7 Days in Iceland Itinerary: Easy Tips for First Timers

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Y’all. I love Iceland. It was one of those countries that completely captivated me from the moment I got off the plane. Actually lowkey when I was still on the plane and the pilot announced our arrival in Icelandic and even the language pulled me in. So yeah, I love Iceland. My first (and so far only) trip was an 11 day road-trip around the whole island, but I realize for most people, spending 7 days in Iceland is a more accessible itinerary plan. So that’s what we’re gonna go with today!

Since I’ve only been to Iceland once, I put my two brain cells together with Igor (and Vladimir) of Epic Iceland who have been to Iceland so many times they probably have their own designated lane at immigration. As far as traveling to Iceland goes, these two are the experts and have helped curate the perfect itinerary for 7 days in Iceland for first time visitors. It includes all the must-see spots as well as some unique places that aren’t on every guidebook.

And of course with my silly input as well just to add some unexpected goofy experiences alongside all the good stuff to make your trip truly magical. I mean, not that Iceland really needs any help in the magic department, but you know what I mean. Let’s get your 7 days in Iceland started.

Iceland in Summer vs Winter?

Okay the first major hurdle you might face while planning your 7 days in Iceland is picking your dates. Typically, Iceland is known for two seasons that are DRASTICALLY different from each other: summer and winter.

Both have their pros and cons, which we’ll touch on in a bit. But first lemme pause and tell you about the “less touristy” seasons – spring and fall. While spring and fall are hot seasons in most other countries, spring and fall pack less of a tourist pull in Iceland because they aren’t “as dramatic” as summer and winter.

Both are a bit chilly (though not as much as winter) and depending on which end of the shoulder you visit, you may have more/less daylight. However, both spring and fall typically have less crowds and lower prices, so if either of those factors are a concern for you and you don’t mind missing out on the highlights of winter or summer in Iceland, those seasons might be better options for your 7 days in Iceland trip!

Iceland in summer

Now, onto the heavy hitters. Summer and winter are both very popular times to visit Iceland because they truly show the extremes of such a beautiful country. In summer, you have nearly 22 hours of daylight (affectionately nicknamed “Midnight Sun”), which gives visitors ample time to explore and maximize their sightseeing. It’ll make your 7 days in Iceland feel like 10!

In summer, the roads to the Icelandic “Highlands” (the interior of the country) are open so you can explore more of the country. And the roads in general are open, safe, and easy to drive. While the weather is still often windy, the temperatures are fairly pleasant with a good jacket 10-15 °C (50-59 °F), though during my trip it did get into the 60s(°F)! Great for hiking and outdoor activities!

The cons to visiting in summer are…well, the price tag and the crowds. And that adds up over 7 days in Iceland. But also the Midnight Sun can disrupt the sleep patterns for some visitors. Also-also, there is no chance at seeing the Northern Lights – aka the Aurora Borealis.

Iceland in winter

On the flipside, you have winter. While cold (hovering around 0 °C/32 °F), winter in Iceland is absolutely stunning. With the winter snow, you also have access to bigger (and smaller!) ice caves. You also have a fairly good chance at spotting the Northern Lights as long as the skies are clear. There is hot spring access year round, however the winter weather makes the experience much cozier – and great for photos! Plus, even though winter is still a popular time to visit, there are less crowds and slightly lower costs than visiting in summer.

The cons of visiting in winter are…well, it’s cold. The weather can also make the roads a bit rougher to drive in (though the well traveled roads are well-maintained) and some roads may be closed entirely. The other major con to visiting in winter are the limited daylight hours, which can be sightseeing feel rushed or limited. It will make your 7 days in Iceland potentially feel like 5.

Before planning your trip to Iceland, you should consider the time of the year you’re travelling. This is very important in Iceland as the daylight is very short in the winter and it might be complicated to visit all the places you put on your travel list.

This particular itinerary explores spending 7 days in Iceland in summer, so if that’s the season you choose then great!! If you choose winter, you can still find use in this post (so keep reading!) but you will definitely need to cut down on a lot of the activities and spend the majority of your time closer to Reykjavík and the Golden Circle.

Hotel vs Campervan?

I’ll get this out of the way now – I have no experience camping in Iceland. Sorry lol.But in terms of staying in a hotel or renting a camper van, I do have some opinions on that! So for this itinerary of staying 7 days in Iceland, you don’t stray TOO far from Reykjavík, so you could certainly book a hotel in Reykjavík for the duration of your time and do day trips from the city.

In fact, it makes for a great base camp and there are lots of nearby attractions and sights to see in all directions, making it super convenient if you have a car. Thanks Igor and Vladimir for the discount plug for some great Icelandic car rental coupon codes! If you don’t have a car, it’s still a convenient basecamp because most of the day (or even multi-day) tours start from Reykjavík.

As with everything, deciding between guided tours or renting a car in Iceland boils down to personal preference. Well…that and your budget. You’ll definitely want to price both out to see what fits your wallet for these 7 days in Iceland.

In the case of renting a campervan in Iceland, it is an extremely popular method of exploring Iceland, though it does not come without its own pros and cons list. While this 7 days in Iceland itinerary doesn’t necessarily call for renting a campervan, I do want to give you some info on it in case you prefer it or if you want to spend more time in Iceland exploring farther and would rather not be constrained by check-in/check-out times.

Day 0: Arrival Day

I never like to pack the first day with activities, so your arrival day (or day 0) will be all about exploring the capital and adjusting your mind and body in case of any jet lag and time zone changes. You’ll need your wits and stamina for these 7 days in Iceland.

The international airport is located about an hour outside of Reykjavík in the city of Keflavík. If you rent a car, the rental pickups are conveniently right at the airport! If you are opting to go the public transit route on your trip, you can bus number 55 or arrange for a shuttle to drop you off at your Reykjavík lodging.

Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital, but it’s much more of a small town than a big bustling city. That said, Reykjavík is incredibly cute and definitely worth visiting. There are super cute shops, colorful houses, fun museums, and a pretty solid nightlife considering its size.

Where to Stay in Reykjavík

I know I probably sound like a broken record but it mostly comes down to budget and preference when choosing a hotel in Reykjavík. And…even then, mostly budget. “Cheap” accommodation doesn’t really exist in Iceland, unless you’re camping, so just keep that in mind when it comes to booking your lodging throughout your 7 days in Iceland. Here are some recommendations!

• “Budget”: Student Hostel or Kex Hostel
• Affordable: Reykjavik Natura (free parking) or Reykjavik Marina
• Mid-range: Kvosin Downtown Hotel or Exeter Hotel
• Luxury: The Reykjavik EDITION (Michelin restaurant) or Hotel Holt (free parking)

Things to see in Reykjavík

You don’t need a lot of time to explore Reykjavík and most of the attractions are walkable. One of them is Hallgrimskirkja Church, which towers over the city. You can climb up and enjoy an amazing 360-degree view. Reykjavík is easily accessible by foot so the best way how to explore the city is just wondering around the main streets, such as Laugavegur, Bankastraeti, Austurstraeti, Laekjargata, and Skolavordustigur.

A very nice walk is around Reykjavík’s city lake (Reykjavikurtjorn, or Tjornin) located next to the city hall. For a more somber vibe, or to snoop on what Icelandic graves are like, you can visit the nearby Holavallakirkjugardur, the oldest cemetery in Reykjavik. Finally, you shouldn’t miss a walk around the old harbor and by the shore where you can pass the Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager Sculpture.

You can take a walking food tour to see all the best bites the city has to offer…including fermented shark. I’ll…I’ll let you be surprised with that one.

For something a little…quirkier, I really enjoyed my visit to the The Icelandic Phallological Museum. As well as being the world’s only museum dedicated to phallology (the scientific study of the penis), there’s also a super cute artisan cafe serving coffee, craft beer, and waffles (shaped like penises, of course).

You can honestly spend a few days here and take it slow, however since we only have 7 days in Iceland, see what you can on your arrival day because tomorrow we set off. If

Day 1: Snæfellsnes

Welcome to the official day 1 of your 7 days in Iceland! Whether you have a car rental or opt for a guided tour, I recommend using your first day to tackle Snæfellsnes.

If you are driving yourself, you’ll want to head out early to beat the crowds, but the 2-3 hour drive will give you time to settle into your new environment and enjoy the scenery. Just follow Ring Road and after Borgarners turns on road 54.

Snæfellsnes is a peninsula rich in waterfalls, cliffs, wild animals, and breathtaking views. Here you find many of the country’s diverse landscapes in one area. That’s why some people call the peninsula a miniature Iceland. You can easily spend a few days in the area, but for these 7 days in Iceland, a day trip is enough time for the highlights.

Things to see in Snæfellsnes

The most famous and iconic place on the peninsula is Kirkjufell mountain. Together with Kirkjufellsfossar waterfall, they create one of Iceland’s most photographed landmarks. Visit the charming village of Arnarstapi where you can hike along coastal cliffs. Don’t forget to stop at Ytri Tunga beach where you can watch seals. 

If you are not driving yourself, there are plenty of Snæfellsnes day tours from Reykjavík, but make sure to pack a few snacks for yourself if you get munchy between food stops.

Note that many group tours are not wheelchair accessible in Iceland. If you are traveling with a wheelchair, I’d advise booking tours with Iceland Unlimited for the best guarantee of accessible tours for your 7 days in Iceland.

Day 2: Bifröst & Thingvellir

Leave amazing Snæfellsnes behind and getting more into some nature. Not that ALL of Iceland isn’t beautiful nature, but day 2 of your 7 days in Iceland is a good day to actually explore some of it on foot – and potentially lose some of your clothes too!

Things to see around the area

Bifröst is a small village famous for its volcanic activity. It’s a great area to try visiting one of the famous hot pots in Iceland, aka Iceland’s hot springs. Some are wild (natural), others man-made, but all of them feel amazing to dip into! Some of the closest in the area are below:

• Krauma Baths (man-made; facilities – showers, changing rooms, restaurant)
• Hvammsvik Hot Springs (natural; facilities – steam room, beach access, paddle boards)

They’ll come across more than a handful of pools during your 7 days in Iceland, but it’s nice to carve out some time now because the rest of the week only gets wilder. Enjoy your soak, but before it gets too late you should head over to Thingvellir National Park, a MUST-VISIT in my opinion. The actual park is free to enter, but if you are driving yourself there is a parking fee of 1000 ISK (~$7 USD) that goes towards the maintenance and upkeep of the park.

Aside from just being a stunning landscape, Thingvellir National Park also has some claim to fame as the backdrop of A LOT of scenes in Game of Thrones! But the coolest thing about the park is hands DOWN the fact that it is in the middle of two tectonic plates. And I mean literally-LITERALLY, you can see the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pulling APART.

If you’re really into adventure, you can book a Silfra snorkeling tour where you can snorkel between the tectonic plates, and while I haven’t done it I’ve only heard amazing reviews! A few hiking trails I enjoyed at the park are:

• Almannagjá Trail: 0.5 miles (1km)
• Lögberg – Drekkingarhylur Trail: 1 mile (1.6km)
• Oxarafoss Trail: 5.5 miles (9km)

Personally, I could spend all day at this park (and I recommend you do too), but if you’d rather hit the road feel free. You may have some extra time to check out the nearby Geysir and Gullfoss – in that order. Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, is…well, a geyser. The term actually derives from Icelandic, and after seeing Geysir erupt, you’ll know why. It’s a big freakin’ geyser.

Gullfoss is an incredible waterfall, and one you might recognize from photos or social media. If you can, plan your visit for Gullfoss a little before sunset to catch golden hour here – it’s breathtaking. Then you can either stay for sunset (recommend) or head back early to Reykjavík/your lodging for the night. If you don’t have time for Geysir and/or Gullfoss, literally don’t worry. Both are slowly edging into the Golden Circle anyway, and that’s what tomorrow is all about!

Day 3: The Golden Circle

Get ready for one of the most popular spots in all of Iceland – the Golden Circle. Literally, it is THE most popular spot to visit, so day 3 will feature the most crowds during your 7 days in Iceland, but it’ll pack a lot of beauty! While there will be crowds, there won’t be as much physical activity, so enjoy the slower pace of the day’s itinerary. You’ll need it for the rest of the week.

You’ve probably heard a bit about it, but…what exactly is “the Golden Circle?” The Golden Circle is a 190 mile (300-kilometer) tourist route in Iceland that connects Reykjavík to the southern edge of the island and loops back. If you only have 1 day in Iceland, you can JUST go to the Golden Circle and still see a wide range of some of Iceland’s most stunning natural beauty.

The Golden Circle is only about an hour drive from Reykjavík, and about an hour and a half from the international airport, making it super convenient for visitors short on time. The Golden Circle’s name actually comes from Gullfoss, a waterfall that translates to “golden falls” in Icelandic.

Things to see in the Golden Circle

Speaking of, if you didn’t manage to see Geysir and Gullfoss yesterday, you could either start with those two or come back to them at the end (re: sunset!!), honestly whatever scratches your brain best. There are a lot of stops along the Golden Circle, so expect to be out all day even though it’s a fairly chill day.

One of my favorites was Kerid Crater and a must-stop in my opinion. If you want a pitstop at a hot spring, pop into either Secret Lagoon (also known as Gamla Laugin – the oldest swimming pool in Iceland) or Hrunalaug. For food – and tomato lovers – a unique lunch spot is visiting the tomato farm Friðheimar, where you can enjoy the local cuisine and try unique tomato products.

The have tomato beer. Quick pause, once you visit, please come back to this post and tell me your thoughts on it!!!!!!

There’s also a few cool waterfalls to check out like Bruarfoss Waterfall and Foxafoss Waterfall which I equally recommend squeezing in if you have time. Or even a trip to a geothermal energy plant, which is SUPER cool and very relevant to everything you’ll be experiencing during your 7 days in Iceland. Of course, for those of you without a car, there are tons of Golden Circle tours to choose from so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.

If it’s peak summer then chances are you still have some daylight to spare. For those of you that are more adventurous (and with the proper 4×4 rental or tour guide), you’ll be in the perfect location to explore southern part of the highlands of Iceland. You will find many cool spots away from the crowds, but be sure to triple check if there are river crossings or if a guide is needed.

Where to Stay near the Golden Circle

Of course, feel free to head back to Reykjavík if that’s your homebase throughout these 7 days in Iceland. However as we move more into the southern edge of the ring road, you might find it more convenient to check out of Reykjavík for something in the South of Iceland. If you do choose to move lodging, here are some recs that all have free parking:

• South Central Guesthouse: hostel style, breakfast available (not included)
• Hotel Selfoss: breakfast included, spa onsite
• Farmhotel Efstidalur: family owned bed & breakfast on a dairy farm (horse rental available)
• Heima Holiday Homes: individual cabins with kitchen and heated floor

Day 4: Southern Waterfalls

The south of Iceland is definitely one of the most visited areas in Iceland, especially when compared to the island’s other quadrants.

That said, the north was my personal favorite, but that won’t be included in this particular 7 days in Iceland itinerary. There’s just too much to see along the way, but all the more reason for you to plan a return trip 🙂

Now before I get too distracted, let’s focus on the south! Since there’s so much to see here, we’ll technically be spending the next few days in the region but focusing on different activities before heading back to the airport.

Where to Stay in Southern Iceland

Again, moving hotels is all up to you and your preference/tolerance for driving vs packing. From the bulk of activities in southern Iceland, the hotels near the Golden Circle are about 1.5hrs and Reykjavík is about 2.5hrs, so definitely doable if you don’t want to keep moving hotels. And if you’re taking guided tours then you don’t have to worry about driving at all. Otherwise, if you’d prefer to cut down on driving (gas/petroleum in Iceland is expensive after all), I’d recommend saying in the town of Vík to minimize your time spend driving during your 7 days in Iceland.

• The Barn: hostel style, free parking
• Hotel Vík í Mýrdal: breakfast & parking included, dinner restaurant onsite
• UMI Hotel: luxury property, breakfast & parking included, restaurant and spa onsite, bike and horse rentals available

Things to see in Southern Iceland

Start off day 3 of your 7 days in Iceland visiting to Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui waterfalls. Both of them are worth visiting but be prepared for crowds. If you can, go EARLY. If you can’t…well, honestly I didn’t and I still enjoyed myself so it won’t be the end of the world if you want to sleep in.

If you have a 4×4 car, continue your journey to Thörsmork, a nature reserve where you can enjoy some hikes with views of the surrounding landscapes or just walk through the massive Stakkholtsgjá Canyon. On the way back, you can enjoy some less crowded waterfalls, e.g. Stigafoss. But again, do NOT attempt if you do not have a 4×4 rental.

Then continue via the Ring Road to another beautiful and very famous waterfall – Skógafoss. I admit, it’s one of my favorites and even is featured in my upcoming fiction novel about Iceland! Admire this one from below and then hike a small hill to enjoy the magnificent view of the waterfall from above. After that, it’s time to officially move to Vík.

For those opting for guided tours, this entire day is (mostly) covered by a South Coast tour from Reykjavik.

Day 5: Vík & Diamond Beach

We’re coming to the tail end of our 7 days in Iceland, but the surprises aren’t done yet! Today we’ll be visiting a SUPER cool beach in southern Iceland that, well, looks like diamonds. You’ll see what I mean in a bit.

Things to see around Vík

If you didn’t get a chance yesterday to stroll around Vík, feel free to roam around before heading off for the day. It’s a bit of a drive to Diamond Beach (a little over 2hrs), but it will be one of your most memorable and unique stops during these 7 days in Iceland. Along the way, you can take a quick pitstop at a cave called Reynisfjara if the weather’s good. There’s also Yoda Cave, located just outside of Vík. Yes, it is a cave in the shape of Yoda. Star Wars fans, you’re welcome.

Diamond Beach is next to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which creates a very unique beach landscape. Pieces of iceberg break off from the glacier and wash up on the black sand beach creating a contrast. Sometimes the beach is full of small and bigger pieces of ice sparkling in the light. You can probably guess how the beach got its name.

For everyone taking a Diamond Beach and Glacier day tour, this is where your day will end and you’ll head back to Reykjavik. After a visit to Diamond Beach, you can continue to check the iconic mountain called Vestrahorn. It’s another hour of driving so plan this carefully to have enough time if you want to squeeze it into your 7 days in Iceland itinerary. Otherwise, you can head back to Vík to try to catch the lava show.

…okay, it’s not a volcano spewing lava. The Lava Show is at a restaurant called The Soup Company. BUT IT IS REAL LAVA. And their soup is delicious too. 10/10 recommend. One of my favorite meals throughout these 7 days in Iceland.

Day 6: Vatnajökull National Park

Skaftafell is a part of Vatnajökull National Park and it’s a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and all people who love to enjoy some Icelandic nature. There are many trails you can visit and you can spend more days there if you want. It’s a famous area but usually not that crowded so you can enjoy the last full day of your 7 days in Iceland with some breathing room.

Things to see around Skaftafell

The area is accessible all year, however outside of the summer months, weather and road conditions can change fast. The weather during your 7 days in Iceland can drastically change day to day. It is always important to check before planning the trip.

The most famous place in the area is Svartifoss waterfall – the water is falling from the hexagonal black basalt cliff making the scenery look very dramatic. To see the waterfall you need to take an easy 2 hour loop trail. Another easy and fast trail is a “Glacier trail” with views of the impressive Skaftafellsjökull glacier.

If you need something more challenging to get your activity levels up during your 7 days in Iceland, you can choose the S5 trail with many viewpoints on Kristínartindar, Hrútfjallstindar, Öræfajökull and Skaftafellsjökull. It’s about 4 miles (6.5 km) but the trails go uphill and might be difficult for some people. All of the trails start from the visitor center, so head there first.

If you have time, stop by the stunning Fjarðarárgljúfur Canyon. You can take a small hike along the canyon until you reach the waterfall. There are many nice views and it’s a walk with amazing views. It’s a nice touch to wrap up your 7 days in Iceland.

Day 7: Departure Day/Reykjanes Peninsula

WOW, can you believe your 7 days in Iceland just flew by like that??? And to think you just barely scratched the surface of how amazing the land of fire and ice is; these 7 days in Iceland was just a teaser. Depending on your flight, you can spend the last day exploring Reykjanes Peninsula and taking time to say goodbye to this lovely country.

However if you have an early flight and this day’s itinerary interests you more than day 6, feel free to swap these two days out to maximize your 7 days in Iceland!

Things to see around the Reykjanes Peninsula

Honestly, don’t even sweat a big itinerary or anything for your last of your 7 days in Iceland.

The most popular thing to do here is visit the Blue Lagoon, which you might have seen photos on social media. However, my experience was not what I was expecting, so I wrote up some helpful Blue Lagoon tips to help maximize your enjoyment at this famous spa. If you don’t have a car, you can book a shuttle or catch the Blue Lagoon bus that leaves at specific times.

The Blue Lagoon has luggage lockers making it a great stop while you wait for your departure time – it’s only a quick 20 minute drive from the airport.

If you’re looking for something a little less popular, you can hike around the volcanic area of Grindavík or visit the geothermal area of Gunnuhver or Seltún. If you’re more of a museum person, I’d recommend the Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll. I quickly became a fan of Icelandic museum, and after your 7 days in Iceland, you’ll find yourself bobbing along to the radio. These two paragraphs together will take up your whole day.

Where to Stay in Reykjanes Peninsula

Again, up to you, but if you moved hotels farther out I’d recommend switching back to something closer for the last night of your 7 days in Iceland. You can go back to the Reykjavík hotels, or something in the Reykjanes Peninsula for general convenience.

• Start Hostel: hostel-style, no onsite parking
• ABC Hotel: free parking, next to the airport
• The Retreat at Blue Lagoon: luxury property, breakfast & parking included, restaurants onsite

TLDR: 7 Days in Iceland Summary

Okay, I get it. That was a lot. We covered A LOT. So just as a quick recap, if you follow this itinerary this is what your 7 days in Iceland will look like.

With car rental:

• Days 0-2: Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes, Thingvellir National Park (stay in Reykjavík)
• Day 3: The Golden Circle (stay in Reykjavík or move to lodging near Selfoss)
• Days 4-6: Southern Iceland (stay in Vík)
• Day 7: Reykjanes Peninsula (stay in Reykjavík or near airport night before)

If you have a campervan, then you don’t have to worry too much about where you’ll be staying, just find a nearby campsite wherever you end for the day. If you do not have a car rental, then you’ll just presumably be staying in Reykjavík for the duration of your 7 days in Iceland and taking the following day tours:

• Reykjavík food tour
• Snæfellsnes day tour
• Golden Circle tour
• South Coast tour
• Diamond Beach and Glacier tour
• Blue Lagoon bus transfer

Conclusion: 7 days in Iceland

Wow, we really packed in a lot in this 7 days in Iceland itinerary! Hopefully I managed to answer all your questions! I want to again thank Igor and Vladimir of Epic Iceland for all of their immense help putting this itinerary together. Go check out their website for even more info on all things Iceland travel!

Have any of you spend 7 days in Iceland (or more? or less??) – what did you think? Did you roughly follow this itinerary? Let me know in the comments below! I’m ready to book another flight for another 7 days in Iceland!

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