow.
Day 18: Snæfellsnes, Iceland - Iceland in Miniature
Ferry Baldur to Stykkishólmur
Take the ferry from Brjánslækur across Breiðafjörður Bay. Kids will love the boat ride.
Kirkjufell Mountain
Photograph the most famous mountain in Iceland. The path to the nearby waterfall is easy.
Djúpalónssandur Beach
Let the kids play with the "lifting stones" on this beautiful pebbled beach.
Stay in Arnarstapi
A tiny coastal village with incredible rock formations and easy clifftop walks.
Day 19: Return to Reykjavik, Iceland - The Blue Farewell
Drive to Grindavík
Make your way back toward the Reykjanes Peninsula for your final stop.
Blue Lagoon
The perfect way to end your trip. Children must be 2 years or older to enter the water.
Gunnuhver Hot Springs
A quick stop at the nearby steam vents for a final look at Iceland's volcanic power.
Final Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a meal in Keflavik before your morning flight home tomorrow.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
For a family trip, the best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August). You'll enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight, making travel times less stressful and ensuring all outdoor activities are accessible. The weather is milder, and all roads, including those in the Westfjords, are generally open and safe. If you prefer to see the Northern Lights, late September or early October offers a balance of darkness and manageable road conditions.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). However, Iceland is almost entirely cashless. You can pay for everything—from a single hot dog to a remote parking fee—using a credit or debit card. Tipping is not expected in Iceland, as service and VAT are already included in the prices. It is helpful to have a card with a PIN for automated gas pumps.
Getting Around Iceland
The most comfortable and flexible way for a family to travel is by renting a car. There are no passenger trains in Iceland. While there is a public bus system (Strætó), it does not reach many of the remote natural attractions. For a 19-day trip, a 4WD SUV is highly recommended to handle gravel roads and provide enough space for luggage and strollers. Domestic flights are available between Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Ísafjörður if you wish to cut down on driving time.
