How many days do you need in iceland?

This itinerary covers 7 days in iceland, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for iceland?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to iceland. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

7-Day Iceland Adventure: Explore Nature on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Reykjavik Roasters

Start your adventure with a delicious cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll at Reykjavik Roasters, known for their locally sourced brews.

ISK 1,200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Harpa Concert Hall

Explore the stunning contemporary architecture of Harpa Concert Hall, right by the harbor.

Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Savor the iconic Icelandic hot dogs at this famous food stall, a must-try while in Reykjavik.

ISK 500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Free Walking Tour

Join a free walking tour of downtown Reykjavik, learning about its history and culture from a local guide.

Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Perlan Museum

Visit Perlan, where you can explore exhibits on Icelandic nature and a stunning glass dome with city views.

ISK 3,500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Reykjavik Fish Restaurant

End your day with a budget-friendly fish dinner, featuring fresh catch dishes served in a cozy atmosphere.

ISK 2,500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Reykjavik

Day 2: Golden Circle Highlights

Golden Circle, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee as you prepare for a day of adventure on the Golden Circle.

ISK 1,800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Þingvellir National Park

Discover the geological wonders of Þingvellir National Park where you can walk between tectonic plates.

ISK 2,500, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Þingvellir Café

Grab a quick lunch at the café inside the park, enjoying local snacks.

ISK 2,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Geysir Geothermal Area

Witness the breathtaking Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes in this geothermal area.

ISK 0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Gullfoss Waterfall

Take a short bus ride to see the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous attractions.

ISK 0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Geysir Glíma Restaurant

Sample traditional roast lamb or vegetarian meals at this charming spot before heading back to Reykjavik.

ISK 3,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Golden Circle

Day 3: South Coast Adventure

South Coast, Iceland

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café Babalú

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at this quirky café in Reykjavik before an exciting day.

ISK 1,500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Travel about 2 hours to witness the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk behind.

ISK 5,500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Skógafoss Waterfall

Continue to Skógafoss where you can hike up the stairs for an astonishing view from the top.

ISK 0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Skógafoss Café

Rejuvenate with some warm soup and bread at the on-site café.

ISK 2,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Experience the stunning black sand beach with eerie basalt columns and roaring Atlantic waves.

Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Vik at Söluskeið

Enjoy a budget meal with pizza, burgers, and more at this popular eatery in Vik.

ISK 2,400, 1 hour

Find Hotels in South Coast

Day 4: Vik to Skaftafell

Vik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vikurskali

Sit down for a nourishing breakfast to get ready for the journey ahead.

ISK 1,700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Vik

Take the morning to explore the beautiful surroundings of Vik, including the church on the hill.

Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Drive to Skaftafell

Travel approximately 1 hour to Skaftafell, a part of Vatnajökull National Park, with stunning landscapes.

ISK 1,500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Skaftafell Visitor Center

Fill up with sandwiches or warm meals available at the visitor center after your journey.

ISK 1,800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hiking in Skaftafell

Enjoy a scenic hike to Svartifoss, known for its black basalt columns and stunning waterfall.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Bistro Skaftafell

Savor a cozy dinner with a mix of Icelandic dishes and international cuisine at Bistro Skaftafell.

ISK 3,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Vik

Day 5: Jökulsárlón Adventure

Jökulsárlón, Iceland

7:30AM

Breakfast at your accommodation in Skaftafell

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse before heading to Jökulsárlón.

ISK 1,500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Marvel at the breathtaking blue icebergs floating in the lagoon and, if you're lucky, spot seals swimming nearby.

Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Diamond Beach

Walk across to Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore, glistening like diamonds against the black sand.

Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Jökulsárlón Café

Grab a quick meal, including sandwiches or hot soups from the café overlooking the lagoon.

ISK 2,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Tour on the Lagoon

Join an affordable boat tour to get up close to the beautiful icebergs and calving glaciers.

ISK 5,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Skaftafell Restaurant

End your day with warm comfort food before heading back to your lodging in Skaftafell.

ISK 3,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Jökulsárlón

Day 6: Return to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bistro Skaftafell

Indulge in a hearty breakfast to prepare for your journey back to the capital.

ISK 1,500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Departure to Reykjavik

Travel back to Reykjavik either by bus or car rental.

ISK 5,600, 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Kol Restaurant

Savor a delicious lunch at Kol, known for its fresh ingredients and modern Icelandic cuisine.

ISK 3,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at the Blue Lagoon

Spend a soothing afternoon at the Blue Lagoon, a famous geothermal spa surrounded by stunning landscapes.

ISK 8,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Laundromat Café

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience at the Laundromat Café, featuring international dishes and desserts.

ISK 2,600, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Reykjavik

Day 7: Last Day in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Grái Kötturinn

Visit this cozy cat café for a unique breakfast experience surrounded by friendly felines.

ISK 1,200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Sun Voyager

Stroll along the coast and take photos of the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture, a symbol of exploration.

Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Loki

Try traditional Icelandic dishes such as rye bread and herring at this charming café near Hallgrímskirkja.

ISK 1,800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visit this iconic church and take the elevator up for panoramic views of Reykjavik.

ISK 1,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Last-minute Shopping

Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs and local art along Laugavegur street.

Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Icelandic Bar

End your trip with a stellar dinner featuring local dishes and beers at Icelandic Bar.

ISK 3,200, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Reykjavik

Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Iceland Adventure: Explore Nature on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Reykjavik

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Golden Circle Highlights

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 3: South Coast Adventure

7:00AM

8:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 4: Vik to Skaftafell

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 5: Jökulsárlón Adventure

7:30AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

Day 6: Return to Reykjavik

8:00AM

9:30AM

2:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 7: Last Day in Reykjavik

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

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