Iceland 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Iceland

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

Places to Go:

  • Hallgrimskirkja Church: A iconic landmark in the heart of Reykjavik, offering panoramic views from its tower.
  • Harpa Concert Hall: A stunning example of modern architecture with glass and steel façade.
  • Laugavegur Shopping Street: The main shopping street in Reykjavik, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Activities:

  • Explore the city on foot or by bike
  • Visit the National Museum of Iceland to learn about the country’s history and culture

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes.
  • Time Zone: Iceland is in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +0.

Day 2: Golden Circle

Places to Go:

  • Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a unique geological feature.
  • Geysir Geothermal Area: Witness the original geyser that all others are named after, as well as other geothermal wonders.
  • Kerið Crater Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by volcanic rock formations.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour to learn about the history and geology of the area
  • Hike around the crater lakes and enjoy the stunning scenery

Things to Know:

  • Driving: Be aware that roads in Iceland can be narrow and winding, with limited lighting.
  • Parking: Be respectful of private property and follow parking regulations.

Day 3: South Coast Adventure

Places to Go:

  • Waterfalls: Visit Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and other breathtaking waterfalls along the south coast.
  • Black Sand Beaches: Explore Reynisfjara beach with its striking black sand and unique rock formations.
  • Vatnajökull National Park: A vast national park that covers over 14% of Iceland’s landmass.

Activities:

  • Hike to the foot of waterfalls or explore the black sand beaches
  • Take a glacier hike or ice caving tour in Vatnajökull National Park

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for strong winds and potentially rough seas.
  • Safety: Stay on designated paths and be aware of your surroundings, especially near waterfalls and glaciers.

Day 4: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Places to Go:

  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: A stunning glacial lake with floating icebergs.
  • Diamond Beach: Visit the beach where icebergs wash up on shore, creating a beautiful and unique scene.

Activities:

  • Take a guided boat tour among the floating icebergs
  • Hike around the glacier lagoon and enjoy the scenery

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather. The wind can be strong, especially near the coast.
  • Safety: Stay on designated paths and be aware of your surroundings.

Day 5: Eastfjords

Places to Go:

  • Eastfjords: Explore this scenic region with its rugged coastline and picturesque villages.
  • Borgarfjörður Eystri: A charming fjord with a beautiful waterfall and stunning scenery.

Activities:

  • Drive along the coast and enjoy the views
  • Visit the Borgarfjörður Eystri village and explore the surrounding area

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather. The wind can be strong, especially near the coast.
  • Road Conditions: Some roads in the Eastfjords may be narrow and winding, with limited lighting.

Day 6: Akureyri and Lake Mývatn

Places to Go:

  • Akureyri: The second-largest city in Iceland, located near the north coast.
  • Lake Mývatn: A unique lake with its own geothermal features and a diverse range of birdlife.

Activities:

  • Explore the city of Akureyri on foot or by bike
  • Visit the Lake Mývatn area and explore the surrounding landscape

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable weather. The wind can be strong, especially near the coast.
  • Road Conditions: Some roads in the Lake Mývatn area may be narrow and winding, with limited lighting.

Day 7: Return to Reykjavik

Places to Go:

  • Golfing: Try your hand at golfing at one of Iceland’s many scenic courses.
  • Shopping: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the local markets.

Activities:

  • Visit any attractions you may have missed on Day 1
  • Enjoy a relaxing day in Reykjavik before departing

Visa Requirements

  • EU Citizens: No visa required.
  • US Citizens: A valid passport with at least six months’ validity is required. Some nationalities require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) prior to arrival.

Transportation

  • Flights: Icelandair and WOW Air offer flights from Europe, the US, and Canada.
  • Car Rental: Several car rental companies operate in Reykjavik, with a wide range of vehicles available.
  • Bus Services: The Flybus shuttle service connects Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavik.

Other Tips

  • Budgeting: Plan your budget accordingly. Iceland can be expensive, especially when it comes to food and accommodation.
  • Safety: Always prioritize your safety. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or near waterfalls and glaciers.
  • Weather: Stay informed about the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

This 7-day itinerary provides a mix of culture, nature, and adventure, allowing you to experience the best of Iceland. Remember to stay safe, be prepared for unpredictable weather, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that this beautiful country has to offer.