Complete 7 Day Iceland Itinerary: THREE Different Road Trip Ideas

Planning a trip to Iceland? Yay! Iceland is one of my absolute favourite countries in the *entire* world. I’ve been to Iceland twice and I’m currently planning my third trip. There is nowhere else in the world like Iceland. It’s the land of fire and ice, where volcanic landscapes meet dramatic glaciers. It truly is an absolute must-visit destination.

Creating your dream Iceland itinerary is no simple task. Iceland is a vast country filled with incredible landscapes and natural features. In this post, I’ve shared different ideas for the ultimate 7-day trip to Iceland.

The first 7-day Iceland itinerary is based on a road trip between May and September. With more daylight hours and less snow, these are the best months for a road trip in Iceland. I’ve also shared a 7-day winter road trip itinerary for Iceland. The winter is the perfect time to visit Iceland if you want to see the Northern Lights or one of the famous ice caves.

Read next: Is Iceland worth visiting? 15 reasons to convince you it is

Each of the below Iceland itinerary ideas are based on hiring a rental vehicle and embarking on a self-drive road trip. If you’re not planning to hire a car, your best bet is to base yourself in Reykjavik and join day tours from there.

Without further a due, here are my 7-day Iceland itinerary ideas!

7-Day Iceland itinerary: Highlights of Iceland  

This first 7-day itinerary for Iceland focuses on the major highlights of Iceland, including the South Coast, The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the capital city of Reykjavik.

In my opinion, this is the ideal road trip itinerary for those visiting Iceland for the first time. This Iceland itinerary is based on hiring a rental vehicle and visiting between May and September.

The Reykjanes Peninsula is where Iceland’s international airport is and more than likely where you will begin your exciting 7-day road trip around Iceland.

Once you’ve collected your vehicle, head to the famous Blue Lagoon. This is arguably the world’s most famous geothermal spa. It’s set in the most stunning volcanic landscape and if there’s one paid activity you do in Iceland, make it this.

The Blue Lagoon is only a twenty-minute drive from the International Airport, so you won’t have to travel far to experience your first highlight in Iceland.

I’m not the biggest fan of spas or hot springs, but this one is an absolute favourite of mine. The natural waters of the Blue Lagoon are rich in volcanic minerals and perfect for relaxation. Spend a couple of hours relaxing in the calming waters and consider treating yourself to a spa experience.

Following your time at the Blue Lagoon, there are two options: 

Option 1: head straight to your accommodation for the night

Option 2: Explore more of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Peninsula is often overlooked by visitors but there are some interesting things to see.

If you opt to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula, consider visiting the Gunnuhver Geothermal area. This will give you your first insight into the volcanic activity in Iceland. Another popular area of the Peninsula is the ‘Bridge Between Continents’. This famous bridge connects North America with Europe. It’s literally a bridge between the two. Pretty cool, huh?

Where to stay on day one

I’d recommend staying the night in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. Alternatively, you could consider staying on the outskirts of the Reykjavik area.

Reykjavik has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets. If you’re a backpacker in Iceland, the best hostel is Loft Hi Hostel Reykjavik. If you’re like me and prefer hostels to have somewhere to lock your valuables away, then this hostel is a good option. Kex is another popular hostel in Reykjavik.

For a little bit more luxury without breaking the bank, consider the Berjaya Iceland Hotel in Reykjavik Marina. It’s a lovely area of the city. Another one of my favourite places to stay in Reykjavik is the Aska Apartment. It’s in the heart of the city and has everything you need.

Total driving time: this will depend on how much of the Reykjanes Peninsula you opt to explore. The distance between the Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik City is approximately 50km (31 miles). It takes around 45 minutes depending on where you choose to stay.

Tip: if your flight is landing later in the day, consider visiting the Blue Lagoon on your way back to the airport.

Day two: Reykjavik and to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Spend the morning of your second day in Iceland getting acquainted with the capital city. There is so much to do in Reykjavik, but with just 7-days in Iceland, it won’t be possible to see it all.

I’d suggest focusing your morning on seeing some of Reykjavik’s highlights. This includes the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church and visiting the beautiful marina area.

If you have time, Reykjavik is one of the best places in Iceland to go whale watching. The best time to see whales is between April and September, but it’s possible to see whales all year close to Reykjavik.

After lunch, pack up your car and start the drive towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This area isn’t always included in a 7-day itinerary as it is a little out of the way, but it’s well worth it. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is a wild area of Iceland full of natural beauty. It’s an absolute must.

Note: if you want to spend longer exploring Reykjavik, it’s possible to skip the Snaefellsnes Peninsula altogether. I’ve included an option for doing this below. 

Depending on what time you arrive in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, try to see a couple of the highlights today. I’d suggest heading straight to the Kirkjufell area to see the iconic mountain and waterfall. It really is beautiful.

Plan to spend around an hour at Kirkjufell before heading to your accommodation. If you have more time, I’ve listed some other things to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on day three.

Where to stay on day two

Tonight will be spent in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. I’d suggest heading straight to the Kirkjufell area. That way, you can work your way back down to the Reykjavik area on day three.

The Kirkjufell Guesthouse is a popular place to stay on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s right down the road from Kirkjufell so is conveniently located.

I stayed in the Grundi I Grundarfirdi Guesthouse and loved it there. It’s a great budget option and has rooms with shared bathrooms and a shared kitchen.

Note: if you don’t want to stay overnight in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, it’s possible to do it as a day trip from Reykjavik. This would mean starting your day very early, but it’s certainly doable. You’d then be able to stay in the same accommodation on nights one and two.

Total driving time: from Reykjavik, it takes around 2 or 3 hours to reach Kirkjufell. I would suggest leaving Reykjavik no later than 2 pm.

Day three: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The third day of this 7-day Iceland itinerary will be spent exploring the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula. From iconic mountains, and rugged coastlines to golden beaches, this area of Iceland has so much to offer. 

Tip: there are so many things to see in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, be sure to start your day nice and early. I’d suggest starting at Kirkjufell (if you didn’t see that yesterday) and working your way anti-clockwise around the peninsula from there.

Here are just a few of the best things to do in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula:

• Kirkjufell: I mentioned this in the itinerary yesterday, but Kirkjufell Mountain is an absolute must. The mountain stands at 463-meters tall and it’s known as one of the most photographed places in Iceland. For the best views of Kirkjufell, walk over the road to Kirkjufellsfoss. This small but pretty waterfall is the perfect place to admire Kirkjufell.

• See orcas: if seeing Orcas (killer whales) is high on your bucket list, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of the best places to do so. Head to the small town of Olafsvik and join a whale watching tour with Laki Tours. The tours run from February through to September.

• Skardsvik Beach: this scenic beach in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of Iceland’s few golden sand beaches. With stunning rock formations and a dramatic coastline, it’s well worth visiting.

• Svortuloft lighthouse: just down the road from Skardsvik beach is the Svortuloft lighthouse. This bright orange lighthouse has a wooden path leading up to the viewpoint over the coast. If you’re up for an adventure, consider the Ondverdarnesviti lighthouse. You’ll need to drive down a dirt road to reach here, but it’s much less visited than Svortuloft.

• Saxholl Crater: Iceland is famous for its volcanic activity and the Saxholl Crater is a great example of this. You can view the crater from the road or walk up the stairs to view it from the top.

• Djupalonssandur beach: another great thing to do in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is to visit Djupalonssandur beach to see the famous shipwreck of a British trawler.

• Londrangar viewpoint: this stunning viewpoint boasts incredible views of the famous Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs. It’s possible to do a hike in Londrangar, but you might have to sacrifice other stops in this list.

• Arnarstapi to Hellnar hike: this was one of my favourite things I did in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s a great way to explore some of the dramatic and beautiful coastlines in the area. Begin the hike in Arnarstapi and follow the path along to Hellnar. The hike is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long in each direction. You’ll walk past some interesting rock formations, lava fields and waterfalls.

• Visit the black church: this famous church is one of Iceland’s most recognisable landmarks. Budakirkja is a tiny black church surrounded by stunning scenery. It’s a great way to end your day exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Where to stay on day three

Tomorrow will be spent exploring the Golden Circle, so I’d recommend getting as close to there as possible.

The Golden Circle is a large area and there are several convenient locations to base yourself. One of the best places to stay when exploring the Golden Circle is the small town of Selfoss. There are some great accommodation options here.

I stayed for a night at the Thoristun Apartments which are very good value. For something a little bit more budget-friendly, consider the Ásahraun Guesthouse.  

Another fantastic place to stay near the Golden Circle is the Blue View Cabins. I spent two nights here and honestly could have stayed a month. They come with a kitchen and a hot tub. They’re only 30-minutes down the road from Gullfoss in the Golden Circle.

It’s a good idea to base yourself here for two nights.  

Total driving time on day three: today is a BIG driving day. If you’re driving from Kirkjufell to Selfoss, it’s going to be at least four hours of driving.

Day four: The Golden Circle

Next up on this 7-day Iceland itinerary is the Golden Circle – a collection of natural wonders in Iceland.

It’s possible to see all the highlights of the Golden Circle in one day, but I’d advise getting on the road as early as possible. This means you can avoid the crowds, tour busses, and see as much as possible.

There is so much to see and do in the Golden Circle, but here are some of the unmissable highlights:

• Gullfoss waterfall: this is one epic waterfall. It’s a force of nature and one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland.
  Suggested time to spend at Gullfoss: 45 minutes

• Geysir geothermal area: just down the road from Gullfoss is the Geysir geothermal area. This is where you can see Iceland’s iconic erupting geyser, Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes. Plan to spend an hour here admiring the erupting geysir (you’ll want to see it more than once) as well as exploring the area’s other sights including smelly bubbling mud pools.
  Suggested time to spend at Geysir: 45 minutes

• Thingvellir National Park: next up is Thingvellir. This was Iceland’s first national park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage spot. This is where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, creating a unique rift valley which you can walk through and explore. It’s also the home to Silfra Fissure, which is some of the clearest water on earth. You can book to snorkel or dive between the two plates. It’s the only place on the planet where you can swim between two tectonic plates.
  Suggested time to spend at Thingvellir: 2 hours (without any additional activities)

• Kerid Crater: many people skip the Kerid Crater, but I loved it. Kerid is a colourful volcanic crater lake. You can walk up the crater and around the rim, getting stunning views from all different directions. The crater is on private land and when I was there, it cost 400ISK ($3 USD) to enter.
  Suggested time to spend at Kerid: 1 hour

If you’re questioning if visiting the Golden Circle is worth it, I’m here to tell you it is. Sure, it’s great to avoid tourist destinations and try to go off the beaten path. But the Golden Circle is famous for a reason. If you have less than a week in Iceland, I’d prioritise visiting the Golden Circle.

Where to stay on day four

If you stayed in the Selfoss area last night, I’d suggest staying in the same accommodation tonight. It’s in a great location for tomorrow’s activities.

Total driving time on day four: the Golden Circle route covers about 140 miles (230 km). It’s about three hours of driving time in total.

Days five & six: South Coast Highlights

Next up on this 7-day Iceland itinerary is the famous South Coast. I’ve combined these two days as there is so much to see and do. Iceland’s South Coast is famous for its glacier views, black sand beaches, waterfalls and, of course, the iconic Glacier Lagoon.

With such a range of activities available, everyone is going to have their own unique itinerary. For example, if you’re not planning to do any activities, you might make it all the way to the magnificent Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in one day and opt to drive further east.

Here are some of the best things to do on the South Coast of Iceland. These are listed in order of the stops. This is not a complete list of absolutely everything to do, but just a few of the must-visit highlights on a 7-day road trip in Iceland.

• Urridafoss waterfall: this lesser-known waterfall is often skipped on itineraries but it’s a great spot to kick-off your day. It might not be the tallest or most powerful waterfall on this list, but it’s beautiful. It’s away from the crowds too which is a bonus. You’ll find this waterfall just off the main ring road.
  Suggested time to spend at Urridafoss: 20 minutes

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: the first major stop on this itinerary is the iconic Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. There is a parking lot so you can explore the area a little more. You can even walk behind the waterfall (it can get very wet and slippery, so wear the right shoes).
  Suggested time to spend at Seljalandsfoss: 45 minutes – 1 hour

• Skogafoss waterfall: just down the road is another magnificent waterfall. This waterfall is arguably the most photographed waterfall in all of Iceland. You can view it from the bottom or climb up the steps to see the famous rainbow over the waterfall. There’s also a hiking trail that takes you further back. Right next door to Skogafoss in the Skogar museum. The open-air museum explores Icelandic history and you can see some traditional turf-roof houses.  
  Suggested time to spend at Skogafoss waterfall: one hour if you want to walk up the steps

• Solheimajokull Glacier: this lesser-known glacier is well worth a quick stop on your South Coast road trip. From the car park, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the glacier.
  How long to spend at the Solheimajokull glacier: 45 minutes

• Solheimasandur plane wreck: next up is the famous Icelandic plane wreck. Back in 1973, a United States Navy plane crashed on a beach after it ran out of fuel. Everyone survived, but the plane wreck is still there today. I won’t lie, it’s a bit of a hike to the plane wreck. You need to walk for about an hour along a black sand beach to reach it, but it’s well worth it once you’re there.
  Suggested time to spend at Solheimasandur plane wreck: allow two or three hours with the hike

• Dyrholaey: next up is the small peninsula of Dyrholaey. Park at the bottom and hike up for incredible views of the surrounding coastline. There are some stunning views of the blue ocean meeting the black sand beach. It’s also a great place to see the Puffins between April and September (access can be limited in May and June due to the Puffin nesting season). It’s also possible to drive up to the top.
  Suggested time to spend at Dyrholaey: allow 90 minutes if hiking to the top

• Reynisfjara: next up is Reynisfjara, one of Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks. This beautiful black sand beach boasts incredible basalt columns. The beach can be dangerous and it’s important to stay away from the water.
  Suggested time to spend at Reynisfjara: 30 minutes
  
• Vik: the town of Vik is a great spot for some food and a convenient place to stay overnight. It’s the southernmost town in Iceland and is home to the Lava Show where you can see REAL lava.
  
• Fjadrargljufur Canyon: this incredible canyon is one of my favourite places in Iceland. The landscape here is beautiful and the cliffs are covered in green moss. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this was the famous canyon featured in season 8 when Jon and Daenerys rode their dragons (hence the nickname, ‘Game of Thrones canyon’.) It’s a little way from the road so might not be doable for all itineraries, but I’d try to squeeze in if you can.
  Suggested time to spend at Fjadrargljufur Canyon: one hour (plus allow 40 minutes for the drive)
  
• Vatnajokull National Park: a stop here is an absolute must on any 7-day itinerary in Iceland. I’d recommend hiking to Svartifoss, an incredible waterfall over basalt columns. If you want to see a glacier, continue hiking to the Sjonarnipa glacier viewpoint. If you’re not planning to do a glacier hike in Iceland, this is a fantastic alternative.
  How long to spend in Vatnajokull National Park: if you want to do the full hike to the Glacier viewpoint, allow for four hours.

• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: visiting this stunning lagoon full of icebergs is one of the best things to do in Iceland. Opt to take a boat trip around the lagoon or simply admire the icebergs from afar.
  
• Diamond Beach: just over the road from the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the wondrous Diamond Beach. As the icebergs hit the ocean, they often break apart and large chunks of ice land on the beach. The best time to see this is during the spring.
  How long to spend at the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach: plan one hour

This is as far east as this itinerary goes. If you want to travel further on to Hofn to see the famous Stokksnes, you’ll likely have to drop something else from this itinerary. I’ve included an option for that below.

How you choose to split the South Coast of Iceland over days five and six will entirely depend on the activities you choose to do. A glacier hike will take out a big chunk of the day, so you may need to consider dropping another stop mentioned above.

However you choose to spend days five and six of this Iceland itinerary, you’re in for a treat! Iceland’s South Coast is an absolute gem and a must-do on any 7-day trip to Iceland.

Where to stay on days five & six

There are a few options for where to stay tonight on nights five and six. It depends on your plans.

If you’re keen to stay in the same place on both nights, consider the town of Vik. It would mean a lot of driving on day six, but it might be worth it if you prefer to stay in the same place.

The Barn is the local hostel, but it’s certainly on the more expensive side. For a bit of luxury at a fair price, consider the Black Sand Suites. These lovely rooms are right next door to Black Sand Beach and have some epic views. Another great place to stay in Vik is Hótel Kría – it’s very modern and at a good price (for Iceland!).

It’s also worth looking at the area of Kálfafell. Nestled amongst almost never-ending mossy lava fields and dramatic waterfalls, this area is a little bit closer to Vatnajökull National Park. If you’re planning a glacier hike on day six, staying here might be more convenient.

I loved staying at the Dalshöfdi Guesthouse. It’s a long drive down a gravel road, but it’s in the middle of nowhere and has its own private waterfall.

The best place to stay near the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the Fosshotel. Accommodation in the area is very limited so make sure to book well in advance.

Total driving time: the total driving time between Selfoss and the Glacier Lagoon is just under five hours. This will be split over two days with plenty of stops.

Day seven: departure day

On the last day of this 7-day Iceland trip, drive back towards Reykjavik and make any final stops you missed on days five or six.

If you didn’t have time on day one, consider exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula.

READ NEXT: It’s no secret that Iceland is expensive, check out my tips for visiting Iceland on a budget.

Other options

The above 7-day Iceland itinerary is a great option for first-timers. However, there are a few tweaks that could easily be made. Perhaps you’re not bothered about spending time in Reykjavik or perhaps you want to minimise driving.

Here are a few alternatives for your itinerary.

Skip Reykjavik

Not bothered about the city? Fair enough. While Reykjavik is a cool city, it’s not the most exciting place in the world. Let’s be honest, Iceland is famous for its landscapes and dramatic scenery. It’s fair enough if you want to make the most of that instead.

If you skip Reykjavik, I’d suggest heading straight up to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This will give you longer to explore this incredible area, perhaps go whale watching or go for a longer hike.

Another option would be to hike to the famous Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River. Visiting these natural hot springs is one of the best things to do in Iceland.  

Of course, you could also use this extra time to see more of the Golden Circle or Reykjanes Peninsula.

Skip the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (and add the Southeast)

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is one of my favourite parts of Iceland, but it does require a bit of driving. It would be understandable if you wanted to skip the long drive.

Here are a couple of alternative options if you choose to skip the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on your 7-day Iceland itinerary:

• Spend longer in places: the above week itinerary for Iceland is jam-packed. Not everyone goes on holiday to cram their days full of sightseeing. If you want to slow down your pace in Iceland, consider dropping the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and spending longer exploring Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast.

• Explore the Southeast Coast: another incredible destination in Iceland is the Southeast Coast. The area of Hofn is home to the incredible Stokksness Beach. This mighty black sand beach boasts breath-aking views of the Vestrahorn Mountain. It’s one of my absolute favourite places in Iceland. If you have the time to cram it in, I’d highly recommend it. The best time to visit Stokksness Beach is sunrise or right before sunset.

7-Day Iceland Itinerary: The Ring Road

Completing Iceland’s ring road in 7-days isn’t impossible, but it’s certainly going to be a rush. In my opinion, 7 days is not enough time to drive Iceland’s ring road. Yes, it’s doable, but you’re not going to have time to see much. I spent almost two weeks on Iceland’s ring road and it still didn’t feel like enough time.

The total driving distance for Iceland’s ring road is 820 miles (1322 km).

If you choose to attempt the ring road in one week, here’s my 7-day Iceland ring road itinerary. I’ve skipped Reykjavik on this itinerary as it’s not realistically possible to fit it all in.

P.S I’m working on a more in-depth itinerary for Iceland’s ring road, so check back here soon. For now, here’s an overview of a 7-day option for Iceland’s ring road.

Day one: Blue Lagoon and to Selfoss

As per the above itinerary, you’re going to begin your ring road trip with a visit to the Blue Lagoon. If you have time, explore more of the Reykjanes Peninsula.  

Where to stay on day one

I’d recommend staying in the Selfoss area tonight. See day three of my above itinerary for suggestions on where to stay.

Day two: the Golden Circle

Next up is the famous Golden Circle. This is an absolute must-do while in Iceland. Even if you’re attempting Iceland’s ring road in seven days, don’t skip the Golden Circle.

See day four of my above 7-day Iceland itinerary for how to spend your day exploring the Golden Circle.

Tonight, I’d recommend making your way up towards the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Consider staying in the town of Borgarnes.  

Day three: the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Next up on this 7-day Iceland ring road itinerary is the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The goal today is to see as much of this incredible area as possible before making your way towards Akureyri. Alternatively, skip the peninsula and head straight to Husavik for some whale watching.

See day three of my above Iceland itinerary for ideas of what to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Where to stay on day three

This is a tricky one as it will depend on your plans. If you want to go whale watching up in the north or spend time in the wonderful Húsavík, then I’d suggest starting the journey tonight. Laugarbakki is a good option and would mean more time to spend in the north on day four.

If you’re keen to see more of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, then Kirkjufell is a great place to stay before starting your journey to the north.

Day four: the north and whale watching

Day four will largely depend on how you choose to spend day three and how keen you are to spend time in the areas of Akureyri or Husavik.

Ultimately, you have a choice – the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Husavik/Akureyri.

Either way, continue your drive towards Akureyri today (if you’re not already there). The town of Akureyri is known as the Capital of the North. If you are spending time in the North, I’d personally opt to visit Husavik instead. It’s a beautiful fishing village with some of the best whale watching in Europe. While in Husavik, consider a visit to the GeoSea Baths.

If you’re not bothered about spending time in Husavik or Akureyri, drive down towards Lake Myvatn.

Where to stay on day four

Tonight will be spent in the Myvatn area. A great place to stay in Myvatn is the Berjaya Hotel. It’s very modern, spacious, and has a delicious breakfast. Another good option is Hotel Laxa.

Tip: don’t miss the stunning Godafoss between Akureyri and Myvatn. This epic waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland.

Day five: Myvatn Highlights

Spend the morning exploring Myvatn, part of the Diamond Circle. Highlights of the area include the Hverir Geothermal area, Viti Volcano Crater, and the Skutustadagigar Pseudo Craters.

For Game of Thrones fans, be sure to visit the Grjotagia Cave. It’s where a certain steamy scene between Jon and Ygritte took place.

Up next: discover the best things to do in Myvatn

After spending the morning exploring the Myvatn Lake area, continue your drive east towards the mighty Dettifoss. I know, another waterfall, but it’s worth it. Dettifoss is the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. It’s an incredible sight.

If you have the time, I’d HIGHLY recommend hiking to the incredible Studlagil Canyon. This is where you’ll find the famous black basalt columns with the blue river (spoiler: it’s rarely actually blue).

You can spend a couple of hours hiking to the canyon. There’s also a viewpoint with a nearby parking lot. The views from the hike are a lot better than the viewpoint, but it does take some time to get there.

Read next: how to visit Iceland’s famous basalt columns

Tip for day five: if you want to hike to Studlagil Canyon, either drop spending the morning in lake Myvatn or drop Husavik from the itinerary. Unfortunately, with just 7 days in Iceland, you can’t do everything.

Where to stay on day five

I’d aim to get to the small town of Egilsstadir tonight. It’s a two-hour drive from Myvatn so there’s not too much driving involved.

A great budget hostel in Egilsstadir is the Tehusid Hostel. It’s well rated and they have a range of rooms available. There’s also a Berjaya hotel here (owned by Icelandair).

If you have the time, consider staying in the peaceful Seydisfjordur. This tiny town lies in the Eastern Fiords of Iceland. The drive into Seydisfjordur is considered one of the most scenic drives in Iceland. I’d recommend staying at the Seydisfjordur Guesthouse. It’s a great budget option with very friendly owners.

Day six: the East Fjords

Day 6 of this 7-day ring road itinerary is spent driving the famous Eastern Fiords of Iceland. It’s a BIG driving day today. The goal is to get as close to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon as possible (if not further).

The East Coast of Iceland is beautiful. You’ll be spending most of today in the car, but there are several viewpoints along the way to stretch your legs. Make sure to stick to the ring road – route 1. There’s a ‘shortcut’ that takes you inland. It’s not the easiest of drives and the views aren’t anywhere nearly as impressive.

Drive about four hours down to the famous Stokksnes. This is one of my absolute favourite places in Iceland. This black sand beach is home to the famous Vestrahorn mountain. The wet sand often reflects the mountains, it’s truly stunning.

Stokksnes is one of the few natural attractions in Iceland that has an entry fee. This is 900 ISK ($6.50 USD).

Continue your drive towards the famous Glacier Lagoon where you’ll be staying tonight (see the above 7-day itinerary for accommodation suggestions).

Day seven: the South Coast

Today you’ll be making your way back Reykjavik via Iceland’s South Coast. See days five & six of my 7-day Iceland itinerary for ideas of where to stop.

I’m going to be honest, one day to see everything isn’t enough. You’re going to have to pick and choose what you want to see.

If you want longer on the South Coast, consider skipping the Snaefellsnes Peninsula altogether. Drive straight to Akureyri or Husavik on day three. This will give you an extra day to explore the South Coast.

7-Day Iceland Itinerary: Winter Road Trip

Visiting Iceland in the winter is an entirely different experience than the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. Come winter, Iceland’s landscape freezes over, creating some truly spectacular scenery.

It’s certainly possible to do a road trip in Iceland during the winter, but you’ll need to be a confident driver. While the roads are well-maintained and normally kept clear of deep snow, extreme weather can occur. The roads are often very icy and there’s little daylight.  

There are several benefits of visiting Iceland in the winter. This includes fewer crowds, the chance to explore an ice cave, and the opportunity to see the famous Northern Lights.

If you are planning a winter road trip in Iceland, it’s important to leave some flexibility in your plans. With only a few hours of daylight, you’re going to have to be selective about what you do. Extreme weather is common during Iceland’s winter, so be prepared to change your itinerary accordingly.

Here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary for a winter road trip in Iceland.

Day one: arrival and Reykjavik

Once you’ve landed in Iceland, collect your rental vehicle and drive to the famous Blue Lagoon. Afterwards, drive to your accommodation for the night.

I’d suggest staying in Selfoss as it’s in the perfect location for tomorrow’s itinerary.

Note: The Blue Lagoon is currently prone to closures due to volcanic activity in the area (Jan 2024). A great alternative is the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik.

Day two: the Golden Circle

Spend your day exploring Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle. I’ve included a detailed itinerary in the above 7-day Iceland itinerary. But highlights include Gullfoss, Geysir Geothermal Area, Thingvellir National Park and the Kerid Crater.  

Depending on what month you visit, you’ll likely only have a few hours of daylight during the winter in Iceland. Decide what you want to do and prioritise that.

It’s possible to stay in the same location as last night.

Days three, four & five: the South Coast

Spend the next three days exploring the South Coast of Iceland. Three days may seem like a lot, but there is SO much to do here. Plus, in the winter months, there are fewer hours of daylight. This means you will have less time to see things.

For the best things to do on Iceland’s South Coast, read days five & six of my above 7-day Iceland itinerary.

Here are a few extra things to do in the winter months:

• Visit an ice cave: how many places in the world can you explore ice caves? I don’t know the exact answer, but I can tell you it’s not many. During Iceland’s winter, there are a couple of accessible ice caves you can explore. I’d suggest heading to Vik to see the Katla Ice Cave. It’s possible to do this as a day trip from Reykjavik too. There is also the amazing Crystal Ice Cave near the glacier lagoon. This can also be combined with a glacier hike.

• See the Northern Lights: Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon is best observed between October and March. To see the Northern Lights, you can join a tour from Reykjavik. If you want to save some money, try to choose accommodation away from the main towns. There will be much less light pollution here. Many of the hotels in Iceland will do Northern Light wakeup calls during the winter. Just let your hotel know you want to see the Northern Lights.

• Snowmobile tour: another popular winter activity in Iceland is a snowmobile tour. Ride a snowmobile across the snow-covered landscape.  

Where to stay

Where you choose to stay across these three days very much depends on what you want to do.

If you’re looking for one place to stay for the entire time, consider the area of Vik. Otherwise, choose your accommodation based on the activities you want to do.

I’ve made some specific hotel suggestions in the main 7-day itinerary above.

Days six and seven: Reykjavik

On day six, head to Iceland’s capital city, where you will spend the last day of your trip. Opt to explore some of the city’s highlights or join a Northern Lights Tour.

Alternative arrival day option (Blue Lagoon closures 2024)

Because of volcanic activity in the area, the Blue Lagoon is prone to closures. The spa was forced to close for a month in December 2023. As of 20th January 2024, the Blue Lagoon has reopened. However, access is limited and the spa is prone to further closures. The latest info can be found on the official Blue Lagoon website.

Here are a couple of alternative ideas for how to spend your first day in Iceland in case it’s closed when you visit.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Blue Lagoon, consider the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik. This luxury geothermal spa boasts incredible ocean views. While I don’t think anything quite beats the experience of the Blue Lagoon, the Sky Lagoon is a fantastic alternative.

For those looking for a more natural experience, consider hiking to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River. It’s a little out of the way from the airport and overall route, but it’s a fantastic experience.

The 8km (5 mile) hike takes hikers to a naturally warm river. It’s possible to bathe in the river and offers a much more natural experience than other hot springs in Iceland. The Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River is heated by geothermal activity under the ground. As the hot water rises, it heats up the water in the river. The hike takes about an hour each way.

The hike can be challenging in the winter so be sure to check the forecast and wear the appropriate clothing.

Summary: Iceland Itinerary

I hope you’ve found this 7-day Iceland itinerary helpful. Iceland is truly a unique and incredible destination. While 7 days isn’t enough time to see everything, it’s enough time to see some magnificent sights.

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Discover my other helpful Iceland guides to help you plan your trip:

• 16 Epic Things to Do in Iceland
• Solo Travel in Iceland: 17 Helpful Tips + Guide
• Tips for Visiting Iceland on a Budget
• Iceland’s Lake Myvatn: Ultimate Guide (PLUS 18 Things to Do)
• Husavik: A Guide to the BEST Whale Watching in Iceland
• Whale Watching in Iceland: A Quick and Simple Guide
• Iceland’s Studlagil Canyon: All You Need to Know
• The Ultimate 3 to 5 Day Iceland Itinerary (Without a Car)
• Is Driving Iceland’s Ring Road Worth It? 10 Pros and Cons