Perfect 7 Day Iceland Itinerary For Your First Visit (+map!)

This detailed 7 day itinerary for Iceland is complete with day-by-day instructions, photos and tips that will bring you through the iconic Golden Circle and along the southern coast. Follow this one week Iceland itinerary for an epic road trip you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Planning a trip to Iceland can be overwhelming—there’s just so much to see! 

From towering waterfalls and bubbling hot springs to massive glaciers and black sand beaches, this country is packed with natural wonders. But how do you fit it all into one epic week?

That’s where we come in! We’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to.

We crafted the ultimate 7 day Iceland itinerary, complete with the must-see highlights, hidden gems, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable. 

Our Experience: Why trust us?

Before our first trip to Iceland, we spent hours trying to connect the dots on a map, struggling to fit everything into a seamless route. Since then, we’ve returned multiple times, exploring more of Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes in every season.

In total we’ve spent a lot more than 7 days in Iceland, but we’ve put all that experience to good use just for YOU. 

We’ve fine-tuned the perfect one week itinerary—one that balances adventure, sightseeing, and those awe-inspiring “wow” moments Iceland is famous for. This guide is based on our personal experience, so you can trust that it’s tried and tested.

*Note about this itinerary: This Iceland itinerary is intended to be followed using a rental vehicle during the warmer months. If you are visiting Iceland in winter, you will need to alter this itinerary to account for the shorter daylight hours and high potential for snow/ice and poor road conditions. We think the best (and cheapest!) way to follow this plan is to camp along the way, whether with a tent or a campervan. 

Now your Iceland itinerary is almost planned!

But don’t stop here…

Iceland Itinerary Guide

For more information and advice on planning your Iceland itinerary, click on the sections below, or just keep scrolling to read it all!

• 7-day Iceland itinerary
• Iceland itinerary map
• More or less time? What to add or cut
• Done-for-you Iceland itinerary

Before you go…

• Best time to visit Iceland
• Renting a car in Iceland
• Campervan rentals in Iceland
• Road trip tips

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Day 1: Gear up and drive to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Everyone flies into Keflavik International Airport (REK) so this is where your journey will begin. You will have to pick up your rental vehicle from here because the bus to Reykjavík is just crazy expensive. 

A 45-minute drive north on Highway 41 will take you to Reykjavík, where you can stock up on groceries and pick up your camping equipment.

Remember you have almost a 3 hour drive ahead of you so you might want to get on the road. You’ll have time to see Reykjavík on your last day.

Note: Iceland’s natural landscape is beyond beautiful and you’ll want to stop for pictures around every curve. Our rule of thumb was for every hour of driving (according to the time Google maps gives you), add at least 10 more minutes for photo ops.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Make your way northwest of Reykjavík to Snaefellsnes Peninsula for some pretty incredible views of giant mountains and remote lakes.

If you have time, you can drive Highway 54 around the whole peninsula. Get out at Hellnar and walk along the seaside cliff for some spectacular views (pictured above).

But if you’re like us and you didn’t get out of Reykjavík until 4:30 p.m. on our first try, you can cut through the peninsula on Highway 56 and still see some incredible views overlooking hilltop lakes. 

If there is still daylight, head to Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall for sunset, or just wait for the morning to visit. To find out how to get there, check out our round up of Iceland’s best waterfalls.

Where to stay: We camped our first night in the town of Grundarfjörður at the local campground. It was nothing too fancy; just a flat grassy area with a toilet and sink for dishes.

Insider tip: There is a tunnel that cuts under Hvalfjörður and continues on Highway 1 (Ring Road), so be sure to take this short cut if you are short on time. Highway 47 loops around the fjord and is a much prettier drive than a dark tunnel if you have time.

Also, if you have extra time, head for Glymur Waterfall at the far east side of the fjord. It’s a challenging, but very rewarding hike!

Day 2: Waterfalls, hot springs and hiking (oh, my!)

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

Situated very close to your campground on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, is the famously beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. This series of waterfalls has a great view of the triangle-shaped peak, Kirkjufell, resting in the background.

It’s an amazing sight, but can quickly be ruined by groups of people so get there early. To beat the crowds, you should wake up early (around 7 a.m.), leave your tent at the campground, and drive a few minutes to Kirkjufellsfoss. 

Once you’ve had your fill of pictures, have breakfast back at the campground, pack up and drive off. 

Today is a long day of driving with many incredible viewpoints along the way, so you’ll have to manage your time at the stops wisely.

Optional detour: If you didn’t get a chance the previous day, instead of driving through the tunnel, take Highway 47 and drive around Hvalfjörður stopping to take photos along the way. 

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

The hike to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River is a 5-mile out and back hike with moderate elevation gain. It takes about 1 hour each way, so you’ll want to plan about 3 hours for the entire experience.

This was one of our favorite hot spring experiences in Iceland and totally worth the trek in our opinion.

Read more about the hike and what to expect at Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River: ULTIMATE Soaking Guide 

Insider tip: After your hike, stop at Fjöruborðið for dinner. This seaside restaurant is known for langoustines, and it was one of our most memorable meals in Iceland! Definitely put this on your itinerary if you love seafood like we do!

Kerið Crater for Sunset

Kerið Crater is a stunning volcanic caldera with a vibrant blue lake surrounded by red rock and green moss—one of the most colorful stops on our itinerary and best to visit at sunset.

Park in this lot and pay the small 400 ISK (~$3 USD) entrance fee for preservation. A short hike leads to the rim, where you can walk the 1-mile loop in about 30 minutes, soaking in the breathtaking views.

Where to stay: Thingvellir National Park campsites offer well-kept facilities with no reservations needed. Or you can book a nearby guesthouse such as the top-rated Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse.

Day 3: The Golden Circle

Almost everyone who has a few days in Iceland incorporates the Golden Circle in their itinerary, and for good reason. It’s a condensed area with many points of interest that attract thousands of people every year.

You can get a more detailed look at all the things listed below in our Golden Circle Travel Guide. 

Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle Route: Perfect Itinerary [2025]

You’ll want to get an early start today because there are lots—and I mean lots—of activities to pack into your day. You may have to pick and choose a bit based on your timing and energy levels throughout the day. 

Thingvellir National Park: The Continental Divide

Thingvellir is Iceland’s first National Park and the location where two continents meet. The park is full of easy walks, gorgeous waterfalls, unique geological formations, and rich Iceland history. 

Your first stop of the day will be Þingvellir (Thingvellir) Visitor’s Center. It’s here that two tectonic plates, the North American and the Eurasian plates, are slowly drifting apart at a place known as the Silfra Fissure. Walk to the observation deck and look out over Þingvallavatn, the biggest lake in Iceland.

You might even get a glimpse at the people preparing to scuba dive between the two continental plates. Follow the path down the canyon that is formed due to the continental divide with North America on your left and Europe on your right. You can walk in the canyon for about 2 km and reach Öxarárfoss waterfall.

Brúarfoss 

Known as the bluest waterfall in Iceland, this was an off-the-beaten-path spot on the Golden Circle we really enjoyed and highly recommend. 

Since we visited in 2021, they have added a new parking lot with easy access to the falls. (It used to take a 2+ hour round trip hike covering 7 km.) Now you can park in this lot, pay the 750 ISK parking fee using the Parka App, and walk about 400 meters to view the falls.

You can read more about what to expect at Brúarfoss and all the falls listed in this itinerary in our guide to the best waterfalls in Iceland.

Laugarvatn Fontana Rye Bread Tasting

You may recognize this place from Zac Efron and Netflix’s original series, Down to Earth. The Lauvgarvatn Fontana is best known for its lakefront thermal baths, but we opted to experience the geothermal energy in a different way on our trip: by tasting rye bread that has been baked underground with geothermal heat. 

The Rye Bread Tour is just 30 minutes long and you’ll learn about geothermal cooking while helping bury the bread that’ll be tasted by visitors on the following day. During the tour you’ll also unearth 2 large pots of rye that have been baking underground since the previous day. 

The tour finishes up inside where you’ll have ample opportunity to taste the Icelandic rye bread, which is one of our top foods you should try in Iceland.

Insider Tip: Be sure to make a stop at nearby Efstidalur II Creamery for ice cream. Try the black licorice flavor ice cream, you’ll thank us later! 

Geysir

Another popular stop on the Golden Circle is Geysir, a natural geothermal area. While there were plenty of sulfur-scented steam clouds coming from boiling pools, the main attraction here is the Great Geysir.

People will wait around this giant hole in the ground guessing when the next explosion of water will occur shooting 50 meters in the air. (Hint: it happens about every 5-10 minutes.)

The water is not too hot by the time it comes back down, just try not to get too soaked (Like we did!). 

Gullfoss Waterfall

Continue driving up the road to the enormous Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland’s largest waterfall by volume.

You can walk to the top and middle sections of this two tiered waterfall with more water passing through it annually than Niagara Falls. You’ll get wet because the mist over takes the paths so make sure to bring your rain jacket.

Don’t hangout too long at Gullfoss, because you still have plenty more of the Golden Circle to see before your last stop. And trust me, you do not want to miss the sunset at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

Insider Tip: Make a stop at Friðheimar Tomato Farm for a late lunch of bottomless tomato soup and gourmet bread served to you inside a greenhouse. This place is no secret so it’s best you make a reservation ahead of time if you don’t want to wait over an hour to get a table. 

Faxi Waterfall

This lesser known waterfall on the Golden Circle may not be very tall, but it stretches all the way across the Tungufljót River in a powerful cascade. With far fewer visitors than it’s more famous neighbor, Gullfoss, Faxi Falls makes a great quick stop for a peaceful moment and a photo opportunity without strangers getting in the way. 

Hrunalaug Hot Spring or Secret Lagoon (choose one!)

Hrunalaug Hot Spring looks like a scene straight out of the movie Lord of the Rings. With lush rolling hills and a quaint little changing room, you’ll feel like you’re actually in the Shire. 

The hot spring is just a short walk from the parking lot and while it is open to the public, there is a small honesty box where the landowner requests 1,000 ISK ($8) per visitor to help maintain the area. 

We stopped here after a long day of exploring the Golden Circle and really enjoyed a nice peaceful soak. 

Secret Lagoon

Contrary to the name, the Secret Lagoon is no secret. In fact, it’s recommended that you make a reservation ahead of time to be sure you can get in. However, this natural pool will still be a lot less crowded than the more famous Blue Lagoon. 

Said to be the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland, entrance tickets cost 3,000 ISK ($23) per adult.

Another good thing to note: While this place has no private shower stalls, it is expected that you shower naked (not in a swimsuit) prior to entering the pool and it is considered rude not to do this. Just wanted to warn ya!

Our recommendation: Though they are both very different experiences, unless you have lots of extra time (aka 2 full days for the Golden Circle), we’d recommend choosing either the Secret Lagoon or Hrunalaug Hot Spring. 

Gluggafoss 

While this little-known waterfall is not on the Golden Circle per se, it makes for a convenient stop on your way to the last waterfall of the day and your sunset destination.

Gluggafoss, which is sometimes called Merkjárfoss, is a very short walk from the small car park, and if you’re lucky like we were, you may even have it completely to yourself.

There are two tiers at this waterfall. Walk up the short set of stairs to get a better view of the falls, or hike up to the top of the lower tier for a better view of the upper tier. And you can take pleasure in the fact that you’re seeing a place that most tourists never see.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall at Sunset

Head back to Highway 1 Ring Road and continue east toward Vík for about 55 km until you find an incredible waterfall tumbling over the huge rock wall. Sunset at Seljalandsfoss is the best time to be there because the water shines like liquid gold.

What makes it unique is you can walk all the way behind the falls, right up against the green moss and the tan rock face for some incredible pictures. Stay until the sun has fully disappeared behind the horizon and then the gold turns sadly back into clear water.

Note: Like we said, sunset (on a clear evening) is the absolute best time to be at this waterfall. We were there in the morning and again in the afternoon, and neither were nearly as impressive. Plan ahead and look up what time the sun sets on the day you plan to be there. 

Where to stay: Hamragarðar Campsite is just 500 meters down from Seljalandsfoss waterfall and a convenient place to stay for the night. It’s fully equipped with bathrooms, showers and even has a gift shop. There’s plenty of space here so you don’t have to worry about being close to your neighbors.

We pitched our tent so the opening faced the waterfall and fell asleep to the splashing water. It was pretty incredible to wake up to the sight of the waterfall and grazing sheep right outside our tent!

If you are not planning on camping during your Iceland trip, you can stay at a nearby guesthouse like Sólheimahjáleiga Guesthouse, or Hótel Skógafoss, both of which are within 30 minutes from Seljalandsfoss, further down Highway 1.

Day 4: More waterfalls, an abandoned plane, and spectacular views

If you thought yesterday was packed full of sites, wait until you see what’s in store for today.

It may not seem like a lot of driving, but there are some pretty epic things packed into today and it will definitely take you all day. Plan to leave your campsite at the latest by 8:30 – 9 a.m. 

Gljufrabui Waterfall 

First things first, a visit to Gljufrabui Waterfall in the morning is a must if you’ve spent the night at  Hamragarðar Campsite. Nestled inside a hidden canyon, steps from the campsite, this is another waterfall many visitors miss, even when they are right there visiting Seljalandsfoss next door. 

You’ll have to walk over some boulder and possibly through some water to get into the crowded canyon, so you’ll want to be sure to wear sturdy hiking books. But the walk is short and the reward is a beautiful falls seemingly coming out of nowhere which makes for a great photo op. 

We recommend heading out first thing in the morning and leaving your tent or campervan at the campsite, then going back for breakfast before hitting the road before 9:00 a.m. 

Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

Just a short walk from the parking lot, Seljavallalaug is a hidden gem worth visiting if you’re up for a little adventure—or looking for a free alternative to the Blue Lagoon. Built in 1923 to teach local fishermen to swim, this open-air pool is fed by a natural hot spring.

The water isn’t crystal clear (we jokingly called it the “Green Lagoon” thanks to the algae!), but the scenic valley setting more than makes up for it. With only a handful of visitors, it’s a peaceful and unique spot to soak.

We have a complete guide to visiting Seljavallalaug swimming pool with all the other information you should know.

Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool: What to Know BEFORE You Go

Skógafoss Waterfall

The second waterfall stop of the day is at Skógafoss Waterfall. Be sure to walk right up the bottom of this astounding 200-foot waterfall. There is a short staircase trek up to the top of the falls where you can typically see rainbows because of all the mist. 

This is also the start of Iceland’s famed Fimmvörðuháls hike. It’s a single-day hike that takes you past 26 waterfalls, over snowfields, lava fields and glaciers and is quite possibly one of the best day hikes we’ve done in the world! 

Psst! If you have an extra day, we’d highly recommend planning this hike into your itinerary!

If you’re short on time, a quick walk along the Skoga River offers plenty of scenic views (and more waterfalls!) before heading back.

Kvernufoss Waterfall

Not too far down the road from Skógafoss, many visitors miss this hidden waterfall because they simply don’t know of its existence. This was what happened to us on our first trip to Iceland, but lucky for you, we found this gem the second time around. 

To find the falls you can park in the lot at the Skogar Museum. There are signs toward the back of the parking lot for this trail, and a place to pay for parking. Stay on the trail for a quick 15-minute walk and you’ll be rewarded with views of this stunning waterfall from a small canyon. 

Sólheimasandur Plane Crash

The next stop is quite unusual but surprisingly popular among tourists. In 1973 a U.S. Navy DC-3 airplane crash landed on the beach of Iceland’s southern coast. Instead of removing the plane’s shell, it was just abandoned.

Today you can still visit the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck (aka the “DC-3 Plane Wreck”), but you’ll have to be ready for a hike because there are no roads to the crash site.

There is a parking area right off of Highway 1, and from there it’s a deceivingly long 40-minute flat walk through the sand to the plane. 

Alternatively you can take the Plane Wreck Shuttle bus from the parking lot for 3,200 ISK (~$25) per person. The shuttle run 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and takes just 10-15 minutes to get to the plane.

Once you’re there, it’s pretty cool and kind of eerie. You should plan about 2.5 hours into your schedule to visit this plane crash. 

How to hike there: Park your car here and start the 40-minute walk toward the beach. After about 35 minutes, the road will slightly turn left and you should follow it. The plane is hidden behind a sand dune so you won’t be able to see it right away.

Dyrhólaey rock formation & puffin nesting ground

Continue on Highway 1 (Ring Road) heading east to Dyrhólaey. There are two different viewpoints for Dyrhólaey rock formation: one that overlooks the black sand beach, and one that’s higher up which overlooks the iconic rock with the hole. 

The second overlook was a little bit tricky to drive up, but we made it in our little Hyundai i10 so I think anyone can do it. The lighthouse on top of the overlook is stunning and the arched rock wall jutting out into the ocean makes the steep drive worth it. 

If you’re visiting Iceland during the summertime, you will have the opportunity to see the puffin nesting area here. These cute little birds burrow into the grass near the cliff’s edge. The nesting area is fenced off to keep visitors at a safe distance and allow the birds some peace, however, you can still observe them from a few meters away. 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Reynisfjara is one of the world’s most famous black sand beaches, featuring dramatic rock formations and unique volcanic sand. It’s an absolute must-see on your Iceland itinerary.

In summer, puffins flock to the cliffs, especially in the early morning and evening, where you can watch them dive and flap across the sea. During our visit, we witnessed puffins busy catching food, while seagulls tried to steal their catch.

Find out more about what to expect when visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, plus insider tips and the best photo spots.

ULTIMATE Guide to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Lava Show in Vík

Your next stop of the day is the seafront village of Vík. It’s the largest town in this part of south Iceland and a good place to “return to civilization” (so to speak) on your road trip. However, the real draw here is the Lava Show. 

Known as “the only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity,” the Lava Show is quite the unique experience.  

Show times are at 1:30 p.m and 5 p.m. daily and you’ll want to book your tickets online ahead of time as they do sell out. Plan your day accordingly so you don’t miss this unique experience. 

Tip: Be sure to try the Lava soup during the show, it’s super tasty!

Other things to do in Vík

• Skool Bean coffee (open until 5pm)
• visit the beach in town
• climb up to the church viewpoint

Vik, Iceland: 25 Unmissable Things to Do + Hidden Gems

Note: If you didn’t have time to fit in everything above before the lava show, you can skip Dyrhólaey (puffins) or Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and go back after the show if there is still daylight. You can also visit them in the morning on Day 5 or on your last day as you drive past back to Reykjavík.

Day 5: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, “Black Waterfall” and sights along the southeastern Ring Road

Grab a cup of coffee at Skool Bean (opens at 9 a.m.) in the town of Vík if you didn’t visit there yesterday. You may also want to visit the black sand beach in town with cool rock stacks out in the water or climb to the church viewpoint if you didn’t get to any of these activities the day before. 

When you’re ready, head East out of Vík. 

Hjörleifshöfði Cape & Gígjagjá (aka Yoda Cave)

Whether you’re a Star Wars fan or not, the Hjörleifshöfði Cape, where you’ll find a cave dubbed “Yoda Cave” for it’s uncanny resemblance to the fictional character, is worth a short visit. 

From Ring Road take a right at Hjörleifshöfði Road. There are signs saying not to drive on the sand so you’ll have to park at the end of the road and walk the 200 meters or so to the cave. May the force be with you. 

Laufskálavarða 

Laufskálavarða is a quick stop at a lava ridge, surrounded by stone carines (stacked stone towers). There is not much to do here except read a lovely tale about leaving cairns for future travelers. However, we’d recommend not setting up your own cairn because there are far too many there already!

You can walk to a viewing platform to see Mýrdalsjökull where the famous Kalata volcano is located. 

Scenic Green Lava Walk

As you continue on Ring Road past Vík, you will soon become aware that the grassy fields on either side of the road have now turned into miles of moss covered rocks. These rocky fields were once lava and now the moss has taken over and makes a pretty cool photo op. 

Make your way to the parking area for the Scenic Green Lava walk or the Mossy Lava Fields stop just off Ring Road. Get out and stretch your legs a bit as you meander through the other-worldly landscape. Just be mindful of where you walk because this ecosystem is pretty fragile.  

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon Hike

This is a little embarrassing to admit, but we watched Justin Bieber’s music video for a song called “I’ll Show You” where he gallivants around Iceland (only for the scenery, says Ben). But after we were done watching, we Googled “Iceland valley in Justin Bieber’s video”.

Watch the video and you’ll know what we’re talking about! The beautiful lush valley carved into the Icelandic countryside that Bieber hops, jumps and runs around is called Fjaðrárgljúfur, and you too can explore it even if you’re not a pop singer.

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a luscious green serpentine canyon that continues on for 2 km with a picturesque waterfall at the end. You can hike up the side of the canyon and the views get better along the way. Just please don’t hop around like Bieber, because it’s a long way down.

Note: Due to the popularity of this canyon, there are now measures to restrict access to the trail during certain times of the year due to weather conditions. It is important you respect the occasional closures so as to protect the delicate vegetation. You can check the current trail conditions on the SafeTravel.is website.  

Insider Tip: If you have the time, make a quick stop at Foss á Síðu for a glimpse of yet another breathtakingly gorgeous Iceland waterfall! This location makes for a sweet drone shot of the falls if you have good weather. 

Hike to Svartifoss the “Black Waterfall”

Drive east on Ring Road to reach Svartifoss (Black Waterfall), one of Iceland’s best hidden falls. Unlike many roadside waterfalls, it requires a short hike to get there, but the reward is a more peaceful experience without the tourist crowds.

How to get there: Turn left toward Skaftafell (no sign for the waterfall) and park small parking lot on your right, before the road starts to get rough. The 2.5-mile loop trail is moderately easy with a slight uphill, taking about 1-1.5 hours. Keep going past the first waterfall to reach the stunning Svartifoss at the end.

Svínafellsjökull view point

Just a few minutes drive east of Svartifoss is a sign that says Svinafellsjökull – yeah, that one’s a mouthful! We almost passed it by (actually we did, but then we turned around, and we were glad we didn’t miss it!). Take a left at this sign and in 2 km you’ll be at the foot of a massive glacier.

Note: The 2 km road there is gravel and has many potholes, so drive slowly and with caution. This road may be closed depending on the conditions. 

Hike up the rock on the side of the glacier for the best view.

Where to Stay: Spend the night at Svinafell Campground, a bare bones campground (no electricity hookups for RVs here) with a shared kitchen and bathroom/shower facilities. The campsite does offer indoor sleeping bag accommodations in dorm-style rooms. However, if you are looking for something a bit more luxurious, the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a 4 star hotel in the area. 

Wherever you choose to make your accommodation for the night, you can leave your things here, or be sure to book 2 nights because you’ll be returning on the following evening.

Day 6: Hiking Glaciers, Canyons and Ice Beach

Glacier Hike

Being that the glaciers in Iceland are melting at unprecedented rates, taking the opportunity to do a glacier hike was one of the top things we were looking forward to on our second trip. 

Hiking on a glacier in Iceland is an activity you must do with a guide, and there are quite a few tour companies to choose from. A guided tour includes all the equipment you’ll need, like a harness, an ice axe, crampons and a helmet, as well as a guide who is experienced with the area and glacier safety. 

After doing a bit of research, we decided to go for the 5 hour glacier hike instead of the 3 hour tour because there is so much we’d miss with the shorter option. We went with the Skaftafell 5-Hour Adventure Glacier Hike by Troll Expeditions. 

The experience was a bit of a splurge at 15,500 ISK (~$120 USD) per person, but totally worth it in our opinions. We traversed a pretty large section of the glacier and saw some pretty incredible things. We even got (safely) lowered into a small ice cave, which feels like an entirely different world.

Are you visiting Iceland in the winter? You may want to also look into visiting an ice cave with a tour guide. This looks like a pretty incredible experience, but with the exception of a couple, most ice caves can only be visited during the late fall and winter months.

To save yourself time, consider doing the Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike combination tour in lieu of the glacier hike we mentioned above. 

Hofskirkja

After your glacier hike, head east on Ring Road to Hof, where you’ll find Hofskirkja, a historic grass-covered church.

Why visit? Hofskirkja is the last turf church built in Iceland, a tradition from the 1800s when Icelanders used sod due to a lack of lumber. Stop for a quick visit and capture some photos of this unique structure.

Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike

Sometimes compared to the better-known Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon that you hiked yesterday, Múlagljúfur is equally as stunning and lush, but with less visitors. As a relatively hidden gem in southern Iceland, this 3.6 mile round trip trek is one of Iceland’s best day hikes. 

How to get there: From the parking area, climb the small hill to your right to find the start of the trail. The hike includes about 1,200 ft of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours to complete. During your hike you’ll see trail markers in different colors, all leading to Hangandifoss waterfall at the end of Múlagljúfur Canyon. 

Tip: Bring a drone if you have one. This place looks even better from the sky! 

Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

After your hike, continue 5 minutes down Ring Road to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. This unique spot has three stops worth visiting for different views.

First, visit the less crowded stop before the bridge and walk along the lagoon to get close to the drifting ice. We loved watching the ice chunks float around in the waves.

Across the street, head to beach where the ice chunks wash up, and you’ll see why it was named Diamond Beach.

Finally, stop across the bridge for the busiest spot with views over the lagoon and, if you’re lucky, seals swimming around the ice.

If you have more time in Iceland, be sure to check out Fjallsarlon, Iceland’s other glacier lagoon. This will be your furthest stop on Ring Road without rushing.

Tip: Park before the bridge on the southwest side. If you have clear weather and you have the time, try to also make a stop at the second glacier lagoon, Fjallsárlón. But skip this one if you don’t have time. 

Where to stay: After this you’re going to make your way back towards where you came from on Ring Road and stay at the same accommodation as the night before.

Day 7: Drive back to Reykjavík

Today is the day you’ll be heading back to Reykjavík to catch your flight out. The drive will take about 4.5 hours without traffic or stopping so you should plan for about a 5 hour travel day. 

Take this opportunity to make any stops along the way that you may have missed before because of the weather or timing. This could be another chance to see the puffins if you didn’t get lucky the first go around. 

If you head out early enough and have the time before an evening or late-night flight, you’ll have two options to spend your afternoon: exploring the city or relaxing in the Blue Lagoon.

Option 1: Blue Lagoon

If you want to chill after a long week of travel, head straight to the Blue Lagoon (it’s pretty close to the airport anyway if you want to squeeze in a dip before your flight out).  

Undoubtedly the most famous hot spring in the entire country, the Blue Lagoon is best known for its milky blue waters.

Surrounded by lava stones, this popular hot spring makes an excellent last stop before getting on a long flight. Plus, with a complimentary beverage (prosecco, please!) and silica face mask, you’ll feel totally pampered soaking here.

Reykjanes Peninsula: Seltún Geothermal Area and Kleifarvatn Lake

If you have more time, visit the Seltún Geothermal Area and Kleifarvatn Lake on Reykjanes Peninsula.

Just off Highway 42, Seltún features bubbling hot pools and a strong sulfur smell, making it a quick but interesting stop.

Continue north on Highway 42 to pass Kleifarvatn Lake with its colorful rocky banks, before heading to the airport or back to Reykjavík.

Option 2: Explore more of Reykjavík

If you’re not done exploring, or want to extend your trip by a few days, there are plenty of things to do in the capital city of Reykjavík. Here are just a few ideas:

• Have dinner in the new harbor 
• Take in the view at the top of the bell tower of the church
• Join a free walking tour
• Go to a public hot pool and mingle with locals
• Indulge on a food tour

30 Actually Cool Things to Do in Reykjavik

Where to stay: Reykjavík Campsite is the best campsite we stayed at in all of Iceland, but it’s also the most expensive. It was 2100 Icelandic Krona ($18.20 USD) per person per night. But it did include free WiFi, bathrooms, hot showers, dishwashing stations, an indoor kitchen, a game room, grills and laundry machines (for an extra charge).

If you’re looking for more options, check out the “Where to Stay” section of our Reykjavík guide for hotels, Airbnbs and hostel recommendations.

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7-Day Iceland Itinerary Map

Click on the map and enter your email to gain access to the interactive Google Maps version of our Iceland itinerary.

More or less time? What to add or cut

Truthfully, we think this is the perfect 7-day Iceland itinerary for your first trip and we wouldn’t change a thing! You’ll see so much in just one week, but also have time to relax and soak up the beauty without being rushed.

If you are lucky and have some extra time, or if your trip is shorter, we have some suggestions for things you could add or cut from your Iceland itinerary:

If you have more than 7 days: 

• You may have time to do the entire Ring Road circuit. There are lots of places in the north of the country that we are excited to show you!
• We’ve also heard great things about the Highlands (though you’ll need a 4X4 to get there) as well as the Western Fjords. 

Ring Road Iceland: 38 Stops You Can’t Miss!

If you have less than 7 days: 

• We would suggest cutting Day 1 from this Iceland itinerary and start your trip heading south from Reykjavík (Day #2 on this itinerary). 
• You can also cut out whatever sights don’t appeal to you as much on this itinerary to fit your time restraints!

Want the perfect Iceland itinerary planned for you?

If you want to save yourself the hours of research and planning, we’ve got you covered with our done-for-you Iceland South Coast Itinerary. This itinerary includes a lot of what you’ll find in this article, plus so much more!

It covers ALL the bases, from driving directions and timing of activities, to necessary reservations and recommended places to stay.

The itinerary is customizable for 7 days, with 8- or 9-day options, hitting all of the highlights of the Southern Coast of Iceland.

Best time to visit Iceland

We recommend doing this itinerary anytime from June through September. This is when you’ll have the best chance for good weather and road conditions for driving in Iceland.

We put together an entire article that goes over what to expect in each season and how to decide which is best for you. Find out the best time to visit Iceland for your personal travel needs.

Best Time to Visit Iceland: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Renting a car in Iceland

Renting a car in Iceland is different from many other countries, and even if you’re a pro at car rentals you might be surprised by a few things. We put together a huge guide to Iceland car rentals to share all of our insider information with you.

Renting a Car in Iceland + 14 Essential Tips for Driving in Iceland

Campervan rentals in Iceland

We also put together a HUGE Iceland campervan rental guide with tons of insider tips and advice for choosing the best campervan rental for you. Make sure to give it a read before booking your trip!

Best Campervan Rentals in Iceland: Ultimate Guide (+ Inside Tips!)

Road trip planning tips for Iceland

Driving in Iceland may be a bit different than what you’re used to at home, so we’re going over our top tips for making your Iceland road trip as smooth and care-free as possible. 

How to Plan the Ultimate Iceland Road Trip

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Plan your trip to Iceland

We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our Iceland Homepage for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Check out all of our top recommendations for things to do in Iceland. 
• Read up on Icelandic foods so you know what to try and what to skip.
• Get a complete cost breakdown for your Iceland trip and follow our sneaky budget tips to save money!
• Save this list of cool Iceland Airbnbs for when you’re ready to book your accommodation. 
• And don’t forget camping in Iceland is one of the best ways to save money!
• You’ll want to keep this guide handy if you plan on driving Iceland’s Golden Circle. 
• Read up on all the actually cool things to do in Reykjavik. 
• Be sure to download these essential Iceland travel apps before your trip!

Don’t miss your chance to grab our Iceland packing list!

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We want to hear from you!

What do you think of this 7 day Iceland itinerary? What would you add or skip? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below!