Iceland is a complete dream nation to go to, particularly if you happen to’re eager on the type of journey that’s slightly totally different from a seaside or tropical vacation. That being mentioned, it’s completely big (a lot larger than you would possibly assume)! So, I needed to share our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland that’ll allow you to alongside your method.

You see, Iceland is full of probably the most dramatic pure sights and the very best issues to do this are dotted all throughout the island.

Not solely that, however there’s additionally a heap of scrumptious meals and yummy eating places that you just actually can’t miss. Oh, and don’t neglect to go out on probably the most spectacular hikes in Iceland, too. Belief me, you’re going to be spoilt for alternative. 

Truthfully, the panorama is like one other world! It’s so dramatic and to make issues even higher, everyone seems to be so pleasant and welcoming.

The primary time we visited Iceland, we had two fundamental bases, the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik, each of that are unbelievable in their very own proper. Although, seeing as they’re situated pretty shut to at least one one other, it was considerably restricted as you possibly can solely wander up to now out of your base location; even when you have got a automotive.

The following time we visited nonetheless, we had the advantage of hindsight to information us and developed a extra detailed and complete itinerary to see as a lot of Iceland as we probably might in a single week. All concentrate on the south and west of Iceland which could be a lot simpler to go to on a first-time journey.

Now, to avoid wasting to you the effort of organising every part from scratch, I needed to pop our full 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland. Although, if you wish to spend longer, simply take a look at a few of our different Iceland posts on some unbelievable locations all throughout the island. Have the very best journey! 

DAY 1

1.) Arrive in Iceland

Now, the most effective methods to get round Iceland is by automotive. So, after reserving your automotive, pop over to the rental centre and head out on the open street. Though rental vehicles is usually a little pricier than different locations, they nonetheless work out less expensive than reserving particular person excursions across the island. Particularly if there’s a couple of of you.

Reality be advised, a lot of the very best issues to do in Iceland are free to see and so all you want is a automotive to get to them. We will’t advocate this sufficient, it’s completely price it.

Learn extra: Greatest excursions to e-book from Reykjavik

2.) Laugarvatn Fontana for a dip

That is the place they bake bread utilizing underground geothermal warmth and it’s so cool to see.

After lunch, go for a dip within the geothermal baths and take a look at the pure steam rooms.

Oh, and if you happen to’re feeling courageous sufficient, take a dip within the close by ice-cold lake. Personally, I feel it’s essential give this a go not less than as soon as. Although, it’s completely chilly. Brrrr!

Handle: Laugarvatn Fontana, Hverabraut 1, 840 Laugarvatn, Iceland

Web site: www.fontana.is

3.) See Geysir (In Strokkur) & Gulfoss Waterfall

These two locations, together with Thingvellir Nationwide Park, all kind a part of the Golden triangle and seeing the geyser erupt is actually an impressive expertise. It’s very easy to go to by automotive and also you don’t must go on any lengthy hikes or trails to see them.

They’re completely beautiful at any time of the 12 months! Simply you should definitely pack some good mountain climbing sneakers. You’ll be strolling on a lot of moist or muddy trails at instances. 

Learn extra: Greatest excursions to e-book from Reykjavik

4.) Discover Reykjavik

We stayed on the Reykjavik Residence Lodge (we booked this nearly instantly after we paid for our flights). It was additionally good for parking (the automotive park is nearly reverse it) and is centrally situated sufficient you can simply stroll round Reykjavik. Although it needs to be mentioned, Reykjavik is usually a really walkable metropolis.

As soon as right here, you should definitely take a look at a few of the greatest eating places in Reykjavik and even, discover the long-lasting cathedral (and see the views from the highest) and come out on a whale-watching tour. 

Learn extra: Greatest excursions to e-book from Reykjavik

5.) Drive out of town (for the Northern Lights)

You solely must drive round 30-minutes from the very centre of Reykjavik to be in full wilderness. That’s the fantastic thing about Iceland, all this unbelievable nature is true in your doorstep. 

Not solely that, however Iceland can also be an important place to look at the Northern Lights, too. Now, you possibly can e-book a tour from town however we personally most popular to only drive out into the nationwide park and look ahead to them to look. This manner, you possibly can spend as lengthy or as little as you need and journey completely by yourself phrases. 

Do take a look at our Northern Lights pictures suggestions earlier than you go.

DAY 2

1.) Whale watching (Reykjavik)

We went with Particular Excursions for what turned out to be a reasonably enjoyable afternoon looking for whales in Iceland. It’s a good way to catch a glimpse of the native marine life right here and also you’ll have an important few hours exploring the open ocean. 

Now, it does get chilly however they’ll wrap you up within the thickest of bodysuits earlier than you allow town. Have enjoyable! 

Handle: Particular Excursions, Reykjavik’s Outdated Harbour, 101 Reykjavíok, Iceland

Web site: www.specialtours.is

2.) Keep on the Frost & Fireplace Lodge

We stayed right here and completely beloved it, plus they’ve a tasty dinner menu that you just actually can’t miss (which, you possibly can see right here)

After dinner, get your self some wine/beer and nip into one of many geothermally heated scorching tubs the place, if you happen to’re fortunate,

Handle: Hverhamar, 810 Hveragerði, Iceland

Web site: www.frostandfire.is

3.) Look out for the Northern Lights (once more)

Belief me, we did this each night time as you possibly can’t all the time ensure on cloud cowl or if the lights are popping out to play.

Simply you should definitely wrap up heat, take your digicam and perhaps a flask of scorching tea, too.

Learn extra: Greatest eating places in Iceland

DAY 3

1.) Stroll-behind Seljalandsfoss

It’s simply one of many best experiences to incorporate in your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland, particularly when heading east.

Plus, that is the one one of many waterfalls on right here the place you are able to do that and it’s such a singular expertise to truly have the ability to stroll behind such an enormous and highly effective waterfall.

2.) Go to Skogafoss

Not too far Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss is perched on the historic cliffs the place the sealine as soon as was. It’s completely awe-inspiring to see and completely big. 

Now, if you wish to keep away from the vast majority of the crowds, head throughout right here within the early morning or late afternoon. Additionally, if you happen to’re visiting in Summer season, you possibly can simply head right here later within the night because it stays mild very late. 

3.) Go on a glacier hike

The tour we have been meant to do was with the parents over Atarcanum however this was the one merchandise we couldn’t do ultimately because of the storm in Iceland once we visited.

They arrive very extremely really helpful so I’ve no reservations in recommending them however alas, that storm meant that we’ve had so as to add this to our rising record of the explanation why we have to return to Iceland.

The glacier stroll and mountaineering base are by Sólheimajökull glacier about 28km west of Víok and 6 km east of Skógar. Simply keep in mind, If you happen to’re heading right here from Reykjavíok, it’s about 160 km and the driving time is about 2 hours.

Alternatively, e-book this Ice Cave Tour from Vik that’s completely unbelievable to go to. We had the very best journey and it’s such a singular expertise to have while in Iceland.

Simply you should definitely e-book this tour earlier than arriving. Areas do promote out in peak journey instances. 

Learn extra: Tricks to expertise an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland

4.) Go to the attractive Dyrhólaey and Vik Seashore

The drive to the subsequent cease after this can be a lengthy one and this cease is certainly an Icelandic must-do.

The coastal surroundings right here is so dramatic and nothing in need of wonderful. 

5.) Verify into Lodge Laki 

There’s a restaurant and bar right here so that you can have dinner and subsequently, heat your cockles by the roaring fire.

Handle: Efri-Víok, 880 Kirkjubæjarklausturi, Iceland

Lodge Laki is situated on Street 204. Solely 4 km from freeway #1 simply south of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Web site: www.hotellaki.is

6.) See the Northern Lights

Lodge Laki, and the encircling rural areas, have been nice for seeing the Northern Lights.

You may see the Northern Lights out of your room at Lodge Laki. Alternatively, you possibly can head as much as the balcony upstairs the place you’ll have an unrestricted view of the Northern Lights.

You get the place I’m going with this – the alternatives are limitless. We noticed the Northern Lights right here and it was unbelievable. Although you don’t want to remain at Lodge Laki to see them, if you happen to select someplace else to relaxation your head that can work completely nice, too.

Wherever you keep, simply you should definitely embrace some northern mild recognizing in your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.

Learn extra: Greatest cities in Iceland to go to

DAY 4

1.) Glacier cave hike

a glacier cave hike in Vatnajökull is fairly epic! Although, you possibly can simply go on different cave hikes in different areas of Iceland, too.

2.) Drive as much as Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón is one other wonderful sight you need to see in Iceland and one place that’s nice for slightly cease earlier than you begin heading again east in the direction of Reykavik.

There’s additionally a lagoon boat tour you can get proper from the shore edge and it’s fairly cool. Now, it’s not a whole-day kinda spot, but it surely’s nonetheless properly price stopping to see the floating icebergs. 

3.) Go to Geysir and Gullfoss or Höfn

In case you missed it on the primary day… or if you happen to simply haven’t gotten your fill of these two wonderful websites. That is nice to incorporate if you happen to’re heading again west. 

Alternatively, if you wish to head additional west, drive and keep in Höfn that’s fairly beautiful. The panorama round this space of Iceland is simply so stunning, particularly round Stokksnes. 

Learn extra: Greatest hikes in Iceland

DAY 5

1.) Go Horse Driving at Hestheimar

Icelandic horses are very distinctive to the nation. You see, you possibly can’t import horses into Iceland and if you happen to export horses, they’re by no means allowed to return again to the nation. What?!?

That every one being mentioned, there’s no higher technique to see the Icelandic countryside than ambling round at your individual tempo on these horses.

We went horse using at Hestheimar through the tail-end of a storm! Which, I’ve to confess, made it all of the extra thrilling.

Handle: Ásahreppur 851 Hella Ísland, Iceland

Web site: www.hestheimar.is

2.) Verify into the Blue Lagoon

We all the time spend not less than one night time right here, and although it may be extra expensive than most different spots in Iceland, it’s a complete deal with that we love! 

You not solely get to remain right here and have your non-public blue lagoon (which opens earlier and closes later than the overall one), however you additionally get free entry to the overall lagoon, too.

Handle: Blue Lagoon, 240 Grindavik, Iceland

3.) See the Northern Lights

Sure, once more! 😉

You are able to do this out of your Blue Lagoon lodge room balcony/patio…. and even from the Blue Lagoon itself. We did this and floated round within the Blue Lagoon within the lodge and simply watched the lights above. It was bliss and simply the most effective issues to incorporate inside our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Iceland

DAY 6

1.) Spend the day the Blue Lagoon

You’ve earned the ‘down-time’ in any case and there’s no higher technique to spend it than chilling on the Blue Lagoon. We spent the entire day right here and completely beloved it. 

2.) Dinner and music in Reykjavik

Reykjavik has such an attention-grabbing music scene and fairly good stay music spots, so it’s price checking this out. Take a wander down the ‘fundamental avenue’ and also you’ll see precisely what I imply. 

After an evening in town, pop to the well-known Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (scorching canine stand) that’s by the harbour. It’s change into one thing of an establishment for locals and guests to seize a fairly chunk! 

DAY 7

1.) Discover Reykjavik

That is your probability to see town at your individual tempo and keep it up from the place you left off final night time proper earlier than your flight leaves from Keflavik Airport (round 30-minutes away).

Now, your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland is likely to be full, however perhaps subsequent time you possibly can discover some extra by driving the entire coastal street of Iceland (see under). 

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Iceland

22 Very Greatest Issues To Do In Iceland

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