The best 7-day road trip in Iceland

Do you dream of a road trip in the land of the Northern Lights? Then, you are at the right place. More than just a trip, a real adventure awaits you in Iceland. Between volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, and hot springs, travel through the Land of Ice and Fire to discover spectacular landscapes.

To help you organize your vacation on Iceland’s roads, immediately discover the best 7-day road trip in Iceland!
 

Summary of the best 7-day road trip in Iceland

Day 1 : Reykjavík

Welcome to the Icelandic capital, your road trip in Iceland can start!

Reykjavík is a unique city, nestled in the heart of wild and unspoiled nature. This small capital of only 123,000 inhabitants offers an extraordinary setting with hot springs, volcanoes, geysers, and glaciers within reach.

The city is not very large and can be easily toured on foot. Among the must-see places in Reykjavík, there is the National Museum of Iceland to discover the rich and fascinating history of the island as well as the marina. This is where you will find the sculpture Sólfar, representing a Viking ship's skeleton, and the Harpa building. Under its futuristic look, it houses a concert hall and an exhibition center.

Also, take the time to stroll through the historic city center. Walk down the pedestrian street Skólavörðustígur painted in rainbow colors which will lead you straight to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. The small street of Laugavegur, with its numerous shops and restaurants, is also very pleasant to warm up in a café and discover local crafts. You might even fall for a lopi, those lovely traditional Icelandic wool sweaters.
 

A tip: the Land of Ice and Fire is particularly conducive to road trips. So, consider booking a van rental in Iceland to facilitate your travels.

Day 2 : the Golden Circle (47 km)

Have you picked up your rental vehicle and done some shopping? Then you are ready to hit the road. Don’t delay, the schedule looks rather busy…

After visiting Reykjavík, head east to discover the famous Golden Circle. It’s no wonder this 300 km loop is so appreciated by travelers during their 7-day road trip in Iceland. Easily accessible from Reykjavík, it offers you a sample of the most beautiful landscapes in Iceland.

The Golden Circle includes three naturally stunning sites:

• Thingvellir National Park: the site of the “plains of the Parliament” is a UNESCO World Heritage site and hosted the Icelandic Parliament from its foundation in 930 until 1798. Here you can admire the unique geological formations of this historically rich place. Uniquely, the park sits on the fault line separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Gullfoss waterfall, which means “Golden Falls”, consists of two cascades. When the sun is out, rainbows form over the water.
• The geothermal area of Geysir: this geothermal field is famous for its Strokkur geyser, which shoots boiling water more than 20 meters high every 10 minutes.

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Day 3 : the South Coast of Iceland (118 km)

The South Coast of Iceland is a fascinating region for travelers seeking adventures and spectacular landscapes. Among the must-see sites, the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls are not to be missed.

The Seljalandsfoss waterfalls are famous for their access behind the cascade, offering a unique view from the other side. Don’t forget your raincoat, you’re going to need it…

Just a step away from the famous Route 1 that circles the island lies the Skógafoss waterfall, which is among the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. This place is very popular, so try to arrive early or come late in the day to fully enjoy this impressive 60-meter high and 25-meter wide waterfall.

Then make a stop in the coastal town of Vik. You will discover the beautiful Lutheran church Vikurkirkja, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and its astonishing basalt columns. Be careful, the ocean currents are very dangerous in this area. Anyway, given the water temperature, you probably won't want to dip a toe in.

If you have time, do not hesitate to visit the Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve located just nearby.

For a unique experience, take a detour to the Sólheimasandur black sand beach with its very special atmosphere. Here, you will discover the famous wreckage of the American army plane that you must have seen in photos on Instagram many times!

Day 4 : Skaftafell National Park (216 km)

This 7-day road trip in Iceland continues with Skaftafell National Park. Located south of the immense Vatnajökull ice cap, it is breathtakingly beautiful. Situated in southeastern Iceland, it is famous for its glaciers, waterfalls, majestic mountains, and vast expanses of tundra. You can go hiking, glacier walking, and climbing here.

I then suggest heading to the black waterfall Svartifoss and its basalt columns.

It's now time to head to the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in your rental vehicle. This stage, located between route 1 and Vatnajökull, is a highlight of your road trip in Iceland.

Seeing the icebergs drifting on the water from Diamond Beach is an absolutely incredible spectacle. The beauty of the place is due to the contrast between the black sand and the countless icebergs and ice blocks that wash ashore. Their colors range from glacier blue to white, transparent, and even black. You can take some great photos here.

Days 5-6 : the Diamond Circle (466 km)

The adventure continues towards the north of Iceland! Less popular than the Golden Circle route, the Diamond Circle is well worth your attention. First, make a stop at Lake Mývatn. Nicknamed “the lake of flies,” it is surrounded by volcanoes and lava fields and has a rare geological richness.

During this one-week road trip in Iceland, don’t miss:

• the pseudocraters of Skútustaðir
• the Dimmuborgir lava field
• the Hverjfall crater
• the Mývatn Nature Baths

Do not hesitate to leave route 1 to take a detour to Húsavík. Here, you’ll discover the pretty colorful houses of this small fishing village. Considered the European capital of whale watching, I particularly recommend booking an excursion to see them. Summer is the ideal season to observe them.

Before arriving in Akureyri, stop at Dettifoss and Goðafoss, which are among the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.

Day 7 : Reykjavík (387 km)

The end of your trip to Iceland is approaching, but if you have a bit of time before your return flight, here are some ideas to maximize your last day! Take the opportunity to taste Icelandic cuisine one last time.

I particularly recommend the excellent Sjávargrillið, a restaurant that serves perfectly cooked seafood in an intimate setting. Prices are high, but the quality is there. In a different style, you can dine at Íslenski Barinn. This typical Icelandic brasserie serves delicious traditional dishes.

To end this 7-day road trip in Iceland in style, relax in the warm, milky waters of the Blue Lagoon. An experience not to be missed. This geothermal-heated spa at a temperature of 37-40°C is surrounded by lava fields and volcanic rocks. Have a drink at the bar located in the middle of the water and apply a face mask that you will retrieve at the mud counter.

This is where this 7-day road trip in Iceland ends. I hope this itinerary inspired you to plan your next vacation! If you have any recommendations or questions, feel free to share them in the comments section.