7 Days in Iceland: 7 Unique Itineraries
Covering all of Iceland's major destinations in just one week seems challenging, but you can make the most of your trip by strategically choosing an itinerary that aligns with your interests. Experience classic attractions on the Golden Circle and South Coast, explore lesser-known gems, embark on thrilling adventures like the Laugavegur trek, visit botanical gardens during the summers, or enjoy the enchanting winter scenery. Choose from seven unique itineraries curated by professionals and handpicked by us to make the most of your 7-day tour to Iceland.
- Carolyn Williams
- From USA
1. EXPLORE OFF-THE-BEATEN PATHS CHASING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ON YOUR WEEK-LONG ICELAND TRIP
| Day 1 | Sightseeing tour in Reykjavik |
| Day 2-3 | Travel through The Golden Circle to arrive at Hvolsvollur Valley |
| Day 4 | Take in Iceland’s south coast, including Jokulsarlon |
| Day 5 | Visit Skaftafell, admire Vik’s black-sand beaches |
| Day 6 | Go on a walking tour of Reykjavik |
| Day 7 | Say farewell to Iceland |
Embark on an extraordinary seven-day Northern Lights adventure in Iceland, designed to take you off the beaten path for a truly unique experience. Begin in Reykjavik with a sightseeing tour of the city, including a visit to the Aurora Reykjavík-The Northern Lights Center.
Venturing away from city lights, journey to the remote Hvolsvollur Valley, where the magic of the Northern Lights comes alive in a tranquil and undisturbed setting. Extend your stay to explore nearby hiking trails, unveiling Iceland's hidden natural beauty.
The highlight awaits on Day 4 as you arrive at the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the best location for witnessing the Northern Lights in their full glory. Marvel at the dance of colors amidst the serene Arctic landscape. Continue your off-the-beaten-path adventure to Skaftafell National Park and then tour Vik. They offer equally mesmerizing Northern Lights displays.
As you journey back to Reykjavik via the Ring Road, discover the charm of popular destinations like Selfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park.
Check out our Iceland Northern Lights tours.
2. EMBARK ON ROAD TRIP COVERING ALL OF ICELAND’S TOP ATTRACTIONS IN 7 DAYS
| Day 1 | Welcome event in Reykjavik |
| Day 2 | Head to Akyureri |
| Day 3 | Journey from Godafoss Waterfall to Bakagerdi (Borgarfjörður) |
| Day 4 | Travel through Eastern fjords to get to Hofn |
| Day 5 | Spend a day in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach |
| Day 6 | Explore Reynisfjara Beach and The Golden Circle |
| Day 7 | Departure from Reykjavik |
Embark on an epic seven-day guided Iceland Ring Road trip on a minivan or a bus, covering all of Iceland's top attractions. Arrive in Reykjavik before heading north to Akureyri and exploring its old town. Journey through picturesque landscapes to Bakagerdi in the East Fjords region. Drive along the eastern fjords, catching glimpses of Vatnajokull glacier en route to Hofn. Marvel at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, and embark on a scenic boat tour or glacier hike. Visit Reynisfjara Beach and continue your trip in the Golden Circle, discovering Seljalandsfoss, Gullfoss, Geysir Hot Springs, and Þingvellir National Park. Conclude the trip in Reykjavik with a full day of sightseeing before flying back home.
Check out our 7-day Iceland tours.
3. EMBARK ON A 7-DAY LAUGAVEGUR TREK
| Day 1 | Transfer to your hotel from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik |
| Day 2 | Take a full day walk in Landmannalaugar Mountains |
| Day 3 | Hike across Torfajokull to reach Alftavatn Lake |
| Day 4 | Head south towards Myrdalsjokull, then spend a night in Myrdalsjokull |
| Day 5 | Venture into the remote area of Thorsmork |
| Day 6 | Hike Solheimajokull, then return to Reykjavik on a minivan or bus |
| Day 7 | Departure from Reykjavik |
If you’re in Iceland to hike the famous Laugavegur trek, this 7-day itinerary is for you! Following this itinerary, not only do you completely focus on your hike, but you also sneak in, getting a glimpse of some of the iconic destinations on your way to the trailhead and back. Traverse the Torfajokull volcanic area, characterized by rolling rhyolite hills, hot springs, and sulfur vents. Further south, encounter the stunning Markarfljotsglufur canyon before reaching Emstrur, a green oasis amid the volcanic desert. Cross a bridge over the Emstrur River, venturing into the Birch-covered realm of Thorsmork, famed for its glaciers, rivers, and majestic mountains. Conclude your adventure with a glacier hike on Solheimajokull, a glacier extension from the Myrdalsjokull icecap. En route to Reykjavik, visit the captivating Skogarfoss and Kvernufoss waterfalls. Enjoy your final meal together before departing.
Plan your ideal Laugavegur trek itinerary by filling out our Iceland customized trips form.
4. EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF ICELANDIC SUMMER SPENDING 7 DAYS IN THE NORTH
| Day 1 | Arrive at Akyukeri Airport; drive straight to Godafoss, then to Hussavik |
| Day 2 | Visit Dettifoss and Hverir |
| Day 3-4 | Hike the lava fields and craters, then soak in hot springs while in Myvatn |
| Day 5 | Drive around the Trollaskagi peninsula, then return to Akuneri |
| Day 6 | Drive through Modrudalsoraefi highlands; see Dettifoss |
| Day 7 | Departure from Akyuneri |
Experience the magic of midsummer in Northern Iceland with this seven-day itinerary. Head straight from Akureyri airport to visit the stunning Godafoss waterfall and venture to Husavik for whale watching. Explore the awe-inspiring Dettifoss waterfall and the geothermal wonders of Hverir. Immerse yourself in the captivating Myvatn area, where lava fields and craters await, followed by relaxing hot springs. Spend two days hiking the Hverfjall crater, Leirhnjujur, and the renowned Dimmuborgir lava fields, known as the "Dark Cities," featuring twisted lava formations and mysterious caves that may not be as accessible during the harsh winter months. Enjoy a scenic drive around the Trollaskagi peninsula before returning to Akureyri, where thrilling RIB speedboat whale-watching tours are available from April to October. Discover the vibrant charm of Akureyri and its iconic landmarks, such as the Akyureyri Church. Explore Laufas Turf Houses, Kjarnaskogur Forest, go horseback riding, or visit the Arctic Botanical Gardens. Depart from this enchanting region with cherished memories. You can complete this Iceland itinerary in 6 days as well if you decide to hike fewer lava fields and craters.
Plan your ideal North Iceland trip itinerary by filling out our Iceland customized trips form.
5. TAKE A 7-DAY WINTER ADVENTURE TRIP
| Day 1 | Transfer to your hotel from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik |
| Day 2 | Explore the Lava Cave in Snæfellsnes Peninsula |
| Day 3 | Go snowmobiling at Langjökull Glacier |
| Day 4-5 | Explore the glaciers and ice caves in Iceland South Coast |
| Day 6 | Try quad biking on Reykjanes Peninsula, then sleep under the Northern Lights |
| Day 7 | Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, then prepare to depart from Reykjavik |
Embark on a thrilling seven-day winter adventure in Iceland, exploring captivating locations as you delve into the country's icy wonders. Explore the mystical Lava Cave in Snæfellsnes Peninsula, followed by an exhilarating snowmobiling experience on Langjökull Glacier. Discover the enchanting ice caves on Iceland's South Coast, including the mesmerizing Katla Ice Cave and the stunning Crystal Ice Cave. Don’t forget to embark on a glacier trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and a kayaking trip to the Vatnajokull Glacier. Venture to the Reykjanes Peninsula for a quad biking adventure before camping there to sleep under the breathtaking Northern Lights if you happen to be traveling there before the peak winter. Conclude your journey with a rejuvenating dip in the Blue Lagoon, a perfect ending to an action-packed week. For a less laid-back version of the itinerary, you can take this winter adventure trip to Iceland in just five days as well.
Check out our Iceland glacier tours.
6. COVER THE ENTIRE RING ROAD ON A 7-DAY SELF-DRIVE TRIP
| Day 1 | Start your self-drive journey from Reykjavik |
| Day 2 | Drive north towards Akureyri |
| Day 3 | Explore Lake Myvatn |
| Day 4 | Travel from Namaskard to Egilsstadir |
| Day 5 | Visit Vatnajokull and Hofn |
| Day 6 | Stop at Jokulsarlon, Skogar, and Hvolsvollur |
| Day 7 | Tour the Golden Circle on your way back to Reykjavik |
If there is one way to make the most out of your week in Iceland, it is embarking on a Ring Road self-drive trip. This itinerary takes you around the entire island of Iceland, and the best part about this journey is that you decide your pace. Start your trip from Reykjavik and drive north to Akureyri to explore the Grabrok volcanic crater and Akureyri's fjord. Continue to Lake Myvatn, where geothermal wonders like Dimmuborgir and Hverir await. Discover the Namaskard geothermal area on your way to Egilsstadir, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and Lagarfljot Lake's serenity. Head south to Vatnajokull National Park, Europe's largest glacier, and Hofn, famous for its langoustine dishes. Explore the glacial wonders and charming villages along the South Coast, including Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Skogafoss Waterfall. Return to Reykjavik via the Golden Circle, experiencing Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area of Geysir.
Plan your ideal Ring Road trip itinerary by filling out our Iceland customized trips form.
7. REJUVENATE AND RELAX ON A WEEK-LONG WELLNESS TRIP
| Day 1 | Arrive at Reykjavik and embark on a sightseeing trip |
| Day 2 | Relax in the Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach or the Blue Lagoon; go whale watching |
| Day 3 | Practice yoga in Þingvellir National Park; take a dip in Geysir Hot Springs; spend a night in Hveragerdi |
| Day 4 | Enjoy a morning hike around the Reykjadalur area and explore the hot springs Hveragerdi |
| Day 5 | Hike the Solheimajokull glacier, then practice mantra meditation in Black Sand Beach, Reynisfjara; explore Reynisfjara on your own |
| Day 6 | Explore the remaining major attractions of Reynisfjara |
| Day 7 | Depart from Reykjavik |
If your primary objective for visiting Iceland is to indulge in the healing properties of its natural hot springs, partake in gentle hikes amidst the Icelandic mountains, and completely immerse yourself in nature to enhance your overall well-being, then this itinerary is tailor-made for you. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon and feel the healing property of silica mud. Hike to the scenic Öskjuhlíð Hill, then explore the Nautholsvik Geothermal beach or take a city tour on a bike. While on the Golden Circle tour, witness the tectonic wonders of Þingvellir National Park during a yoga session and relax in Geysir Hot Springs. Hike through Reykjadalur, unwinding in hot springs in off-the-beaten-path locations. Experience the thrill of a glacier hike on Solheimajokull and meditate on the mystical Reynisfjara black sand beach. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Finally, reach Reykjavik to bid farewell to Iceland.
Check out our Iceland hot springs tours.
MORE USEFUL INFORMATION
The above-listed itineraries are the most efficient and popular options for a week-long Iceland trip. You can find most of these tours on our Iceland tour page. If not, you can replicate any of the above-listed itineraries or build your own itinerary from scratch by simply filling out our customized Iceland trip form.
For more information on planning an Iceland tour, go through our Iceland guide.
