7 Days Iceland Itinerary
This 7-day Iceland itinerary focuses on exploring the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and Reykjavik. It balances popular attractions with opportunities for local experiences, all within a moderate budget.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
June to August for the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, or September to April for Northern Lights viewing
Activities
45
Daily Avg
$150/day
Pace
Fast
Iceland offers stunning natural landscapes, from glaciers and volcanoes to geysers and waterfalls. It's a perfect destination for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts looking for unique experiences.
Your itinerary covers 11 of 12 must-have experiences
Waterfall
Day 2: Gullfoss Waterfall
Geothermal Area
Day 2: Geysir Geothermal Area
Black Sand Beach
Day 3: Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Glacier Lagoon
Day 4: Drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Volcanic Landscape
Day 5: Reykjanes Peninsula (Optional)
Icelandic Hot Dog
Day 5: Dinner at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Historic Site
Day 2: Drive to Þingvellir National Park
Church
Day 1: Hallgrímskirkja Church
Geothermal Pool
Day 6: Relax at Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool
Northern Lights Viewing
e.g., Outside Reykjavik
Glacier Walk
Day 3: Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk (Optional)
Icelandic Lamb Soup
Day 1: Dinner at Icelandic Street Food
Icelandic cuisine is characterized by fresh, high-quality ingredients, often sourced locally. Lamb, seafood, and dairy products are staples. Be prepared for unique flavors and traditional preservation methods.
Must-Try Dishes
A hearty and warming lamb soup with root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and turnips. It's a staple Icelandic comfort food, perfect after a long day of exploring.
📍 Most restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores offer it.
A creamy and comforting fish stew made with white fish (cod or haddock), potatoes, onions, and a béchamel sauce. It's a simple but delicious dish.
📍 Restaurants specializing in Icelandic cuisine, particularly in smaller towns.
A thick and creamy yogurt-like dairy product, higher in protein than yogurt. It's often eaten with berries or fruit, and is a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack.
📍 Any grocery store or convenience store.
An Icelandic hot dog made with lamb, pork, and beef, served in a warm bun with crispy fried onions, raw white onions, sweet mustard, and ketchup. It's a cheap and iconic snack.
📍 Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (Reykjavik), hot dog stands throughout Iceland.
Food Neighborhoods
Wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving both Icelandic and international cuisine.
Home to many seafood restaurants, food halls, and the Reykjavik Maritime Museum.
Main shopping street with various food options, from casual eateries to fine dining.
Known for its local farms and restaurants featuring fresh produce.
Vegetarian options are becoming more prevalent, especially in Reykjavik. Look for restaurants with vegetarian or vegan options on the menu. Gluten-free options are also available in many restaurants. For halal food, options are limited; it's best to inquire in advance at restaurants or look for international cuisine.
Tipping is not customary in Iceland, as service charges are usually included in the bill. It's polite to say 'Takk fyrir' (thank you) to the server. Dress code is generally casual.
Midnight Sun Season
MidnettursolExperience 24 hours of daylight during Iceland's magical summer months.
Note: Book 3 months ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Arrive at Keflavik Airport (KEF) and take the Flybus to Reykjavik Bus Terminal. From there, take a taxi or walk to your hotel in downtown Reykjavik.$40 (Flybus + Car Rental)
2:00 PM - Arrival at Keflavik Airport (KEF) & Flybus Transfer
Pick up your rental car (pre-booked recommended) and take the Flybus to Reykjavik. Check into your guesthouse/hostel.
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- 🚶Walk from your hotel to Hallgrímskirkja Church (approx. 10-15 minutes).$10
4:00 PM - Hallgrímskirkja Church
Visit this iconic church for panoramic views of Reykjavik. Pay a small fee to ascend the tower.
Book on Klook - 🚶Explore downtown Reykjavik on foot, as the main streets are pedestrian-friendly.FREE
5:30 PM - Explore Downtown Reykjavik
Wander through Laugavegur shopping street, check out the Sun Voyager sculpture, and visit Harpa Concert Hall (exterior view).
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- 🚶Walk from downtown Reykjavik to Icelandic Street Food (approx. 5-10 minutes).$20
7:00 PM - Dinner at Icelandic Street Food
Try traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb soup or fish stew at this casual eatery.
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- 🚶Walk from Icelandic Street Food to the Old Harbor (approx. 5 minutes).FREE
8:30 PM - Evening Stroll along the Old Harbor
Enjoy the harbor views and watch the boats. Consider a whale watching tour if time allows (book in advance).
Book on Klook
Downtown Reykjavik
Central location, close to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.
📅 Best Time to Visit
June to August for the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, or September to April for Northern Lights viewing.
Summer in Iceland is mild, but the weather can be unpredictable. Expect frequent rain showers and strong winds, even on sunny days. It's best to be prepared for all types of weather.
June to August is the peak season in Iceland, characterized by long daylight hours and relatively warmer temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Midsummer (Jónsmessa) in late June can affect opening hours.
Getting Around
No trains; buses and rental cars are the main options
Rent a car — it's the best way to see Iceland. A 4WD is needed for F-roads in the highlands.
Travel
$300-600 (flights)Accommodation
$350-700Food
$210-420Activities
$140-280Cook your own meals: Groceries from budget supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan are significantly cheaper than eating out. Look for accommodations with kitchenettes.
Drink tap water: Iceland's tap water is among the purest in the world. Bring a reusable bottle to avoid buying expensive bottled water.
Experience a unique geothermal spa: While expensive, the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon offer unparalleled relaxation and views, often considered a quintessential Icelandic experience.
Take a specialized tour: Glacier hiking, ice caving, or multi-day tours to more remote areas like the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or Highlands offer unforgettable, expert-led adventures.
Utilize duty-free for alcohol: Alcohol is heavily taxed in Iceland. Purchase any desired alcoholic beverages at the duty-free store upon arrival at Keflavík Airport to save significantly.
Look for happy hour deals: Many bars and restaurants in Reykjavik offer happy hour specials on drinks and sometimes food, usually between 4-7 PM, which can significantly cut down costs.
- Book accommodation and rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.
- Pack for all types of weather, as conditions can change quickly.
- Download offline maps and translation apps.
- Consider purchasing a gas station discount card.
- Take advantage of happy hour deals at bars and restaurants.
- Learn a few basic Icelandic phrases.
- Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Be aware of road conditions and drive carefully, especially in winter.
- 1Waterproof and windproof jacket
- 2Warm layers (fleece, sweater)
- 3Waterproof hiking boots
- 4Warm hat and gloves
- 5Swimsuit
- 6Quick-drying towel
- 7Camera
- 8Portable charger
- 9Reusable water bottle
- 10Sunglasses
Flights
Book 3-6 months in advance for best prices, especially for peak season (summer).
Accommodation
Book 4-6 months ahead, as options outside Reykjavik are limited and fill up quickly, particularly for unique stays or during peak times.
Rental Car (if planning to drive)
Book 3-5 months in advance, especially if you need a 4x4 (essential for winter or F-roads) or specific vehicle type. Cars sell out or become very expensive.
Blue Lagoon / Sky Lagoon Entry
Book several weeks to months in advance as they have timed entry slots that frequently sell out, especially on weekends or during peak hours.
Popular Day Tours (e.g., Golden Circle, South Coast, Glacier Hikes, Whale Watching)
Book 1-3 months ahead, particularly for tours with limited capacity (e.g., ice caves, small group Northern Lights tours).
Travel Insurance
Purchase immediately after booking your first trip component (flights/accommodation) to cover unforeseen cancellations or medical emergencies.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Siminn stores at Keflavik Airport or in Reykjavik.
📍 Vodafone stores at Keflavik Airport or in Reykjavik.
📍 Trawire website (advance booking required)
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants in Iceland. Public WiFi hotspots are also available in some areas, but may not be as reliable.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a SIM card or eSIM upon arrival for convenient and affordable mobile data. Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. Check with your mobile provider about international roaming options, but be aware that these can be expensive. Always be mindful of data usage, especially if using roaming or a limited data plan.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — included in prices
Not expected
Not expected
Tipping is not customary in Iceland.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Iceland is a very safe country with a low crime rate. However, be aware of potential hazards related to the natural environment, such as unpredictable weather and volcanic activity.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
112
112
112
112 for all emergencies
Payments
Almost entirely cashless
Accepted everywhere, including hot dog stands
Standard
Cards are accepted literally everywhere. No need to carry cash.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit depends on your priorities. June to August offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, ideal for hiking and sightseeing. September to April is best for viewing the Northern Lights, but be prepared for colder weather and shorter days.
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- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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