Family of 4 (2 teenagers) heading to Iceland this August. We are soliciting input on a good 7 night trip. Not into museums rather enjoy the great outdoors. Thinking:
Reychavik (2 nights including golden circle)
Drive to Glaciers in Skaftafell (3 nights)
Drive back to Vik (2 nights) including Westward island
Head back to Reykjavik and fly home
Thoughts? Doable?
Sounds doable to me!
I recommend the Reykjadalur hike. It is fantastic, more or less mid way between Reykjavik and Vik. A fairly short hike to the river that is literally the temperature of a comfy hot tub. Shallow enough to just sit in and relax. Along the way you'll see many thermal vents, some hot pots, and waterfalls.
The Westman Islands was fantastic, with some good hiking available, right over the top of eldfell volcano! The ground is still warm, they say. I thought the volcano museum there was mind blowing, but if your teens wouldn't like it just make sure you read Rick's book or some other resources about the 1974(?) eruption so you can appreciate how unique this island and town are.
For bottomless teenage bellies, look for buffets at restaurants. The Soup Company in Vik isn't all you can eat, but you do get 2 helpings and the bowls are BIG.
Doable,
however, I suggest you consider a tour. We had a fantastic Ring Road tour with Nordic Visitor that took us all over the island.
If you don't want to do a tour and focus on key places, don't miss the Golden Circle and the areas in the southeast of the country where there are glaciers, especially a glacier lake that you can take a boat ride on among many icebergs.
Make sure you book your hotels before you take off on your own.
Also, make sure you have a great map as a backup to GPS.
