🇮🇸 Iceland & 🇩🇰 Denmark, July 2026

Pick up car - Sixt City Center station

Depart straight after, drive south to Dragør, ~15 min.

Dragør old town & harbour

Thatched-roof cottages, cobblestones, working fishing harbour. A quiet warm-up before the castles.

Drive to Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød

~60 minutes, looping north around Copenhagen.

Frederiksborg Castle & gardens

🇩🇰 Denmark's largest Renaissance castle, set on its own island with Baroque gardens to walk.

Drive to Fredensborg Palace Gardens

~15 minutes.

Fredensborg Palace Gardens

Free, open 24/7. Baroque gardens by Esrum Lake - palace interior is guided-tour-only with advance online tickets, but the gardens are a lovely walk on their own.

Drive to Helsingør

~15 minutes.

Lunch - Café Dix

Classic smørrebrød, hyggelig atmosphere, strong local following.

Alternatives nearby: Rådmand Davids Hus (4.4★, traditional rye-bread sandwiches, cosy courtyard, open 10:00–17:00) or Borgerkroen (4.3★, set 3-piece smørrebrød menu, by the ferry, open 10:00–19:00).

Kronborg Castle

Hamlet's Elsinore - casemates, ramparts, and the statue of Holger Danske in the dungeon.

Coffee - Strandvejsristeriet

Roastery café right next to the castle, views included.

Drive back to Copenhagen

~45 minutes, direct via the motorway.

Back in Copenhagen

Drop off the car, freshen up - plenty of daylight left before dinner.

Self-drive boat - GoBoat, Islands Brygge

Solar-powered picnic boat, up to 8 people, no licence needed - you're the captain. Rented by the boat, not per person, so it's the cheaper option. Bring your own picnic and drinks on board (2 units of alcohol per person allowed), or pre-order a picnic basket. Cruise the main harbour, Christianshavn's canals, and past the Opera House at golden hour.

Walk to Christianshavn

~15 minutes on foot from Islands Brygge, over Bryggebroen bridge.

Sunset - ROOF – Bar & Lounge

8th-floor rooftop terrace in Christianshavn, right by the harbour, with views over Børsen, Christiansborg, and the copper towers - sunset is around 21:47.

Wrap up

Head back to the hotel, still glowing outside - white nights.

Free time in Copenhagen

Check out of 25hours Hotel Indre By whenever suits - standard checkout, luggage stored free at reception.

Dinner - Restaurant Palægade

Relaxed sit-down dinner, ~1h45 - no need to rush this part.

Walk back to 25hours Hotel

~600m, ~15 min. Collect bags from reception.

Walk to Nørreport Station

~15 min on foot from the hotel.

Metro to Copenhagen Airport

M2 line, direct, ~20–25 min. Trains run every 4–6 minutes, no need to time it precisely.

Arrive at the airport

~1h50 before the flight departs at 22:35 - comfortable buffer.

Pick up car - SIXT 🇮🇸 Iceland, Keflavík Airport

Tesla Model Y Long Range. Depart straight after toward Krýsuvík.

Drive to Krýsuvík/Seltún Parking

~35 km, ~30 min on road 42. Park here, then it's a short walk into the geothermal area.

Krýsuvík geothermal area

Boardwalk loop past bubbling mud pots and steam vents. Paid parking, easy short walk - 45 min for an unhurried look.

Drive to Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs

~9 km, ~15 min. ⚠️ Last 3–4 km is a rough gravel road - manageable at low speed, but take it slowly.

Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs

Dramatic sea cliffs and a bird colony. Very windy - keep well back from the edge. 45 min to walk the cliff-top path at ease.

Drive to Selfoss

~68 km, ~60 min via road 42 and Þrengslavegur (39) onto road 1.

Lunch & a look around - Mjólkurbúið Mathöll, Selfoss

A renovated 1929 dairy building turned food hall - 8 stalls (Thai, Italian, tacos, burgers, a skyr bar) so everyone can pick their own. Afterwards, a short stroll through the New Old Town (Miðbær) at Bruartorg square and along the Ölfusá River past the old suspension bridge. Penninn Eymundsson nearby for books/souvenirs if you want to browse.

Drive to Kerið Parking

~16 km, ~15 min north on road 35. Park here - the crater rim is a 1-minute walk from the lot.

Kerið Crater

Volcanic crater lake - walk the rim, with an optional path down to the water. Free parking, an hour for the full loop at a relaxed pace.

Drive to Hotel Geysir

~48 km, ~45 min on road 35, Golden Circle.

Check in - Hotel Geysir

Drop bags, free parking on site.

Geysir geothermal area

A 2-minute walk from the hotel. Strokkur erupts every 6–10 minutes - 75 min gives time for several eruptions and a wander round the wider field.

Drive to Gullfoss

~10 km, ~15 min on road 35. Park at the upper car park, by the Visitor Center.

Upper viewpoint

Short paved walk (~400m) right from the car park to the classic wide panorama over both drops and the canyon, plus the newer canyon-edge platform.

Gullfoss Lower Lookout

Down the staircase from the upper viewpoint to the rock-level platform right by the falls - the ground vibrates and the spray is strong here. Bring a rain jacket.

Visitor Center

Back up to the car park - the Gullfoss Café (famous lamb soup) and gift shop are right there, a good last stop before driving off, since the center shuts around 18:30.

Drive back to Hotel Geysir

~10 km, ~15 min.

Back at Hotel Geysir

Freshen up before dinner.

Dinner - Hotel Geysir Restaurant

Depart Hotel Geysir

After breakfast. Drive south toward Þjórsárdalur.

Drive to Hjálparfoss

~40 km, ~45 min, paved road 30/32.

Hjálparfoss

Easy, paved access - twin falls tumbling into a round pool. A relaxed warm-up before Háifoss.

Drive to Háifoss

~30 min. ⚠️ Last 7 km is Road 332 - rough, unpaved, corrugated gravel. The Model Y's battery pack sits low, so take it slowly.

Háifoss

One of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, plunging into a dramatic canyon - a filming location for Stranger Things. Just a short, flat walk from the car park to the viewpoint, no climbing involved.

Drive to Urriðafoss

~75 km, ~75 min, back out to the Ring Road.

Urriðafoss

Iceland's most voluminous waterfall - wide, thundering, and right on the way. Paid parking via the Parka app.

Drive to Hvolsvöllur

~38 km, ~30 min on the Ring Road.

Lunch - Eldstó Art Café

Cozy cafe/restaurant with local pottery on the walls - lamb soup, fish & chips, and burgers all well reviewed. Walk-in, no reservation needed. A proper sit-down break in the middle of the day.

Krónan Hvolsvelli & Vínbúðin - BBQ & wine stop

Right next door to lunch. Krónan sells disposable one-time grills ("einnota grill" - foil tray, legs, pre-filled with charcoal, just light and go) plus marinated lamb, sausages, and sides. Icelandic supermarkets don't sell alcohol, so grab wine/beer at Vínbúðin next door - it's the only legal way to buy it outside a restaurant or bar.

Drive to Gluggafoss

~22 km, ~30 min into the Fljótshlíð valley.

Gluggafoss (Merkjárfoss)

Two-tier falls, easy path with a short, gentle climb for the best angle. Quiet compared to the big-name stops.

Drive to Gljúfrabúi

~16 km, ~15 min back toward Route 1.

Gljúfrabúi

The highest-rated stop of the day - a hidden waterfall tucked into a narrow canyon. Shares parking with Seljalandsfoss. Waterproof shoes help for the last stretch along the stream.

Walk to Seljalandsfoss

Same parking lot - no driving needed.

Seljalandsfoss

The iconic one - walk right behind the falls. Bring rain gear, you will get wet. Paid parking on site.

Drífandi

A quick roadside viewpoint on the way to the hotel - no walk needed, just pull off and look.

Check in - Seljalandsfoss Horizons

Settle in, then BBQ dinner with tonight's haul from Krónan and Vínbúðin - reviews mention the cottages have full kitchens too, as a backup if the weather turns.

Drive to Skógafoss

~32 km, ~30 min on the Ring Road.

Skógafoss

The big, iconic one - right by the road. Stairs to a top viewpoint if you want to extend the stop.

Drive to Dyrhólaey

~31 km, ~30 min.

Dyrhólaey

Cliffs, sea arch, puffin season. Paid parking via the Parka app.

Drive to Reynisfjara

~5 km, ~15 min.

Reynisfjara

Basalt columns and sea stacks. ⚠️ Sneaker waves here are genuinely dangerous - stay well back from the waterline, never turn your back on the ocean.

Drive to Víkurfjara

~2 km.

Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach

A second, quieter black beach - view of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks from the town side.

Drive to Vík í Mýrdal Church

~1 km.

Vík í Mýrdal Church

Hilltop, red roof - the classic postcard view over the town and the sea stacks.

Drive to Katla Center

~1 km.

Katla Center (Kötlusetur)

Small volcano/geology exhibition on Katla Geopark, gift shop, and a café - good spot for coffee.

Walk to Katla Wool Center

Next door, same block.

Katla Wool Center

Small family-run shop making and selling Icelandic wool sweaters, hats, and knitwear on site - 5★, 187 reviews. Tax-free forms available.

Drive to Suður-Vík

~1 km.

Lunch - Suður-Vík

Hillside restaurant with views over the sea stacks - 4.7★, 2,887 reviews.

Drive to Sólheimajökull

~28 km, ~30 min back west.

Sólheimajökull glacier

~20 min walk each way from the parking lot to the glacier edge, flat and easy - you can get right up to the ice. Walking onto the glacier itself needs a guided tour with crampons for crevasse safety, not something to do independently.

Drive to Írárfoss

~30 km, ~30 min.

Írárfoss

Hidden-gem waterfall, ~2-min walk from free parking - usually empty compared to the bigger names nearby.

Drive toward Selfoss

~90 km, ~1h15 on the Ring Road.

Drive to ION Adventure Hotel

~35 km, ~30 min on road 435 (Nesjavallaleið, summer-only road) - a scenic stretch through moss-covered lava fields with views toward Lake Þingvallavatn.

Drive to Iceland Lakeview Retreat

~15 km, ~15 min.

Iceland Lakeview Retreat

Quick look from the road - a private vacation rental, guests-only, being scouted for a possible future stay.

Drive to Hrafnagjá

~19 km, ~20 min.

Hrafnagjá Observation Deck

Sweeping view over Lake Þingvallavatn and the rift valley - small free lot right at the viewpoint.

Drive to Þingvellir National Park

~7 km, ~10 min.

Þingvellir National Park

Park at the Visitor Center - the main lot for the whole area. Includes Hakið (the main overlook, right by the visitor center), the Almannagjá gorge walk between the tectonic plates, Lögberg (site of the original 930 AD Alþingi), and Öxarárfoss waterfall.

Drive to Þingvellir Aurora Viewpoint

~4 km, ~10 min.

Þingvellir Aurora Viewpoint

Pull-off parking right at the viewpoint - interesting rock formations just below the car park.

Drive to Reykjavík

~56 km via road 36 (Þingvallavegur) - the west shore of the lake, then west through Mosfellsbær into the city.

Park - Traðarkot - Parking House

Essentially right at the hotel (43m away) and everything else for the afternoon and evening is within ~550m on foot. ⚠️ Reviews flag tight turning space inside - go slowly, a Tesla has reportedly scraped its front there.

Lunch - Café Loki

Traditional Icelandic food (lamb soup, rye bread, rye-bread ice cream), right across from Hallgrímskirkja.

Hallgrímskirkja

Climb the tower - the 360° view over the city is the real highlight, not the interior.

Walk Skólavörðustígur → Laugavegur

Rainbow street down into the main shopping street.

Check in - Canopy by Hilton City Centre

Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 11:00 · Free cancellation until 17 July 2026 · No on-site parking, garage across the street

Free time

No fixed plan - rest at the hotel, or pick from nearby options below, all walkable from the hotel.

Dinner - Fiskmarkaðurinn

Aðalstræti 12

Drive to Ögmundarhraun Lavafield Viewpoint

~46 km via road 42, past Krýsuvík/Kleifarvatn then onto Suðurstrandarvegur (427).

Ögmundarhraun Lavafield Viewpoint

A much older lava field from 1151 AD (the "Krýsuvík Fires") - unrelated to the current volcanic activity, just a scenic photo-stop right on the way.

Drive to Geldingadalir Parking (P1)

~10 km, continuing on road 427.

Hike to Stórhóll viewpoint and back

Pay parking on arrival (Parka app, 1,000 ISK/24h; restrooms on site for 500 ISK). ~2.6 km one-way, easy-to-medium difficulty - the trail runs alongside the cooled 2021 lava field, with the crater visible about 1 km off, often still visibly steaming. No active eruption right now, but the landscape and views over the Reykjanes Peninsula are worthwhile regardless - check almannavarnir.is or safetravel.is before setting out. Sturdy hiking boots and a wind/waterproof layer recommended. ~2h45 round trip including time at the viewpoint.

Drive to Blue Lagoon

~9 km, ~15 min.

Coffee / relax before your slot

No fixed plan - check-in typically opens 30–45 min before your booked time.

Blue Lagoon

~2h45, a comfortable middle ground - enough for the sauna, mask bar, and a relaxed soak without rushing. Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes; towels are included in every package.

Drive to Park Inn Keflavík

~18 km, ~15 min.

Check in - Park Inn by Radisson Keflavik (stay 2 of 2)

Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 11:00 · Free cancellation until 17 July 2026

Dinner - LiBRARY bistro/bar

Right in the hotel - no extra driving. Icelandic and western dishes, happy hour 15:00–19:00.

Check out, drive to SIXT car return

~5 km, ~10 min - the car return lot (Blikavöllur 5) is a short walk from the terminal itself.

Return inspection, walk to terminal

~20 min - vehicle check plus the short walk (~200m) back into the terminal.

At the terminal - check-in and security

⚠️ Honest flag: this lands you at the terminal ~1h25 before departure, not the full 2 hours you wanted. Icelandair's own guidance says 2 hours is enough for this route (Iceland-Denmark is Schengen-to-Schengen, no passport control needed - their 2h figure, not the 3h reserved for non-Schengen flights), so 1h25 with online check-in already done should still work, but it's tighter than your target. If you want the full 2 hours, worth asking SIXT for a drop-off closer to 08:30 instead of the currently booked 09:00.

Land at Copenhagen Airport

Iceland and Denmark are both in the Schengen area, so no passport control expected - just baggage claim, ~20 min.

Train to Copenhagen Central Station

Direct train, ~15 min, runs every few minutes. Faster and simpler than a taxi at this hour.

Check in - Radisson Collection Royal CPH

Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 12:00 · Free cancellation until 19 July 2026 · Right next to the Central Station and Tivoli Gardens - no further transit needed today.

Tivoli Gardens

Right next door to the hotel - gardens, rides, live music, and famously atmospheric once the lights come on in the evening. 4.5★, 91,981 reviews.

Walk to Köd

~1.3 km, ~20–25 min on foot.

Dinner - Köd

Steakhouse, 4.4★, 1,626 reviews - well reviewed for cuts and service, worth booking ahead.

Check out, walk to Copenhagen Central Station

~5 min on foot - the hotel is right next door.

Train to Copenhagen Airport

Direct train, ~15 min, runs every few minutes.

Arrive at the airport

~2h45 before departure - comfortably clears your 2.5-hour target.