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A Detailed 1 Week Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Last updated: April 16, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 98 Comments

Heading to Iceland and planning on driving the Ring Road? You’ve come to the right place! Our detailed Iceland Ring Road itinerary will get you to all the sights you want to see, giving you all the information you need to tackle this epic Iceland road trip, including a day by day breakdown of the adventure.

We’ve spent a great deal of time exploring Iceland’s Ring Road in its entirety and we have also visited Iceland in both summer and winter. We’ve already written a number of comprehensive guides to visiting Iceland to help you plan your trip, but this is our first detailed Ring Road itinerary.

During our time exploring Iceland’s ring road we’ve seen the majority of the highlights along the route. Based on these experiences, and our other travels in Iceland, we’ve distilled the adventure down into the perfect Iceland Ring Road itinerary for a one-week ring road trip, starting and ending in Reykjavik.

This post contains everything you need to know to plan your trip, including a detailed day-by-day breakdown of the route, where to stay, what to see along the way, driving distances, and a full route map as well as all the planning information you need!

Let’s get started, first by answering some questions you might have about the route.

What is the Iceland Ring Road?

The Iceland Ring Road, also known as Þjóðvegur 1, or Route 1, is a national road that runs all around the country, connecting all the major towns and cities. The Ring Road is 828 miles long (1,332 kilometres), making it the longest road in Iceland.

The Ring Road is primarily two lanes wide and paved, although some sections are wider than this, and in some cases, particularly for bridges, it may only be a single lane road

Why Road Trip on the Iceland Ring Road?

Iceland’s Ring Road makes for the perfect Iceland road trip because it covers a great deal of the country, and passes right by, or very close to, a great many of Iceland’s most famous and noteworthy attractions, including natural attractions such as waterfalls, epic viewpoints and gorgeous towns and villages.

In addition, as the Ring Road passes through the major towns and cities of Iceland, it’s easier to find accommodation along the route if you follow the Ring Road. Finally, being the main route around Iceland, navigation is easy.

How Long Does it Take to Drive Iceland’s Ring Road?

As mentioned above, Iceland’s Ring Road is 1,332 kilometres long. For the majority of the route, the speed limit is 90km/h, so in theory you could drive the entire Ring Road in 15 – 20 hours.

Of course, we’d advise against that. We’d suggest that one week would be the minimum amount of time to do a Ring Road tour and take in all the sights in this itinerary. This will give you time to do plenty of sight-seeing along the route and not be too rushed. Of course, more time is better – on one trip we spent four weeks doing the full route, with lots of detours and diversions!

If you have less time in Iceland or don’t want to be too rushed, we’d suggest focusing on a specific region so you get the most out of your trip. Take a look at our itinerary for 5 days in Iceland for inspiration.

Which Way Should I Drive the Iceland Ring Road?

Being a circular route, you can drive the Iceland Ring Road in either direction. Our preference would be to drive it in an anti-clockwise direction, tackling the south of the country first.

In our experience, the south of Iceland is the busiest part of the country in terms of visitors, so as you travel, you will go from more busy places (the south) to less busy places (basically everywhere else). We think this will be an easier transition to manage than driving from relatively quiet to more crowded spots.

Of course, you are welcome to drive this route in any direction. Our road trip itinerary is set up in a counter-clockwise direction, but you can reverse it.

Can I Drive the Iceland Ring Road in Winter?

Whilst you can drive Iceland’s Ring Road in winter, we would generally advise against it. Road conditions can change very quickly, and sections of the Ring Road often close in winter, meaning you might have to retrace your route to get back to where you started. A storm can really negatively impact your trip.

In addition, the limited hours of daylight in the winter months mean you won’t have so much time for sight-seeing as you might want. In summer, you will have so many hours of daylight thanks to the midnight sun that you can really pack the sight-seeing in!

Ideally you’d want to do this trip between late April and October.

If you travel in late September or October you will also have the chance to see the northern lights . You won’t have to do anything special to see them – just find somewhere with no artificial light sources, hope for good weather and look up!

Of course, we don’t discourage coming to Iceland in winter in general! It’s the time of year when you have a great chance to see the northern lights, and the landscapes are quite wonderful when covered in ice and snow.

Instead of driving Iceland’s entire Ring Road in winter, we’d suggest you look at our 7 day Iceland winter itinerary , which we think is the best option for visiting Iceland in winter and driving yourself.

We also suggest taking a look at our guide to driving in Iceland in winter , and our guide to what to pack for Iceland in winter .

Another option is to take a guided tour like this . Let someone else handle all the logistics of planning and driving, and you can just enjoy your journey without worrying about driving in poor conditions.

Do you have to self-drive the Iceland Ring Road?

The road trip in this post is based on a self-drive itinerary which means you drive yourself. Driving in Iceland gives you the most flexibility in terms of your itinerary hiring a car; however, it’s not the only option!

One popular option would be to take a group tour of Iceland instead. This means someone else will handle everything for you, including the driving, itinerary and accommodation, and you get to just enjoy the sight-seeing.

If that sounds good to you (we know not everyone wants to drive in Iceland), there are a number of options, which we outline in the following section.

Tours of the Iceland Ring Road

The Iceland ring road is a popular road trip, and as such there are a number of tour companies offering trips, ranging from a few days to a number of weeks. We’d suggest 6 days as being the absolute minimum for a ring road tour, and ideally more like 7 days to 2 weeks.

We recommend this either 8 day tour , this 8 day tour or this 8 day tour with G Adventures.

If you are really pressed for time, this is a 6 day tour that will let you see the highlights. This is a similar 6 day tour .

Do be aware when comparing tours that you need to look carefully at what is included and what isn’t. Even if a tour has a higher price, if it includes all the meals then it might be better value than a cheaper tour without meals as food can be very expensive in Iceland.

Other things to consider include what attractions or experiences are included in the price.

For example, tours might cost more but the price might include higher quality accommodation, wildlife watching tours, Blue Lagoon entry and glacier lagoon boat ride, as well as many other activities.

For more inspiration on tours in Iceland, check out our guide to the best guided tours of Iceland , which will give you loads of ideas for what else you can do in the country for trips between 2 days and 2 weeks!

You can also see a selection of guided tours of Iceland on TourRadar here and on Guide to Iceland here , both of which offer a variety of tours from different companies in Iceland.

Now, having hopefully answered many of your questions about driving the Ring Road, let’s share our week-long Iceland ring road itinerary!

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

Now, let’s take a look at a suggested itinerary for one week driving the Iceland Ring Road. This covers 8 days and 7 nights of travel, and we have tried to lay it out so each day has a similar amount of driving, although of course this isn’t always possible.

We’d also advise that you adjust the itinerary to suit your own interests and needs, as well as your arrival and departure times of course!

Day 1: Arrive, Blue Lagoon, part of Golden Circle.

On your first day you’ll arrive in Iceland at Keflavik International Airport. This is around a 40 minute drive to the south west of Reykjavik.

For this itinerary, we’re going to assume you arrive into Iceland in the morning. If you arrive in the late afternoon or evening, you’ll want to tweak this day a little bit.

On arrival, pick up your hire car ( compare prices here ) at the airport and consider heading straight for the famous Blue Lagoon if it is on your must-visit list. This is Iceland’s most well-known geothermal lagoon, and is a huge outdoor bathing area where the water is a funky shade of blue.

As well as the main lagoon (which has a swim up bar), you can also get treatments here and have a meal, as there’s an on-site restaurant. If you plan to visit the Blue Lagoon , you’ll need to pre-book a timeslot, which you can do here .

The Blue Lagoon is a very popular place, so don’t expect to be able to turn up and buy a ticket. See our full guide visiting the Blue Lagoon for more.

It’s only a short drive from the airport, but you’ll want to factor in the time it will take you to get through immigration and baggage claim as well as collect your hire car, which can take a while if the airport is busy. If you arrive in the afternoon or evening, you can either just do the Blue Lagoon and then stay nearby, or skip it and head further along the route towards the Golden Circle – our next adventure.

Another option to consider which is closer to Reyjavik city centre is the Sky Lagoon. This is a newer attraction which offers a similar hot springs experience, and is worth checking out too. You can book tickets for the Sky Lagoon here .

If you choose not to do the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon on your first day, don’t worry, you can also do it at the end of your trip instead. There are also a number of other thermal baths all around the country, and we actually personally prefer the Lake Mývatn Nature Baths in the north of Iceland.

After the Lagoon, our suggestion is to get going on the road trip straight away. A week is not a massive amount of time to drive the Ring Road, so a head start is a good idea. With this in mind, we recommend you head out onto the Golden Circle.

The Golden Circle is one of the more popular short road trips in Iceland. Its proximity to Reykjavik makes it easy to do in a day, and it is a quick way to see some of the best of the country, from cultural attractions to waterfalls and geothermal activity. We have written a full guide to the Golden Circle to help you fully plan your time here.

If you’ve arrived in Iceland in the morning, you’ll have time to see Thingvellir National Park on your first day. Thingvellir, or Þingvellir, is one of the most important cultural sites in Iceland, and is on the UNESCO world heritage list. It’s where Iceland’s parliament met from the 10th to the 18th centuries.

As well as the cultural significance, the national park is interesting for it’s geological features. The Eurasian and North American tectonic plates have their boundary here, and you can see the rifts between these plates in the form of obvious canyons. It’s really interesting to see geography up close like this.

You can even go snorkelling to experience these plates. This is done in dry suits with specialist operators, as the water temperature hovers just above freezing year round. You don’t need to bring any special equipment, but booking in advance is definitely recommended. Here’s a tour booking link if you want to do that.

There’s also a beautiful waterfall here, Öxarárfoss, which is around a 10 minute walk from the car park. Game of Thrones fans will also enjoy visiting Thingvellir National Park as it was used for the filming of a number of Game of Thrones scenes , including the Gates of the Moon. This is found in Almannagjá gorge  which is just near Öxaráfoss waterfall.

Once you’re done with Thingvellir, we’d suggest calling it a day, and heading on to your accommodation for the night. We recommend staying somewhere between Laugarvatn and Flúðir. If you have arrived early however and skipped the Blue Lagoon, you will likely have time to also do the Geysir Park and visit Gulfoss waterfall. For this itinerary though, we will describe these on our second day.

Day 1 Highlights : Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir

Start Point : Keflavík Airport End Point:  Laugarvatn / Flúðir Distance driven : ~140 kilometres / 90 miles

Where to Stay

For your first night we recommend booking accommodation somewhere near Fludir Here are some options to consider.

• Farmhotel Efstidalur – as the name suggests this is found on a farm. Private rooms are en-suite and there’s an on-site geothermal hot tub
• Fludir Icelandair Hotel  – We stayed here on one trip to Iceland and it was very comfortable, with an on-site restaurant.
• Garður Stay Inn by the Secret Lagoon – well reviewed and handy for Fludir’s “ Secret Lagoon “, a lovely geothermal bath
• Farmer’s Guesthouse – just near the town of Hella, this is a good option if you want to complete the Golden Circle and start along the south coast. Another option found on a farm with cabins.
• Stracta Hotel – centrally located in Hella, a well reviewed option with hot tubs and on-site restaurant.
• Midgard basecamp – found in Hvolsvöllur, this highly rated hostel is a great budget option with a hot tub

See more lodging options in this area on  booking.com here .

If you arrive later and want to overnight near the airport, we stayed at the Northern Light Inn , which is right next to the Blue Lagoon and about twenty minutes from the airport. See more Reykjavik options at the end of the itinerary.

Day 2: Golden Circle and South Coast

For the second day in our Ring Road trip we’re going to finish off the highlights of the Golden Circle, and start along the south Iceland coast, taking in some of the most famous attractions in Iceland.

First, we’re going to finish the Golden Circle. There are two more main attractions to see: Geysir and Gullfoss.

Geysir is a geothermal park which is home to the original “Geyser” – a geological feature whereby steam and boiling hot water are regularly ejected into the air. Today, we know this phenomenon as a “geyser”, which was the name given by the Icelanders to the geyser in the Geysir park.

The original geyser is now mostly dormant, but there are a number of other geysers in the park, one of which is regularly active, shooting into the air every few minutes. This is quite a spectacular thing to see, and well worth stopping for. Expect to spend around 20 to 30 minutes visiting this park.

From Geyser you’re going to drive on to Gullfoss. Foss, incidentally, is Icelandic for waterfall, and you’re going to see that word a lot in Iceland, as there are a lot of waterfalls!

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, with two tiers conveying a massive volume of water down a total of 32 metres. There are a number of good viewing areas, and a great deal of parking here, as well as an on-site cafe.

From Gullfoss, it’s time to start heading south where you’ll join the Ring Road, and which you will stay on for the majority of the rest of your road trip.

The first stop on your trip is going to be the Lava Center . This is a relatively new attraction in Iceland, which is well worth visiting if you want to learn about the volcanic activity in Iceland, and get an idea of what it’s like to experience massive geological activities like volcanoes and earthquakes.

The Lava Center is really interesting, and the exhibits here have already won a number of awards. There is a free part as well as a paid part, plus an on-site cafeteria-style restaurant so a good place to get some food. It’s definitely worth popping in to, even if you don’t tour the museum, just to get an understanding of some of the features you’ll be seeing on the rest of your trip.

If you do decide to visit, you can book your tickets online in advance here . Using our link gives you a small discount on the normal Lava Centre ticket price.

The next stop on your trip is Seljalandsfoss.  Seljalandsfoss is the first of the major waterfalls on the south coast you’re going to want to stop at and try to pronounce.

Seljalandsfoss is pretty cool because you can actually walk behind it (although it is sometimes closed due to safety issues). Note that you are very likely to get wet doing this, so make sure you are prepared with with right clothing, sturdy shoes (it can be slippery), and that  your camera or phone is suitably protected! It’s also a pretty waterfall in its own right.

Note that parking charges apply at Seljalandsfoss, when we visited it was 700 krona per car. These can be paid using a credit or debit card, and apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We did see parking officials enforcing these, and as these funds help maintain the facilities and parking here, we definitely recommend you don’t try to avoid paying them.

Whilst you’re at Seljalandsfoss, you might want to walk along the path here to Gljúfrabúi. This is about a ten minute walk north from Seljalandsfoss (it’s signposted and the path is paved).

Gljúfrabúi is a waterfall hidden inside a canyon, and you do have to walk a few metres up a river to access it. It’s worth doing if you have the right footwear and waterproofs, as it’s pretty cool. It’s really wet and slippery inside the canyon, as you might imagine given there’s a waterfall in here!

From Seljalandsfoss, it’s less than half an hours drive to the next location on our itinerary: Skogafoss. As you drive, if you have a clear day, you’ll also be able to admire some of Iceland’s volcanoes, including Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano which erupted in 2010 and caused worldwide air transport chaos!

Skogafoss is another beautiful waterfall, with a massive volume of water cascading over a sixty metre drop. It’s also 15 metres wide, with a sheer drop, so is quite mesmerising to behold. We also like that you can get very close to the crashing base, to really experience the power of nature. Although, be warned, if you get close, you’ll soon be soaked by the spray!

Before you worry that this itinerary is focusing just on waterfalls, fear not. Right next to Skogafoss is the Skogar Museum . This museum, which focuses on the cultural history of Iceland, has over 15,000 artifacts on display across 3 museum buildings. There’s also a large open-air  area with six historic buildings, including some beautiful traditional turf houses. The museum complex is large so you can easily spend 2 to 3 hours here.

From Skogafoss, you’re going to continue your journey eastwards along the Ring Road. Depending on your stamina and the time of day, you might want to stop at the Sólheimasandur plane wreck.

This is about a ten minute drive from Skogafoss, and there’s a large marked parking area here. Be aware though that it’s a 40 minute walk each way to see the crashed plane and nothing much to see along the way.

If the plane wreck is of interest, read our full guide to visiting the Iceland plane crash at Sólheimasandur . Otherwise, continue east!

Our last stop on the second day of this itinerary is Reynisfjara black sand beach. This is one of Iceland’s beautiful black sand beaches, which is particularly notable for having stacks of basalt columns running along the edge of the beach. There are also sea stacks off shore which are pretty.

This is a popular (and often crowded) location, but do be careful here, as the area is known for “rogue waves” – large waves which can appear without warning, and sweep visitors off the feet and, in worst case scenario, out to sea. So just watch out for that.

Finally, we suggest you overnight at either the town of Vik, or head on a little further to Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Day 2 Highlights:  Geyser, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Plane Crash, Reynisfjara Beach

Start Point : Efstidalur II / Flúðir End Point : Vik Distance driven : 207 km / 128 miles

Our suggestion for your second night is to stay either in Vik or Kirkjubæjarklaustur (also called Klaustur). Some options to consider include:

• The Barn – this is a well reviewed and popular hostel in Vik, offering both dormitory accommodation and private rooms
• Hotel Vík í Mýrdal – found just 450 yards from the black sand beach in Vik, this is a well rated hotel offering private en-suite rooms
• Hunkubakkar Guesthouse  – a family run guesthouse found five miles from Kirkjubæjarklaustur. WiFi, on-site restaurant and cute colourful cottages.
• Hotel Klaustur – a modern hotel in Klaustur, with simple but comfortable rooms. We’ve stayed here and had a pleasant experience

See more options in Vik here and Klaustur here .

Day 3: South Coast

On your third day driving the Ring Road in Iceland we’re going to finish the highlights of the south coast, and start to head up the east coast.

First stop on your third day is Fjaðrárgljúfur, a 2 million year old river canyon which has carved an incredible path out of the landscape here, making for a seriously photogenic location. It’s about a five minute drive off the Ring Road just before the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Whilst you can see the canyon from the bridge at the parking lot, we would urge you to take the 15 minute hike up to the main viewpoint, which is a metal viewpoint overlooking the canyon. Here you can see down the length of the canyon for a wonderful view.

From Kirkjubæjarklaustur, continue along the 1. At this point in your journey, you are on the Eldhraun Lava Field. This is the largest lava field in the world, caused by a massive eruption in the 18th century that lasted for a year, and nearly resulted in the whole country being evacuated.

Today, this vast 565-kilometre square site is known for the green moss that has grown over the lava field, which makes for a popular photograph. Just please be aware that it’s taken the moss a couple of hundred years to grow, and it is super sensitive to being stood on. There are dedicated parking areas with marked trails to follow, and sticking to these will help preserve this remarkable environment for future travellers. There are also some picnic tables along here if you are in the mood for a snack.

Continuing on through Eldrahaun, you will notice the massive Vatnajökull glacier in the distance before you. This is the largest glacier in Iceland, covering a staggering 9% of the whole country. This is protected as part of the Vatnajökull National Park.

Naturally, visiting parts of this national park is the the next thing on your itinerary for today!

The first stop in the national park is the Skaftafell region , which has its own visitor center and facilities. There’s a large parking area here, which does charge for parking. Fees when we visited were 700 krona per car, paid at the visitor center using automated machines.

Most people stop here to do a hike or two. One of the most popular is the hike up to Svartifoss, or the Black Falls. This is a 30 – 45 minute hike each way (it’s quite steep) to a beautiful waterfall that tumbles over black basalt columns. It’s fairly unique in this respect, so we think is worth the h

If you don’t want to hike up though, there are other walks in the area, including a flat walk that’s around 90 minutes total, which brings you close to the base of one of the glaciers as well. The visitor center has plenty of maps and staff who can give you assistance with choosing the best walk for you.

This would also be a good location to do a glacier hike or ice cave hike . Availability for these varies depending on the time of year, and you would have to plan accordingly as these guided activities usually last for around 3 – 4 hours. Most departures are from Skaftafell, and you definitely need to book these in advance, which you can do here .

The next stop is a five minute drive further along, to the Svínafellsjökull Glacier. Here there’s an excellent viewpoint from where you can see the tongue of the Svínafellsjökull Glacier – one of the outlet glaciers of the main Vatnajökull glacier.

Continuing further along, and you will come to the well known Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This lagoon is formed off the run off from the Breiðamerkurjökull outlet from Vatnajökull, and is a popular spot for taking a boat tour  (seasonal), which will get you out between the icebergs and up close to the glacier itself, an experience you won’t quickly forget.

Directly across the road from Jökulsárlón Lagoon is the Diamond beach. This is where the icebergs which float out of the lagoon wash up on the shore, creating the impression of a beach littered with giant diamonds. Depending on the time of year you visit, you will find more or less of these (more in winter, less in summer!), but it’s worth five minutes to check it out whenever you visit.

Finally, the last section of the day has you driving on to Hofn, where we recommend you spend the night. If you prefer, you can also drive further, and overnight in Djúpivogur.

Day 3 Highlights:  Fjaðrárgljúfur, Lava Fields, Vatnajökull National Park, Glacial Lagoon, Langoustines

Start Point : Vik End Point : Hofn or Djúpivogur Distance driven : 272km / 170 miles

Where to stay

For your third night on Iceland’s ring road we suggest staying in either Höfn or Djúpivogur. Options to consider include:

• Hotel Framtid in Djúpivogur – we stayed at this lovely hotel overlooking the harbour and enjoyed taking some short walks in the area
• Framtid Hostel – a well reviewed hostel in Djúpivogur offering a shared kitchen and shared bathrooms. A good budget option.
• Hotel Edda Höfn – found by the harbour in Höfn this hotel offers lovely views and rooms with private facilities
• Milk Factory – as the name suggests, this hotel is located in a former milk factory. Rooms all feature free WiFi and private bathrooms
• Höfn Guesthouse – this is a well reviewed centrally located budget guesthouse in Höfn, with shared bathrooms

See more options in Djúpivogur here and Hofn here .

Day 4: East Coast

It’s time to tackle Iceland’s east coast! Jökulsárlón Lagoon, which you visited yesterday, is the last stopping point for the majority of one and two day trips from Reykjavík, so from there onwards you should find that the roads and attractions will be a little less busy.

Your first stop today is the Vestrahorn, a fantastically photogenic mountain. In contrast to the flatter, glacier coated mountains of the south coast, the Vestrahorn is a spikey affair, in fact it is named for it’s “horns”. This is just one of a series of these mountains along the east coast, which makes for a seriously spectacular drive along the coast.

Note that you can see Vestrahorn from Route 1, but if you decide to drive off the 1  do come off the 1 and drive to Stokksnes for more views of the Vestrahorn, this is across private land. The landowner here charges a small fee to vehicles to manage the road and access.

You then are going to continue your drive along the coastal road, which is a really fabulous drive, and you are going to find yourself stopping regularly to take photos of the scenery here. Just be sure to stop at the actual pullouts and marked parking areas.

The first major stop is going to be the small fishing town of Djúpivogur. Here there are a few highlights, including an art installation of stone eggs (Eggin í Gleðivík), with each egg representing a bird you would find in Iceland. Djúpivogur is a popular spot for bird watching too and you can find a couple of hides in the area.

There are also local artists who have opened their quirky studios to visitors, and these are definitely worth a visit.

If you want to see something a little unusual (for Iceland at least), you can take a 15 minute hike from the east end of town to Búlandsnes, where you can see a lovely white sand beach. For more on what to do in Djúpivogur, see the official website here .

From Djúpivogur, continue northwards on Route 1. There are two waterfalls next on your route, Sveinsstekksfoss & Folaldafoss. The first is just off the road, with the best views found if you drive up the steep track a little way to the parking at the top, from where it’s a 1 minute walk to a viewpoint.

Folaldafoss is a five minute detour off the 1 on Route 939, and is viewable both from the car park, or you can walk down to be closer to the falls, which takes about five minutes. Both waterfalls are worth stopping at.

Note that GPS units will often recommend you continue on the 939 if you set your destination as Egilsstaðir. We’d suggest against doing this – the road is a windy mountainous pass, and you are unlikely to save any time. It also often closes in bad weather conditions. Instead, return to the 1 and continue onwards.

Another benefit of continuing on the Ring Road is that you will be able to stop at Petra’s stone collection.

Petra was a lady who lived in the village of Stöðvarfjörður, and who had a real passion for collecting stones. Her stone collection attracted visitors from all over the world, and it grew to take over her house and garden.

Petra died a few years back, but her family have maintained her collection – and it is truly impressive. A great stop if you want to learn all about the minerals of Iceland, plus get an insight into a locals’ life and hobby.

From Petra’s stone house, continue your journey to the town of Egilsstaðir. The stretch of Route 1 from near Reyðarfjörður into Egilsstaðir takes you through a truly stunning valley, which when we drove it seemed to have waterfalls crashing down the valley walls every few hundred meters. A wonderful sight to behold as you head into Egilsstaðir.

Egilsstaðir is the largest town in East Iceland, and a good place for shopping if you need to get any supplies. It’s also home to the largest forested area in Iceland, which you might find surprising after seeing so much barren and treeless landscapes!

For a culture fix, Egilsstaðir is where you’ll find the East Iceland Heritage Museum , which tells the story of the history and culture of this region of Iceland specifically.

You can overnight in Egilsstaðir, but, depending on time, you may also consider taking the half hour drive out to the town of  Seyðisfjörður on Route 93.

The road out to this coastal town is truly spectacular, and fans of the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” will recognise this road as the one the character Walter rides his long board down.

On the way there are a number of spectacular waterfalls – we’d definitely recommend stopping at Fardagafoss and taking the time to hike up to it (around 45 minutes round trip).

The town itself is also very pretty, with the rainbow painted high street that leads to the local church being particularly photogenic.

Day 4 Highlights:  Vestrahorn, Djúpivogur, Sveinsstekksfoss, Folaldafoss, Petra’s Stone Collection, Egilsstaðir, Seydisfjördur

Start Point:  Hofn End Point : Egilsstaðir or Seydisfjördur Distance driven : 281 km / 173 miles.

For your fourth night on Iceland’s ring road we recommend staying either in Egilsstaðir or Seydisfjördur.

• Hotel Aldan The Bank – this lovely property is found in two historic buildings in the centre of Seydisfjördur, and was where we stayed. Rooms are en-suite and wonderfully decorated.
• Hafaldan HI Hostel – found in Seydisfjördur, this hostel offers rooms with either private or shared facilities, as well as a shared kitchen. A good budget option.
• Tehúsið Hostel – found in Egilsstadir, this hostel has a restaurant, shared kitchen and lounge. Rooms have shared bathrooms.
• Hótel Eyvindará – this family run hotel is just 2km from Egilsstadir. Rooms ave private bathrooms and some have private terraces
• Icelandair Hotel Herad – this Egilsstadir hotels offers a terrace bar, 24-hour room service and on-site restaurant. Rooms are comfortable and are all en-suite.

See more options in Seydisfjördur here and Egilsstaðir here .

Day 5: North Iceland

The fifth day of our Iceland road trip itinerary takes us out of east Iceland and into northern Iceland. Before you leave this area though, you might consider a Reindeer Safari, as this is the best part of Iceland (well the only actually as all the reindeer live in East Iceland) to see the wild reindeer. We did one of these trips, and were lucky enough to spot two large reindeer herds!

After leaving Egilsstaðir, your first stop on day five will be the Rjukandi waterfall. This is right by the road, around a 40 minute drive outside Egilsstaðir. There’s a parking lot here and it’s a five or ten minute walk up a relatively gentle incline to the best viewpoint.

Not long after the Rjukandi waterfall, you’ll come to a turning signposted for Sænautasel and Möðrudalur. This follows the F970 unpaved mountain road. If you have time and a proper 4×4 vehicle with high clearance, and if the road is open, then we can suggest a detour on this route, which will give you the opportunity to visit these two locations.

Sænautasel is an old restored turf farm house where you can now get coffee and pancakes in an authentic turf house. Möðrudalur also has a number of turf houses, and is a larger village. This detour will add more time to your trip today, but if you do have the time and a suitable vehicle, then we think it is a fun experience.

Our next stop is the waterfall of Dettifoss, which is one of the highlights of Iceland’s Diamond Circle  – a popular circuit of attractions in the north of Iceland. Our Ring Road itinerary will cover some of these, but not all, just for reasons of time.

Dettifoss though should definitely be on your list. This is Europe’s most powerful waterfall by volume of water, with around 500 cubic meters of water passing over the falls every second. The falls are 100 meters wide and 45 metres high, and as you can imagine, are quite the sight.

You can access Dettifoss by taking either Road 864 or 862 off the Ring Road. These two options bring you to different sides of the falls, which offer slightly different views. Route 862, on the west side, is a tarmac road, whilst Route 864 is a gravel road. The views differ, so you should do a little research so you can decide for yourself which will be better for you. Also these roads may close in bad weather.

You can of course continue to explore the Diamond Circle if you wish. North from Dettifoss on the west side is Hljóðaklettar, home to some seriously funky columnar rock formations, which take around an hour to explore.

You could go further north and complete the Diamond Circle, even visiting Húsavík – one of the most popular places for whale watching in Iceland , and then rejoin the Ring Road at Lake Myvatn. If whale watching is high on your list, you might want to do that instead.

For the purposes of this itinerary, we’re going to assume you return to the Ring Road after Dettifoss, and continue to follow it.

You will now approach the Lake Myvatn area of northern Iceland, which is full of attractions, and where you could easily spend a few days exploring. The lake, which was created by a massive volcanic eruption a couple of thousand years ago (practically yesterday in geological terms), is a particularly popular spot for bird watching and is home to a large number of rare duck species.

There are also numerous attractions, from volcano craters to lava fields to areas of geothermal activity.

We would suggest that you split the attractions in the Myvatn area between your fifth and sixth day in Iceland. On this day, we’d advise stopping at Hverir, a geothermal spot which is known for its bubbling pools of mud and steam fumaroles, which is quite an impressive site.

We’d also highly recommend the Lake Myvatn Nature Baths . These baths are some of our favourite geothermal baths in Iceland. They have a similar outdoor feel to the Blue Lagoon, with that beautiful blue colour, but we thought that the view from the bathing area was just perfect. It’s a little way up a hillside here, and you can see right across the whole Lake Myvatn area.

You’ll want to book your ticket in advance , and we can recommend bringing a towel as towel rental is not included, and is a little bit expensive.

Day 5 Highlights : Rjukandi waterfall, Dettifoss, Hverir, Lake Myvatn Nature Baths

Start Point : Seydisfjordur End Point : Lake Myvatn Distance driven : 262km / 162 miles

We recommend spending your fifth night in the Lake Myvatn area. Some options to consider include:

• Laxá Hótel – this is a nice design hotel with great views, just 2km from the lake. We had a lovely stay here.
• Skútustadir Guesthouse – set on a farm, this well reviewed guesthouse offers a shared kitchen as well as rooms with either shared or private bathrooms
• Vogafjós Farm Resort – this well reviewed family-run guesthouse offers rooms with private bathrooms and on-site dining
• Fosshótel Mývatn – this is a very well reviewed hotel offering comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant
• Dimmuborgir Guesthouse – this farm stay offers self-catering cottages as well as rooms with access to a shared kitchen.

See more options in the Lake Myvatn area here .

If you decide to do the Diamond Circle drive instead, we’d recommend staying in Húsavík . We stayed at the  Kaldbakskot Cottages , but there are lots of options, you can see listings here .

Day 6: North Iceland

Wow, day 6 of the road trip already! Today we’re going to continue to explore northern Iceland, starting with some more of the attractions around Lake Myvatn.

Lake Myvatn has a great many attractions to choose from, ranging from geological attractions through to bird watching and fishing. We’ve put a few of our favourite geological attractions here, but there is a great deal to do in this area, depending on your interests.

Depending on where you choose to stay in this area, the order you visit these attractions will vary. However, these are the attractions we’d suggest you visit.

The first attraction along the route is Grjótagjá Cave. This is a hot water filled natural cave which was once a popular bathing area, until a change in the water temperature made it too hot to bathe in.

It was also used as a Game of Thrones filming location, which led to its current popularity.

Unfortunately, due to vandalism by visitors in 2018, the landowner closed all access to the cave;. However, as of 2021 it was open. As it’s on private land and access is down the landowner, just check before your visit to see if it is open. If not, or if you want a cave you can actually swim in, check out nearby Stóragjá Cave.

If you want to climb a volcano crater whilst you’re in Iceland, you’re going to love the next stop on the itinerary: Hverfjall Crater. This is a kilometre wide volcano crater which is a steep 15 minute walk up, and the views from the top are magnificent.

From Hverfjall, you’ll want to head to Dimmuborgir. This is home to an incredible lava field full of interesting rock formations. There are a variety of walks you can take around the area, of varying length, and the paths are easy to follow and well marked. Or you can just get a good look from the viewpoint next to the parking lot. This was also a Game of Thrones filming location.

There’s a cafe and gift shop here, as well as toilets for customers of the cafe.

After Dimmuborgir, we can recommend a stop at Hofdi, a small nature reserve where you can walk near the lake and see rock formations jutting out of the water. Finally, head to Skútustaðagígar, where you’ll find a series of “pseudo-craters”.

These aren’t craters from eruptions, but rather that formed when gas in flowing lava exploded. There are a series of them here, and they are of different sizes. This is also one of the most popular spots for bird watching in the area.

You’ve now seen the major highlights of this area, so it’s time to head on. It’s worth mentioning Aldeyjarfoss, a waterfall around an hour detour to the south of Lake Myvatn, but as this is a fairly lengthy detour (2 hours!) we’d only recommend it if you’re a really keen waterfall hunter. Otherwise, head west on to the one to our next stop: Goðafoss.

Goðafoss is a spectacular horseshoe shaped rainbow which has good viewing options from both sides, and it’s only a couple of minutes drive between the two sides, so it’s not hard to get from one viewpoint to the other. It’s also right off the Ring Road, so you can’t miss it. Short walk from parking areas.

After Goðafoss, your journey will bring you to Akureyri, the largest town in northern Iceland, and where we suggest you spend your sixth night in Iceland. There’s plenty to see and do here, which we’ll cover on the next day.

Day 6 Highlights : Lake Myvatn, Hverfjall Crater, Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar, Goðafoss

Start Point : Lake Myvatn End Point : Akureyri Distance driven : 110km / 70 miles

For your sixth night on Iceland’s ring road we recommend staying in Akureyri. Some options include:

• Hotel Kea – this very central 4* hotel was where we stayed in Akureyri. Rooms were comfortable and we enjoyed the on-site restaurant
• Hotel Akureyri – this central hotel offers en-suite rooms and an on-site restaurant, as well as free parking and WiFi
• Centrum Hotel – this is a well reviewed and centrally located guesthouse with private bathrooms, free parking and a restaurant
• Hafnarstræti Hostel – this very well reviewed hostel offers single and double capsule beds as well as a shared kitchen
• Akureyri Backpackers – a popular and central backpackers offering shared and private accommodation as well as free parking, a bar, cafe and communal kitchen.

See more options for Akureyri here .

Day 7: North and West Iceland

We’re now going to explore the town of Akureyri, and then head across to west Iceland and almost back to Reyjkavik. Time limitations on this trip mean we can’t do things like visit the Trollskagi peninsula or Snæfellsnes peninsula, but if you have a bit more time to spare, these would be worthy additions to your trip for sure!

Akureyri has a lot to offer, particularly if you’re interested in visiting some cultural attractions. The town is home to a large number of museums, including the Motorcycle Museum of Iceland , the Industry Museum , the Akureyri Art Museum , Nonnahús  and Safnasafnið , the Icelandic Folk and Outsider museum.

We took the time to visit a few of these for some indoor time, which is a great option when the weather is not so good outside.

Akureyri is also a good place for  horse riding tours  or a food tour , if these activities are of interest.

From Akureyri, it’s a bit of a drive back to Borganes, although along the way there are a number of worthy stops.

One suggestion, depending on time, is to take a detour to drive the Vatnsnes peninsula (or a section of it). This will take an extra 2 – 3 hours depending on stops, but will give you the opportunity to see the impressive Hvitserkur rock formations. There are also a number of other interesting rock formations and some beaches.

This area is also a great place for a chance to see seals in the wild. If you are interested in seals, stop off in Hvammstangi, where you can visit the Icelandic Seal Center, and learn all about these lovely creatures. Depending on the weather conditions and time of year, you can also take a boat tour to see seals and other wildlife.

If you choose not to do the Vatnsnes Peninsula, then Kolugljúfur Canyon is a beautiful canyon and series of waterfalls just a short drive off the Ring Road. You can also do this if you drive the peninsula, it will just require you to double back on yourself a little.

Finally, finish your day be heading on down to Borgarnes. In Borgarnes you might consider a visit to the excellent saga museum. Or, if you prefer, you can drive all the way to Reykjavik for your final night in Iceland!

Day 7 Highlights : Akureyri, Hvitserkur, Vatnsnes peninsula, Icelandic Seal Center, Kolugljúfur Canyon, Borgarnes

Start Point : Akureyri End Point : Borgarnes Distance driven : 370 km / 230 miles.

For your final night we’d suggest staying in either Borgarnes or Reykjavik.

We’ve stayed at a number of hotels near the Reykjavik city centre which we are happy to recommend, and we’ve included some other popular options as well.

• Grand Hotel,  around 1.2 miles from the city center, offering four star accommodation, free wifi, spa & fitness center and free parking. We’ve stayed here.
• Reyjkavik Natura Icelandair Hotel , near the city airport, this hotel offers free parking, a free city bus pass to all guests, on-site restaurant and spa facilities. We’ve stayed here.
• Guesthouse Galtafell  – A good value option around ten minutes walk from the city center and quick walk from the BSI bus station. Offers both guest rooms in the main house as well as apartments that come with a small kitchenette. We’ve stayed here.
• Galaxy Pod Hostel – this well located hostel offers dormitory accommodation with a twist – each bed is in a self-contained pod, offering more privacy than a normal hostel. Pods vary in standard, but most come with TV’s, power and WiFi.

If you’d prefer to stay near the airport, we’ve also stayed at the  Northern Light Inn . This is conveniently located right next to the Blue Lagoon and is about a 17 minute drive from airport. Travellers on more of a budget will like The Base by Keflavik airport , which offers both hotel and hostel style accommodation, as well as an airport shuttle.

We’ve also stayed in the Icelandair Hotel Hamar near Borgarnes. See more lodging options for  Borgarnes here , and  Reykjavik here .

• Day 8: Reykjavik

For your final day, we’d suggest heading back to Reykjavik and doing a little bit of sight-seeing in the town. This would also be a good day to visit the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon if you didn’t come here on your first day.

There’s a lot to see and do in Reykjavik – from visiting attractions like the Hallgrímskirkja church and the city’s many museums, through to taking whale watching or puffin watching tours .

Finally, it’ll be time to head back to the airport, return your hire car, and head home! You have successfully driven the whole Iceland Ring Road!

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Map

To help you visualise the road trip route we’ve put it together as a map. This includes the suggested route, attractions and recommended lodging options. You can see this on Google Maps here .

Iceland Ring Road Itinerary Overview

Here’s a summary overview of each day of this Iceland ring road itinerary.

• Day 1 : Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park
• Day 2: Geysir, Gullfoss, Lava Center, Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skogafoss, Sólheimasandur plane wreck, Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Day 3: Fjaðrárgljúfur, Lava Fields, Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Langoustines
• Day 4: Vestrahorn, Djúpivogur, Sveinsstekksfoss, Folaldafoss, Petra’s Stone Collection, Egilsstaðir, Seydisfjördur
• Day 5: Rjukandi waterfall, Dettifoss, Diamond Circle, Hverir, Lake Myvatn Nature Baths
• Day 6: Lake Myvatn, Hverfjall Crater, Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðagígar, Goðafoss
• Day 7: Akureyri, Hvitserkur, Vatnsnes peninsula, Icelandic Seal Center, Kolugljúfur Canyon, Borgarnes

Planning A Self-Drive Ring Road Trip

We have written a whole guide to planning a trip to Iceland , so we would definitely recommend you take a look at that.

For this trip, if you want to drive yourself as we suggest, you have two major options.

First, you could take a self-drive tour. This is what we have done on all our Iceland adventures. The tour company handle everything for you, from booking the hire car and accommodation, to putting together a suggested itinerary.

This is definitely the easiest way to do a self-drive trip, and saves you the hassle of planning all your hotel stops, finding the hire car and so on.

You can see self-drive trips on Tour Radar here and on Guide to Iceland here , both of which offer a variety of tours from different companies in Iceland.

The other option is of course to book everything yourself. First, you’ll want a hire car, and you can check prices here on Discover Cars or here on Northbound .

Discover Cars compare a number of providers in the country so you can find the best price for you.

Northbound is based in Iceland, and they also search a range of providers with the added advantage that you can add the various insurances that are unique to the country should you so choose. This can help avoid the hard sell that you will otherwise likely get for these insurances at the checkout counter when you pick up your car.

It’s also worth mentioning that Northbound can also help you customise a tour to meet your exact needs, a process you can start here . Feel free to send them this blog post and ask them to help you plan a similar trip!

Once you have your car arranged, you’ll want to book your hotels. We’ve got some tips for booking tools further on the in post, and we have also included suggested hotel stops for each night as part of the route plan.

Finally, if self-driving seems too much, you can also of course do the ring road as part of a guided tour like this .

Where Can You See the Northern Lights in Iceland

You can see the northern lights from pretty much anywhere in Iceland. If you’re driving yourself, you just need to find a spot away from city lights with a good view of the sky, and hope for clear conditions and high solar activity. The  Icelandic Met Office website has an excellent tool to help you find the northern lights in Iceland.

The northern lights are viewable from September through to March – basically, you need dark clear skies to see them. In summer, the days are too long for it to be dark enough to see them.

If you’re in Reykjavik, there are lots of tour operators who offer  northern lights tours . This is a good way to see the northern lights, as the drivers will know the best places to go, and the tours will usually only go if there is a high chance of seeing the lights.

If you are planning on seeing the lights, see our guide to  how to photograph the northern lights  so you are fully prepared to get some great images.

Where to Stay in Iceland?

Iceland has a wide range of accommodation options, to suit a variety of budgets, from backpacker hostels through to more luxury properties.

It’s worth noting that Iceland is far from a budget destination (read our Iceland budget tips for money saving advice), but we found that especially for the mid-range properties, value for money was good.

For our self-drive road trips, our hotels were arranged for us. You can see a selection of self-drive tours like this here.

For the majority of the rest of our accommodation in Iceland, we use Booking.com . We find that they are usually the best option when we travel, as they have everything from hotels to apartments and hostels, with a massive choice, and the user review system makes it easier to find good properties.

We have also used apartment rentals platforms like Vrbo in Iceland. We prefer to use these for longer stays though, we think that for short one-night stops, especially on a road trip where arrival times can vary, the requirement to sometimes arrange arrival times with a host can be a problematic. Still, it can be an option.

Power in Iceland

Iceland uses a 220v system with the same two pin plugs as most of Europe. If you are travelling from the UK or US, you will need some form of travel adapter like this – see our Iceland packing list for suggestions.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters . We highly recommend you pick anything up before you come as Iceland is not cheap.

Internet Access in Iceland

WiFi is generally easy to find in Iceland, and all the hotels and guesthouses we stayed in had good, free WiFi access. In addition, on our road trip with Iceland Travel, we were provided with a pre-paid SIM card which came with data, meaning we could get online easily.

If you want to get online with your phone, a SIM card from a local provider will likely be the cheapest option, and these can be picked up at Keflavik airport when you arrive.

If you don’t have an unlocked phone, take a look at my guide to getting online when you travel for more options.

For more practicalities for your trip to Iceland, including currency and safety, see our guide to planning a trip to Iceland .

Further Reading for Visiting Iceland

And that finished our detailed 7 day Iceland Ring Road itinerary! Hopefully it has everything you need to start planning your own epic road trip in Iceland.

As mentioned at the start of the post, we’ve travelled a fair bit in Iceland, and have written a number of guides to help you put together your trip and plan effectively. We think you’ll find them useful.

• We have a detailed guide to help you  planning a trip to Iceland,  which has everything you could need to help you plan an awesome adventure in Iceland, from budget tips to practical information and more. A must read and a good place to start your trip planning!
• We have a guide to driving in Iceland to help you prepare for the road trip. If you choose to do this self-drive trip in Iceland in winter, we also have a detailed guide to driving in Iceland in winter to help prepare yourself
• We’ve created a list of some of our  favourite photography locations in Iceland  from our travels there to give you some ideas of where to aim to get the best photos
• If you are interested in seeing Puffins in Iceland, check out our detailed guide to Puffins in Iceland , which has everything you need to know!
• Our guide to finding the Iceland Plane crash , which is a fun photography location (if a bit of a walk to get to!)
• If the Ring Road seems like too much to tackle in seven day, or you’d prefer not to drive it in winter, Jess has put together a detailed post outlining a  7 day winter Iceland itinerary  to give you some route ideas.
• We have a detailed guide to visiting the Blue Lagoon to help you plan that experience
• We also have a detailed guide to the Golden Circle for planning that day trip
• If you’re visiting Iceland in Winter, check out our guide to the  best winter activities in Iceland  and my  tips for cold weather photography
• On a budget? Here’s a guide to visiting Iceland on a budget to help you make the most of your trip
• We have a detailed packing guide to help you decide  what to pack for Iceland
• We’ve also got a guide to the  best day trips from Reykjavik  should you wish to base yourself in the capital rather than self-drive around
• For car rental in Iceland,  this website  lets you choose between a range of car rental providers in Iceland
• The weather in Iceland can be fickle – the best website for real-time cloud cover is  this one from the Icelandic Met Office .
• Whilst Iceland is a safe country to travel in when it comes to things like crime, the country itself is home to extreme conditions and all sorts of seismic activity. So to stay safe as you go, check out the  safetravel Iceland page
• Finally, if you’re not sure what camera gear to take with, take a look at both our guide to  picking a travel camera , picking a travel lens , and our personal  travel photography gear

And that’s it! If you’ve got any questions or feedback on the above, just let us know in the comments below, and have an awesome trip in Iceland!

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Anna R says

13th February 2023 at 10:40 pm

Hi. Just a note to say thanks for your amazing blog about driving the Iceland ring road. It was super helpful for informing the planning for our upcoming trip there in September.

Laurence Norah says

15th February 2023 at 8:13 am

It’s my pleasure Anna, have a great trip and let me know if you have any questions!

10th June 2022 at 6:16 am

Hi Laurence,

Thank you for your detailed guide. I will be travelling to Iceland in July and will be following your itinerary as the days line up perfectly. I just had a question with regards to your itinerary and car rentals – are there any stops in your itinerary that would require an SUV with 4 wheel drive capabilities (F-roads) or would a regular city car be sufficient? Thanks again for all the detailed information you’ve provided.

10th June 2022 at 11:38 am

On the map that I’ve shared there shouldn’t be any F-roads and you shouldn’t need a 4WD car for this trip, especially not in summer. For Dettifoss, I’d recommend taking road 862 rather than 864.

F roads are very clearly marked, normally with very large signs, so you shouldn’t find yourself on one by accident 🙂

Have a great time in Iceland! Feel free to stop back and let us know how you found the trip!

Keehyuk says

1st June 2022 at 11:52 pm

Thank you so much for your really detailed guide as well as the other Iceland related content! We just got back from a week in Iceland and worked off a compacted version of your guide here. The result was easily one of the most incredible trips we have ever had! We’ve already talked about going back so we can drive up to the West Fjords and hit some of the spots we missed due to time crunch/weather.

Just something to update your guide, the langostine restaurant you recommended in Höfn (Humarhöfnin Veitingahús) is permanently closed. There is another restaurant in its place now. We were looking forward to trying it but ended up at the Z Bistro down the street instead (fantastic food with generous portions and as fairly decently priced as well).

2nd June 2022 at 2:50 pm

Hey Keehyuk,

Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave your thoughts on the article and your experience in Iceland! I am so pleased to hear that you had a great time! I also hope you guys are able to get back, the West Fjords are absolutely stunning, and very different to the rest of the country.

I must also thank you for your update on the langoustine restaurant in Hofn. To be honest we very rarely recommend restaurants because they seem to come and go more quickly than most other attractions. This was so good that we had to recommend it, and we are sorry to hear it has gone 🙁 I have removed it from this guide, and thanks for the alternative option 🙂

Safe travels!

11th May 2022 at 9:41 pm

Hi there! Some friends of mine and I are planning a trip but we were wondering what you would estimate your budget to be to do the full itinerary for a guided tour versus self drive?? We’re planning on going end of may-June.

12th May 2022 at 8:55 am

Great question. So a tour of around this length, such as this one , is going to cost in the region of $1600 – $2000 per person. Then you will have to figure out what the tour does or doesn’t include, such as meals and attraction entry. Most tours include breakfast but often lunch and dinner at your own expense, so that’s another $20 – $50 per person per day depending on your eating style. Food can be quite expensive in Iceland, especially in restaurants.

When travelling on your own, your main costs will be the car rental, accommodation, fuel and meals. With a group of you, you can obviously split the car rental and fuel, although this would depend on how many you are travelling with. For car rental, this site should give you an idea of the cost at your time of year.

For hotels, I will assume you are sharing, so a room for two will generally run you in the region of $100 – $200 a night for two people. Meal costs will be similar as to being on a guided tour as most hotels include breakfast.

There are quite a few variables to take into account, so I can’t give you an exact answer as it will depend on your group size and the level of comfort you are looking for. I would say that doing it yourself will normally work out a little bit cheaper, especially with a group of around four as you can split costs quite easily. It also gives you more flexibiity. However you obviously won’t have the benefit of a guide, and you will have to do all the planning yourself. So cost is not the only thing to consider.

I hope this helps a bit, let me know if I can offer any further input, and have a great trip!

8th May 2022 at 9:05 am

Dear Laurence, First of all, thanks for all the amazing range of info and all the practical tips you have on your site. It’s really my favorite travel site! We’re going to Iceland this summer and wondering about spending a day in the Westjords. Have you visited the area? Would you recommend going there if we have an extra day or two? What should we see there? Any recommendations where to stay overnight?

9th May 2022 at 6:24 pm

Thanks very much! So yes, we have visited the Westfjords and it is a beautiful part of Iceland. It’s the oldest part of the country geologically speaking, and is definitely very different to the other parts of the country. I don’t include it on this itinerary as you definitely need at least two days to visit. The distances might not look long on the map, but the roads here are very winding as they follow the coastline, so it can take a long time to get anywhere! There’s a lot to see and do here – the cliffs at Látrabjarg are popular, and Djnjandi waterfall is spectacular. We stayed in Isafjordur which was nice, we also did some sea kayaking here and took a boat trip to Vigur island to see puffins which was lovely.

Let me know if I can offer any more information! I can definitely recommend taking the time to visit this area 🙂

Christos & Inge says

6th April 2022 at 8:10 pm

Hello Laurence, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. We indeed plan to spend our last night at Reykjavik. We fly out on Monday, the 18th, at 18.30, so we will have several hours to spend in this nice city. However, back to our arrival day on Sunday the 10th,..We should be done with immigration and rental car, by 16.30, I hope. So, I did look into going to Thingvellir straight from the Airport. I estimate that we would get there at around 18.00…Perhaps, late to actually see things at our leisure after a long day of travelling. Then, I check for possible accommodation close by there, and there are few options only, and most of them pricy even…So, perhaps it will be wiser to book something in Reykjavik anyway, get a taste of the city in the evening, and get a fresh start the next Morning. Come to think of it…My wife actually would not mind seeing the Blue Lagoon again after almost 20 years!! Plus, my 12 year old daughter and myself had not been there at all. Its Iceland…We will try to go to all the hot pools and springs we can find! So, we could indeed follow your advice from your itinerary, and drive straight to the Blue Lagoon from the airport, enjoy it and then head towards Reykjavik…Its all good! Its a holiday after all, Best regards and thanks again, Christos

6th April 2022 at 8:15 pm

Hi Christos

It’s my pleasure! I think your plan sounds good. I think you might feel stressed about having to go to the Golden Circle on your first day. This way you can all relax in the lagoon and then go to the city afterwards for the evening, then be ready for your adventures the next morning 😀 And yes, there is a lot more choice of places to stay (and eat!) in the city.

Have an amazing time!

8th April 2022 at 1:16 pm

Hello again! My plan is coming along, but I would appreciate your recommendation for something. We plan to do the Golden Cirle but, instead of heading back to Reykavik, to join the Ring road after the Kerid Crater. I expect to be there after 16.00 for sure… So, what is your recommendation for our next overnight? What area or town? And if you have any options for accommodation, it’s more than welcome!

Thank you, Christos

8th April 2022 at 2:01 pm

Hey Christos,

This is a great question, and it’s given me the incentive to add all the lodging we recommend to the route map to make it easier to see where it is. You can see the map here with all the hotels added in.

I would say that if you are ok to drive a bit further then heading towards Hella or Hvolsvollur would make the most sense. You have the Famer’s Guesthouse the Stracta Hotel or the Hotel Kanslarinn in Hella, and then Midgard Base Camp in Hvolsvollur. There are other options too of course!

6th April 2022 at 4:09 pm

Hi Laurence! We will fly for Iceland on Sunday the 10th and since we will land at 15.30, i want your opinion on how to begin our trip. I have already booked our car for the Ring road drive we plan to do. We have just 8 nights, and i hope to make the best of it. We want to skip the Blue Lagoon on the 1st day, because my wife has already seen it , plus we plan to visit the less busy option at Lake Myvatn, that you guys also reccomend. Based on the fact that we could be ready to begin at around 16.30, what is your best option for this 1st day? Go towards the Golden Circle, and see a bit of it and spend the night somewhere there or head towards Reykjavik instead and have a fresh start the next morning??

6th April 2022 at 4:25 pm

Great to hear from you! So the answer depends a little on when you leave as well. If you are planning on visiting Reykjavik at the end of your trip, then I would go straight onto the Golden Circle. However, if you think you’ll be missing it at the end, then I would say you should definitely include it. It’s worth at least wandering around for a couple of hours, and there are a wide range of accommodation options to choose from. However, if you plan to do that already at the end of the trip, I’d probably get going towards the Golden Circle.

The first main attraction would be Thingvellir. As you land relatively late (by the time you have gone through security and picked up your car), the visitor centre will likely be closed. However as far as I am aware you can still visit and see the main sights on the trails if you wanted too. Or you could just overnight nearby and visit in the morning when everything is open.

Honestly though, the distance from the city to Thingvellir is not too great, so I think either option would work. It might come down to where you can find to stay 🙂

Have a great trip and let me know if I can help any more!

Barbara says

24th January 2022 at 3:37 am

Hi Laurence, We are planning on spending 3 weeks in Iceland. We will be spending 3 days at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and 3 days at the Golden Circle before beginning our tour of the Ring Road. We also hope to be returning to Rekjavik for 2-3 days before flying out. That leaves us with 9-10 days to spend on the Ring Road. We have your suggested 7 day itinerary, but could use some suggestions to spend extra days. We are active and enjoy hiking, but nothing terribly extreme. We will be staying in hotel, etc. on the road. Our kids will be doing the Ring Road as well, but plan to camp most of the time. We will not necessarily be traveling together. Do you have additional suggestions to extend this trip beyond your 7 day itinerary?

Thanks, Barb Fast

25th January 2022 at 11:41 am

Hi Barbara!

So the good news is that it is very easy to extend this itinerary for as long as you like 🙂 We actually spent four weeks driving the Ring Road when researching this piece, and still could have done more. I would personally recommend adding a bit of extra time in either the east or north, where there is plenty to see and do. Alternatively, a good option would be to spend a couple of days visiting the Westfjords. This is the oldest part of Iceland geologically speaking, and is very different to the rest of the country. There are lots of hiking and other outdoors activities here like sea kayaking. So that would probably be my suggestion.

I hope this helps – have a great time in Iceland!

29th April 2021 at 6:24 pm

You are a star. xxx

24th April 2021 at 10:24 am

Hello to you both from an unusually sunny Noth Wales.

My wife and I have just subscribed to your monthly newsletter, the first time i have subscribed to anything like this, and is testment to the quality of your website, its’s absolutely brilliant.

I have booked 2 weeks in Iceland off the back of your website starting 13th August. We are both fit and are there to celebrate my Wife’s 50th Birthday.

Due to Covid we will pobably have to isolate in a hotel for the fist night (waiting for test results) but then we can get started. I have booked the following 3 nights in Laugarvatn (we lose the day of arrival as a exploring day due to having to Covid isolate) to do everything on the Golden Circle 2 Night near Vik 3 nights 25km beyond Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 3 nights near Mývatn lake 2 night on Snæfellsnes peninsula 1 night near the Airport (due to a stupid O’ Clock flight the following morning)

We love hiking (absolute max of 20km) and want to see as much unusual geology / unusual landscapes / rare nature etc. as possible. We want a minimum 2 nights in a hotel as we don’t want to have to pack, unpack every night. So we have two questions… How would you guys do things differently to our itinerary? What paid tours would you do (ice cave, lava tunnels, snow-mobile, boat trips etc.) as we can probably only afford 2 or 3 max

Thank you for all of the Iceland Information, i have read EVERYTHING and you have made plannig the trip very easy.

24th April 2021 at 3:45 pm

Lovely to hear from you! I was actually born in North Wales and am quite familiar with the area (and the vagaries of the weather!).

So I don’t know how flexible your bookings are. I also assume you are driving. Your itinerary looks good to me, but if I was going to make any changes I might suggest:

– Adding in a night or two on the east coast, between Jökulsárlón and Myvatn. East Iceland is very beautiful and it would be a shame to miss out on that. To stick to your minimum of 2 nights in a hotel, I’d suggest dropping 1 night in Laugarvatn and 1 night in Jökulsárlón perhaps. Seydisfjordur or somewhere in that area might be a good option to stop.

In terms of tours, I would recommend those that you can’t do safely by yourself. An ice cave for example is a great idea, but you can only visit those in winter. You might want to do a whale watching trip for example, or you might prefer snowmobiling, both of which are viable in August. A boat trip on the glacier lagoon is also a good option, although if you prefer something quieter there are also kayaking trips in this area which you might prefer. I’d also personally recommend a thermal spa experience – my favourite is the one in Myvatn which has gorgeous views. I preferred that to the blue lagoon for sure. Of course, there are also more natural pools if you prefer, many of which can be visited for free.

I think otherwise your itinerary looks very good and I am sure you will have a great time! Let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help 🙂

25th April 2021 at 7:14 pm

Hello Laurence, Thank you for getting back to us with your advice. We have tweaked our plans accordingly and we are now having a night near Seydisfjordur as you suggested. We will certainly be booking the kayaking in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon so again thanks for the advice. If we could trouble you for one further bit of advice – in the month you spent traveling Iceland which were your favourite walks / hikes (of less than 20km?)

26th April 2021 at 10:56 am

It’s my pleasure! So my favourite hike (so good I did it twice, once in winter and once in summer), was the hike up to the Glymur waterfall. It’s the second highest waterfall in Iceland and makes for a nice few hours of hiking 🙂 Of course, there are many more hikes in Iceland, but most of the ones we did were more like an hour or so rather than anything longer, so you might need to consult a hiking guide for longer walks.

I hope this helps a bit at least 🙂

Jim F. says

29th March 2021 at 5:48 pm

I enjoyed reading about your travels on the Icelandic ring road. I was stationed at the NATO base in Keflavik which is now and was then an airport available to civilian flights as well. During our tour in Iceland we enjoyed driving the ring road three times, although it was not an entirely paved road then. There are so many wonderful things to see in Iceland and places to go that are off the beaten track if you have the time and of course the money. Our children got to see a volcano fissure erupt at 3 AM, up close and personal while there. They walked close enough to feel the heat of the lava while standing in snow up to their knees, I have pictures of them with the look of amazement on their faces. We as a family united like never before and still talk about our trips when we look back over the pictures and movies. One item not mentioned in your description is the Icelandic horses. They will come right up to the fences if you offer a treat. If I remember correctly the Icelandic horses are the only horses in the world that have a 5 step gait. They were also a favorite of our children. One thing I would caution on is driving on the wooden bridges on the ring road ( I assume they are still wooden). They have poor traction and are often wet, you need to drive slowly and be prepared. In addition, I would never ever recommend driving the road in winter. I had to go to Hofn quite often in my duties for what was supposed to be a “two or three day trip” and ended up spending a week or more there because the road was closed due to snow and ice. Would I do it again, in a heart beat.

29th March 2021 at 7:22 pm

Hi Jim – thanks for stopping by and sharing your memories of your time in Iceland. It sounds like you had some really fantastic experiences!

I loved the Icelandic horses too! Somehow I didn’t mention them in this guide but I did include them in some of our other posts on Iceland 🙂

That’s a good tip on the bridges, although I don’t recall that many of them were wooden when we drove it. I also definitely agree about not driving the ring road in winter. Not only is the weather likely to be bad and the road subject to closure, but the long hours of darkness mean you can miss a lot too!

Thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment, it’s appreciated!

Karen Buchsbaum says

25th February 2020 at 4:13 am

Love your blog and have found it very helpful for our planning! We only have 7 nights and I had wanted to do the Ring Drive – but worry it might not give us enough time to enjoy the sights. We are older than your average readers, not too concerned about budget, and definitely not into rigorous active adventures (walks, boat rides, and scenery are of most interest). I was actually considering driving from Reykjavik by the Snafellsnes Penninsula to Akureyri so we can whale watch in Husavik. Then, if possible to drop the car, and fly back to Reykjavik. But, this would mean we would miss the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach as well as the dramatic coast on the east, which I also wanted to see. If we dropped the car, I’ve considered taking a (long) day tour from Reykjavik to the Glacier Lagoon to give my husband a break from driving. Or, alternatively, skipping the Snafellsnes Penninsula and just going for the whole Ring Drive. Do you have any thoughts or input that could help us make the final decision?!

25th February 2020 at 12:44 pm

Thanks very much. So yes, I would agree that with 7 nights it’s either the full ring road OR the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

In terms of input, it will depend a little bit on the time of year you go. If you are visiting between March and September, the days will be much longer and you’ll be able to fit a lot more in. Outside of these months, the days will be much shorter, and the risk of poor weather closing the roads is also higher.

The reason the south coast is so popular is because it’s so accessible. Certainly, the waterfalls / glacier lagoon is impressive, but it’s not “better” than the scenery elsewhere in Iceland in my opinion. It’s just much more visited because it’s closer to Reykjavik, and there are lots of sights relatively close to each other. I’d also add that if you visit in the warmer months, the diamond beach will have very few diamonds on it.

The north, east and west of Iceland gets fewer visitors (basically anywhere that isn’t the south cost to the glacier lagoon), and I think makes for a great adventure. I think your plan of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and north part of Iceland won’t disappoint. The Diamond Circle and attractions around Lake Myvatn are spectacular!

Have a great trip, whatever you choose to do!

25th February 2020 at 8:37 pm

Thanks Laurence! Your thoughts are very appreciated. I neglected to say we are going in early June! I have my plane tickets and now need to get going with booking the rest. It’s a compromise with my husband to just go for a week, since we have some other plans prior. I also blog (non-monetized, independent, just for fun), so I have total appreciation for your excellent detail and photos! Regards, Karen

Chitra says

14th February 2020 at 6:24 pm

Hi We are planning to visit in the last week of June with a 21 month old. Is the 8 day self drive trip feasible with a toddler?

15th February 2020 at 11:32 am

Hey Chitra,

So I have to be honest, we don’t have children so it is hard for us to answer this question definitively. My understanding from talking to other travellers with children is that it very much depends on the individual child as to what they like, and their tolerance for longer journeys. This is certainly a full itinerary with a lot to see and do, and I believe that travelling with a young child can definitely add overhead to a trip, so it may be that you have to skip a few things. You might also prefer to try and focus on a smaller area of Iceland. But really it’s up to you 🙂

Sorry I can’t be of more specific help! Have a great trip though 😀

charissa says

10th February 2020 at 6:44 pm

Your blog is amazing! My girlfriend and I are planning an Iceland trip in June 2020 and want to drive the ring road in 8 days, so we are going to use your ring road itinerary mostly. We are planning to camp during our trip. Do we need to make reservations at camp sites in advance or is there always an extra spot were we can pop our tent up?

11th February 2020 at 1:09 pm

Hi Charissa!

Thanks very much! So June is a popular time, but in our experience you should generally be able to get a spot. However, if you know your dates and where you are going, then reserving will give you peace of mind 🙂

There’s also a camping card in Iceland which might save you money and works at many campsites – we have a guide to that in our post on travelling in Iceland on a budget .

Let me know if you have any more questions, and have a great trip to Iceland!

Sridutt says

11th November 2019 at 4:14 pm

Hi Laurence.. Fantastic guide and great detailing.. We are planning on doing the ring road trip in March.. how many days do u think we should reserve for this trip considering the weather in March? And what are our chances of catching the northern lights? Thank you..

12th November 2019 at 1:23 pm

Hi Sridutt!

So 7 days is the absolute minimum in my opinion for driving the ring road. However, 10 – 14 days would be more comfortable. In March you should still have a good chance of seeing the northern lights, you just have to be lucky with the weather!

Have an amazing trip, and do feel free to pop back with any more questions and to let us know how it went!

23rd September 2019 at 5:17 am

Thank you so much for this detailed post (and the others I have clicked on linked in your post!) I am planning a 7 day trip to Iceland next July and this was incredibly helpful to let me know where to go and where to stay!

23rd September 2019 at 9:55 am

Our pleasure Lisa! Thank you so much for your kind comment 🙂 Have an amazing time in Iceland and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions 😀

Seetul Ghattaora says

18th September 2019 at 12:42 pm

Hi! This is a really useful itinerary, thank you! We plan on going to Iceland in October and following the 5 or 7 day itinerary. Could you give an indication of price? How much did you spend on travel/accomodation/food/petrol in the week?

18th September 2019 at 12:44 pm

Thanks very much! It really depends on your travel style. Iceland is definitely not a budget destination though. We have a break down of various costs in our detailed Iceland budget guide, which you can see here: https://independenttravelcats.com/iceland-budget-tips-how-to-save-money-in-iceland/

Have a great trip!

6th August 2019 at 12:24 am

Such a wonderful site. I am totally planning my road trip in late September using this. I am in Iceland for 9 days/8 nights. I am thinking where should i spend my extra day. Any suggestion?

7th August 2019 at 2:50 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 My suggestion would definitely be to add the Snaefellsnes peninsula to your trip, that would be a great way to use that extra day 🙂

Have a great time and let me know if you have any more questions!

Hazel Marzan says

12th July 2019 at 1:27 pm

Hello Thank you for this wonderful itinerary. We’re thinking of traveling early September with our 6 yr old daughter. Will the 7 day itinerary be too much for a 6 yr old. Should we follow your 5 day itinerary and stretch it to 7 .Any suggestions so we can make this better for her. Thanks.

13th July 2019 at 4:23 pm

This would be quite a full trip for seven days so you might find that your 6 year old finds the pace of the five day itinerary easier if stretched over 5 days. Of course, everyone’s family is different, so I can’t say for certain, but it would definitely be an easier trip with less long hours of driving if you did the 5 day route 🙂

Have a great time in Iceland!

29th June 2019 at 8:37 pm

I am planning to visit Iceland in 1st week of August. Could you please suggest the best and scenic road trip route. I would be very grateful. I would also want to include the peninsula.

29th June 2019 at 8:39 pm

So the best itinerary for seven days, if you want to drive the whole ring road, would be this route. However, we also have a 7 day and a 5 day itinerary that you might find useful, which cover different parts of Iceland. It’s really up to you to customise these routes to your needs and interests, but they should form a great basis to start from. The 7 day and 5 day itineraries can be seen at the following links:

https://independenttravelcats.com/visiting-iceland-in-winter-7-day-iceland-itinerary-by-car/ https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/5-day-iceland-itinerary/

24th June 2019 at 2:50 pm

Good Morning, I am travelling to Iceland the last week of October. Would the Ring Road trip be feasible at this time? I am doing a guided tour of the south the first week of Nov, so I will be strictly driving through this part. If Ring road is not doable at this time of year, what would you suggest as a plan that do not include the south? Thank you

25th June 2019 at 1:43 am

So it is hard to say exactly as predicting the weather is definitely tricky in Iceland. I would say that it might be possible, it might not. The risk is that there are not any alternatives, so if a section of the ring road is closed, your only choice is to backtrack. An alternative to doing the whole ring road would be to fly to Akureyri and base yourself from there, exploring that area and the Lake Myvatn area. There’s a great deal to see in the area, and you wouldn’t be locked in to having to follow the singular route and get back to your start point. So that would be my suggested alternative option 🙂

Have a great trip whatever you choose to do!

Pankhri says

3rd June 2019 at 3:55 pm

Hi, I am a fan of this page, Such detailed itenary and details. I have a quick question. We will be in Iceland for exactly 8 days and we want to do the Ring road trip. We are planning to use this itenary except that we want to relax it a little bit in some places, so we are planning to start driving from Reyjavik to Lake Myvatn area and then drop the rental car at AEY airport. We will take a flight from AEY to RKV. We will miss Snæfellsnes peninsula and Borgarnes if we follow above. Do you think its is worth the trade-off.

3rd June 2019 at 6:33 pm

Hi Pankhir,

Thanks very much 🙂 My response would be that I am always a fan of going slower and trying to see more rather than rushing around, so I think you are making a good choice. I would say that yes, it’s worth the trade off. East and North Iceland area really fantastic, I don’t think you will regret this decision 🙂

Have an amazing trip!

Nirman says

2nd June 2019 at 11:16 am

Perfect blog. Planning to be there in December 2019. This blog made things very easy and doable. Thanks -Nirman

2nd June 2019 at 12:17 pm

Thanks Nirman – have a great trip 🙂

PARASAR KASHYAP says

23rd May 2019 at 7:50 am

Hi Lawrence,

Thanks for the detailed road trip plan. Its the most comprehensive itinerary available on the net.

I am visiting with my cousin towards September end and plan to self-drive this trip. Would this trip be possible then? What kind of precaution would you suggest – choice of cars, places to avoid? We were also hoping to catch the nothern lights but dont want to opt for any tours. Please advise.

Regards, Parashar

23rd May 2019 at 10:56 am

Hi Parasar,

My pleasure. This trip would be possible in September. Snow is possible then, but not common, and it will be around 5C – 10C (it might feel colder due to the wind though, so pack warm clothes!).

So you shouldn’t need to skip anything or worry about having an extreme car, a normal car should work fine.

For the northern lights, it’s just a question of finding somewhere dark enough and hoping for clear skies and northern lights activity. Most of Iceland is going to be dark enough, just drive away from any sources of light like towns or villages and you will be fine. You shouldn’t need to take a tour 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions!

23rd May 2019 at 1:41 pm

Thanks for the quick reply Lawrence. Much appreciated

22nd May 2019 at 11:30 am

Wow…reading this felt I was already there…will do this 7 day round trip while tent camping…will go in two weeks, so I hope I can write a wonderful report when I’m back on the 15th…thanks for all the tips!

22nd May 2019 at 12:46 pm

Hey Jac, our pleasure! Have a wonderful time in Iceland and do let us know how your experience met to expectation!

Mary Anne Sander says

19th May 2019 at 10:53 pm

Thanks for your great guidance. We plan on following your 7/day itinerary. Do you offer a condensed version for easy printing?

20th May 2019 at 10:36 am

Hi Mary Anne,

Our pleasure! That isn’t something we offer right now, but hopefully it shouldn’t be too hard to take the relevant parts and turn them into a document 🙂

17th October 2019 at 6:43 pm

I hope you had a great trip to Iceland! I appreciate this might be a bit late for your trip, but for others reading and in case you use our site in the future for other trips, we’ve now added a print button on all our posts ?

Happy travels!

Gina Davis says

3rd April 2019 at 2:31 pm

Thank you for the great suggestions! We have almost this exact trip planned in July. I noticed that you did not have any cave (lava tube) tours suggested. I wondered if you did any and what you thought about them? I am specifically considering Lofthellir Ice Cave and wondering if it’s worth the time and expense to visit. Thanks!

3rd April 2019 at 6:54 pm

Hi Gina! We did do a Lava cave tour on our trip 🙂 We visited Raufarhólshellir, also known as the Lava Tunnel. You can see there website here: https://thelavatunnel.is/

We enjoyed it, it’s definitely different to a normal cave experience as it is quite close to the surface and formed differently. I haven’t visited Lofthellir though so we can’t comment on that one specifically!

Enjoy your trip!

Husain Pulav says

29th March 2019 at 1:31 am

Thank you for the detailed itinerary. In your itinerary you haven’t mentioned anything about watching the Northern Lights. We’re planning to do the ring road in Sept-Oct which is one of the best times to watch the Northern Lights. So is there a special place where we can see it or just drive away from city lights while on the ring road?

29th March 2019 at 10:25 am

Good point! You are right, September / October are great times to see the northern lights. You just need to find a dark place, which to be honest, is not very hard in Iceland! I actually just wrote a guide to photographing the northern lights, you can see that here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/photograph-northern-lights/

Have a lovely trip, and let me know if you have any more questions!

29th March 2019 at 4:35 pm

Thank you very much Laurence

Johnar Håland says

24th March 2019 at 1:09 pm

Just wanted to ask why you do not include Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this route as you list it as an option for the 5 day route. You think there are other spots that are “better” and worth prioritizing instead?

24th March 2019 at 1:57 pm

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula needs a whole day in my opinion to see, and I don’t think a week would be enough to drive the Ring Road and also to see the Peninsula, so that’s why I left it off. It’s also quite a detour off the ring road, and for the most part (except the Golden Circle), I tried to stick to the path of the actual ring road for the itinerary.

For the 5 day route I listed it as an option instead of visiting Reykjavik, rather than as an addition. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is certainly beautiful and worth seeing, but so are many other parts of Iceland 🙂

24th March 2019 at 12:12 pm

Thanks for a great post! We are going to Iceland in July. We have 6,5 days (excluding flights). Would you recommend us to follow this route or your 5 day trip? We understand it might be a bit rushed, but we do not mind some long drives. Could it perhaps be a good idea to start on this route and see how far we get and just turn around and head back to Reykjavik if we do not have enough time for the whole plan?

Other question is about accommodation. We understand that July is a busy season. Will it be risky to book accomodation on the day as we drive or should we arrange everything in advance? The latter will give less flexibility obviously..

24th March 2019 at 12:33 pm

Our pleasure 🙂 So personally with 6.5 days I would not do the ring road. It is a lot of driving, and whilst you say you don’t mind that, I feel that you should spend a bit more time seeing some areas in depth and having time to get out and explore, rather than sitting in a car. Of course, you get a lot of daylight in July, so it is do-able, but personally I wouldn’t.

I would also say that as it’s a ring, and there isn’t really a shortcut across the middle, you will get to a point where turning around wouldn’t make much sense as it would be further to go back than go forward 😉

If it was me, I would follow my five day itinerary with the extra Snaefellsness Peninsula section added on. So I would start with the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, then the Golden Circle, then the South Coast. If you feel you have more time, you could head further along the south coast past the glacier lagoon to the stunning Vestrahorn mountain.

July is definitely busy. We travelling in June and it was a challenge getting all the hotels we wanted, even booking in advance. I would definitely advise against booking on the day. Whilst there are more hotels being built all the time, and capacity is increasing, I think this would lead to a stressful trip trying to find places to stay rather than enjoying yourself. Again, you might be ok, but it’s not something I would recommend 🙂

I hope this all helps! Have a wonderful trip, and do let us know how it goes – whatever you decide to do!

Victor H says

19th March 2019 at 9:39 pm

Very Interesting post… question, Starting which month after the summer it is possible to see the Northen lights and where?

20th March 2019 at 12:51 pm

So in theory you can see the northern lights in Iceland from late August to late April. However, we’d say September would be a better month, as you get more hours of darkness, and September / October are good months with a higher chance of northern lights activity.

Alberto says

6th March 2019 at 6:49 am

Hi! Thanks for this post. It is helping me a lot to plan my Iceland trip 🙂

I will be travelling in September and have only 6D 6N for the trip – do you recommend doing the ring road or are there better alternatives (I am guessing covering only the Southern part..)?

Thank you 🙂

6th March 2019 at 10:28 am

Hi Alberto,

I’d advise against driving the ring road in 6 days, it would be a bit rushed. My suggestion would be to do a trip from Snaefellsnes, round the Golden Circle, and along the south coast as far as Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon. That will give you more time to see things and less time driving.

If you wanted to have a quieter time, you could also do a road trip starting in Akureyri and focusing on the northern highlights. However, as this is your first time in Iceland, I think the south coast makes more sense as that’s where many of the most iconic sights are.

I’d suggest looking at our 5 day Iceland itinerary: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/5-day-iceland-itinerary/

Which has the option to add on Snaefellsnes. We also have a 7 day itinerary focusing on this region here: https://independenttravelcats.com/visiting-iceland-in-winter-7-day-iceland-itinerary-by-car/

Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any more questions!

7th March 2019 at 6:07 am

Thanks 🙂 Would you recommend renting a camper or rather a compact and staying in hotels/inns? I have read very different opinions on this. We are a young couple so camper should not be much of an issue

8th March 2019 at 2:10 pm

Hi Alberto – so when it comes to cost, you might not find too much difference unless you get a very small camper, as campervans are generally more expensive than vehicles. It’s also illegal to camp in Iceland in a van unless you get specific permission for the landower (see more on this in our guide to travelling in iceland on a budget here: https://independenttravelcats.com/iceland-budget-tips-how-to-save-money-in-iceland/#Can-I-camp-for-free-in-Iceland )

So you will still have to pay for a campsite. So whilst this is obviously cheaper than a hotel, the overall price of your trip once you factor in camper rental might not be that different. So if cost is the reason, I would suggest there might not be much difference – I would choose to camp if that is the style of travel you prefer, rather than as a cost saving measure if that makes sense. Of course, camping gives your the opportunity to cook for yourself too, which can also save money, but you can achieve the same in hostels, airbnb’s and so on 🙂

I hope this clarifies!

Kirk Rydberg says

5th March 2019 at 7:59 pm

Thank you for such a comprehensive itinerary. It really helped me plan for my trip with my daughters coming up in June. I have three questions. First, We will rent a car but we are used to American car sizes. Most rental cars say they are good for one large and one travel bag. Is this accurate? We would have three and three. Should I look at bigger auto for rental? Second, are fuel stations available in most towns and villages on the Ring? Finally, in the eastern and northern regions should we get hotel reservations now or will there be some available during late June? I’m just afraid of being forced to stick to the itinerary if we find places we want to spend more time in. Thank you again for the great info.

5th March 2019 at 8:11 pm

My pleasure. Let me see if I can help with your questions.

First, I would say that yes, the rental car sites are likely to be quite accurate. Compact cars in Iceland (and Europe in general) tend to be quite small, certainly a lot smaller than your standard US car. If there are three adults and three bags, you will want at least a mid-size car I think.

Second, fuel stations are available all around the ring road, yes, we never had a problem finding fuel. I mean, sometimes you’ll want to top off when you see a gas station in more remote areas, just to be sure, but it shouldn’t be a problem. Note that some of them are unmanned and operate with a credit card, but the instructions are available in English on the terminals and easy to follow.

Third – June is a relatively busy time of the year, but the eastern and northern parts of Iceland get far fewer visitors than the busy south coast. So I would recommend booking on the south coast in advance, and you should have more flexibility along the east and north.

Of course, I should add a note that there are fewer hotels in those regions. So one option might be to use a platform like booking.com where you can take advantage of the free cancellation should your plans change.

Hope this helps – have a fantastic trip and don’t hesitate to follow up with any more questions!

5th March 2019 at 8:28 pm

Thank you for the quick reply. This helps me quite a bit. I figured it was pretty accurate on the car so I will get a bigger car.

Thanks again and I’m sure i’ll be asking more questions as we get closer.

Graham Hurst says

17th February 2019 at 8:58 pm

Hi guys. Just wanted to get in touch to say thank you for providing all this useful information regarding the ring road. We are heading to Iceland in April and hope to follow what you have described above.

We plan to rent a small 2WD vehicle to reduce costs. Would you envisage this being a problem in April? Not sure what to expect weather wise ????

18th February 2019 at 11:00 am

Our pleasure, we’re pleased you found it useful 🙂 So a 2WD should be fine for this itinerary, as it’s largely on good sealed roads. The weather in Iceland is very variable – it can be cold even in the summer months. Snow is unlikely in April, but certainly not impossible, although the main roads should be fine to drive on unless you are particularly unlucky! Otherwise, make sure you take plenty of warm layers and waterproof clothing, as rain and wind are a possibility all year round (those waterfalls need to get their water from somewhere!)

18th February 2019 at 12:38 pm

Thanks for the quick reply Laurence. Useful to know. The other thing I was hoping you could help with is which glacier you would recommend visiting (for a 3 hour walk) that is close to the ring road and would fit the itinerary you have listed. Thanks again.

19th February 2019 at 5:03 pm

My pleasure 🙂 I’d recommend a tour on Vatnajokull, where you can do both a glacier hike or an ice cave tour.

These are found just off the ring road on the south coast, and are easy to get to with parking 🙂

21st February 2019 at 8:28 pm

Thank you. Hopefully we can still do the ice caves in April.

sandra says

10th June 2019 at 2:28 pm

Oh, no, I just saw that the ice caves aren’t open when we plan to visit in October??? Are any of them open? I want to go and see. Thanks so much… Sandra

10th June 2019 at 3:24 pm

This ice cave tour runs year round with departure from Vik 🙂

Sandra says

14th June 2019 at 9:06 pm

Can the ice cave tours be done independently or do we have to pay for a tour? Thanks!

15th June 2019 at 10:56 am

I would definitely not advise trying to visit an ice cave by yourself, they can be quite dangerous and you would want an experienced guide who knows the area and conditions well 🙂

Brian Balanoff says

11th February 2019 at 3:53 pm

Hello! We are wondering if you could suggest how you would shorten this just a bit if you only had 7 days including the dates of arrival and departure (arriving in the AM and departing in the early evening). Would your 5 day itinerary be a better idea? Thank you! Brian

12th February 2019 at 5:39 pm

With the shorter time, I’d definitely suggest following our five day itinerary, and not trying to tackle the whole ring road as you’ll be quite rushed and not be able to enjoy yourself fully. You will be able to go at a more leisurely pace for the five day itinerary I suggest, including having time to see the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula 🙂

Enjoy, and do let us know how it goes!

4th February 2019 at 5:17 pm

I echoed with other readers. Your itinerary is very reasonable and covers all major points that we want to visit. Due to our daughters’ different school and work schedule, we plan to visit the Ring Road from May 19 to May 31. Is the weather safe enough for us to drive through the whole ring road? We are from Michigan and are used to driving in snow but were wondering if this is a good time to visit the Ring Road. Thanks in advance for your time in answering our questions. It is very kind and nice of you. God Bless!

4th February 2019 at 5:21 pm

That is an excellent amount of time for the ring road, it will give you plenty of time to see everything on our itinerary plus a few more things if you wish.

May would be a good time for sure. It’s worth being aware that snow is still possible in May, but it’s not that likely. One thing to be aware of is that the highlands roads will still be closed at this time. They’re not featured in this itinerary, but essentially any F road generally won’t be accessible until June.

If you’re used to driving in snow, then I don’t think you’ll experience any difficulties in May. The days are also nice and long by May, so you’ll have lots of time for sight-seeing!

14th January 2019 at 1:46 am

I first started planning my trip to Iceland to include the ring route using the Insight Guide travel book. After awhile I did an internet search of the ring road and came across your wonderful sight. I soon noticed that the attractions I highlighted matched up with a lot of the sights you mention so I then figured I might as well use your route as a guide. I did come across the Iceland Travel self-drive tours, however since I will be travelling alone I found them to be quite expensive for a single traveler. I plan on travelling mid-late August, maybe early September. Do you think it makes sense to book everything myself to save money? I’ve planned self-drive trips to Scotland and Austria so I am used to it. Any suggestions you have will be appreciated. I plan to take 7-8 days for the ring road then another couple of days in Reykjavík.

Thank you in advance.

14th January 2019 at 11:07 am

Great to hear that we’ve been able to help you out with your trip planning 🙂 Certainly, travelling on your own can be a bit more expensive as you can’t split costs of things like rental cars etc with someone else. I would say that booking everything yourself is certainly a feasible option, and likely cheaper as you are not paying for the convenience.

We have provided hotel options for each day to help out with doing that if you follow our itinerary, and we recommend this website for car rental!

Let us know if you have any more questions 🙂

Eksteen Jacobsz says

17th October 2018 at 1:36 pm

Hi, Thank you for the comprehensive info on Iceland. Before finding your site I didn’t have a clue how to tackle this trip but you’ve helped me tremendously. Keep up the good work! Eksteen

17th October 2018 at 7:40 pm

Thanks very much Eksteen! Do let us know if you have any questions we can help with 🙂

17th October 2018 at 4:56 am

Thank you so much for sharing this itinerary & map! Just wondering what type of car you did this trip in? Does it require a 4WD?

Cheers, Emma

17th October 2018 at 7:42 pm

Hi Emma! Our pleasure 🙂

So I would say that generally no, you won’t need a four wheel drive for this trip, particularly if you drive in summer. If you are driving in winter, we’d usually advise against a trip of this duration as the weather can really slow you down. There are a couple of minor detours on the route where a 4WD is a legal requirement, but they are only brief and not essential, so you could definitely skip them.

We did do the trip in a four wheel drive, but we were travelling for almost four weeks in Iceland when researching this itinerary, and we did a lot of more four wheel drive only routes as part of that 🙂

Let us know if you have any more questions!

Brian Weekes says

22nd January 2019 at 12:58 am

I had the same question. As we are going in early July, it is really the F-roads that I’m concerned with. Two stops that I flagged as maybe needing a 4×4 (legally) were Nauthusagil Waterfall and Fladrargljufur Canyon. It’s hard to tell though from Google maps and other maps found online. Do you remember if the roads leading to these two places are F-roads? Any other stops in your itinerary above that take you on F-roads?

Thanks! Brian

22nd January 2019 at 12:09 pm

For Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, I believe that the road to the parking lot is not an F road, it’s just a gravel road that runs to the parking lot. There is an F road that runs from this, which goes to Laki, but as far as I recall and can see from the internet, you shouldn’t have a problem with that one.

Nauthusagil Waterfall on the other hand is definitely on an F road, so legally you would want a 4×4 for that waterfall.

I think that’s the only F road on the itinerary, so you should be fine otherwise with a 2WD 🙂

22nd January 2019 at 2:41 pm

Ok great. Thanks Laurence!

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7 days in Iceland: Amazing Itinerary, Map & Tips for a Self-Drive Trip

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 6, 2024

Thinking of spending a week in Iceland and wondering how to plan your time and what’s the best 7 days Iceland itinerary ? We have been to Iceland six times, in different seasons, and I can tell you that there is no one ‘best’ itinerary that covers all the nicest places in Iceland in 7 days. For that, a week is simply not enough.

That being said, with seven days in Iceland, you can see some of the most stunning scenery and have some of the most unforgettable experiences that will make you fall in love with this unique country. In this article, we’ll show you one of the best ways to do that.

In this guide, you can find a detailed 7-day Iceland itinerary that brings you to some of the best places in Iceland in one week. At the bottom of this article, you can find the map of this itinerary – it indicates all the places mentioned in this guide.

Good to know: This self-drive Iceland tour starts and ends in Keflavik airport (near Reykjavik) and can best be done between May and September. It includes all the musts as well as some lesser-visited places that will make your trip more special. We also share lots of practical tips and some alternative suggestions, plus, we made a detailed map to help you plan your trip. Find out!

!!! Visiting Iceland in summer or in winter is like traveling to two different countries. So you can’t just rely on a summer itinerary if traveling during the winter months… If you are visiting Iceland between October and April, please see our detailed Iceland winter itinerary for one week – it covers all the best places in one week, taking into account shorter days, (even more) unpredictable weather, and winter-specific activities.

Below, is an overview of our suggested 7-day Iceland itinerary and you can find all the details per day if you scroll further down. As you can see, this itinerary covers all the best places in the southwest of the country but doesn’t go all around the island. In my opinion, you need at least 9-10 days to actually enjoy the entire Ring Road, so with just 7 days, I recommend driving less and exploring more without trying to see ‘everything’.

Still, this itinerary covers a lot of ground and so your days will be quite packed. At the same time, this is a trip that gives you enough time to actually explore the main attractions and not just take a picture and move on to the next place. We also included some additional suggestions such as a glacier hike or a whale-watching tour. If you do one or two of these activities, it will make your Iceland trip even more special.

TIP: If you absolutely want to drive the entire Ring Road of Iceland in a week , we have also included a suggested alternative itinerary at the end of this article. Driving the whole Ring Road in such a short time will be very rushed and you risk getting overwhelmed with the planning and too tired from all the driving to still be able to enjoy it. We recommend at least 10 days for a self-drive trip around the entire country – see Iceland Ring Road itinerary for more details.

Good to know: You’ll need a car for this trip! We recommend renting a car at Keflavik airport for the entire duration of your trip. We personally use and recommend this website for your car hire. It allows you to easily compare several suppliers and find the best deal for your trip. In addition, they offer excellent insurance coverage that is much cheaper than what you pay when booking with local companies directly. Check it out!

And no, you don’t need a 4×4 for this itinerary (and if visiting in summer), but it’s always nice to have an SUV or a 4WD in Iceland.

Iceland 7 Days Itinerary:

• DAY 1: Arrival & Blue Lagoon

DAY 2: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day 3: golden circle, day 4: heimaey island or icelandic highlands, day 5: south coast to jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

• DAY 6: Icebergs & Glaciers
• DAY 7: Reykjavik + whales/puffins or Reykjanes Peninsula
• Alternative itinerary – Ring Road in 7 days

Good to know: There are many ways to plan a 7-day trip in Iceland and driving times and distances will highly depend on what you choose to do and where you stay each day.

In this itinerary, we include some of the best places that we think are worth your time the most, without having to cover huge distances each day. For every day, we include several suggestions on where to stay, explaining the benefits and disadvantages of each choice.

Without further ado, this is our suggested 7-day Iceland itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon & drive to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Driving distance/time depends a bit on where exactly you choose to stay. It’s about 220 km/ 3 hours drive from Keflavik airport to Snaefellsnes Peninsula or 115 km/ 1h15 to Borgarnes (more info below).

Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal pool near Reykjavik and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Since it’s located close to Keflavik airport (20 min drive), many people choose to visit the Blue Lagoon right upon arrival in Iceland and before continuing their trip or heading to Reykjavik city which is about 45 minutes drive from the airport.

Indeed, it might be a nice way to relax after a flight, especially if you arrive in Iceland early in the morning on a red-eye flight from the US. Going to your hotel in Reykjavik isn’t a good option anyway as most hotels don’t allow early check-in, so Blue Lagoon can be a nice place to visit on your first day in Iceland.

Good to know: Blue Lagoon is extremely popular and you really have to book your tickets in advance . Count 2-3 hours for a visit, but you can easily spend more time, especially if you decide to have lunch at their restaurant as well.

2024 update: Due to recent volcanic activity on Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon is sometimes forced to close without much prior notice. Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik is a wonderful alternative and many people actually prefer the latter. Just be sure to book it well in advance because it usually sells out for weeks, especially in the high season!

After visiting the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon, you could head to Reykjavik and explore the city a bit. However, I only recommend this If your flight arrives late. If your flight arrives early in the morning or during the day and you want to make the most of this trip, just skip Reykjavik altogether and drive straight to Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the first day already .

It’s about 1h 45 – 2 hours drive from Reykjavik city and so easily doable on the first day. We once did this even though our flight only arrived at 7 PM (but I’d only risk this in summer and wouldn’t stop for a swim first, of course)…

Driving straight to Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Keflavik Airport will give you a head start for the next day allowing more time to explore this beautiful part of Iceland. And you can visit Reykjavik at the end of the trip. It’s better to end your trip in Reykjavik than to start it there anyway.

Where to stay: If you don’t mind switching hotels every night, you could stay anywhere on Snaefellsnes Peninsula on this day. If you like to be in nature and immediately see some stunning scenery upon arrival, we recommend staying in either Hotel Budir or Hotel Arnarstapi .

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a beautiful place to start your Icelandic trip! Both these hotels have very good restaurants, so no need to worry about food on your first day (although you may want to ask them to reserve a table for dinner in advance). Alternatively, see this guide for more suggestions on where to stay in Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

Alternative option: If you rather have the same accommodation for this and the next night or if you want to be in a bigger town, consider staying in Borgarnes for two nights. It’s located along the Ring Road, just before Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Staying here would mean that you have less driving on day 1 and you can still easily explore Snaefellsnes from here on day 2. Accommodations in this town are also cheaper than in Snaefellsnes, there are supermarkets and restaurants, and also a nice public pool with hot tubs where you could relax after a day of sightseeing. This pool could be a nice alternative to the Blue Lagoon, not to mention that it’s much cheaper.

Good to know: In Iceland, almost every bigger town has a swimming pool with geothermal water. Most pools are really nice, usually very quiet, and they also have hot tubs and saunas. Furthermore, they cost a fraction of what the famous tourist-oriented geothermal baths cost. It’s usually not more than 10 USD per person, kids are often free of charge or pay just a minimal fee. Also, most of these pools are open late in the evening, but it’s always good to check opening times online in advance.

TIP: Be sure to pack a quick-drying towel and swimwear for your trip to Iceland! More info and tips on what to pack for Iceland in summer and what to pack for Iceland in winter .

Driving time/distance depends on where you stay. If you start and end in Borgarnes, the whole tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula and back will be about 300 km. If you start in Budir and end in Akranes (Hotel Laxarbakki), you’ll cover about 225 km. As for how long it takes, be sure to start early and plan the whole day to explore all the amazing places in Snaefellsnes.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a wonderful place that has so much to offer – amazing scenery, beautiful coastlines with several lighthouses, stunning waterfalls, picturesque churches, and endless lava fields. You couldn’t choose a better place to start your road trip in Iceland!

Most of the main sights are located at the far end of the Peninsula, are quite close to each other, and can be visited by driving the circular loop. It doesn’t matter that much in which direction you drive, but most day tourists arriving from Reykjavik start in Budir and continue clockwise. So if you go in the other direction, you could avoid the biggest crowds in some areas. Either way, if you want to see all the main sights in a day, be sure to start early. You’ll want to stay longer everywhere!

Must-see places are: Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss, Saxholar Crater, Djúpalónssandur, Londrangar View Point, Arnarstapi Cliffs, Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge, Búðakirkja, and Bjarnarfoss. But there’s so much more than that!

TIP: For more information on what to see and where to go, please see our guide to the best places to see in Snaefellsnes Peninsula . For practical tips and a suggested one-day itinerary, please see our guide below.

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Visiting Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Where to stay: If you stayed in Borgarnes on day 1 of this itinerary, you could stay at the same hotel on day 2 as well.

If, however, you stayed in Arnarstapi or any other place on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you may want to continue your trip a bit more in the direction of the Golden Circle. That way, you don’t have to drive too far the next day. In that case, you could either stay in Borgarnes (see suggestions above) or choose a hotel a bit closer to the Golden Circle already.

One of the best-rated hotels in this area is Hotel Laxarbakki . They have apartments for all group sizes and they also have a restaurant where you can have dinner and breakfast. The location of this hotel would fit this itinerary quite well.

In fact, it could be good accommodation for day 1 as well – everything really depends on how much you want to drive on which day and how many different hotels you want to stay in. This hotel is about a 1-hour drive from Snaefellsnes Peninsula and about 45 minutes drive from your first stop on day 3 of this itinerary.

Driving time/distance is about 250 km, 3h of driving time not including any stops. Count an entire day for this area.

Golden Circle is the most popular destination in Iceland, after the Blue Lagoon. This is one of those places that every tourist visiting Iceland will include in their itinerary. The reason is quite simple – there are lots of really nice natural landmarks here and it’s close to Reykjavik. Some people find it too touristy and too crowded, but if this is your first time in Iceland, you’ll definitely want to see this area as well.

The three main places that you have to see along the Golden Circle are Thingvellir National Park , Gullfoss Waterfall , and Geysir geothermal area with the active Strokkur Geyser that erupts at regular intervals every 5-7 minutes.

Other nice places include Öxarárfoss waterfall and Kerid Crater . If you are looking for a special place to eat, Fridheimar Tomato Farm and Restaurant is a very popular choice. If you are looking for a unique activity, you may want to consider Silfra Snorkeling in Thingvellir National Park.

There are also a few geothermal baths in this area – Secret Lagoon and Laugarvatn Fontana. It could be a nice way to end your day, but you can also just opt for a hotel with a hot tub or go to the public swimming pool in Hella town where I recommend staying on this day.

Your itinerary for this day could look like this: visit Thingvellir National Park (+ Silfra snorkeling if that’s your thing), don’t miss Öxarárfoss at Thingvellir, Geysir area , Gullfoss waterfall , late lunch at Fridheimar Tomato Farm , (maybe Secret Lagoon), Kerid Crater . Drive to Hella and visit a local pool in the evening instead of going to Secret Lagoon – see below.

If you are looking for even more details about visiting this area, please check out day 1 in our 4-day Iceland itinerary .

Where to stay: There are many accommodations in the Golden Circle area, but probably the best location for this itinerary would be staying in Hella town along the south coast. It’s close to the Golden Circle and in the direction of the places that you’ll be visiting next.

There are quite some accommodations and good facilities in and near Hella and also a nice public swimming pool . This is also a great place to stay if you want to take a day trip to the Icelandic highlands the next day – see below. So you could stay in Hella for two nights and not have to change hotels every night.

TIP: The nicest luxury hotel in this area is Hotel Ranga . On a mid-range budget, check out Stracta Hotel Hella (some rooms here have private hot tubs!) or Hotel Kanslarinn Hella (one of the top picks in the area). Here you can find the best deals for all Hella accommodation .

Driving time/distance depends on where you choose to visit. If you go to the highlands, go with a tour and they’ll do all the driving. In that case, your day trip will probably take about 10 hours in total. If you go to Heimaey Island, it’s about 45 km/ 30 minutes drive to the ferry from Hella, so 90km/ 1 hour of total driving time on this day.

On day 4 of your Iceland trip, I recommend that you get a bit off the beaten path and do something special by either taking a day trip to the Icelandic highlands or visiting Heimaey Island just off the south coast. I have to be honest with you – most first-time visitors do not include any of these two places in their Iceland itinerary. But I think that visiting one of these places will make your entire trip so much more special. If you have 8 days in Iceland, consider visiting both of these!

Good to know: As already mentioned, this 7-day road trip is recommended in summer (+- from May to September), and that’s also a great season to visit both – the highlands and Heimaye Island.

However, the highlands are usually not accessible before mid-June, so if you are planning a trip in May or early June, visit Heimaey Island instead. It’s also an excellent time to see puffins there (they are usually around between May and August). If you are visiting later in the summer, you’ll have to choose just one of these places as they both require an entire day. Or, plan 8 days in Iceland and do both.

The Highlands or…

If you decide to go to the Icelandic highlands , we recommend that you visit Landmannalaugar . It’s one of the most beautiful relatively easily accessible places in the highlands and it fits this itinerary very well. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and it’s like no other place you’ll see during this week in Iceland. It’s well worth it!

The best way to do this is by joining this popular tour to Landmannalaugar that can pick you up from Hella. Upon booking, choose the Reykjavik pickup option and afterwards send them a message to say that you’ll actually be in Hella. By starting here, you save about 2 hours drive each way (so 4 hours in total), so your day isn’t nearly as tiring as doing this tour from Reykjavik.

Good to know: You could also visit this part of the highlands on your own, but driving here requires a good 4×4 and insurance coverage that allows you to drive on the F roads. So because you don’t really need an expensive 4×4 for the rest of this itinerary, we recommend renting a cheaper car and visiting the highlands with a tour. Plus, these days, you have to make a reservation in order to book a parking spot at Landmannalaugar (more info here ).

TIP: If you have a higher budget, you could also opt for a private day tour instead . In that case, also contact the tour company to arrange to pick you up at your accommodation in Hella and not in Reykjavik.

Alternative option is to visit the Thorsmork area – it’s also in the highlands, but very different than Landmannalaugar. It’s located close to the Ring Road and can be visited in the colder season as well (so not only in the summer ). But since you have to cross a very unpredictable river, you definitely need to go by a super jeep. You can find lots of tour options . For example, this highly-rated tour starts very close to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall so it’s very easy to add it to this itinerary.

… or Heimaey Island

Heimaey Island is the only inhabited island of the Westman Islands archipelago, just off the south coast of Iceland. To get here, you’ll need to take a ferry from Landeyjahöfn, about a 30-40 minutes drive from Hella. The ferry ride also takes about 40 minutes and you need to get there about half an hour in advance as well.

Here you can find ferry schedules and prices . If you want to be sure that you can visit the island on the day and on the ferry that you want, it’s best to reserve in advance!

Once on the island, there are quite some interesting places to see – Eldheimar Museum and Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary are a must. You can also go hiking on Mount Eldfell , take a boat tour around the island, explore the village , or go looking for puffins .

Please note that you don’t need to bring your car to the island if you are just planning to stay close to town. So you can leave your car at the ferry terminal in Landeyjahöfn.

However, if you want to see puffins, the best location is about 5-6 km away from town. You can either walk (count more than an hour one way), rent a bike, bring your own car on the ferry (which is more expensive and spaces are limited), or go on a local tour. I recommend that you join this great 2-hour tour from Heimaey Harbor that not only brings you to the puffins but also gives you a great overview of what life is like on Heimaey Island.

TIP: In the article linked below, you can find all the details and practical information on how to visit Heimaey Island and what to see and do there.

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Visiting Heimaey Island

Where to stay: In the late afternoon or in the evening, take the ferry back to the mainland and drive back to your accommodation in Hella where you stayed last night. Alternatively, you could also choose to stay on the island (not really a must and you’d lose some time the next day) or choose a place close to Seljalandsfoss waterfall .

But the driving distances aren’t big and I think you’ll have a more relaxing trip if you just stay at the same hotel as the previous night.

TIP: If you visited Heimaey Island on this day, be sure to stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall on your way back to the hotel (see more info about it on day 5 below). It’s just on your way and it’s likely to be much less busy here in the evening than the next morning.

Driving time/distance between Hella and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is about 300 km/ 3.5 hours driving time, not including sightseeing.

Iceland’s South Coast is another extremely popular region that is included in most Iceland itineraries and is also one of the most popular tours from Reykjavik .

The way this 7-day Iceland itinerary is designed, you will be driving the south coast twice – first to get to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and then back in the direction of Reykjavik. So there are many possibilities on how you spend days 5 and 6 of this itinerary, depending on your interests, where you decide to stay, and the activities you choose. The itinerary suggested below is just an example, so use it just as an indication of what’s possible and adjust it if needed.

The main places you have to see along the South Coast are Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the black sand beach in Vik – Reynisfjara, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Skaftafell National Park, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the famous Diamond Beach next to it.

Also nice to see is the scenery at Stokksnes, Hofskirkja church, Skogar Museum, Dyrhólaey lighthouse, Eldhraun Lava Fields, and Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon. In addition, there are some nice activities like glacier hiking or ice caves that you can visit here as well. In this itinerary, we split all these areas and activities over two days.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do on the South Coast of Iceland

So on day 5 of this itinerary, I suggest that you visit the south coast and drive all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon . You could also visit Stokksnes on this day (the furthest point of this itinerary).

It might look like a lot to do in just a day, but most of these places are located right next to Ring Road and don’t require that much time to visit. And if you find that it’s too much for one day, you can also visit a few of these places on the way back in the direction of Reykjavik the next day.

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, best known as a waterfall where you can walk behind the falling water. It’s a very popular place along the South Coast, so if you haven’t visited it on the previous day, get here as early as you can.

Just a 5-minutes walk to the left from this waterfall, you can find a real hidden gem – Gljúfrabúi waterfall . It’s indeed hidden inside the gorge, so many people miss it. Be sure to check it out!

After that, stop at Skogafoss Waterfall (also try to beat the crowds by getting there early). While it’s not a must, I highly recommend that you also pay a visit to Skogar Museum , just a 5-minute drive from the waterfall parking. It’s an open-air museum where you can see Icelandic turf houses – well worth a visit (opening times and more info here ).

Continue along the south coast to Vik and visit the famous black-sand beach Reynisfjara . Also the nearby Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and Kirkjufjara Beach are worth a short visit.

Another nice stop along the Ring Road in the direction of Jokulsarlon is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon . Also, if you are interested in visiting Stokksnes , you probably want to go there first before coming back to the Jokulsarlon area where I recommend staying for the night.

If you can time to be at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon around sunset, that would be amazing. The Diamond Beach across the road from the glacier lagoon is usually wonderful when icebergs are lit by the evening sun.

During the day, you can also take boat tours on the glacier lagoon (the last ones run around 6-6.30 PM). So if you want to do that, be sure to book the last tour in advance and plan your day in such a way that you can get there on time. Alternatively, you can take the very first tour the next morning. Or simply walk around and enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the glacial lagoon from the shore.

Where to stay: I recommend spending a night close to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. By staying nearby, you can visit this incredible place late in the evening or early in the morning when there are no day tourists around. It’s also amazing being able to see the glacier lagoon and the icebergs at sunset!

The nicest and best-located hotels in this area are Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon and Hali Country Hotel . Here you can find more suggestions on where to stay near Jokulsarlon .

Alternative – if you prefer fewer hotels on this road trip – you could stay in the area around Kirkjubæjarklaustur for two nights and visit the places mentioned for this and the next day in a somewhat different order. Just take a look at the map, places you want to visit, and activities you want to do, and see what makes the most sense for you. Kirkjubæjarklaustur is located about halfway between Vik and Jokulsarlon and is a good base for this area.

Good to know: There are very few accommodations in this area and they tend to sell out fast. If you are traveling in the high season, booking long in advance is essential! To give you an idea, in some years, all the hotels in this area for the summer months are fully booked by February – March. So if you find something that suits your travel dates, reserve asap!

DAY 6: Skaftafell, Glaciers, Vik

Driving time/distance between Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Vik is about 190 km/ 2.5 hours driving time, not including sightseeing.

Today, you can visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (if not done yet) and then continue back along the South Coast in the direction of Vik. If there were any places that you skipped the previous day, you could stop there on your way back. In addition, you can go hiking, book a glacier hike, or go on an ice cave tour.

This is what your day could look like: visit Jokulsarlon , stop at Hofskirkja , do a short hike at Skaftafell – Vatnajökull National Park , book a glacier hike near Skaftafell OR an ice cave tour from Vik . If none of this interests you, check out Icelandic Lava Show in Vik instead.

In the morning, head to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and explore Diamond Beach if you didn’t see it the night before. Even if you did, it’s a really special place that you’ll likely be glad to return to again, also because the scenery here changes all the time.

You can also take a boat tour on the lagoon (if not done the day before), just be sure to go on the very first tour in the morning so that you have plenty of time for other activities afterwards. The earliest tours usually start at around 9-9.30 AM and some of them only take half an hour, so you can easily do that if you want to.

TIP: You can also visit a smaller glacier lagoon nearby, Fjallsarlon . It’s just a few minutes drive from Jokulsarlon, but it’s less known and there are usually hardly any people there. Also, Hofskirkja turf church is a nice short stop along the Ring Road.

Next, I recommend that you choose to either visit Skaftafell, aka Vatnajökull National Park (there are many hikes in Skaftafell), go on a glacier hike, or visit an ice cave .

If you plan well – and depending on tour times and availability – you could visit Skaftafell first and then book an ice cave tour in the afternoon, or you could first go hiking on a glacier and afterwards decide if you also want to hike at Skaftafell NP before driving to Vik.

Skaftafell – Vatnajökull National Park is about 60 km/ 45 minutes drive from Jokulsarlon, back in the direction of Reykjavik. There are many hiking trails here, of various lengths and difficulties (pop in at the visitor center and ask for suggestions).

If you are short on time, I recommend either an easy hike to Skaftafellsjökull for a nice view on the glacier (count 1-1.5 hours) or a moderate hike to Svartifoss (the Black Waterfall). This is the most popular hike, it’s about 3 km (2 miles) in total, goes uphill (and downhill on the way back), and takes about 1.5-2 hrs in total.

There is also a popular glacier hiking tour that starts at Skaftafell. This tour takes about 3 hours and it runs (almost) daily. Usually, there’s at least one departure in the morning and one in the afternoon. If you decide to go in the afternoon, you can easily do a short hike in Skaftafell before that.

If you rather go in the morning, then be sure to plan your Jokulsarlon visit very early (and skip the boat) so that you can get here in time. For more information and practical tips, please check our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Glacier Hiking in Iceland

Alternatively, you can also opt for an ice cave tour . Yes, even in summer (although it’s always better in winter)! While the majority of natural ice caves in Iceland can only be visited in winter, the Katla ice cave near Vik can normally be visited the whole year (still, remember that it’s a natural phenomenon and so the situation can change at any time).

You can only get there with a tour and this is the best-rated tour that I was able to find . It’s a relatively easy tour, it runs from Vik, and it also takes just 3 hours. You also get to walk on a glacier on this tour, but it’s a different experience than a glacier hike. This one is just meant to get to the cave and is not the most beautiful glacier.

Depending on the season, they have several departure times every day (around 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM). Since Vik is about 1.5 hours drive from Skaftafell NP, you should be able to catch the late afternoon tour even if you go hiking in Skaftafell first. If you aren’t interested in hiking, you could even drive to Vik for an earlier tour or simply do the drive in a more relaxed way, stopping at some other attractions that we mentioned on day 6 of this itinerary.

On the way to Vik, stop at Eldhraun lava field . It’s a nice photo stop and a good place to stretch your legs a bit. Just be respectful of nature and stay on walking paths.

TIP: If none of the glacier tours interest you and you have some time to spare on this day, you can visit Icelandic Lava Show in Vik . It’s open until 8 PM and is great for the whole family. The Katla ice cave tour starts and ends here as well, so you could definitely combine the two!

Where to stay: In theory, you could just drive straight to Reykjavik in the evening (about 2.5 hours drive from Vik). However, if you do one of the glacier tours mentioned above, you’ll likely be quite tired. So we suggest that you stay in Vik for a night. You can easily drive to Reykjavik the next morning and still have plenty of time to explore the city.

There are quite some accommodations in Vik . Some of the nicest hotels are Hotel Kria and Hotel Katla , and there are many more places to stay for all budgets.

TIP: If you are in Vik at around sunset, I suggest that you go (back) to Reynisfjara beach which we also mentioned on day 5 of this itinerary. It’s spectacular at sunset – a great way to end your day!

DAY 7: Reykjavik or Reykjanes Peninsula

Driving distance/time from Vik to Reykjavik is about 190 km/ 2.5 hours. If you decide to drive to Reykjanes Peninsula instead, it’s pretty much the same distance. In that case, don’t drive to Reykjavik, but leave the Ring Road in Selfoss and take the road next to the coast.

On the last day of your week in Iceland, you can drive to Reykjavik and visit the city. Alternatively, if you are more interested in Iceland’s natural attractions, you can also head to Reykjanes Peninsula (where also Keflavik airport is located for your flight back home).

Reykjavik or…

If you choose to visit Reykjavik , you can easily see the main highlights of the city in one afternoon. Take a walk along the harbor and check out the Sun Voyager statue and Harpa concert hall building. Then walk in the direction of Lake Tjörnin and check out the tiny building of the Icelandic Parliament. There are also several museums in this area.

Be sure to walk through the city center (Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur streets and the area around them). Don’t miss Hallgrimskirkja Church and take an elevator to the top of the church tower for amazing views over Reykjavik and its surroundings.

The FlyOver Iceland Experience is located quite centrally, close to the Harpa Concert Hall, and is one of the most special experiences in Reykjavik.

Another nice place to visit is Perlan – Wonders of Iceland Museum , a bit outside the city center. If you want to see it, you could drive there upon arrival in the city before going to the center.

Another possibility is booking a puffin and whale-watching tour from Reykjavik harbor. Most tours take 2-3 hours and there are multiple departures during the day. In summer, you can even go on a midnight sun whale-watching tour .

Where to stay: If you decide to stay in the city, please check our guide to where to stay in Reykjavik . It has all the information you need, including the best hotels with parking.

PRO TIP: No matter what you choose to do during the day, reserve tickets for Sky Lagoon in the evening. It’s one of the nicest (if not the best) geothermal pools in Iceland and the ocean views are stunning. Their 7-step ritual is a must. This is a great place to end your trip in Iceland!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik & Itinerary for 1 Day in Reykjavik

or… Reykjanes Peninsula

Important ! If you want to visit Reykjanes Peninsula or the Blue Lagoon, be sure to check the most up-to-date information on recent volcanic activity! Most places are not impacted at all, but the Blue Lagoon has been closed on several occasions recently.

Reykjanes Peninsula is another really nice area to see before you leave Iceland. It’s like the whole country in a nutshell. If your 7-day Iceland trip indeed ends on this day, then you could visit a few places here on your way to the airport. Alternatively, you could also come here before your flight the next day.

There’s a lot to see and do on Reykjanes Peninsula, so you can always find something interesting depending on how much time you have. Some of the main highlights include Valahnúkamöl Cliffs, Reykjanes Lighthouse, Gunnuhver, Bridge Between Continents, Seltún Geothermal Area, Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs, Strandarkirkja, and Garður Lighthouse.

The Fagradalsfjall volcano which erupted in March 2021 and July 2023 is also located here, just like the Meradalir volcano which erupted in August 2022. There have been many more eruptions in this area in late 2023 – early 2024 so the landscape is changing all the time…

The famous Blue Lagoon is located on Reykjanes Peninsula as well. If you haven’t visited the Blue Lagoon on your first day in Iceland, you’ll probably want to do it on the last day. Count 2-3 hours for a visit. And be sure to book your timed tickets in advance !

For more information about all these places and also hotel suggestions if you decide to stay close to the airport, please check our detailed guide to this area via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Reykjanes Peninsula

TIP: If you only have time for one – Reykjavik or Reykjanes Peninsula, please see our article ‘ Is Reykjavik worth it ‘. It might help you decide. In all honesty, it’s a tough choice and if this is your first trip to Iceland, you’ll likely feel like you absolutely have to see its capital city. But if you prefer nature destinations as we do, then you really can’t go wrong with Reykjanes Peninsula.

On our last 10-day trip to Iceland , we didn’t even stop in Reykjavik at all. It was a very different trip, more off the beaten path, but we also started our trip in Snaefellsnes and ended in Reykjanes (just as I suggest in this itinerary) and we all loved it. So it’s really your call.

If you have a full 7 days in Iceland and your flight departs on the 8th day, maybe you can visit both, the city and the Peninsula.

So, this is our suggested self-drive itinerary for one week in Iceland. You can quite easily adjust it depending on your flight times and your interests, and you can also flip it around if you prefer.

As you can see, there’s so much to see and do in the south and the west of Iceland that you’ll already have difficulties choosing where to go and what to skip.

7 Days in Iceland Itinerary on the Map

TIP: To make your trip planning easier, I also created this map , indicating all the places mentioned in our detailed 7-day Iceland itinerary above.

As you can see, we gave each day a different color so that you have a better idea of where everything is and how it all fits in this itinerary. Only for the last day of the trip, we split Reykjavik attractions and Reykjanes Peninsula attractions by indicating them in another color. As already mentioned, you could opt to visit both these places on different days if it better fits your flight schedule.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Alternative Itinerary: Ring Road of Iceland in 7 Days

Because so many of our readers ask for an itinerary for Iceland’s Ring Road in a week, below is an overview of a suggested itinerary.

Once again, you can drive the entire Ring Road in 7 days, but I really recommend that you opt for fewer places and explore more rather than spend the majority of your time in a car.

If you absolutely want to see ‘everything’ in Iceland in one week, then you could use this alternative 7-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary :

• Day 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon/Sky Lagoon, Reykjavik.
• Day 2: South Coast to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
• Day 3: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Eastfjords.
• Day 4: Lake Myvatn area .
• Day 5: The North Coast of Iceland (don’t miss Hvitserkur ).
• Day 6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula .
• Day 7: Back in Reykjavik and departure.

If you decide to do this, keep in mind that it will be rushed and you’ll have to plan very well in order to be able to see just the main places everywhere. We recommend this 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary instead.

So, this is my suggested one week Iceland itinerary. These suggestions are based on our various trips to Iceland, including recommendations for all the best places in this part of Iceland. It’s not a standard copy-paste itinerary that you’ll find described anywhere else, but I have no doubt that you’ll absolutely love it!

And when you do this trip, please come back to our blog and leave a comment under this article telling us how it went – we love to hear feedback from our readers !

TIP: If you are looking for more information for your trip to Iceland, practical tips, clothing advice, etc. please check our complete travel guide to Iceland .

If you have any questions about this 7-day Iceland itinerary, feel free to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help. Alternatively, please join our Facebook group for Iceland & Scandinavia Travel – it’s a great place to meet other travelers, ask questions, and share experiences.

READ ALSO: Iceland Travel Tips

More tips for your trip to Iceland:

• What to see: Best Places to See in Iceland
• Airport transfers: How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Iceland & Where to Stay in Reykjavik
• Packing: What to Wear in Iceland in Winter and What to Pack for Iceland in Summer
• Tours: Best Tours and Day Trips in Iceland and Best Half Day Tours from Reykjavik
• More itinerary suggestions: Iceland Itinerary for 1 to 14 Days
• Winter trip: Iceland in Winter (travel tips and useful Info) & Best Winter Day Trips from Reykjavik
• More: Check out our Iceland travel guide for even more inspiration and tips for your trip.

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: personal collection and Depositphotos.com

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Tuesday 19th of March 2024

Thank you for such a thorough review of touring Iceland in 7 days! It is overwhelming for sure. Can you comment on how much the current volcano activity would impact your suggested itinerary? It is hard to tell if this itinerary allows much time for hiking. What hikes are must do's for the best scenery? We are planning a trip in July and hoping we can find hotels/cottages at this point.

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

Hi Natalie, the recent volcano activity shouldn't influence most travelers visiting Iceland. It's concentrated in Reykjanes Peninsula around Grindavik, so if you follow this itinerary, you may want to skip Reykjanes Peninsula and visit Reykjavik instead (see day 7). The only major tourist attraction that you may not be able to visit is the Blue Lagoon which has been closed on quite a few occasions due to the volcanic activity recently. So to be safe, I would book Sky Lagoon instead (or book both and see how the situation is when you visit). As for hiking, so much depends on your interests and when you visit. But yes, there are some possibilities for short hikes in various places in this itinerary, especially if you are visiting in summer and don't mind staying up late (it stays light all the time in the early summer). However, if you want to do longer hikes (half a day or longer) then I recommend planning some extra time in Iceland. In this itinerary, you could do a hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (day 2), a short hike to Öxarárfoss Waterfall on the Golden Circle (day 3), there are quite some hiking possibilities on both - Heimaey Island and Landmannalaugar (day 4 - or add another day and visit both places), you can also hike a bit along the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (day 5) and there are a few nice 2-4 hour hikes to choose from at Skaftafell National Park, plus, you can do a glacier hike in this area (day 6). Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning and yes, book accommodations asap. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 12th of March 2024

This post has been my North Star in my planning. Thank you for the wonderful information! Would you recommend langjokull ice cave over Katla? or maybe Katla over Langjokull? doing both is a bit outside our price range, but we do have time.

Monday 18th of March 2024

@Jurga, Thank you! We are following your advice on staying Borgarnes the first night, thinking of stopping at the Perlan after Blue Lagoon on our way to the airbnb. What would you say is the minimum amount of time to enjoy the Perlan?

Wednesday 13th of March 2024

Hi Marina, the ice cave that most tours visit at Langjokull is a man-made ice tunnel inside a glacier (see the pictures of this tour) except for this tour which goes to a recently-discovered natural ice cave. Katla Ice Cave is also a natural cave - see the pictures here. At Langjokull, you know more or less what to expect whereas natural ice caves might look quite different depending on when you visit them. Having said that, my personal preference always goes to natural ones, but that's also because we have visited dozens of man-made ice tunnels in our travels and they all look similar. I'd say take a look at the pictures, see what appeals to you the most, and also check which tour you could best fit into your itinerary (check availability!) and decide based on that. You can't really go wrong with any of them - it will always be worth it. PS If you want to see a more affordable man-made ice tunnel in Iceland, you can also visit the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik. The tunnel they have there is made of real ice. Plus, they have an amazing Arora show as well. Hope this helps!

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Hello! Thank you so much for this! I've seen lots of information for one week in Iceland and yours seems to really hit all the marks! We have 7 nights, so I'm trying to decide how to space everything out...we were thinking we might do the food tour and Blue Lagoon when we land on Saturday in July. Then drive to Snaefellsnes. Would 2 nights there be too much? Then, 2 nights in Hella, and two nights in Vik? Then, drive back for our 5pm flight the following Saturday (maybe hitting the Sky Lagoon before our flight). Thanks!

Wednesday 28th of February 2024

Hi Katy, your plan sounds good if you want to minimize the number of hotels during the trip. Just a few things. First, because of the location of the Sky Lagoon (in the city) and the Blue Lagoon (close to the airport), I would switch those two around. So visit Sky Lagoon on the first day and the Blue Lagoon at the end of your trip. Also, be sure to book both of these well in advance because they always sell out. Second, book your accommodations and car rental asap. Especially hotels outside Reykjavik!

Ornella Zaatar

Monday 19th of February 2024

Thank you for this helpful itinerary. I am trying to plan one of the date in the south coast (Vatjankul National Park). I am still debating if it is worth it to do the Katla ice cave tour and the Jokulsarlon Glacier lagon zodiac tour (which i believe this one is nice) or any other must seen tours/places? So far thats my itinerary. Any advice will be highly appreciate it.

- katla ice cave tour? (3h) -Fjaorargljufur canyon -Skaftafell-Svartifoss -jokulsarlon glacier lagon ( book a zodiac tour) any compagnie in particular? -diamond beach

Thank you in advance.

Wednesday 21st of February 2024

@Jurga, Thank you so much for your help really appreciate it.

I have one more questions regarding the Snaefellsness Peninsula we are going for one day and I made a rough draft: -arrival at 1pm to Stykkisholmur -3pm Kirkjufell and kirkjufellsfoss waterfall -5pm Bjarnarfoss buoir -6:30pm Arnarstapi -8:30pm Saxholl crater

1)Is it a good one? 2)is there places that we must see that I did not put?I just want to make sure we are seeing the must sees in our time there

Thank you so much for all your help. I really appreciate it. Planning Iceland is so exciting but also overwhelming. It is the first trip that I planned that took me a long time to finish the planning haha. Your blog helped me significantly Thanks again!

@Jurga, yes so we are going in summer. My only concern is that we wont make it to the boat tour the last one i checked available was at 4:45pm.

how I calculate it with some buffer time in case of delays or anything -9:30 am to 1:30pm Katla ice cave around 2 hours buffer to arrive and have a stop for snack -3:30-4:40pm: Fjaorargljufur Canyon -6pm Skatafel and Svartifos -7:30 or 8pm:Jokulsarlon glacier lagon -8:30-9pm diamond beach

1) Do you know any zodiac boat tour that starts at later time like 8pm? 2)It might be a stupid question but if we do not do the zodiac boat tour can we still go see the jikylsarlon glacier lagon by ourselfs? 3)Knowing the following itinerary which one would you give up the Katla ice cave or the Jokulsarlon glacier lagon zodiac tour?

Hi Ornella, you forgot to mention when you are traveling, where you are planning to stay, and where you are going the next day, so it's a bit difficult to give tailored advice. But if you are traveling in the summer when the days are long and can get to Vik in time for the morning tour to Katla (this tour starts at 9.30 AM, at least for the days I checked), you should be able to do all this in a day. If you stay close to Jokulsarlon at the end of that day, you can also do the boat trip on the lagoon the next morning. It doesn't matter which company you choose - the main difference is the type of boat you choose - an amphibian boat or a speedboat. In some seasons, there are also kayak tours, but those take longer and cost even more. Hope this helps. Just book any tours you want to do and especially accommodations asap.

Christiana Debono

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and tips !

trying to opt for the 7 day itinerary in september, do you still recommend the same places if a toddler aged 2 yrs is going to tag along or shall we omit from visiting a few places?

Monday 8th of January 2024

Hi Christiana, it's hard for me to say what you can/can't do - so much depends on your family, and how you guys like to travel, but also how you visit certain places. For example, you can visit the highlands with a young kid on your own (in a 4x4), but it's probably not the best idea to book a hiking tour with a group. Yet another thing to consider is accessibility and whether you will be taking a stroller. Many places in nature will be hard to impossible to access with a stroller. Also, you won't be able to do some excursions like e.g. glacier hiking. Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik doesn't allow little kids either. So you'll have to do a bit more research based on your interests, but as far as nature sights go and general itinerary, yes, you can do it with a young child as well. Hope this helps.

Luxe Adventure Traveler

Adventure Travel With a Glass of Wine

Iceland’s Ring Road in 1 Week

By Jennifer Dombrowski 77 Comments

Adventure Around Iceland Independently with Luxe Adventure Traveler’s

Iceland ring road itinerary.

Explore the breathtakingly beautiful and natural wonders of Iceland as you journey around Iceland’s Route 1, the famed 1332 kilometer Ring Road that circles the island. On this 10-day Iceland Ring Road itinerary you’ll experience amazing scenery, active adventures, delicious Icelandic cuisine and unique Icelandic farm stays. With your own off-road suitable rental car, you’ll be able to explore gems often missed on organized bus tours. We don’t know many people that aren’t Icelanders who have driven Iceland’s Ring Road more than once. But we have at various times of the year and our 10-day itinerary will make sure you see all the best things to do on Iceland’s Ring Road in this almost-in-the-Arctic-Circle island nation.

Day 1: Arrive at Keflavik

Today you’ll arrive at Keflavik Airport and pick up your rental car for your self-drive tour in Iceland. Make the 1-hour drive into Reykjavik, where we recommend living like a local in a comfortable apartment walking distance to nearly all of Reykjavik’s attractions. Or if holiday apartments aren’t your thing, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is a good hotel choice close to the city center and with parking available.

There really is no better way to discover Reykjavik than on foot. Follow our Walking Tour of Reykjavik to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the charming city’s sights like the Hallgrímskirkja church modeled after the Icelandic landscape, the mirrored Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture.

Get your first taste of Icelandic cuisine. Don’t miss trying an Icelandic hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsu , an institution even former President Bill Clinton has eaten at.

If you’re visiting during Northern Lights season from September through April, beat your jet lag and stay up searching for the mystical green Auroras on a Northern Lights Super Jeep tour.

Tips for Driving Iceland’s Ring Road in Winter

Day 2: The Golden Circle

Hit the road to take in some of Iceland’s most famous sights along The Golden Circle, the 190 mile circular route from Reykjavik and back. All the sights, with the exception of a small entry fee for Kerið Crater, are free so there’s no need to book a guided tour. Take your time, enjoy the sights at your own pace with our self-drive Golden Circle tour , including a route map.

Start out the morning by suiting up in a dry suit and snorkeling Silfra, a crack between the North American and Eurasian continents that boasts some of the clearest water in the world. After, warm up with a bowl of fish soup in the visitor center before touring Þingvellir National Park .

Continue on to Geysir , which erupts at regular intervals every 6 minutes or so and admire its white column of boiling water that can reach as high as 20-30 meters. Your next stop is Gullfoss , meaning “Golden Falls”, a multi-tiered waterfall that is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Complete your Golden Circle Tour with a stop at Kerið , a crater lake created from a cone volcano which erupted and emptied its magma reserve.

For the super ambitious and those that like to take advantage of the long hours of light in Iceland’s summertime, start the day with a sunrise hike to Glymur , Iceland’s highest waterfall, which can only be reached on foot or seen on a helicopter tour.

Snorkeling Silfra: Our Coldest Adventure Yet

Meal recommendations: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur , Tapas Barinn , Fish Market Accommodation : Túngata 32 or  Hilton Reykjavik Nordica for 2 nights Tours Worth Booking: Snorkeling Silfra , Waterfalls & Valleys helicopter tour

Day 3: The South Coast

It’s up and out the door early today! The drive around Iceland’s Ring Road officially begins.

Gas up before leaving Reykjavik behind, because the first stop isn’t until Keldur to see Iceland’s oldest intact turf house before heading on to Seljalandsfoss . There are many taller and more powerful waterfalls in Iceland, but the special thing about Seljalandsfoss is that you can take walk behind it!

Not far from Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss spills over the cliffs of the former coastline and is another photo worthy stop. You also won’t want to miss the opportunity for a swim in a semi-natural hot pool at  Seljavallalaug .

Spend a little time at Þorvaldseyri Visitor Center, at the base of Eyjafjallajökull to admire the volcano and be amazed that the Þorvaldseyri farm survived the 2010 eruption.

An adventurous challenge awaits as you go on a guided hike to the summit of Sólheimajökull Glacier, exploring ice caves, crevasses and moulins along the way.

End your day following our detailed directions out to the abandoned DC3 plane crash on Sólheimasandur beach. You won’t be able to see it even from the summit of Sólheimajökull Glacier, but it’s directly straight out from there hidden behind a black sand dune on the beach where it crashed on a cold November night in 1973.

Glacier Hiking on Sólheimajökull

Drive Time : 2 – 3 hours depending on weather conditions Meal recommendations: Skógafoss Bistro & Bar , Hotel Ranga Accommodation : 4-star Hotel Ranga in Hella for 1 night or Volcano Hotel near Vik for 1 night Tours Worth Booking: Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk

Day 4: Vík & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Today’s drive is a stunning one that will leave you wondering if you’ve landed on the moon. Start the day visiting the Dyrhólaey promontory, then spend some time playing on the black sand beaches of Vik and Reynisfjara.

Vik is a small, but charming town with one of the best spots to shop for the Icelandic wool sweater (or maybe just some mittens) you’re inevitably bringing home as a souvenir. Pop in to the Vík Wool shop. Be sure to also fill up the gas tank before leaving Vik, because the next gas station is quite a drive away.

Stretch your legs and take advantage of the photo ops at Foss á Síðu and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. 

Finally, you arrive at the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon . If visiting May – September, take a zodiac boat tour of the lagoon. After touring the lagoon and warming up with a lunch of fish soup at the visitor center, cross the highway and enjoy climbing on the icebergs scattered on Breiðamerkursandur.

Iceland South Coast Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

Drive Time : 4 hours Accommodation :  Hali Country Hotel for 1 night (dinner is available for hotel guests) Tours Worth Booking: Jökulsárlón zodiac boat tour

Day 5: East Iceland

Today’s drive is a beautiful one to a charming luxury country farmhouse with a jacuzzi you’ll be dying to relax in. You’ll want to have your camera ready because this stretch of wild and rugged coastline offers stunning vista after stunning vista. You’ll be glad you have that SUV, perfect for off-roading to some of the colorful lighthouses like Halvnes dotting the coast. You might even be lucky to spot East Iceland’s wild reindeer.

What you won’t spot is very many other people. Be sure you have some snacks and drinks in the car, because of the stretches of road in this part of Iceland are long with nothing in-between.

Drive Time : 3 hours depending on weather conditions Accommodation : Silfurberg for 1 night (dinner is available for hotel guests)

Day 6: Dettifoss and Húsavík

Today’s drive is the longest stretch and East Iceland residents are few and far between. Reyðarfjörður is one of the most populated villages with around 1,100 residents and a couple of tiny cafes to pop in for a coffee and to fill up the gas tank along the way to Húsavík.

Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall and with 500 cubic meters of water plunging over its falls every second, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss. Unfortunately, the gravel roads to access Dettifoss are impassible during winter so there’s a fairly short window from early summer – fall when the roads 864 and 862 are open to reach the waterfall. If visiting in winter, it’s possible to book a Dettifoss Super Jeep tour (which we recommend for day 7).

Húsavík is the center of whale watching in Iceland because of the number of whale species that frequent the bay. If you’re visiting March – November, head out on a whale watching tour. Also enjoy a visit to the Húsavík Whale Museum , where you can learn about narwhal (only found in the Arctic); Keiko, the whale from the Free Willy movies; and more.

Enjoy lunch at Veitingastaðurinn Salka for a delicious meal of Arctic char and lobster sandwiches. On the way back to Vogafjós Guesthouse, stop off for photo ops at Goðafoss , one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. For the adventurous and a truly Icelandic experience, take a bath at Grjótagjá , a natural thermal spring where the locals bathe (note that we’ve gotten some reports that the water is now too hot to bathe here and it is closed to the public, though we have not been able to confirm this).

What To Do in Húsavík in Winter

Drive Time : 6 – 7 hours depending on weather conditions Meal recommendations: Veitingastaðurinn Salka, Cowshed Cafe Accommodation :  Vogafjós Guesthouse for 2 nights (dinner is available for hotel guests) Tours Worth Booking: North Sailing Húsavík

Day 7: Exploring Mývatn

Take a break from self-driving today and let the excellent guides at Saga Travel expertly lead you to Dettifoss in their Super Jeeps. Even when the gravel roads 864 and 862 are open, they’re an extremely bumpy ride for a 4×4. And if you haven’t rented a 4×4, you can forget trying to navigate either of these roads.

After, explore the sights of Lake Myvatn like the pseudo craters of Skútustaðagígar, the lava fields at Dimmuborgir (where some episodes of Game of Thrones were filmed), the fumarole field Hverir, and end your evening with a relaxing soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths .

Exploring Lake Mývatn and North Iceland

Meal recommendations : Cowshed Cafe , Sel Hotel Accommodation :  Vogafjós Guesthouse for 2 nights (dinner is available for hotel guests) Tours Worth Booking : Dettifoss Super Jeep

Day 8: West Iceland

The North West of Iceland doesn’t have a whole lot of attractions. After leaving Akureyri, you’ll pass through a lot of farm land. But keep your camera ready, because this is where Icelandic horses always roam and you’ll definitely want to stop and photographic this Icelandic cuties with their manes blowing in the wind. They’re pretty friendly, so some may even trot over to the fence to say hello.

You might want to make a detour to Hvítserkur on the Húnafjörður. The 15 meter high rock formation is said to be a troll that was turned to stone when he was trying to destroy the Christian monastery at Þingeyrar.

Drive Time : 5-6 hours Accommodation : Hótel Húsafell for 1 night

Day 9: West Iceland

West Iceland has some interesting attractions worth making the detours down gravel roads off of Route 1 for.

Surtshellir is part of the Hallmundarhraun lava field, formed around the year 930. Nearly 2 kilometers in length, it’s the best known cave in all of Iceland and the longest lava tube. It would take all day to explore the entire thing, but you can see a good bit in about 2-3 hours time. There are five skylights in the tube, so bring a headlamp and explore by entering and exiting through any of them.

Don’t miss the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, which burst out of the edge of the Hallmundarhraun lava field.

Pay a visit to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. The 100°C is used to provide central heating and hot water for the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes. If you showered last night or this morning at the Hótel Húsafell, you’ve already bathed in the thermal waters of this spring!

Fill up your famished stomach after a day of exploring West Iceland at the Kaffi Duus on the harbor in Keflavik. This is one of our favorite restaurants we never miss a meal at when in Iceland!

Meal recommendations : Kaffi Duus Accommodation : Hotel Berg or Northern Lights Inn for 1 night

Day 10: Reykjanes Peninsula and Departure

The Reykjanes Peninsula (the Steamy Peninsula) is often overlooked by visitors to Iceland. Unlike the Golden Circle, which takes a good 10 hours to drive, the Reykjanes Peninsula is small and the sights can be seen in just a few hours. It’s also conveniently located to Keflavik International Airport , where you’ll be departing from.

Visit sights like the the picturesque Hólmsbergsviti lighthouse , Miðlína (Lief the Lucky Bridge) that spans the Álfagjá rift valley, the black sand beach of Sandvík where scenes in the Clint Eastwood films Flags of Our Father s and Letters from Iwo Jima were filmed in 2007, Iceland’s oldest lighthouse Reykjanesviti, and the Gunnuhver Hot Springs.

Head to the Blue Lagoon , one of Iceland’s most visited attractions, to soak in the milky blue geothermal waters and get nice and relaxed before your flight home. The waters are rich in minerals like silica, sulfur and blue-green algae and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed for its positive effects on the skin.

Off the Beaten Path on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula

This article contains affiliate links. When you book on Booking.com or Lagoon Car Rental through our affiliate sites, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

April 26, 2014 at 7:21 PM

I would LOVE to do this route! I went to Iceland in September 2012, but just stayed in Reykjavik (visiting a friend) and did a few daytrips by car. This, though…next time, right?!

Jennifer Dombrowski says

April 29, 2014 at 10:37 AM

Absolutely Sam! My first trip was just a few days visiting Tim while he was temporarily living there and we stuck around Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula. Our next visit for our Ring Road trip was epic though! And we’re excited to be heading back again in September.

Marisa says

April 27, 2014 at 10:31 AM

What time of year did you guys go on your Iceland trip? This itinerary looks amazing and makes me want to plan my trip right now!

April 29, 2014 at 10:40 AM

Tim lived there for a short bit. I’ve been in the beginning of September and then we did our Ring Road trip in winter. We got to Reykjavik a few days before New Year’s, rang in the New Year there, and then officially started the Ring Road January 1. It’s a bit of a gamble to do it in winter like that because you never can predict weather or road conditions, but our gamble paid off.

June 24, 2014 at 7:49 PM

Hi Jennifer,

We are thinking about doing the same thing and was curious what your thoughts are about having a 4×4 car? Is it a must? And do you also wish you were able to see the highlands or were you satisfied? Kari

Tim Davis says

June 25, 2014 at 4:15 PM

Having a 4×4 is definitely a must otherwise you are limited to sticking to the main roads. Also, the Highlands can only be accessed June – August in good weather.

April 27, 2014 at 5:41 PM

I’d love to see Iceland! This year I won’t make it as I’m leaving Germany in the end of August and have all my travels planned till then. But I’ll hopefully make it within the next two years. Your itinerary seems like a great choice. I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for sharing!

Iceland is our favorite country Stef. Hope you make it and hopefully this itinerary helps you with planning.

Christy says

April 27, 2014 at 9:00 PM

This is awesome! It must have taken you forever to put this post together.

April 29, 2014 at 10:42 AM

These itineraries are a bit time consuming. We’ve got two now – this one and one for 5 days in Santorini. Hoping more readers weigh in so we can figure out if you all would like to see more trip itineraries like this!

Hanif Chatur says

April 29, 2014 at 3:55 AM

Fantastic! EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you 🙂

April 29, 2014 at 10:43 AM

Great to hear Hanif! Are you a first time visitor to our website? Would love to know if you’d like to see us design more itineraries like this!

April 29, 2014 at 12:12 PM

Yes I would. A map would be nice touch. Very helpful site with a nice vibe

May 9, 2014 at 4:28 PM

What a great resource for anyone driving the ring road. Iceland is definitely a trip of a lifetime.

May 9, 2014 at 11:07 PM

Agreed, Deb! Iceland is our favorite country we’ve been to. We’re excited to be headed back again in September when I’ll be speaking at the SATW conference.

Michael says

July 10, 2014 at 7:23 AM

Sounds like a great itinerary! We are going to be doing the same trip in mid September, but for 8 days (leaving late afternoon on the 8th day).

Where would you suggest cutting a day short for an 8 day trip? I was thinking 2 nights in Mývatn area instead of 3? What place would you skip if you only had 2 nights there?

Michael Smith says

July 10, 2014 at 7:24 AM

July 14, 2014 at 1:43 PM

Hi Michael,

Did you get our email reply? We’d cut Husavik. It’s a cool town, but small. If you’re short on time we’d say to skip it and do as much of the rest of the itinerary as possible.

Let us know if you have any other questions and enjoy your trip!

August 17, 2014 at 6:32 PM

Lovely idea – to present such itineraries 🙂 Iceland is a beautiful part of this eart I would like to visit, and hope to manage to do that one day!

Jamal Hashim says

September 7, 2014 at 7:32 PM

Hello Jennifer,

Thanks for putting together such an informative itinerary and responding to everyone’s questions. We are now planning on going to Iceland after reading your itinerary and have a bunch of questions.

We live in the Chicago area and are thinking about visiting Ireland from March 21 through 30, 2015. We will have two adults, three kids ages 9, 9, and 6, and a senior citizen who walks with the help of a cane. Since we will get there at 6:30 am on March 22, we will have 8 and a half days before our return flight.

1. Since we will not be able to do any extreme activities due to the age and ability of the people in our group, are 8.5 days enough to drive on the Ring Road and do some activities around Reykjavik?

2. We can rent a minivan (like Ford Galaxy) to fit all the people. Do we have to have a SUV or will a mini-van be OK for the Ring Road and nearby activities that you have recommended in the itinerary?

3. If we were to drop Husavik from the itinerary to save a day as you recommended to Michael Smith, is there any other place that you recommend for Whale watching? (I am assuming that the kids would love whale watching)

4. I read on various forums that hot dogs and ice-cream is readily available everywhere in Iceland. Do you know if there are options for vegetarians available? (If not, we can bring a bunch of peanut butter and Jelly and just buy bread and make sandwiches for the kids).

5. We could visit in mid-July to August if end of March is not a good time. We were thinking about March because we might get a chance to see the Northern Lights and the kids would love that. Should we reconsider the plan and visit in summer instead?

Thanks again for putting together such a helpful itinerary and inspiring us to visit Iceland.

September 8, 2014 at 12:25 PM

Hi Jamal! Great to hear you plan to visit Iceland. Most of the Ring Road, except for a small section in the East, is paved so a minivan would be perfectly fine for driving both the Ring Road and to all of the attractions on the Golden Circle around Reykjavik. You could do it in 8 days – it just depends on what activities you want to do and how long those will take. Though it sounds like you will be mostly sticking to the roadside attractions since you’ll have a senior that has a bit difficulty walking.

March isn’t a good time for whale watching. Most companies don’t operate whale watching tours in March simply because the whale watching season is from May – August, but March is the time to go to Iceland if possibly seeing the Northern Lights is of interest. Your kids are pretty young for Northern Lights viewing though as they typically are seen pretty late at night and it will be fairly cold. The best time to visit really just depends on what you’re most interested in seeing.

As far as vegetarian options, it might be a bit difficult. The terrain isn’t suitable to pretty much anything growing in Iceland. Mostly tomatoes and cucumbers are grown in greenhouses in Iceland and you usually don’t get a vegetable other than some tomatoes, cucumbers or potatoes with a meal. Fish and lamb are found on every menu. Of course, in Reykjavik it isn’t really a problem as you have a variety of food options. But when driving the Ring Road, you are going to be dealing with farm type stays where all the food usually comes right from the farm or a nearby farm.

Hope that helps and let us know if you have more questions!

September 8, 2014 at 6:37 PM

Thanks a lot Jennifer for your quick and detailed response. Sounds like it might be better for us to wait a little bit before visiting Iceland so that the kids are less picky about the food.

I will try to coerce my wife into visiting Iceland without the kids using one of those IcelandAir deals so that we can at-least have a taste of what to expect 🙂

September 7, 2014 at 7:34 PM

I got the following error when I tried to post my questions: Sorry, but our system has determined you may be a spammer. If you believe this to be an error, please contact us so that we can rectify the situation.

I tried again with a different email address and the system said “Duplicate comment detected” 🙂

October 1, 2014 at 9:31 PM

Great itinerary, it will be very useful!

We were thinking about visiting Iceland in December, would you recomend renting a car, or is driving in the winter a crzy idea?

October 7, 2014 at 1:08 PM

Hi Rita! We definitely recommend renting a car and especially a 4×4 in winter. Check out our article https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/tips-for-driving-icelands-ring-road-winter/ to help with planning for driving.

January 3, 2015 at 4:42 PM

Hi Jennifer! I am planning a trip to Iceland in early May. Any tips for traveling at this time? Will we be able to go off road with the appropriate vehicle? Thanks!

January 3, 2015 at 6:13 PM

Hi Erin! You will love Iceland. May to August is high season, so be sure to book your accommodations, rental car, and activities as soon as possible. You will definitely be able to go off road. The only areas not accessible will be those still being affected by the current eruption.

Ticking the Bucketlist says

January 22, 2015 at 5:18 AM

We are off to Iceland next month. Do you have suggestions for winters?

January 22, 2015 at 1:28 PM

Yes, we do. Check out the Iceland section of our Destinations and you’ll find a lot of information for all seasons, including winter. Let us know if you have any questions!

Amy James says

January 27, 2015 at 7:46 AM

Hi, may i know if this itinerary is suitable for travelling in end sept/ oct? And would you recommend 2WD or 4WD during that time of the year? Thank you!

January 27, 2015 at 1:08 PM

Yes, you can do this itinerary any time of the year. September and October are just some of the rainier months. You always want a 4WD when in Iceland, especially if you plan to see attractions off the main roads.

March 8, 2015 at 12:25 AM

Thanks for this post! My husband and I are planning a trip for either June or September. I have heard a lot of nightmare stories regarding car rentals in Iceland. Is there a company you recommend? What kind of price tag comes with renting cars? Any input would be appreciated! Again, thank you for this post!!

March 8, 2015 at 11:12 AM

Hi Sarah! You’re going to love Iceland! We haven’t heard any horror stories about renting cars in Iceland. We’ve been there ourselves always with a car rental a number of times and know quite a lot of people that have also rented cars. Hope that is reassuring! Yes, we have had great experiences with SADcars, Go Iceland and also with renting a camper van from Kuku Campers. We’ll happily give our stamp of approval to any of these companies. The price really depends on the type of vehicle you rent, so have a look at their websites to get an idea of how much you need to budget for car rental.

Joeylyn DW says

June 18, 2015 at 2:09 PM

My husband and I just finished a week around the Ring Road and used your post on Iceland for all our tips for planning. We LOVED it! We can’t wait to go back! Our highlights were snorkeling in Silfra, and hiking the Solheimajokull (sp?) glacier. Thanks again for all of your helpful info!

Angela says

August 17, 2015 at 3:46 PM

Thank you very much for putting together this itinerary. We have a group of friends planning to do the Ring Rd self guided drive in August 2016. I have two questions: 1) In order to do your recommended itinerary, is a 4×4 necessary? 2) Is a camper van practical for your itinerary? Are there places to sleep in the camper in each of the towns that you stop in? Thanks again for taking the time to do this. I also appreciate your recommended rental car agencies.

August 18, 2015 at 9:27 AM

Hi Angela! You will love Iceland! I highly recommend a 4×4, but it isn’t absolutely necessary in August. You will just have to walk further to get to some attractions as rental agreements strictly forbid you from taking non 4×4 vehicles on what are called F roads.

We’ve actually done the camper van (recommend KuKu Campers) too and loved it. There are campsites all over Iceland where you can get electricity and shower facilities. The camper van is great because it allows you to have more freedom and also is really handy for Northern Lights viewing since the campsites are typically outside the towns and away from light pollution. We’d be laying in the camper van and could see the Northern Lights start up right from the window.

Let us know if you have any other questions!

June 7, 2016 at 9:21 PM

Jennifer, thank you for your helpful reply. We are all set for visiting in August with 10 friends.

I had a question about the Blue Lagoon. Part of me feels like it is a must-do but a little scared of the crowds in August. What are your thoughts on going: is it worth it and best time to go.

Are there other thermal pools that you recommend along the route? I already have Grjótagjá on our list.

Thanks again!

Abhinav says

September 7, 2015 at 11:46 AM

you doing a great job here, planning for Iceland, from 23 Oct- 3rd Nov, and hoping to do a self drive Ring road trip, which normally takes 7-8 days, i am really inspired by you to do a self drive tour in a camper van, i have checked the KIKU campers site, and there are giving some good deals, i have some doubts: 1> can we smoothly cover the ring road by Renault Kangoo( camper van), or is it necessary to book a 4*4 at this time of the year. 2> as i am on a budget this time, which mode would be cheaper a) Camper van , b) a 4*4 car with accommodations in hostels on the way.

and how to add Snaefellsnes Peninsula in this itinerary, i would love to go there as its a photographers paradise.

September 11, 2015 at 2:32 PM

you doing a great job here, planning for Iceland, from 23 Oct- 3rd Nov, and hoping to do a self drive Ring road trip, which normally takes 7-8 days, i am really inspired by you to do a self drive tour in a camper van, i have checked the KIKU campers site, and there are giving some good deals, i have some doubts: 1> can we smoothly cover the ring road by Renault Kangoo( camper van), or is it necessary to book a 4*4 at this time of the year.

2> as i am on a budget this time, which mode would be cheaper a) Camper van , b) a 4*4 car with accommodations in hostels on the way.

and how to put Snaefellsnes Peninsula in this itinerary, i would love to go there as its a photographers paradise.

September 17, 2015 at 9:15 AM

You should have no problems at the end of October with the Renault camper van. The camper van would likely be the cheaper way to go. We can’t speak to the availability of hostels as we don’t stay in hostels, but we think they’d be few and far between outside of Reykjavik.

Deborah says

November 23, 2015 at 10:03 AM

Hey Jennifer,

preparing for our 5 day trip in Iceland this summer, we found your article really (!) useful! I think we managed to see everything you recommended + a few more specials. We were also amazed to see that, traveling on a budget with friends, you don’t necessarily get poor when you take a little care how you spend your money…

We really considered it the holiday of a lifetime :):

December 19, 2015 at 10:39 AM

Looks like you had a great trip, Deborah!

Vishal Lodaya says

December 30, 2015 at 11:26 AM

This is just so superbly written.

How do you think is late June and Early July suitable for a trip to Iceland?

Do you think we’ll be able to do Breiðtamerkursandur during that time?

Also, is there anyway we can do a ring road trip without it being a self-driven one?

Please let me know.

Thanks, Vishal Lodaya

December 30, 2015 at 11:41 AM

June and July are the peak tourist season in Iceland. You can always visit Breiðtamerkursandur. The icebergs calve off the glacier, so they are always there. There are just sometimes less depending on the current as they wash out to sea. There is no way to do a Ring Road trip without it being self driven. Tours do not go to the entire island.

Stuart says

January 23, 2016 at 12:40 AM

We are going for 8 days and 7 nights in April. Which bot of your tour would you suggest we miss? Stuart

April 12, 2016 at 12:54 PM

We’re off to Iceland in January for a week. We’re unsure of whether to hire a car as we’re not sure what the road conditions are going to be like. Also, don’t know where to start with sorting out the itinerary but we’ll definitely use your blog to help us work it out.

Thanks Chloe

May 8, 2016 at 1:33 PM

We definitely recommend having your own car for the freedom to explore. The roads in the South are very well maintained and there is plenty to keep you busy in the South alone for a week. Maybe start with Reykjavik and the South for this first trip to Iceland.

Let us know if you have questions as you plan your trip. You’ll absolutely love Iceland!

ashu manoj says

May 30, 2016 at 4:21 PM

We are a family of 4 (3 adults and a teen), and we are arriving in Reykjavik on 21st july for 7 days.

What kind of car do you recommend and which company?

What itinerary can you help us with? We would like to do the Golden circle, the ring road, and of course Blue lagoon and reykjavik and around it. We prefer natural attractions rather than museums etc.

We are pretty active and can do off the beaten path stuff. Also, what kind of clothing do you recommend at that time of the year?

This is a great website and helping me figure out how to navigate the amazing Iceland and cram it all in 1 week.

Thanks so so much for your help.

June 3, 2016 at 9:26 AM

You’ll have plenty of space renting an SUV. Check SADcars or Go Iceland – both are companies we can recommend. This Ring Road itinerary covers everything you’re interested in.

For clothing, Iceland’s weather can and will change in a blink of an eye. You’ll want layers and waterproof jackets and pants, especially when exploring the natural attractions. You can bet on experiencing every kind of weather from gorgeous blue skies to sideways rain and high winds all in the same day.

Leslie says

August 29, 2016 at 8:36 AM

Hello Jennifer.

Me and my husband will be spending our honeymoon in iceland on November 14 and we’ll be staying in reykjavik but would love to visit as much places in iceland. What can you recommend for us to visit? I am thinking that we can drive to Vik for a daytrip but aside from that, can you suggest of some other places?

Thanks, Leslie

August 29, 2016 at 11:57 AM

What a great place to honeymoon, Leslie! You can do quite a lot of day trips from Reykjavik if you prefer to make that your base. From this itinerary, you can do days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 all as day trips from Reykjavik.

I would recommend going all the way to Jökulsárlón. It’s a long day, but definitely worth it. On the South Coast to Jökulsárlón, also stop at these places: https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/iceland-south-coast-attractions/

You can also drive to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on a day trip from Reykjavik, which is where a lot of scenes from the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty were filmed. https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/iceland-road-trip-snaefellsnes-peninsula/

Some other ways to explore further that you might consider are so day trips by plane to the north of Iceland, like these ones: https://www.airicelandconnect.com/tours/iceland/excursions-in-akureyri

Hannah Leach says

September 22, 2016 at 2:08 PM

Hi. This site is brilliant and by far the most informative and helpful that I’ve found so far. My husband and I along with our 2 year old daughter are planning a trip to Iceland from the 5/11/16 to the 12/11/16. Would you think it would be best to base ourselves in Reykjavik and do day trips or travel from place to place at this time? Is there usually a lot of ice/snow on the roads at that time of year? Thanks! Hannah

September 24, 2016 at 7:38 PM

Hi Hannah! Iceland doesn’t typically have bad weather with severe snow and ice storms. It actually has quite a similar climate to NYC. The difference is that the weather can be unpredictable, so you want to have contingency plans. Even when visiting in the summer months, Iceland can get high winds and some roads will be shut down for safety reasons. If you’re comfortable driving in winter conditions, there’s no reason no to travel around. We’ve done it in January, when Iceland receives the majority of its snow. Just give yourself plenty of time and remember that the hours of daylight are shorter.

September 26, 2016 at 8:10 PM

Hi Jennifer, Did you guys visit the Vatnajökull ice cave on this itinerary? I am traveling there in February of next year; I plan to drive Ring Road in a 4WD and I absolutely want to go to the gorgeous ice caves! Have you been and do you have any recommendations regarding getting there? Thanks for any help you can give!

September 27, 2016 at 8:52 PM

Hi Mary, actually no. Vatnajökull was closed to visitors due to the volcanic eruptions when we lived there in 2011 and then again in 2014. We didn’t have time on our other trips. But you would access them from the South between Vik and the Glacier Lagoon. You need a 4WD or you can book a tour from Reykjavik.

October 9, 2016 at 7:43 PM

Hi Jennifer, I am gearing up for our trip next month. I have a little fear of the distance between the last two stops and the time of year. Going from Myvatn area to Kevlavik, will we really make it?

October 20, 2016 at 4:51 PM

Hi Jennifer, For the day spent driving around the fjords on the east coast, is there a town you recommend staying in that fits in well with the Ring Road itinerary? Would it be Reyðarfjörður ? Thanks!

October 21, 2016 at 6:18 AM

It depends on what time of the year you plan to visit. We recommend Silfurberg http://www.booking.com/hotel/is/silfurberg.html?aid=1143113 in Þorgrímsstaðir, however it is not open year round and that will be the case with most guest houses in the winter months in the East Fjords just because it is not an area frequented in winter. If you are traveling through the East Fjords in winter, then Reyðarfjörður will be your best bet for finding a hotel or guest house open then.

Wouter says

February 8, 2017 at 3:40 PM

We went to Iceland last spring, it was really amazing! Thank so much for your work and info! It was my second time i have visited Iceland but after reading your inspiration and want to jump on the plane again.

Steffenie says

February 18, 2017 at 1:22 AM

Hi – This trip looks amazing! I am coming to Iceland with my 3 and 6-year old in mid-April for 9 days – the Ring Road looks amazing, but I’m not sure how the kids will handle that much driving. Can you suggest some other options?

Vikram singh mehta says

March 29, 2017 at 6:07 PM

My daughter ( 21 years ) and i ( 65 years ) have decided to take a week off from June 8 to June 15 to visit Iceland. I would be grateful for your advice . Thanks

March 29, 2017 at 6:14 PM

With 7 days including arrival and departure, you really don’t have time to visit the entire Ring Road. We would recommend focusing your time on visiting Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South Coast as far as the Glacier Lagoon and the Reykjanes Peninsula. There is quite a lot to see and do and you’ll have no problem filling your days but still wishing you had more time.

All of our suggestions for things to do, where to stay and where to eat are here: https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/iceland-ring-road-itinerary/

Patrickca says

June 5, 2017 at 10:52 AM

We are going to Iceland next summer and we are wondering which car rental we should take… Do you have any recommendation?

June 5, 2017 at 11:00 AM

Hi Patrickca,

We can recommend http://sadcars.com/ or http://www.goiceland.com/ , both of which we have personally used on multiple occasions.

Eric Marchese says

September 22, 2017 at 1:50 AM

Hey, just returned from Iceland and used your guide a lot for our itinerary.

September 22, 2017 at 1:49 PM

Glad you found our guide helpful and it looks like you had a nice trip to Iceland!

October 2, 2017 at 3:06 PM

Hi Jennifer. We are a group of 7 friends that are planning to visit Iceland from 28th December to 5th January. Our Idea is to rent a 4×4 car and drive the ring road. Do you think that we have enough days to do it? And, most importantly, how can we manage the accomodations booking? do you have any tip? Thank you very much for your advices! Michael

October 11, 2017 at 7:35 PM

So if you’re arriving on the 28th and departing on the 5th, you have 7 full days. Keep in mind that at this time of the year you’ll only have about 6 hours of daylight. With unpredictable weather conditions and the short days, I honestly feel like you’ll spend more time in the car than actually seeing anything.

If this is your first trip to Iceland, I’d really recommend focusing on a certain region. The South Region is really great to explore and you would have plenty to see during your visit.

For accommodations, you’ll definitely need to book everything. In winter, many places outside the capital close for the season. We have all of our recommendations for where to stay here with a handy map: https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/where-to-stay-in-iceland/

suzi colman says

December 4, 2017 at 8:39 PM

Jennifer, Can you help me put an itinerary together for first two week of March

December 5, 2017 at 11:49 AM

Certainly! Can you give us a few more details? Are you interested in driving the Ring Road? Are you planning to rent a car or are you more interested in tours? Are you in to outdoor activities like hiking?

Robbie says

December 24, 2018 at 9:31 AM

I have noticed your website and very much enjoyed looking through all your information on travelling in Iceland!

My friend and I are planning a trip to Iceland in February 2019 for about 5 days. We are trying to do it on a budget so looking to stay in hostel accommodation around the country.

We are going to hire a 4×4 in Reykjavik for the 5 days and do some exploring. What route would you recommend? We would love to visit some of the more remote places but obviously we need to be careful because of the time of year and weather conditions. I’m just a bit unsure of what is safe and what is not when travelling round the country.

Any advice on what we should do for that time of year would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks very much,

January 2, 2019 at 11:15 AM

Is this your first trip to Iceland? Five days isn’t a lot of time, especially in February since the days are still short with only 8 hours of daylight. Driving distances will be further too if you run in to any winter conditions or, more likely, high winds. With only 5 days, we’d recommend sticking to the south, where there’s a lot to see and do.

We’d plan one day for the Golden Circle. You don’t need a tour and most Golden Circle attractions are free. https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/the-golden-circle-iceland/

Then we’d recommend spending 3 days exploring the south coast all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. One tour really worth booking is a glacier hike, which you cannot do without booking a tour. https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/iceland-south-coast-attractions/

As far as hostels, you’ll be limited once outside of Reykjavik. Accommodation is generally more guest houses and the occasional hotel. So you’ll need to think about if you want to make Reykjavik your base and do day trips from there. You could also consider renting a camper van, which is quite popular to do, to combine your accommodation and transportation. Camp sites are more limited in winter, but you’ll still have ones open along the south coast.

January 26, 2019 at 9:23 AM

Thank you very much for response and the information you have provided.

We are heading to Iceland on the 20th of Feb and will use your information for sure in planning our trip!

Very excited! Thanks again.

February 22, 2020 at 5:55 PM

Hi Jennifer We will be arriving at 6:30 AM May 19, and leaving at 5:30 PM May 27. We have eight nights and would like to do the ring road if you think it’s enough time. We like your itinerary, it is my husband and I, do you suggest we follow the entire itinerary and cut out one night somewhere? We like our comfort at night, but we also like activities in the day, Will this allow us to have enough time for all of the hiking and activities? Or is it a lot of driving every single day? we will be renting a car. Also, https://www.booking.com/hotel/is/silfurberg.html?aid=1143113 , this hotel is closed for guests, do you have another recommendation.? Your advice is appreciated, thank you so much

Yelena says

June 24, 2021 at 5:36 PM

Hi Jennifer, my husband and I are considering coming to Iceland in August with our three young children, aged 7,4 and 7months. however I am wondering if them being so young might make the whole trip too stressful and whether we will be missing out on too many activities to make it worth it. Should we wait until they are older to make the trip? We will have about 12 days. Thank you!

July 27, 2021 at 4:49 PM

I think with 12 days you can see quite a lot and not be rushed or stressed. There are quite a lot of roadside attractions that are pretty easy to access with just a few minutes walking and perfectly suited to young kids. I wouldn’t recommend some of the more adventurous activities, which won’t even allow young kids. But I think there is still plenty that you can see and all enjoy as a family.

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One Week Iceland Road Trip Itinerary for Winter

So, you’ve decided to travel the land of fire and ice by camper van? And in winter, too? (If not, read this to learn why you totally should.) Well, my friend, you’ve come to the right place. Because planning a trip to Iceland in winter is no easy feat . I spent hours days weeks pouring over the internet before my own ten-day trip, searching for:

• which campsites were even open in winter
• which campsites had showers
• where I might stop for bathroom breaks
• whether gas stations on my route were open for credit card use in winter, or if I’d need to get a gas card
• which month was my best chance of catching the northern lights.

So believe me when I say: this Iceland winter itinerary has got you covered ! It takes all my research beforehand, combines it with all my lessons learned and things I wish I knew, and creates this ultimate one week Iceland road trip itinerary.

Now, I have to warn you. This one week Iceland itinerary is super detailed. So sit back, grab a cuppa’ ( it’s a bit of a long one ), and keep reading to get yourself pumped for your own epic Iceland road trip. Oh, and you’re definitely gonna wanna pin this to return to later.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Let’s start off with an overview of this epic trip, so you can have an idea what to expect. If you’re the average traveler with limited vacation days, I suggest breaking it down like below. This way, you only need to use five vacation days, but you get seven full days in Iceland.

Excluding Reykjavik, this itinerary can roughly be divided into three different sections :

• Snaefellsnes Peninsula and area ( Day 2 and Day 3 )
• The Golden Circle ( Day 4 and first half of Day 5 )
• Southern Iceland ( second half of Day 5 and Days 6 and 7 ).

You can rearrange the order of these three sections and mixed-and-match based on weather forecast in each area during your own week of travel. This is super important for winter, so you can avoid getting caught in stormy weather, plus maximize your chances at seeing the Northern Lights.

BEST MONTH TO VISIT ICELAND

If you’re traveling Iceland in winter, it’s safe to assume the two main reasons are to see the Northern Lights and to explore ice caves. But what winter month is the best month to travel to Iceland? There are three factors to this:

• Aurora strength : Aurora activity occurs pretty often, but it is not always strong enough to see. So, you’ll need high Aurora strength in order to see the Northern Lights. You can check forecast here for the next 48 hours.
• Cloud cover : Sometimes, the Aurora activity is strong, but it is not visible due to cloud blocking the view. So, you’ll also need mostly clear skies in order to see the Northern Lights. Iceland receives more cloud cover during the deeper winter months (December and January) rather than the shoulder winter months (October and March). You can check cloud cover for the next 48 hours at the same site for the Aurora strength.
• Day light hours : Sometimes, the Aurora activity is strong, the sky is clear of clouds, but there is too much light (like in the daytime, or by a large city) and the Aurora get washed out. So, you’ll also need dark skies in order to see the Northern Lights. Iceland has less daylight hours during the deeper winter months (four hours of sunlight in December) rather than the shoulder winter months (October and March). Longer nighttime increases the time that you can catch the lights every day. But it also means less sunlight each day to squeeze in all the other attractions. You can check monthly sunrise and sunset times here .

Weighing these factors, I recommend visiting Iceland in late October to late November or mid-February to early March . But keep in mind that seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, and it ultimately comes down to luck.

HOW TO GET AROUND ICELAND

A camper van is the ultimate way to travel Iceland. Unlike with a normal rental car, you don’t have to book accommodation ahead, which was key for me since I was visiting in winter. I wanted to be able to change plans, especially in case of stormy weather and road closures.

Depending on your budget and style, there are a few camper van options I recommend checking out:

• Most budget option: Kuku Camper s . Their two-person camper starts at $80/day (70 EUR). Unfortunately for my fellow automatic-driving-only Americans, their fleet is entirely manual transmission . But, hey, for the rest of you folks, Kuku Campers is an option! Their website has detailed videos of their campers uploaded by happy customers, so you can get an accurate idea of what size you will be working with. Even if you aren’t interested in Kuku Campers, still take a peak at their videos, because all other companies have a similar fleet offerings and camper van sizes.
• Less budget, but more comfort, option: CampEasy or HappyCamper . Both companies offer similar fleets and prices. The biggest deciding factor for some of you might be that CampEasy has automatic transmission options. As you can probably guess, my-non-stick-shift-driving-self went with CampEasy , and I can highly recommend them. Our camper came equipped with WiFi too , which was awesome for navigating using Google Maps, staying in touch with loved ones back home, and feeling safer in general about traversing Iceland via camper van in wintertime.

HOW TO GET TO & FROM KEF AIRPORT

If you are using a non-camper rental car, you can just decide to pick up and drop off at the airport. But if you are traveling Iceland via camper van, you’ll have to pick up and drop off in Reykjavik, the capital city. So, how to get from KEF airport to Reykjavik?

• Travel straight between the airport and Reykjavik : I recommend using FlyBus , a coach bus transfer into the city center. You can purchase online in advance, or at the kiosk right by the exit in KEF airport. You can’t miss it. The ride takes 45 minutes and tickets are $27 one way.
• Travel between the airport and Reykjavik, with a stop at the Blue Lagoon : The Blue Lagoon is a short detour off the road between the airport and Reykjavik, so it’s popular to stop by right after landing or right before departing. I go into more detail on how to do this in day one of this itinerary.

Phew! Now that we got all that out of the way, let’s get to the actual one week Iceland itinerary.

Land at KEF international airport. If you are coming from North America, you will likely be landing in the wee early hours of the morning. If you are arriving from somewhere closer, you will probably be arriving later in the morning or even in the early afternoon.

Blue Lagoon

What better way to relax after a flight and prepare yourself for the adventure-packed week ahead than a rejuvenating few hours in Iceland’s most Instagrammable attraction, the Blue Lagoon? Purchase a transfer that goes from KEF airport to Reykjavik city, with a stop at the Blue Lagoon for some hours in between. Transfer costs around 5,500ISK, or $41.

• Purchase Blue Lagoon tickets plus a transfer
• Book a transfer only, from the Blue Lagoon site
• Book a transfer only, from Reykjavik Excursions

Entrance costs between $44 and $100, depending on how far in advance you book, for what time slot, and for what day of the week. Make sure to book your tickets as soon as you can, since the popular time slots do fill up . Your basic-level entrance fee includes a facial mask while in the water and a one drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options both available) from the water bar. There are showers, complete with body wash, shampoo, and lotion. You also receive a locker to store your valuables and a towel. Once you enter the Blue Lagoon, you can stay until closing.

The Blue Lagoon opens at 8am and closes at 10pm. If your flight arrives much too early, hang out at the airport until catching a shuttle around 7am or 7:30am. The lagoon is 20 minutes from KEF airport, and 50 minutes from Reykjavik city.

Next stop: Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city. It is a small city, easily walkable by foot. The largest attraction is Hallgrímskirkja Church . Entrance is free, but it costs around $9 to climb to the top and view the colorfully roofed city from above. This fee can be paid by card.

Reykjavik is quite pricey , so expect a minimum of $20 for the low-budget meals. You’ll find tons of traditional Icelandic soup, seafood, and lamb dishes, as well as more gastronomically modern restaurants, on which you’ll spend around $30 – $40 per person. If you’re even remotely a fan of baked goods, be sure to stop by Sandholt Bakery for the best vanilla Danish of your life (pastries here are $4 – $5), or Braud & Co for some seriously good bread and an entertaining, hipster vibe.

After you’ve had your fun exploring Iceland’s largest city, return to your hotel or hostel to rest up before the road trip of a lifetime starts tomorrow morning! Make sure to shower tonight or tomorrow morning, because you won’t on days two and three. (It’s not ideal, but hey, that’s camper van life for ya!)

Pick up your camper, get debriefed, and take whatever free food the office will have in stock from previous renters. Then, head to a Bonus grocery store to stock up before you hit the road . This is the budget grocery store, and I found prices here comparable enough to those in California. Buy enough food for 3 ½ days (especially if you are trying to save money in the food department and thus not planning to eat from gas station’s fast food partners and tourist-stop cafeterias you’ll be passing along the way).

Hraunfosser & Barnafossar Waterfalls

By now it is probably around noon, assuming you arrived at the rental place right when it opened (typically at 9am). Drive towards Reyholt up north to get towards your first stop: Hraunfossar & Barnafossar Waterfalls . There are two towns named Reyholt, so make sure your GPS is taking you the correct direction.

On the way, you will drive through an underground tunnel with a $10 toll fee that can be paid by credit card. Alternatively, you can take a detour looping around from the east to skip the toll tunnel. This adds 30 – 40 minutes to your drive.

Once you’ve arrived, park in the lot and explore Hraunfossar first, and then walk to the right to reach Barnafoss a little ways up. There is a gift shop nearby the parking lot, with a bathroom in a separate building next door.

Deilsartunguhver Thermal Spring

Get back on the same road and make your way to Deildartunguhver thermal spring. This stop is mostly just for cool photo and video opps of disappearing into steam produced by the naturally-hot river. Be sure not to touch the water, as the signs warn. (Slightly up the hill from this is a hotel and spa, if you are not budget traveling and prefer to stay in luxury or take a dip in the spa.)

Where to Park for the Night

Continue on to Olis gas station in Borgarness , where you can set up shop for the night for free and also top off on gas before the morning. This gas station is open 24/7 with a clean bathroom (I can vouch), a fast food menu, and a lovely view over the bay for when you awake.

Set those alarms nice and early, cook up a hearty breakfast, and make sure you’ve stocked up on snacks – you’re going to be covering a lot of ground today!

Gerðuberg Cliffs

First stop: Gerðuberg Cliffs . Keep an eye out on the right-hand side of the road for what looks like a dark, rocky wall. Once you see it in the slight distance, you’ll take the first right to turn off the main road and follow a semi-gravel path to get closer to the cliffs. Budget 30 minutes here if you plan to climb up to the cliff and have some photo fun.

Next, head towards Arnarstapi village . The drive to this location is one of the highlights of the day, with scenes out your window that will have you waiting for a white walker to pop out any second (Game of Thrones reference, for those of you who are missing out on the greatest television series of the decade…. minus Season 8.). Once you reach Arnarstapi by pulling into a parking lot on your left, spend 40 minutes – 1 hour exploring.

Djúpalónssandur Black Lava Pearl Beach

Now, head north up this peninsula for about 20 minutes, towards Djúpalónssandur for the Black Lava Pearl Beach . Follow the signs, which eventually lead you to make a left onto a path and end up at the parking lot. There are a couple trails you can walk from the parking lot, including one to the beach.

Kirkjufell Mountain & Waterfall

Next you’ll continue north some more and then back east. Right before you begin to head east, you can stop at the N1 gas station for some homemade soup and a bathroom stop if necessary. Then, continue towards Kirkjufell Mountain and Waterfall, the most photographed waterfall in Iceland .

The waterfall can be tricky to locate if you do not arrive while there are other tourists already there. Driving east, the mountain will be on your left, and you will need to almost pass the mountain in order to recognize the view from all the photographs you’ve seen. Once you reach this point, where the mountain is slightly behind you to your left and there is a body of water in front of the mountain, there will be an area to park your camper on the right side of the road. There is a footpath from this parking spot leading to the triple waterfall, from which you can finally see the quintessential view of the mountain towering behind the waterfall.

After getting your money shot, today is done. Continue driving east and then south to return to the Olis gas station you departed from this morning in Borgarness . Here, you can again set up camp for the night and top up on gas.

Thingvellir National Park

Drive southward, passing through the toll route once again, and then eastward to Thingvellir National Park. All-in-all, this is a 2 ½ drive (or 3 hours if you are avoiding the toll). Spend a few hours at Thingvellir, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place of Iceland’s first parliament from the 10th to 18th centuries. Walk through Flosagja Canyon to Oxararfoss Waterfall, circling back to walk along Drekkingarhylur Pond en route to Almannagjá and Peningagjá’s Silfra Fissure, the continental rift where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

Snorkeling Silfra Fissure

Now many (actually, I’ll be so bold as to say most ) online guides and blogs will recommend snorkeling the Silfra Fissure. I am here to save you $150 – 200 dollars, 3 hours of your precious, oh-so-limited time in this busy road trip, and a lot of physical discomfort by recommending you pass on this activity . Yes the water is very clear, and blue, and pretty…and yes the idea of swimming between two continents sounds cool to tell your friends back home… but tbh that’s just about it! – looking at rocks through extremely clear water as you float at the top and wonder how much longer ‘til your big toe freezes off.

If you are an avid scuba diver, scuba diving might be worth it, and I cannot speak to that. Otherwise, I can tell you from experience that you truly are not missing out. If you are, for some reason, still hell-bent on doing this activity, definitely choose the dry suit and not the wet suit for your tour. The benefit of the wetsuit is that you can theoretically hold your breath to swim deeper when you would like. The dry suit is somewhat of a floatation device, so you will only be looking down from above. But it is very hard to not float with the wet suit as well, so you might as well stay dry and warm if you will have to be mostly floating anyways.

Bruarfoss Waterfall

Next stop is a bit of a secret relative to the rest of the ring road (you won’t be following any tour buses here), and a bit of a journey to find: Bruarfoss Waterfall . It’s a strong contender for most beautiful waterfall in the world . Seriously. Iceland has a lot of waterfalls, but this is the most beautiful one. Once you find it, you’ll be staring down from over the bridge at the turquoise water, asking yourself if deep, deep beneath, there is not a man-made light installed somewhere and causing the river’s literal glow. 

I was half expecting Tinkerbell and her friends to fly out of the rocks any second. It was that magical. But for all its strengths, it is a bit of work to reach. There are two ways to get to the waterfall.

• Google maps will take you near a small, parking-lot-like area, from which you can apparently walk about an hour each way to the falls. This will be on your left as you come from Thingvellier.
• The other option is to continue past this first area and follow the next left on the road (you might see a sign). The road is rather narrow, and eventually you will reach a sign that cars cannot go further. Here, park to the right of the sign (other cars might be there as well) and walk 10 minutes until you reach the river. Once you reach the river, walk along your left for about 5 minutes (it will be icy in winter, so be careful) until you reach a wooden bridge to cross the river. Cross the bridge and continue walking about 5 more minutes, following the sound of louder and louder rushing water as you get nearer. The waterfall will eventually be on your left.

Budget around 1 ½ – 2 hours to finding the falls, photographing, and returning back to the main road.

Geysir & Strokkur

The day is still young, and you must eventually pull yourself away from the beauty known as Bruarfoss and onto the next stop. Geysir and Strokkur are both 20 minutes east. Across the road from them is a tourist-stop cafeteria, gift shop, and clean bathroom.

Tonight, you’re in luck – you’ll be at a campsite with a shower. Double-back about 10 minutes on the road to Uthlid campsite . Payment for this campsite is cash. A similarly-priced alternative campsite open in winter and right by Gullfoss Waterfall is Skjól Campsite.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Quickly have some breakfast before jetting off to Gullfoss Waterfall and arriving before the Golden Circle day trippers do. If it is sunny, you’ll be sure to see a rainbow or two decorating the falls. But even without rainbows to grace our trip to Gullfoss, it was truly breathtaking. I had been hoping to see some frozen waterfalls in Iceland, and I was able to here. Be sure to admire Iceland’s “Golden Waterfall” from both the lower and upper observation areas , to get both further away and up close views.

Get back on the road and head South towards Kerio Crater Lake. Make a small detour halfway to Skaholt , if you would like to see the often-photographed house covered entirely in moss. You’ll also enjoy a serenely quiet view of the mountains without many fellow tourists.

Kerið Crater Lake

Once at Kerið , expect a small entrance fee (which can be paid by card), and to spend 1 – 2 hours walking around the outer loop of the crater before making your way down to the inside. After Kerio, wave goodbye to the Golden Circle. Many tourists come to Iceland just to see Reykjavik and this loop in a short 2 – 3 days. But you’re fortunate, and will be heading south to explore even more of the country’s beauty!

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Head towards Seljalandsfoss Waterfall , about 1 hour and 15 minutes away. On the way, consider stopping at the Bonus grocery store you will pass (it will be near a roundabout) and stocking up on any more food or snacks. There are also plenty of gas stations along this drive, some with partner food chains at which to grab some lunch, fill up those water bottles, or use the bathroom, in addition to, obviously, gas.

Pull into the Seljalandsfoss parking lot before walking the path to the waterfall – and make sure to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho . There is a fee to park, however we could not find where to pay, and therefore just crossed our fingers no one was checking before walking off.

If it is sunny, there will be rainbows galore from every angle. Walk up to the waterfall along the right side of the river, and climb the slippery rocks that will lead you to the walkway behind the waterfall, to get that iconic view from behind. Continue walking across and marvel at all the rainbows and mist surrounding you, but be careful with the exit route. It requires a climb using (in my case) all four limbs along wet and muddy rocks, so consider simply exiting the safer way you just entered before getting yourself too far up to the point of no return like I did . You can then cross the small bridge over the river to get any views that you feel might have missed by not opting for the more dangerous climb.

Head back on the road for about 1 hour, towards Dyrhólaey . It’s the end of the day, so you will want to make sure to arrive there with enough light to photograph.

You will need to drive up a steep and zigzagged road, meant for only 4×4 vehicles , as the sign at the entrance warns. Since the sun was setting, and there was not enough time to walk, we risked it with our non-4×4 camper, and drove up. Parking up at the top was a bit scarce and a free-for-all. If you have time (i.e. daylight) and are reluctant to use a non-4×4 car on a 4×4 road, you can always walk up .

Either way, once at the top, you can see the famous arc in the water to your east, and the sun setting over the highly-photographed black sand beach to your west. Budget about 20 – 30 minutes to admire the views here, and add another 30 minutes if you plan to walk up instead of drive.

Make your way back down the steep road, and head to Vik , about 20 minutes away. Here you will spend the night and top up on gas. There are a couple campsites in Vik, but many are closed in winter. Across the street a bit from the N1 gas station in the middle of town, you will find IcelandAir Hotel Vik. Further down the same road as the hotel is a campground at which you can park in winter, though the campground itself is closed. The hotel reception was so kind as to let us use the lobby bathroom (after declining our request to simply sleep in the better-lit hotel parking lot). So we used this to wash up for the night and in the morning.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

After some breakfast, head east for 1 hour to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon . You can drive about half the distance from the main road, but will have to walk the rest. In winter, most of the interesting path allowing views of the canyon from above will be closed. (And though signs stating such were often ignored by yours truly while in Iceland, this was the only place where the sign included a threat of prosecution in court.) So if it is summer, you will spend more time at this location than in winter.

Vatnajökull National Park

Next stop is Svartifoss Waterfall Parking Lot, 1 hour away. Before paying for parking for the day, step into the information center and, instead, purchase parking for overnight , as this is where you will be camping tonight. If you are staying overnight, you only need to pay this night fee and not for the day fee as well. The night fee is $15 per person, though I am not sure how they confirm the number of people in each party.

The parking lot for Svartifoss is also the gateway to Vatnajökull National Park and meeting spot for your “Glacier Hike + Ice Cave Tour” (around $160). Though the price is steep, this combines two tours into one (hence the plus sign), which are each priced around $160 themselves. If there is only one tour you will splurge on while in Iceland, I highly recommend you make it a glacier hike and ice cave tour ! This is the exact tour I bought. I loved it.

Book your tour to begin an hour or two after you plan to arrive, so that you can have some lunch in the parking lot before the tour departs. The tour’s online description requires snow pants or some other waterproof pants, but they did not seem to enforce this (or realize?) on our tour. Hiking shoes, however, are required, and you can rent a pair by adding $10 to your booking if you do not have your own with you.

The glacier tour will take up most of your day, between paying for parking, making a quick lunch before the tour, using the restroom, and the tour itself. Be generous with how much time you budget here (4 – 5 hours).

Fjallsárlón Lagoon

Once you return from the tour, get back into the car and head to Fjallsárlón Lagoon , about 35 minutes east. This is a less-known iceberg lagoon than the larger Jökulsárlón Lagoon 10 minutes away, which is precisely what makes it so special. Not as many tourists to share the lagoon with, and, as this lagoon is smaller, you can actually climb onto the icebergs. This honestly makes for much more fun and way better photo opps than you will find at Jökulsárlón!

Jökulsárlón Lagoon & Black Diamond Beach

After you’ve had your fair share of “I’m-standing-on-an-iceberg!” photos, continue driving east for 10 minutes to reach Jökulsárlón Lagoon and Diamond Beach , the furthest point east of your Iceland trip . Drive over the bridge, and park on either side of it.

Hop back in the car once you are done, and drive 40 minutes back along the same road to the Svartifoss Waterfall Parking Lot to set up camp for the night. Hopefully, if you haven’t already, you’ll see the Northern Lights in what was the most unpolluted night sky of my entire time in Iceland. Plenty of showers and bathroom stalls here, so take advantage!

Svartifoss Waterfall

Wake up early before setting off on foot from the parking lot towards Svartifoss Waterfall . You’ll have the whole trail to yourself while all the day trippers are just barely leaving Reykjavik in their large coach buses. In winter, it should also be easier to walk in the earlier morning, as the mud will be frozen hard instead of slippery. This should take 1 ½ – 2 hours round trip, including time for photo-taking

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Get on the road and head west about 2 hours towards Reynisfjara Beach . This is the one with the large, black lava sea stacks and black sand. Mentally prepare to be a little patient as you try to get your perfect picture amongst the other tourists also scaling the beautiful stacks. There is a parking lot here, along with tourist shop café and restrooms.

DC3 Plane Crash Site

Continue driving before pulling into a parking spot on the right of the road for the walk to the DC3 airplane crash site . The American Navy plane crashed here in 1973, after running out of fuel. Luckily, everyone apparently survived. The crash site is a bit further down than Google Maps has as its location, so just keep driving west while looking for some cars parked on the right and some people walking on the left. The walk takes about 30 – 45 min each way, and taking pictures likely requires just as long in order to get the shot you want. So budget around 2 hours hours to this activity. 

Skógafoss Waterfall

Once you’ve got the shot (or given up, honestly), walk back and then drive 20 minutes west to Skógafoss Waterfall . Stop in the parking lot, and especially if it is sunny, head straight to the base of the waterfall (and not the stairs to the top first), as there will definitely be rainbows and you don’t want to risk clouds covering it up later. Head up to the stairs afterwards if you would like to see the view from the top, and use the restrooms (for a fee) along the parking lot if you need.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

Reykjavik is now a little over an hour and a half away. If you have time, stop at Reykjadalur hot spring river for a warm swim. Otherwise, continue straight back to the capital. Perhaps splurge on a proper dinner in Reykjavik, as a reward for a week well done! 

Park your camper in the bus station used by FlyBus , for free parking and a 24-hour clean bathroom to use. Consider filing up gas at the N1 station nearby to save yourself time tomorrow morning before dropping off the car.

ADJUSTING THIS ITINERARY

• If you are planning to travel Iceland with a rental car and stay in hotels , you can still follow this itinerary. All of the campsites suggested can simply be replaced with a nearby hotel. I considered this option as well, but given that I went in winter, and have never driven in real snow before (yay for being Californian!), I wanted the flexibility to change plans as need be in the case of road closures and storms.
• I visited Iceland in winter (March), so the days were shorter and we were able to do less each day than had it been summer. If you follow this itinerary for summer , you’ll have more daylight each day, so you can squeeze this itinerary into less than seven days, if you would like.

What Say You on My One Week Iceland Itinerary?

Phew, that was a lot. Still have questions? Drop a comment and I’ll get back to you. If you’re wondering it, someone else probably is too.

For those of you who have been to Iceland, what do you think of my Iceland one week road trip itinerary? Was your itinerary similar? Let me know in the comments below!

Like It? Pin It for Later.

Further Reading...

Complete Guide to Flying RyanAir (& Not Getting Ripped-Off)

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Kirstie Will Travel

I love how detailed this itinerary is! Iceland is on my bucket list so I’ll definitely save this for the future.

That Travelista

I try my best to be as detailed as I can! I was definitely stressin looking for all these details before my own trip.

Elīna Kalniņa

Love the itinerary. I went there in March, too, and loved all the frozen waterfalls!

The frozen waterfalls are the best, right?!

I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland, it looks absolutely amazing there – such spectacular scenery which you’ve captured so well!

Thanks, Francesca! I hope you can make it there some day – it’s definitely been one of my most epic trips!!

Meghan Emcee

This is such a good guide for spending one week in Iceland! It’s been on my list FOREVER so I’m hoping to make it there soon, bookmarked this guide for when I do! Also, love your pics!

Thanks so much! I hope you get to cross it off your list soon 🙂

So Today We Found

Oh my goodness what a post! We did a mini version of this for our honeymoon, but we’d LOVE to go back for longer and hire a campervan! It’s such a beautiful country!

Sounds like an awesome honeymoon! I definitely reco returning and seeing the country via camper van!!

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Complete Guide to Flying RyanAir (& Not Getting Ripped-Off)

That travelista.

1 Week In Iceland: The Ultimate 7-Day Iceland Itinerary

Ah, Iceland. So many incredible sights to see, so many places to explore. But you might be wondering: is it even possible to do it all when all you have to spare is a week? Is it possible to put together a 7-day Iceland itinerary?

Short answer: yes, absolutely.

This 7 day Iceland itinerary will guide you through all the must-see sights and get you off the beaten track, while also allowing some free time to soak it all in. To help you plan your trip, this Iceland travel guide includes not only day-by-day activities suggestions, but also tips on where to stay , and budget notes. 

Itinerary + Map

Golden Circle

Snaefellsnes

Iceland 7 day Itinerary: Overview Map

Here’s an overview of your 7-day Iceland itinerary. As you can see, you’ll be able to cover  about half of the classic Ring Road route.  I can assure you you’ll see all the most scenic sights anyway, as the Southern half of the country is by far the most scenic. 

Now let’s get into it, shall we?

Day 1: Arrival, Reykjanes peninsula

You’re in Iceland! Assuming you’ve rented a car (which I absolutely reccomend), from the airport you should take the free shuttle to the rental agencies area where you will be given your keys. For your first day in Iceland I’d recommend staying overnight in the airport vicinity , as the famous Blue Lagoon is just a few km away. 

After checking in at your hotel, you explore the Reykjanes peninsula . Check out the famous Bridge Between Continents , which is where the boundaries between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates lie. You can observe the tectonic plates as they drift apart from each other and set foot on two different continents.

Afterward, head over to the Reykjanesviti lighthouse , an iconic historic structure sitting on an equally iconic and imposing location. The land around the lighthouse is called Gunnuhver  and is very geothermally active, filled with all sorts of bubbling pools and hot springs. There’s a wooden path that leads the way through all the different mud pools, which makes the area very fun to explore.

Where to spend the night:  check for accommodation options near the Blue Lagoon. I stayed at the Svitan Guesthouse in Keflavík and I’d definitely recommend the place.  

Total driving time today: 1 hour

Costs: no attraction costs today

Day 2: Blue Lagoon, Reykjav í k

Start your day with a dip into the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon . Try to get there as early as 8 am to have the pool mostly to yourself, at least for a while. Around 11.30 the Lagoon will start to get pretty crowded, which is when you’ll want to slip into the shower and skedaddle.  From the Blue Lagoon, it’s a 45 min drive to the center of Reykjav í k. Your first stop will be the Saegreifinn restaurant for a traditional and oh-so-yummy lobster soup. From there, you can leave your car in a nearby parking lot and start exploring the Icelandic capital on foot .

Head over to the Harpa Concert Hall  to admire a futuristic-looking glass facade that attempts to replicate the texture of the famous Icelandic basalt columns.  After Harpa, your next stop will be the famous Hallgrímskirkja, Lutheran church and astounding landmark in the capital city of Iceland. Get that iconic shot of the church from the rainbow walkway, then climb the tower for a spectacular view over Reykjavik’s colorful roofs and icy waters

From Hallgrímskirkja it’s just a couple of minutes to Laugavegur, the city’s main street . Stroll along and check out all the cute little Icelandic houses, as well as all the lively and hipster-looking cafès and pubs. If you’re down for something equally weird and fun, visit the famous Phallological Museum of Iceland , aka the Penis Museum. 

When it’s about 3 pm, walk back to your car and head to the Árbær open-air museum . Here you’ll get a glimpse of what Iceland used to look like in 19th and 20th century, and more importantly, you’ll be able to see the first turf houses of your trip.

At this point it’ll be time to leave the city behind and start your exciting road tripping adventure. Venture out into the Icelandic unique landscape and head to the Þingvellir National Park , where you’ll be able to walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Where to spend the night: check for accommodation options near the Geysers area, or near the Gullfoss waterfall. I stayed at the Alftrod Guesthouse – the rooms where rather small and essential, but their window-filled common area was perfect for aurora hunting. 

Total driving time today: 3 hours

Costs: around 112$ (80$ Blue Lagoon*, 12$ Phallological Museum, 7$ Hallgrimsk tower ticket, 12$ Árbær open air museum + 1$ Thingvellir parking). *make sure to purchase your tickets in advance directly from the official website, as they’ll be cheaper the further out in advance you book them

Day 3: Golden Circle

Today you’ll explore one of the most geothermally-active areas in Iceland. In fact, you’ll start the day right where sulfur steam and hot water gush up out of the earth: Geysers. The more active geyser in the area is called Strokkur , and it erupts every 6-10 minutes at a height of about 20 meters. After getting your share of geothermal oddities, head to Gullfoss, a huge, two-tiered waterfall that will take your breath away with its beauty and power.

Not far from Gullfoss there’s another beauty that for some reason is often overlooked by tourists: Faxi waterfall . Personally, I think it’s a great spot to enjoy a small but beautiful fall in a peaceful landscape. 

From Faxi, it’s about a half-hour to the spectacular volcanic crater know as  Kerið. I mean, a  blue lake is always good, but a blue lake inside a volcanic crater is simply better! If the light is right, you’ll get to see a striking contrast between the reddish volcanic rocks and the opaque turquoise waters that fill this huge caldera.

If you’re looking for an unusual snack, not far from Kerið you’ll find Friðheimar ,  a geothermally heated greenhouse that only grows one thing: tomatoes. Besides checking the beautiful greenhouse and the cute little Icelandic horses that live on the farm, I strongly suggest you hit up the restaurant. As you can imagine, it serves two things: tomato soup and bloody marys.

From Kerid or Friðheimar, you’ll start driving East, where the adventures of day 4 are waiting for you. Ideally you should try to get as close to the Skaftafell area as possible . It’s quite a long drive, but you can stop halfway to see the famous Keldur Turf Houses , the oldest homes in Iceland.

Where to spend the night:  as far East as possible, ideally around Skaftafell, but in alternative try to make it to the tiny town of Skaftárhreppur.

Total driving time today: 4 hours if you make it as far as Skaftárhreppur 

Costs: 3$ for Kerið entrance ticket

Day 4: glacier exploring

On day 4 of your 7 day Iceland itinerary, you’re going to hike a glacier . Yes, I’m dead serious! Specifically, you’ll head over to the Skaftafell Terminal Tour, which is where most of the Skaftafell glacier tours depart. You can check out this article to read about my experience, the equipment I was provided with and the tour company I chose . There are plenty of options online, but make sure to book your tour quite in advance, as the best ones sell out super-fast. Most hiking tours can last up to 3 or 5 hours, and I strongly recommend to take the longer ones to maximize your experience.

After your glacier hiking adventure, head to the famous Diamond Beach . As the name vaguely suggests, Diamond Beach is a strip of black sand where shimmering ice chunks wash up from the nearby Jökulsárlón glacier after their slow migration to the ocean. It’s a surreal landscape, probably one of the most unusual places you’ll ever see in your life. Right across the parking area, you’ll also find the famous Glacier Lagoon , a beautiful lagoon set between the Jökulsárlón glacier and the sea that is full of floating icebergs.

If you have some extra time and strenght, while heading back to your hotel you can stop to see Svartifoss waterfall  in the Skaftafell area. It requires about 45min of hiking each way, but it’s definitely worth it, as you’ll see one of the most beautiful (and less crowded!) waterfalls in Iceland.

Where to spend the night: you can either spend the night in the same hotel near Skaftárhreppur, or you can drive West and switch to something closer to the town of Vik.  

Total driving time today: 3 hours (if you spend the night around Skaftárhreppur and then make it back to Vik by the end of the day)

Costs: prices for glacier hiking tours range from 60$ to 150$ per person 

Day 5: South-East Iceland

Your first stop of the day will be the beautiful Reynisfjara black sand beach and its famous basalt columns, which are even more scenic and imposing than the ones surrounding Svartifoss.

After Reynisfjara, it’s just a 5-minute drive to the Sólheimasandur plane wreckage , the famous site where the US Navy airplane crashed in November 1973 . As you may know, all the crew survived the impact, but the plane was abandoned and still lies there. From the Sólheimasandur parking area it’s a 4km walk each way to reach the actual plane or a 15-minute shuttle bus ride.

It’s now time to get a closer look at what  Iceland’s southern wilderness  is all about: waterfalls!  And your first stop will be the spectacular Seljandfoss . Beautiful, incredibly tall and imposing, Seljandfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls. What’s even more fascinating about it, is that you can actually walk behind the waterfall for a truly unique perspective.

Not many know that there’s actually another waterfall just around Seljandfoss’s corner: Glyufrafoss . Seeing Glyufrafoss requires a little bit of effort – it’s literally hidden inside a cave and is only accessible by walking through the river flowing out from it – but I’m telling you, once inside, the view is absolutely amazing. Just make sure to bring your waterproof poncho! 

Your last stop of the day will be the gorgeous Skogafoss waterfalls . Large, magnificent and incredibly photogenic, Skogafoss is probably the most recognizable Icelandic landmark after the Blue Lagoon. There’s a path that leads right up to the waterfall’s base, as well as some stairs that lead to the top. That’s your last stop of the day, so you can totally relax and soak it all in!

Where to spend the night: after Skogafoss, head West and spend the night in the Reykjavik area. If you’re aurora hunting, stay a few km away from the city to avoid light pollution; if you prefer to discover the city’s nightlife, pick something closer to the center.

Total driving time today: 3 hours if you make it back to Reykjavik

Costs: 20$ for a round trip if you take the shuttle bus at Sólheimasandur 

Day 6: Snaefellsnes peninsula (part 1)

Today you’ll be moving from the South-Eastern region to the charming Snaefellsnes peninsula . Your new home-base should be located around the small town of Eyja-og Miklaholtshreppur, so I’d look for accommodations in that area.  Your first stop in the Snaefellsnes peninsula will be Stykkisholmur , one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Iceland. Visit the small lighthouse right next to the harbor and check out the old colorful houses in the center of the town. There are plenty of nice restaurants in this area, so it makes for a perfect lunch stop . 

From Stykkisholmur, it’s a 45-minute ride to Kirkjufell, a striking conical mountain that lies in the background of an enchanting two-step waterfall ( Kirkjufellsfoss ). If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you can’t possibly miss this stop, as you’ll immediately be able to recognize the famous “mountain shaped like an arrowhead” as the setting of numerous episodes of season 6 and 7.

Where to spend the night: look for accomodations near Eyja-og Miklaholtshreppur  

Total driving time today: 4 hours

Costs: No attraction costs today

Day 7: Snaefellsnes peninsula (part 2)

Your 7 days in Iceland are almost coming to an end, so let’s make this last one count! In fact, I recommend starting your last day in Iceland with a long walk along Ytri Tunga beach , where seal colonies can be often found, basking on rocks offshore. 

After chatting with your seal pals, head West on the main road. Along the way, you may want to pop into the insta-famous Búðakirkja . A minimalistic’s dream, Búðakirkja is a very Nordic-looking black church sitting on a field of lava rock and surrounded by nothing   except miles of tall mountains. 

From Búðakirkja, it’s a 20-minute ride to the small town of Arnastap i, where you will see breathtaking cliffs, lava formations, and spectacular arches in the rocks. Arnastapi is connected to the town of Hellnar by a 2.5 km long trail with jaw-dropping views of the rugged coast. It takes about 40 minutes each way to complete the trail and is easy enough for kids to tag along, so pack your best boots and make sure to bring your camera with you!

From Arnastapi, continue driving west until you reach the cliffs of Londrangar , where you’ll see a pair of 75-meter high basalt pinnacles rising from the coastline.

A few minutes away and right at the tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula you’ll find Djúpalónssandur beach , a majestic arched-shaped bay of black lava pearl   and dark cliffs. This is the last stop of the day, so you’ll have all the time to relax and enjoy every second of your last day in Iceland.

Where to spend the night: Around   Eyja- og Miklaholtshreppur, or you can start getting back to Reykjavik if you have an early flight on day 8. 

Total driving time today: 2.5 hours

There you have it! The ultimate 7 day Iceland itinerary that’ll help you cover the best of the country with no hassles. Now let’s move to the most frequently asked questions about a trip to Iceland.

Can I visit Iceland without renting a car?

There are some countries that just beg to be explored on a road trip, and honestly I’m a firm believer that Iceland is one of these. You could potentially have a similar travel experience without a car – you’d have to stay in Reykjav í k and book several day-trips with local tour companies – but I wouldn’t recommend it, and I also wouldn’t rely on public transportation. 

When is the best time to visit Iceland? Summer vs winter?  

It really depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Do you want to maximize the chances of seeing the  northern lights ? Do you want to explore some ice caves ? Then make sure to plan your trip between October and April. Do you want to experience the famous  midnight sun and maybe see some puffins ? Visit Iceland between May and August. Personally,  I visited Iceland last March  and it was absolutely perfect, as I was looking for a crowd-free experience and a winter vibe. I  wouldn’t exactly recommend traveling to Iceland between January and February , as driving conditions can get extremely dangerous and you’ll get only 5-6 hours of daylight. However, I guarantee that you’ll have an amazing time no matter the season!

Iceland in 7 days: is it possible to complete the full Ring Road?

Technically, yes, it’s possible, but you’d end up spending most of your days driving and have little time for sightseeing. In fact, you’d be forced to cancel most of the activities included in this itinerary, and although North Iceland is extremely beautiful, I’m not sure it’s worth the rush! In short, for the full Ring Road I’d recommend no less than 12 days. 

Keep reading:

Glacier hiking and ice cave tours in iceland, 10 reasons why you should visit iceland right now.

7 day Iceland itinerary; Iceland in 7 days; Iceland travel guide;

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One week itinerary for a road trip in Iceland

Article mis à jour le 5 Jan 2024

For a few years now, Iceland has been on the top of my bucket list. So it was with great expectations and hopes that I went there… I can now tell you that this destination has far surpassed all my other trips. So it is with unabashed pleasure that I detail the itinerary of my week-long road trip to Iceland!

Before starting the story of my trip to Iceland in summer, here are some indications to organize yourself well:

• For practical information: when to go to Iceland, the budget for a week, what equipment to wear for the road trip etc. I give you an appointment at the end of the article
• For information and reservations for the Nordic Nomads road trip in Iceland, in a 4×4 tent on the roof, visit their website .

Road Trip Itinerary: what to do in Iceland in summer?

I went to Iceland for a week with Nordic Nomads , which offers a complete road trip and provides a 4×4 with a tent on the roof to sleep. They take care of booking the campsites, you don’t have to do anything before and during your trip, just enjoy. It’s a real adventure that I 100% recommend you to try.

The tour offered by Nordic Nomads is great value for money ! I talk in detail about the budget for a week in summer in Iceland at the end of the article.

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland 

Find the GPS route of these stages by clicking on the titles. I will give you the link for each day. Other places to visit were in the road book, but we were too tired.

If you are flying to Iceland, you will arrive at Keflavík airport, located south of the capital Reykjavik. If you have booked your flights through the agency, a Nordic Nomads shuttle bus will be waiting there to take you to the base camp (15 minutes drive), to collect your car for the week! Otherwise, you will have to get there on your own with a taxi. All information will be sent to you by email before your departure.

Your car, your accommodation for the trip to Iceland

All the necessary equipment for a one week road trip in Iceland is included in the price of the Nordic Nomads trip, namely:

• the rental of the 4×4 with tent on the roof
• mattresses, sleeping bags, sheets, pillows
• a complete itinerary booklet with all the information
• a pre-programmed GPS with the route
• all kitchen equipment, chairs and table.

Once you have collected your car, it’s time to hit the road to the first spot! If you are tired from the flight and arrive late, I recommend that you go straight to the campsite which is located before the places I mention below. That way you can sleep peacefully and visit them the next day.

The Iceland road trip itinerary.

Every Nordic Nomads traveller receives a complete road book for the week, with practical information and explanations about the places to visit. Each day you will find 2 options: a short route, a longer route. All the stages are detailed and you even have playlists planned!

Small clarification: I did not follow the road book to the letter, besides you have no obligation to follow it 100%. There are places indicated in the Nordic Nomads itinerary that I did not do, and others that I added. This is a no-headache trip, so do as you feel like it, as you are tired… On the other hand, make sure you go to the campsites booked by the agency in the evening (included in the price), so as not to pay another one for nothing!

➡️ Start of the road trip in Iceland: Geysir

In Iceland, you will be surprised by the geothermal phenomena that occur inland. Geysir is one of them. This site is the most famous to observe geysers that spring up from the ground. It is very impressive when you know that the water that comes out is at +100°C! No need to walk long from the car park, you will be there in just 2 minutes.

➡️ Gullfoss, the “golden falls

Many beautiful waterfalls decorate Iceland’s landscape. You’ll get an eyeful throughout the week. In summer, the water flow of Gullfoss is 140 m³ per second. The noise and mist coming out of it is incredible! Bring a mackintosh so you don’t get soaked, either for here or for others! Access is a 5 minute walk from the car park.

Little extra: when it’s sunny, a rainbow appears above the falls.

  Voir cette publication sur Instagram   Une publication partagée par Sami Hughes (@samigray26)

Day 2: Waterfalls & Wonders

Day 2 will be all about water! On the agenda are 3 beautiful waterfalls and a black sand beach.

➡️ Seljalandsfoss

A little aside: whenever you see an Icelandic name ending in “foss”, it is a waterfall.

Although touristy, the Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a must-see. What is original here is the path that has been laid out to go around it. You can admire the 65-metre waterfall from every angle. The walk takes 10/15 minutes and is not difficult.

➡️ Skógafoss

A 2 minute walk from the car park will get you as close as possible to Skógafoss, the mighty waterfall that is 25 metres wide and 60 metres high. Watch out for your electronic devices, it gets wet!

For those motivated to observe the waterfall from above, there is an observation platform on the right accessible by 370 steps.

➡️ Kvernufoss

Kvernufoss waterfall is less than a 5 minute drive from Skógafoss. It is far less visited than its neighbour and it was my favourite of the day. There is a path to view it from behind.

Park here . Then follow the map below. Kvernufoss is a 10 minute walk away.

➡️ Reynisfjara Beach

Last stop before heading to camp, the sublime black Reynisfjara Beach which was one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones season 7. Apart from this anecdote, the rock formations that border the ocean are surreal. Between its basalt columns, its arch, and the rocks sticking out of the water, we don’t know where to turn!

Þakgil Campsite

The road to the campsite is beautiful, so don’t hesitate to stop and enjoy the scenery. Once you arrive, you will be overwhelmed by the calmness that reigns on this campsite… In the morning, don’t hesitate to take the hiking trails in the surroundings.

Day 3 : road trip in Iceland, between land and glaciers

I warn you, this day is going to be busy, both in kilometres and in emotions! Rest well during the night of day 2.

➡️ Fjadragljufur Canyon

The spectacular Fjadragljufur Canyon is 100 metres deep and 2 kilometres long. Green and colourful, it looks like a film set…

The access is super simple from the second car park (no need for a 4×4 as indicated on the signs). You will arrive in 5 minutes at a platform to admire the canyon from above. For those who wish, you can also see it from below by stopping at the first car park but this requires some walking. Bring good shoes and be careful as there are passages that require crossing the river (which is shallow but very cold).

➡️ Lunch break in front of Lómagnúpur mountain

We were super hungry so we stopped at the foot of Lómagnúpur to eat. It’s a nice quiet spot, but I didn’t see any water nearby for cooking so be prepared!

➡️ Fjallsárlón Glacier

I will always remember this place as it was the first glacier I got close to like this. The mountains and the glacier in the background, accompanied by the glacier lake and its icebergs in the foreground are magical! Once again, the access is very easy from the car park (less than 5 minutes walk). Nevertheless, we chose to walk along the lake on the right to get as close as possible to the Fjallsárlón glacier, which made the visit a good hour longer.

➡️ Jökulsárlón glacier

Ahhh I was so looking forward to discovering Iceland’s most famous glacier! In my opinion, the tourist traffic of the place does not take away from its beauty. Seeing hundreds of icebergs floating on the glacier lake of Jökulsárlón totally fascinated me. That’s when I really thought that Iceland has something special, a nature that can’t be found anywhere else…

➡️ Diamond Beach

Adjacent to the Jökulsárlón glacier, the black sand beach nicknamed “Diamond Beach” is bordered by the glacier’s icebergs that flow into the ocean. The contrast between the black sand and the ice is striking! The beach is even more beautiful with the sunlight reflecting in the icebergs… So that gives me an excuse to go back one day.

➡️ Stokksnes

Stokksnes beach is one of the most beautiful on the island because of the cliffs that dominate it. The reflections of the mountains in the water on the black sand make this place ideal for taking nice pictures. To get the reflections in the water, you have to go there when the tide is going out, approximately between mid-tide and low-tide (check the timetable on the internet). Unfortunately for us, it was very cloudy, so we didn’t see the cliffs, which were hidden by clouds. So I warn you that it is not worth visiting Stokksnes if it is cloudy.

There is a charge to enter and it costs 900 ISK per person (€6).

  Voir cette publication sur Instagram   Une publication partagée par Sanmi ✌?|Berlin|Moody Travel| (@capital.shutter)

➡️ The magic of the Iceland road trip

After all these emotions, we had decided to drive to the evening campsite. It was without counting this breathtaking landscape that forced us to make a stop on the road. The light was sublime. I’ll let you admire it in pictures…

The GPS coordinates of this spot are in the itinerary of day 3 (penultimate stage). I remind you that you just have to click on the titles to have the whole route.

Day 4: continuation of the itinerary in Iceland

➡️ seydisfjordur fjord.

This fishing village was my only minor disappointment of the trip. The blue church and its rainbow “staircase” is certainly pretty, but it’s not worth the one hour drive (in my opinion anyway). I’ll put the pictures up anyway if you’re ever interested!

➡️ Studlagil Canyon

I was looking forward to seeing Stuðlagil Canyon and I, once again, was not disappointed. It is a unique place in the world. The colour of the water is beautiful and the hexagonal basalt columns surrounding the canyon are surreal!

There are two ways to see Studlagil Canyon:

From above, to the west, without too much effort, from the viewing platform accessible from this car park .

• Or from below, to the east, by walking 1h/1h15 round trip on flat ground (about 5 km). I strongly recommend this option as the landscape is much more impressive along the water. For the start of the hike, park here.

➡️ Hverir, geothermal site

I recommend you to make a short stop at the geothermal site of Hverir to observe its landscapes worthy of the planet Mars. You’ll be very surprised, both by the beauty of the place and the stench of volcanic gases (with the accompanying flies). I’m serious about the flies, there are a lot of them and they jump in your face!

Quick note: there are flies everywhere in this area, even at the campsite you’ll be going to in the evening. So get used to it a little.

➡️ Grjótagjá, for GOT fans

Grjótagjá is the cave made famous by the Game of Thrones series. It’s apparently where the scene where Jon Snow and Ygrid farted was shot. Well, in real life it doesn’t give you much to go on, because the cave isn’t lit and you can’t see anything. But on the other hand, it looks good in pictures (long exposures are great) and it doesn’t make you make a diversion, so go and have a look anyway!

The water is 43°C, swimming is forbidden.

Day 5: What to do in Iceland in summer? 

➡️ myvatn hot baths.

Much less touristy than the famous Blue Lagoon located near the capital, I recommend a relaxing moment at the hot baths of Myvatn! The water is deliciously warm, the place is clean and very pleasant! The entrance fee is just under 40€ per person. Book online before you come on this website .

➡️ Waterfalls in North Iceland

It’s off to witness a beautiful spectacle of Mother Nature! We’ll be able to observe her omnipotence…

This waterfall has the largest volume of water in all of Europe, with a flow of 400 m³ per second. Dettifoss, just like its neighbour which I mention below, is fed by a powerful glacial river, which in turn flows from the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. The mist that comes out of it is impressive!

The best way to get there is from the east car park. It’s a 10/15 minute walk from there.

Selfoss can be approached by walking upstream for about 1 km. It is smaller but also impressive at 100 metres wide.

Hafragilsfoss

Sleep with a view

Tonight’s campsite has a great view of the ocean and the sunset! You will have the chance to sleep with the melody of the waves…. It was a great time.

Day 6: Things to do in Iceland.

Whale watching .

Another moment that will mark my memory for life: whale watching. This activity is a must do during your road trip in Iceland . This activity is done with respect to the animal, the whales are not chased or attracted by ultrasound. To have the chance to see the whales in their natural environment, whale watching is done between April and October, when the whales migrate to the northern waters for the winter.

Husavik is the capital of whale watching , book your boat trip here .

Before heading to my second activity, I made a short stop on the road to see the Godafoss waterfall. Choose the west car park to be able to get as close to the waterfall as possible. I put the right parking in the Google Maps itinerary for day 6!

Horse riding ?

For 2 hours we went for a horse ride inland with Polar Hestar. The landscapes were splendid! You can book this activity via Nordic Nomads (extra charge).

Day 7: The climax 

This last day was dedicated to the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which has been erupting since 19 March 2021, after 800 years of dormancy. It is possible to get close to the crater on foot. We were very lucky to see the molten lava, but you can’t predict in advance if the crater will be active or if it is taking a nap. For the whole week of the Iceland trip it wasn’t very active and it woke up just in time for the last day!

How do you get to Fagradalsfjall volcano?

First of all, park here . Parking costs 1,000 ISK (€7), you can pay via mobile. From here, three hiking trails are possible, but sometimes they are not all open depending on lava flows.

All information about the volcano, the eruption and access to the trail is updated daily on this official website .

Hiking to get closer to the erupting crater

We hiked along trail C. It takes about 4 hours/4h30 to walk 10 km. The hike is a bit difficult because it climbs steeply, but I saw children of 6 or 7 years old manage it. Go almost to the end of the trail to admire the lava rivers…

Road Trip in Iceland : Practical Information

When to go to iceland.

The summer months are perfect for enjoying a road trip in Iceland with a tent! In winter, it is very cold for this kind of travel. That’s why Nordic Nomads only offers this tour in summer.

However, Iceland is beautiful at any time of the year. My dream now would be to go back in winter to see the Northern Lights, ice caves and snowy landscapes.

☀️ The midnight sun in Iceland

Between the end of June and July, the phenomenon of the midnight sun occurs in Iceland, especially in the very north. This means that there is no night. My trip was in August, so the days were very long, which is perfect for making the most of each day. The sun officially set around 10:30pm but it never really got dark. It’s unusual!

Note that in winter, the opposite happens.

What is the budget for a one week itinerary in Iceland?

The Nordic Nomads  agency offers week-long trips with very good value for money.

Travel to Iceland: Budget for a week

Be aware that living in Iceland is expensive! That’s why travelling by 4×4 and sleeping in a tent saves a big budget on hotels and restaurants. Here are the details of the expenses for the whole week:

• 4×4 rental: 590€ per person (including camping and equipment)
• Petrol: 150€.
• Food: 150€ for two. I should point out that we did not buy any fresh produce or alcohol. To save as much as possible, shop at Budget, which is a low cost store. There are some all over the island.
• Flight: expect to pay around €400 per person. Prices may vary depending on dates and departure cities.

Budget for a one-week road trip in Iceland: €1,140 per person, including flights, excluding activities.

Road trip in Iceland: other information

To answer your questions you asked me on Instagram:

• It was between 10 and 15 degrees in August. Little tip, you can easily find this information on a weather app before your trip.
• I didn’t feel very cold at night.
• There are hot showers at all campsites booked by the agency.
• Be careful with the speed limits in Iceland (maximum 90 km/h), the fine is very very high in case of radar.
• Drones are not allowed everywhere, check the signs on each site you visit.
• Iceland is in my opinion a safe country for a woman travelling alone.

How to equip yourself for a trip to Iceland in summer?

My equipment

• My mackintosh
• A swimming costume
• My checkered jacket
• My fringed cardigan
• My patterned jumper (similar)
• Warm clothes
• My walking shoes
• Knife, reusable cutlery and can opener
• USB connection for cigarette lighter
• External battery

I hope I’ve helped you organise your trip to Iceland ! Feel free to ask me for more information in comments.

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The Best One Week Ring Road Trip Through Iceland

• Post last modified: January 22, 2024
• Post category: Iceland / Itineraries / One Week Trips

The Ring Road, or Route 1, circles the country of Iceland. And with one week you can take the perfect Ring Road trip all the way around Iceland and see all of the best things that Iceland has to offer. Iceland will not disappoint! More than just the Land of Fire and Ice, you’ll see glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, geothermal springs and MORE! We had an absolute blast traveling around Iceland and we know that this Ring Road trip itinerary will help you to have an amazing Icelandic vacation as well.

Top Things To Do

Stuff In This Post

Getting There and Around

This Ring Road trip starts and ends at the international airport. Here, you’ll be able to rent a car. All of this Ring Road trip is suitable for a 2WD vehicle. This will save you money on the rental but you may want a 4WD vehicle as some of these roads are unpaved.  

The Ring Road trip is a loop. As such you can drive it in either direction. We chose counter clockwise because we like nature and wanted to start there rather than in the city. However, you can also do this in reverse. After having done it counterclockwise, there isn’t a strong reason for doing it that way or doing it clockwise. Flip a coin and enjoy.

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Ring Road Trip Itinerary  

Day 1 – southern iceland, morning – seljalandsfoss and a swimming pool.

Start your first morning on the Ring Road. Iceland’s highway 1 will take you all the way around the island and this is the road that a majority of this Ring Road trip itinerary will follow. From the international airport, make your way to Selfoss and pick up Route 1.

The first stop along the way is Seljalandsfoss . This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland . You can walk behind it!

For a full guide to Seljalandsfoss, including how to find the hidden waterfall, check out our post here.

Continue driving on Route 1 until you find the turnoff for Seljavallalaug swimming pool (242). There are signs here leading you to a parking area. You’ll have to hike about 15 minutes to get to the pool. This outdoor swimming pool is old and covered in algae. However, it’s a really cool experience to walk there amongst the beautiful hills and then swim in the open air on the side of a mountain. Pack your picnic lunch for this short hike and eat along the river here.  

Afternoon – Skógafoss and Black Sand Beach

Next, visit the Skógafoss waterfall area . Park in the car park and see Skógafoss from ground level. Then climb the steps to see the waterfall from the top. Continue hiking up river as you continue to see waterfall after waterfall. Skógafoss is the most impressive of these waterfalls in terms of size, but there are all beautiful. You’ll spend a majority of your afternoon here.  

For more details on what waterfalls you’ll see here and tips on hiking, check out our guide to Skógafoss here.

In the late afternoon, take route 221 to the base of the Sólheimajökull Glacier. You cannot walk up on this glacier without a guide but there is a car park area and a short path that will take you up to the base.  

Next, visit Dyrhólaey on your way to Vik. Drive on route 218 to reach the coast. From this stop, you can view the black sand beach from afar and hike to Dyrhólaey, a sea arch.

By this time, you may be hungry, we were! We headed into Vik and ate at Ströndin. The food here was great!

Eating in Iceland is expensive - no doubt about it. Read our post here on ways to save money on Iceland food.

Next, back track a bit to get to the Black Sand Beach. After driving down route 215, you get to the beautiful Reynisfjara Beach. You’ll find black sand and towering columnar basalt here. It is a beautiful spot for photos. However, the waves are dangerous and this is not a place for swimming.  

Stay overnight in Vik. We stayed in the cute Vík Cottages in town, right off of Route 1.  

Want to add more things into your day? For a full list of things to do along Iceland’s southern coast, check out the list here.

Day 2 – Glaciers

The second day of this Ring Road trip is the longest day. Driving isn’t excessive but we crammed a bunch into this day because while there is a lot to do along this stretch of the Ring Road, there aren’t a lot of towns. So on this day, we wanted to see everything but still end up in a town where accommodations weren’t limited.  

Morning – Fja∂rárglijúfur

Continue driving along Route 1. Stop at the scenic overlooks for the lava fields on the south side of the road. This is just a short stop for stretching your legs.  

Turn off onto 206 and drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur. The road to this canyon is a rough dirt road but we were able to drive it with a car. When you get to Fjaðrárgljúfur, hike along the canyon until you get to Mögáfoss at the end of the canyon. There are several viewpoints along the hike. Hike back to the car and continue on Route 1.

Next, we did a quick stop at Foss a Sidu. This only took a few minutes and it was super cute tucked behind a little church.  

Afternoon – Vatnajökull National Park

The big stop of the day is at Vatnajökull National Park . Here you’ll park at Skaftafell and spend a few hours enjoying the hiking at the base of the Skaftafell glacier tongue. You can do two things here: hike on a glacier and hike to Svartifoss. You’ll also be here during lunch time, so make sure to pack a picnic lunch.

For the full guide to Skaftafell National park, including glacier hiking and Svartifoss, check out our guide here.

If you can hike to Svartifoss before doing your glacier tour, that will work out better for decreasing your driving time for the day. However, glacier tours are only offered at certain times of the day so you’ll have to work the hike to Svartifoss around that.  

After hiking on the glacier (which was one of my favorite things to do in Iceland ), continue on route 1 to Fjallsárlón Lagoon. This is the first Iceberg lagoon that you will come to. Iceberg lagoons are beautiful. Spend some time enjoying this one with a short walk along the beach enjoying the icebergs and the sounds of ice cracking.

Next visit Jökulsárlón Lagoon, just a few more minutes down the road. This lagoon is larger in size and tends to be bluer in coloring. After exploring the lagoon, walk along the river toward the ocean until you arrive on Diamond Beach. Here enjoy watching the chunks of icebergs washing up on shore like diamonds from the sea.  

Are you short on time? If you are only able to visit one glacial lagoon, see which one is better here.

Drive to your accommodations for the evening in Hofn.

Day 3 – Waterfalls and Geothermal Activity

Continuing on Route 1 as you wind your way through the East Fjords.

Eat lunch in Egilssta∂ir.  

Afternoon – Dettifoss

Continue on the Ring Road. Take the turnoff for Dettifoss. This will either be the east side of the falls (Route 864) or the west side of the falls (route 862).  

Which side is better? Check out our guide for visiting Dettifoss here.

Whichever side you choose, make sure to see Dettifoss, Selfoss and Hafragilfoss , three of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland .  

What is the best waterfall in Iceland? Check out our post here to find out our favorites.

Next, visit the Mývatn Nature Baths. These thermal pools are similar to the Blue Lagoon , however the views from the pool are really amazing! They overlook Lake Mývatn.

Lastly, drive to Lake Mývatn and find accommodations near the lake. You’ll be staying here for two nights.  

For dinner in Mývatn, we highly recommend the Vogafjós Farm Resort. This was Scott’s favorite meal in all of Iceland. They serve farm to table ingredients prepared in traditional Icelandic ways.  

Day 4 – Lake Mývatn

Morning – mývatn.

On day 4 of this Ring Road trip itinerary, you’ll be exploring the Lake Mývatn area . This is a popular tourist destination in northern Iceland.  

The first stop of the day is the Krafla Lava Fields. Here, you can walk around a volcanic crater with beautiful blue water bubbling up in it.  

Next, stop at the Hverir geothermal area. Here, you’ll find boiling mud pots, steaming hotsprings and beautiful geothermal pools. Be warned, it stinks here. The smell of sulphur is very strong, especially on a calm day. However, the trails here are nice and easy. Consider hiking up the trails to the top of Mt. Namafjall for some amazing views of the Mývatn area.  

Next, take Route 860 to get to the Grjótagjá. This cave enclosed hot spring used to be a place to bathe. However, due to littering and vandalism it is now just a viewing area of a cave enclosed hot spring.  

Next, hike to the top of Hverfjall to see the impressive volcanic crater. You can also walk around the outer edge of the crater. The path to get to the top is very steep but well groomed. The black flies in the Lake Mývatn area were horrible. Obviously, we rocked some pretty stylish head nets when hiking here. We were met with either looks of “those people are crazy” or “those people are brilliant and where do I get one”. We would recommend packing one if you dare be as stylish as us.  

Next, head to the Dimmuborgir Lava fields. The trails through these lava fields were some of the best kept and most accessible trails in all of Iceland. Enjoy an hour or so wandering the lava fields. Have you picnic lunch here.  

Have more time in Myvatn? Click here to explore the full list of things to do.

Afternoon – lake mývatn and go∂afoss.

Continue driving all the way around Lake Mývatn. Consider stopping at Skútaís for after lunch ice cream.  

One the west side of the lake we stopped at several viewpoints to look for birds. Lake Mývatn is a popular resting spot for migrating birds.  

Next, stop at Go∂afoss for a quick viewing of another impressive Iceland waterfall .

Lastly, drive in to Akureyri and check in to your accommodations there.  

Dine out in Akureyri. We ate at Strikið. This was a beautiful restaurant with views overlooking the water. Reservations are needed. The food here was amazing! They served us the best desert we had in all of Iceland.

Day 5 – Western Iceland

On the fifth day of this Ring Road trip, you’ll be doing a lot of driving. We tried to break up our day with stops but the reality is there weren’t many place we were interested in stopping.  

So continue on Route 1 until you reach 75. Head north for a bit until you arrive at Glaumbær Farm and Museum. Here you’ll get to see the famous Icelandic turf houses and learn some history of them. You’ll also get to walk through some beautifully preserved traditional Icelandic farm buildings. 

Next, buckle in for a good chunk of driving along the Ring Road. We ate lunch as we drove.

Afternoon – Waterfalls and Volcanoes  

Grábrók is the next stop. Walk to the top of this volcanic crater and take the short hike around the rim. From here you can also see structural ruins at the base of the cone.  

Next, make your way inland following Route 50 and then 518, until you reach the Hraunfossar parking area. At Hraunfossar, you’ll find a series of two waterfalls. The first is Hraunfossar a waterfall spouting out of the rocks. The river that creates this waterfall is underground in old lava tubes! This is such a magical waterfall Scott and I spend some serious time in search of the wizards responsible for it. If you hike up the path, you’ll next see Barnafossar, another neat waterfall.  

Finally, drive to the Borgarnes area for the night. You’ll be staying here for two evenings. Grab dinner in town and then head to sleep.  

Day 6 – Reykjavík

In the morning drive to Reykjavík.  

On the final day of your Ring Road trip, learn about Iceland’s history with a walk through Reykjavík .

For more details on your time in Reykjavík and a map of this walking tour, check out our Reykjavík post here.

Start the morning at Hallgrimskirkja. Take photos in front of the church and walk in to look at the interior if it is open to the public.  

Then walk to Hljómskála Park. Walk around The Pond here. You’ll see City Hall and the National Gallery. You’ll also be able to feed the swans if you bring some bread. The park itself is beautiful!

Next, walk to the piers and grab a light fish lunch.  

Then wander along the coastal walk until you get to the Sun Voyager sculpture.  

Relax for the rest of the day doing whatever pleases you!

For a full list of fun things to do in Reykjavík, check out our list here.

Finally, have one last amazing meal in Iceland! Go all out and order a side dish of lobster tail just because you can.  

Stay one night in Reykjavík.  

Day 7 – Return journey

Make your way to the airport and head home!  

If you don’t have a flight until later in the day, consider visiting the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport.

Read our full post on the Blue Lagoon here.

Want to adjust the ring road itinerary.

If you have extra time there are a few areas where you could use it. First, you could spread out your time on Iceland’s southern coast. This was one of our favorite areas and we would have liked more time there. You also could spend more time in northern Iceland by doing a whale watching tour which is very popular and we have friends who’ve really enjoyed it.

If you have less time, you really should choose a different road trip. Consider basing yourself in Reykjavík and then taking road trips from Reykjavík to several of these destinations. The only thing you’ll miss is Northern Iceland. People will tell you that you can do this road trip in 5 days. However, we went from 7AM-9PM every day to accomplish the above Ring Road trip. There wasn’t any room in here to shrink this itinerary to fewer days and still get a good night’s sleep.

When To Visit The Ring Road

This Ring Road trip is the best road trip taken in the summer. In fact it may only be passable in the summer. Most of this road is open year round. However, portions have been known to close in the winter due to rough weather.  Check the current road conditions here .  From May through September you’ll likely be able to travel all of the roads and experience relatively pleasant weather.  

Also, we loved Iceland in the summer. It was exactly how we imagined Iceland with rolling green hills and beautiful sheep. We think that’s the best time to visit Iceland.  

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What to Budget

Our Ring Road Trip cost us about $450 USD/day. This includes the price of our flights, rental car, accommodations, food, and attractions.  

For a full article on setting your Iceland travel budget and tips for saving money, check out our full post here.

Regardless of budget, you’ll want to book your accommodations, rental car and tours ahead of time.

One area that will help you save a lot of money is a meal plan and dinning plan. Check out our full post on dining in Iceland including money saving tips.  

We hope this has helped you to plan your own Ring Road trip through Iceland. We loved Iceland and this was the perfect way to see the country. If you have any questions as you plan your own Ring Road trip please leave them in the comments section below and we’d be happy to help.

This Post Has 6 Comments

Thank you. We are planning our trip to Iceland for 2024. Great to hear from someone who been there and not as a selling point. Sounds amazing. We can’t wait. Thanks for all the tips from budget to itinerary. The hikes were our concern too. We can walk say 8 Km but not use to the hills. Hopefully will be able to do some of the hikes. Thanks.

I’m glad you enjoyed our resources. We had such a great time in Iceland and I hope you do too! I think you should be fine with a majority of the hikes. I feel like a majority of more popular attractions had pretty level trails.

Thank you for your review, very helpful. My husband and I are in our early 70’s and won’t be doing much hiking. With that said, what would you suggest we do instead of hiking and probably walking on glaciers by ourselves?

So when you say you won’t be doing much hiking, do you mean you are still able to walk short distances or do you use walking assistance devices?

If you still are up for short walks, I think you should be able to do everything here just on a smaller scale. The things that required more of a “hike” were Seljavallalaug (swimming pool), the Skogafoss hike (you should still stop to see Skogafoss), Skaftafell and Svartifoss, and Hverfall. Most of these are just small bits of this itinerary so you can fill them with extra roadside stops like at fun restaurants or strange stores (we stopped at a bones of Iceland store).

However, Day 2 is mostly hiking. So I’d recommend filling that instead with a boat tour or two in the glacier lagoons in that area. The glaciers were our favorite stop (could you tell ;)) and this way you’d still get to experience them while resting your legs.

If you do use walking assistive devices (wheelchair, walker, etc.) honestly Iceland doesn’t have many paved walking trails. Reykjavik and the Snaefellsnes peninsula seemed the most accessible areas to us.

https://acoupledaystravel.com/road-trip-to-the-snaefellsnes-peninsula/

I know that was a very long answer so I hope it helps.

Brilliant review… I am so going back to do the Ring Road… thank you!!!

Thanks so much 🙂 It was such an amazing trip. We hope you make it back.

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Iceland Road Trip | The Perfect Itinerary for 7, 14 & 21 Days

An Iceland road trip is probably one of the most amazing trips you can do in Europe. Iceland is just perfect as a country for a road trip and the landscape is just spectacular on the small volcanic island in the Atlantic. There are waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches and the highlands in which you feel like on the moon.

On an road trip through Iceland you will see and experience things that you can’t see anywhere else, at least not in this density. There are different ways to discover Iceland on a road trip. Whether you have only 7-10 days, 2 weeks or even 3 weeks time. Iceland is always worth a trip.

In the following we have 3 route suggestions for you, so that you can experience the perfect Iceland vacation.

We are Sabrina and Andreas, two adventurous travelers who never miss an opportunity to discover the world. Whether by plane to distant countries or with our campervan Bruno, we just love to travel. We hope to give you helpful tips for your next trip on our blog.

Sabrina & Andreas Globetrotters, Travelers, Adventurers

Iceland Road Trip Tips

If you want to travel to Iceland, then it is advisable to take some travel tips to heart. Some things are -besides the landscape- very special in Iceland. These include the required rental cars, the weather and regions such as the highlands. Some important Iceland tips we want to give you now to the hand.

Where to book a Rental Car for Iceland

Generally we like to book our rental cars for everywhere in the world with German providers. Unfortunately, there are no campervans or rental cars with roof tent available. Also cars, which are suitable for the highlands, are not available here.

For that you have to search with Icelandic providers. A specialized price comparison site for rental cars in Iceland is northbound.is* . There you can find everything from normal small cars to SUVs with roof tent to large SUVs and campers.

With Northbound, you can cancel all cars up to 48 hours before the start of the rental period free of charge . This is always helpful if travel plans change unexpectedly. We were completely satisfied with the booking, the car, the whole process and the support of Northbound and can only recommend you to book here.

Car Rental at the Iceland Specialist with Years of Know-How:

Northbound.is.

• compares all Icelandic car rental providers
• specialized in Iceland roundtrips and the highlands
• specialized insurances for the rough Iceland available
• free cancellation up to 48h before start of rental period
• normal rental cars, campervans , motorhomes, SUV (also with roof tent) & off-road vehicles available

Find The Best Prices for Iceland Rental Cars at northbound.is*

Important Travel Tips for your Iceland Road Trip

Iceland is a very special destination. Not only because of the indescribably beautiful landscape. Also because the climatic conditions and the road conditions are very special. It is always windy and often stormy. Of course it also rains very often.

And although the ring road around the island is almost completely paved, the roads in the adventurous highlands are of a completely different caliber.

As you can see, there is a lot to consider before you go on your first Iceland road trip. To make your trip planning a little easier, we have written a separate article on the most important travel tips for Iceland:

• Iceland Travel Tips 2023 | What you should know before your first road trip!

Iceland Road Trip | Our Route Suggestions

Iceland is super versatile, it offers countless waterfalls, glaciers, black lava beaches, volcanoes, hot springs and much more. The nature in Iceland is the highlight of the island. Nowhere in the world are comparable landscapes in such abundance. Iceland must be seen and many people are attracted to the volcanic island in the Atlantic not only once.

You can spend many weeks or even months on Iceland and still not have seen everything. But even with a round trip of 1-3 weeks you can see many great sights and be enchanted by the breathtaking nature.

7 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

If you only have a week for an Iceland road trip, then it is unrealistic and too stressful to go around the whole island, instead you should stay in the south. But that’s not bad at all, because in the south of Iceland there are many great highlights like the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlon or the black lava beach Stokksnes.

Also many great waterfalls are located in the south of Iceland and can be visited with our Iceland itinerary for one week.

So you can get a great overview of the wonderful landscape here and whet your appetite for your next Iceland trip.

Facts about the Iceland Road Trip

Duration: 7-10 days Kilometers: 1180 km Best time to travel: In summer (June-August), in winter for aurora & ice caves (January/February) More info about the route: Our trip report

Highlights on the route

Golden Circle Skogafoss Waterfall Jökulsárlon Glacier Lagoon Stokksnes

Overview of the 7 Days Itinerary

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With our 7-day itinerary, you’ll see the very biggest Iceland highlights and experience many of the most beautiful sights in Iceland. The hotel density in the south of Iceland is relatively high and there are also quite a few campsites. So you won’t have any problems with accommodation.

If you want more information about our 7 days Iceland road trip then read our detailed travel report:

7 Days Iceland Road Trip | All You Need To Know

Iceland Road Trip Itinerary for 14 Days

It is easily possible during a 2 week Iceland road trip itinerary to circle the island once and take in most of the highlights. Because the ring road leads once around the island and there are also most of the highlights. But if you also want to drive through Iceland’s spectacular highlands, it is not so easy to find a suitable route for a 14-day Iceland road trip.

Therefore, we have looked at the research for our own 14 days Iceland round trip, which highland roads can also be driven with a simple off-road vehicle and made an Iceland itinerary including the highlands . You can of course skip the highland parts of this route and spend more time on the coast.

Duration: 14-16 days Kilometers: 2270 km Best time to travel: In summer (June-August) More info about the route: Our travelogue

Landmannalaugar Skogafoss waterfall Jökulsárlon Glacier Lagoon Kerlingafjöll & the highlands

Overview of the 2 Weeks Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

In our 2 weeks itinerary you will see the most beautiful Icelandic highlights and even experience the adventurous highlands in the center of the island. What you can discover in Iceland’s highlands is really out of this world. For the highlands you absolutely need an off-road vehicle. Do you want to know what you have to pay attention to when renting a car and what you can expect here?

For more information about our 14 days Iceland road trip itinerary read our detailed travel report:

14 Days Iceland Road Trip (incl. Highlands) | All You Need To Know

Iceland Road Trip in 3 Weeks

On a 3 weeks Iceland road trip you can discover almost all sights of this wonderful island. You will not only drive along Iceland’s ring road, but you can also visit special places like the remote Westfjords or the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

But also the most beautiful sights on the ring road of Iceland, such as Skogafoss, Stokksnes , the glacier lagoon Jökulsarlon or Dettifoss you will be able to marvel at this Iceland road trip.

Our 3 weeks Iceland itinerary is based on a classic Iceland round trip along the ring road and makes additional detours to great highlights like the Westfjords or the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Duration: 21-23 days Kilometers: 3795 km  Best time to travel: In summer (June-August) More info about the route: Our travelogue

Landmannalaugar Westfjords Jökulsárlon Glacier Lagoon The Highlands

Overview of the 3 Weeks Iceland Itinerary

In 3 weeks you can actually already discover everything in Iceland. I get to the highlands, visit the remote Westfjords and otherwise take every wonderful Iceland highlight that there is to experience here.

For more information on our 3 week Iceland road trip read our detailed trip report:

3 Weeks Iceland Road Trip (with Highlands) | All You Need To Know

We hope you enjoyed our blog post about the best Iceland Road Trip Itineraries. If you have any question feel free to leave us a comment below.

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Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 🚙 Iceland South Coast: Efficient 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Iceland, known as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” is home to epic natural landscapes, hot springs, and wildlife.

One week is enough time to travel through the island’s South Coast, a large portion of the best part of the Ring Road that wraps around the island.

This Iceland road trip itinerary visits over 20 top attractions and hidden gems, including epic hikes, waterfalls, and hot springs . It’s ideal for those who want to see the highlights while being active and adventurous. This post covers:

• 🗓️ 1-week optimized itinerary
• ⭐️ 20+ top attractions & epic hikes
• 📍 Iceland map with key places
• 🛞 Daily driving distance & time
• 🏕️ Where to stay
• ✏️ Iceland trip planner

Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Iceland .

• Itinerary Route
• About This Itinerary
• Essential Tips

Iceland Map

• 7-Day Itinerary
• Day 1: Blue Lagoon & Volcano
• Day 2: Golden Circle & Hot Spring
• Day 3: Landmannalaugar Hike
• Day 4: Waterfalls & Canyon
• Day 5: Glacier Hike & Lagoons
• Day 6: Svartifoss, Beach & Secret Lagoon
• Day 7: Glymur Hike & Reykjavík
• With More Time

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Iceland Itinerary Route

This itinerary takes you through the  best places on the South Coast of Iceland , with optional hidden gems sprinkled in.

About This Iceland Itinerary

This Iceland itinerary efficiently sequences attractions and activities the island country is famous for. It gives you the opportunity to:

• Hike Iceland’s Highlands, an uninhabited mountainous region
• Relax in three distinct hot springs
• See over five famous waterfalls
• Go on a unique glacier hike and two other hikes
• See the stunning glacier lagoons and black-sand beaches

6 Essential Tips for Visiting Iceland

Before getting into the itinerary, here are practical tips to know when traveling to Iceland.

☀️ 1. The best time to go on a road trip in Iceland is in the summer.

Iceland’s weather is notoriously known to be volatile year-round , but it’s significantly warmer during the peak summer season (June to August) when the weather averages 45 °F to 60 °F.

During the summer, the sun rises early (between 3 am and 6 am) and sets late (between 9 pm and 12 am). The long days give you more time to explore .

The warmer weather and longer days make Iceland a great place to go on a road trip in the summer months.

See what it’s like to visit Iceland in the summer .

That said, my friends had a great trip doing this Iceland itinerary during the winter season :

🚙 2. Skip the full Ring Road if you only have a week.

Many visitors aspire to travel the entire Ring Road, the main road that wraps around the island, during their Iceland trip.

I recommend doing the full Ring Road only if you have ten or more days. You can do it in eight days, but you’ll feel rushed and have to skip many sites.

At $8 a gallon, gas is also costly in Iceland. A trip around the entire Ring Road can easily add more than $400 to your trip’s budget.

If you have a week, you’ll have an amazing time just exploring the South Coast , as it’s home to numerous stunning attractions.

🚘 3. You likely don’t need a 4WD vehicle.

Overall, Iceland has well-paved streets and good road conditions. However, it also has gravel roads and F-roads, which are mountainous roads typically located in the uninhabited area of the island.

You’re required to have a 4WD rental car if you plan to drive on F-roads.

If you’re not spending significant time in the Highlands (the uninhabited area), you  don’t need a more expensive 4WD vehicle . This itinerary visits the Highlands for a day but relies on a bus to get there.

💵 4. Don’t worry about cash and cell signal.

Iceland has an  excellent credit card infrastructure , so you’ll rarely  need cash .

I share all my travel expenses in this Iceland budget breakdown .

It also has good Wi-Fi at many locations, with a few places that drop to 3G (e.g., between Vík and Skaftafell National Park).

🛞 5. Get to know Iceland’s road rules and driving norms.

Iceland has a few unique road rules and driving norms you should know before taking a road trip there.

For example, the speed limit is relatively low (i.e., 90 kph/56 mph on highways), and headlights must always be on.

Iceland’s Ring Road is typically two-lane, so passing is very common .

Learn about unique Iceland road rules and driving norms .

🚐 6. Consider campervanning around Iceland.

Iceland is an excellent place to campervan because of its safe environment, well-maintained campsites , and straightforward main road.

I’ve never campervanned before and genuinely had a great time doing it in Iceland. I now think it’s the best way to travel around this island country.

See how to have a successful campervan trip in Iceland .

Learn other practical tips when traveling to Iceland .

This map has all the  recommended places  in the Iceland travel itinerary below.

7-Day Itinerary for Iceland

The itinerary covers 933 miles with 20 hours of driving and four hours of bus riding over one week.

To help you plan efficiently, I’ve included  suggested times for each activity  based on my firsthand experience.

The Iceland trip planner below has this itinerary prefilled.

All prices mentioned here are in USD 💵 .

Day 1: Blue Lagoon & Volcano Hike or Reykjavík

After landing in Reykjavík and picking up your rental, drive to the iconic first stop.

Stop #1: Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa that’s one of the 25 wonders of the world. With its surreal milky-blue water, it’s one of Iceland’s most iconic places. The complex boasts a spa bar, mud mask area, sauna, restaurant, and more.

Blue Lagoon is a 20-minute drive from Keflavík International Airport, making it a great stop at the start or end of your trip . If you don’t have a rental yet, some Blue Lagoon tours will provide transportation.

💰 Admission Fee: Tiered experiences, starting at 12,990 ISK (about $94)

Blue Lagoon tickets have timed entry. Book an earlier time slot as they are cheaper , and it’s less crowded then. See more Blue Lagoon tips .

🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (large one) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Some people argue that the Blue Lagoon is touristy (which is true). But the unique milky-blue color and extraordinary surroundings make it feel like you’re on another planet, making it worth a visit.

Stop #2 (Option 1): Erupting Volcano

Before getting to Iceland, check for volcanic eruptions and activity for the unique opportunity to see an erupting volcano.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Fagradalsfjall erupted a week before my trip. I decided at the last minute to hike six miles to see it the moment I landed, and it became one of my trip’s highlights.

Stop #2 (Option 2): Reykjavík

If there are no erupting volcanoes to check out, head to the capital city of Reykjavík. It’s the largest city in Iceland and offers a city landscape in an otherwise nature-heavy country.

Park at the Harpan Concert Hall when visiting Reykjavík. It’s a spacious garage and costs around the same as street parking. You pay on your way out by entering your license plate number in the pay machine.

⭐️ Great Things To Do: Here are some great things to check out in Reykjavík:

• Braud & Co – They serve fantastic cinnamon buns, some of the best I’ve ever eaten!
• Hallgrímskirkja church – This is the tallest building in the capital and an architectural marvel.
• The Handknitting Association – This shop sells authentic lopapeysa, which are Icelandic sweaters.

Iceland is a low-crime country with very few tourist scams. However, there are tourist traps, such as shops selling counterfeit lopapeysa .

• Faxaflói Bay – Visit Faxaflói Bay for a chance to see whales.

The best whale watching in Iceland will be on the north side of the country, but Reykjavík is a good alternative if you’re not heading north.

• Local restaurants – Try Icelandic traditional food, including the infamous hákarl (fermented shark). I tried a piece, and it wasn’t as terrible as everyone makes it sound, but I wouldn’t eat it again.

If you visit Iceland during the fall or winter months (October to April), you can typically see the northern lights . There are several places you can catch them, including Reykjavík.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Compared to everything else Iceland offers, Reykjavík pales in comparison, so I recommend spending half a day here or a day at most.

Where To Stay on Day 1: Selfoss

When settling down on the first day, pick a location within the Golden Circle area, as that’s where we’ll start on the second day. Selfoss , the largest town in the south, is a good place to stay.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I stayed at Selfoss campsite, which was clean, well-maintained, and comfortable. It had hot showers, a spacious kitchen with five tables, and an area where people left things they no longer needed (e.g., oil, salt, pasta).

Return to itinerary ↑

Day 2: Golden Circle & Hrunalaug Hot Spring

On your second day in Iceland, explore the Golden Circle.

Stop #1: Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater is a beautiful crater that formed when the volcano collapsed on itself. It’s not considered one of the Golden Circle’s main attractions, so it’s usually less crowded .

You can walk around the rim in about 15 to 20 minutes and walk down near the lake.

💰 Admission Fee : 500 ISK (about $4) per person 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (medium-sized one) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : If you’ve never seen a crater like this, I recommend stopping at Kerid Crater, as it’s quite beautiful and much larger than it looks in photos.

Stops #2: The Golden Circle

The famous Golden Circle is a 190-mile tourist route featuring three of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders not too far from the airport:

• Gullfoss – Translated to the “golden waterfall,” Gulfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.
• Geysir – The Geysir is a rare, steaming vent that erupts approximately every five minutes.
• Thingvellir National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park is notable for its volcanic landscape. It was also the site of the world’s first parliament and a key setting for Game of Thrones .

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (large one) 🚽 Bathrooms : Yes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Given the popularity and proximity of the Golden Circle, it’s worth a quick stop in each one. However, most of them were crowded in the summer. The Geysir was my favorite of the three; waiting for each eruption was exciting.

A popular activity near Thingvellir National Park is snorkeling in Silfra Fissure , which is located between two tectonic plates . My friends did it and said, “It was cold but worth it because it was so cool!”

Stop #3: Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Hrunalaug Hot Spring is a small hot spring surrounded by beautiful nature . It’s located inside the Golden Circle area, making it a good stop after seeing the main attractions.

💰 Admission Fee : 2,000 ISK (about $14) per person 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (small one) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : None

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Hrunalaug Hot Spring is easily crowded, but the surrounding valley is beautiful and worth a visit. If it’s too cold, you might want to skip it since it has no facilities.

See more tips on Hrunalaug Hot Spring .

Where To Stay on Day 2: Hella

When settling down on the second day, stay near the small town of Hella . That’s one of the few places the bus to Iceland’s Highlands leaves from on the third day.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I stayed at Gaddstadaflatir campsite in Hella. It was simple and well-maintained. It had a fairly small kitchen facility and a spacious campground but no showers.

Day 3: Landmannalaugar Epic Day Hike

On your third day in Iceland, prepare for an epic day trip in the Highlands.

All-Day Stop: Landmannalaugar

The Highlands is an area in the middle of Iceland that’s largely uninhabited and composed of volcanic desert. It’s an extraordinary area , and Landmannalaugar is a stunning, unique, and accessible part of it.

🥾 What To Hike at Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar has several trail options. For a hike you can do in a day, do the Brennisteinsalda-Blahnukur loop , a four- to six-hour loop. It’s steep at points but beautiful, with gorgeous views, constantly changing landscapes, and unique soil colors.

🚙 How To Get to Landmannalaugar

You are legally required to get a four-wheel drive (4WD) to visit the Highlands, which my campervan didn’t have.

Instead, I took the Hella bus to Landmannalaugar in the morning (from 9:10 am to 11:20 am) and took it back after the hike (from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm). The bus is seasonal and doesn’t run year-round.

During peak season, the Hella bus to Landmannalaugar wasn’t full, so booking ahead doesn’t seem necessary. You lose cell service about halfway through the bus ride.

💰 Expected Cost: The round-trip bus ride was $115 during high season. The camp at Landmannalaugar has a bathroom facility that costs 500 ISK (about $4) , a hot spring, and a few limited food options for sale.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Landmannalaugar is one of my all-time favorite hikes, with its interesting terrain and stunning views. It’s also a great way to see the Highlands if you’re not spending significant time there. It has inspired me to want to go back to Iceland just to visit the area.

Where To Stay on Day 3: Hella and Vík

You’ll want to stay somewhere in or between Hella and Vík on the third day.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I stayed at the same Gaddstadaflatir campsite because the bus returned to Hella, and I was too tired to drive after hiking.

Day 4: Waterfalls & Canyon

On your fourth day in Iceland, enjoy some beautiful waterfalls.

Stop #1: Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui

Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui are some of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls . The two are connected by a short ten-minute walking trail.

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most unique waterfalls because you can walk around it; be warned that you will get very wet if you do so. People who came prepared wore full-body rain gear (meanwhile, I got drenched).

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (costs 700 ISK; about $5) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes

To avoid the crowded parking lot , you can park in Gljufrabui’s free lot and walk over, but I suggest still paying for parking at Seljalandsfoss to help maintain the paths.

Gljufrabui is a tall waterfall hidden inside a cave . During peak season, you’ll have to wait in line to enter the cave.

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Seljalandsfoss is cool to walk around, especially if you’ve never visited such a waterfall. Gljufrabui was very crowded during the peak season, and I can’t say it was worth waiting in line for.

Stop #2: Skógafoss and Kvernufoss

Drive 30 minutes east to see another set of Iceladn’s best waterfalls.

Skógafoss is one of  Iceland’s biggest waterfalls.  Its water force is so strong that you’ll get wet if you walk close to it. Right next to it are the staircases leading to the Waterfall Way hike .

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (large one) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes (costs 200 ISK; about $1.50)

A very short drive away from Skógafoss is Kvernufoss, a less well-known idyllic and beautiful waterfall . You can access it after a short five-minute walk from its parking lot.

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (costs 750 ISK; about $5.50) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes (parking ticket gives you access to the nearby museum and its indoor bathrooms)

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Skógafoss is very popular, and for a good reason: its massive power was awe-inspiring. However, the less well-known Kvernufoss was in beautiful, quiet surroundings, making it one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland.

Stop #3: Icelandic Horse

Iceland is known for its wildlife and animals. Icelandic horses are unique in that they are shorter and have a special gait that riders say lends to a smoother ride .

You can get close to an Icelandic horse by visiting a place that offers feeding or riding tours . I did an Icelandic horse riding tour in Vík , as it was highly rated, and the location was convenient.

💰 Expected Cost : The tour costs $100 per person.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I’ve done a few horse riding tours in different countries, and this one is good for beginners because it’s controlled and slow-paced.

Cell signal gets weak (turns to 3G) on the Ring Road between Vík and Vatnajökull glacier area. Download the Iceland map (via Google Maps offline feature) before you leave Vík.

While driving from Vík to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, you’ll pass the lava fields called Eldhraun if you want to make a quick stop.

Stop #4: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a unique, serpent-shaped canyon with three viewpoints.

The canyon became famous when Justin Bieber featured it in one of his music videos. Unfortunately, the rush of visitors destroyed the canyon’s surrounding grass , so some areas are roped off.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon has two parking lots . I recommend parking at the higher for the best view.

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes, at the lower parking lot

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Like other attractions in Iceland, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is stunning. The man-made viewpoints made it feel less natural than other sites, but the views are worth the visit.

Stop #5: Dverghamrar

If you want to break up your drive, you can stop for a brief visit at Dverghamrar, the dwarf cliffs with a legend behind it .

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (small one) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : None

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Dverghamrar is not a must-see. It’s usually empty so a quick stop is nice if you want to break up your drive like I did.

Where To Stay on Day 4: Skaftafell

When settling down on the fourth day, consider driving to and staying near Skaftafell nature reserve in Vatnajökull National Park, where you’ll have an early start on the fifth day.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I stayed at the nearby Svinafell campsite. It’s a beautiful, crowded campsite during high season (but not as crowded as the Skaftafell campsite). It has hot showers (two outdoor ones plus one in each bathroom) and a spacious kitchen facility that gets busy during peak meal times.

Day 5: Glacier Hike, Glacier Lagoons & Diamond Beach

On your fifth day in Iceland, start with a unique glacier hike.

Stop #1 (Option 1): Vatnajökull Glacier Hike

Start your day with a glacier hike on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier . There are very few places in the world like Iceland where you can easily access a glacier.

Iceland’s glaciers are receding due to climate change , so they will become less accessible over time.

Learn more about hiking a glacier in Iceland .

Stop #1 (Option 2): Múlagljúfur Canyon

If you want to skip the expensive glacier hike, drive to Múlagljúfur Canyon, a beautiful and less well-known canyon .

A 40-minute hike in Múlagljúfur Canyon will take you to a gorgeous waterfall view . My friends described it as a “crazy place where you see a gold glacier first and then a lush green canyon next.”

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (medium-sized one) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : None

Stops #2: Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a stunning must-see destination in Iceland. Some of the ice in the lagoon is over 1,000 years old.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon has several food stalls that close at 5 pm . You can also take a boat, kayak, or ice caves guided tour here.

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (large one) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes

A short distance from the glacier lagoon is Diamond Beach, one of Iceland’s most famous black sand beaches with ice chunks floating in it. The ice comes from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier slowly melting.

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (large one) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : None

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon looks unreal in real life and is one of my favorite stops despite the crowd. Diamond Beach is very unique, and I was surprised by how soft the black sand was.

Stop #4: Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon

If you want to see a more hidden glacier lagoon , you can make a quick stop at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Although this lagoon pales compared to Jökulsárlón, the backdrop of the glacier-capped mountains  is breathtaking . It’s a short walk from the parking lot to reach the lagoon.

Where To Stay on Day 5: Skaftafell

On the fifth day, you can stay in the same location in Skaftafell since that’s where we’ll start the next day.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I stayed at the same Svinafell campsite as the previous day.

Day 6: Svartifoss, Black Sand Beach & Secret Lagoon

On the sixth day, prepare for a long drive west while stopping at top attractions.

Stop #1: Svartifoss Hike

Svartifoss is a unique waterfall falling from basalt columns formed by lava cooling and contracting. You have to go on a 30- to 60-minute paved uphill hike to reach it.

The trailhead is not clearly marked , so just look for a start with an uphill climb not far from the Skaftafell’s visitor center.

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (pay at the Skaftafell’s visitor center) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes, at the visitor center

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Svartifoss was a rewarding short hike. The viewing platform is small, so I recommend getting there earlier to beat the crowds. I started the hike at 9:30 am during peak season and had the hike mostly to myself.

Stop #2: Dyrhólaey Arch

After Svartifoss, head back west to the popular Dyrhólaey Arch near the town of Vík. It’s one of the best places on the South Coast to see puffins . About half of the world’s puffin population lives in Iceland.

From the parking lot, you can walk further down to the cliffs to see the puffins. The best time to catch them is  early morning or evening,  but I saw plenty in the early afternoon.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Seeing puffins in real life is very cool (I didn’t even know they could fly; I thought they were more like penguins). The arch didn’t impress me, but visiting the puffins was worth it.

Stop #3: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The sea stacks at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach are one of Iceland’s  most iconic and photographed spots . They are an incredible view, though the color of the sea stacks can vary depending on the weather.

💰 Admission Fee : Free 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (large one) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes, in the cafe

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : The sea stacks are iconic, so it’s worth seeing them in person. The landscape isn’t particularly stunning compared to everything else in Iceland, but I enjoyed climbing them.

Stop #4: Waterfall Way Hike

Head back to Skógasfoss to hike part of the Waterfall Way hike, an easy ten-mile hike where you pass by over 25 waterfalls.

The Waterfall Way hike is located up the staircases next to Skógafoss and is not very well-known . I barely saw anyone 45 minutes into the hike.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : The hike itself is not that interesting, so I recommend this hike if you love waterfalls and can’t get enough of them. It will take several hours, but it’s an out-and-back, so you can turn around anytime. I only hiked for 90 minutes to have enough time to make it to the next stop before they closed.

Stop #5: Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland (made in 1891), and it’s a great value hot spring. Most visitors agree that Secret Lagoon feels hotter than Blue Lagoon.

Secret Lagoon has a communal shower, and you’re required to shower nude before getting into the pool.

💰 Admission Fee : 3,300 ISK (about $24) 🚙 Parking Lot : Yes (large one) 🚽 Bathroom Facilities : Yes

See more tips on Secret Lagoon .

Where To Stay on Day 6: Thingvellir

When settling down on the sixth day, consider staying in the Golden Circle area near Thingvellir for an early start on the last day.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I stayed at Thingvellir Campsite, a small, isolated campsite next to a beautiful lake. It doesn’t have hot running water or a kitchen facility, but it does have bathrooms.

The campsite is only for tent campers and not campervans (but I didn’t realize this when I stayed there). Instead, you can stay by nearby Thingvellir – Nyrðri Leirar.

Day 7: Glymur Waterfall Hike & Reykjavík

End your Iceland trip on the last day with another great hike.

Stop #1: Glymur Waterfall Hike

The Glymur Waterfall hike is an interesting, moderate four-mile hike involving a log crossing, a cave pass, some steep moments , and different waterfall viewpoints.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : Glymur Waterfall is a great moderate hike because of its unique terrain (e.g., the log crossing, the cave pass). This hike is more about the journey than the destination; the waterfall will not be the most impressive one you see in Iceland.

Stop #2: Reykjavík

If you didn’t get to visit  Reykjavík  at the beginning of your trip, it’s a great place to settle down at the end of your trip.

Where To Stay on Day 7: Grindavik Campsite

On your last day in Iceland, stay  within an hour or two of driving time from the Keflavík International Airport  (KEF) so you can easily fly out the next day.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I stayed at Grindavik campsite, a very modern campsite. It was overcrowded when I visited because the nearby volcano, Fagradalsfjall, was erupting.

How much will a trip set you back? I share my travel expenses in this  Iceland budget breakdown .

With More Time: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

If you’re spending eight or nine days in Iceland, you can add Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the western coast at the beginning or end of your trip.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a small peninsula with some top attractions:

• Kirkjufell – One of Iceland’s most unique-looking mountains, Kirkjufell has an iconic arrowhead shape and is located next to Kirkjufellsfoss, a waterfall often photographed with it.
• Stykkishólmur – The peninsula’s biggest town, Stykkishólmur is a fishing village with a modern-looking church and a small red lighthouse.
• Arnarstapi – Arnarstapi is a small fishing village with stunning sea cliffs.
• Búðir  – A small settlement in a lava field near the ocean, Búðir features an interesting black building against an otherwise largely empty landscape.

🍀 Lukiih’s Take : I would prioritize the Snaefellsnes Peninsula only if I had eight days or more in Iceland. While it has some great stops, it’s relatively far from the South Coast and has fewer impressive sites.

Iceland Trip Planner 2024

To make your travel preparation easier, download the trip planner below. It has destination-specific travel information, itinerary, map, and packing list.

My trip planners are built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning. I genuinely love this tool and creating an account is free .

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Iceland Travel Guides

• 🇮🇸 Planning a Trip to Iceland: 11 Practical Things To Know
• 🚐 My Iceland Campervan Trip: How To Plan One + Tips
• 💰 My 2024 Iceland Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown
• 🧊 Glacier Hike in Iceland: Firsthand Review & Tips
• ♨️ Hrunalaug Hot Spring: Firsthand Review & Tips
• ☀️ Visiting Iceland in August: Tips & What To Know

Lists by Lukiih is Readers-Supported

If you find my travel tips helpful, say thanks with a bubble tea 🧋!

Thanks for a quick reply, checked the second article and found what I needed 🙂 Very good job with the article about trip cost breakdown, very comprehensive post. Hope more travelers will appreciate the effort you put into it 🙂

Hi Lukiih, thanks for the tip about waterfall Kvernufoss. Is an immigrant to Iceland I´ve been many time to Skógafoss but had no idea, Kvernufoss waterfall is so close.

But I want to ask different question. I am thinking about trying to use camping sites instead of hotels, when I travel around the Iceland but I have no idea how is it with payments. Can you pay somehow online or through some app, or you always need to pay to a person from camp? Did you use credit cards all the time or did you need to pay with cash in some camps? Thanks for reply

Hey Rafa, glad you found the information helpful. I have another post that goes into credit cards and cash in Iceland here that should answer your question. I also have a post on traveling through Iceland via campervan . Enjoy your trip!

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7 Days in Iceland: A Full Iceland Itinerary (No Car Necessary)

last Updated: December 8, 2022 iceland reykjavik

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Heading to Iceland and looking for the best one week in Iceland itinerary? Continue on, my friend, to learn how I saw the highlights of Iceland in just seven days, without doing a road trip!

Most people visiting Iceland decide on a road trip around the Ring Road, and while it’s definitely an option to consider, the fact that I was traveling solo and hence didn’t want to drive the country alone made me find other ways to see Iceland in one week.

With that being said, it’s more than possible to see OH SO MUCH of Iceland without renting a car/doing a long-distance road trip. And if you’re just beginning to venture into the world of solo travel, Iceland is a WONDERFUL place to begin, being one of the safest countries in the world and all.

→  All my female solo travel tips over here (useful for you men as well, but it’s catered towards women, just FYI). 🙂

I recently returned home from my first trip to Iceland, and can honestly say the country took me by surprise.   I had high high expectations to say the least – Iceland has become a trendy destination in the past few years – but would it live up to the hype? Why, yes. Yes it did. Easily.

Sure, I was expecting vivid landscapes and sweet-natured people, but wow.  Never in a million years did I imagine what my eyes saw in those 7 days in Iceland.  With the midnight sun glowing 22 hours of the day (I visited in June), I was definitely not short on daylight and made sure to take extra advantage of this.

Never in my life have I been more in awe of my surroundings.  I experienced more 360 degree unparalleled views in just one week in Iceland than ever before – and you don’t get many of those in a lifetime.  

AND GOOD NEWS:   This may in fact be the easiest trip you ever plan, since all you really need to do is book a few tours (links below), airfare, and hotels, and your one week Iceland itinerary is basically complete.

General Tips for Visiting Iceland:

1) Iceland is very credit card friendly. If you’re going to exchange money, do as little as possible. We decided not to exchange any money at all and used our credit cards everywhere. Iceland is very credit card friendly. At the time of this publication (early 2018), the exchange rate is approximately 100 Icelandic Krona to 1USD. To make figuring out prices super easy, just move the decimal point two places to the left. For example, 780 krona = ~$7.80. Easy peasy.

2) Food is expensive. There’s no way around it. There are, however, a few iconic foods and places to eat that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. And while we’re talking about food, I made sure to try a few of Iceland’s famed eats, on the cheap of course. Check out what it really costs to travel throughout Iceland here .

3) Stock up on groceries at BONUS , an Icelandic budget grocery store. I bought a loaf of bread, some fillings (nutella, peanut butter, bananas) and a whole lot of snacks which kept me full for all of my lunches. I easily saved at least $20 a day by doing this. 

4) Pack appropriately. Just because you’re visiting Iceland during it’s summer months, don’t expect warm weather. The best thing is to dress in layers so you can easily adjust your clothing depending on the weather, which seems to change frequently everywhere in the country! When I visited in June, the temperature hovered between 55-65 degrees F, although it seemed a bit warmer some days in the sun, and a bit chillier in the wind and near the glaciers (obviously).

5) Book your tours in advance , especially if you’ll be traveling in prime winter months (December-February) or prime summer months (June-August). Tours sell out frequently, and although there are numerous companies to take you around, each are a bit different and offer different things. Do your research ahead of time. I’ll share exactly which tours I took below if you’d like to book the same ones I did (all highly recommended).

Golden Circle | Blue Lagoon with Transfers | Southern Iceland and Glacier Lagoon |  Snaefellsness Peninsula

Iceland Planning Logistics

Where to stay in iceland.

For the duration of my week in Iceland, I based myself out of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city and most populated area. If you’re hoping to take day trips to other areas of Iceland, staying in Reykjavik is your best option.

If you’re traveling solo and are looking for hostel accommodations, I highly recommend both Reykjavik Loft HI Hostel (where I stayed and absolutely loved it) and Kex Hostel and Bus Hostel (where numerous people I met in Iceland stayed and raved about). Note that hostels are much more pricey than other areas of Europe and the world in general, and I spent roughly $70 a night for one bed in a 6-bed female dorm.

There are a bunch of cute hotels in the area (including 101 Hotel , Apotek Hotel , and Canopy Reykjavik ), but they will cost you at least double. If you’re traveling with others and are undecided between a hostel and hotel, be sure to figure out which is a lower cost per person, as hostels sell individual beds, and when booking a hotel room you can obviously share, lowering the cost of the room per person.

How to Get to Your Accommodation from the Airport

Everything in Reykjavik is walkable, so there’s no need to worry about transportation once you arrive in the city. I highly advise you take FlyBus to get from Keflavik Airport (where you’ll most likely be arriving in Iceland) to your hotel/hostel as private taxi’s will be way over priced. It’s possible to book this transfer at the airport, but I found it much easier to book my FlyBus ticket ahead of time .

Be sure to buy the ticket that takes you directly to your hotel (the other cheaper ticket will only take you to the Bus Terminal, which you’ll then need to figure out your own transportation to your hotel). BUY FLYBUS TICKETS HERE . And remember, you’ll need a ticket back to the airport after your week in Iceland is up. 😉

WiFi and Staying Connected

Although you will most likely have wifi at your accommodation, it’s a good idea to bring along a  pocket-sized personal WiFi hotspot , to keep you connected during your time in Iceland. WiFi hotspots are a cost effective option to ensure you can use GPS apps like Google Maps, check your emails, and catch up with friends and family while away.

With  this portable device , you’ll have WiFi wherever you go (even if your phone doesn’t have service), unlimited internet (on up to five devices at a time!!!), and it’s fast and reliable. At less than $9 a day,  this device  can’t really be beat.

Note that some cell phone plans allow for international use, but many of these are costly. I once accidentally turned on my phone service for LESS THAN 2 MINUTES and got charged $150 by my phone carrier! I desperately wished I had a  personal WiFi hotspot  with me then!

Find more information and plan options here . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED especially when you don’t speak the native language of the country you’re going.

And now what you’ve been waiting for: a full one week Iceland itinerary!

A Complete Seven Days in Iceland: The Ultimate Week in Iceland Itinerary

Day 1: explore reykjavik, iceland’s capital city.

If you arrive in Iceland in the morning, or even mid-day (if it’s summer), you can see so many of Reykjavik’s highlights in only a few hours. My flight from Montreal arrived at 6am in the morning, so thankfully I had the WHOLE day to explore (despite ending up overly exhausted and falling asleep with my head on the table at Perlan → true story). A few things to check out and not miss in Reykjavik:

• Hallgrimskirkja : This is Iceland’s most famed cathedral, and you can climb to the top for fantastic 360degree views of the entire city.
• Perlan : A bit removed from the city center, but if you’re up for a half hour or so walk, it’s more than worth it! Make sure to hang out on the viewing platform on the 4th floor and grab a coffee/pastry at the cafe. The architecture is so cool!
• Explore the street art: Everywhere in the city you’ll find colorful murals and pieces of art just waiting to be discovered. I absolutely LOVED this aspect of Reykjavik! Also – don’t miss all the quirky doors! So much fun!
• Take a toilet selfie at Babalu : If you’re a star wars fan, head inside the bathroom. Yes, you read that right – the bathroom. The whole room is decorated with original star wars characters and big mirrors – you’ll see what I mean once you go in! Get a cheesecake to go as well!
• Harpa Concert Hall : If you only have time for 1-2 things during your time in Reykjavik, make the Harpa a top priority. This modern concert hall by the water is absolutely stunning, and if you don’t mind shelling out a bit of cash, I heard the one hour performance of “How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes” is roll on the floor hysterical. But even if you don’t want to book tickets to a show, you can walk around the Harpa free of charge.
• The Sun Voyager : An iconic steel boat sculpture besides the sea in Reykjavik, and not to be missed as well, even if it’s just for a quick photo.

Day 2: Southern Iceland and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

If you have less than 7 days in Iceland, I highly urge you to choose this tour over some of the others. Why?! Because each and every stop is absolutely stunning. Not only will you visit 2 spectacular rushing waterfalls, but you’ll also take a boat ride amongst glaciers – which happens to be one of the coolest things I’ve done in my life (along with a Jurassic Park helicopter ride in Hawaii and bobsledding on an Olympic track in Park City).

Note that many people opt for a tour of Southern Iceland without visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and while you’ll still see the waterfalls and charming town of Vik, you’ll miss out on the real attraction of today, being the glaciers themselves. Yes, it is a ridiculously long day, and can be a bit pricey, but thankfully if you book a tour you won’t be driving and can use the ample bus time to relax and stare out the window at the stunning landscapes passing you by.

Get a cheapie hot dog at the lunch stop to save a few krona and book yourself on a tour that includes the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – you won’t be disappointed.

Read more about my experience in southern Iceland and the Glacier Lagoon. | BOOK TOUR.

Day 3: Relax in Morning /Free walking tour – Blue Lagoon in afternoon/early evening

It wouldn’t be a proper 7 day Iceland itinerary without the inclusion of the Blue Lagoon, now would it?! Your best bet is to visit the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon/early evening (depending on daylight hours) as it’s not as crowded at this time. Most people visit the Blue Lagoon in the morning, but spend a few hours before the lagoon taking a free walking tour of Reykjavik and grabbing some lunch in Reykjavik. You’ll learn all about the history of Iceland and it’s general culture on this 2-hour comical tour.

I had a friend meet up with me in Iceland for two days and I’m glad I decided to visit the Blue Lagoon with her instead of going alone. While the area surrounding the lagoon was beautiful (take a few photos before you head inside the entrance), I suspect I would have gotten a bit bored chilling in the lagoon by myself (although we did meet a few people quite quickly who we hung out with for a while). It’s just always more fun to lather up and take silly silica selfies with a friend. Oh, and make sure you get a blueberry Skyr smoothie – the BEST!

A few things to keep in mind when booking entry tickets to the Blue Lagoon:

• There are different packages to choose from. We opted for the least expensive package, and I advise doing so if you don’t mind bringing your own towel and would rather save a few krona in lieu of robes and slippers.
• If you aren’t renting a car (which I did not do), you need to make sure you book shuttle tickets along with your entry tickets to the Blue Lagoon. These can be bought together here.

Read more about my experience at the Blue Lagoon. | BOOK TOUR and shuttle tickets .

Day 4: Golden Circle

As soon as I booked my flight to Iceland, I signed up for the “ Premium Golden Circle Tour ”. Sure, it’s a tad touristy, but yes, this route is popular for a reason! There’s a reason everyone and their mother raves about the Golden Circle. However, if you want an even better experience, I highly suggest you book the “Premium” tour as I did. Not only does it visit all the typical stops on the Golden Circle, but you’ll also get to see a bunch of others that most people don’t even know exist (like the crater below).

Rushing waterfalls, homemade ice cream (with accolades for the best ice cream in all of Iceland), shooting geysers, volcanic craters, and sweet, sweet Icelandic mini horses, what can be better?

I highly advise signing up for a tour to ensure you’ll see everything the route has to offer without any worry of getting back to Reykjavik for dinner time.  Plus, who wants to deal with the hassle of a car rental and drive anyways? Not I, that’s for sure, especially since I was traveling solo.

Read more about my experience on the Golden Circle . | BOOK TOUR .

Day 5: Snaefellsness Peninsula

Today’s day trip from Reykjavik was the one I had researched the least, and honestly wasn’t really sure what to expect. But OMG, you guys – it ended up being one of my favorite days of the entire trip. Completely underrated, and the quietest and most picturesque.

Commonly referred to as “Iceland in a Nutshell”, it really comprises a whole world of diversity, from its wildlife, beautiful yet very unique landscapes, and charming seaside towns.  It’s almost a miniature version of the island!

With black sand beaches, bird cliffs, waterfalls, spectacular mountains, and volcanic craters making up our stops for the day, I was completely in awe with all the nature I was witnessing. So many differing landscapes in such a small section of the country, each one more epic than the last. This is an exquisite, unspoilt area of natural beauty – let’s keep it that way!  Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you have clearly blown me away in the best way possible.

Read more about my experience on the Snaefellsness Peninsula . | BOOK TOUR .

Day 6: CHOICE DAY

On day 6 of your 7 days in Iceland, you’re undoubtedly going to be quite drained and tired. It’s hard work seeing so much natural beauty day after day, wink wink. Use this last full day on your Iceland itinerary to relax a bit or choose to plan another epic adventure day – my top recommendations of additional activities below.

Some ideas of how to spend your last day during your one week in Iceland:

Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik : Leaving from Reykjavik’s old harbor, you’ll sail in style on the Andrea, the largest whale-watching ship in Iceland, complete with cafe and a panoramic deck offering 360-degree views of the ocean! In the summer, you can also join an express tour on a faster express whale watching boat. The waters off Reykjavik are rich with aquatic life. Most commonly spotted creatures are minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises – and even humpback whales. BOOK TICKETS

Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure : Snorkeling in the Silfra fissure is a unique and exotic underwater experience. Frequently rated as one of the world’s top 10 dive sites, Silfra offers up to 100 m (300 ft) of underwater visibility. Beware, the waters are absolutely freezing, but they’ll provide you with the necessary clothing to bare the frigid glacier temperatures.

Although the chilly waters are too cold to support much in the way of marine life, Iceland’s Silfra crack runs down between the American and European continental plates and offers amazing underwater views – the most dynamic and beautiful greens and blues you’ll ever see. I’m so upset I missed out on this during my week in Iceland, and I’ll be sure to put it on the Iceland itinerary for my next trip. BOOK TICKETS

Secret Lagoon Transfer and Entrance : Want another relaxing day on your 7 day Iceland itinerary? Head to the Secret Lagoon, one of Iceland’s hidden treasures and frequented by locals and tourists alike. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Iceland as you drive through the countryside to Flúðir.

The natural, crystal-clear lagoon is one of the oldest natural geothermal pools in Iceland. Marvel at the spectacle of one of the surrounding hot springs erupting every few minutes. Take a relaxing bath in the hot water of the “Secret Lagoon” and enjoy its comfortable temperature of between 36-40°C. BOOK TICKETS

Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields : Horse lover? After getting a glimpse of these beauties on our Golden Circle Tour, I so wish I had signed up for this 2-hour horse riding excursion. On this tour, you’ll ride through lava fields and along beautiful green hillsides, while looking for different rock formations in the lava while experiencing the special gait of these horses.

The Íshestar Stables is unique in Iceland with facilities as good as they get. It’s set in beautiful surroundings just outside the town of Hafnarfjörður, about 10 minutes drive from Reykjavík, with hotel pickups available and different time options. BOOK TICKETS

Day 7: Wander Reykjavik | Head to Airport

Your one week in Iceland has come to an end, so make one last stop at Braud & Co Bakery for a croissant and pack up! Depending on what time your flight home leaves, wander Reykjavik one last time and check off any bucket-list worthy things to do in the city that you may have missed on your first day.

And don’t forget to buy tickets to the airport ahead of time to save yourself some last-minute hassle.

Feel free to share this 7 day Iceland itinerary with a friend, and get started planning your trip! Have you been to the country before?! What things on your Iceland itinerary were your favorite?!

TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY SOON? Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of  SafetyWing  when traveling abroad. Recently, I’ve been using SafetyWing since they cover pandemic-related claims (most travel insurance companies do not). Be sure to protect yourself from possible injury, lost baggage, travel delays, and theft before it happens.   Learn more and Sign up here.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

7 Days In Iceland: The Ultimate Week In Iceland Itinerary

October 2, 2021 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   3 Comments

Are you wondering how to spend a week in Iceland ? From hot springs and national parks to thundering waterfalls and volcanic craters, we’ve got you covered with an adventurous 7 day Iceland itinerary. 

Spending one week in Iceland gives you plenty of time to explore the country’s unique and diverse natural landscape. You’ll stop at iconic tourist attractions such as the Gullfoss waterfall and the Blue Lagoon as well as hidden gems such as Gljúfrabúi and Múlagljúfur Canyon. 

It doesn’t take long to see why Iceland is referred to as the land of fire and ice. One minute you’re watching icebergs float to shore and the next you’re driving past vast fields of jagged lava rock.  

Glaciers, geothermally heated hot pots, waterfalls you can walk behind, natural bridges you can walk on…this 1 week in Iceland itinerary has it all. So enjoy the abundance of natural beauty Iceland has to offer and get ready for 7 days in Iceland you won’t soon forget!

Day 1: Golden Circle + Hot Springs 

You’ll kick start your 7 days in Iceland with the most popular tourist route in the country, the Golden Circle. This drive will take you to some of the most iconic stops, some lesser-known gems, and will finish with a hike and relaxing soak in a hot river. 

Stop 1: Stand On Two Different Continents At Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is the first stop of day one of your 7 day road trip in Iceland. The beautiful and fascinating natural landscape of this park is part of what makes it one of the three major tourist stops along the Golden Circle . 

Thingvellir has a few claims to fame. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marks the location of Iceland’s first parliament formed in 930 AD. It’s also home to a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and gradually pull apart each year creating the Silfra fissure. 

The national park is the perfect place to snorkel through crystal clear waters, visit the Þingvallakirkja historic church, sit beside the Öxarárfoss waterfall, and wander a lava rock-filled landscape. 

Stop 2: Marvel At The Vibrant Blue Water Of Bruarfoss Waterfall

The brilliant blue water of Bruarfoss Waterfall is so captivating and so vibrant you’ll do a double-take when you see it. The waterfall itself isn’t nearly as dramatic or thunderous as some of the others you’ll see during your one week in Iceland, but these lacy streams of blue water are beautiful in their own right. 

Part of what makes Bruarfoss so appealing to many is the fact that you have to hike just over 4 miles round trip to view it. This is a deterrent to some, but to those who deem the trek worth it, it means you get to view this stunning natural wonder in peace and quiet. 

The path to Bruarfoss takes you past a number of smaller waterfalls as well, making the journey that much more enjoyable. If you type “Bruarfoss Waterfall Official Parking” into Google Maps you should have no problem finding the lot and the start of the trail. 

Stop 3: Watch The Strokkur Geyser Erupt

The Srokkur geyser is one of the three most popular Golden Circle stops, and for good reason. It lies in the geothermally active Haukadalur Valley which is also home to the once active but now dormant Geysir. 

Geysir’s neighbor, Strokkur, is the only currently active geyser erupting roughly every 5-7 minutes in a dramatic fountain-like display of hot water and steam. If you watch the center of the geyser you’ll notice it start to bubble right before it explodes so you have an idea of when the eruption is coming. 

The area surrounding the geyser is full of bubbling mud holes and rising steam and is fun to explore as well. Be careful as you wander the area and pay attention to the signs as everything is dangerously hot. 

Stop 4: Spot A Rainbow Arching Over Gullfoss

Gullfoss waterfall is the third of the three most iconic stops you’ll hit along the Golden Circle. The waterfall thunders down in two different sections, often misting the faces of those eager to get a closer view from up against the railing. 

Gullfoss is also referred to as the “Golden Waterfall” because you’ll often find, on sunny days, that a beautiful rainbow stretches across the length of the waterfall in a particularly magical display. The waterfall can be viewed from both upper and lower viewpoints depending on whether you’re looking for a pulled-back view of the whole waterfall or an up close view of the final plunge. 

You will have the privilege of seeing many stunning waterfalls during your 1 week in Iceland, but the convenience of Gullfoss being on a major tourist route as well as its undeniable beauty and sheer size, make it one of the best. 

Stop 5: Enjoy The Lack Of Crowds At Faxafoss

Faxafoss is a less frequented stop along the Golden Circle, but its beauty is deserving of attention. At 105 feet, it’s not particularly tall, but it’s wide and powerful. You can observe the waterfall up close from one side or can take in the entire waterfall from multiple spots if you’d rather capture the entirety of its beauty. 

At this point, you’ve likely worked up an appetite, so you’ll be happy to know that Faxafoss is down the road from Friðheimar, a greenhouse restaurant serving all things tomato including all-you-can-eat tomato soup and freshly baked bread. 

Stop 6: Grab A Pool Noodle And Soak In The Secret Lagoon

Near Fluðir, in an area rich in geothermal activity, you’ll find the Secret Lagoon, a historic man-made pool fed by natural spring water. This relaxing haven is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, revived from a state of abandonment into the charming place it is today. 

Today it’s a place loved by both tourists and locals alike. The water varies in temperature throughout the lagoon so walk around until you find a spot that’s comfortable for you. Don’t forget to grab one of the provided pool noodles to float around on. 

The Secret Lagoon is nothing fancy, but you’ll feel like a true Icelander relaxing in its waters surrounded by moss, a backdrop of mountains, and a petite geyser erupting every now and then behind the pool. 

Stop 7: Snag A Coveted Spot In The Hrunalaug Hot Springs

Nestled in the beauty of Iceland’s natural landscape, you’ll find the Hrunalaug Hot Springs, an ideal spot for relaxing and escaping the outside chill. The hot springs consist of two pools, one 2 person tub, and a larger 8-10 person hot pot. 

The Hrunalaug Hot Springs are particularly popular because they remain at a comfortable temperature all year long. Because the hot springs have limited space and high demand, we suggest arriving early in the morning or late in the evening to snag one of the coveted spots in the pools. 

A small hut in between the two hot pots acts as a changing room. It’s imperative that you keep the area clean and are respectful of the location when visiting. Surges in tourism have caused a charming, intimate spot to be overrun and damaged so much so that the owner considered bulldozing the hot springs down. 

The Hrunalaug Hot Springs are remarkable and should be treasured. We hope you’ll visit and treat it with the respect it deserves. 

Stop 8: Walk The Rim Of A Volcanic Caldera At Kerið Crater

Though it’s not one of the three major Golden Circle stops, Kerið Crater is still one of the more popular locations on this route. This volcanic caldera is the result of a collapsing volcano and is now a natural beauty. 

The inside of the caldera bursts with color sporting red and green streaks down its sides and a brilliant blue lake in its center. Take some time to walk the path around the rim and take it in from all sides. If you’d like to get closer to the lake, there’s a path leading down to its base. 

You should be aware that there is an entrance fee of 400 ISK to view the crater. 

Stop 9: Reykjadalur Hot Springs

A beautiful hike with a relaxing reward in the middle…yes please! Forty-five minutes of hiking will lead you through a steam-filled valley to the Reykjadalur Hot Springs where you’ll finish up day one of your 7 days in Iceland.

As you get close to the section of the river where cold and hot water meld into the perfect bathing temperature water, you’ll notice the distinct smell of sulfur. 

You’ll make your way past boiling pools of water (read the signage and steer clear of this water because it’s dangerously hot!) and across a small bridge where you’ll find wood platforms with partitions for changing into your bathing suit, perhaps a few suntanning sheep, and a lot of happy tourists and locals enjoying the warm water. 

Piles of rocks separate the river into sections, so find a spot next to a rock pile where the deeper pockets of water are for the best bathing experience. When your legs are rejuvenated and you’re as chilled out as can be, you can make the return hike through the valley back to your car. 

Where To Stay Near The Reykjadalur Hot Springs

Affordable: Hotel Örk . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Frost and Fire Hotel . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 2: South Coast

An endless display of stunning waterfalls and dramatic black sand beaches make Iceland’s south coast a site to behold. This part of the country is home to some of the Ring Road’s most popular and impressive stops. 

Stop 1: Walk Behind Seljalandsfoss And Feel The Waterfall’s Spray

The south coast is the perfect place to spend one of your 7 days in Iceland because you get a string of stunning waterfalls back to back without having to travel far. The 200-foot Seljalandsfoss waterfall will be your first south coast stop. 

Seljalandsfoss is easily accessible right off of Route 1 Ring Road. There’s no hiking involved, just a walking loop and the willingness to potentially get sprayed a bit by the thundering waterfall. 

One of the elements that make Seljalandsfoss unique is the fact that the walking path takes you behind the waterfall for an entirely new and up-close perspective. Seljalandsfoss is more narrow than many of the other waterfalls you’ll see throughout your 7 days in Iceland, but its power and beauty are breathtaking just the same. 

Stop 2: Don’t Forget About Seljalandsfoss’ Neighbor, Gljúfrabúi

Gljúfrabúi is a bit of a hidden gem. Because it is located back in a cavern almost directly next to Seljalandsfoss it often gets passed up in favor of its larger neighbor. In fact, for a while, many tourists didn’t even know Gljúfrabúi existed since it’s not visible from the road. 

Nowadays, this unique waterfall is much more well known, though because it requires walking over stones through a river (which depending on the water level at the time could mean getting wet), it’s not always on everyone’s list of places to visit. 

We suggest wearing waterproof boots and heading into the cavern because the beauty that greets you is quite spectacular. On a nice day, the sun lights up the cavern, the cavern walls are a bright mossy green, and the crystal clear water of the waterfall comes streaming down as though from a skylight. 

Stop 3: Climb The Steps To View Skógafoss From Above

Just 25 minutes down the road from Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi you’ll find the 197-foot waterfall, Skógafoss. Skógafoss is much wider than its neighbors at 82 feet wide and thunders down with equal ferocity. 

There are a couple of ways to enjoy the views of the waterfall. From ground level, you can walk up a pebble path right up to the front of it, though you might want to wear a rain jacket if you’re keen on getting close enough to feel the spray. 

Another stunning and unique view of Skógafoss can be reached by climbing a roughly 500 step staircase to a viewing platform where you’ll see the Skógá river flowing to the top of the cliff before plunging over the edge. It’s a workout to reach the top, but entirely worth it for the views. Take a moment to turn around and look back in the direction of the parking lot for a sprawling view of the south coast below you. 

Stop 4: Walk Back Into The Valley To Find Kvernufoss

We hope you’re not sick of breathtaking waterfalls yet because right next door to Skógafoss is Kvernufoss, a less frequented gem. To reach the waterfall you’ll exit the Ring Road like you’re going to Skógafoss, continue all the way down to the end of the road and turn right. Park by Hotel Edda and walk 10-15 minutes into the valley where you’ll find the waterfall. 

In many ways, Kvernufoss resembles Seljalandsfoss but on a smaller scale. A path allows you to get right up to the front and side of this 98-foot waterfall. The surrounding beauty and lack of tourists make this an extremely desirable stop on your 7 day Iceland itinerary.

The path is quite easy to navigate in the summer months but can be more treacherous in the winter when ice covers the ground. If you plan to visit in the winter (the waterfall is equally stunning in the winter when the landscape is draped with snow), we highly suggest bringing crampons to reduce the risk of slipping and falling as you make your way to the waterfall’s base.

Stop 5: Observe The Eerie Site Of The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

Out in the middle of a black sand beach in south Iceland lies the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck , a DC-3 US navy plane that crashed on the beach in 1973. Everyone on board survived the crash, but the skeleton of the plane remains just 10 minutes down the road from Kvernufoss. 

To reach the plane you’ll either need to walk 2 miles (45 minutes-1hour) or pay to take a shuttle bus to the wreck. The walk is not particularly exciting as there’s not much to see besides vast expanses of black sand, but it’s an easy, flat path to navigate. 

When you reach the plane you’ll be mesmerized by the striking contrast between the black of the beach and the white of the plane. It’s eerie and hauntingly beautiful. This is a popular tourist attraction so if you see an opportunity to get your perfect picture, take it, and then move out to let the next person have their shot. 

Stop 6: Watch Out For Sleeper Waves At Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

As you continue to travel Iceland in a week, your final stop of day 2 will take you to the most popular black sand beach in the country, Reynisfjara. This beach is known for its dramatic waves, towering basalt columns, and its feature in the TV show Game of Thrones . 

Feel free to wander the beach enjoying the views and taking pictures, but keep a respectable distance from the water and always keep an eye out for the sleeper waves. These large and unpredictable waves are extremely dangerous and pose a great threat to oblivious tourists. 

As long as you put your safety first, you’re in for a special time at the beach. As you look at the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean you’ll notice the Reynisdrangar rock formations rising out of the sea to your left and the arched bridge-like Dyrholaey rock formation to your right. 

Where To Stay Along The South Coast

Mid-range: The Garage Apartments . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Hótel Skógafoss . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 3: Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) Or The Highlands

We’re giving you two possible options for how to spend day 3 of your 7 days in Iceland. 

Your first option is to spend the day hiking in the remote mountains and valleys of Thórsmörk followed by camping in the vast Icelandic wilderness. Your other option is to take the ferry over to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) to seek out puffins and examine the impact that the 1973 volcanic eruption had on the island.

Both locations can be reached from near the Seljalandsfoss waterfall along Iceland’s south coast. To reach Thórsmörk, you’ll exit the main Route 1 ring road and head inland on the f-roads towards the highlands. To reach Vestmannaeyjar you’ll head towards the coast instead and take a 45-minute ferry from Landeyahöfn to the island. 

Stop 1: Hike Through The Dramatic Landscapes Of Thórsmörk

If you’re visiting in the summer and have rented a 4×4 vehicle to take you through your 7 day road trip in Iceland, you should consider driving to the highlands in the center of the country. There you’ll find Thórsmörk (Thor’s Valley), a breathtaking nature preserve that’s remote and offers endless hiking adventures. 

To reach Thórsmörk you’ll be required to travel along f-roads which are unpaved, notoriously rough roads in addition to having to navigate some river crossings. If you don’t feel comfortable driving this route yourself, you can always hire a guide to take you there in a Super Jeep. 

Mountains, rivers, and lush green landscapes await you in the valley. Thórsmörk is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Iceland, and that is saying something. 

There is no shortage of excellent hiking opportunities many of which start from or near the Volcano Huts camping area. You can choose from multi-hour adventures such as the Thórsmörk Tindfjöll Circle with excellent views of the valley, or extremely challenging multi-day adventures such as the Laugavegur trail. For purposes of this one week in Iceland itinerary, you’ll probably want to stick to the day hikes.

Once you set foot in this outdoor playground it’s easy to see why avid hikers flock to this valley. You might even be lucky enough to spot an arctic fox as you explore for the cherry on top of what is sure to be an already memorable adventure. 

Where To Stay In Thórsmörk

Affordable/Mid-range: Volcano Huts Þórsmörk . Check rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: View The Island From A Volcanic Crater In Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

A 45-minute ferry ride will take you from the mainland over to Heimaey, the largest of the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman) islands . 

This volcanic island was dramatically affected by the 1973 eruption of Eldfell volcano which wiped out large quantities of homes and buildings in town and nearly closed the harbor which would have wrecked the island’s fishing industry. By cooling and diverting the lava flow with blasts of seawater, the harbor was saved and the town was able to rebuild. 

You’ll have the opportunity to explore Eldfell crater during your visit if you’re up for a hike to its summit. The hike up Eldfell is steep in sections but only takes 15 to 20 minutes. At the top, standing at the edge of the crater, you’ll find colorful lava rock and a stunning view of the island and the ocean beyond. 

Down by the old harbor you’ll want to take a moment to visit the Heimaey Stave Church, Iceland’s only stave church. The church was a gift from Norway to mark the 1000 year anniversary of Iceland’s adoption of Christianity. The pitch-black church set against a wall of black lava rock is particularly dramatic and unusual. 

For a quick stop to observe the adorable orange beaked puffins that call the island home, we suggest heading to Stórhöfði, the southernmost point of Heimaey. This incredibly windy peninsula is a breeding spot for puffin colonies. Take a walk along the peninsula and soak in the views while keeping an eye out for puffins. Be sure to stay on the path clear of the cliff edge. 

If you still have energy left for a challenging hike, head to Heimaklettur, the highest peak in the Westman Islands, for the most breathtaking views of the island and surrounding scenery. While Eldfell crater is a great viewpoint, Heimaklettur takes you even higher for views of the crater itself. 

A couple of vertical ladders, steps, and steep climbing take you up to a ridge leading to the peak. You should allocate about 45 minutes to reach the top and some extra time to take in the views. Though this hike is not dangerous you should exercise caution and perhaps skip it on a, particularly bad weather day.

Where To Stay In Vestmannaeyjar

Mid-range: Guesthouse Árn ý . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Vestmannaeyjar . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 4: Skaftafell And Glacier Lagoons

Day 4 of your 7 days in Iceland will take you through Vatnajökull National Park and two spectacular glacier lagoons. The theme of the day is ice. From glacier walks to up close and personal experiences with floating icebergs, you’ll be stunned by the beauty and magnitude of these natural landscapes. Add a handful of beautiful, unique waterfalls to the mix and you have yourself a day to remember. 

Stop 1: Hike To Waterfalls And Glaciers In Skaftafell

Skaftafell is located within Vatnajökull National Park and is home to some of the most jaw-dropping natural landscapes and adventure opportunities from glacier hiking to waterfall chasing. You can easily spend hours here, but if you do nothing else, be sure to visit the Svartifoss waterfall. 

This 65-foot waterfall is less powerful and thunderous than other’s you’ll see during your 7 days in Iceland but its backdrop of the black, organ pipe-like hexagonal basalt columns makes it particularly spectacular. 

It’s a 3.5-mile round trip hike from the Visitor’s Center to reach the waterfall. You’ll pass two other waterfalls, Hundafoss and Magnusarfoss along the way as well as the Selið turf house farm. It’s entirely worth the journey, so lace up your hiking boots and get exploring!

Stop 2: Walk Among Icebergs At The Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsarlon is a stunning, iconic glacier lagoon that constantly changes and evolves as ice melts and new blocks of ice fall. It’s an icy beauty and one of the most popular tourist attractions in southeast Iceland. 

Summer boat tours will navigate you through the icebergs, allowing you to get a feel for their size and scope. The best place to view the icebergs from land however is across the street at Diamond Beach. 

Diamond Beach is a beautiful black sand beach covered in sparkling icebergs that have washed ashore. The ice makes for a powerful contrast to the black sand which leads to stunning, dramatic photographs. 

Stop 3: Enjoy Peace and Quiet At The Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

If you’re hoping to enjoy the icy natural beauty of a glacier lagoon without the large tourist crowds, then Fjallsarlon is the place to go. Though it’s smaller than its more popular neighbor Jökulsarlon, it’s beautiful in its own right and makes for a peaceful and relaxing way to wind down day 4 of your 7 days in Iceland.  

As you sit in silence you just might hear the sounds of ice breaking and colliding. It’s an intimate and powerful experience that makes you feel quite close to your natural surroundings. Though boat tours are offered through the lagoon, you’ll find that standing along the edge of the water at the smaller lagoon is often enough to give you a complete, up close, and personal experience. 

Where To Stay Near The Glacier Lagoons

Affordable/Mid-range: Apotek Guesthouse . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Hotel Jökull . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 5: Southeast Iceland

Jagged mountains, thriving flowers, black sand beaches, rivers winding through canyons, and more await you in southeast Iceland on day 5 of your 7 days in Iceland. Enjoy the dramatic landscapes, but take care that you leave everything how you found it and avoid damaging the very delicate moss that turns the landscape a beautiful vibrant green. 

Stop 1: Walk Along The Beach At Stokksnes

Stokksnes, a headland, is home to the striking, jagged Vestrahorn mountains and the dunes, black sand beaches, seagrass, and lupins butting up against the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the most picturesque sites in the country, and a beautiful way to start day 5 of your 7 days in Iceland.  

At times, a thin layer of water will cover the black sand beach, and on a calm day, the mountain is reflected in the water as you walk through it. As the landscape mesmerizes you be sure to keep an eye out for any sleeper waves that might strike as you walk along the beach. 

As you might imagine, this is an ideal place to watch the sunrise or sunset as the brilliant sky lights up the already impressive landscape. On high aurora activity nights, it’s also a beautiful, dark sky spot to attempt to catch the Northern Lights. Take note that you’ll need to pay an 800 ISK entrance fee at the Viking Café to access the area. 

Stop 2: Stock Up On Essentials In Höfn

Höfn is the heart and soul of southeast Iceland. This is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, maybe hit up the grocery store for some on-the-road snacks, and take a dip in the local swimming pool before continuing on your adventure.

This thriving fishing town is known as the lobster capital of Iceland. If you’re around in the summer, you might consider joining in the Lobster Festival to celebrate all things lobster with the locals. 

Stop 3: Hike Through The River At Múlagljúfur Canyon

Another beautiful, lesser-known canyon awaits you as you make your way back along the south coast. To reach the canyon from the gravel parking lot you’ll have to hike through river crossings and mud for roughly 1.5 miles. Make sure to bring waterproof hiking boots. 

This canyon isn’t the easiest south coast location to reach, but that only means you get to enjoy the stunning natural environment without the swarms of tourists. We can tell you the views are entirely worth the journey to get there. 

This trek offers more than just steep canyon walls and flowing rivers. You’ll also get the opportunity to admire the Hangandifoss and Mulafoss waterfalls. Mulafoss is the smaller of the two at 50m tall, while Hangandifoss reaches 123m. Both are beautiful, particularly when paired with the imposing canyon walls. 

Stop 4: Walk Along The Edge Of The Striking Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

The impressive 100m Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon has soared in popularity among tourists in recent years after its appearance in a Justin Bieber music video. So much damage was done to the environment by inconsiderate visitors that the canyon was shut down for a while to recover. 

If you respect the landscape, stay off the moss, and enjoy this striking canyon from the designated paths, it’s an absolutely breathtaking experience you won’t soon forget. Talk a walk along the canyon edge to soak it all in. 

The canyon is best visited in the summer when the green of the moss carpets the landscape and the wildflowers bloom. Though admittedly it has the potential to be equally stunning in the winter when draped in snow. Just be aware the path becomes more dangerous and icy in the winter and you might need crampons to safely navigate it. 

Where To Stay In Southeast Iceland

Affordable/Mid-range: Guesthouse Carina . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hótel Kría . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Vík í Mýrdal . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is full of diverse landscapes from unusual rock formations to lava tubes. You’ll also have the opportunity to check out the black Búðir church and the iconic postcard-worthy Kirkjufell mountain. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights in dark sky areas of the peninsula or are admiring the natural beauty of the landscape in the daylight, you’re sure to have a day full of memories worth keeping. 

The day 6-7 itinerary we’ve laid out below requires a significant amount of driving. If you’d rather spend your final two days following a more relaxing schedule you can choose to spend all of Day 6 in Reykjavik instead, followed by the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon on the final day of your 7 days in Iceland. This also allows you to end your trip close to the Keflavik International Airport.

Stop 1: Photograph The Famous Kirkjufell Mountain And Waterfall

Kirkjufell (Church Mountain) is one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks and was even featured in the Game of Thrones TV show. The cone-shaped mountain, rising up from the surrounding landscape is easily recognizable. 

Though it’s possible to make the climb to the top with a guide, most visitors just take a stroll around the base of the mountain before heading to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall right next door. The image of the falls in the foreground and the mountain in the background is one you’ll often see on postcards, sometimes with the Northern Lights dancing overhead. 

Be sure to bring your camera along to snap a photo. Whether it’s summer and everything is lush and green, or it’s winter and frozen over and laced with snow, there’s endless beauty to be found here. 

Stop 2: Observe The Unusual Londrangar Rock Formation From The Coast

As you look along the coast you’ll spot some usual rock formations that are actually the remains of two volcanic plugs. It’s quite the dramatic image with the ocean to the left, waves crashing, and sea birds riding the thermals. It’s a real show of the simultaneous power and beauty of nature. 

By starting at the lighthouse at Malarrif you can walk all the way to the pillars to get a sense of their size, but the view from a distance with the entire landscape captured is more picturesque. It’s like watching a ship with its sail up rise out of the ocean. 

If you do choose to walk to the pillars, please exercise caution and keep an eye out for the often powerful and dangerous waves. 

Stop 3: Walk Along A Natural Bridge In Arnarstapi

In the small village of Arnarstapi, you’ll find unusual rock formations, natural bridges, and beautiful coastline. Once a thriving harbor for trading and fishing, this village won’t turn any heads, but it’s charming and home to an immense amount of natural beauty. 

Bring along a camera when you visit to capture the little white house that lies in front of Mt. Stapafell, the arched rock Gatklettur, and the stone statue of Bárður Snaefellsás, the half-troll/half-man who settled the area and guards the peninsula.

If you choose to walk the coastline, you’ll begin at this stone statue and continue along as you observe the basalt columns and caves, more unusual rock formations, and an excessive amount of Arctic Tern. 

One of the most frequently photographed locations near Arnarstapi is a natural bridge that is wide enough to walk across. This can be reached by walking a bit further along the coast until you reach the sign marked “Midgja.” 

Stop 4: Take Moody Photographs At The Búðir Black Church

Plopped in the middle of the dramatic natural landscape of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the Búðir Black Church. If you’re looking for moody photographs, this is the place to go. Its dark exterior, the surrounding graveyard, and often stormy Icelandic weather can make for a rather eerie sight. 

The church was built in 1703 but has since undergone both deconstructions and reconstructions. It stands alone in relative isolation within a small village. 

The church looks particularly dramatic in the winter when the ground and surrounding mountains are draped in white snow creating a stark contrast to the black of the church. Its location near the beach and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean as well as its backdrops of mountains and glaciers, make it a particularly popular location to visit. 

Stop 5: Take A Tour And Explore The Vatnshellir Lava Cave

Just 10 minutes down the road from Arnarstapi you’ll find one of Iceland’s most accessible lava caves, Vatnshellir. This 8,000-year-old lava tube can be explored with the help of a knowledgeable guide on a 45-minute cave tour . 

Tours are offered daily, but the times vary by season, with more frequent tour times available in the summer months. You’ll be provided with flashlights and helmets, but should come prepared with hiking boots, warm clothes, and gloves to protect from both the cold and sharp lava rock surrounding you. 

As you explore the cave, venturing as deep as 200 meters in and 35 meters down, you’ll be instructed not to touch your surroundings as it has the potential to damage the more delicate lava in the cave. It’s a fascinating experience to immerse yourself in the power and mystery of nature as all your senses are heightened within the dark walls of the cave. 

Stop 6: Hike Into A Fissure To Explore The Beauty Of Rauðfelsdsgjá Gorge

To conclude day 6 of your 7 days in Iceland, you’ll head to the east side of Botnsfjall Mountain where you’ll find a parking lot and path leading to a massive fissure in the mountain known as Rauðfelsdsgjá Gorge. Come prepared with waterproof boots and clothing as the path will take you along and potentially through a river to a small waterfall. This gorge is best navigated in the summer months when there’s no slippery ice. 

Once you enter the fissure you’ll be greeted with cliff walls coated floor to ceiling in vibrant green moss with slivers of sun streaking through above. It’s a beautiful sight enhanced by the flowing river and small waterfall beyond. 

The Rauðfelsdsgjá Gorge is a welcome reminder of nature’s beauty. It also is part of Icelandic folklore in the saga of Bárður Snaefellsás whose nephews pushed his daughter out to sea. He sought revenge on the nephews by pushing one off a cliff and the other (Rauðfeldur) into the canyon. 

Where To Stay On The Snaefellsness Peninsula

Mid-range: Hotel Fransiskus Stykkishólmi . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Budir . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 7: Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon, And Reykjavik

As you wrap up your 7 days in Iceland, you’ll head to the capital by way of the Reykjanes Peninsula with its historic lighthouse, ocean views, and steam-filled landscapes. You’ll continue on to what will perhaps be the most relaxing part of your travels as you take some time to relax in the healing waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. 

You’ll end your night exploring the capital and enjoying the conveniences of Iceland’s most populated city before preparing to head home. 

Stop 1: Climb To The Base Of The Historic Reykjanesviti Lighthouse

You’ll finish off your 7 days in Iceland with a trip to the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Reykjanesviti Lighthouse. This is Iceland’s oldest lighthouse built back in 1907, though the original lighthouse was forced to undergo reconstruction in 1878 after it fell victim to earthquakes. 

It sits atop the Baejarfell hill where it stands guard over the Reykjanes Peninsula. Though the lighthouse itself isn’t particularly remarkable, it’s a great opportunity to climb up the hill to its base and gaze out at the spectacular views of the raging Atlantic Ocean. 

Stop 2: Observe The Geothermally Active Landscape Of Gunnuhver

At this point in your Iceland journey, you’ll have seen quite a few geothermally active locations. Gunnuhver is another one of these geothermally active areas, though this one carries with it a rather sinister bit of folklore involving the trapped spirit of the ghost Gunna residing in the hot springs. 

Mud pots bubble and steam drifts across the landscape. Take a moment to look down into the hot springs, watch the activity inside, and feel the steam rise. This area is constantly changing and evolving and is a beautiful example of the wonder and power of nature. 

Stop 3: Relax In The Mineral-Rich Waters Of The Blue Lagoon

When you’ve had your fill of bubbling mud pots, you’ll head to the Blue Lagoon, something that should be on everyone’s Iceland bucket list at least once. Though expensive, the lagoon is undeniably relaxing and even healing. 

The Blue Lagoon is a tourist hotspot thanks to its proximity to the Keflavik International Airport and its mineral-rich, milky blue, geothermal seawater. Add a swim-up bar and an otherworldly lava field backdrop and you have yourself a recipe for the perfect day. 

We highly suggest booking a ticket weeks if not months ahead of time. The lagoon limits how many people can enter per hour and bookings fill up quickly due to the lagoon’s popularity. The good news is that limiting the number of visitors means more peaceful relaxation for you as you enjoy your last day on this wonderfully unique island. 

Stop 4: Enjoy City Life In Reykjavik

It’s hard for downtown Reykjavik to compete with the extreme natural beauty you’ve been admiring throughout your 7 days in Iceland, but it’s a charming city with gems of its own. Shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars can all be found on the main Laugavegur street and the two major streets adjoining it. Here you can enjoy delicious pastries or buy yourself a cozy Icelandic wool sweater to brace the winters at home. 

You can’t conclude your 7 days in Iceland without a visit to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church designed to resemble the basalt columns so prevalent in Iceland’s natural landscape. Whether you buy a ticket to the top to get a view of the city from above or just observe from ground level, it’s worth a stop.

You’ll likely be returning to Reykjavik at night so you have just enough time to grab a drink, swing by Valdís for the best ice cream, and crash at your hotel. If however you’re left with some more time in your day, you might consider stopping by one of the many downtown museums such as the Reykjavik Maritime Museum along the harbor or the Arbær Open Air Museum with its old Icelandic sod roof buildings.

Where To Stay In Reykjavik

Affordable: Hotel Klettur . Check rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Fosshotel Reykjavik . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Borg . Check rates: Booking.com

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to spend a week in Iceland exploring its diverse natural beauty. This is a guide to help you maximize your time in the country and see the best that the land of fire and ice has to offer. Feel free however to adapt this 7 day Iceland itinerary to your own schedule as you see fit. 

If you have any questions about how to explore Iceland in 7 days as you go about planning your trip feel free to ask us in the comments section below.

Reader Interactions

October 18, 2021 at 4:07 am

You have lots of great ideas in your itinerary, but the last two days don’t make sense to me. You take the visitor east all the way past Hofn, and then suddenly, they are supposed to go to the Snaefellsness Peninsula on the west side! That is a lot of back-tracking and the driving time won’t leave much time for actually doing the suggested itinerary on the peninsula.

October 20, 2021 at 2:54 am

This is just the way that we do it personally! We also offer an alternative to stay in Reykjavik if you prefer a slower route. We like to go go go and have done that drive [super long!] many times. But you can order the days however you want!! Enjoy!

September 27, 2022 at 1:47 am

Hi, this is incredibly helpful, by chance do you have a map of this 7 day trip? I would love to look at it on a map if you have one. Sorry if I missed it. Thanks!

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7-Day Iceland Itinerary: One-Week Road Trip on the Iceland Ring Road

Are you planning a one-week trip to Iceland, but not sure how or what to visit? Then check out our 7-day Iceland itinerary, which takes you around the Icelandic Ring Road and all the must-see attractions nearby!

Iceland is an island country in the North Atlantic Ocean that is becoming more popular among tourists because of its unique natural wonders.

Many people call Iceland the “land of fire and ice,” and there’s a reason for it. In Iceland, you can find active volcanoes, vast lava fields, geysers, and hot springs, all while exploring glaciers, icy lakes, and beaches, along with numerous hiking trails and waterfalls.

Iceland is full of interesting natural phenomena that rank among the world’s greatest natural wonders . Examples include the aurora borealis, volcanic lakes, black sand beaches, unique-shaped mountains, and massive waterfalls, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.

So, due to the popularity of Iceland and because it’s a highly favored destination for us as well, we’ve prepared a 7-day itinerary that showcases how we believe you should spend 7 days in Iceland to see as much of the country as possible.

The route mostly follows Iceland’s Ring Road for 7 days, which is one of Europe’s best road trips .

Additionally, our itinerary includes common questions that arise when planning an Iceland trip, and day by day, we thoroughly outline how to discover the most attractions of Iceland in 7 days.

So, let’s first take a look at an overview of the itinerary, followed by the frequently asked questions, and then the day-by-day itinerary for Iceland.

Overview of the 7-day Iceland itinerary

Day 1 : Reykjavík

Day 2 : Golden Circle

Day 3 : Southern coast of Iceland

Day 4 : Southeast Iceland

Day 5 : Egilsstaðir and surroundings

Day 6 : Northern part of Iceland

Day 7 : Snaefellsnes peninsula

Map for the 7-day Iceland road trip itinerary

FAQ: What to know about a one-week road trip in Iceland

About our 7-day iceland itinerary.

We mainly detail the following for those who will be on their first trip to Iceland.

• Iceland is a time-consuming destination where you need to plan everything carefully before you start your trip. However, whatever you plan, the changeable Icelandic weather can ruin any plan. So you will need all your flexibility and adaptability in Iceland.
• The tour takes you mainly along the main road 1. From there, you will only travel short distances to visit the various highlights.
• The highlands are not planned into the trip, as the highlands are the most time-consuming place. Only plan the highlands into your trip if you are either skipping something from our itinerary or spending more time in Iceland.
• Wherever you travel in Iceland, always carry some food. This could be some sandwiches and a few bottles of water. As shops are few and far between, it’s best to have food in your car at all times.
• If you are planning a family trip with children, we recommend the article on the following link for a detailed guide to a family road trip to Iceland .

If you plan your trip well and prepare for everything, you are guaranteed to have a fantastic trip to Iceland.

What is included in our one-week Iceland trip

Our itinerary includes:

• Almost all attractions along the Icelandic Ring Road: waterfalls, geysers, mountains, canyons, black sand beaches, and much more
• Most of the famous Golden Circle attractions
• Excursions not far from the Ring Road, such as the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Opportunities for puffin watching.

How to get to Iceland

There are numerous airlines operating flights to Iceland, so you can easily reach Keflavik International Airport from most places. For checking prices and options, we recommend using Kiwi.com .

How to get around Iceland

In Iceland, the number one mode of transportation is by car. Since everything is very rural and distances are huge, we highly recommend traveling by car.

Public transportation is only available in some places.

Our itinerary is for a self-drive trip. It is very difficult to get around Iceland without a car, so car rental is highly recommended.

Car rental in Iceland

The biggest question when planning a trip to Iceland is what type of car you will need for driving in Iceland.

If you don’t plan to go to the Highlands (and our itinerary doesn’t include it), then renting a decent SUV should suffice. It’s good to have a 4×4, but it’s not necessary, just advantageous.

If you’re also planning to go to the Highlands, or many other rural, gravel road trips, then rent a 4×4. This will be more expensive, but you won’t be able to reach remote attractions with anything else.

Some places (not included in our itinerary) may require river crossings, which rental car companies generally discourage, so it’s strongly advisable to consider this carefully. In such cases, we recommend opting for a guided tour where locals take you with local experience.

For car rental, we can recommend BlueCar , where we ourselves rented from, a reputable company with excellent cars. The price may be a bit high, but that’s the case everywhere in Iceland. We rented a high-performance, standard SUV, which served us excellently on all terrains mentioned in the itinerary.

When renting a car, also make sure to opt for full insurance coverage. In Iceland, incidents like gravel hitting the windshield and punctures are common, so it’s better to have comprehensive insurance.

If you’re interested in prices, take a look at DiscoverCars.com .

If you definitely don’t want to drive in Iceland, check out GetYourGuide’s guided tour offers.

Best time to visit Iceland

Our 7-day itinerary is planned for a summer visit to Iceland, which is best enjoyed from June to early September. While rain is still common during the summer months, there are fewer disruptions on the roads due to extreme weather conditions such as snow and wind, making travel easier.

Additionally, around June to July, the lupine flowers bloom, enhancing the beauty of the Icelandic landscapes even more.

Iceland in winter

A winter trip to Iceland may pique the curiosity of many, especially due to the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

However, we do not particularly recommend winter travel. The winter weather brings massive windstorms, snowfall, and road disruptions, which can easily pose problems for a well-planned and paid trip.

If you are experienced in winter travel and comfortable with snowy conditions, you may consider a winter trip. Otherwise, we advise sticking to the southern part of the country, with minimal driving involved.

What to wear in Iceland

There are a few more things to prepare for when travelling to Iceland. Clothing is one of them. This depends a lot on the season you are traveling in.

Most people travel in the summer, when any temperature between about 5°C and 20°C can occur. So in summer, be prepared with thinner but layered and waterproof clothes because it rains a lot. Always carry a windproof raincoat with you. Be prepared with hiking boots too, even several pairs. Hiking boots will be your most essential piece of equipment in Iceland. You may also need a good backpack and sometimes the hiking poles.

Winter is always cold, and you need to be prepared with layers of warm, waterproof clothing.

Costs in Iceland

The budget highly depends on your needs. Iceland is one of the most expensive destinations in the world, but you can get by at quite low costs with store-bought food and camping. If you want to read more tips on how you can get the most out of your trip to Iceland on a budget, click on the link to find out more.

Overall, if you’re planning to travel to Iceland, expect prices to be at least 1.5-2 times higher than what you would typically expect in Western Europe.

For us, a two-person trip for a week cost around 4000 euros in 2021. However, in 2024, it would only come out to this amount if we significantly reduced our needs. So, it’s indeed much more expensive compared to other destinations.

Where to stay in Iceland

During a road trip around Iceland, it’s most practical to stay overnight along the way, meaning you’ll have a different accommodation almost every day.

Here are the accommodations we recommend around the Ring Road:

• Alda Hotel Reykjavík : A four-star hotel located in downtown Reykjavik.
• Lighthouse-Inn : An affordable, modern guesthouse located near the airport.
• Midgard Base Camp : Budget-friendly hostel along Highway 1 in Hvolsvöllur, with Seljalandsfoss just a short drive away.
• Hótel Kría : A stylish three-star hotel in Vík. While slightly pricey, it’s a great choice.
• Landbrot Guesthouse : A cozy guesthouse in southeastern Iceland.
• REY Stays – Small & Cozy Studio : Studios near Höfn.
• Lagarfell Studios : Studio apartments in Egilsstadir, with good reviews.
• Mývatn – Berjaya Iceland Hotels : A stylish three-star hotel near Lake Myvatn.
• Dalahyttur : Practical studios in the countryside near the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, somewhat hard to reach but highly rated.

Detailed 7-day Iceland road trip itinerary: How to spend 7 days driving around the Icelandic Ring Road

In the following section, you can read our itinerary for a 7-day trip to Iceland. We’ve carefully designed a route that we’ve personally experienced.

This 7-day road trip follows the route of the Iceland Ring Road , visiting the most important destinations of the country. The itinerary provides tips and ideas to help you make the most of your Icelandic journey.

So let’s see what you can see during a week in Iceland.

Day 1: Reykjavik

The first day of the one-week Iceland itinerary focuses on the capital, Reykjavik, where the city’s main attractions are worth a short visit.

The unique-looking Hallgrímskirkja Church is an important symbol of Iceland. Furthermore, there are also a number of museums in the city, and you may want to visit one of them if you are interested.

If you still have time, it’s worth driving outside the city to visit two of Iceland’s most famous bathing spots: the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon. Whichever you choose, both are worth it.

Near Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula has become famous in recent years for its frequent volcanic eruptions. So, if you’re lucky, you might even see an active volcanic eruption during your trip.

Day 2: Golden Circle

The second day is dedicated to Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. The attractions of the Golden Circle are easily accessible from Reykjavik on a day trip.

In general, it can be said that the Icelandic infrastructure along the Golden Circle is still surprisingly good.

Here you can still get a taste of Iceland without really being out of your comfort zone. The roads are still paved and there are plenty of shops and restaurants.

The Golden Circle includes several interesting sights, which are the following:

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most famous tourist destinations. Here you can find the border between two continents, Europe and North America. That’s right, you can walk in Thingvellir at the meeting of two tectonic plates. Knowing this information gives extra meaning to a visit here besides being a beautiful place.

Within the national park, you’ll also find the stunning Öxarárfoss waterfall, which you can reach with a short walk from several parking lots. It’s definitely worth a visit, we think it’s one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Iceland.

Strokkur&Geysir

In fact, you won’t find just one geyser here, but many. Yet, Strokkur is the most famous in Iceland, because it is the one that erupts most often (every 5–10 minutes). If you visit here, you are almost guaranteed to see an active geyser erupting into the sky. It’s a great adventure, don’t miss it.

Geysir is also famous because it is the largest geyser in Iceland, but it only erupts very rarely.

Next to the geyser park there is a very good restaurant called Restaurant Geysir Glima, where you can choose from a variety of Icelandic dishes and they are very tasty.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Take a detour to Gullfoss Waterfall, where you can see one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls. It has a huge water flow. You can see the Gullfoss from several angles from the small path next to the waterfall.

Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater is a picturesque lake formed in a volcanic crater about 3000 years old, accessible on foot. Its beautiful water color changes with the weather, ranging from blue to green most of the time. The crater is entirely accessible for walking around.

These are the main attractions of the Golden Circle. They can easily fit into a day if you have a good schedule. Especially in summer, when it’s light almost all day in Iceland.

The night is recommended to be spent in Reykjavík or in Selfoss.

Day 3: Southern Iceland

Our one-week journey continues towards the southern part of the island. The south coast of Iceland also has many famous must-see attractions.

Don’t miss the following:

Seljalandsfoss

On the way, the first stop is at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. This is the giant waterfall that you can walk behind on the hiking trail. It will be an unforgettable experience to see a huge waterfall from behind.

Skógafoss is an amazing 60-meter waterfall in Iceland, famous for its massive cascade and the picturesque surroundings along the Skógá River. It is easily accessible, and the nearby stairs allow visitors to climb to the top of the waterfall, providing a memorable experience for nature lovers and photographers.

Additionally, it marks the endpoint of Iceland’s Fimmvörðuháls and Laugavegur Trails , which are well worth exploring for adventurous trekkers.

The Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula with a scenic view, a lighthouse and a large arch of volcanic rock in the sea. It is worth stopping here for a short walk.

Reynisfjara

The Reynisfjara beach is also next to Dyrhólaey, but can only be reached by a detour by car. This is one of the most famous places in Iceland, and many people come here to take photos. The basalt hillsides, the black rocks rising out of the sea and the volcanic black sand with its varying grain size make for a stunning sight. Sometimes you can also see puffins here.

However, be especially cautious with the weather, as the waves can change suddenly. Always pay attention to the locally available, color-coded sign to see how safe the area is.

Vík í Mýrdal

The largest town here is Vík í Mýrdal. The main attraction is the view from the hill above the local church, from where you get a fantastic view of the surrounding area. It’s a famous Icelandic view.

You can still shop, refuel and dine at restaurants in Vík í Mýrdal, so get ready for the next day.

Day 4: Southeast Iceland

On the fourth day in Iceland, continue your journey to the southeast. Here, the following are worth visiting:

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Iceland’s most spectacular canyon, easily accessible by a gravel road. The canyon offers breathtaking views from both above and below, so it’s worth hiking up the trail next to it.

If you have the time and interest, make a short stop at the Stjornarfoss waterfall .

Furthermore, along the way, you’ll see lots of old lava fields. It’s worth stopping at one for a while, it was a great experience for us. The lava fields in this area are Mossy Lava Fields , Gönguleið um Eldhraun and Skaftareldahraun .

Your next destination in Iceland will be a little further away, but you’ll see some magical landscapes along the way.

The Svartifoss waterfall is also along the way, but it’s a challenging hike, so you’ll need to plan extra time for it separately.

The next stop of the day on our itinerary is:

Fjallsárlón

A spectacular ice lake with organized activities. It is worth paying for a boat trip on the glacier lagoon. You can get a close-up view of the icebergs and the glacier.

Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach

Jökulsárlón is similar to the previous Fjallsárlón, but a larger lake. You can see bluish icebergs here even in summer.

On the other side of the road, you’ll find Diamond Beach, where you can see small and large chunks of ice on the black sandy beach. It’s a stunning sight. It gets its name from these pieces of ice, because they look like diamonds in the black sand.

You can either spend the night in a guesthouse on the way or drive to the nearest town, Höfn.

Or, if you have any time left, it is recommended to drive to Egilsstaðir. Along the way you will see sights such as Stokksnes and Hvalnes Lighthouse . The road is most challenging on the following sections. They are winding, often unpaved and difficult to drive on.

Day 5: Egilsstaðir and surroundings

The Egilsstaðir area has several attractions and the best infrastructure in the area, so it’s a worthwhile place to plan your trip. Egilsstaðir is one of the most important towns in the northern part of Iceland, although it only has a population of a few thousand people. However, it is easiest to continue to other destinations from here.

The attractions in the area for the fifth day are:

Hengifoss – Optional

The Hengifoss waterfall, justly famous on social media, is located nearby, but it is difficult to reach, and therefore time-consuming.

Watching puffins

We chose the village of Borgarfjörður Eystri for our trip. Here there is a puffin viewing area where you can see plenty of puffins during the summer.

Another interesting attraction of the village is Lindarbakki, where you can see small wooden houses covered with grass.

Stuðlagil Canyon

In the afternoon, head to one of Iceland’s most famous places, to the Stuðlagil Canyon.

It is quite easy to get lost and take the wrong route in Stuðlagil Canyon. The road conditions are very bad, which is why a 4×4 car is recommended.

We recommend two routes:

• The first is the quicker option. Drive to the point marked „Studlagil Canyon” on Google Maps. From there, a staircase leads down to the side of the canyon, but you can’t go down to the water. It’s great for quick photos and viewing.
• If you want to spend more time here, choose the second option. Drive along the extremely difficult road to the point marked „Parkplatz Klaustrusel – Studlagil”. You will find a parking lot there. From the car park, you can take a short hike (about 2-2.5 km just there) on foot to reach the canyon, from where you can walk down to the water and take the best photos. Along the way, you will also come across Stuðlafoss Waterfall, which has some stunningly beautiful basalt formations.

In the evening, continue to Reykjahlíð, the next larger settlement in the north of Iceland.

Day 6: Northern part of Iceland

On the sixth day, visit the next part of the northern attractions in Iceland:

Lake Mývatn

It’s worth taking a drive along the shores of Lake Mývatn. There are fantastic views along the lake, especially on the southeastern side. You can take the best photos of the lake by walking on and around the Höfði peninsula. It’s not a time-consuming activity, and it would be a shame to miss it.

Hverir is a geothermal area in the northern part of Iceland. The photos already show how special this place is. For average people who don’t understand geology, it will just be a walk among strange formations smelling of rotten eggs (sulfur). The formations are usually steaming and bubbling. If you are interested in geology, you should read more about it, because Hverir is a unique area on Earth.

Krafla Víti Crater

An Icelandic volcanic crater filled with bright blue water. A real geological wonder which you can read more about here .

You can reach it by a relatively short road not far from Hverir. If you have the time, it’s worth a look.

Continue west on the main road 1. On the way, it is worth stopping at the Goðafoss waterfall. From here you can admire the waterfall from several viewing points, depending on which side you park. The waterfall has a huge water yield.

In the evening, it is worth traveling further to the southwestern part of Iceland. This is a long distance, so you need to be well-prepared. Shops and restaurants are mainly to be found in the town of Akureyri.

If you’re interested in exploring Northern Iceland more thoroughly, we recommend checking out another article, which details the Diamond Circle route in Northern Iceland and the attractions you’ll encounter along the way.

Day 7: Snaefellsnes peninsula

The last day in Iceland will focus on the main attractions of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell Mountain is one of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. Almost everyone has seen photos of it. This cone-shaped mountain is such a special sight that it is a must-see for tourists. It is usually photographed with the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in front of it. It’s not a time-consuming program, but the journey is quite long.

Viewpoints in Arnarstapi

Then it’s worth travelling to Arnarstapi. The small village has some very good restaurants. Here we had the best Fish & Chips of our lives.

Arnarstapi and its surroundings have many wonderful viewpoints, check out some of them. What you can expect: a breathtaking zigzag coastline with black rocks and typical Icelandic scenery. We recommend Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint and Hellnar View Point. In Arnarstapi, on the way to the lighthouse, you can also find a stone bridge, which has recently become one of the favorite Icelandic photo spots on social media.

On the way, it is worth stopping for a short while at Búðakirkja, one of the black churches of Iceland. It’s a highly photogenic place, which is why it’s worth a short stop.

In the afternoon or evening, travel back to Reykjavik. Although the road network on the peninsula is extremely poor, don’t worry, as you approach the capital, the roads will improve. Along the way, you’ll also drive into a tunnel on the main road 1, which goes under the sea.

If you still have some time left in Iceland, you can visit more nearby attractions around Reykjavik, perhaps even those you missed.

Other attractions to see include:

• Húsafell for its waterfalls, such as Barnafoss
• Grábrók crater along the main road 1
• Glymur waterfall: Iceland’s second-highest waterfall
• Blue Lagoon

At the end of the day, you’ll return to the capital, the starting point of our 7-day Iceland travel itinerary, marking the completion of our one-week journey along the Iceland Ring Road.

So, that was the Iceland Ring Road itinerary for a 7-day tour, in which we showed how, in our opinion, you can make the most of a week in Iceland, seeing and experiencing as much as possible of what Iceland has to offer. If you only have one week in Iceland, our itinerary allows you to explore the best of the island and have a truly fulfilling journey.

Although the pace may seem a bit fast, as Iceland is quite an expensive place, many people want to see the best places of Iceland in one week, so it’s worth making the most of the available time. If you prefer to relax, we have also recommended places like the lagoons, but fundamentally, our itinerary includes an active and very fulfilling journey.

We hope we’ve provided enough information, inspired you for a similar journey, and introduced you to the best places in Iceland. Iceland is an exciting place, full of interesting and unique sights, making it a bucket list destination for many. We can only recommend not postponing your trip, boldly embark on an Icelandic journey, and enjoy every single day of it!

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Travel Tips for Iceland

The Best Iceland 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary: Summer + Winter

We rarely see travellers coming over to Iceland (whether they’re travelling from North America or Europe) who stay for only a day or two. Most trips to Iceland include a stay of at least a week (seven days) or more, as seven days typically gives travellers enough time to see a good majority of the island. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can see all of Iceland during a one-week Iceland holiday. 

Iceland is a big country, despite its small size in relation to some of the other most popular travel destinations around the globe, and you’ll have to pick and choose what you see during your 7 days in Iceland. Make the right choices, and you’ll enjoy an amazing 7 days in Iceland filled with the best of the best the country has to offer and our top sights and sounds. But! Choose poorly, and you may find yourself leaving without seeing much of anything.

To help you make the most of your one-week holiday in Iceland, the local experts at Lava Car Rental are here with their best tips, tricks and recommendations for an Iceland road trip for seven days. We’ll answer your questions about what is the best road trip itinerary for seven days in Iceland, what are the must-see attractions during a one-week holiday in Iceland, as well as how much to budget for seven days in Iceland. And, of course, we’ll give you some professional tips on renting your car in Iceland. 

So, without further ado, here are the best Iceland 7-day self-driving itineraries for both summer and winter, as well as our best advice for spending a week in Iceland. 

Go to chapter

3 things you need to know before you plan a one-week road trip itinerary in iceland.

• How Much Should I Budget for 7 Days in Iceland?
• The Best 7-Day Summer Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

The Best 7-day Winter Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

• Tips From the Locals: Renting Your Car in Iceland

We can’t wait to welcome you to Iceland!

But first, before you start planning your 7-day itinerary for Iceland, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. You don’t want to travel the Ring Road

While Iceland’s Ring Road is an extremely popular route for Iceland road trips, it’s simply too much to see over seven days. You’d be spending more time in the car than you would actually enjoy all that Iceland has to offer. 

So, with that in mind, we recommend that, if you only have 7 days total to spend in Iceland, including your arrival and departure days, you should focus on travelling around the South Coast , Iceland’s Golden Circle Route and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula . Doing so will give you plenty of time to enjoy your trip at a more leisurely pace (and if you do have your heart absolutely set on travelling Iceland’s Ring Road, we recommend extending your stay to 10 days , at least).

2. Pick the right vehicle for your time of visit

To ensure the utmost safety and comfort, you want to pick the right vehicle for your Iceland road trip . What vehicle is right for your trip will all depend upon the season in which you’re visiting. 

If you’re travelling from late May to early September, which is Iceland’s summer months, you’ll be safe with a smaller, 2WD vehicle . However, suppose you're travelling to Iceland at any other time of the year. In that case, you’ll want to choose a 4x4 vehicle that can handle the snow, ice and other inclement weather that occurs in Iceland throughout the fall, winter and spring. 

3. Book your car rental ASAP

Whenever you start planning a trip to Iceland, and you know you’ll be doing a 7-day Iceland road trip, you want to go ahead and book your rental car as soon as possible. This is especially the case in the summer months when travelling to Iceland is particularly popular. We usually advise travellers to book their vehicle at least one month in advance of their trip; if not, they may find fewer vehicles from which to choose, as well as higher car rental rates. Additionally, if travellers wait any longer than this to book their vehicle in the summer, they may find no campervans available at all.

How Much Should I Budget for 7 Days in Iceland? 

There’s no one answer to how much you should budget for being in Iceland for 7 days. That’s because your costs will differ heavily depending upon the months in which you travel. As noted, summertime is Iceland’s busiest travel season, so, as you might expect, travel costs are higher in the summer as well. Winter is always the cheapest season for travelling to Iceland, so if you want to visit Iceland on a budget , your best bet is to travel here between October and April.

In general, though, no matter what season you visit Iceland, the country is a more expensive destination as compared to some other regions of the world you might visit, such as the Caribbean or Southeast Asia. While it's true that you can find many affordable flights to Iceland from Europe and North America, once you arrive in Iceland, the costs of things like ground transportation, lodging, food and activities are all relatively high.

In order to save money during your trip to Iceland , it’s wise to think about your costs as you plan out your 7-day itinerary for Iceland. Think about which activities you really want to do most and then maybe cut out some other costly activities that you're not really interested in. You can also save money by opting to  rent a campervan  if you're visiting in the summer, as that will save you money on lodging and transportation, as it combines both into one cost. It will also allow you to see more of the island at your own pace, as we detail in our  full guide to renting a campervan in Iceland . 

Otherwise, try to look for more local-oriented activities (versus tourist-geared activities), shop for groceries and attempt to make some of your meals yourself, purchase any alcoholic beverages at the airport before you enter the country and look to more affordable accommodation options such as hostels and home rentals rather than hotels.

For more information on the cost of living in Iceland and what you can expect, you can see a full breakdown of prices  here . On average, the cost of living in Iceland is about 43% higher than it is in the United States. 

Read our guide to travelling in Iceland on a budget  for more advice on getting around the country as affordably as possible. 

The Best 7-Day Summer Iceland Road Trip Itinerary 

While travelling to Iceland during the summer is more expensive, it also comes with a wealth of benefits. From May to early September, Iceland’s weather is much more agreeable. The road conditions are more easily navigable, and plenteous daylight hours allow for more time to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Road conditions are safer, outdoor activities like hiking are more easily accessible and getting around is just easier in general. Driving around Iceland in the summer is usually simple for even the most novice drivers. 

The best route for self-driving in Iceland for seven days in Summertime (May ~ Early September)

See the itinerary on Google Maps

For an Iceland trip with an itinerary of 7 days, we’d advise the following schedule:

• Day 1: The Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik
• Day 2: The Golden Circle/Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Day 3: Snaefellsnes Peninsula/The Golden Circle
• Day 4: The South Coast
• Day 5: Vik to Jokulsarlon
• Day 6: Hofn to Reykjavik
• Day 7: Heading Back Home

Let's go into detail.

You’ll arrive in Iceland at the Keflavik Airport , the only airport in Iceland that receives incoming international travellers. From there, you’re only a short drive from the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular attractions and a can’t-miss experience. Grab your rental car in Keflavik  and then drive on out to the Blue Lagoon for a few hours spent enjoying the huge thermal hot springs surrounded by lava rock. Once done, you can head on into Reykjavik and check in to your hotel there. 

• Day 2: The Golden Circle

Keep your accommodations in Reykjavik for the next few days, as you’ll spend Days 2 and 3 of your self-driving trip in Iceland exploring the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes Peninsula . These routes are close enough to Reykjavik that you can easily stay in the city for the first part of your 7-day Iceland itinerary. 

Dedicate your second day to the Golden Circle, which only takes a little over 3 hours to drive; dedicating an entire day to the Circle will allow you plenty of time to stop, get out of the car and explore. Popular spots on the route to not miss include Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and Geysir. 

• Day 3: Snaefellsnes Peninsula 

On your third day, you can travel a little further north to drive around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula while still keeping your hotel accommodations in nearby Reykjavik. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is known for its gorgeous landscapes, black sand beaches and mountain views. 

Stops to include in your day-long trip around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula include Hellnar Beach, the Longdrangar basalt cliffs, the Malariff Lighthouse, Djupalonssandur Beach and Mount Kirkjufell.

• Day 4: The South Coast 

On Day 4 of your Iceland 7-day itinerary, it’s time to check out of your hotel in Reykjavik and head to the South Coast . The drive between Reykjavik and Vik (where you'll be staying on your fourth night) is only about 3 hours, but you’ll want to stop plenty and enjoy the sights. 

Some of the top spots to stop along the route include Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Seljavallalaug Hot Pool, Skogafoss Waterfall, the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck and the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. 

• Day 5: Vik to Jokulsarlon 

On Day 5, you’ll be driving from Vik to Jokulsarlon, so go ahead and check out of your Vik hotel. During the drive, be sure to stop by Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Skaftafell National Park, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Hofn and Diamond Beach. At night, you’ll want to have booked a hotel in either Hofn or Jokulsarlon. 

• Day 6: Hofn to Reykjavik 

On the last full day of your trip, you’ll want to make your way back to Reykjavik from Hofn. The drive is about six hours, but you can still make time to stop along the journey to visit some extra sites, particularly if you missed any along your drive to the South Coast or between Vik and Jokulsarlon. 

• Day 7: Heading Back Home

If you didn’t have time to visit the Blue Lagoon upon your arrival in Iceland, now’s a good time to do so. Otherwise, drop your vehicle off with your rental car provider and catch your flight back home from Keflavik Airport. 

What car you should hire for your 7-day summer Iceland itinerary?

For a 7-day summer Iceland itinerary, we recommend renting a 2WD economy vehicle for travelling couples; for groups of three or four travellers, we recommend renting an SUV , so you have enough room for everyone to be comfortable well as all of your luggage. 

Travelling through Iceland during the winter is an entirely different experience than travelling in Iceland during the summer. You still can enjoy many of the same sites and activities, but do note that the drives may take you longer, and you may find that you need a little more flexibility in your 7-day itinerary. This is all because Iceland’s winter months, October through April, are filled with unpredictable and sometimes hazardous weather, and road conditions that make for slow going and fewer daylight hours overall. 

The best route for self-driving in Iceland for seven days in Winter time (late September ~ April)

You’ll want to keep this in mind when planning your wintertime 7 days in Iceland, but, in general, here's what we recommend for a 7-day Iceland winter road trip itinerary. 

• Day 2: The Golden Circle
• Day 3: The South Coast
• Day 4: Vik to Jokulsarlon
• Day 5: Ice Caving and Sightseeing in Jokulsarlon

As always, you’ll arrive in Iceland at the Keflavik Airport, the only airport in Iceland that receives incoming international travellers. Grab your rental car and then head (carefully and slowly!) to the Blue Lagoon. Popular all year round, the Blue Lagoon is especially nice during the winter months, when you can enjoy the hot springs in your bathing suit while taking in the wintertime panorama all around you. After your Blue Lagoon experience, you can head to Reykjavik and check in to your hotel.

Keep your accommodations in Reykjavik for one more day, as you set out to see the Golden Circle over your first full day in Iceland. The Golden Circle takes 3 hours to drive in good weather, but you’ll want to leave plenty of extra time for slow driving conditions. Popular spots on the route to not miss include Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and Geysir.

• Day 3: The South Coast 

On Day 3, check out of your Reykjavik hotel and travel along the South Coast to Vik, where you’ll stay the night. Again, this route is short, also taking only 3 hours, but you’ll want to leave plenty of time for stopping, as well as for inclement weather that might impact your drive times. 

Some of the top spots to stop along the route include Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Seljavallalaug Hot Pool, Skogafoss Waterfall, the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck and the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

• Day 4: Vik to Jokulsarlon 

On Day 4, check out of your Vik hotel and drive to Jokulsarlon. During the drive, be sure to stop by Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Skaftafell National Park, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Hofn and Diamond Beach. For the night, you’ll want to have booked a hotel in Jokulsarlon.

• Day 5: Ice Caving and Sightseeing in Jokulsarlon 

Ice caving is one of the top can’t-miss activities for a winter trip to Iceland. Do keep in mind, though, if you're travelling on a budget, that ice-caving tours can be a bit expensive, so if this is something you want to do while in Jokulsarlon, budget accordingly. 

Again, you can spend the night in your Jokulsarlon hotel. 

On the last full day of your trip, you’ll want to drive the pristine Icelandic coastline from Hofn to Reykjavik. The drive is about 6 hours, so plan your drive according to the winter daylight hours as an extra safety precaution. 

If you didn’t have time to visit the Blue Lagoon upon your arrival in Iceland, now’s a good time to do so. Otherwise, drop your vehicle off with your rental car provider and catch your flight back home from Keflavik Airport.

What car you should hire for your 7-day Winter Iceland itinerary?

During the winter months, we always recommend our clients rent 4x4 vehicles . The road conditions during the winter are often hazardous, and the weather is unpredictable, necessitating a well-equipped vehicle to get you safely around Iceland.

Tips From the Locals: Renting Your Car in Iceland 

Whenever you visit Iceland, wherever you plan to go, however long you plan to be here, there are a few things you should do when renting your car in Iceland. 

• Be sure to choose the right rental car based on your itinerary.
• Be sure to choose the right rental car based on the season.
• And be sure to choose the right rental car based on the type of traveller you are.

You’ll also want to look for rental cars with the amenities you need, as well as a rental car that’s equipped with the transmission you’re most accustomed to driving with. 

You can read more about all of our top tips for renting a car in Iceland . 

Explore some of the most beautiful and popular stops around Iceland over seven days, with no need to rush or hurry. Following along with one of our 7-day Iceland itineraries makes it possible. And remember — the right rental car can make all the difference in how enjoyable (and safe!) your trip is. Check out all of your rental car options for your Iceland trip .

Hire your Iceland car today

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Iceland's Most Scenic Road Trip: Route 1, Gateway To The Country's Most Beautiful Vistas

Quick links, where is route 1 in iceland where does it go, how long does it take to drive route 1, how difficult is it to drive route 1 in iceland.

Tucked within Iceland's awe-inspiring landscapes lies a highway like no other, inviting travelers on an adventure through a land of untamed beauty. Welcome to Route 1, also known as the "Ring Road," a legendary 1,322-kilometer (820-mile) loop that weaves its way through Iceland's breathtaking vistas and iconic landmarks. Geothermal springs, rainbows, horses, dramatic waterfalls, and rugged mountains surround this epic road trip.

Dating back to 1974, Route 1 is Iceland's major highway, connecting its largest towns and traversing the nation's diverse ecosystems. Its winding path reveals fjords, majestic mountains, and expansive flatlands, offering an ever-changing view that will leave guests in awe. Iceland is also known for its black sand beaches and gothic landscapes.

Beyond its practical purpose as a lifeline for shipping and transportation, the Ring Road captivates the hearts of wanderers who seek to immerse themselves in Iceland's natural wonders. This is the perfect route for a driving adventure, whether someone wants to drive the entire stretch or make a few stops and head home. There's truly no place quite like Iceland.

For people wanting to embark on a journey through Route 1 in Iceland, it's located in the country's southwestern corner, near Reykjavík. More specifically, this famous road is between the larger towns of Mosfellsbær and Hveragerði. Drivers typically follow this road to the major cities and villages throughout Iceland, as it is one of the few ways they are linked together.

Visiting the Ring Road in Iceland might also warrant seeing this fishing village ghost town .

Iceland is spaced out and remote, unlike the US or densely populated countries. Therefore, highways like Route 1 are few and far between, making them essential to more than just tourists. On top of that, Route 1, or Ring Road, runs through Iceland's largest cities.

These include:

• Egilsstadir

For travelers staying in one of these areas, they will likely need to drive along Route 1 anyway, so it's easily accessible. According to Arctic Adventures , Route 1 is the number one thing to do for tourists as its quintessential Iceland. Driving may also be one of the affordable ways to see Iceland , making it an even better idea.

Related: 14 Places To See The Northern Lights In Iceland

• It takes between six and 12 days to complete Route 1.
• Driving during the summer will be the fastest time to complete Route 1.

If tourists want to drive the entire length of Route 1 in Iceland, this can take six to 12 days, depending on the time of year. For example, in the summer, many travelers have been able to complete Route 1 in less than a week. In contrast, this journey takes closer to 12 days to finish in winter.

With that said, if people want to turn this drive into a road trip, they could easily spend 10–14 days driving during the summer and then 20–25 days in the winter months. Iceland receives heavy snowfall, so driving conditions are more difficult during November-February.

Considering the highway spans 828 miles , this is not something a person can handle in a day or two. Route 1 is a scenic option and one of the few to get between large cities in the country: so don't be afraid to take extra time completing it.

What Can People See While Driving On Route 1 In Iceland?

While traveling along Iceland's Route 1, people can expect to see some of the world's most beautiful scenery. Notably, drivers will be able to experience white glaciers and blue icebergs, towering fjords, and mighty waterfalls. Additionally, visitors will see smoky craters, dormant volcanoes, and glowing auroras.

Iceland brings people from around the world because of its scenery, most of which is accessible by driving along Ring Road. Although traveling by boat or plane might suffice for some, driving through Iceland is one of the best ways to see it.

For people in Iceland during winter, visiting these destinations are worth seeing . And for those coming to Iceland in the spring: these scenic destinations are worth the drive .

• Driving along Route 1 in Iceland should be very easy.
• The entire route is paved well and features easy-to-read signage.
• Winter driving along Route 1 is the most dangerous time to do so.

In general, driving Route 1 should be a breeze. Because the entire roadway is paved, there should not be an issue for people or their vehicles. Especially during warmer, sunny days, traveling along this famous stretch should be one of the easiest drives throughout the trip.

Related: Hiking Kerlingarfjöll: A Guide To Iceland's Most Beautiful Highland Range

That said, Route 1 can become hard to navigate with heavy snow. This highway might become challenging during winter, and the signs may become covered with snow and ice. However, Iceland takes its roadways very seriously, so crews routinely go out to provide aid and clean up during inclement weather.

Driving Route 1 in Iceland during the winter is considered the most challenging time to do so. The road will be easy to navigate throughout the year, with well-paved sections and clear signage. However, winter can be unforgiving in Iceland, so keep that in mind.

The 8 most spectacular road trips in Iceland

Mar 4, 2024 • 10 min read

Head out on four wheels to explore Iceland's incredible landscapes © janiecbros / Getty Images

Driving in Iceland is a dreamy experience, and having your own set of wheels offers the freedom to explore the country at your own pace.

Picture the scene: you’re gliding along a road curling around a snowy hillside. On your right, a steep, rocky slope, the top shrouded in fog. On your left, the surf beats against vertical cliffs, with sea birds circling overhead. Before you, the crystal blue waters of yet another fjord stretch out to the horizon. 

There’s no better feeling than heading out and seeing where the road takes you. But, should you require a little more structure to your overland odyssey, we’ve selected eight unforgettable Iceland road trips to get you started.

1. Hit the road on the Blue Diamond tourist route

Best road trip for volcanic activity Keflavík International Airport  –  Keflavík International Airport; 75 – 115km (50 – 70 miles); 1 day

From Keflavík International Airport, the Blue Diamond tourist route loops around the otherworldly lava landscapes of Reykjanes Peninsula , through quiet seaside villages and the wondrous Reykjanes Geopark, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015.

Nowhere else are the borders between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates as visible. All around are signs of geothermal and volcanic activity: the milky blue waters of the  Blue Lagoon steam into the sky, while  Geldingadalir (which erupted in 2021 and again in August 2022, but is now inactive) continues to wow visitors. Check safety alerts before you visit. 

There are many more discoveries to be made on the route, including the windswept shore by Reykjanes lighthouse and Kleifarvatn Lake (home, according to legend, to a wormlike monster the size of a whale), and there are myriad hiking trails.

Planning tip: You can do a round trip in less than a day, but it’s worth staying for a few days to fully explore the region.

2. Take Road 435 as an alternative to the Golden Circle

Best road trip in summer Reykjavík – Reykjavík; approx 225km (140 miles), 1 day

For a different take on the Golden Circle – Iceland’s most popular day tour – try Nesjavallaleið (Road 435), which is open in the summer. It slings through moss-covered lava landscapes and up and down steep hills, with a breathtaking view of Þingvallavatn Lake in the distance. Along the road are quite a few marked hiking trails, beckoning road trippers to temporarily ditch the car and get up close and personal with the stunning landscape.

Puffs of steam are the telltale sign that you’re approaching Nesjavallavirkjum Power Plant and the exclusive ION Adventure Hotel . The road continues along placid lakes, including Úlfljótsvatn with a lonely church on its banks. You drive through a summer house region – where city dwellers go for weekend breaks – and then onto the main road past the perfectly circular Kerið crater lake, one of the obligatory Golden Circle stops.

After gawking at Gullfoss waterfall and spying Geysir (from which all other geysers take their name), you can drive back via Þingvellir National Park with a quick visit to the curious cave houses of Laugarvatnshellar.

Local tip: Bookworms should also consider making a stop at Gljúfrasteinn Laxness Museum in Mosfellsdalur. The museum is the former home of prominent Icelandic writer Halldór Laxness, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955.

3. Drive through the remote East Fjords

Best road trip to explore Iceland's maritime heritage Egilsstaðir – Egilsstaðir; approx 820km (510 miles), 5 days

Set up camp in Egilsstaðir and you’ll be in prime position to uncover the magical East Fjords. First, visit the village of Vopnafjörður, home to Selárlaug, a swimming pool on the banks of a salmon-filled river, which is also popular for fishing. In summer, you could cross the spectacular mountain pass Hellisheiði eystri (Road 917) to get here – but with its narrow and steep gravel road, it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Regardless, take the easy way back (Road 85 and Road 1) to Borgarfjörður eystri, and recharge at the village of Bakkagerði with a hotel and spa, puffin-watching house and popular music festival Bræðslan, held in July. It’s also a good base for hiking in the stunning surroundings, with the trek to Stórurð, a turquoise lake enclaved by massive boulders, a particularly popular route.

You must return to Egilsstaðir before moving on to the next fjords on the route: Eskifjörður and Neskaupstaður. Here, the maritime heritage of this region is honored in elegantly renovated historic houses: Randulfssjóhús in Eskifjörður and Beituskúrinn in Neskaupstaður, both of which now function as excellent, atmospheric restaurants. Drive back through Fáskrúðsfjörður to Stöðvarfjörður, where Petra’s Stone Collection museum amazes, showcasing the sheer variety of minerals that can be found in the mountains in the country’s east. From here, it’s a straight run back to Egilsstaðir for the last time – remember to watch out for reindeer!

4. See the Westfjords by road and ferry

Best scenic road trip Reykjavík – Reykjavík; approx 765km (475 miles)

On the way to the Westfjord from Reykjavík , you’ll drive through the rural region of Dalir. Here, dairy farm Erpsstaðir makes for a great first pitstop on the journey, where you can learn about traditional farming life and sample the homemade cheeses and other treats. There are also a number of historical sites nearby, including Eiríksstaðir, a living museum about life in the Viking era, and Guðrúnarlaug , the replica of the pool where the beautiful heroine of Laxdæla saga (one of the famous medieval Icelandic sagas) used to bathe.

Leaving Dalir in the rearview mirror, the first Westfjordian town you’ll reach is Reykhólar, home to Sjávarböðin, a spa specializing in seaweed baths (said to have all manner of healing properties). From here, the drive along the peninsula’s southern coast on steep gravel roads is both awe-inspiring and borderline scary, but your reward is a stroll on red-sand beach Rauðasandur and the view from Látrabjarg, Iceland’s westernmost point. Látrabjarg is also a haven for birdlife, with thousands of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, nesting in the cliffs.

You can take the ferry from Brjánslækur back, via Flatey , an idyllic island that seems to be frozen in time. It used to be the bustling center of the Breiðafjörður islands, but today, only seven people live there year-round. From here, the ferry takes you onwards to Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes , entering via a beautiful harbor overlooked by a distant lighthouse. It’s a view that might tempt you to stay a while.

Local tip:  If you have time to explore Stykkishólmur, check out the Library of Water , a modern art museum, and sample the locally sourced seafood on offer at Sjávarpakkhúsið .

5. Cruise around the otherworldly Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Best road trip for varied landscapes Start/end – Reykjavík; approx 440km (275 miles)

In clear weather, you can see the alluring ice cap Snæfellsjökull from Reykjavík. The drive there is an adventure with ever-changing landscapes. You’ll find sand and pebble beaches, volcanoes, a glacier and rhyolite mountains, lava fields and grassy terrain, caves, bird-filled cliffs and waterfalls.

The peninsula’s southern side is graced by the white-sand beach Löngufjörur, a hot spot for horseback riding, the otherworldly lava landscape around Búðir and the many wonders of Snæfellsjökull National Park .

On the northern side, there are charming fishing villages and Kirkjufell , one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains – particularly popular when the northern lights are out . Although it’s possible to do a whirlwind tour of Snæfellsnes in a day, you can easily spend a few: hiking, bird watching, sailing or simply taking in the views of the immense glacier.

6. Drive beyond the Ring Road on the ancient Kjölur route

Best road trip for Iceland's interior  Reykjavík – Reykjavík; approx 1378km (856 miles), at least a week

Spice up your Ring Road (Route 1) adventure by cutting through the barren interior of the country. Road 35, which splinters off from Route 1 past Gullfoss waterfall , continues along the ancient Kjölur route between glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. It’s an F-road, so it requires a 4WD vehicle and is only open in the summer, but it is not as difficult as some of the other highland routes (for example, there are no river crossings.)

Around the halfway point is Hveravellir , an oasis of sorts in the snowy desert landscape, with a lodge, a natural pool for bathing and a multicolor geothermal area with marked hiking trails, including to Kerlingarfjöll mountains. You enter the Ring Road again about an hour’s drive from Akureyri , the “capital” of the north, which is great for catching up on some culture, visiting galleries or having a night on the town (with at least three bars to choose from!).

The Ring Road will take you from fjord to fjord, past eerie mountains and into quiet seaside villages. Fáskrúðsfjörður is known for a museum that honors the legacy of French sailors, located inside the beautifully renovated French hospital. In Breiðdalsvík drop by microbrewery Beljandi (named after a waterfall by the same name) and in Djúpivogur take a look at the granite egg sculptures in Gleðivík by renowned artist Sigurður Guðmundsson.

7. Explore local legends on the Diamond Circle

Best road trip of north Iceland Húsavík – Húsavík; approx 250km (155 miles), 2 days

North Iceland’s answer to the Golden Circle is the Diamond Circle . Make your base in the whale-watching town of Húsavík and head east to Ásbyrgi at the northern realms of Vatnajökull National Park . The horseshoe-shaped canyon is characterized by vertical cliffs – walk to the top of Eyjan for an amazing view of the sand beaches to the north and the North Atlantic. This is gyrfalcon territory, the largest falcon in the world, so keep an eye out for the majestic raptors.

With its lovely lake, lava fields, steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs, the Mývatn area is an obligatory stop on the drive back to Húsavík. Take time to marvel at the mighty Goðafoss waterfall in Skjálfandafljót. It’s called the “waterfall of the gods” because legend has it that the lawspeaker (a role in ancient Scandinavian society where someone is entrusted to recite the law) Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan sculptures in the falls after deciding that Icelanders should convert to Christianity in 1000 CE. Further upstream is Aldeyjarfoss, another spectacular waterfall surrounded by columnar basalt.

Planning tip: Don’t forget to reserve some time for Húsavík itself, a bustling town with interesting museums and fabulous seafood restaurants. Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths are perched up on Húsavíurhöfði next to a yellow lighthouse with an unobstructed view of the whale-watching boats on Skjálfandi Bay.

8. Take a leisurely drive along the Arctic Coast Way

Best coastal road trip for taking your sweet time Hvammstangi – Bakkafjörður; approx 900km (560 miles), 2 weeks

Designed for slow travel, the Arctic Coast Way slings along Iceland’s northern coastline, encompassing sleepy villages, six islands and amazing natural sites few people get to see. The route starts at the seal-watching town Hvammstangi in northwest Iceland and ends in windblown Bakkafjörður in the northeast. Along the way, drivers will encounter dramatic views, lonely lighthouses and some interesting stories.

At Þrístapar, you can learn about the gruesome fate of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the heroine of Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites who was the last woman executed in Iceland. At Brimslóð in Blönduós, there’s the option to go foraging for your dinner, and in Skagaströnd have your fortune told at the Museum of Þórdís the Prophetess. In summer, the midnight sun bounces off the ocean surface, and in winter, the northern lights dance across the night sky in between blinking stars – far from light pollution.

Other interesting stops include Hvítserkur sea stack, the massive Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn, an ancient stone monument inspired by Norse mythology, and the gannet colony at Stóri Karl on Langanes.

Planning tip: Take your time to explore on foot, and book whale-watching, kayaking or diving tours for a different perspective of this wild coastal region.

This article was first published Oct 6, 2020 and updated Mar 4, 2024.

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