7 Day Itinerary For Iceland - An Accessible Guide For Everyone
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7 Day Itinerary For Iceland
Before you go: This type of road trip is only for some. We have decided to show you the whole of Iceland, called the famous Ring Road, in only seven days! The well-known “around the whole Island” trip is 1322 km long, and seven days is the limit at which we recommend doing the entire Ring Road. So, if you are up to this packed Iceland road trip adventure, stay tuned!
At the same time, all of the places contained in this 7 day Iceland itinerary are easily accessible for anyone and don’t require any hiking! Iceland has a great infrastructure, including a paved ring road, vast car parks, and plenty of restrooms and restaurants along the ring route. Without further ado, let’s dive into your trip!
Streets of Reykjavik
Day 1: Reykjavik
Why To Go There
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, will be our first stopover on our road trip itinerary. And what do we like about this small capital? We don’t need more than a couple of hours to discover it! And what's more - It is also very easy to explore on foot.
How To Get There
It is only about 45 minutes away from Keflavik airport. We recommend parking your rental car (if you are going straight from the airport or hotel) in the center, around the Iconic church called Hallgrimskirkja.
Tips To Visiting
Here we will give you all the “must-see” places in the town. Then, is it up to your preferences :-)
Sightseeing:
● Church Hallgrimskirkja - from the outside or during the day you can also see inside
● Rainbow Road (and shopping): Just hang around, discover the colorful houses, and enjoy the first Icelandic culture.
● Visit Perlan - the Icelandic history museum and bar on the top with a nice view!
● Flyover Iceland is a great option for rainy days or if you just want to have fun! It is an attraction with motion seating and a wraparound screen that simulates flight over mountains and glaciers. If you don’t have time, I recommend visiting after your road trip—as a memory from the air!
Where to eat:
● Tres Locos - Mexican restaurant
● Mama Reykjavik - vegan restaurant
● Sægreifinn - sea food
● Matur og Drykkur - traditional Icelandic cuisine
Or—the cheaper option—don’t miss the Icelandic hot dog! Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is the most famous place, so you must wait in line during the summer to get your hot dog. But it is worth it, we swear!
No matter what you choose, it’s always good to keep an eye on handy Icelandic promo codes! They can slice off a non-negligible part of your Icelandic expenses.
And—the last tip before continuing our next adventure—we recommend grocery shopping here since we will travel to more remote places without dining options (or only small, pricey gas stations).
Gullfoss
Day 2: The Golden Circle
Why To Go There
Day 2 of our 7 day Iceland road trip begins with the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is the most touristic route in southern Iceland. It;s about 300 kilometers from Reykjavik and back along the south coast. It is an ideal one-day tour from Reykjavik. This area contains several tours and travel-related activities.
And what is so special about the Golden Circle?
Three main attractions - Geysers, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park
How To Get There
Our first stop on our way will be Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir National Park).
To get there from Reykjavik, drive up to the north-east via Þingvallavegur/Route 36. (approximately a 45 minute drive).
The next stop is Haukadalur, a valley with geothermal activity and contains the famous geysers in the coyntry, Strokkur and Geysir, which erupt every 10-15 minutes.
Then, we must see the majestic Gullfoss (translated as a gold waterfall).
Tips To Visiting
● Be prepared to be wet - especially in Gullfoss, if you plan to go closer.
● Hungry? Friðheimar is a famous tomato farm. Stop by for a delicious tomato soup or glass of wine! Their Greenhouse restaurant offers an unforgettable experience.
● If you want to relax after a busy day, visit Secret Lagoon, just a few minutes' drive from Friðheimar.
● This area has several accommodation options - choose according to your needs.
● When looking for off-the-beaten-path places in Iceland, head towards nearby highlands. Just driving there and looking out of the window is an out-of-this-world experience!
Black Sand Beach
Day 3: Waterfalls, Glaciers And Icebergs
Why To Go There
Our first stop of the day is the most visited waterfall in the South: Seljalandsfoss. If you travel during the busy summer, arriving early morning or late evening is wise to enjoy this beauty without being crowded. This waterfall drops an incredible 60 meters! (You can even go behind the water! So remember your waterproof gear.)
Our second stop is a waterfall again - the spectacular Skógafoss. This massive waterfall has 60 meters of drops. If you are lucky and the sun is shining, you can have a breathtaking moment with the rainbow before the Skógafoss.
The next stop is Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach, known for its dramatic coastal views and black sand. Due to the strong waves, it is also the most dangerous beach in Iceland.
After a long drive, our next stop is Fjallsjökull — our first Glacier Lagoon! It is a small but stunning glacier lagoon filled with icebergs.
Our last stop of today's adventure will be the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the famous touristic Diamond Beach.
If you have time, take a boat tour of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. It is the best way to experience its beauty and majesty.
Diamond Beach is a black volcanic sand beach where icebergs from the glacier lagoon drift ashore. It is truly a must-see stop on your way!
How To Get There
From the Golden Circle (or from your accommodation of choice), drive down to the Hringvegur route, which takes a little over an hour drive to reach. At Seljalandsfoss, there is a parking with a small fee.
To reach our second stop, Skógafoss, just continue the road to the east. After 30 minutes, you will arrive.
To get to Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach, continue on Route 1 (30 minutes drive).
Glacier Lagoon Fjallsjökull will be reached after continuing the Ring Route to the east (2 1/2 hours drive).
To reach Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, continue the Ring Road (approx 20 minutes)
Tips To Visiting
● Is this still not enough for you? Take a short ferry ride to magical Vestmannaeyjar! There are tons of amazing things to do on the Westman islands. Even if you pick just a few, you are guaranteed to remain in awe!
Studlagil
Day 4: East Fjords
Why to Go There
Our first stop - from Höfn - is Fauskasandur - a black sand beach. It is best known for its massive rock on the beach.
The next stop we can make is Djúpivogur. There is not much to do, but it is a good stop to rest and use the toilet. While resting, be sure to take in the immersive landscape surroundings of this village.
Seydisfjordur is our favorite stunning place! This cute village is surrounded by mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.
Our last but must-see spot is Stuðlagil. Stuðlagil (translated as a Basalt Columns) is considered to have one of Iceland’s largest collections of basalt columns on land.
How To Get There
All the stops we chose for you are on the way; just continue the Ring road and follow up your map :-)
Tips To Visiting
● The area around Stuðlagil, our last stop, is quite remote, so book your accommodation in advance!
● If you have time and are in Iceland between April and July, you can squeeze into this location, Borgarfjörður eystri, and see Puffins, The Icelandic black-white birds with a distinctive colored beak.
Dettifoss
Day 5: Explore The North Nature - Lake Myvatn, Dettifos
Why To Go There
Every part of this island is unique, and the nature is diverse, including the North part! Our first stop today is Waterfall Dettifoss. It is Europe's second most powerful waterfall (after the Rhine Falls). The whole visit will take you up to 30 minutes. However, if the weather is nice, enjoy it fully and picnic close to this monstrose nature magic!
Hverir is a geothermal area with a “moon” landscape. Worth the experience!
Our next and last stop today will be Lake Mývatn (translated as a fly lake. If you visit it during summer, you will know why)
We recommend you go for a little hike called Lava Field Dimmuborgir. Then, stop by Grjótagjá —an ancient lava cave with a geothermal hot spring (used to be for bathing; now, the temperature can reach 100 degrees Celsius).
And now it's time to relax! And where else but in Mývatn nature baths?
How To Get There
From the Stuðlagil area, we will continue up north and return on the Ring Road. Then, we will turn to Route 862 to reach our first stop, Dettifoss.
After Dettifoss, we must return to Ring Road and continue to Hverir - Lake Mývatn.
Tips To Visiting
● Be sure to try some easily accessible hot springs in Iceland. Our tip would be Mývatn baths just around the corner!
● If you have time, from Dettifoss, continue a bit further North - to reach Ásbyrgi, which is a horseshoe-shaped canyon with a hidden lake.
● We recommend you book accommodations in advance in the Mývatn area.
● If you are here from September to April, remember to look up—it's the perfect spot to see the northern lights and aurora dancing above!
Hauganes
Day 6: The Capital Of The North
Why To Go There
Akureyri is the second-biggest city in Iceland and the capital of the North! Here, we show you the places you should not miss. The schedule is in your hands now!
Sundlaugar - local outdoor swimming pool.
Botanical garden—during the summer, with various flora species. Don’t forget to stop by the cozy coffee spot, Lyst!
Husky farm - a short few minutes drive out of Akureyri is a Husky farm! You can just cuddle with the dogs, or during the wintertime; you can even book a Husky sledding tour!
Hlidafjall resort - skiing & snowboarding in north Iceland? No problem! From December to April, you can experience it. There is a rental with all the equipment.
Warm river—we do not write "hot river" by purpose because the water temperature is about 35 degrees. For some of us, diving in with a view of Akureyri town is still comfortable. (Located under the red tunnel on the way to Myvatn.)
Forest Lagoon is our favorite hot water spot! Surrounded by trees - the only place in Iceland!
Santa House—Do you have a Christmas enthusiast with you? This place is made for them! Just a few minutes behind Akureyri is Santa's house, which is open all year round.
Whale Watching—if you think you don’t need to see whales, you do—at least once in your life. Living in the cold water, this enormous animal is more extensive than we think—a unique experience.
How To Get There
We will just follow the Ring road from Lake Mývatn to Akureyri.
Tips To Visiting
● For even the more active travelers, you can plan a day trip even further north to reach the small fishing villages called Dalvik, Ólafsfjörður, or Siglufjörður. With nice hot tubs, stop on the way back - Hauganes.
Blue Lagoon
Day 7: Last Day - Seals, Hike & Relax!
Our last day is mainly about finishing our Ring Road Trip, which is a long distance from the North, to go back to Reykjavik/or Keflavik airport. On its way, we can stop by Hvammstangi, the actual Icelandic seal capital! You can visit the Seal Museum and get to know more about them before seeing them with your own eyes on a nearby beach.
Our next stop is Grábrók, a volcano in the village of Bifröst. It's perfect for a 30-minute hike to stretch our bodies after sitting all day in the car!
Well-deserved (maybe last?), relax in hot springs! You can choose, up to your preferences:
● Krauma Geothermal baths DEILDARTUNGUHVER, 320 REYKHOLT
● Guðlaug Baths, 300 Akranes / entrance fee is 2500 isk, direct entry to the cold ocean!
● Hvammsvik Nature Resort & Hot Springs, 276, Mosfellsbær - spend the night in this new resort near Reykjavik!
● Sky Lagoon - in the heart of Reykjavik with a spectacular view
● Blue Lagoon is the most famous hot spring in Iceland! Since it’s on the way to Keflavik airport, you can combine it before your flight.
Northern Lights
Iceland In 7 Days - Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide on how to spend 7 days in Iceland. As you can see traveling the Ring Road has a lot to offer. This 7 day itinerary for Iceland will take you through all of the major highlights in this incredible country.
Have you been to Iceland? Feel free to share your favorite parts in the comments below.
