7 Day Iceland Itinerary
Intricately etched with ethereal landscapes, thundering waterfalls and sizzling volcanoes, Iceland is unparalleled when it comes to adventure. Before you jet down to the land of Fire and Ice, find out everything you need to know in this 7 Day Iceland Itinerary.
Carved with crystal-clear glaciers, towering ice caves and bubbling mud baths, Iceland is touted as the ultimate explorer’s enclave. From the verdant fields and eerily empty roads to the blissfully blue lagoons and heavenly hot springs, this European landscape is sure to ignite the fire within.
The Fire & Ice Route: How to Spend 7 Days in Iceland
Interested in more itineraries? Scroll further down to find Iceland trips for 5, 10, 14 and 21 days!
If you're wondering how to spend 7 days on this stellar sojourn, you're in luck. Lapped with lyrical contrasts, this Iceland itinerary is not for the faint-hearted. Here is a basic breakdown of the ultimate road trip:
Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland
Day 2-3: The Golden Circle, Iceland
Day 4-5: Jokursalon & Eastern Fjords, Iceland
Day 6-7: Kirkjufell & Northern Iceland
Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland
After landing at either Keflavik Airport or Reykjavik Airport, make your way into the city centre. Kick off your 7 day Iceland itinerary in the beating heart of the capital city, Reykjavik.
Hemmed in by steaming hot springs, buzzing streets, awe-worthy architecture and backed myriad mountains, Reykjavik is a stellar spot to set the ball in motion. Swing past the towering Hallgrímskirkja Church, feast your eyes on the Sun Voyager sculpture and get enticed by a performance at the Harpan Centre.
Dine in the gourmet gastronomy scene at the glass-domed Perlan, get pampered at the Sky Lagoon and head out bar hopping in the colourful Laugavegur.
Pop into the Nauthólsvik Geothermal Beach and release your inner contemporary artist at the National Gallery of Iceland.
Set out on a stroll through the verdant Öskjuhlíđ, visit the iconic Northern Lights Centre and get gobsmacked by a Northern Lights bus tour.
Things to do in Reykjavik:
Bathe in the bliss-inducing water of the Blue Lagoon
Bask in the beauty of a whale watching & marine life cruise
Relish your senses on a foodie adventure tour
Get active on a glacier snowmobile trip
See all the highlights on a hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Reykjavik:
Day 2-3: The Golden Circle, Iceland
After spending your first day in Reykjavik, now’s the time to spice up your Iceland itinerary. Jump in the car and drive out to Iceland's iconic Golden Circle.
Straddling swoon-worthy sites, the Golden Circle is illustrated by all-around natural splendour. From the geothermal area and lava rock-lined lakes to the UNESCO-listed parks and roaring waterfalls, this is a site not to be missed. Lock eyes on the awe-inspiring Langjökull Glacier, soak in the Secret Lagoon and peer over the plundering Gullfoss Waterfall.
Admire the greenery in Thingvellir National Park, hike out to the Kerid Crater and swing past the Kaukadlur ravine. Feel the heat in the Geysir Geothermal Area, discover the ice-capped Sólheimajökull and head under one of the gigantic lava tunnels known as Raufarhólshellir. Alternatively, you could base yourself in the capital city and visit the Golden Circle, South Coast & Glaciers on this all-inclusive tour.
Things to do in The Golden Circle:
Get creative with a bread-baking experience in Laugarvatn Fontana
Head underwater and go snorkelling in Silfra
Get refreshed on a dip in Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths
Where to Stay in The Golden Circle:
€€: Náttúra Yurtel
Day 4-5: Jokulsarlon & Eastern Fjords, Iceland
Following a few days of gawking at the Golden Circle, jump in the car and get a move on. This next chunk of your 7 day Iceland itinerary invites you into the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Eastern Fjords.
Etched with enthralling scenery, crystal-clear ice caves and Iceland’s deepest lake, this corner of the country is a must-see. Spend half a day in Jökulsárlón and pop by the freezing Glacier Lagoon, the glittering iceberg-dotted Diamond Beach and the Vatnajokull Blue Ice Cave. Make your way over to East Iceland and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
From the jagged peaks and narrow fjords to the lush forests and verdant valleys, there's a huge haul of highlights on offer.
Check out the Vatnajokull Glacier, stand at the mercy of the Hengifoss Waterfall and hike around the rugged Vestrahorn mountain range.
Soak up the art scene in Seydisfjordur, observe the reindeer population in Hallormsstadaskogur and learn about local folklore in the legend-filled museums.
Things to do in Jokulsarlon & Eastern Fjords:
Don’t miss a detail on the Crystal Ice Cave on a day tour
Get active on a glacier hike through Skaftafell National Park
Bathe in the blissful Vök Geothermal Baths
Where to Stay near Jokulsarlon & Eastern Fjords:
€€€: Hrifunes Nature Park
Day 6-7: Kirkjufell & Northern Iceland
After exploring the region, it’s time to bring your 7 day Iceland itinerary to a close. Head up the northern stretch of Iceland and to Kirkjufell.
Woven with whimsical waterfalls, baffling sea stacks and death-defying canyons, Northern Iceland is nothing short of a nonpareil gem. Stand in awe at Dettifoss Waterfall, explore the eclectic Arctic Hedge and peer up at the mighty volcanic Námafjall Mountain.
Walk along the Ásbyrgi Canyon, peruse the Kolugljúfur Waterfall and feel the sea breeze at the Hvítserkur Sea Stack. Roll along the river Skjalfandafljot and admire the basaltic-column-framed Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall. Wind things in the notorious Church Mountain, known as Kirkjufell.
Things to do in Kirkjufell & Northern Iceland:
Get active on a sea kayak tour in Stykkishólmur
Bathe in the Krauma Geothermal Baths
Enjoy a whale-watching tour from Akureyri
Where to Stay near Kirkjufell & Northern Iceland:
€€: Arnarstapi Hotel
€€€: Miđhraun Lava Resort
Iceland Itineraries for 5, 10, 14 & 21 days
5-day Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík
Day 2-3: The Golden Circle
Day 4-5: Jokursalon & Eastern Fjords
10-day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Reykjavík & Blue Lagoon
Day 3-5: The Golden Circle
Day 6-8: Jokursalon, Fjallsarlon & Eastern Fjords
Day 9-10: Kirkjufell & Northern Iceland
14-day Itinerary
Day 1-3: Reykjavík & Blue Lagoon
Day 4-6: The Golden Circle
Day 7-10: Jokursalon, Fjallsarlon & Eastern Fjords
Day 11-13: Kirkjufell & Northern Iceland
Day 14: Höfn
21-day Itinerary
Day 1-4: Reykjavík & Blue Lagoon
Day 5-7: The Golden Circle
Day 8-10: Selfoss, Thingvellir National Park & South Iceland
Day 11-12: Vatnajökull National Park
Day 13-15: Jokursalon, Fjallsarlon & Eastern Fjords
Day 16-18: Lake Myvatn & Krafla
Day 19-21: Kirkjufell, Akureyri & Northern Iceland
Best Time To Visit Iceland
Iceland boasts year-round delights, and the best time to visit depends on what you've set out on seeing.
The summer season, June, July and August, are the most promising for longer days and warmer temperatures. Topped with summertime festivities, you can even experience the notorious midnight sun. The peak season also offers a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities to the full.
If you're set on seeing the northern lights or aurora borealis, the best time to do this route is from November to March. You’ll also be able to bask in the geothermal spas with fewer crowds too.
Here are some of the key events and things to see each month:
January: Reykjavik International Games, Dark Music Days Contemporary Festival and Ice caves
February: Winter Lights Festival, Food & Fun Festival and Northern Lights
March: Iceland Winter Games, Annual Beer Festival and Northern Lights
April: Reykjavik International Literary Festival and Puffins and golden plover migration
May: Vaka Folk Arts Festival, Stockfish Film Festival and whale watching
June: Hafnarfjörður Viking Festival, Reykjavik Arts Festival and midnight sun
July: Fringe Festival, Lunga Arts Festival, Folk Music Festival
August: Reykjavik Pride, Reykjavik Culture Night, National Festival
September: Reykjavik International Film Festival, The Night of Lights, Reykjavik Jazz Festival, Icelandic Blues Festival
October: Cycle Music and Art Festival, Northern Lights and berry picking
November: hot springs, ice caves and Northern Lights
December: frozen waterfalls, glaciers and Christmas events
How to Get Around Iceland
Iceland is home to a dazzling diversity of scenery, from the bubbling volcanoes to the iconic glaciers. Pinned with pursuits at every end, this lyrical landscape makes for the ultimate road trip.
From catching the city bus to navigating the winding roads in a campervan, here are the best ways to get around Iceland:
Hire a car
Renting a car or campervan in Iceland is easily one of the top ways of getting around. Offering flexibility and the freedom to go at your own pace, driving is the most ideal option.
During the summer season, a 2WD is fit for conquering the main roads. If you plan on heading into the highlands, a 4WD is a must.
Keep in mind that many roads can close during the winter, so check on the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website before going ahead with your plans.
Fly on an aeroplane
If you’re planning to get off the beaten track In your 7 day Iceland itinerary, you could consider catching a flight.
You’ll be able to save on transport time, and if you don’t have a car, this could be the ideal option for you. Before booking, compare your options with Skyscanner.
The major airports in Iceland are:
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV)
Akureyri Airport (AEY)
Egilsstađir Airport (EGS)
Ísafjörđur Airport (IFJ)
Board a ferry
Iceland is well-connected with ferries, and if you’re looking for a scenic route, this very well could be it. Here are a handful of ferries to consider adding to your Iceland itinerary:
The Westman Islands Ferry
Westfjords Ferry Iceland
Hrisey Ferry
Hornstrandir Ferry
Papey Ferry
Grimsey Island Ferry
Videy Ferry
Catch a bus
The local bus, known as Strætó, is a feasible option for those who don’t have a car. In addition to Strætó, there are alternative bus networks that operate in the east and west too.
When planning a trip to Iceland, make sure to check timetables ahead of time.
Top Travel Tips for Your 7 Day Iceland Itinerary
Travelling to Iceland is an all-encompassing experience, from the misty mountain tops to the crashing coast. Each and every corner of this country will have you on the edge of your seat! To help ensure that your 7 day Iceland itinerary goes as smoothly as possible, check out the following tips:
Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, so don’t be afraid to venture outside of your itinerary and towards the better weather
Download a digital SIM card
Learn how to pack light so you can steer clear of the extra baggage fees
Keflavik Airport is the main international airport in Iceland whereas Reykjavik is only for domestic flights
You can only buy alcohol in state-run stores called Vinbudin
Set up a travel budget and organise a savings plan
Learn a few local phrases before going
Organise your flights and accommodation well in advance (at least 3-4 months)
Learn how to score cheap flights before booking
Find local delicacies at the markets, rather than from chain stores
Don’t overschedule your Iceland itinerary
Get sorted with travel insurance before you go
Planning Your Next Euro Trip?
If you’re jet-setting across the globe, you might be keen on seeing what else is on offer. With Europe and the UK sitting right around the corner, why not combine this 7 day Iceland itinerary with something else?
Whether it’s Central Europe, Scandinavia or the Mediterranean that’s on your mind, check out these itineraries below:
FAQS
Is 7 days enough to see Iceland?
1 week is enough time to see some of Iceland’s highlights, but you may feel a bit rushed. You’ll visit top attractions like Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and some of the fjords.
How many days are needed in Iceland?
Generally, 10 to 14 days is the ideal time to travel around Iceland. For an in-depth dive into the country’s quaint villages and natural scenery, 3 weeks would be suitable.
How much money should I take to Iceland for 7 days?
Iceland is far more expensive than other European countries. If you’re planning a trip here, it’s important to budget with that in mind. The average cost of a 1 week Iceland trip is around $700 to $2000 USD. This varies depending on your travel style and what you want to do.
Can you drive around Iceland in 7 days?
If you want to drive around the ‘Ring Road’ of Iceland, 7 to 10 days is considered enough time. There are many highlights to discover, and if you want more flexibility, 14 days would be the best option.
Why Visit Iceland?
Lain with lucid landscapes, fiery peaks and ice-cold glaciers, Iceland is truly a traveller’s treasure trove. From the snow-capped mountains to the bubbling Blue Lagoon, there’s no doubt you’ll be left craving more.
Before you head out on the trip of a lifetime, save this 7 Day Iceland Itinerary!