The Best Iceland 7-Day Itinerary
Welcome to your guide to the ultimate 7-day Iceland itinerary through the land of fire and ice! Iceland is out of this world beautiful. Seriously, when you are there, it feels like you are on another planet. Iceland is the most beautiful and unique place I have ever traveled to, and I am 100% sure you will feel the same way when you visit.
You can technically travel around the entire country of Iceland in one week, but I would not recommend it. Exploring Iceland should not be rushed. There is so much to see, and the last thing you want to do is feel like you are running from one place to another, not taking in the full beauty.
This Iceland 7-day itinerary will take you to the most beautiful parts of Western Iceland, including mountains, glaciers, and many waterfalls. This guide has everything you need to know to plan the best 7-day Iceland itinerary!
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Things to Know Before Creating an Iceland 7-Day Itinerary
Research the time of year you want to visit because the sunlight varies throughout the year. When you plan your 7 days in Iceland, it is crucial to research the sunlight during the year. In June and July, Iceland has about 21 hours of sunlight, but it only has about five hours of sunlight in December and January. As you can imagine, winter brings less tourism because of the sunlight and cold weather, which means attractions will be less crowded, but winters in Iceland are harsh. On the flip side, summer has high tourism, so many must-see sights will have crowds, but the weather is much better.
Some parking lots require a parking fee. Some trailheads have kiosks, while others use an app called Parka. I recommend downloading it in advance and inputting your car information so it is easy to pay once you arrive at the trailhead.
Rent a 4x4 so you can drive on F roads. F roads will be your best and worst friends in Iceland. F roads are unmaintained mountain roads that can have anything from rocks to river crossings. Although you can stay on the Ring Road to see many of the must-see sights in your Iceland 7-day itinerary, F roads bring you to some of the most beautiful areas in Iceland. If you are up for driving on F roads, you should rent a 4x4 because they are the only cars that can survive on them.
Get all of the car rental insurance. I cannot stress enough how important insurance is when you rent a car in Iceland, especially if you will be driving on F roads. As I mentioned above, F roads are crazy, so it is nice to have car insurance.
Cook your food. Is Iceland expensive? The short answer is yes, but it does not have to be! There are plenty of ways to save money. One of the best ways to save money is cooking your food because eating at restaurants can add up quickly. I still recommend enjoying delicious food at an Icelandic restaurant, but maybe not every night.
Stay in house rentals. Some hotels can be pricey compared to Airbnbs or other rentals. Also, once you leave the city, hotels are few and far between. It is much easier to find rentals on Airbnb and similar sites. You can also stay in some amazing and unique accommodations!
Get a discount gas card. Gas is expensive in Iceland, so if you have a car rental, I highly recommend getting a discount gas card. Some rental car companies will even provide one to you!
Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they do not have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
What to Pack for Iceland
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
The Ultimate Iceland 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Iceland Itinerary:
The first day of your Iceland 7-day itinerary consists of taking it slow and getting into the Iceland groove. And let’s be honest, jet lag is not fun. Once you land at Keflavík Airport, you can pick up your rental car and begin your explorations!
Kleifarvatn Lake will be your first Iceland stop, and it will not disappoint! Kleifarvatn Lake is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is 318 feet deep. An earthquake in 2000 created a fissure in the middle of Kleifarvatn Lake and drained most of the water. However, over the years, it refilled, and the lake is back to its original state. Kleifarvatn Lake is surrounded by mountains, so it is incredibly scenic!
Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, will be where you shop for groceries for the week and walk around the city to find your bearings. Reykjavik has the largest grocery stores, so I suggest buying most of your food here. The whole city of Reykjavík is so cute, so you cannot go wrong with anything you do. BUT you have to make sure you visit Hallgrimskirkja, the tallest church in Iceland because it is beautiful! You can explore the beautiful interior for free or go to the top for a small price.
Kerid Crater Lake is a volcanic crater with a lake in the middle, and it is beautiful! It is one of the few things you have to pay for (not including tours) in this 7-day Iceland itinerary. The small entrance fee goes to help them keep the place beautiful and preserved, so in my opinion, it is worth it. You can hike around the lake or the rim of Kerid Crater.
Urridafoss is the first waterfall in this itinerary! Urridafoss is in the Þjórsá River, Iceland's longest river, and although it is not the biggest waterfall you see, it is the most voluminous in the country! The beautiful waterfall will not disappoint and is a great spot to watch the sunset.
Day 2 Iceland Itinerary:
The second day in this Iceland 7-day itinerary is an action-packed day full of waterfalls, waterfalls, and more waterfalls! I suggest waking up early to allow for more exploration time. Your body may hate you for the early wake-up call, but it is worth it, I promise.
Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) is a beautiful valley and mountain range between three glaciers - Tindfjallajokull, Myrdalsjokull, and Eyjafjallajokull. Honestly, you could probably spend an entire day or more here if you have the time. The F road leading to Thorsmork is incredibly bumpy and difficult to drive with deep river crossings. I highly recommend booking a ticket on a mountain bus that can easily take you into and out of Thorsmork. There are plenty of hiking opportunities in Thorsmork, with the shortest and best one being the hike to Valahnukur. It is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that offers beautiful views of glaciers, rivers, volcanoes, and cliffs covered in moss. It is pretty epic!
If you want to visit Thorsmork, I recommend spending at least a half-day exploring it.
Seljalandsfoss is an iconic Iceland waterfall that you can walk behind. The 197-foot waterfall is only a short walk to the waterfall from the parking lot, so no hiking is involved! This beautiful waterfall will leave you speechless.
Not too far from Seljalandsfoss is another iconic Iceland waterfall, Skógafoss. Skógafoss is 82 feet wide and 200 feet tall and is EPIC! You can walk up to the base of the falls or hike to the top of it! No matter which way you want to experience Skógafoss, you will not be disappointed. These falls are stunning!
Dyrholaey is an arch on a cliff along a black sand beach. Not only does the cliff provide epic views of Dyrholaey, but it also provides beautiful views of the mountains inland. It is a pretty epic spot!
Reynisfjara is the infamous black sand beach located by the town of Vík. The sand is from eroded volcanic rock, which gives it a black color. There is a lot to see here, including the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, the Hálsanefshellir sea cave, and the Gardar cliff. BUT before you begin exploring, take note of the ocean. The waves can be CRAZY and sneak up on you in a matter of seconds on Reynisfjara, so be careful and aware!
Fjaðrárgljúfur is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, in my opinion. Fjaðrárgljúfur is a gorgeous canyon with a river running through it and is about 330 feet deep and over a mile long. And the best part? It only requires a short walk to get to the beautiful viewpoint in Fjaðrárgljúfur!
Day 3 Iceland Itinerary:
The third day of this Iceland 7-day road trip itinerary explores the largest national park in Iceland, Vatnajökull National Park. It is the only national park on earth that offers a diverse landscape, including mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal energy.
If you have more time and want to do everything in this area, I recommend allocating at least two days to Vatnajökull National Park. If you want to do some self-exploring with maybe one tour in Vatnajökull National Park, then one day in your itinerary is perfect!
Jokulsarlon is a glacier lagoon at the base of Vatnajökull Glacier with huge icebergs. Yes, it is as beautiful as it sounds! Across the street from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is Diamond Beach which has huge ice blocks along the beach that look like diamonds in the sun. Diamond Beach is a beautiful spot for sunrise or sunset!
Svartifoss is another beautiful Iceland waterfall. Svartifoss is surrounded by black basalt columns, which is where it gets its name, Black Falls, and is only a 1-mile hike from the Visitor Center is required. If you are looking for a longer trail, have no fear! There are fun trails that bring you by Svartifoss, a beautiful 360° viewpoint of glaciers at Sjónarsker, and turf-roofed houses at Sel. It is not difficult, so I highly recommend allocating 2-3 hours for the longer hike.
Want to hike more? Snæfell Wilderness Area has you covered. Snæfell is the tallest mountain in Iceland outside of glaciers, and this beautiful area has so many options for hiking that will take you off the beaten path. Many of the hikes are over 12 miles, so be prepared for a long day or multi-day treks (if you have the time). One of the most popular trails leads to the summit of Snæfell, which is a strenuous 10-mile hike. Crampons are a requirement most of the year, so make sure to be prepared! Oh, and Snæfell Wilderness Area is the perfect place to see Reindeer.
- Vatnajökull is one of the largest ice caps in Europe and is the perfect area for glacier hikes and ice cave tours . Touring the ice caves is UNREAL. Seriously, you will not experience anything else like this anywhere else. However, you can only go on an ice cave tour between October and March. You can also take a tour to the top of Vatnajökull!
WHERE TO STAY:
You can continue to stay in Vik or near Selfoss .Best Hotels:
Day 4 Iceland Itinerary:
The fourth day in this Iceland 7-day itinerary will be a day of driving on an F road for over two hours to get to a beautiful piece of Iceland. I promise the long and crazy drive is worth it!
Landmannalaugar, also known as the People’s Pool is the land of multicolored mountains, lava fields, and volcanoes. It is a popular area for hiking and offers natural hot springs. This beauty is, however, very difficult to get to. The best way to get to Landmannalaugar is taking F208 from the north, which leads you in without any river crossings. I believe all other roads require river crossings, some of which are very deep. Once in Landmannalaugar, it is time to explore!
The hike to Mt Bláhnjúkur, also known as Blue Peak, is a 4-mile, relatively easy loop and gives you amazing views of the Laugahraun Lava field and multicolored mountains.
The hike to Brennisteinsalda Volcano is a 6-mile loop that brings you to a small volcano and some of the most beautiful views of Landmannalaugar. As the trail approaches the Brennisteinsalda volcano, it becomes steep and narrow but eventually turns into an easy path to the top.
The most popular hike in Landmannalaugar is the Laugavegur Circle hiking trail. It is an easy, 3-mile trail that travels through lava fields into the beautiful multicolored mountains and is great for all hiking levels! This trail is a must-do hike in Landmannalaugar!
Once you have finished hiking, head on over to the beautiful geothermal hot spring near the parking lot. It is the perfect way to spend your time until you head out of Landmannalaugar.
WHERE TO STAY:
You can continue staying in the accommodation in Selfoss or the campground in Landmannalaugar. If you stay outside of Landmannalaugar, I recommend giving yourself enough time to drive on the F road with sunlight. Driving on F roads in the dark can be sketchy.
Day 5 iceland Itinerary:
There are only a few more days left of this Iceland 7-day itinerary! The fifth day will include exploring beautiful waterfalls and hot springs. Get your cameras, hiking boots, and bathing suits ready for another fun day in Iceland!
Bruarfoss is a small but breathtaking secluded waterfall. Because it is glacier-fed with multiple streams converging into a deep crevice in one place, the water takes on a bright blue color. And yes, the water is that blue! I recommend getting there early since parking is limited, and if there is no parking available, come back later in the day.
Gullfoss is an iconic Iceland waterfall located on the Hvítá River and is fed by the second-largest glacier in Iceland, Langjökull. It is easily accessible off the Ring Road near the Great Geysir (also known as Strokkur). Gullfoss cascades down in two sections - one 36 feet high and the other 69 feet high - into a 1.6-mile-long canyon. It is the largest volume waterfall in Europe, so take THAT as powerful! There is an easy path alongside Gullfoss that provides epic views.
The Secret Lagoon (also known as Galma Laugin) is a beautiful man-made pool fed by a natural hot spring. It is a great place to relax and take in the beautiful mossy lava fields surrounding it. There is also a small geyser that erupts every few minutes nearby!
Háifoss is the fourth tallest waterfall in Iceland and is my personal favorite. The coolest thing about Háifoss is your position to view it. You get to gaze down at this 400-foot waterfall on a cliff across from it. It is pretty epic! There is also a small waterfall next to Háifoss called Granni, which means neighbor in Icelandic.
Day 6 Iceland Itinerary:
Get ready for another action-packed day on this amazing Iceland 7-day itinerary! There will be hiking, glaciers, and more waterfalls today, so get your exploring pants on and start the day early!
Glymur is the second tallest waterfall in Iceland and comes in at 643 feet tall! Glymur is not easy to get and requires a 5-mile hike that will take about 3 hours to complete. The trail to Glymur is SO much fun, though! It travels through a cave, up steep inclines, and across two rivers! The first river crossing is fun and has a rope and log to help you cross! After crossing the river, you will encounter steep inclines, which are sketchy, but there are ropes to hold on to while climbing up. Soon enough, there is a view of Glymur! And the views away from the waterfall are pretty epic. The hike down starts with climbing further up! You have to head up to the top of Glymur and cross over it before you can head back down. The second river crossing is more difficult than the first. The water is deep and freezing, so if you want to go barefoot, you may go numb. The rocks on the riverbed are also very smooth and slippery, so it is hard to get your footing. The current doesn’t help either. We attempted to find a shallow part but failed, so we resorted to crossing in our hiking boots, and I do not regret it!
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are two small but beautiful waterfalls located near each other. Hraunfossar consists of multiple waterfalls cascading down a cliff into a river, and Barnafoss is a small, beautiful waterfall with a creepy story. A mother who lived near the waterfall left her children at home while attending a Christmas service. When she came back, her children were gone… She found their footsteps leading to a rock arch over the waterfall. She had the arch destroyed, so no one could have the same fate as her children. Yeah, pretty spooky, but Barnafoss is still a beautiful waterfall!
- Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull, can be explored by a tour. One of the best tours is Into the Glacier, a 3-4 hour tour that provides activities including ice caving and glacier hiking on Langjökull! The departure location is a few minutes away from Hraunfossar and Barnafoss in the Húsafell Center. The price is a little hefty, but I think it is an incredible experience and well worth the money! Also, it is crucial to bring warm clothes. Even in the summer, it will be very cold on Langjökull!
WHERE TO STAY:
You can continue staying at the same accommodation in Selfoss or near Helgafellssveit. It is a cute town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and where the last day of your explorations in Iceland will be!
Day 7 Iceland Itinerary:
We have come to the last day of this Iceland 7-day itinerary! One more day of explorations before heading back home. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the last area you will be exploring, and it will not disappoint.
Kirkjufell is one of the most well-known mountains in Iceland. Photographs of Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss are everywhere because it is an iconic spot! Kirkjufell is a 1,500-foot mountain next to a small, beautiful waterfall called Kirkjufellsfoss. This area is an epic spot for sunrise or sunset!
Snæfellsjökull National Park is located at the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and is one of three national parks in Iceland. It has many beautiful sights with the most well-known being Snæfellsjökull- a two-peak volcano, Buðahraun- a lava field, and Djúpalónssandur. Djúpalónssandur is a beautiful black pebble beach with incredible rock formations in the ocean. It is only a short walk through lava fields from the parking lot to get down to the beach. Once on Djúpalónssandur, there are many trails in the area. These trails can lead to two freshwater lagoons, Djúpulón and Svörtulón, and a shipwreck from 1948. And keep an eye out for ghosts of the 14 men who lost their lives in the shipwreck. SPOOKY!!
Eldborg Crater is an inactive volcano on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and was last active over 5,000 years ago. If you are interested to see what it looks like inside, there is an easy, 3.9-mile hike to the top of the crater. Once at the top, you can see a few other nearby craters. Out of all of them, Eldborg Crater is known to be the most perfectly shaped crater because it is very symmetric.
If you have more time to spend in Iceland, you can spread these sights out over more days or add even more beautiful attractions to your Iceland itinerary! If you only have a week, this guide is a great starting point in planning an incredible Iceland 7-day itinerary!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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