Iceland is a complete dream nation to go to, particularly if you happen to’re eager on the sort of journey that’s a bit of completely different from a seaside or tropical vacation. That being mentioned, it’s completely big (a lot greater than you may assume)! So, I needed to share our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland that’ll provide help to alongside your approach.
You see, Iceland is stuffed 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 just 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 selection.
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 primary bases, the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik, each of that are unimaginable 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 possibly can solely wander to date out of your base location; even when you might have a automobile.
The following time we visited nevertheless, we had the good thing about 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 deal with the south and west of Iceland which might be a lot simpler to go to on a first-time journey.
Now, to save lots of to you the trouble of organising the whole lot from scratch, I needed 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 unimaginable locations all throughout the island. Have one of the best journey!
DAY 1
1.) Arrive in Iceland
Now, the most effective 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 may be a couple of of you.
Fact be instructed, plenty of the finest issues to do in Iceland are free to see and so all you want is a automobile to get to them. We are able to’t suggest this sufficient, it’s completely value it.
Learn extra: Finest excursions to e book 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 take a look at the pure steam rooms.
Oh, and if you happen to’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 at the very least as soon as. Although, it’s completely chilly. Brrrr!
Handle: 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 kind 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 must go on any lengthy hikes or trails to see them.
They’re completely beautiful at any time of the yr! Simply make sure you pack some good climbing sneakers. You’ll be strolling on plenty of moist or muddy trails at occasions.
Learn extra: Finest excursions to e book 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 automobile park is sort of reverse it) and is centrally situated sufficient which you can simply stroll round Reykjavik. Although it needs to be mentioned, Reykjavik is usually a really walkable metropolis.
As soon as right here, make sure you try among the finest eating places in Reykjavik and even, discover the enduring cathedral (and see the views from the highest) and come out on a whale-watching tour.
Learn extra: Finest excursions to e book from Reykjavik
5.) Drive out of town (for the Northern Lights)
You solely must drive round 30-minutes from the very centre of Reykjavik to be in full wilderness. That’s the fantastic thing about Iceland, all this unimaginable nature is true in your doorstep.
Not solely that, however Iceland can be a fantastic place to observe the Northern Lights, too. Now, you possibly can e book a tour from town however we personally most well-liked to simply drive out into the nationwide park and await them to seem. This manner, you possibly can spend as lengthy or as little as you need and journey completely by yourself phrases.
Do try our Northern Lights pictures suggestions earlier than you go.
DAY 2
1.) Whale watching (Reykjavik)
We went with Particular Excursions for what turned out to be a reasonably 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 a fantastic 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 town. Have enjoyable!
Handle: Particular Excursions, Reykjavik’s Previous Harbour, 101 Reykjavíok, 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 just actually can’t miss (which, you possibly can see right here)
After dinner, get your self some wine/beer and nip into one of many geothermally heated sizzling tubs the place, if you happen to’re fortunate,
Handle: 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 possibly can’t at all times make certain on cloud cowl or if the lights are popping out to play.
Simply make sure you wrap up heat, take your digicam and possibly a flask of sizzling tea, too.
Learn extra: Finest 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 novel expertise to truly have the ability 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 big.
Now, if you wish to keep away from nearly all of the crowds, head throughout right here within the early morning or late afternoon. Additionally, if you happen to’re visiting in Summer season, you possibly can simply head right here later within the night because it stays gentle very late.
3.) Go on a glacier hike
The tour we have been meant to do was with the oldsters 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 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 checklist of explanation why we have to return to Iceland.
The glacier stroll and mountaineering base are by Sólheimajökull glacier about 28km west of Víok and 6 km east of Skógar. Simply keep in mind, In case you’re heading right here from Reykjavíok, it’s about 160 km and the driving time is about 2 hours.
Alternatively, e book this Ice Cave Tour from Vik that’s completely unimaginable to go to. We had one of the best journey and it’s such a novel expertise to have while in Iceland.
Simply make sure you e book this tour earlier than arriving. Areas do promote out in peak journey occasions.
Learn extra: Tricks to expertise an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland
4.) Go to the gorgeous Dyrhólaey and Vik Seashore
The drive to the subsequent 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 wanting wonderful.
5.) Verify 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 hearth.
Handle: Efri-Víok, 880 Kirkjubæjarklausturi, Iceland
Lodge Laki is situated on Street 204. Solely 4 km from freeway number one simply south of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Web site: www.hotellaki.is
6.) See the Northern Lights
Lodge Laki, and the encompassing rural areas, have been nice for seeing the Northern Lights.
You possibly can see the Northern Lights out of your room at Lodge Laki. Alternatively, you possibly can 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 unimaginable. Although you don’t want to remain at Lodge Laki to see them, if you happen to select elsewhere to relaxation your head that can work completely nice, too.
Wherever you keep, simply make sure you embrace some northern gentle recognizing in your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.
Learn extra: Finest cities in Iceland to go to
DAY 4
1.) Glacier cave hike
a glacier cave hike in Vatnajökull is fairly epic! Although, you possibly can 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 of cease earlier than you begin heading again east in the direction of Reykavik.
There’s additionally a lagoon boat tour which you can 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 properly 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 if you happen to simply haven’t gotten your fill of these two wonderful websites. That is nice to incorporate if you happen to’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 stunning, particularly round Stokksnes.
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Iceland
DAY 5
1.) Go Horse Driving at Hestheimar
Icelandic horses are very distinctive to the nation. You see, you possibly can’t import horses into Iceland and if you happen to export horses, they’re by no means allowed to return again to the nation. What?!?
That each one being mentioned, there’s no higher technique to see the Icelandic countryside than ambling round at your personal tempo on these horses.
We went horse using at Hestheimar in the course of the tail-end of a storm! Which, I’ve to confess, made it all of the extra thrilling.
Handle: Ásahreppur 851 Hella Ísland, Iceland
Web site: www.hestheimar.is
2.) Verify into the Blue Lagoon
We at all times spend at the very least one night time right here, and although it may be extra dear 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.
Handle: Blue Lagoon, 240 Grindavik, Iceland
3.) See the Northern Lights
Sure, once more! 😉
You are able to do this out of your Blue Lagoon resort room balcony/patio…. and even from the Blue Lagoon itself. We did this and floated round within the Blue Lagoon within the resort and simply watched the lights above. It was bliss and simply the most effective issues to incorporate inside our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Iceland
DAY 6
1.) Spend the day the Blue Lagoon
You’ve earned the ‘down-time’ in spite of everything and there’s no higher technique 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 dwell music spots, so it’s value checking this out. Take a wander down the ‘primary 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 town at your personal 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 possibly subsequent time you possibly can discover some extra by driving the entire coastal highway of Iceland (see under).
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Iceland
Verify Out The Very Finest Of Nice Britain!
Take a look at our YouTube channel for journey movies!
