Welcome to the land of fire and ice! Iceland has to be one of my favorite destinations to visit: it’s easy to get around, the food is amazing, and there is just so much to see and do. With many incredible gems to discover it’s no wonder it can be overwhelming when planning your trip. I was the same way when planning mine. That’s why I created the best 7-day Iceland itinerary, to help you have the trip of a lifetime, too.

How to spend a week in Iceland

In my opinion, 7 days is the minimum amount of time you’ll want to spend in Iceland. With so many amazing things to see and do, especially outside the immediate Reykjavik area, and volatile weather making it nearly impossible to truly plan a day, Iceland needs at least a week.

In October 2023 I spent 9 days in Iceland, exploring the middle of the East Coast to the amazing capital of Reykjavik. I took my 9-day itinerary and incorporated the highlights into the ultimate 7-day trip.

Tips for visiting Iceland on a budget

On my own trip to Iceland we spent a fortune compared to our usual $100 a day around the world budget. In total we averaged about $380 per day for food, gas, rental car, hotels, and entertainment on a (pretty much) all-cash trip. We ate out at restaurants regularly and stayed at mid-tier hotels. But our trip still was about half what it could have been without some money-saving techniques.

• Book hotels with free breakfast and eat enough to keep you sustained until dinner (get some snacks for the car throughout the day). This way you’ll only pay for one meal each day and get to still experience local foods.
• Travel to Iceland anytime but summer to save thousands of dollars on your car and hotel rooms
• Utilize Thrifty Traveler to snag a cash deal to Iceland under $400. Thrifty Traveler (use code KENDYL10) is a great tool to save hundreds of dollars on airfare around the world and they regularly share deals to Iceland. 
• Book your rental car through Autoslash and always get the best rate.

+ don’t miss more tips with my guide to the 10 ways to save money in Iceland

Iceland Weather (things you should know)

Weather in Iceland is unpredictable. Seriously, on my own trip I experienced a day hiking in a t-shirt followed by a snow storm with 60 mph winds the next day. Keep in mind that being flexible with your itinerary is the best way to experience Iceland and get the most out of your trip. Some days you might not be able to do anything you planned. That’s okay!

That’s why I recommend staying at least 2 nights in each town you visit along the way. If you just stay one evening in a destination you could miss out on being able to do anything at all. Staying two days likely gives you at least one day of good weather at each stop along the way.

The best way to see Iceland in a week: a road trip!

Should you rent a car in Iceland?

Renting a car is a must to see the sites at your own pace. And, instead of buying expensive tours, you’ll be able to see what you want for a far cheaper price or even free. Trust me… the math adds up to a rental car saving you time and money!

If you’re worried about driving in Iceland… don’t be. The roads are safe and easy to navigate. Your largest concern are the weather-related closures. I recommend tracking the winds and weather forecast every evening and morning to ensure you won’t be stranded. You can use Iceland’s road closure website to see road conditions.

Don’t miss my complete guide to renting a car in Iceland!

What’s the best car to rent in Iceland?

On my own trip to Iceland we rented an AWD SUV that was great going off the main roads for hiking trails and sightseeing. Looking back on our trip, I can’t imagine doing the trip with any other vehicle. Going in October we experienced ice, snow, high winds, and dirt roads. The car worked wonderfully in all the driving conditions and didn’t have a single scratch upon return.

TRAVEL TIP! Check AutoSlash for the best car rental rates for your trip.

1 Week travel itinerary 

Day 1: Land in Reykjavik + drive to the East Coast

Arrive and pick up your rental car

When arriving in Iceland you’ll land at Reykjavik International Airport (KEF). The airport is about an hour south of the capital city. Depending on the company you get your rental car with you’ll either pick up your car in the airport terminal or take a shuttle to the designated rental office. Either way the process is very easy and shouldn’t take more than an hour from getting off the plane to driving your rental car in Iceland.

Want to find cheap flights to Iceland? I booked $400 flights from Minneapolis on Delta! I recommend getting a membership to Thrifty Traveler (use code KENDYL10) and save hundreds of dollars on your ticket by getting alerted to incredible airfare deals around the world.

Most flights land in Reykjavik early in the morning so you’ll have plenty of time to get across the island to your first stop of the trip. 

Optional: Stop at the Blue Lagoon

Many travelers choose to stop at the Blue Lagoon upon arrival since it’s located so close to the airport and the timing works out for most. Because of its high demand, you’ll need to purchase tickets in advance. Personally, we opted to skip the Blue Lagoon because we knew we’d be too tired to enjoy it. (You can instead explore the Sky Lagoon later on in the trip.)

Drive 6 hours to near Diamond Beach

Though you’re tired, the best way to maximize your 7 days is to spend your first day driving east so you can spend each day working your way back to Reykjavik. 

Where to stay near Diamond Beach

I stayed at the Hali Country Hotel about a 10 minute drive from Diamond Beach. It was a great central location for our time on the east side of the island, with every day’s drive less than 1.5 hours. The hotel was sweet, with free breakfast and a great farm to table restaurant, too. 

After you arrive at your hotel you’ll be pretty tired from the long travel day. I recommend eating something local at your hotel (every hotel includes a restaurant in the area) and taking it easy.

Find other hotels near Diamond Beach

Day 2: Best things to do near Diamond Beach

Today you’ll explore some of the best highlights, like Diamond Beach, and the surrounding Fjallsjokull glacier activities, too. Since food is so expensive in Iceland, start your day with free breakfast at your hotel before leaving.

• Glacial cave tour / walk
• Off the beaten path viewpoint of Fjallsjokull 
• Jokulsarlon + Diamond Beach
• Dinner in Hofn

If visiting between October and April: Schedule a Glacial Cave Tour

Iceland is full of interesting natural sites but nothing is more magical than a glacial cave tour. Keep in mind the cave tours are only operational during season and even then incredibly weather dependent. High winds, rain, snow, and even temperatures greatly impact tour operations.

No crowds! Glacial views at Fjallsjokull

Iceland is full of amazing, poorly marked hiking trails and viewpoints. While most people take in the Fjallsjokull Glacier at the Lagoon near Diamond Beach you can have a viewpoint all to yourself further down the road. Put this location in your GPS and head down a rocky dirt road to find a secret viewpoint you’ll likely have all to yourself. 

Visit Jokulsarlon Lagoon and Diamond Beach 

Both Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon have a lot of tourists visiting. I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. 

Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Lagoon can be visited together, as they are separated by a road but you can walk a small path underneath to visit both without moving your car. It’s a pretty amazing experience, watching icebergs float out to sea where the waves polish them into the “diamonds” you see on the beach. 

After visiting Diamond Beach, walk the small path to the Jokulsarlon Lagoon. The Lagoon is a great spot to catch views of seals, icebergs, and the massive glacier as far as the eye can see. Here you’ll find a small gift shop and depending on the season and time a fish and chips vendor. Walk around the grounds and take it all in. 

Dinner in Hofn

If you’re staying near Diamond Beach most likely you’ll find eating at your hotel (or another one) to be your best option nearby. But eating at your hotel is usually $20-30 more expensive than going into town. Hofn is a small and very charming fishing village I recommend visiting anyways. And with some amazing food options it’s a don’t-miss. 

I recommend trying the langoustine pizza and soup at Ishusid Pizzeria but if you’re looking for something more high-end Otto Matur & Drykkur is a fan-favorite serving Iceland classics in a farm-to-table setting.

Day 3: Explore Skaftafell National Park 

With so many places to see in Iceland it’s hard to choose from them. Utilize today to visit some scenic highlights within a 2-hour drive of Diamond Beach. 

• Malagljufur Canyon
• Vatnajökull National Park
• Hofkikja Turf Church
• Grófarlækjarfoss waterfall

Start your morning at Mulagljufur Canyon

First stop: one of the most impressive off-the-beaten-path hikes on the Ring Road. Mulagljufur Canyon’s trailhead is located just a 10 minute drive down a dirt road. At the trailhead you’ll find less than a dozen or so other hikers attempting the short but steep hike to the top of the canyon falls. 

Snag a coffee and muffin at Cafe Vatnajokull

Located on your way to the Vatnajökull National Park, this small cafe is charming and a great place to rest for a quick second before making your way to the national park. The cafe has great coffee and pastries at an affordable price.

Hike to Svartifoss waterfall (My favorite waterfall of our trip!)

Also known as the Black Falls, this was probably my favorite waterfall we visited in Iceland. The waterfall is located in Vatnajökull National Park and is about 1.5 hours roundtrip from the trailhead and back. 

Svartifoss trail sees a lot of hikers. The trail is very easy but steep, with rubber mats along the route. There are even a few benches to sit at along the way to the falls. The Vatnajökull National Park is free to visit but you’ll likely need to pay a parking fee.

Snag a lamb burger lunch at this unassuming gas station

If you’re looking for a quick and cheap bite to eat after your morning hikes, I can’t recommend Veitingasala enough. We paid just $15 per person for a burger, fry and drink meal. In a country where the cheapest meal you can find that’s not a hot dog is around $20 per person, this is a steal.

Take a quick look at the Hofskitkja Turf Church

Located on your way back to the Diamond Beach area the Hofkikja Turf Church is a pretty unique structure. The church was built in the 1880s and is one of the last remaining turf churches in Iceland. 

Head to your final (and easiest) waterfall of the day, Grófarlækjarfoss

Located near the Fosshotel, the Grófarlækjarfoss waterfall is right off the ring road. Like most easy-to-visit waterfalls, this one is heavily trafficked because of its ease to visit. 

Day 4: Drive to Vik

Vik, Iceland is probably the sweetest town with many attractions within a 2 hour drive. I recommend staying 2 nights to enjoy the surrounding sites and Vik, too.

Vik is located 2.5 hours from Diamond Beach, so depending on your hotel’s location you’ll be in for a couple hours of driving. I recommend leaving right after breakfast to get to enjoy Vik today. (If you didn’t get a chance to stop at Cafe Vatnajokull yesterday, be sure to stop today.)

Travel Tip! Iceland’s weather conditions can change suddenly. Most hotels will include information on the road conditions to help you prepare for changes in your travel plans. You can check Iceland’s road conditions website to help you plan your travel days.

• Explore Vik
• Black Beach

Where to stay in Vik, Iceland

I cannot say enough good things about the Black Beach Suites in Vik. The Black Beach Suites are a great hotel located right down the road from (you guessed it) the Black Beach. With incredible views and a full kitchen, you’ll love the set up. 

Find more Vik hotels that fit your travel budget

Spend your day in Vik (best things to do in Vik, Iceland)

If you’re following my itinerary (like I did on my own trip!) you’ll likely be pretty tired after all the hiking the last few days. I recommend spending today in town and taking it easy. Here are a few of my must-do activities in Vik:

Visit the charming Katla Wool Shop: If you’re looking for an authentic handmade sweater consider this charming, small shop in Vik. The woman runs this shop out of her basement where you have to walk past her loom and studio to get to the store. The shop sells blankets, hats, scarves, sweaters and more.

Head to the Black Beach… at sunset: Located just outside of Vik, the Black Beach is a must-visit location. With stunning views, a cliffside cave, and plenty of places to take the best Instagram photos, you’ll enjoy it. I recommend visiting just before sunset for amazing views and fewer crowds.

Enjoy a coffee at Skool Beans: The cutest school bus turned coffee shop is perfect to warm up and enjoy one of their many coffee curations. The place is great because of their ambiance. Be sure to snag one of their souvenirs before you leave, too.

Check out the local swimming pool (the local way): Icelanders love their local swimming pools, especially before bed. You can visit Vik’s local swimming pool for less than $10, which includes thermal pools and a sauna. 

Enjoy the season puffins at Dyholaey Lighthouse: If visiting Iceland May through mid-August you can see the puffins on many cliffs. The Dyholaey Lighthouse is located outside of Vik and is a great place to spot these cute birds.

Check out the Hafnleysa Maritime museum: Like most museums in Iceland, the Hafnleysa Maritime museum is small but informative. The museum depicts the rich maritime history of the Southern coast of Iceland.

Take your photo with Vik Voyages statue: Located on the edge of the Black Sand Beach, the Vik Voyages statue is of a man looking out to sea. If you happen to be in the area it’s an easy stop to add to your day in Vik.

Dinner in Vik

Vik has a lot of great places to eat right in town. If you don’t feel like cooking with your kitchen (if you plan to stay at Black Beach Suites) you could take the time to eat at one of the many amazing eateries in town. 

Strondin Pub is a great place to snag a local beer and one of the many Icelandic classics in pub food presentation. (I got the seafood chowder here and it was phenomenal.) If you’re looking for something more economical, consider trying The Soup Company or Crepes.is. 

Day 5: The best secret hike + plane crash

I hope you like today’s Iceland itinerary as much as I did! Today is full of secret, off-the-beaten-path things to do. 

• Nauthusagil Ravine
• DC-3 airplane wreck
• Mia’s Country Van Fish and Chips
• Skogafoss
• Seljavallalaug hot spring

Start your day with my favorite (secret) hike!

Just an hour’s drive from Vik you’ll find the coolest canyon hike in Iceland. The Nauthusagil Ravine is pure magic and is probably one of my favorite short hikes of all time. The hike itself is easy and mostly flat but you will have the walk along the side of a small river along the route to the waterfall. 

Tip for visiting! Be sure to wear waterproof hiking boots, as parts of the trail go through the small river. I love mine from Sperry! They worked great hiking the ravine. 

See a better plane wreck

Located on the way to Nauthusagil, this plane was added to a farmer’s yard and is a great little stop for a quick photo. Unlike Solheimasandur, which is overcrowded with a long, windy walk to nowhere, the DC-3 airplane has very few people visiting. 

Snag some fish and chips for lunch

Fish and chips are a staple of the food truck scene in Iceland and located right next to the Skogafoss waterfall you’ll find this small polka dotted truck. The fish is great and well seasoned and you can easily share a platter with your travel buddy.

Take the stairs to the top of Skogafoss

Skogafoss is another popular water fall due to its proximity to the Ring Road. At the waterfall you’ll find a steep set of stairs that will take you to the top for views of the ocean which continues into a further hiking trail. If you’re done with walking don’t worry! You can just enjoy the views from below.

Take a dip at the Seljavallalaug hot spring

If you came to Iceland to enjoy the natural hot springs this is a great place to try it out. Like most hot springs in Iceland, Seljavallalaug has become super popular due to magazines and content creators making it look (probably) more magical than it actually is.

The bathrooms and changing area looks like it’s never cleaned and the pool itself is warm but crowded. But it’s close to the Ring Road and easily accessible today, so check it out if you’re interested and make up your own mind about it!

Day 6: Drive to Reykjavik 

It’s your last full day in Iceland so soak it up! Today you’ll drive from Vik back to Reykjavik and you have options. You can choose to spend more time in the capital city or explore Thingvellir National Park. 

Either way you’ll start your day early to give you an entire day to explore.

Option 1: Stop at Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is famous for the above sea level view of the tectonic plates. Here you can literally view and touch Earth’s crust! The national park is huge with a lot of (you guessed it) hiking trails. 

If you’re looking for one of the most unique experiences in Iceland, you can actually snorkel between the plates!

The park has a beautiful visitors center where you can learn more about the park and visit some of the easiest, paved trails in the park. Here you can also view an exhibition on the park’s unique geological features for less than $10 per person.

Option 2: Continue straight to Reykjavik

If you travel straight from Vik to Reykjavik it should take you about 2.5 hours. Forgoing Thingvellir National Park will give you more time to explore Reykjavik, which has some amazing activities and places to eat. 

Where to stay in Reykjavik

I utilize my Hilton Free Night Certificate to stay at the Hilton Canopy. There are many more points and miles options in Reykjavik than other parts of Iceland, so it’s a great place to use some points and save on your hotel room. 

What to do in Reykjavik

If you travel straight to Reykjavik I recommend booking this food tour. With just one day to spend in the capital it’s a great way to get to see a lot of the culinary history of Iceland without breaking the bank. Your guide will also give some great recommendations for spending your afternoon and some local places to buy goodies to bring back home.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city with most locations you’ll want to visit within 1.5 miles of one another. I’d recommend starting at the end of the docks and working your way back to the famous Hallgrimskirkja church. 

Some highlights you might want to check out include the Reykjavik Art Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, and Rainbow Street. If you’re looking to take home a unique souvenir be sure to check out Fischersund for some unique Icelandic perfumes, candles, and incense or if you still have an eye on that wool sweater the Handknitting Association of Iceland is a great place to check out for sweaters actually made in Iceland.

Where to eat in Reykjavik

There are plenty of great places to eat in Reykjavik. With only one night in the capital my choice would be Messin. The place is known for its skillet plates of lamb or seafoods with vegetables that are to die for. 

If you’d rather have some other choices, I’d recommend checking out Bæjarins for a cheap (but delicious) hot dog. Or, if you’re done with the lamb and Icelandic meals, you could try Sumac Grill + Drinks, it was recommended by every local I asked.

Day 7: Head home

Most flights out of Iceland are in the morning. The airport is located about 45 minutes away from downtown so be sure to leave plenty of time to get back to the airport and return your rental car. 

Fortunately the airport is pretty easy to get through and should take you less than an hour from arrival to your gate. But that’s just an estimate so be sure to arrive at least 2.5 hours before your international flight.

Explore on. -K