Key takeaways for 7 days in Iceland, day by day:
- Arrival and Pick Up Vehicle
- The Golden Circle
- Key stops along the South Coast
- Reynisdrangar’s Basalt Stacks
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Ísafjörðu and surrounding fjords
- Departure and last-minute sightseeing
Crystalline blue glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, active volcanoes, and so much more. There are a million ways to plan out your Iceland 7-day itinerary but the most common is the Ring Road. We’re going to pull some of our favorite stops into one list here. But keep in mind you can always stick closer to Reykjavik with the Golden Circle or choose one area to explore like the Southern Coast.
Iceland is home to one of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in the world. Known as “the land of fire and ice,” with extreme contrasts and natural wonders, planning a well-structured itinerary to ensure you can see the unforgettable sights will be vital.
Here’s a complete itinerary (with a little bit of choose your own adventure) leaving from Reykavik and heading south, to help guide your trip!
Day 1: Kicking Off Your Trip: Arrival in Reykjavik and Picking Up Your Vehicle
On day one, whether your 7-day Iceland itinerary is in summer, fall, winter, or spring, you will arrive at Keflavik International Airport. Also known as KEF or Reykjavik, it is the largest airport in Iceland.
The next and most crucial step is picking up your camper van. You’ve already spent time choosing the perfect vehicle for your Icelandic adventure and thinking about the season and vehicle needed. (For example, if you visit from late May to early September, summertime, a two-wheel drive is ideal. If visiting any other time of the year during winter months, you’ll want a four-by-four.) Here’s a guide on getting from the airport to us and details about our seamless 15 minute pickup process.
Before you kick off, head out on a supply run! Visit a grocery store for staples like pasta, cold cuts, yogurt, cereal and more. If you are looking for alcoholic beverages, you won’t be able to find them down the grocery aisle. You’ll need to visit a Vinbuo or wine store and heads up; they are closed on Sunday! Just make sure to drink responsibly or abstain if you plan on driving more miles that day. Pro Tip: You can also check out the duty-free store located in arrivals and departures before you leave the airport.
You may choose to start your adventure right away or book a campsite closer to Reykjavik for a good night sleep before you head off.
Day 2 and 3: Turn Right: Iceland’s South Coast
The South Coast may be one of our most picturesque. The southernmost section of our island is home to one of the most beloved attractions, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Known as “The Crown Jewel of Iceland,” it boasts endless lava fields, windswept cliffsides, and perfect fishing villages.
The South Coast is a must to add to your 7-day family itinerary in Iceland, it can include a mix of these sites:
Reykjadalur Valley
Thanks to the region’s geothermal activity, Reykjadalur’s hot springs are top-rated. Nestled within lush, emerald-green valleys with tinkling streams and rushing waterfalls, relaxing in a geothermal hot pool is hard to beat.
A Mysterious Wreck – DC-3, Eyvindarholt – Iceland
An abandoned Navy plane stands weathered in a sea of black sand on Sólheimasandur beach. As you leave Reynisfjara’s black sand beaches behind you, don’t miss this hauntingly mysterious plane wreckage.
This famous silver-plane sits in a remote location, unsettlingly bright against the deep black sand and surrounded by fascinating history. This airplane once belonged to the American Army and used to transport supplies around bases until it unfortunately crashed in 1973. With the black sand beaches and solemn ambience of the Sólheimasandur wreck, it often feels like visiting another planet or another time.
Vik Basalt Stacks
Another highly treasured must-see of Iceland is the basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar. These basalt sea stacks, created by volcanic activity thousands of years ago and worn away by wind, rain, and waves, give our natural world a sense of natural mystery and awe.
Reynisdrangar is also rife with fascinating folklore stories and legends. One features the story of The Seal People or Selkies.
Vatnajökull National Park
One of the central features of Vatnajökull National Park is its massive Vatnajökull glacier—the largest in Europe, covering at least 8% of Iceland’s landmass. Not only can you experience ice-caving tours, but you can also go on a glacier hike and take a boat tour of the glacier lagoon itself.
Day 4 -6: North – Explore the Fjords and Falls
Fossardalur
Hiking to Fossardalur is not to be ignored! On this hike you’ll encounter not one, not two, not three but four enchanting waterfalls. Fossardalur is not the name of a single waterfall, but the beautiful valley where these waterfalls are found in.
This is a must-see for the nature lover seeking hidden gems off the beaten path.
Dettifoss Falls (East or West)
One of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls awaits to be discovered on your adventure. There are views of this waterfall and Selfoss from the east and west side of the river, each offering a unique experience.
If you have the time, you can do both, as it takes about five hours to visit Dettifoss and Selfoss from both the east and west. But even just one side is a worthy natural attraction to add to your itinerary. Dettifoss is an impressive example of nature’s beauty and power. Many who have visited will tell you that as you get closer to the falls, you will begin to feel the earth rumble and shake beneath your feet; it’s loud, it’s wonderous, it’s deafening and it’s unforgettable.
Husavik- Whale Tours
Does the sound of a whale’s call resonate with you? Are you fascinated with these gentle giants of the sea? Husavik is considered the “Whale Capital of Iceland,” for the fact that there are so many whale spotting chances.
Thanks to rich ecosystem in Skajalfandi Bay, multiple species of whales can be spotted, making it the top destination for whale and marine enthusiasts who have always dreamed of seeing species like:
- Blue whales
- Humpback whales
- Minke whales
- Dolphins
- Porpoises
- Fin Whales
Akureyi – The World’s Northernmost Botanical Gardens
Located in the capital of north Iceland, Akureryri and established in 1912, a botanical garden covers 3.6 hectares originally created by local Icelandic women. Today, the botanical garden is home to more than 7,000 species of plants, with 400 native to Iceland.
Visitors and locals adore this location throughout summer, as it is both a riot of natural color and a place made for peaceful relaxation. But that’s not all the botanical garden is for! It has also been used extensively for scientific research, plant conversation, education and horticulture.
Don’t forget to check out the town around these gardens, as Akureyi is a quaint, sleepy town with downhome charm and the bay facing Akuryri comes surrounded by rolling hills and gentle, calming slopes.
Kolugljúfur Canyon – A Short Drive from the Ring Road
Another multiple waterfall spot, the Kolugljúfur Canyon is within walking distance from the road, which makes for a quick stop or for a picnic lunch. Named after a lady giant, the series of falls make for a breathtaking spot to visit, but just remember this is a natural wonderland – no guardrails exist, so don’t fall in!
Day 7: Departure and Last-Minute Sightseeing in Reykjavik
On your last day, you’ll end your unforgettable tour, return your vehicle, and return to Reykjavik. Before you go, however, here are fantastic last-minute sightseeing suggestions you may not want to miss!
- The Blue Lagoon
- Visit Iceland’s tallest church, Hallgrímskirkja
- Book a whale-watching trip
- Visit the City’s flea market, Kolaportid
These spots provide lots of good options for a 7 day trip around the Ring Road of Iceland. However, there’s always more to see! Here are some ideas for your next trip, or some add on to extend your 7 day trip:
If you want to explore the Northwest, here are a few of our top spots:
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
To the west, a long and narrow peninsula can be seen in the North Atlantic Ocean waters. Called Snæfellsnes, this peninsula offers epic landscapes and examples of natural wonders only Iceland can boast. Many have nicknamed Snæfellsnes “miniature Iceland,” as it boasts mystic mountains. That includes the Kirkjufell or “church mountain,” arising from the tumultuous sea and serving as the flawless backdrop to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.
Snæfellsnes is also home to Búðakirkja, the black church, and the peninsula is one of the top spots photographed in Iceland to date.
Isafjordur
Once a trading post in the 16th century, Ísafjörður has left its quaint beginnings in the past. Today, it is a dynamic hub of culture, surrounded by breathtakingly scenic towns. Ísafjörður is the largest town on the peninsula. It is a perfect core destination to explore nearby further untouched wilderness, such as visiting the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, the territory of the Arctic fox.
Ísafjörður is always packed with activities and festivals for you to enjoy. Here is a small sampling of what you can do when visiting:
- Boating from Ísafjörður to Hornvik
- ATV tours
- Visit the local heritage museum
- Go hiking, fishing, cycling, kayaking or golfing
- Easter’s “Aldrei for eg sudur,” an alternative music festival
- Ski Week
- European Championship of Swamp Soccer
- Visit the nearby red-and-gold sands of Raudisandur Beach
A Quicker Iceland Trip or a Detour On Your 7 Day Trip
Another popular route that’s a little closer to Reykjavik is The Golden Circle and should only take a day or two to visit these top spots:
The Golden Circle
One of our most famous scenic routes is the Golden Circle. This route combines extraordinary landmarks and historically significant places in a circular tour close to the airport. You can make this part of your Ring Road trip or add it to your own itinerary! The Golden Circle features quick drives between stunning sights, making it convenient and allowing you to experience our most beautiful geological wonders. Just a few examples of what you can see touring The Golden Circle are:
Just a few examples of what you can see touring The Golden Circle are:
- Gullfoss Waterfall
- Great Geyser Strokkur
- Þingvellir National Park
- The volcanic crater Kerið
- Skálholt, the historic seat of Bishops from 1056 until 1785
Iceland offers magnificent landscapes and is a perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. This 7-day itinerary covers the vibrant streets of Reykjavik and the majestic waterfalls and glaciers of the countryside. By following this guide, you’ll create exceptional memories and discover Iceland’s unique beauty, whether your Iceland itinerary of 7 days is in winter or summer.
Remember to embrace the journey, stay flexible, and immerse yourself in the wonders of this incredible island. Search for Campers for your Trip!
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