Iceland is a complete dream nation to go to, particularly should you’re eager on the form of journey that’s a bit completely different from a seaside or tropical vacation. That being mentioned, it’s completely large (a lot greater than you would possibly 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 crammed with essentially the most dramatic pure sights and the finest issues to do which might be dotted all throughout the island.
Not solely that, however there’s additionally a heap of scrumptious meals and yummy eating places that you simply actually can’t miss. Oh, and don’t neglect to go out on some of the 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 essential 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 1 one other, it was considerably restricted as you’ll be able to solely wander to date out of your base location; even when you will have a automotive.
The subsequent 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 deal with the south and west of Iceland which may be a lot simpler to go to on a first-time journey.
Now, to save lots of to you the trouble of organising every part from scratch, I wished 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 one of the best journey!
DAY 1
1.) Arrive in Iceland
Now, probably the greatest 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 highway. Though rental vehicles could be a little pricier than different locations, they nonetheless work out less expensive than reserving particular person excursions across the island. Particularly if there’s multiple of you.
Reality be advised, a number of the finest 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 value it.
Learn extra: Greatest excursions to guide 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 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 believe it’s essential 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 Nationwide Park, all type 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 have to go on any lengthy hikes or trails to see them.
They’re completely beautiful at any time of the yr! Simply remember to pack some good climbing footwear. You’ll be strolling on a number of moist or muddy trails at instances.
Learn extra: Greatest excursions to guide from Reykjavik
4.) Discover Reykjavik
We stayed on the Reykjavik Residence Lodge (we booked this virtually instantly after we paid for our flights). It was additionally good for parking (the automotive park is sort of reverse it) and is centrally situated sufficient which you could simply stroll round Reykjavik. Although it needs to be mentioned, Reykjavik is usually a really walkable metropolis.
As soon as right here, remember to take a look at among the finest 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 guide from Reykjavik
5.) Drive out of 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 true in your doorstep.
Not solely that, however Iceland can also be an ideal place to look at the Northern Lights, too. Now, you’ll be able to guide a tour from town however we personally most well-liked to simply drive out into the nationwide park and watch for 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 take a look at our Northern Lights pictures ideas earlier than you go.
DAY 2
1.) Whale watching (Reykjavik)
We went with Particular Excursions for what turned out to be a quite enjoyable afternoon looking for whales in Iceland. It’s an effective way to catch a glimpse of the native marine life right here and also you’ll have an ideal 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 permit town. Have enjoyable!
Tackle: Particular Excursions, Reykjavik’s Previous Harbour, 101 Reykjavíokay, 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 simply actually can’t miss (which, you’ll be able to see right here)
After dinner, get your self some wine/beer and nip into one of many geothermally heated scorching 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 evening 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 remember to wrap up heat, take your digital camera and possibly 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 be capable of 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 large.
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 time, you’ll be able to simply head right here later within the night because it stays gentle very late.
3.) Go on a glacier hike
The tour we had been meant to do was with the parents over Atarcanum however this was the one merchandise we couldn’t do in the long run as a result of storm in Iceland after we visited.
They arrive very extremely advisable 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 reason 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, guide this Ice Cave Tour from Vik that’s completely unbelievable to go to. We had one of the best journey and it’s such a singular expertise to have while in Iceland.
Simply remember to guide 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 Seaside
The drive to the following cease after it is 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.) Examine 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.
Tackle: Efri-Víokay, 880 Kirkjubæjarklausturi, Iceland
Lodge 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
Lodge Laki, and the encircling rural areas, had been nice for seeing the Northern Lights.
You may see the Northern Lights out of your room at Lodge 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 infinite. We noticed the Northern Lights right here and it was unbelievable. Although you don’t want to remain at Lodge Laki to see them, should you select some other place to relaxation your head that may work completely nice, too.
Wherever you keep, simply remember to embody some northern gentle 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’ll be able to simply go on different cave hikes in different areas of Iceland, too.
2.) Drive as much as Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is one other wonderful sight it’s a must to see in Iceland and one place that’s nice for a bit cease earlier than you begin heading again east in the direction of Reykavik.
There’s additionally a lagoon boat tour which you could 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 nicely value 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 these two wonderful websites. 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.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 each one being mentioned, there’s no higher method to see the Icelandic countryside than ambling round at your individual tempo on these horses.
We went horse driving 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.) Examine into the Blue Lagoon
We all the time spend not less than one evening 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 personal blue lagoon (which opens earlier and closes later than the final one), however you additionally get free entry to the final 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 probably the greatest 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 method to spend it than chilling at the Blue Lagoon. We spent the entire day right here and completely beloved it.
2.) Dinner and music in Reykjavik
Reykjavik has such an fascinating music scene and fairly good reside music spots, so it’s value checking this out. Take a wander down the ‘essential road’ 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 chew!
DAY 7
1.) Discover Reykjavik
That is your likelihood to see town at your individual tempo and keep it up from the place you left off final evening proper earlier than your flight leaves from Keflavik Airport (round 30-minutes away).
Now, your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland could be full, however possibly subsequent time you’ll be able to discover some extra by driving the entire coastal highway of Iceland (see beneath).
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Iceland
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