How does this itinerary look for me and my 13-year-old son in late August? We’re adventurous and enjoy hiking.

Day 1 – Flight arrives Reykjavik 3pm. (We won’t be too tired or jetlagged since we’ll have spent the previous week in London.) Rent car and drive to Hveragerði (stay at Frumskógar Guest House). Evening dip in the outdoor pools if we have time and energy.

Day 2 – Short hike in the Reykjadalur geothermal valley just north of town. Then drive to Skaftafell (4 hours, stay at Fosshotel Skaftafell).

Day 3 – Guided walk on Svinafellsjokull glacier with Icelandic Mountain Guides. (Either the 2-hour walk, or, if they’ll let us do a trip that’s normally for ages 14+, the 4-hour walk.) Then drive to Jökulsárlón lagoon for 1-hour zodiac tour.

Day 4 – Take the bus to Laki and walk around the Lakagigar Crater Row. Or, Hike to the Svartifoss waterfall and, if the weather’s good and we feel like it, Kristínartindar (about 6 hours).

Day 5 – Drive to Landmannalaugur (4 hours, stay at hut).

Day 6 – Hike to Brennisteinsalda (7km) or Ljótipollur (10-18km). Then dip in hot springs near hut.

Day 7 – Drive to Reykjavik (4 hours). Swim and slide at Árbæjarlaug.
Day 8 – Hang out in town; 5pm flight home to Seattle.

I don’t want to be too rushed or exhausted and will modify the itinerary on the fly if needed. But is this too much driving? If we were going to cut one or two activities or one place, which are least compelling? Have I missed anything that’s better than what’s listed here?

It’s tempting to cut Landmannalaugar since the only place to stay, the hut, sounds crowded and will require us to bring sleeping bags. Maybe we could hike Landmannalaugar as a daytrip, spending the night in Kirkjubæjarklaustur after Laki, hiking Landmannalaugar, and then driving to Hotel Highland, the closest hotel.

I welcome any suggestions for accomodations or restaurants as well. I love great and unusual food although I won’t subject my son to any lengthy meals (this time!).

Thanks!
Bruce
Seattle, USA