Planning your 7 day Iceland itinerary can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to make it simple. I spent a week in Iceland and learned exactly what works for first-timers.
This guide covers the Golden Circle, South Coast, glacier hikes, ice caves, and yes, chasing the Northern Lights.
I’ll walk you through each day with practical tips that actually helped me. You’ll learn where to stay, what to skip, and how to make the most of your week.
No fluff, just real advice from someone who’s done this trip.
Let’s plan your Iceland visit together.
Why Visit Iceland on a 7-Day Trip
Iceland fits perfectly into a week long trip. A seven-day visit gives you enough time to see the main attractions without rushing.
You can cover the famous Golden Circle, drive along the dramatic South Coast, and visit glacier lagoons. This itinerary balances sightseeing with relaxation.
First-time visitors appreciate having a clear plan. You won’t waste time figuring out where to go next. Winter and summer offer different experiences.
Winter brings Northern Lights and ice caves. Summer gives you midnight sun and easier driving conditions. Both seasons work well with this route.
The Ring Road makes travel straightforward. You’ll drive on well-maintained highways. Most stops are close together along the southern route.
7 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
Follow this day-by-day plan to see Iceland’s best spots. Each day includes specific stops, driving times, and practical tips.
This route covers waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal pools while keeping daily drives manageable.
Day 1: Arrival and Blue Lagoon
Land at Keflavik Airport in the morning. Pick up your rental car right at the airport. Most companies have desks in the terminal.
Head straight to the Blue Lagoon. It’s only 20 minutes from the airport. Book your entry time online before you arrive. The lagoon helps you relax after your flight.
Soak in the warm, milky-blue water for two hours. The silica mud masks are free. Grab lunch at the on-site restaurant.
Drive 90 minutes to Selfoss. Check into your guesthouse. Stop at Bonus supermarket for snacks and breakfast items. Have dinner in town and get to bed early.
Day 2: Golden Circle and Silfra Snorkeling
Start your day with snorkeling at Silfra. This crack between two continents offers crystal-clear water. You’ll need a dry suit, which the tour provides. Book this in advance.
Drive 40 minutes to Geysir. Watch Strokkur shoot water 100 feet into the air every 5-10 minutes. The surrounding geothermal area has bubbling hot springs.
Continue 10 minutes to Gullfoss Waterfall. This massive two-tiered waterfall crashes into a canyon. Walk the paths for different viewpoints.
In winter, add an ice cave tour near Langjokull glacier. These tours run from November to March. Book ahead as spots fill quickly.
Drive two hours to Skogafoss for the night. If conditions are clear and it’s dark, watch for Northern Lights. Check the aurora forecast on your phone.
Day 3: South Coast Highlights
Climb the stairs beside Skogafoss Waterfall in the morning. The view from the top is worth the 370 steps. Walk behind the waterfall if you have a rain jacket.
Drive 25 minutes to the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. Park at the lot and walk 45 minutes each way on flat ground. This DC 3 crashed in 1973 and sits on black sand.
Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach next. The basalt columns and sea stacks are dramatic. Stay away from the water as sneaker waves are dangerous.
Stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon if open. This moss-covered canyon has a short hike along the rim. The river below winds through steep walls.
Drive east to Jokulsarlon for the evening. Check into your accommodation near the glacier lagoon.
Day 4: Jokulsarlon and Eastern Highlights
Spend the morning at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Icebergs float in this lake before drifting to sea. Take a boat tour among the ice if you want to get closer.
Walk across the road to Diamond Beach. Ice chunks wash up on black sand and sparkle like gems. Give yourself an hour to walk and take photos.
Drive 45 minutes to Hofn for lunch. This fishing village has great seafood restaurants. Try the lobster soup.
Continue to Vestrahorn mountain if weather permits. This jagged peak reflects in tidal pools. The private access road costs a small fee.
Return to Jokulsarlon for the evening. Watch for Northern Lights if the sky is clear and you’re visiting in winter.
Day 5: Vatnajokull Glacier Hike and Ice Caves
Join a guided glacier hike on Vatnajökull. Tours meet near Skaftafell. Your guide provides crampons and ice axes. You’ll walk on blue ice and learn about glaciology.
Take a Sapphire Ice Cave tour if available. These natural caves form in winter and glow bright blue. Tours book out weeks in advance.
Drive back west toward Skogafoss. Stop at Svartifoss waterfall along the way. The short hike takes 45 minutes round trip.
Check into Guesthouse Skogafoss. Have dinner nearby. Watch for Northern Lights before bed.
Day 6: Waterfalls and Reykjadalur Hot Springs
Spend more time at Skogafoss if you didn’t see it well on Day 3. The morning light is often beautiful here.
Drive 30 minutes to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. You can walk behind this waterfall on a pathway. Bring a rain jacket because you’ll get wet.
Stop in Hvolsvollur for groceries if needed. Stock up on snacks for the drive.
Head to Reykjavik, about 90 minutes away. Drop your bags at your hotel. Consider visiting Sky Lagoon for sunset. This newer geothermal spa sits on the coast.
Walk around downtown Reykjavik. The main street, Laugavegur, has shops and restaurants. Try Icelandic hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu.
Day 7: Blue Lagoon and Departure
Return to the Blue Lagoon for a morning soak. Book a time slot that gives you three hours before your flight. The lagoon is between Reykjavik and the airport.
Have lunch in Reykjanesbaer, the town near the airport. Several restaurants serve quick meals.
Fill up your rental car with gas before returning it. The station closest to the airport is cheaper than airport prices. Return your car at least two hours before your international flight.
Head into the terminal and fly home with great memories.
Tips for First Time Visitors
Driving in Iceland requires attention in winter. Here are the key tips to keep you safe and prepared:
- Rent a 4WD vehicle between November and March. Roads can be icy even when they look clear. Drive slowly and leave extra space between cars.
- Keep your daily driving under four hours. This itinerary follows that rule. You’ll have time to actually see places instead of just driving past them.
- Check road conditions at road.is every morning. Check weather at vedur.is too. Roads close during storms and Plan B options help when weather changes.
- Don’t trust GPS completely. Download offline maps on your phone. Some GPS systems suggest roads that are closed in winter or require mountain driving experience.
- Fill up on gas whenever you see a station. Gas stations get farther apart as you drive east. Carry snacks and water in your car since small towns have limited restaurant hours.
Conclusion
Your 7 day Iceland itinerary covers the country’s most memorable spots. I loved every minute of my week there, from soaking in hot springs to standing under waterfalls.
The South Coast and glacier lagoons stuck with me the most. This plan works great for first-timers, and you can adjust it based on when you visit.
Winter brings Northern Lights and ice caves. Summer offers easier driving and longer days. Start planning now and book your flights.
Iceland is waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough time to see Iceland?
Yes, seven days covers the main South Coast attractions well. You’ll see waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and the Golden Circle. You won’t drive the full Ring Road, but you’ll hit the highlights most first-time visitors want.
What’s the best time to visit Iceland for 7 days?
Winter (November to March) offers Northern Lights and ice caves but has challenging driving. Summer (June to August) gives you easier conditions and midnight sun. September and May offer good middle ground with fewer crowds and decent weather.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle in Iceland?
Yes, rent a 4WD if you’re visiting between October and April. Winter roads can be icy and snow-covered. Summer visitors can manage with 2WD on main roads, but 4WD gives you more options and safety.
How much should I budget for a 7-day Iceland trip?
Plan for $2,500 to $4,000 per person. This includes flights, rental car, gas, accommodation, food, and activities. Iceland is expensive, especially for food and tours. Booking ahead saves money on activities and the Blue Lagoon.
Can I see the Northern Lights on this itinerary?
You can see them if you visit between September and April and have clear skies. The South Coast and Jokulsarlon area have less light pollution. Download an aurora forecast app. Remember that Northern Lights aren’t guaranteed, even in winter.
