Iceland has been a bucket list destination since my childhood, a place I’ve longed to visit. With its breathtaking scenic views, brooding mountains, bright blue fjords, and towering waterfalls, it’s no wonder I’ve been drawn to it for so long. Recently, I finally planned a 7-day trip to explore this captivating land. Let me share my experience and itinerary with you.
Firstly, Iceland is a land of striking contrasts and natural wonders that never fail to amaze. From erupting geysers and thundering waterfalls to black sand beaches and ice-capped volcanoes, the diversity of landscapes packed into a relatively small area is astounding. If you’re seeking the adventure of a lifetime, a 7-day trip to Iceland should be at the top of your bucket list. Additionally, Iceland is perfect for road trips, allowing you to explore its wonders at your own pace. Here is my 7-day Iceland itinerary to help you plan the best trip to Iceland’s most stunning destination.
7 day Iceland itinerary-
Top Highlights of the Iceland one-week itinerary:
Trip Length: 6 1/2 days, 6 nights
Approximate km/miles: 1,227 km, 16.5 hours
Start and End Point: Reykjavik
Cities/Towns: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hveragerdi, Ísafjörður, Reykjanesbær
Top Attractions: Blue Lagoon, The Golden Circle, Reynisfjara, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skogafoss Waterfall, Kvernufoss Waterfall, Gulfoss Waterfall, Oxararfoss Waterfall,
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik
After landing at Keflavík International Airport, I rented a car and headed straight to the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik. This colorful city has perfect Icelandic culture, impressive architecture, excellent museums, and lively food and music. After checking into my hotel, I decided to visit some of the main sights in the city in the afternoon. I visited the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, whose unique architecture was inspired by Iceland’s landscape of basalt lava flows. Post that, I walked the alleys of the city center, stopping at pleasant cafés and perusing shops offering traditional Icelandic wool jumpers and handicrafts. I went to the Old Harbor area in the evening and ate fresh fish at one of Reykjavik’s best eateries. If you’re up for a night out, you can also explore lively bars and pubs to sample Icelandic beer and mingle with locals. If you prefer a 6-day itinerary in Iceland, you can skip visiting all the places mentioned and start your trip with the tour suggestions provided for Day 2.
Day 2: The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is an absolute must-see when visiting Iceland. It’s about 62 kilometers from Reykjavik, so I rented a car for the journey. The road was incredibly scenic, lined with top attractions, and it took me about 4 hours to reach there.
My first stop was Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique geological features. I did walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates along the continental rift.
The next stop was the Haukadalur geothermal area. I witnessed the bubbling mud pots and the awe-inspiring Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes, shooting boiling water high.
After experiencing the geothermal wonders, I saw one of the country’s most breathtaking waterfalls—the Golden Waterfall of Gullfoss. Fed by glacial runoff, the powerful falls thundered down the Hvítá River with incredible force. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, you might even catch sight of rainbows forming in the spray.
For those seeking an extra dose of adventure, I highly recommend a stop at the Secret Lagoon hot spring in the quaint village of Flúðir. The natural hot waters provide the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind after a day of exploration.
Day 3: South Coast
On Day 3, I began my road trip to the famous South Coast. I checked out from my hotel early in the morning to enjoy the country’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, waterfalls, beaches, and glaciers. In the midway, I took a walk to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and captured many Instagram-worthy shots.
Then some local tourists suggested I visit Gljúfrabúi, another gorgeous waterfall partially hidden behind a cliffside. Next, I see the black basalt sea stacks at Reynisfjara Beach near the village of Vík. This beach has famously rocky black sand that glitters from the remains of pulverized volcanic lava and basalt. Also, please be cautious of powerful sneaker waves during the visit.
Highlights of my trip include the 197-foot Skógafoss waterfall, which creates a misty cloud with its spray. The Sólheimajökull Glacier offers glacier hikes. Dyrhólaey has stunning rock formations and an outstanding lighthouse.
Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park
I was so tired, but still, as I had Iceland’s one-week itinerary, I was keen to cover the next spot of the journey. So, I chose to spend today exploring the rugged landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park, one of the largest national parks in Europe. Covering over 5,300 square miles, this massive park includes over 10% of Iceland’s land area and features the enormous Vatnajökull ice cap and glaciers, volcanoes, rivers, and incredible hiking areas.
I started my trip by traveling to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a breathtaking lake dotted with blue-tinted icebergs that have broken off from a nearby glacier. Some locals suggested taking a boat tour through the lagoon to examine the surreal icebergs closely.
Next, I visited Diamond Beach across the road, where large chunks of glacial ice wash up on the black sand shores, sparkling like diamonds. Continuing to Skaftafell, one of the most popular areas within the park for hiking, I walked through beautiful green fields surrounded by towering glaciers, icefalls, and tall mountains. Even a short walk offered views that I’ll always remember.
Day 5: East Fjords
The drive from Djúpivogur to Borgarfjörður Eystri is like going along a wavy coastline with many amazing views. To reach the east Fjords, you must start early to avoid crowds and traffic. This stretch of the island features incredible fjords slicing into the coastline fringed by dramatic mountains.
I Did fishing at the villages and swept fjords, which gave me relaxation and therapy for the rest of the trip. Then I landed in the charming town of Seydisfjordur, nestled in a narrow valley and Surrounded by snowcapped mountains and waterfalls. Afterward visited the iconic blue church and walked the colorful, quiet streets.
I will also recommend you take a hike in one of the many scenic areas like Borgarfjordur Eystri to get up-close views of the dramatic fjord scenery. You may even spot some of Iceland’s wild reindeer here. As you continue north through the rugged East Fjords, countless waterfalls pour from the steep mountainsides into clear blue basins.
Day 6: Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
No doubt, my day 5 road trip to Iceland was quite hectic, so I decided to leave a bit later. On day 6, I drove from the East Fjords to Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. The lake is a beautiful body of water with many small islands in the north of Iceland. Before visiting it, I had heard much about its serenity, birdlife, and unearthly lava formations, including its surrounding area. And believe me, it’s worth visiting as it is one of the most amazing natural attractions in Iceland.
I liked one of my stops at the Dimmuborgir area, which features bizarre lava rock formations resembling a medieval castle straight out of Lord of the Rings. I took a short hike through the Grjótagjá cave and lava fields to see the milky blue thermal pool inside a lava tube cave. Then, I took a break to enjoy my coffee in the market and spent the afternoon strolling through the charming town center, soaking in its many viewpoints. If you visit with your kids, you can also explore the botanical gardens or hike up one of the surrounding mountain trails.
Day 7: Snaefellsnes Peninsula
So yes, this is the final day, and you will already start missing the Iceland road trip. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of the most beautiful and scenic places in Iceland. The place is small yet exquisite, and you can cover it easily in one day.
Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland has towering mountains, icy glaciers, and fascinating lava fields. The highlight was the Sneafellsjokull subglacial volcano in the heart of Snaefellsjokull National Park. It was truly the most beautiful nature’s wonder of my 7-day Iceland road trip itinerary!
I went on a drive along the rugged coast. There were many cool things to see, like black sand beaches, strange rock shapes, little fishing villages and many more but the best part was the Snæfellsjökull volcano! It’s enormous and has a glacier on top. People even know it as an inspiration for a famous book! We also saw a black church, some tall rock things in the ocean, and a narrow canyon with red walls. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can surely go on a tour inside a lava cave!
What is the best time to visit Iceland?
The best month to visit Iceland may vary depending on your personal preferences. If you love snowy, chilled winters and wish to see the aurora borealis, you can visit Iceland from early September to late March. Otherwise, You can visit Iceland in slightly warmer months like June and August. These months are best for summer activities; you can expect warmer temperatures (50-65°F) and long days of sunlight.
Essential Tips for Visiting Iceland
Following are the Essential Tips for Visiting Iceland:
1. Plan Ahead for Your Trip
A pre-booking is key to budget travel, so always secure your reservations early to avoid last-minute rush and enjoy a budget-friendly trip. Also, Iceland is known for being quite pricey to visit, so it’s wise to snag the most affordable flights and accommodations by booking in advance. This will make you tension-free and help you get the best deals by avoiding waiting until the eleventh hour.
2. Know The Weather Updates
Keeping an eye on the most recent weather updates can enhance your trip-planning process. It also helps you to prepare for any weather conditions you might face along the way. So be aware of potential storms, snowfall, and temperature fluctuations during your Iceland trip.
3. Packing
It’s time for the trip to Iceland, but what to pack? How chilly will it be? Iceland’s weather is highly variable, so remember to pack layers, waterproof clothing, and gear for hiking and outdoor activities. For the exact weather update, you can check forecasts frequently. Also, you can expect a lot of trekking, hiking, and walking on the Iceland trip, so pack a warm pair of shoes before you leave.
4. Book a Transportation
Have you planned a 7-day Iceland itinerary? Make sure you rent a cab or taxi accordingly. When visiting Iceland, a cab on rent is always a wise decision as it allows you to hit the open road and make the most of your time exploring. Plus, with Iceland’s ever-changing weather and terrain, having a reliable mode of transportation ensures you can make the most of your trip, rain or shine. So, whether you’re chasing waterfalls, trekking across glaciers, or simply taking in breathtaking landscapes, having a rental car at your disposal is vital to an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.
5. Enjoy local festivals
Iceland is rich in culture, hosting numerous festivals throughout the year. While we can’t cover all the local festivals here, mark all the upcoming events and festivals during your visit to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Icelandic culture. These festivals are full of warmth and high spirits, perfect for combating the chilly weather.
Some of the popular festivals of Iceland are Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival, Reykjavik Pride, Iceland Airwaves, Vikings, National Day, etc.
6. Try to Witness the Magic of Northern Lights
There are various locations in Iceland where you can witness the aurora Borealis. One of the most popular spots is Thingvellir National Park. Its vast landscapes and minimal light pollution create the perfect conditions for experiencing the full splendor of the Aurora lights. The Best months to catch the Northern Lights in Iceland are from late September to early April.
7. Avoid Buying Beer at Supermarkets
If you plan a beer party with your squad during the Iceland trip, be aware of their unique alcohol laws. Beer was banned for much of the 20th century, so you’ll only find alcoholic drinks in state-run stores. Supermarkets sell “near-beer,” which looks like beer but won’t get you drunk.
Faqs-
Is 5 days enough to visit Iceland?
Five days is sufficient to experience some of Iceland’s highlights, but it might feel rushed.
Is 7 days in Iceland enough to cover it all?
7 days is not enough to thoroughly explore all of Iceland’s beauty and attractions, but it allows you to see many highlights at a reasonable pace.
Which is the best month to visit Iceland?
To enjoy the most of all its attractions, you can visit Iceland between the months of July and August. These are the warmest and least crowded months.
Is Iceland expensive?
Yes, traveling to Iceland is a bit costly due to its high costs for accommodation, transportation, food, and activities due to its remote island location and the need to import most goods. A meal for two can easily cost $60-$100, while rental cars and hotels often exceed $100-$300 per day, requiring visitors to budget accordingly.
Summery:
Iceland can surprise you in every way with its amazing nature and breathtaking scenery! And I hope My guide on Iceland itinerary for 7 days will help you make your trip secure, enjoyable, and adventurous. However, you can pick the top attractions based on your interests. Also, keep in mind that you can’t see everything in just a week, so try to cover the top attractions like the neat city of Reykjavik and the cool places on the Golden Circle tour. You can find hot springs and the Northern Lights, which are lifetime moments for a traveler.! It’s all about planning, attending local festivals, and enjoying every moment of an awesome time in Iceland!