Iceland blends Viking sagas with otherworldly geology: rift valleys, lava fields, thundering waterfalls, and floating icebergs. September is a sweet spot—lighter crowds, crisp air, and dark enough nights to chase the Northern Lights. You’ll drive safe, well‑marked roads, sip geothermal warmth, and pause often for photographs you’ll frame at home.

Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, anchors your week with creative cuisine (plenty of vegetarian options), craft coffee, and striking design from Hallgrímskirkja to Harpa. From here, day‑trip the Golden Circle—Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss—and detour to a tomato greenhouse for lunch. Then trace the South Coast to Vík, where basalt cliffs meet black sands and glacier tongues reach toward the sea.

Practical notes: September averages 5–11°C; pack layers, waterproofs, and a warm hat. Roads are paved on this route; you don’t need to drive on F‑roads. Budget extra time for weather and photo stops. Reserve lagoons and popular restaurants in advance, especially on weekends.

Reykjavík

Colorful corrugated houses, Nordic design stores, and a thriving café scene set Reykjavík’s mood. Climb Hallgrímskirkja’s tower for a city‑and‑sea panorama, stroll the old harbor, and catch sunset reflections on Harpa’s glass façade. Come evening, sample Icelandic‑Indian, vegan street eats, or hot tomato soup straight from the vine.

• Where to stay (search and book): Hotels.com Reykjavik | VRBO Reykjavik
• Good picks by vibe: Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel (stylish, walkable), Fosshotel Reykjavik (modern, parking), Center Hotels Laugavegur (central). Apartments on VRBO are great if you want kitchen access.
• Getting here from Mumbai (Sep 2026 sample): 1‑stop flights via the Middle East or Europe, ~14–18 hours total. Compare fares on Omio Flights (to/from Europe) and Kiwi.com. Car pick‑up at Keflavík Airport (KEF) is straightforward.

Vík í Mýrdal

Vík is your South Coast base—set between dramatic sea stacks and moss‑draped lava fields. From here you’ll zigzag to waterfalls you can walk behind, surf‑roaring black‑sand beaches, and even icebergs at Jökulsárlón on a big‑sky day trip.

• Where to stay (search and book): Hotels.com Vík | VRBO Vík
• Good picks by vibe: Hotel Kría (modern, views), Hótel Vík í Mýrdal (central), Black Beach Suites (aparthotel with kitchens), The Barn (stylish budget).

Car & Driving Notes (Self‑Drive)

• Vehicle recommendation (automatic): Compact SUV/AWD like Dacia Duster Automatic, Toyota RAV4 Automatic, or Kia Sportage Automatic. AWD is comforting if weather turns, but a 2WD automatic compact also works on this paved route.
• Insurance: Add gravel protection and wind/sand coverage for the South Coast. Carry a paper map as backup.
• Rules: Headlights on 24/7; speed limits 90 km/h (paved rural), 50 km/h (urban). Many one‑lane bridges—yield and proceed slowly. Never drive onto closed/F‑roads in a non‑4x4.

Day 1: Arrive Iceland, Settle into Reykjavík

Estimated temps: 6–10°C. Driving today: ~50 km / 45 min total.

Afternoon (arrival window 14:00–16:00): Collect your automatic rental at KEF and drive to Reykjavík. Check in and freshen up. Stretch your legs along the Old Harbor and Sun Voyager sculpture—soft light makes lovely portraits.

Evening (18:30–21:30): Dinner at Kaffi Vínyl (100% vegan, cozy; try the seitan burger or Thai bowl) or Mama Reykjavik (plant‑based, Indian‑Caribbean flavors; order the thali or jackfruit curry). Nightcap cocoa at Sandholt Bakery or espresso at Reykjavík Roasters.

• Driving & Photo Notes: KEF → Reykjavík: 50 km | 45 min | Photogenic: Reykjanes lava fields, Sun Voyager at sunset.

Day 2: Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) + Tomato Greenhouse Lunch

Estimated temps: 5–11°C (cooler by waterfalls). Driving today: ~260–280 km / ~5 hrs moving time.

Morning (08:00–12:00): Breakfast at Brauð & Co (cardamom buns, veggie sandwiches). Depart 08:30 for Þingvellir National Park (arrive ~09:15). Walk the Almannagjá rift and Law Rock—where the world’s oldest parliament convened. Optional short detour to the Öxarárfoss waterfall.

Afternoon (12:00–17:00): Continue to the Geysir geothermal area (~1 hr), then Gullfoss (10 min). Feel the spray from the upper viewpoint. Late lunch at Friðheimar in Reykholt (tomato soup with unlimited sourdough, vegan options—reserve ahead). If time, soak at Laugarvatn Fontana on your return.

Evening (18:30–21:30): Back to Reykjavík for dinner at Hlemmur Mathöll food hall: Skál! (seasonal veg dishes), Yuzu (veg burger), or Banh Mi (tofu banh mi). If skies are clear after 22:00, drive to Grótta Lighthouse for a first Northern Lights peek.

• Driving & Photo Notes:
• Reykjavík → Þingvellir: 48 km | 45 min | Photogenic: Silfra fissure, Almannagjá canyon.
• Þingvellir → Geysir: 60 km | 1 hr | Photogenic: steam vents, Strokkur eruptions.
• Geysir → Gullfoss: 10 km | 10 min | Photogenic: double falls from the lower trail.
• Gullfoss → Friðheimar (Reykholt): 30 km | 30 min | Photogenic: greenhouse rows glowing warm light.
• Reykholt → Reykjavík (via Kerið crater optional stop): 65–85 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Photogenic: Kerið’s red slopes and aqua lake.

Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Day Trip (Arnarstapi, Búðir, Kirkjufell)

Estimated temps: 4–10°C (wind‑chill likely). Driving today: ~440–470 km / 7–8 hrs moving time.

Morning (07:00–12:00): Early start. Coffee and pastry to go. Drive to Búðir (2.5 hrs) to photograph the black church against golden grass and the sea. Continue to Arnarstapi; walk the clifftop path to Hellnar (1–1.5 hrs round trip) for basalt arches and blowholes.

Afternoon (12:00–18:00): Picnic (bakery goods, fruit, and skyr; plenty of veg snacks from Reykjavík groceries). Stop at Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach, then loop to Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss—one of Iceland’s most photographed scenes.

Evening (19:00–22:00): Return to Reykjavík. Dinner at Nepalese Kitchen (excellent veg curries, momos) or Austur‑Indíafélagið (heritage Indian, great dal and saag). If aurora conditions are promising, make a short post‑dinner dash to a dark pull‑off by Þingvallavatn.

• Driving & Photo Notes:
• Reykjavík → Búðir: ~180 km | 2.5 hrs | Photogenic: Búðakirkja, lava fields into the sea.
• Búðir → Arnarstapi: 10 km | 15 min | Photogenic: Gatklettur arch, seabirds.
• Arnarstapi → Djúpalónssandur: 25 km | 30 min | Photogenic: shipwreck remains on black stones.
• Djúpalónssandur → Kirkjufell: 63 km | 1 hr | Photogenic: classic waterfall + mountain cone.
• Kirkjufell → Reykjavík: ~183 km | 2.5 hrs | Photogenic: coastal sunsets over Faxaflói.

Day 4: South Coast to Vík (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara)

Estimated temps: 5–11°C. Driving today: ~220–240 km / 4–5 hrs moving time.

Morning (08:00–12:30): Check out after bakery breakfast. Drive to Seljalandsfoss (1h45). Walk behind the falls; bring a rain shell. Five minutes farther is Gljúfrabúi, hidden in a mossy gorge. Continue 25 min to Skógafoss; climb the stairs for views and walk to nearby Kvernufoss (gentle 45‑min round trip).

Afternoon (12:30–17:00): Lunch at The Soup Company in Vík (vegan “red hot lava” soup) or a veg burger at Smiðjan Brugghús. Then Dyrhólaey promontory (arch views, puffins taper off by September) and Reynisfjara black‑sand beach—respect sneaker waves, stay well back from the water.

Evening (18:30–21:30): Check in at your Vík stay. Dinner at Suður‑Vík (veg pizza/pastas) or Halldórskaffi (veg soups, salads). Aurora watch after 22:00 if the KP index and skies cooperate.

• Driving & Photo Notes:
• Reykjavík → Seljalandsfoss: 129 km | 1h45 | Photogenic: curtain of water, sunset glow.
• Seljalandsfoss → Skógafoss: 29 km | 25 min | Photogenic: rainbow arcs on sunny days.
• Skógafoss → Dyrhólaey: 37 km | 40 min | Photogenic: arch and lighthouse vistas.
• Dyrhólaey → Reynisfjara: 21 km | 25 min | Photogenic: basalt columns, Reynisdrangar stacks.
• Reynisfjara → Vík: 11 km | 15 min | Photogenic: church on the hill above town.

Day 5: Big Eastward Day—Skaftafell, Svartifoss, Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach

Estimated temps: 3–10°C inland; colder by the ice. Driving today: ~440–470 km / 7–8 hrs moving time.

Morning (07:30–12:00): Early departure from Vík. First stop: Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon (50–60 min trail along the rim). Continue to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park (arrive ~10:30). Hike to Svartifoss (1.5–2 hrs round trip) with its basalt‑column backdrop.

Afternoon (12:00–18:00): Drive to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (45 min). Watch icebergs drift, then cross the road to Diamond Beach for shimmering ice on black sand. Optional 30–45 min boat tour if available on arrival. Snack lunch: sandwiches, fruit, and thermos tea (veg‑friendly groceries are good in Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur).

Evening (18:00–22:00): Return to Vík. Dinner at The Soup Company or Smidjan (veg options). If skies are clear, a quick aurora stop by the church hill or a dark turnout east of town.

• Driving & Photo Notes:
• Vík → Fjaðrárgljúfur: 69 km | 50 min | Photogenic: serpentine canyon from upper viewpoint.
• Fjaðrárgljúfur → Skaftafell: 120 km | 1h30 | Photogenic: glacier tongues and fall colors.
• Skaftafell → Jökulsárlón: 57 km | 45 min | Photogenic: floating ice, seals.
• Jökulsárlón ↔ Diamond Beach: 1 km | 3 min | Photogenic: ice “diamonds” on black sand.
• Jökulsárlón → Vík: 220 km | 2h40 | Photogenic: lava fields under twilight.

Day 6: Vík Slow Morning, Sólheimasandur Hike, Return to Reykjavík + Lagoon Soak

Estimated temps: 5–11°C. Driving today: ~210–230 km / 3.5–4 hrs moving time.

Morning (08:30–12:30): Easy start—coffee and pastries in town. If you’re up for it, hike to the Sólheimasandur DC‑3 plane wreck (7 km round trip on flat gravel; allow ~2–3 hrs). Alternatively, book a guided Katla ice cave tour (3 hrs) from Vík with a licensed local outfitter.

Afternoon (12:30–17:00): Drive back toward Reykjavík, stopping in Hveragerði for a late veg lunch at local cafés. Check into your Reykjavík hotel. Book an evening soak at Sky Lagoon or a city pool (Vesturbæjarlaug) if you prefer local vibes.

Evening (18:30–21:30): Farewell dinner: Gandhi Indian Restaurant (excellent veg curries), Sumac (Levantine flavors; strong vegetarian meze), or Noodle Station (brothy bowls with tofu/veg). If it’s clear, one last aurora scout at Grótta.

• Driving & Photo Notes:
• Vík → Sólheimasandur car park: 12 km | 10–15 min | Photogenic: stark black sand vistas.
• Sólheimasandur → Reykjavík: 186 km | 2h30 | Photogenic: Eyjafjallajökull views near Hvolsvöllur.

Day 7: Reykjavík Café Culture, Souvenirs, and Departure

Estimated temps: 6–10°C. Driving today: ~50 km / 45 min.

Morning (08:30–11:30): Brunch at Reykjavík Roasters + plated veg breakfast at Bergsson Mathús. Ride the elevator up Hallgrímskirkja for a final look across the city. Shop for Icelandic wool scarves on Skólavörðustígur.

Afternoon (12:00–15:00): Return your car and depart KEF. If you’re not self‑driving, shuttle buses run frequently; compare options on Omio Buses.

• Driving & Photo Notes: Reykjavík → KEF: 50 km | 45 min | Photogenic: lava fields and Atlantic horizons as farewell frames.

Where to Eat (Vegetarian‑Friendly Shortlist)

• Reykjavík: Kaffi Vínyl (100% vegan), Mama Reykjavik (plant‑based), Nepalese Kitchen (veg momos/curries), Austur‑Indíafélagið (classic Indian), Hlemmur Mathöll (multiple veg options), Sandholt & Brauð & Co (bakeries), Noodle Station (tofu bowls), Joylato (liquid‑nitrogen gelato with vegan bases).
• South Coast / Vík: The Soup Company (vegan soup), Smiðjan Brugghús (veg burger), Suður‑Vík (veg pizza/pasta), Halldórskaffi (soups/salads), Black Crust Pizzeria (ask for veg toppings).
• Golden Circle: Friðheimar Tomato Farm (veggie tomato soup and breads), Laugarvatn Fontana café (soups, rye bread).

Not Driving? Transport Alternatives

• Airport and intercity: Reykjavík airport shuttles and South Coast/Golden Circle day tours operate daily. Compare options on Omio Buses. Note: There are no intercity trains in Iceland.
• Flights (Mumbai ↔ KEF): 1‑stop options via EU or Middle East; compare on Omio Flights and Kiwi.com.

Safety & Seasonal Tips (September)

• Check daily weather and road conditions each morning; winds can be strong on the South Coast. Keep both hands on the wheel and open car doors carefully.
• Never turn your back on the waves at Reynisfjara; obey warning signs and stay far up‑beach.
• For Northern Lights, escape light pollution 22:00–01:00. Even a 15‑minute drive helps—bring a tripod, shoot at ISO 1600–3200, f/2.8–4, 5–10s to start.

Optional Pre‑Trip Warm‑Up in Mumbai (Weekend Before You Fly)

Get in travel mode with a half‑day of your home city—easy, fun, and photogenic.

• Highlights of Mumbai Sightseeing Tour: TRAVELLERS CHOICE AWARDED

  

  CST, Dhobi Ghat, Crawford Market, and more—inspiration for your Iceland photo eye.

Trip summary: In one week you’ll taste Reykjavík’s creative food scene, circle the Golden Circle’s volcanic icons, and roam the South Coast’s greatest hits—from secret canyons to glacier lagoons. September’s cool nights bring aurora chances, while daylight still stretches enough for long, beautiful drives and unhurried explorations.