A 7 day-trip in Iceland

A 7 days trip to Iceland

Are you looking for the best itinerary to visit the land of Fire and Ice? First of all, if you are planning to go to Iceland, you should know there is no “best” route because everywhere is jaw-dropping scenery.  

Did you know that Iceland gained its fame during the Eyjafjallajökull summit crater eruption in 2010? Since then, many people have been visiting this small Island in Europe. This country is full of waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, cute churches, glaciers, hot springs, and so many things more. The one thing you will not see in Iceland is trees. The country lost most of its trees more than a thousand years ago when Viking settlers took their axes to the forests that covered one-quarter of the countryside. Now Icelanders are trying to get some of those forests back, to improve and stabilize the country’s harsh soils, help agriculture and fight climate change.

Before we move on, you should know that Iceland in winter is different from summer because of its landscapes. If you decide to go in winter and you decided to rent a car be careful on the roads because of the snow storms. 

Summary of your 7 days trip :

• Day 1: Arrival at Keflavik airport, then Blue Lagoon (Reyjkavik optional depending on your arrival time)
• Day 2: The Golden Circle 
• Day 3: The Wild South Coast and Vatnajokull glacier hiking
• Day 4: Skaftafell, Jokulsarlon, and Vik
• Day 5: Back to the City or Deep into Nature
• Day 6: Snaefellsnes Peninsula 
• Day 7: Departure Day 



How to move around in Iceland?

In Iceland, you have 3 options on how to get around : 

• You can rent a car to move around the country and not be limited to the places you want to visit. But, renting a car in Iceland can be really EXPENSIVE especially when you are traveling solo, you won’t be able to split the cost.  
• Camping Van can be a really great option if you have a limited budget. 
• Excursions on Tour : If you are traveling solo and don’t have a driver licence like me, this can be the best option for you. There are a lot of excursions in Iceland and this is where you will meet a lot of solo travelers ( I will put some tour guides’ recommendations below). 

So without waiting for further ado, here is your suggested itinerary for 7 days. 

Day 1 : Arriving at Keflavik, Blue Lagoon and Reyjavik

Blue Lagoon



Every international flight lands at Keflavik airport. Two important pieces of information : 

• If you are not renting a car I will recommend you book a bus in advance from Keflavik to Blue Lagoon. Book your bus ticket here . In case you haven’t booked your bus, no worries, you have airport direct, a bus company,  at the airport where you can buy your ticket from Keflavik to Reykavik. 
• Buy your Blue Lagoon ticket in advance as they tend to sell out as it is a crowded place. Click here to buy your ticket 

Blue Lagoon is a famous ”Instagram” geothermal pool and it is 45 min from Keflavik airport. Once you arrived, you will be provided with a bracelet that will allow you to put your personal belongings in a locker. Now, ladies, I will recommend you put your hair in a bun to avoid the water from drying your hair. 

From Blue Lagoon you will go to the city, through the blackened lava fields of Reykjanes peninsula. 

Reykjavik



Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital. The first settlers decided to name this city Reykjavik, which means “smoky bay” because of the steam coming from the hot springs. It is a rather small city and you can visit it by walking around in 1 or 2 days. The streets are clean and peaceful, and more than anything it is SAFE! 

I stayed at Bus hostel on the first nights then I moved to Reyjavik Downtown Guesthouse, which is located next to Hallgrimskrikja church. Reykjavik is also renowned for its cuisine, I will recommend you to try the famous bread soup at Cafe Loki. Your next stop in Reykjavik city is the main street Laugavegur also known as the “rainbow street”. 

Iceland is so expensive when it comes to food since everything is imported. To spend less on food, it is better for you to buy food the groceries stores such as Bonus or Kronan. 

Here are a few interesting things you can visit in Reykjavik: Faxa Bay, The Sun Voyager, Harpa Hall, Iceland Maritime Musuem, Phallological Musuem. There are these walking tour which is available and most of the time it is free and you can give whatever you want at the end. It is a great way to learn more about Icelandic history. 

If you skipped Blue Lagoon, you can also try Sky Lagoon which is located in Reykjavik. It is less crowded and has a seven-step ritual which is also a great experience. Click here to book your ticket. 

Day 2: The Golden Circle

 Driving information: about 3h of driving without any stops / 155 miles (250km)



Your itinerary for today is The Golden Circle, which is well known for its gorgeous waterfalls, and churches. You will be on two continents simultaneously due to the tectonic plates: The Eurasian and The American plates. 

Highlights of the day: Thingvellir National Park (snorkeling in Silfra optional), Gullfoss waterfall, Geyser, Kerid Crater

Thingvellir National Park



Pingvellir or Thingvellir is the most historical site in Iceland. It is marked by many battles and duels featured in the Sagas and folklore, the location of many witch trials, and the place where almost all of Iceland’s most significant moments in history occurred. Here, Iceland declared its conversion to Christianity, its independence from Denmark, and elected its first President. It was made a national park in 1928, and in 2004, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Besides the incredible sightseeing and fascinating history, visitors can snorkel and scuba dive in the Silfra fissure between the plates. Book your Silfra snorkeling here. 



Geyser

Geysir, or ‘The Great Geysir,’ is a world-famous hot spring in Haukadalur valley in southern Iceland. Part of the Golden Circle, the word “geyser” comes from the Old Norse geysa, “to gush,” one of only two Icelandic words that have been adopted into English. Though Geysir itself is not as active as it once was, sometimes going years without an eruption, boiling water shoots into the air as high as 230 ft (70 m) when it does decide to erupt. Another geyser in the area, Strokkur, is not nearly as shy, erupting approximately every 10 minutes or so with water shooting into the air, sometimes reaching as high as 131 ft (40 m).

Gullfoss



For the excellent preservation of Gullfoss, we all owe a debt to the tenacious Icelandic hero Sigridur Tomasdottir, the daughter of the farmer duped into selling it so it could be used for hydroelectric power in the 19th Century. She walked the 149 miles (240 km) to Reykjavik and back many times to meet with her lawyer about protecting this waterfall, and after years of fighting, the two of them won. Her lawyer, Sveinn Bjornsson, went on to become Iceland’s first President, and she has entered the hearts of the millions who have come to see the beauty of Gullfoss, which means “The Golden Waterfall”. 

Kerid Crater



Book your Golden Circle Full day tour here: it is an 8-hour tour with every place above included and they pick you up at your hostel/hotel in Reykjavik. 

Now, if you were not on a tour like I was, I recommend you to drive to Hella and stay there overnight for your next destination. 

Day 3: The Wild South Coast and Vatnajokull Glacier

Driving information from Hella: 50 min of driving non-stops/ 37 miles (61km)



Today you will start your journey along the South Coast, my favorite part of Iceland. 

Highlights of the day: Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Vatnajokull glacier

Seljalandsfoss in South Iceland is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the country. Visible from Route 1, it is an impressive 197 ft (60 m) tall waterfall, and though its cascade is narrow, a large cavern and path behind it mean that you can venture behind the falling springwater. Looking out from behind the waterfall, across green fields to the ocean, gives visitors a unique perspective that will stay with them for life. Its location means that it makes a great stop for visitors traveling along the South Coast.

While at Seljalandsfoss, make sure to take a short walk to the left, to reach Gljufrabui waterfall, which is 131 ft (40 m) tall and partially obscured by a cliff. A small creek leads into it, revealing a magical grotto that is too awe-inspiring to miss.



Skogafoss waterfall is located on the Skoga river along Iceland’s southern coast, clearly visible from Route 1, and an excellent place to stop and stretch your legs while traveling. It is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country, with a width of 82 ft (25 m) and a drop of 197 ft (60 m). Even from a distance, its power seems almighty.

According to legend, Thrasi Thorolfsson, the first Viking settler in the area, buried treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. The story goes that locals found the chest years later but were only able to grasp the ring on the side of the chest before it broke away and the treasure disappeared again. The ring was given to the local church and can now be seen at Skogar’s folk museum nearby.



Vatnajokull glacier hiking



Vatnajokull is Europe’s largest glacier and I recommend you go on a hike there. It is a moderate hike, and you will be equipped with the necessary gear. Book your hike here.

Reynisfjara, The Black Sand Beach



Reynisfjara is a black sand beach near the village of Vik and is a part of a coastline regularly voted one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world.

Reynisdrangar are basalt sea stacks situated under the mountain Reynisfjall near the village of Vik. The stacks rise out of the ocean 217 ft (66 m) tall at their peak. They are framed by a black sand beach and are home to a thriving Arctic tern population that nests in the area. The features are so dramatic and integral to the views across Vik that the coastline has often been voted as one of the ten most beautiful nontropical beaches in the world. Legend says that the stacks originated when two trolls tried to drag a three-masted ship to land. However, when daylight broke through the clouds, they turned to stone.

Be careful of the sea waves while taking pictures at the Basalt Columns. There are strong waves and some tourist had sadly lost their lives by getting pulled into the wild sea.

Book your South Wild Coast excursion here. You can spend the nights in Hofn. I will advise you to book your accommodations in advance. 

Day 4: Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach, and Vik

Driving information from Hofn to Jokulsarlon : 1 hour driving non-stops / 50 miles (80 km)

Jokulsarlon



Jokulsarlon, also known as the glacier lagoon, is one of Iceland’s most awe-inspiring and popular places. Huge icebergs break from glacier Breidamerkurjokull year-round, filling the lagoon as they serenely make their way to the ocean.

The lagoon’s beauty has not gone unnoticed by the film industry. It is possible to find the shooting locations of ‘A View to a Kill,’ ‘Die Another Day, ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,’ and ‘Batman Begins’ all nearby.

I will recommend you do a boat ride in the lagoon. Seeing the icebergs closer is a really impressive experience. Book your boat ride here. 

Diamond Beach



Just a short walk from the incredible glacier lagoon, Jokulsarlon, is the Diamond Beach. Here, many icebergs from the lagoon wash up on their way to the ocean and form sculptures so beautiful that they seem to be carved and polished by a divine hand. It is an incredible location for photo opportunities, hence, take your time for your memorable photos. 

The beach is also a very popular seal-watching site, and due to the number of seals in the area, Diamond Beach is also one of the best locations in Iceland for spotting orcas from the shore.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon



From Jokulsarlon you will head to this magnificent canyon. 

Fjaðrárgljúfur formed at the end of the Ice Age about 9000 years ago. Following the melting of a glacier, a lake formed in the valley behind a huge hard and resistant rock.

The runoff from the lake flowed where Fjaðrárgljúfur is today. Glacial rivers carried a lot of sediment into the lake and the river that came out of it dug into the rock and descended on the palagonite in front of it.

When the lake completely filled, the river began to dig into the sedimentary layers it had previously left in the valley. The terraces on both sides of the valley give an indication of the height and location of the lake.

Vik



Vik is a cute little town which you can explore and it has some sunflowers around during summer. Now at this point, you have two alternatives : 

• Drive back to Reykjavik to visit the city if you haven’t yet visited
• Spend the night in Vik and explore Skaftafell ice  : Book your ticket here 

Day 5: Back to the city or deep into nature?

Alternative 1: Back to Reykjavik

Driving information from Vik: 2 hours 30 min driving non-stops/ 116 miles (187 km)

Today you are free to roam the streets of Reykjavik and get to know the culture. You can learn more about the northernmost capital in the world. Reykjavik is also renowned for its cuisine. One can taste food from all around the world, enjoy several at once within its fusion restaurants, or try traditional Icelandic food, such as exquisite lamb and fish dishes.

There are no shortages of places to stay in Reykjavik, meaning many visitors use it as a base from which to explore the rest of the country. Its great location means that one can see an incredible diversity of scenery across West Iceland.

Alternative 2: Deep into Nature

Driving information from Hella to Husafell: 2 hours 30 mins driving non-stops/ 91 miles (147 km)



Húsafell is the deepest inhabited village of Borgarfjörður and a true natural pearl between lava and glaciers. It is a beautiful location with so much to do – hikes, relaxing in geothermal baths, short trips to the caves and glaciers. Book your geothermal bath here. 

After Husafell, we will head to Landjokull glacier. Once there, you’ll trade your boring shuttle or car out for a mountain truck. That truck will then take you to Langjokull glacier, to the Klaki base camp. There, yet another vehicle awaits a snowcat.

From Husafell to Langjokull



Before heading into the glacier make sure you are wearing the proper clothes with layers, gloves, and sunglasses to avoid snow blindness and cover your head because it is freezing inside the glacier. Please pee before heading to the glacier even if you don’t want to. 

Getting on top of the glacier in the snowcat truck is really impressive but it’s sad to see how much the glacier has retrieved from 1980 till 2020. It is marked and keep your eyes open. 

Day 6: Snaefellness Peninsula



Snaefellness is well-known as the mountain we see in Game of Thrones. It is a wonderful place and has a lot to offer with its endless lava fields. Please do not walk on the moss of the lava fields, because it takes one lifetime for it to grow back. 

Highlights of Peninsula: Kirkjufell, Saxholar Crater, Djupalonssandur, Longdrangar View Point, Church in Budir and Bjarnarfoss.  

Book your Snaefellness Peninsula Tour here. 

Búðakirkja Church



Búðakirkja is a small wooden church located on the south side of Snæfellsnes Peninsula- Iceland.

It is a local parish church that was first established in 1703 but the current church was built in1848.

The church is known for its beauty, both in the building itself and in contact with the surrounding area.



Make sure you pack your swim bath and a towel in Iceland. If you are a fan of lakes like me, you will always want to get in. 

Day 7: Departure Day

Make the most of any time you have in Reykjavik before getting to the airport in time for your flight. Reykjavik is full of quirky cafés, designer shops, restaurants serving delicious delicacies, museums, galleries, and a charming old harbor and town center.