7-Day Iceland Itinerary for an Unforgettable Adventure

This 7-day Iceland itinerary takes in the country’s most iconic sights—from the volcanic landscapes of the Golden Circle to the remote, ice-covered beauty of the South Coast. Each day is crafted to showcase Iceland’s natural drama, making it ideal for a first-time visit or a return trip with fresh eyes.

  • Touch down in Keflavík and head straight to the famed Blue Lagoon. Soothe travel-weary muscles in its warm, milky waters while steam curls into the Icelandic air. Later, stroll through Reykjavik’s colourful streets, stop by Hallgrímskirkja for sweeping views, and settle into the rhythm of the capital. This marks the perfect start to an Iceland itinerary, balancing relaxation with a taste of culture.

  • Set out on the classic Golden Circle route, a highlight of any Iceland itinerary. Geysir’s steaming eruptions, the raw power of Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park’s tectonic rift valleys offer unforgettable sights. Stop for a local lunch at a greenhouse café before heading to a countryside guesthouse to spend the night under open skies.

  • Drive east along the South Coast, where waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss pour dramatically over cliffs. Near Vík, walk the eerie black sands of Reynisfjara and watch basalt sea stacks battle the waves. The day ends with a cosy evening near the foot of a glacier, with the possibility of Northern Lights dancing overhead.

  • Head deeper into the wilderness towards Vatnajökull National Park. A guided glacier hike or a journey into a sparkling blue ice cave brings the surreal beauty of Iceland’s icy interior to life. Stop at the luminous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs drift silently towards the sea.

  • Wind through the fjords of the east, where steep mountains plunge into calm inlets and small fishing villages offer peaceful charm. Spot reindeer in the wild and enjoy the solitude of Iceland’s lesser-known corners. The slower pace of the day offers contrast and calm midway through the Iceland itinerary.

  • Travel north through the dramatic highlands to reach Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. From there, explore the volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn—boiling mud pots, crater lakes, and lava fields unlike anywhere else. A soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths rounds off the day with warm serenity.

  • Spend the morning in Akureyri, Iceland’s second city, browsing its cafés and botanical garden before beginning the scenic journey back to Reykjavik. Optionally fly or drive back depending on timing. This final leg brings the Iceland itinerary full circle, ending as it began—with comfort, charm, and a touch of the unexpected.

Explore things to do on this week long Iceland itinerary