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8-Day Iceland Journey: Reykjavík, Golden Circle, South Coast, Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón Highlights

Viewed by 158 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland on June 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Brauð & Co.

Enjoy delicious fresh pastries and bread from this popular bakery in the heart of Reykjavík, perfect for starting your day.
ISK1500, 1h

10:30am

Explore Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visit Reykjavík’s iconic church and climb to the tower for fantastic panoramic views of the colourful cityscape.
ISK1000, 1h

12:00pm

Walk along Laugavegur Street

Stroll through the city’s main shopping street full of boutiques, cafés, and street art, soaking in the local atmosphere.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Icelandic Street Food

Enjoy traditional Icelandic soups and hearty lamb stew in a casual setting, ideal for a quick and tasty lunch.
ISK2000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Harpa Concert Hall

Admire the dramatic glass architecture and check out events or exhibitions if available during your visit.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market)

Dine at this acclaimed restaurant serving modern Icelandic cuisine with high-quality local ingredients in a warm atmosphere.
ISK7000, 2h
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Day 2: Golden Circle Tour

Golden Circle, Iceland on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Have a filling breakfast to prepare for a full day touring the famous Golden Circle sites.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Þingvellir National Park

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s first parliament was founded, and see the rift valley between tectonic plates.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Geysir Geothermal Area

Watch the active geyser Strokkur erupt every 5-10 minutes, an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Geysir Center

Relax and enjoy traditional Icelandic dishes at the convenient restaurant near the geysers.
ISK2500, 1h

1:15pm

Gullfoss Waterfall

Experience the power and beauty of this iconic two-tier waterfall with viewpoint paths for perfect photos.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Reykjavík

Drive back to the capital or opt to stay overnight in a rural guesthouse along the Golden Circle for peaceful surroundings.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fiskfelagid (Fish Company), Reykjavík

Enjoy innovative, artistic seafood dishes in this well-regarded Reykjavík restaurant known for flavour and creativity.
ISK8000, 2h
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Day 3: South Coast to Vík

South Coast, Iceland on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Energize yourself with breakfast before leaving Reykjavík for the scenic south coast journey.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Walk behind this stunning waterfall for incredible views and a memorable photo opportunity.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Skógafoss Waterfall

Admire the powerful cascade and climb the adjacent stairway for panoramic vistas of the south coast.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Visit Skógar Museum

Explore Iceland’s rich heritage with exhibits showcasing traditional turf houses and cultural history.
ISK2000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gamla fjósið

Enjoy a rustic meal featuring local lamb and fresh ingredients in a warm farm-style restaurant nearby.
ISK3000, 1h

2:30pm

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Experience the dramatic volcanic black sand beach, basalt columns, and view Reynisdrangar sea stacks safely from the shore.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Check-in Hotel Kría, Vík

Stay at this contemporary hotel offering comfort and beautiful views of the ocean and nearby cliffs.
ISK35000, Flexible

6:30pm

Dinner at Sudur Vik

Enjoy a menu of local and international favourites with a cosy atmosphere close to your hotel.
ISK6000, 2h
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Day 4: Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Skaftafell, Iceland on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Kría

Prepare for an active day with breakfast at your comfortable hotel in Vík.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Skaftafell

Travel along the Ring Road to Skaftafell, a beautiful nature reserve within Vatnajökull National Park.
Free, 2h

10:30am

Hike to Svartifoss Waterfall

Take the scenic 1.5-2 hour hike through woodland to view the stunning waterfall surrounded by basalt columns.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Skaftafell Visitor Centre Café

Relax and refuel with simple meals and refreshments at the nearby visitor centre café.
ISK2500, 1h

2:00pm

Optional Guided Glacier Walk

Join a guided hike on the Vatnajökull glacier to safely explore the ice formations and stunning views (booking recommended).
ISK12000–15000, 3h

6:30pm

Check-in Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Enjoy a comfortable stay with beautiful views halfway between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.
ISK40000, Flexible

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing meal featuring local Icelandic produce at the hotel’s restaurant.
ISK8000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón, Iceland on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Begin the day with breakfast overlooking stunning landscapes before exploring the glacier lagoon.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Marvel at floating icebergs, watch for seals, and stroll along the lagoon’s edge for exceptional photo opportunities.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Amphibian Boat Tour

Take a 30-40 minute amphibian boat ride among the icebergs for an unforgettable up-close experience.
ISK6000, 45m

12:00pm

Diamond Beach

Walk along the black sand beach nearby where ice chunks glisten like diamonds on the shore.
Free, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hali Country Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Icelandic fare with fresh fish and local ingredients at this charming countryside restaurant.
ISK3500, 1h

2:30pm

Drive back west along the south coast

Begin the scenic return journey westwards along the Ring Road with plenty of photo stops possible.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Skogafoss or similar

Relax in a comfortable hotel near Skógafoss for easy access to the next day’s stops at your own pace.
ISK35000, Flexible

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel or nearby restaurant

Enjoy local Icelandic dishes and unwind after your travel day.
ISK6000, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Jökulsárlón

Day 6: South Coast Highlights Revisited

South Coast, Iceland on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Have an early breakfast before exploring any missed landmarks or revisiting favourites.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Explore Dyrhólaey

Visit the dramatic arch rock formation and lighthouse, offering sweeping views over the ocean and coastline.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Hveragerði

Travel to the geothermal town famous for hot springs and scenic hikes.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Varmahlíð Restaurant

Enjoy fresh trout and other local specialities in a welcoming restaurant setting in Hveragerði.
ISK4000, 1h

1:30pm

Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike

Embark on a 3 km moderate hike through geothermally active areas to bathe in a warm natural river (open all day).
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Check-in Hotel Örk, Hveragerði

Relax in this comfortable hotel with thermal baths, perfect for unwinding after your hike.
ISK28000, Flexible

7:00pm

Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Sample Icelandic and international cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients in a cozy setting.
ISK6000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Back to Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Örk

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast before your final journey back to Reykjavík.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Reykjavík

Enjoy the short and scenic 45-minute drive back to the capital city.
Free, 45m

10:00am

National Museum of Iceland

Delve into Icelandic history and culture through well-curated exhibits from the Viking age to modern times.
ISK2300, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Loki

Sample traditional Icelandic dishes including rye bread ice cream in a welcoming location near Hallgrímskirkja.
ISK3000, 1h

2:00pm

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Relax or swim at this unique heated beach in Reykjavík, ideal for a restful afternoon before departure.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Matur og Drykkur

Enjoy a cosy final Icelandic meal with modern takes on traditional dishes, known for great atmosphere and flavours.
ISK7500, 2h
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Day 8: Departure Day

Reykjavík, Iceland on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy your last Icelandic breakfast with coffee and pastries before heading to the airport.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Keflavík International Airport

Travel to the airport allowing ample time for check-in and duty-free shopping before your flight home.
Free, 45m
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