7 Day Iceland Itinerary for First Time Visitors

My holiday to Iceland was one of the most incredible trips I’ve done. It was such a bucket list destination for me that I was worried it wouldn’t live up to my expectations.

But luckily, it exceeded every one of them.

My boyfriend and I spent a week exploring Iceland and we got to do the most incredible things- like walking on glaciers, exploring ice caves, snowmobiling, and of course, seeing the northern lights.

We focused only on Iceland’s south coast as we didn’t want to feel rushed and found seven days to be the perfect amount of time.

A person in a black coat and beanie stands with arms outstretched facing Skógafoss waterfall in Iceland, with a faint rainbow visible in the mist. The surrounding landscape is rugged and golden-brown, with rocky terrain and steep cliffs under a clear sky.

7 Day Iceland itinerary overview

Day 1: Arrive and explore Reykjavík
Day 2: Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobiling
Day 3: Waterfalls, Reynisfjara beach and a glacier hike
Day 4: Hvammsvik Hot Springs
Day 5: Road trip to Jökulsárlón
Day 6: Ice caves, Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
Day 7: Road trip back to Reykjavík

Do I need a car for this itinerary?

No, you don’t need a car for this itinerary. Every place in this guide is reachable from Reykjavík on a day trip where the coach will pick you up and drop you back near your hotel.

Even Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which is five hours from Reykjavík, can be done on a day trip, it’ll just be a very long day.

That being said, I would recommend hiring a car as you’ll have a lot more flexibility in your schedule, and you’ll be able to stop off at viewpoints you won’t get to see on the day trips.

I’ve written this itinerary exactly as I did it, so there’s a mixture of day trips and self-driving days, but we hired the car for the duration of the trip. Parking in Reykjavík is really easy, and all done through the EasyPark app.

I booked my hire car through Discover Cars. They compare the cost across loads of different providers to find the best price for your trip, have flexible cancellation policies, and they’ve won awards for their customer service.

I’ve written a guide on my experience renting a car in Iceland, where I compare day trips vs driving yourself.

When to visit Iceland

The best time of year to visit Iceland depends on what you want to do. Winter is the best time to see the northern lights, which is a huge draw for a lot of people.

The weather is unpredictable at this time of year though, so roads are often closed, and driving feels riskier. But there is something magical about seeing Iceland in the snow.

In the summer, Iceland has “midnight sun” from May to early August when the sun never sets, which means you have more hours in the day to explore. You can still hike on glaciers in the summer, and you can visit some ice caves, but you can’t see the northern lights.

Day 1: Arrival into Reykjavík

Iceland has one international airport – Keflavík International Airport, which is a forty-five minute drive from Reykjavík, the capital city.

Although it’s very tempting to leave Reykjavík straight away and head for Iceland’s beautiful nature, I’d recommend setting aside one day of your itinerary to explore it.

I spent four nights of my trip with Reykjavík as my base and I was surprised by how much there is to do there. There’s loads of museums, art galleries, interesting landmarks and a great food scene.

You can do whale watching tours in the day, northern lights tours in the evening, and there’s incredible hot springs within easy reach of the city.

Tall concrete church with a stepped design and clock tower stands against a dramatic sky at sunset, with snow on the ground and a statue of Leif Erikson in front. This is Hallgrímskirkja, a prominent Lutheran church in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Things to do in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a small and very walkable city, so you can easily see the main sights in one day.

Start your day with breakfast at Brauð & Co, an artisan bakery with delicious cinnamon rolls, pastries and sourdough bread. There’s five across Reykjavík so you’ll probably be near one.

A bakery display case filled with a variety of fresh pastries, including vanilla, cinnamon, and hazelnut danishes, pretzel croissants, and croissants with salmon and parmesan. Each item is neatly arranged and labeled with small signs showing prices in Icelandic króna.

Afterwards, book this walking tour. It lasts two and a half hours and your expert guide will take you to all the main sights in the city and tell you the history of each of them. It’s a great way to start your day and get your bearings.

There’s two timeslots – 10:00am and 14:00pm, so you can choose the time that suits you.

Make sure you book your walking tour in advance to avoid missing out.

A colorful mural on an outdoor bar wall features cartoon-style portraits of Albert Einstein and a hip-hop inspired character clinking beer glasses. The setting includes string lights, rustic decor, and snow-dusted outdoor furniture, creating a cozy and artistic vibe.

Then head to the top of Hallgrímskirkja church, where you’ll get panoramic views over the city, before walking down Rainbow Street and browsing the shops, cafes and restaurants.

A wide aerial view of Reykjavik, Iceland, showcasing snow-dusted rooftops and colorful houses leading toward the coastline, with the ocean and cloudy sky in the distance.

A vibrant rainbow-painted street in downtown Reykjavik, Iceland, lined with shops and restaurants like Fish & Chips and Studio 29. The Hallgrímskirkja church rises in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Make your way to the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager statue, designed by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason as a symbol of light, hope, and discovery.

A snowy shoreline in Reykjavík featuring the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture, shaped like a Viking ship, with the modern city skyline rising in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Continue along the water to the Harpa Concert Hall, the home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.

They have a regular events schedule so it’s worth seeing what’s on whilst you’re there if you have time for a show.

Interior of Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík showcasing its geometric glass facade and mirrored ceiling, with natural light streaming in through the honeycomb-like windows.

In the afternoon, visit one of Reykjavík’s many museums.

I went to the Whales of Iceland museum which has life sized models of the whales that live in Iceland’s waters. But there’s lots to choose from depending on what you’re interested in.

A dimly lit exhibition hall with life-sized suspended models of whales, dolphins, and other marine life, set against a blue-themed backdrop and educational displays.

One of the best parts about being in Reykjavík is that you’re close to two of Iceland’s most famous hot springs – Sky Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.

Sky Lagoon is much closer to the city, and this is the one I visited. It’s based around a seven-step ritual so there’s different rooms to explore, but my favourite part was the huge infinity pool lagoon.

It has a swim-up bar and amazing views over the Atlantic Ocean, so head there late afternoon to catch the sunset.

Sky Lagoon is one of the most popular activities in Reykjavík, so get your tickets before your trip.

A woman with wet hair floats in a natural geothermal pool surrounded by towering lava rock cliffs, creating a peaceful and immersive hot spring experience.

For more information about Reykjavík, read my one day itinerary and my guide to the best things to do in the city

Best restaurants in Reykjavík

I had some really good meals in Reykjavík and I’ve popped my favourites below:

Skál – A fancier spot great for date night, with a tasting menu option
DEIG – Bakery serving New York style bagels
Le Kock – Casual burger restaurant – the chicken burger is so good!
Brauð & Co – Popular bakery with amazing cinnamon rolls
La Poblana – Tacos and cocktails in the centre of Reykjavík

A hand reaches for a beautifully plated dish featuring a piece of white fish in a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, cabbage, and what appears to be seaweed and a green oil drizzle. In the background, a second dish with deep red beet slices and crumbled toppings sits on the wooden table.

Where to stay in Reykjavík

There’s great hotel options in Reykjavík. It is an expensive city but there’s hostels if you’re on a budget.

I stayed in two different hotels in the city, which were quite different in what they offer.

The first is Local 101. It’s a boutique hotel run by husband and wife David and Alma and it has a really cosy, personal feel.

The lobby is also home to the hotel’s bar and restaurant, and it feels as though you’re walking into someone’s family home. Our room was small but beautifully finished, and you’re just a short walk from the centre of town.

A cozy hotel interior with round tables, bentwood chairs, and warm lighting, featuring wall-mounted wine racks and red neon light accents in the windows. Soft natural light filters through the windows, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

The second hotel I stayed in is Grandi by Center Hotels. This is a much bigger hotel, with a large restaurant, bar, and even a spa. The room was much larger too but it was very dark which I didn’t love. Again, it was only a short walk to the centre of town.

A stylish lounge area with mid-century modern furniture in vibrant yellow and blue, centered around a sleek black fireplace. The space is filled with natural light, plants, and pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, blending comfort with contemporary design.

Both hotels are great options, it really just depends what style you prefer.

Day 2: Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobiling

Today you’re heading to see three of Iceland’s most popular landmarks – Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir’s and Gullfoss waterfall.

Together they form the Golden Circle, a short, circular route that makes it a perfect day trip from Reykjavík.

You have two options for this trip – drive yourself, or take a day trip, where you’ll be picked up and dropped back in Reykjavík on a coach.

I booked this day trip and it was brilliant. You visit all three sights, and finish the day with snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier.

There was a snowstorm when we went so there was no visibility on the glacier but it was still such a fun activity and one of my most treasured memories from the trip.

How many people get to say they’ve driven a snowmobile on a glacier? That’s pretty cool.

A group of people ride snowmobiles in single file across a vast, snow-covered landscape under a thick layer of fog or whiteout conditions. The scene is minimal and monochromatic, emphasizing the isolation and adventure of traveling through a frozen wilderness.

The benefits of taking a day trip is that you don’t have to drive yourself, which is great if you’re visiting in winter when the weather can be unpredictable.

You’ll also have an expert guide telling you about each location, and there’s lots to know!

The drawback is that the coaches typically all arrive at the same time, so it will be more crowded. If you’re driving yourself, you can get there early and skip the crowds.

Þingvellir National Park

Your first stop on the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the landscapes feel otherworldly.

What makes Þingvellir so special is that it’s located between two tectonic plates. The North American and Eurasian plates are slowly moving away from each other, and you can walk through the middle of them.

A sweeping winter landscape shows a snow-covered valley with a winding river, frosted trees, and a small cluster of white buildings near the water. Jagged cliffs frame the foreground, while distant mountains fade into the mist beneath a softly glowing sky.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Next, you’ll head to the Geysir Geothermal Area, one of the most active geothermal areas in Iceland.

The main attraction here is Strokkur, a huge geyser that erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 40 metres in the air.

A lot of the things you see in Iceland are mind blowing, but the geysers are crazy. It’s hard to get your head around that what you’re witnessing is naturally occurring.

A crowd of tourists stands in a snowy geothermal field, watching a powerful geyser erupt with a burst of steam and water shooting high into the sky. The icy ground is dotted with patches of snow and thermal runoff under a cloudy winter sky.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Your final stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.

It’s huge, with two tiers flowing down into the canyon of the Hvita River. We were lucky enough to witness it with snow all around it, but this place would be amazing at any time of year.

There’s several viewing platforms here, so you can walk around and see the waterfall from lots of different angles.

A powerful, icy waterfall cascades through a dramatic canyon, with snow-covered cliffs and frozen ground surrounding the turquoise river below. A winding path and scattered visitors on the left edge show the scale of the wintry Icelandic landscape.

Where to stay

You’ll be back in Reykjavík in the evening so you can stay in the same hotel for the night.

Day 3: Waterfalls, Reynisfjara beach and a glacier hike

It’s time for a jam packed day trip to see two incredible waterfalls along Iceland’s south coast, visiting Reynisfjara beach and hiking on a glacier!

I booked this tour which starts and ends in Reykjavík, but you could also drive yourself.

Seljalandsfoss

The first stop is Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. You’ll have probably seen pictures of it when searching for Iceland online.

One of the coolest things about Seljalandsfoss is that it has a path that runs around the back of the waterfall so you can actually walk behind it.

Whilst you’re there, make sure you follow the path along to Gljúfrabúi, which is a bit of a secret waterfall. Its hidden inside a gorge and you can get up close to it, so wear good waterproofs!

A tall waterfall plunges from a moss-covered cliff into a shallow basin, with patches of frost and snow blanketing the rocky ground below. The cliff face is lined with icicles, adding to the wintry feel of this dramatic Icelandic landscape.

Skogafoss

Next, you’ll stop at Skógafoss, a huge, powerful waterfall that drops straight down from the cliffs above. If the sun’s out, you’ll often see rainbows forming in the spray (we saw one which was amazing).

You can also climb some steps to a viewing platform with views over the top of the waterfall. There’s over 500 steps so it’s a pretty tiring climb, but well worth it!

A powerful waterfall cascades down a rugged cliff into a shallow, rocky riverbed, with golden grass and a clear reflection in the foreground. Tourists are visible along the trail and near the base of the falls, emphasizing the scale and natural beauty of the landscape.

Glacier hike

After the waterfalls, you’ll get to do a glacier hike, which was my favourite part of the tour, and probably my whole trip.

The glacier you’ll hike on is called Sólheimajökull, one of the easiest to reach in Iceland. Your expert tour guide will take you out onto the glacier, where you get to explore its crevasses.

There aren’t words for how small you feel when you’re stood in the middle of a vast glacier, it’s really special to witness nature in that way.

A person wearing a yellow helmet, black winter gear, and crampons stands with arms outstretched on a glacier under a bright sky. Snow-dusted mountains rise in the distance, capturing the thrill and scale of ice hiking in a rugged landscape.

Reynisfjara beach

The tour also includes a stop at Reynisfjara, Iceland’s famous black sand beach, known for its basalt columns and powerful waves. It’s one of those places that really shows how dramatic Iceland’s landscapes are.

A person in a beanie and boots stands on a rocky black sand beach at sunset, gazing toward crashing waves and a dramatic sea stack rising from the ocean. Golden light bathes the cliffs and shoreline, casting a warm glow across the rugged Icelandic coast.

Where to stay

Stay in Reykjavík again.

Day 4: Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Hot springs are a key part of Icelandic culture. They’re where locals go to bathe, socialise and relax. So you absolutely have to experience a few whilst you’re there.

So on your fourth day, head to Hvammsvik Hot Springs, which is a one hour drive from Reykjavík.

A curved, dark-roofed building sits along a rocky shoreline, with people soaking in a geothermal hot spring near the water’s edge. Snow-dusted mountains and a misty sky stretch across the background, creating a serene, remote Icelandic landscape.

Unlike Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon which are entirely man-made pools, Hvammsvik consists of eight natural hot springs.

The hot springs naturally occur there, and they’ve just built facilities around them to make it more comfortable.

It’s a great way to have a more authentic hot spring experience if you don’t have time to search for the completely natural ones.

Book your tickets

A natural hot spring pool built with large stones sits beside a calm Icelandic shoreline, with wooden posts and steps leading into the warm water. Snow-capped mountains and a wide bay stretch into the distance under a partly cloudy sky, creating a peaceful, remote setting.

I absolutely loved my day at Hvammsvik, it was one of my favourite experiences in Iceland. It’s located on the shore of a remote fjord, and it’s so peaceful.

The hot springs range from 35°C to 40°C, and it’s next to the ocean, so you can jump in if you’re feeling brave and fancy a cold plunge (I wasn’t).

A woman with her hair in a bun relaxes in a steamy natural hot spring surrounded by rocks, facing a distant rainbow stretching across a partly cloudy sky. Wooden posts and a rope fence frame the view of snow-dusted hills in the background, adding to the peaceful, scenic moment.

I’d recommend spending the whole day here as there’s lots to keep you entertained. There’s a swim-up bar in one of the hot springs, a steam bath and a restaurant.

But the main reason to stay all day is that you get to see the landscape change, watch the sunset, and even catch the northern lights!

We drove ourselves to Hvammsvik, but there is an option to book the tour with transport included.

A wooden boardwalk with rope railings leads to the edge of a rocky shoreline, overlooking a calm fjord with snow-streaked mountains in the background. Wet stone tiles and golden grass in the foreground hint at recent rain under a soft, overcast sky.

Where to stay

You can stay at Hvammsvik in one of their luxury lodges, or head back to Reykjavík, which is what we did.

Day 5: Road trip to Jökulsárlón

Wake up early this morning because you’re heading to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, in the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park.

Jökulsárlón is still on Iceland’s south coast, but it’s a five hour drive from Reykjavík. Luckily the views along the way are incredible so the time passes quickly, and the whole route is along Route 1 (the ring road), so it’s very easy.

Keep an eye out for the wild Icelandic horses as you drive, they’re so beautiful and really friendly.

A group of Icelandic horses graze on a flat, golden-brown pasture under an overcast sky. Their thick coats and varied colors, including white, black, brown, and piebald patterns, reflect adaptation to the cold climate.

I’d also suggest stopping at the Eldhraun lava field, which was created by the Laki volcanic eruption and is one of the largest lava flows ever recorded.

A vast lava field covered in soft green moss stretches across the landscape beneath a partly cloudy sky. The uneven terrain forms bumpy, rounded mounds typical of Iceland's volcanic regions.

Where to stay:

Stay nearby to Jökulsárlón as it’s a good place to catch the northern lights.

We stayed at Hali Country Hotel which was brilliant. The rooms were huge and really comfortable, and there was a restaurant on site.

Our plan was to head to Jökulsárlón as it got dark to watch the northern lights over the lake, but I was really unwell that night so we decided to just head outside and watch them from the hotel, which was amazing to witness.

Faint green and reddish aurora lights stretch upward from behind a silhouetted mountain, blending into a star-speckled night sky.

A vivid green aurora borealis dances across the night sky above a dark mountain ridge, with scattered stars visible in the background.

Day 6: Ice caves, Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach

One thing you have to do whilst you’re in Iceland is to go inside an ice cave. They’re naturally formed underneath glaciers when water flows through the ice, and you actually get to walk inside them.

It’s such a magical experience, it’s hard to believe it’s even possible to do it, but it is, and it’s amazing.

I booked this tour. Our guide drove us to the cave, and the views along the way only added to the adventure. Then we put on our crampons (provided on the tour), and headed inside the cave.

This ice cave tour is one of the best things I did in Iceland. Make sure you book in advance so you don’t miss out.

You’ll walk across a glacier to reach the caves, which is amazing in itself, and then you’ll have the chance to explore multiple caves.

The whole tour lasts around three and a half hours and it’s worth every penny. This is a real bucket list experience that you’ll remember forever.

Inside a glacial ice cave, soft light reflects off the smooth, rippled blue walls, casting shimmering patterns across the tunnel-like ceiling. The rocky floor adds contrast to the surreal, almost translucent beauty of the frozen interior.

The ice cave tour starts and ends at the car park for Jökulsárlón, so once you arrive back, it’s the perfect chance to explore it.

Jökulsárlón is a glacier lagoon formed by the melting ice of the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier.

These huge chunks of floating ice are incredible to witness, and it’s a great sunset spot if you fancy sticking around. If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, sunset can be as early as 3:30pm, so you won’t have to wait long.

Floating icebergs drift through a calm glacial lagoon at sunset, their blue hues contrasting with the soft pink and orange clouds reflected in the water. Rocky shoreline and distant mountains frame the tranquil Icelandic landscape.

Just across the road from Jökulsárlón is Diamond Beach. It’s a black sand beach that gets covered in all of the ice from Jökulsárlón and it’s such a unique place.

A person in winter clothing stands with arms outstretched on a black sand beach, surrounded by large, glistening icebergs washed ashore. The golden light of sunset reflects off the ice and ocean, creating a magical contrast between the icy blues and warm sky.

Where to stay:

Stay at Hali Country Hotel again.

Day 7: Back to Reykjavík

Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Reykjavík to catch your flight home.

Vik is a great place to stop for lunch as it’s just off the ring road so you don’t need to detour.

It’s a charming village with some good restaurants (we ate at Black Crust Pizzeria), but it’s most famous for Víkurkirkja Church, its red-roofed church that sits at the top of the hill.

A white church with a steep red roof and central steeple stands against a dramatic mountain backdrop under a partly cloudy sky. The building has arched windows and a wooden front door, with a few parked cars and scattered visitors nearby, emphasizing its remote and scenic location.

You could even squeeze in one more visit to Reynisfjara beach as it’s only a fifteen minute drive from Vik.

We went twice during our trip and it’s amazing to see it in different weather as it completely changes the vibe.

Read my other Iceland guides:

16 Best Things to Do in Iceland

The Ultimate Iceland Winter Packing List

One Day Reykjavík Itinerary

Renting a Car in Iceland in Winter

9 Best Things to do in Reykjavík

Day Trips from Reykjavík

Hvammsvik Hot Springs Review

Is Iceland Expensive? Cost of Hotels, Food & Activities

Visiting the Golden Circle in Winter

7 Day Iceland Itinerary for First Time Visitors

7 Day Iceland itinerary overview

Do I need a car for this itinerary?

When to visit Iceland