Iceland 7-Day Packed Itinerary
Chasing Fire and Ice: My Epic 7-Day Iceland Adventure
Iceland has always been high on my bucket list—a land where fire and ice collide, where the northern lights dance across the sky, and where you can soak in a geothermal hot spring one minute and snorkel between two tectonic plates the next. So, when I finally got the chance to spend a full week exploring this incredible country, I packed my warmest layers, my sense of adventure, and a camera ready for some serious overuse.
From hiking across otherworldly landscapes to spotting whales off the coast, chasing waterfalls, and unwinding in natural hot springs, every single day was packed with jaw-dropping experiences. And if you’re wondering how much a trip like this actually costs, don’t worry—I tracked every expense (down to the penny!) - go to my “Iceland budget” page for the full budget breakdown and details on flights, hotels, car rentals, food, and excursions.
Continue reading to see my full 7-day itinerary to help you plan your own Icelandic adventure!
Day 1: Exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula
Stop 1: Valahnúkamöl (9:00 AM)
Drive Time: ~20 min from Keflavík Airport
We kicked off the morning at Valahnúkamöl, a rugged 420-meter-long beach known for its towering cliffs and powerful waves crashing against volcanic rock formations. The winds here were no joke, but the views of the Atlantic Ocean and Eldey Island in the distance were awesome.
(WARNING: When opening your car door in these windy areas, make sure you have a FIRM grip on the door to prevent it from flying off!)
Stop 2: Blue Lagoon (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Drive Time: ~15 min
After braving the coastal winds, we headed to the Blue Lagoon to warm up and soak in its famous milky-blue geothermal waters. Since we booked our tickets in advance for a 10:30 AM entry, we had a relaxing two-hour soak, complete with a silica face mask and a complimentary drink from the swim-up bar—definitely the perfect way to recover from a long flight!
One thing we noticed is there was a lack of crowds here compared to the reviews and pictures we saw when planning. We asked a local and they said it’s because we came during off season. So if you want to avoid the crowds, try shifting your travel dates to October when we traveled.
Stop 2.5: Lunch - Salthúsið in Grindavik (12:30 PM - 1:00 PM)
We drove to and ate a quick lunch at Salthúsið in Grindavik. The fresh fish was excellent, as expected of a fishing town in iceland!
Stop 3: Cliffs & Beach of Grindavík (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~10 min
Post-lunch, we made a quick stop at the coastal cliffs of Grindavík, a less-visited but stunning area where jagged lava rocks meet the sea. The black sand and dramatic coastline made for some amazing photos. Walk around and take in the power and beauty of Iceland's nature and sea, coming from Florida where I am used to white and flat sandy beaches, this was a SHOCK to see.
Stop 4: Seltún Geothermal Area and Indjánahöfði Nature Preserve (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~25 min
Next, we drove to Seltun Geothermal area Indjánahöfði Nature Preserve , a small but beautiful nature preserve featuring rolling moss-covered hills and volcanic landscapes. they had boardwalks over the bubbling geothermal areas which was so cool to be able to look down right over the action!
FYI: NONE of these hot springs are safe to get into, so don’t even try!
Stop 5: Reykjanesfólkvangur (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~20 min
One of the highlights of the day was exploring Reykjanesfólkvangur, a vast nature reserve filled with lava fields, crater lakes, and steaming geothermal vents. We hiked around and admired the Mars-like terrain—a perfect preview of Iceland’s wild landscapes.
Stop 6: Urriðafoss (5:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
Drive Time: ~1 hour
To wrap up the day, we drove inland to visit Urriðafoss, one of Iceland’s widest waterfalls. Though it’s not the tallest, the sheer volume of water rushing over the rocks was mesmerizing. We arrived just before sunset, which made for some gorgeous golden-hour views.
Drive Time to Hotel in Reykjavík: ~1 to 1.5 hours
Stop 7: Dinner - Café Loki
We originally had a different dinner planned for our first day, but we were so tired from the full day and jet lag that we ate at the restaurant right across the street from our hotel instead, and we are so glad we did! Café Loki is a family run restaurant specializing in Icelandic home style food. We got the Lamb shank dish and the Icelandic lamb meat soup.
We also wanted to try the fermented shark (…when in Rome right?). It was definitely an….experience… try at your own risk.
Day 2: Nature, Hiking, Dining, and Geothermal Wonders in Hveragerði
Stop 0: Breakfast - At the Hotel. (7:30 AM - 8:00 AM)
We chose a hotel that had a breakfast included in the cost of the room. This was a great start to the day for us to wake up a little and get some coffee and skyr before braving the cold. This also saved us a lot over the seven days on the food portion of the budget. For the full budget breakdown, go to my “Iceland budget” page.
Stop 1: Reykjadalur Hot Springs (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~45 to 60 min from Reykjavík
We started the day with a drive to Reykjadalur, also known as "The Valley of Hot Springs." After a quick parking stop, we began the hike up to the natural hot springs that Iceland is famous for. The trail took us about an hour to climb, weaving through lush green valleys with steam rising from the earth—truly a magical setting! At the top, we found a warm river where we could relax and soak in the therapeutic waters. The hike was medium difficulty with mostly narrow gravel paths, but the beautiful scenery made it totally worth it.
We took a picture on the trail crossing some of the creeks to get to the hot springs you can see steaming over to the right! We didn’t take any photos in the actual host spring because there were other people there in swim suits and we didn’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
FYI: there is no closed off bathrooms or changing areas - just some open air wooden wall stalls you can change behind.
Stop 2: Lunch at Hipstur (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
Drive Time: ~5 to 10 min
After exploring the geothermal park, we grabbed lunch at Hipstur Café, a trendy spot located nearby. With a cozy atmosphere and modern Icelandic vibes. The food was fresh and reasonably priced, and the relaxed vibe made it a great stop before continuing our adventures.
Stop 3: The Geothermal Park Hveragerði / Hveragarðurinn (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Drive time: Walkable from the lunch spot
Next, we headed to the Geothermal Park (Hveragarðurinn). This park is a unique hotspot where you can walk through a landscape of steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and geothermal vents. We even witnessed locals using the natural heat for greenhouses, where vegetables like tomatoes are grown year-round. The geothermal energy here is harnessed in a variety of ways, and it was fascinating to explore the area and see how the locals use this powerful natural resource. We spent a lot of time here talking to the man who runs the greenhouse. He let us try some of the Icelandic bread, Rúgbrauð, which they make and a few tomatoes from the greenhouse!
Stop 4: Hveragerði Public Park and Reykjasfoss Waterfall (4:15 PM – 4:45 PM)
Drive Time: ~10 min
Next, we headed to Reykjasfoss, a beautiful waterfall next to a public park. The falls are nestled in a lush green valley, and it was a peaceful spot with fewer crowds than some of Iceland’s more famous waterfalls. We spent a few minutes taking in the spectacular cascade of water and the surrounding rocky cliffs.
Stop 5: Dinner at VARMA Geothermal Restaurant (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM)
Drive Time: ~20 min
To round off the day, we headed to VARMA, a geothermal restaurant situated in a stunning location near Varmár River. The restaurant is heated using geothermal energy, and they even grow some of their ingredients in a nearby greenhouse. We enjoyed locally sourced dishes like roasted vegetables, lobster soup, and the region’s famous lamb while enjoying views of the serene river and surrounding mountains. This was some of the best food we had all trip and the scenery was gorgeous as the sun set and the stars came out, we had a panoramic view of the river and sky in the floor to ceiling windows and glass roofs. This was one of the more expensive places we ate for the entire trip, so for budget friendly travelers I recommend going to one of the other restaurants in the town like HVER Restaurant, or Rósakaffi. But we thought this meal was 100% worth it!
Drive Back to Hotel: ~45 min
Nighttime activity: Northern Lights Hunt on Scooters (9:00 PM – 12:00 AM)
After dinner, we rented electric scooters and zipped around Reykjavík, trying to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. The best viewing spots in the city are away from streetlights, so we headed to a northern light view point on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula.
Clear skies and minimal light pollution are essential, so checking the weather forecast is just as important as monitoring aurora activity. We chose to go out this night because they had clear skies!
To track the northern lights, we used Vedur.is (Iceland’s official weather site), which has an aurora forecast showing cloud cover and aurora strength on a scale of 0-9. A rating of 3 or higher means there’s a decent chance of seeing them.
Unfortunately we did not see them this night. At around midnight we decided to head back to the hotel because we had a busy day tomorrow and needed our beauty sleep.
Day 3: Exploring West Iceland – Waterfalls, Cliffs & Viking History
Stop 0: Breakfast - At the Hotel. (8:00 AM - 8:30 AM)
Stop 1: Geirabakarí Kaffihús – The Bakery from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (9:30 AM – 10:00 AM)
Drive Time: ~1 hour from Reykjavík
Our first stop was Geirabakarí Kaffihús, the famous bakery featured in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Located in Borgarnes, this cozy spot is known for its pastry and fresh bread. We grabbed a Snudur (290 IKR)l, Astarpunger (160 IKR),and a Kleina (125 IKR) and enjoyed the fjord views from the parking lot and took pictures in front of the wall of photos showing clips from the movie.
Stop 2: Berugata Hafnarfjall Viewpoint (10:15 AM – 10:30 AM)
Drive Time: ~5 min from Geirabakarí
Next, we took a short drive to Berugata Hafnarfjall Viewpoint, a scenic roadside stop offering incredible views of Hafnarfjall Mountain and the surrounding fjords. We snapped a few photos and took in the crisp Icelandair.
Stop 3: Skallagrím’s Burial Mound Time: 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Drive Time: ~5 min from Hafnarfjall Viewpoint
This historic site is the burial mound of Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson, a Viking settler and father of poet Egill Skallagrímsson. The small park area is a peaceful spot to walk around, and there’s even a statue of Egill nearby.
Stop 4: The Settlement Center in Borgarnes (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~5 min from Skallagrím’s Burial Mound
For some Viking history, we visited the Settlement Center in Borgarnes, which features interactive exhibits about Iceland’s first settlers and the legendary Egill’s Saga.
Stop 5: Gerðuberg Cliffs (12:30 PM – 1:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~30 min from Borgarnes
One of the most dramatic geological formations in Iceland, Gerðuberg Cliffs is a wall of perfectly shaped basalt columns rising from the landscape. We took a short hike along the base of the cliffs and marveled at this natural wonder.
Warning: this place is pretty far from civilization, so be careful if climbing the basalt columns like we did, its a far car ride or ambulance trip if you get hurt!
Stop 6: Fossárett Waterfall ( 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~30 min from Gerðuberg Cliffs
A hidden gem in West Iceland, Fossárett Waterfall is a small but stunning cascade surrounded by rugged cliffs. this stop was right off the road too, so no major hiking was needed! Unlike some of the more famous waterfalls, we had this spot completely to ourselves.
Stop 7: Glymur Waterfall Hike (2:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~45 min from Fossárett Waterfall
The highlight of the day was Glymur Waterfall, Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall at 198 meters. The hike is moderate to challenging, with river crossings, a cave passage, and steep inclines, but the views were absolutely worth it! We spent the afternoon trekking through breathtaking landscapes before making our way back.
Tip: Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots—some parts of the trail are slippery, and you may need to wade through shallow water.
Drive Back to Reykjavík: ~1.5 hours
Stop 8: Dinner at Víkinga Pylsur
This is an iconic hot dog stand in Reykjavik, famous for its delicious and affordable hot dogs, was right across the street from our hotel and a great budget friendly option after the more expensive dinner than planned at Varma on day 2.
Day 4: Exploring Reykjavík & Whale Watching Adventure
Breakfast - At the Hotel.
Morning: Walk Around Reykjavík
We started the day by exploring Iceland’s capital on foot, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and quirky charm. Reykjavík is super walkable, and with the crisp morning air, it was the perfect way to kick off our trip.
Stops We Did Along the Way:
Hallgrimskirkja - Right outside our hotel, this modern cathedral, consecrated in 1986, has a 73m-high tower. Free admission to go in and look around!
Rainbow Street – This colorful street, officially called Skólavörðustígur, leads straight to Hallgrímskirkja. It’s an iconic photo spot!
Sun Voyager Sculpture – A steel structure on the waterfront that resembles a Viking ship. With the ocean and mountains in the background, it’s a great photo spot.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum – Before our whale watching tour, we made a quick stop at The Icelandic Phallological Museum—yes, the famous penis museum. It was a mix of bizarre, educational, and hilarious, with an extensive collection of specimens from various animal species (including whales). We also got snacks/ early lunch at the phallic cafe with fun foods on theme with the museum.
Whale Watching Tour (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
We checked in for our 1:00 PM whale watching tour with Elding Adventures (tour link). The boat took us out into Faxaflói Bay, where we spotted multiple humpback whales that swam right up next to the boat. The humpback whales were so close I could feel the mist from their exhale at one point on my face. We also saw a minke whale, and a few dolphins as well.
This tour out on the open water in winter was a very cold experience (but totally worth it), pack your warmest and waterproof clothes for this day in particular!
Dinner in Reykjavík
For dinner, we headed to The Laundromat Café, a cozy and quirky spot in downtown Reykjavík that’s both a restaurant and a laundromat—perfect for travelers like us trying to pack light! While waiting for our food, we tossed in a load of laundry downstairs, making the most of our time. The café had a fun atmosphere with walls lined with books, posters, and vintage décor, plus a great menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, and hearty breakfast options served all day. It was the perfect mix of convenience and comfort, allowing us to fuel up for the night while getting fresh clothes for the rest of our trip!
After dinner we went back to the hotel to drop off our fresh laundry and get ready to go look for some northern lights!
Nighttime activity: Northern lights (9:00 PM – 10:00 AM)
We again attempted to see the northern lights, we chose to park at a Golf course on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula this time in our car to stay warm, but soon decided to head back because the cloud cover was too dense for lights to be seen through them.
Day 5: Snorkeling at Silfra & Exploring Þingvellir National Park
Stop 0: Breakfast - At the Hotel. (7:30 AM - 8:00 AM)
Stop 1: Snorkeling Tour at Silfra (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Drive Time: ~50 min from Reykjavík
We started the day with an unforgettable snorkeling adventure at Silfra, one of the only places in the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates! The crystal-clear glacial water made for an unreal experience, with visibility exceeding 100 meters. Despite the frigid temperatures (around 2-4°C year-round), the dry suit kept us (mostly) warm as we floated through the blue fissure and enjoyed being in between two continents (North American tectonic plate and European tectonic plate).
The water in the fissure is glacial water and our guide informed us it's some of the cleanest water in the world and we could at any point take our snorkel and drink the water - which we did!
Stop 2: Þingvellir National Park (11:15 AM – 3:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~5 min
After warming up post-snorkel, we explored Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s not only geologically unique but also historically significant. Here’s what we saw:
Öxarárhólmi & Peningagjá Waterfall – A small but beautiful waterfall flowing through the cracks of Þingvellir.
Flosagjá Fissure – Another crystal-clear fissure similar to Silfra, but less visited.
Lögberg (Law Rock) – The historic site where Iceland’s first parliament, Alþingi, was established in 930 AD.
Drekkingarhylur (The Drowning Pool) – A chilling yet fascinating spot where women accused of crimes (often witchcraft or adultery) were drowned during the Middle Ages.
Snorri’s Booth – Viking archaeological remains that offer a glimpse into early Icelandic settlements.
Flekaskilin Waterfall – A small but scenic waterfall tucked within the park’s unique geology
Lunch at the cafe in the park - We got two sandwiches and hot tea!
We took our time hiking between these spots, and an unexpected bonus from the snorkeling is that we felt SO WARM the whole day after the cold water - so much so that we took off our coats while walking through the entire National Park.
Stop 3: Helgufoss Waterfall (3:30 PM – 4:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~30 min
On our way back to Reykjavík, we made a stop at Helgufoss, a lesser-known but peaceful waterfall surrounded by mossy cliffs. A short hike led us right up to the falls, making it a perfect break before heading to dinner.
Drive Back to Reykjavík: ~30 Minutes
Stop 4: Dinner in Reykjavík at Ramen Momo
When we got back to our hotel, we were craving ramen after all the hiking and swimming in glacier water. We decided to try Ramen Momo since we saw a huge line of people outside of it when we were walking around on Day 4. It didn't disappoint! This is a small shop, with limited sitting but was perfect!
Day 6: Exploring South Iceland
Stop 0: Breakfast - At the Hotel. (7:30 AM - 8:00 AM)
Stop 1: Raufarhólshellir – Lava Tube tour (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
Drive Time: ~50 mins from Reykjavík
We started off with a drive to Raufarhólshellir, a mesmerizing underground lava tube. This tunnel is a massive lava formation from an eruption of a volcano over 5,000 years ago. We did the 1 hour tour, which we think is perfect, there are options for longer tours that go deeper into the tube, but we wanted to do other things on Day 6 so we opted for the 1 hour tour.
Tip: Be sure to book your reservation in advance as it’s required for entry and fills up fast.
Photo tip: We tried to take photos with our iPhone, but the photos with the dim lighting in the tube and the headlamps didn’t turn out right. If getting photos of this spot is super important to you, you may need to bring an actual camera, not just a phone - but we were fine with just the memories!
Stop 2: Hafnarskeið Black Sand Beach and Lava Sea Cliffs (10:15 AM – 11:00 AM)
Drive Time: ~10 min from Raufarhólshellir
Next, we took a short drive to a black sand beach in the town of Þorlákshöfn. We walked along Thorli beach where we could walk in the black sand, and walked over to Campsite Þorlákshöfn to look at the lava sea cliffs in the south side of the park.
Stop 3: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall:12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Drive Time: ~1 hour 30 mins min from Thorli Beach
One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls! This is a popular tourist spot so there may be larger crows here, but there are a few photo spots along the walk behind the waterfall where you can get photos with limited people behind you!
Stop 4: Gljúfrabúi Waterfall (1:40 PM – 2:00 PM)
Drive Time: ~2-3 min from Seljalandsfoss
Just a quick 2-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss, you’ll find Gljúfrabúi, a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed by many visitors. Tucked into a narrow canyon, this waterfall is slightly more elusive but equally beautiful. The cascading water flows into a serene pool, and you can even walk a little way into the canyon for a closer look. We found this to be a little more enjoyable than the previous spot since we had to fight less crowds!
Stop 5: Nauthúsagil Waterfall and Canyon (2:15 PM – 3:30 PM)
Drive Time: ~10-15 min from Gljúfrabúi
Our next stop was a stunning waterfall tucked into a narrow canyon. We had this beautiful spot all to ourselves and it was gorgeous. The canyon walls were covered in moss and the quiet sounds of the small waterfall was so peaceful!
Tip: Wear your hiking shoes this day as you may want to hike through the shallow waters - or depending on the season, bring your swimsuit! We didn't get too wet and it was cold, so we didn't go all the way up to the top of the waterfall, but we recommend you do if you go in the summer!
Stop 6: Dinner at Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant (5:00 PM to 6:30 PM)
Drive Time: ~1 hour 30 mins from Nauthúsagil canyon
To finish off the day, we dined at Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant, an atmospheric longhouse-style eatery where we feasted on traditional Icelandic dishes. The décor, Viking-era drinks, and rustic atmosphere made it feel like we had traveled back in time, and as with every location we have been at for dinner, the food was amazing!
We got fish of the day and beetloaf entrees and two different desserts so we could try them both!
Drive Back to Reykjavík: ~30 to 45 min
Day 7: Last Day - A Relaxing Farewell
As our Iceland adventure comes to a close, the last day is all about enjoying a peaceful and scenic morning before heading to the airport. With a mix of relaxation and a final few sights, here’s how we spent our last day:
Stop 0: Breakfast - At the Hotel. (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)
We started our day the same as the others with a hearty breakfast at our hotel. Having developed a new found love of Skyr I will be eating it at home now.
Check-Out of Hotel
Once we ate our fill, we checked out of the hotel and loaded our luggage into our car.
Stop 1: Explore Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach (9:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
Drive Time: ~15 mins from our hotel
After checking out, we headed to Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach for a refreshing and unique experience. Just a short drive from the city, this geothermal beach combines the best of Iceland’s natural wonders with a relaxing atmosphere. You can dip your toes into the waters of the lagoon, surrounded by a stunning landscape of volcanic hills and some WW2 history. They have a hot pool you can also relax in, and (if you are adventurous) switch between the cold beach water and hot pool!
Stop 2: Drive Toward the Airport – Gardur Old Lighthouse (12:00PM - 12:30 PM)
Drive Time: ~1 Hour from the geothermal beach
On our way to the airport, we took a brief detour to visit the Gardur Old Lighthouse. This charming, historic lighthouse sits at the entrance to the harbor and offers breathtaking views over the rugged coastline. It was an ideal spot for one last snapshot of Iceland’s beauty and our final goodbye to Iceland.
Stop 3: Return the Rental Car & Head to the Airport (1:00 PM)
All good things must come to an end. We returned our rental car and went to the airport. Our flight was at 4:30, so we left plenty of time to be sure we didn't miss our flight back.
Tip: We highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight, especially during peak travel times like the summer months. Iceland’s international airport can get busy, and you’ll want to give yourself enough time to check-in, go through security, and make sure everything is in order for your flight home.
