The Ultimate 7-Day Southern Iceland Itinerary

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, offers unimaginable opportunities for adventure with its stunning landscapes, geothermal wonders, and unique culture. This small(ish) island in the North Atlantic Ocean has been on my bucket list for almost eight years, capturing my attention even before I embarked on my 47 Parks trip.

In May 2024, I decided to take a week to explore this Nordic gem, diligently researching the most effective 7-day itinerary that would allow me to experience the best Iceland has to offer. I read many blogs and suggested routes from other intrepid travelers, and finally created my own plan, a conglomerate of those who have gone before.

This post will share some brief highlights to give an overview of the trip; subsequent posts will go into more detail regarding the specifics sites, adventures, and other activities I experienced.

Day 1: Arrival at Keflavik Airport then Westward Bound

Coming from the States, most flights will land early in the morning, and so a little after 5 am, my passport freshly stamped, I made my way to pick up the rental car. This little Toyota Aygo X would be my close companion for the next week as I navigated the beautiful Route 1 in Iceland with a stick shift transmission.

Holmsberg Lighthouse

Blue Lagoon

Hveragerdi Bakeries

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and “Hidden” Gljufrabui

Skogafoss Waterfall

I found a cute guesthouse in Vik for the night.

Day 2: Glacier Cave and More Route 1 Wonders

Vik is a great adventure launching point as many tours operate out of this small town right on the bay. They have some nice restaurants and access to a beautiful beaches (black sand or rock) with puffins chillin’ about.

Katla Ice Cave Tour

Be sure to stock up on groceries before heading west again!

Fjafrargljufar Canyon

I spent three nights in Kalfafellsstadur, about 35 miles east of Hofn. It was a remote but sufficient base camp for my daily activities.

Day 3: More Glacier Adventures

Vatnajökull  National Park covers 14% of Iceland! I accessed the park from the Skaftafell side, taking some time to explore on my own before hiking up a glacier.

Falljökull Glacier

Svinafellsjokull (aka “Hollywood”) Glacier

Day 4: Glacier Lagoon

This was one of my favorite activities, which I’ll describe in more detail in a future post.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Zodiak Boat Adventure

I took the afternoon to rest, get caught up on sleep, and read. There was also a neat beach to explore near my lodging.

Day 5: Eastward Bound With Gorgeous Stops

I headed back east on Route 1, this time stopping at different spots that I skipped on the initial leg of my journey. I was intentional about breaking up the drive, planning beforehand when and where to stop for scenic vistas.

Diamond Beach

Eldhraun Lava Fields

Viking Park

Dyrholaey Penninsula

I stayed at Paradise Cave Hostel (in Hvolsvöllur) which used to be a former school. It’s also situated right in front of its own private waterfall!

Day 6: The Golden Circle and Silfra Snorkeling

This is the classic Iceland drive that becomes really popular during peak season due to its proximity to Reykjavik. It wasn’t too crowded when I went, but be prepared to deal with people. 🙂

Urridafoss Waterfall

Kerid Crater

Gulfoss Falls

Geysir

Thingvellir National Park

Silfra Snorkeling

I cruised into Reykjavik around 7 pm, happy to be warm and dry at my next hostel.

Day 7: Reykjavik Culture

Although most people begin their Iceland trip in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital, I chose to do this at the end of my journey.

Harbor Walk and Sun Voyager Sculpture

Walking Tour

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Harpa Concert Hall

The capital city is becoming well known for its foodie scene. There are bakeries galore, local fish/lamb, and even brews made from glacier water.

Day 8: Homeward Bound

I only had a few hours in the morning before my flights left, so I ventured out to Reykjavik one last time, searching for some keepsakes and souvenirs for friends and family.

Travel Tips

Car Rental: Renting a car offered me the flexibility to explore at my own pace. Be mindful that some roads require high-clearance vehicles, so pay attention to where you’re going and which type of transport you need.

Accommodation: I booked my accommodations about six weeks in advance; I’ve heard you need to book further in advance during peak seasons (June-August).

Activities: Although there are so many things you can see and do in Iceland that don’t require a guide, I highly recommend signing up for at least one (or two… or three) activities while you’re in the country. I booked through Arctic Adventures and got a 15% discount for selecting three of their offerings.

Weather: Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, so I was happy that I packed layers and prepared for various types of weather.

Concluding Thoughts

A week in Iceland was just enough to scratch the surface of this awe-inspiring country, and I honestly feel that my itinerary struck a balance between seeing a lot but not overdoing it. If you travel with someone and can share the driving load, you could definitely venture further along Route 1 in the south.

From the stunning natural wonders along the highway, to the vibrant beauty of Iceland’s landscape, each day brought new adventures and unforgettable experiences. Whether I was chasing waterfalls, exploring glaciers, or soaking in geothermal pools, Iceland’s magic left a big impression on my mind and heart. <3

More to come…