Iceland is a complete dream nation to go to, particularly should you’re eager on the type of journey that’s just a little completely different from a seaside or tropical vacation. That being stated, it’s completely enormous (a lot larger than you may assume)! So, I wished to share our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland that’ll enable you to alongside your means.
You see, Iceland is full of essentially the most dramatic natural sights and the best things to do which can be dotted all throughout the island.
Not solely that, however there’s additionally a heap of scrumptious meals and yummy restaurants that you just actually can’t miss. Oh, and don’t neglect to go out on one of the vital spectacular hikes in Iceland, too. Belief me, you’re going to be spoilt for selection.
Actually, 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 important 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’ll be able to solely wander to this point out of your base location; even when you’ve gotten a automobile.
The following time we visited nevertheless, 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 presumably may in a single week. All give attention to the south and west of Iceland which will be a lot simpler to go to on a first-time journey.
Now, to avoid wasting to you the effort of organising all the pieces from scratch, I wished to pop our full 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland. Although, if you wish to spend longer, simply try 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, among the finest methods to get round Iceland is by automobile. So, after reserving your automobile, pop over to the rental centre and head out on the open highway. Though rental automobiles generally is 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 instructed, a lot of the best things to do in Iceland are free to see and so all you want is a automobile to get to them. We will’t suggest this sufficient, it’s completely price it.
Read more: Best tours to book from Reykjavik
2.) Laugarvatn Fontana for a dip
That is the place they bake bread utilizing underground geothermal heat and it’s so cool to see.
After lunch, go for a dip in the geothermal baths and check out the pure steam rooms.
Oh, and should you’re feeling courageous sufficient, take a dip within the close by ice-cold lake. Personally, I feel it’s worthwhile to give this a go not less than as soon as. Although, it’s completely chilly. Brrrr!
Tackle: 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 National Park, all type a part of the Golden triangle and seeing the geyser erupt is really a powerful expertise. It’s very easy to go to by automobile and also you don’t have to go on any lengthy hikes or trails to see them.
They’re completely beautiful at any time of the 12 months! Simply you’ll want to pack some good mountaineering sneakers. You’ll be strolling on a lot of moist or muddy trails at occasions.
Read more: Best tours to book from Reykjavik
4.) Discover Reykjavik
We stayed on the Reykjavik Residence Hotel (we booked this virtually instantly after we paid for our flights). It was additionally good for parking (the automobile park is nearly reverse it) and is centrally situated sufficient you could simply stroll round Reykjavik. Although it must be stated, Reykjavik is usually a really walkable metropolis.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to try a number of the best restaurants in Reykjavik and even, discover the long-lasting cathedral (and see the views from the highest) and come out on a whale-watching tour.
Read more: Best tours to book from Reykjavik
5.) Drive out of the town (for the Northern Lights)
You solely have to 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 correct in your doorstep.
Not solely that, however Iceland can also be a terrific place to observe the Northern Lights, too. Now, you’ll be able to guide a tour from the town however we personally most well-liked to simply drive out into the nationwide park and await them to look. This manner, you’ll be able to spend as lengthy or as little as you need and journey completely by yourself phrases.
Do try our Northern Lights photography tips earlier than you go.
DAY 2
1.) Whale watching (Reykjavik)
We went with Special Tours for what turned out to be a rather fun afternoon searching 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 a terrific 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 the town. Have enjoyable!
Tackle: Particular Excursions, Reykjavik’s Outdated Harbour, 101 Reykjavíokay, Iceland
Web site: www.specialtours.is
2.) Keep on the Frost & Fireplace Resort
We stayed right here and completely liked it, plus they’ve a tasty dinner menu that you just actually can’t miss (which, you’ll be able to see here)
After dinner, get your self some wine/beer and nip into one of many geothermally heated sizzling tubs the place, should you’re fortunate,
Tackle: 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’ll be able to’t all the time be certain on cloud cowl or if the lights are popping out to play.
Simply you’ll want to wrap up heat, take your digital camera and perhaps a flask of sizzling tea, too.
Read more: Best restaurants 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 be capable 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 enormous.
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, should you’re visiting in Summer season, you’ll be able to simply head right here later within the night because it stays mild very late.
3.) Go on a glacier hike
The tour we had been meant to do was with the oldsters 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 beneficial 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 listing of explanation why we have to return to Iceland.
The glacier stroll and mountaineering base are by Sólheimajökull glacier about 28km west of Víokay and 6 km east of Skógar. Simply keep in mind, In case you’re heading right here from Reykjavíokay, it’s about 160 km and the driving time is about 2 hours.
Alternatively, 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’ll want to book this tour before arriving. Areas do promote out in peak journey occasions.
Read more: Tips to experience an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland
4.) Go to the gorgeous Dyrhólaey and Vik Seashore
The drive to the following cease after it is a lengthy one and this cease is unquestionably an Icelandic must-do.
The coastal surroundings here is so dramatic and nothing wanting superb.
5.) Test into Resort Laki
There’s a restaurant and bar right here so that you can have dinner and subsequently, heat your cockles by the roaring fire.
Tackle: Efri-Víokay, 880 Kirkjubæjarklausturi, Iceland
Resort Laki is situated on Highway 204. Solely 4 km from freeway no 1 simply south of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Web site: www.hotellaki.is
6.) See the Northern Lights
Resort Laki, and the encircling rural areas, had been nice for seeing the Northern Lights.
You possibly can see the Northern Lights out of your room at Resort Laki. Alternatively, you’ll be able to 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 countless. We noticed the Northern Lights right here and it was unbelievable. Although you don’t want to remain at Resort Laki to see them, should you select elsewhere to relaxation your head that may work completely nice, too.
Wherever you keep, simply you’ll want to embrace some northern mild recognizing in your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.
Read more: Best towns in Iceland to visit
DAY 4
1.) Glacier cave hike
a glacier cave hike in Vatnajökull is fairly epic! Although, you’ll be able to simply go on different cave hikes in different areas of Iceland, too.
2.) Drive as much as Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is another amazing sight you need to see in Iceland and one place that’s nice for just a little cease earlier than you begin heading again east in the direction of Reykavik.
There’s additionally a lagoon boat tour you could get proper from the shore edge and it’s fairly cool. Now, it’s not a whole-day kinda spot, nevertheless it’s nonetheless effectively 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 should you simply haven’t gotten your fill of those two amazing sites. That is nice to incorporate should you’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 lovely, particularly round Stokksnes.
Read more: Best hikes in Iceland
DAY 5
1.) Go Horse Using at Hestheimar
Icelandic horses are very distinctive to the nation. You see, you’ll be able to’t import horses into Iceland and should you export horses, they’re by no means allowed to return again to the nation. What?!?
That every one being stated, there’s no higher technique to see the Icelandic countryside than ambling round at your individual tempo on these horses.
We went horse riding at Hestheimar through the tail-end of a storm! Which, I’ve to confess, made it all of the extra thrilling.
Tackle: Ásahreppur 851 Hella Ísland, Iceland
Web site: www.hestheimar.is
2.) Test into the Blue Lagoon
We all the time spend at least one night 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 private blue lagoon (which opens earlier and closes later than the overall one), however you additionally get free entry to the overall lagoon, too.
Tackle: 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 among the finest issues to incorporate inside our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.
Read more: Best things 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 at the Blue Lagoon. We spent the entire day right here and completely liked it.
2.) Dinner and music in Reykjavik
Reykjavik has such an attention-grabbing music scene and fairly good reside music spots, so it’s price checking this out. Take a wander down the ‘important avenue’ and also you’ll see precisely what I imply.
After an evening in town, pop to the well-known Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (sizzling canine stand) that’s by the harbour. It’s develop into one thing of an establishment for locals and guests to seize a fairly chew!
DAY 7
1.) Discover Reykjavik
That is your likelihood to see the town at your individual tempo and keep on 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 may be full, however perhaps subsequent time you’ll be able to discover some extra by driving the entire coastal highway of Iceland (see beneath).
Read more: Best things to do in Iceland
Test Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
Take a look at our YouTube channel for journey movies!