7 Days 6 Night Iceland Itinerary in Autumn

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Unlike our previous trip where did multiple stopover at major attraction, we took a slower pace this round! Visited more museum during the bad weather and kids friendly attraction. Also, we stayed at a friend place. Making Reykholt (near golden circle) as our base. Thus, we did not explore too many attractions. 

If you are planning to explore the coastal area of Iceland, do check out our 2018 6D5N trip to iceland!  

Below are the address, entrance fee, opening hours and things to know for all 16 stops on our 7-day Iceland itinerary with a toddler, in the order we visited them in September 2026.

Quick Reference: Fees and Opening Hours

💳 Paying for parking: most car parks read your number plate. Pay at the machine on site, in the Parka app or at checkit.is on the same day, or the fee plus an admin charge goes to your rental company.

Day 1: Keflavík, Brimketill and the Blue Lagoon

1. Brimketill Lava Rock Pool

Brimketill is a small natural pool carved by the sea into the lava shore on the Reykjanes peninsula. Legend says it was the bathing pool of a troll woman. It's a quick, dramatic stop between Keflavík Airport and the Blue Lagoon, with a viewing platform a few steps from the car park.

Things to know

• Don't climb down or swim. The pool is unheated seawater, the rocks are sharp and slippery, and waves can sweep over the platform in rough weather.
• Hold your toddler's hand on the viewing platform the whole time; there's no supervision at the site.
• The Grindavík area has had volcanic eruptions since 2023. Check road closures on safetravel.is and umferdin.is before you go.

2. Blue Lagoon

Iceland's most famous geothermal spa sits in a lava field about 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport, which makes it the perfect first or last stop of a trip. The milky-blue seawater is rich in silica, algae and minerals, and averages 37–40°C. Pre-booking is essential. Other than Blue Lagoon, there are other many similar geothermal spa that one can explore. 

Things to know

• Minimum age is 2. Children aged 2–8 must wear armbands, which are free at the lagoon.
• One adult can supervise at most two children unless they're the parent, and the water is up to about 1.3 m deep, so keep toddlers within arm's reach.
• Book direct on bluelagoon.com for the best price and to manage changes. Comfort includes a towel, a silica mask and one non-alcoholic drink.
• Leave conditioner in your hair before you go in: the minerals dry hair out.

Day 2: Reykjavík

3. Perlan – Wonders of Iceland

Perlan is an interactive nature museum in a glass dome on Öskjuhlíð hill. Inside you'll find a real man-made ice cave, glacier and volcano exhibits, a northern lights planetarium show and a 360° observation deck over Reykjavík. It's a great rainy-day option with kids. 

We spent around 2 hours there and the best part of the experience is the volcano show. Initially we wanted to visit ice cave . However, Y was too young, so we thought the family ice cave was perfect for people travelling with young children. 

There are restaurants and cafe at the topfloor of museum. Otherwise, you can take a 15 minutes drive to Ikea for cheaper alternative! We visited ikea and love it there!  

Things to know

• Bring a jacket for the ice cave, which is below freezing. 
• The observation deck has one of the best views over Reykjavík, and it's included in the ticket.
• Book online on perlan.is to choose your date and see current prices for adults, children and toddlers.

We spent the rest of the day exploring Reykjavík at a toddler's pace. For where to stay, compare family-friendly Reykjavík hotels on Agoda. 

Day 3: Geothermal Exhibition, Kerið and Þingvellir

4. The Geothermal Exhibition (Hellisheiði Power Plant)

At Hellisheiði, one of the world's largest geothermal power plants, this exhibition explains how Iceland turns volcanic heat into electricity and hot water. It's indoors, interactive and only about 25 minutes from Reykjavík, so it's an easy start to a Golden Circle day. 

Things to know

• A good warm-up stop on a cold or wet morning, with toilets and a café.
• Hours vary by source, so check with the operator, ON Power, before you go.

5. Kerið Crater

Kerið is a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater with a striking turquoise lake at the bottom and bright red slopes. A loop path runs around the rim, and steps lead down to the water. It's privately owned, so there's a small service fee.

Things to know

• The rim loop is about 1 km and fine for little legs, but it's very exposed to wind. Hold hands near the edge.
• The red gravel is loose; wear shoes with grip.
• The water is most vivid on a sunny day.

6. Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland's parliament, the Alþingi, first met in 930 AD, and where you can walk through the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Almannagjá gorge path is wide and easy, with Öxarárfoss waterfall a short walk away.

If you have spare time, visit Thingvellir National Park Visitor Center. There is a interactive exhibition where guests can experience the park's nature and history in an interactive and fun way. Children below 17 is free. Adult is 1200 isk. More details can be found here 

Things to know

• Pay at the machines at the visitor centre, P2 (below Öxarárfoss) or P5, or online at checkit.is. Cameras read number plates, and unpaid fees are charged to your rental company.
• The paths are wide and mostly flat, with plenty of space for toddlers to walk.
• The visitor centre has toilets, a shop and a small exhibition.

Day 4: Gullfoss, Geysir and Faxafoss

7. Gullfoss

Gullfoss, the "Golden Falls", drops in two stages into a deep canyon on the Hvítá river. It's one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls, and on sunny days you'll often see a rainbow in the spray.

Things to know

• The upper viewpoint is easy and close to the car park.
• The lower path gets wet and slippery from the spray, and parts may close in winter.
• Dress for spray and wind, even on a sunny day.

8. Geysir and Strokkur

The Haukadalur geothermal area gave the world the word "geyser". The Great Geysir rarely erupts now, but its neighbour Strokkur shoots water 15–20 m into the air every 5–10 minutes, which toddlers love.

Things to know

• Stay on the paths and behind the ropes: the water and ground are boiling hot.
• Hold your toddler's hand firmly near the pools.
• Stand upwind of Strokkur unless you want to get sprayed.

9. Faxafoss (Faxi)

Faxi is a wide, low waterfall on the Tungufljót river, just off the Golden Circle route. It's far quieter than Gullfoss, with a salmon ladder beside it and a short walk from the car park.

Things to know

• A good leg-stretch and snack stop between the bigger sights.
• Facilities are limited, so use the toilets at Geysir before you go.

🏨 Want to stay closer to the Golden Circle? Compare Selfoss hotels on Agoda, about 15 minutes from Kerið. (Affiliate link)

Day 5: Þjórsárdalur Valley

10. The Commonwealth Farm (Þjóðveldisbærinn)

This turf-roofed longhouse is a reconstruction of the Viking-age farm at Stöng, which was buried by an eruption of Hekla volcano in 1104. It shows how Icelanders lived around 1,000 years ago, with a small wooden church next to it.

Things to know

• Outside the summer season, the interior may be closed, but you can still walk around the turf houses.
• Combine it with Háifoss and Hjálparfoss: all three are in the same valley.
• Fill up before you leave Route 1, as services are sparse in Þjórsárdalur.

11. Háifoss

Háifoss is one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, falling about 120 m into a deep canyon next to its smaller twin, Granni. The viewpoint at the top looks down the whole valley, and it's usually far quieter than the South Coast falls. In addition to being one of the tallest waterfall in Iceland, it  served as the real-world filming location for Eleven's final scene in the series finale of Stranger Things. Thus making it one of the most popular location here. 

Note: if you are bringing children here, please hold on to them tightly! 

Things to know

• Road 332 is a rough gravel track. A 4x4 is recommended, and some rental terms don't allow small cars on it, so check yours first.
• There are no railings at the canyon edge and no toilets. Keep toddlers in a carrier or holding hands.
• Check umferdin.is and the weather before you drive up.

12. Hjálparfoss

Hjálparfoss is a pretty double waterfall that splits around a rock and falls into a round pool framed by basalt columns. The car park is right next to it, so it's an easy, low-effort stop with a toddler.

Things to know

• The viewpoint is a few minutes from the car park on a flat path.
• The access road is gravel but usually fine for a 2WD in good weather.

Day 6: South Coast

13. Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss drops about 60 m from an old sea cliff right beside Route 1. It's famous because a path loops behind the curtain of water. A 10-minute walk away, Gljúfrabúi hides inside a narrow gorge. We had fun walking behind the waterfall! Got a ltitle wet but it was a great experience for the little one! 

Things to know

• The path behind the falls is drenching and slippery. With a toddler, enjoy it from the front if weathercondtion does not allow
• Bring waterproofs for everyone, even if you stay in front.
• Visit early or late in the day to avoid tour buses.

14. Skógafoss

Things to know

• The base is flat and easy for toddlers. The roughly 500 steps to the top are for carrier-wearing parents only.
• Expect to get sprayed near the falls.
• There are toilets, cafés and the Skógar Museum nearby.

15. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is Iceland's most famous black sand beach, with hexagonal basalt columns, a sea cave and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore. It's beautiful, and also one of the most dangerous places in Iceland because of its powerful sneaker waves. Had to visit the black sand because of the latest scene captured in Odyseey!  

Things to know

• Sneaker waves can reach far up the beach without warning. Hold your toddler's hand and stay well back from the water, and never turn your back on the sea.
• Follow the warning signs at the entrance, and don't go onto the beach if the warning level is high.
• There's a restaurant with toilets at the car park.

🏨 Breaking up the South Coast drive? Compare Hella hotels on Agoda, close to Þjórsárdalur and an easy drive to Seljalandsfoss. (Affiliate link)

Day 7: Reykjavík Zoo and Home

16. Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo

Fjölskyldu- og húsdýragarðurinn in Laugardalur is a small zoo and play park with Icelandic farm animals, reindeer, seals and Arctic foxes, plus playgrounds. It's a relaxed, toddler-sized last morning before the airport. Unfortunately, we did not spot any reindeer while we were there. The experience felt more like a farm than a zoo. Thankfully, there are playground to keep the little one entertained. 

Things to know

• The staffed rides only run in summer, but the playgrounds are open all year.
• Laugardalslaug, Reykjavík's biggest swimming pool, is next door if you need to burn more energy.
• There's a café, and it gets busy on weekends with local families.

Not Driving?

We self-drove, which is the most flexible way to visit with a toddler. If you'd rather not drive, compare Golden Circle and South Coast day tours from Reykjavík on Trip.com, or book a Blue Lagoon ticket with transfers. (Affiliate links)

Iceland Attractions FAQ

Which Iceland attractions are free?

Most natural sights are free to enter: Brimketill, Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, Háifoss, Hjálparfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Reynisfjara. Many charge for parking instead, usually about ISK 1,000 per car. Kerið charges a small ISK 700 fee.

How do you pay for parking at Iceland's attractions?

Most car parks use number-plate cameras. Pay at the machine on site, in the Parka app or at checkit.is, usually on the same day. Unpaid fees are passed to your rental company, often with an admin charge.

Can toddlers go into the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, from age 2. Children aged 2–13 enter free with a paying adult, and children aged 2–8 must wear the free armbands provided. The water is up to about 1.3 m deep, so keep toddlers within arm's reach.

Do you need a 4x4 for these attractions?

Not for the Golden Circle, South Coast or Reykjavík in autumn. Háifoss is the exception: Road 332 is a rough gravel track where a 4x4 is recommended, so check your rental terms.

Prices and opening hours were checked in October 2026 using official websites where available; figures marked "about" come from recent third-party sources. Parking fees in Iceland change often, so always check on-site signs or the operator before you go. This post contains affiliate links; if you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.