1 Week in Iceland - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Building Your Perfect 7-Day Iceland Itinerary

Whether you’re getting ready to visit Iceland for the first time or are returning for another trip, you're guaranteed experiences that deliver. Iceland is considered one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, and this fact remains true on both your first and your 100th visits. And with the changing of the seasons, a world you may have seen before could look entirely different, full of new color and new life.

For starters, the country is Mother Nature at her best and most extreme — with several national parks located in different parts of the country, visitors can embark on multi-day hiking trips in remote areas or day-long tours of waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers. Around 30 islands (home to a large number of puffin colonies) are also part of the country, and many of them are accessible by ferry.

Then there's Iceland's urban side. Peek into Icelandic culture and history at one of the museums in Reykjavik, Akureyri, or Husavik, and then dive deep into Icelandic cuisine — both traditional and contemporary takes specialize in lamb, dairy, and fresh seafood.

In short, below are just three of the ways to spend an unforgettable week in the "Land of Fire and Ice." And for more ideas, see all of our Iceland 7-day tours and itineraries. 

Itinerary #1: Classic Iceland Ring Road Drive

This classic Iceland trip takes you around the famous Ring Road in the warmer months of the year (to avoid any winter-related weather issues). Visit the South Coast waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glaciers, take a scenic route through the East Fjords, explore the highlights of stunning Lake Myvatn, and go whale watching in Husavik.

Touch down at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), pick up your rental car, and head to the South Coast. Enjoy some time exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula, followed by two epic waterfalls—Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Take in the arches, cliffs, black-sand beaches, and basalt columns and settle in Vik for the night. Wake up and discover the glacier region of the south. En route, check out a unique canyon, then enjoy hiking in Skaftafell, followed by a tour of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, including its stunning, iceberg-clad Diamond Beach.

Day three takes you to the East Fjords. On the way, stop at a nature reserve home to native birds and jagged cliffs. Spend the rest of the day stopping in small towns along the fjords where you can shop for local treats and trinkets. Wind down with a scenic hike (or two) to waterfalls in Seyðisfjörður.

Next, head to Lake Myvatn to explore the geothermal and geological highlights, from pseudocraters to mud pools. Visit Dettifoss, one of Iceland’s most famous falls, as well as volcanic stops in Krafla. Have a soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths to wind down from the day. On day four, continue discovering more of Lake Myvatn’s highlights, then stop to see Goðafoss Waterfall. Then, drive to Husavik to go whale watching and visit Akureyri, which sits on the longest fjord, along with its turf churches and farms. The northwest is home to a basalt troll by the sea, as well as the Icelandic Seal Center.

On day six, go for a beautiful hike in Glymur Falls en route toward Reykjavík, and do some sightseeing. Once you arrive, peruse the cool street art and sculptures and a church on a hill with fantastic views of the capital. Indulge in a good meal and after-dinner drinks on your last night.

On your final morning, stop at the Blue Lagoon for a quick soak on the way to the airport before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Highlights of the South, Westman Islands, & Thorsmork

This scenic adventure takes you through the many falls, geothermal sights, and beaches of both the South Coast and the Golden Circle. Visit the lesser-known Westman Islands by boat, and see a decorated puffin colony, then go hiking through the incredible valleys and peaks in Thorsmork.

Upon arrival, grab your rental car and head to the Golden Circle. Explore Þingvellir National Park and go on a snorkeling adventure in a fissure where the tectonic plates join. Next, view the geothermal Geysir and regularly erupting Strokkur, followed by massive Gullfoss—the first of several gorgeous waterfall stops. Enjoy a first-night soak in the Secret Lagoon, and, depending on the weather, keep an eye out for the Northern Lights (from September-April).

On day two, ferry to the Westman Islands, a local favorite. Embark on a high-speed RIB boat tour around the island, and stop to admire thousands of puffins in the summer. Climb to the island’s steepest peaks and venture into the sea caves. In the late morning, depart the island and join Ring Road toward two waterfall highlights: roaring Seljalandsfoss and powerful Skogafoss. Then, stroll the Dyrhólaey arch and cliffs, followed by a stop at black-sand Reynisfjara Beach. End the day viewing an otherworldly canyon before retiring in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Next, schedule a few stops to see the South Coast glaciers. Hike to a thin waterfall at Skaftafell and take in the glistening icebergs of Diamond Beach at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. On day five, take the bus to Thorsmork, and choose between several hiking trails through the valley. You can also visit the LavaSPA or opt for a guided hike to a waterfall.

Then, head back along the South Coast toward Rekjavik, and make a few worthwhile stops at a hot spring river, a historic pool, a crater, and a waterfall, to name a few. Once in the capital, hit the town, and enjoy the funky street art and upscale dining and nightlife.

On your final day, wake up and do a bit of touring around the Reykjanes Peninsula, then stop for a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon on the way back to KEF to catch your flight out. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, & South Coast

This well-rounded tour mixes it up with popular and lesser-known stops, alike. Enjoy the sights and small fishing towns around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the gorgeous waterfalls and glaciers in the South Coast, and the geothermal and geological highlights of the Golden Circle. 

From KEF, head to pick up your rental car, and then it’s off to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, about 2-2.5 hours north of Reykjavík. Make a pitstop to hike Glymur Falls, one of the tallest falls in the country, and stroll the shores of Borgarnes. Check out the basalt cliffs and lava fields along the coast, and take the cliffside paths from one small town to the other. On day two, spend more time absorbing the beauty of the peninsula’s lava formations and black-sand beaches. Stop to climb to the top of Saxholl crater and snap some photos at iconic Kirkjufellsfoss (with Kirkjufell peak in the backdrop).

Next, take the ride to the Golden Circle. On the way, view a pairing of falls, and then it’s time to check out Þingvellir National Park. Other nearby highlights include Geysir and Gullfoss, along with a relaxing dip in the Secret Lagoon at night. Hit the road on day four and head south to Seljalandsfoss to see the crashing falls, followed by Skogafoss, which marks the beginning of a 16-mile trail that ends in Thorsmork. Absorb the magnificent arches, cliffs, basalt columns, and black-sand beaches on the way to Vik, along with a stunning canyon with foreign-looking rock formations.

In the morning, make your way to see the South Coast glacier region. Go on an ice cave tour, a glacier walk, or an ice climbing excursion at Skaftafell and bookmark Diamond Beach, where icebergs shine along Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Continue enjoying more of the South Coast on the day six drive to Reykjavík—from hot springs and pools to craters and falls. Then, spend time in the capital on your final night. Tour the art and culture of downtown, stroll the museums, and visit the lively harbor.

On departure day, soak in the Blue Lagoon and make a few final stops at notable geothermal and geological areas on the way to the airport. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Laugavegur Trek in Iceland's Highlands

This famed trek through Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail is designed to cater to campers who love the great outdoors. Adventure through lava fields and the Rhyolite Mountains, cross a black-sand desert into a forest, soak in hot springs, and enjoy a back-to-basics tour in this unique Icelandic landscape—with or without a day pack, and via a guided or self-guided excursion. 

This famed trek through Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail is designed to cater to campers who love the great outdoors. Adventure through lava fields and the Rhyolite Mountains, cross a black-sand desert into a forest, soak in hot springs, and enjoy a back-to-basics tour in this unique Icelandic landscape—with or without a day pack, and via a guided or self-guided excursion. 

Spend the first day exploring Reykjavík. Check out the sculptures and architecture, a church upon a hill, and then treat yourself to a great dinner and a nightcap. On day two, hop the bus to Landmannalaugar, stationed on a nature reserve. Stop to see—and camp at—an active volcano, and walk or climb to see a colorful crater lake. Dip your toes into the warm river before retiring to your campsite for the night.

On day three, trek through the Rhyolite Mountains—one of the most active geothermal areas on the planet. Visit glacier-topped Hrafntinnusker and navigate through the hidden valleys at the foot of Tindfjöll Glacier. Set up camp around beautiful Lake Alftavatn.

Next, cross the black-sand Emstrur Desert, interspersed with green mountains. The day’s highlight is exploring the Hattafell cone. On day five, venture into the Thorsmork Valley region and hike through the green slopes and gullies all around. The end of the take takes you across the Krossá River to enter into Goðalönd, which sits at the foot of two glaciers. Take in the extensive greenery and floral backdrop. Then, view the Fimmvorduhals Pass, as well as the aftermath of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption.

On the last day, head back to Reykjavík, and depending on timing, explore more of the capital, or opt for a post-trek soak in the Blue Lagoon before boarding your flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Best of the West & North

Try a lesser-known route of the West and North to skip the summer crowds in the South Coast and Golden Circle. Also a great second itinerary for returning travelers, spend more time in the Arctic Coast. Go whale watching, tour a geothermal wonder, and discover the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 

Pick your rental car up and start the 2.5-hour drive toward the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Stop in Borgarnes to visit the Settlement Center and take a walk by the shore. Check out the basalt cliffs and coastal lava fields, and walk along the cliffside paths in Arnastapi. On day two, discover the lava formations in Lóndrangar and a shipwreck on a black-sand beach. Then, climb to the top of a crater and drive around the gorgeous Kirkjufellsfoss falls with Kirkjufell mountain at its side.

Continue driving along the north peninsulas to see a basalt-shaped troll formation, stop at a large seal colony, and check out a turf farm and church. Get in some relaxation time by soaking in a couple of geothermal sights before winding down in the fishing town of Siglufjörður. On day four, visit Goðafoss Waterfall, which is impossible to miss, followed by a whale watching tour in the country’s whale watching capital—Husavik.

Day five takes you to explore the highlights of Lake Mývatn, which has the most volcanic and geothermal sights in the country. View the craters, mud pits, and more, and soak in the Nature Baths. Then, land in Akureyri for the night, which sits upon Iceland’s longest fjord. Here, visit the churches, and spend some time enjoying the café and bar scene.

Wake up and plan for a few stops at falls on the way back to Reykjavík—hike in Glymur Falls, one of the largest in Iceland, and take in the duo of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss falls. Take some time to stroll around the capital’s downtown area, filled with fun art installations, a lively harbor, and plenty of museums and exhibits.

On day seven, do a bit of touring around the Rekjanes Peninsula on the way to the airport, and don’t miss the chance to soak in the Blue Lagoon before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Westfjords

This westward journey takes you through the highlights of the West and Westfjords. Spend time in the lesser-visited areas to avoid the crowds, including a few days in the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula. In the Westfjords, take in the dramatic landscapes, hike jagged cliffs, stop at red-sand beaches, and picnic at a stunning waterfall. 

Once you land at KEF and have your rental car, head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Go for an optional hike at Glymur Falls, and walk by the shore in waterside Borgarnes. If you have some extra time, make stops in Reykholt and Hvanneyri, before landing in the Laugerbakki area for the night.

On day two, check out the Berserkjajraun Lava Fields and then hop a ferry in Stykkisholmur to get to the Westfjords. Next, spend the day hiking along the edge of the Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs, visit the Rauðasandur Red Sand Beach, and take in a shipwreck on the side of the road.

On day four, pack a picnic basket before you leave for Isafjordur. Set up that picnic at Dynjandi Waterfall, and then drive through Iceland’s longest tunnel toward Tjoruhusid to enjoy some of the country’s best seafood. In the morning, from Drangsnes, take the scenic, 3-hour drive along the eight-fjord system of Ísafjarðardjúp. Stop at small towns and shops, and tour a sorcery exhibit once in Holmavik.

Wake up and drive back to Reyjavik, and make sure to schedule any stops you missed on the way out. Once in the capital, stroll the lively downtown area, visit the harbor, take in the street art, and stroll a museum or two, followed by a great finale dinner and drinks.

On the day of your departure, hit the Reykjanes Peninsula for a few last stops and a Blue Lagoon soak on the way to the airport. Learn more

Itinerary #7: Winter Waterfalls & Glacier Tours

This snowy adventure through Iceland offers a different experience through the same beautiful highlights. Visit frozen falls and take a glacier tour in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, go on a snowmobiling tour from the Golden Circle, embark on glacier walks and ice cave tours in the South Coast, and enjoy winter in downtown Reykjavík. 

Start the slow and steady drive in your rental car, from the airport to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which typically takes 2.5 hours in the warmer months. Stop to see frozen Hraunfossar and then embark on the “Into the Glacier” tour of Langjökull. Go through ice tunnels, with an invigorating exit out the top. On day two, Stop to see several basalt cliffs, lava formations, and black-sand beaches. Visit Saxholl crater and end the day at snow-topped Kirkjufellsfoss, accompanied by white-washed Kirkjufell.

On day three, view gorgeous Gullfoss and take a careful hike to the top. Then, head out on an adrenaline-fueled snowmobiling tour of Langjökull. Make stops at Golden Circle highlights including Geysir, Þingvellir National Park, Kerid crater, and then soak in the Secret Lagoon, come nightfall.

Next, head to the South Coast to enjoy more incredible icy falls—Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are otherworldly in the winter months. On the drive to and through Vik, stop at more beautiful cliffs and black-sand beaches, and stop to see Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon’s awesome formations. The glacier adventures continue in the South Coast on day five. Visit Skaftafell for tours, walks, and climbs, along with Jökulsárlón, home to Diamond Beach shimmering with icebergs.

Wake up and make just a few more stops in the South on the drive back to Reykjavík. There’s a hot spring river, one more waterfall, and a final crater to view. Then, spend time in the city enjoying the winter views all around. If you need to escape bad weather, there are several historical museums and exhibits to peruse. Enjoy a hearty dinner and upscale drinks on your last night.

In the morning, spend a bit more time enjoying Reykjavík, and have a soak in the Blue Lagoon before departure. Learn more

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