How to spend 7 days in Iceland? First Time

I recently got back from a 9 day Iceland trip if you’re including flight days! It was July 18th-July 26th. My flight to Reykjavik was an overnight flight so I didn’t arrive until July 19th. My flight home was the 26th in the morning. I’m sharing my 7 day Iceland Itinerary. It’s for 7 full days in Iceland. Feel free to pick and choose which pieces align best with your desired 7 days in Iceland trip!

Iceland is full of amazing sceneries. You get endless waterfalls, glaciers, amazing wildlife, pastries, coffee and more. It’s one destination that you will never be bored! I wanted to put together my itinerary to help you plan your trip!

The best way to explore Iceland is with a car. My itinerary is based on renting a car in Iceland. If you need more tips I wrote a blog post about: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Iceland.

Day 1: Explore Reykjavik

When arriving to Iceland you’re going to arrive in Keflavík not Reykjavik. You’ll have an hour drive to the capital city of Reykjavik. We landed in Iceland early morning so we had a full day of exploration in front of us.

We started our day off at Hallgrimskirkja, the famous Icelandic church. Hallgrimskirkja is at the town center so it’s perfect perfect place to start your day. Once we got our photos of the church we headed to get the cinnamon roll from Brauð & Co. It’s one of the most popular bakeries in Reykjavik and its conveniently close to Hallgrimskirkja. Head there grab a cinnamon roll but don’t grab coffee from Brauð & Co. You’ll want to grab coffee from Reykjavik Roasters instead. It’s a few doors down from Brauð & Co. There’s a nice sitting area outside of Reykjavik Roasters that you can use to enjoy the coffee and pastries.

Finish your pastries and then head down to the rainbow street! Bop in and out of which ever stores are calling your name. But be sure to check out the hand knitting association and Rammagerðin. You can get 100% Icelandic wool and Icelandic made gifts.

Once you’ve finished your shopping walk to the Sun Voyager and take your photo.

If you want a dinner with a view consider eating at ROK it’s right outside Hallgrimskirkja so you’ll get a really nice view of it.

Please do not drive after your overnight flight if you are not safe to drive.

Stop 1: Hallgrimskirkja

• The famous Icelandic church, it’s the largest church in Iceland and was inspired by the Icelandic Basalt lava columns that you see throughout Iceland. Hallgrimskirkja has an observation where you can get panoramic view of Reykjavik. It costs 1400ISK to go up to the observation deck. For more information about visiting the Hallgrimskirkja observation deck visit Hallgrimskirkja website for the latest information because hours change seasonally and they have events at the church.

Stop 2: Brauð & Co + Reykjavik Roasters

• Morning pastries and coffee. I went to these places 2 days in a row it was that good. I regret not buying coffee beans from Reykjavik Roasters. Brauð & Co has their cinnamon roll recipe online and I want to try it!

Stop 3: Rainbow Street

• Search for souvenirs. Consider looking for local Icelandic gifts. Hand knitting association and Rammagerðin

Stop 4: Cats of Reykjavik

• Not really a stop but be on the look out for all the cute cats roaming around!

Stop 5: Sun voyager and Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall (beautiful glass building)

• The sun voyager and Harpa are in close proximity, so if you’re going to one you should go to both!
• The Sun voyager was created by Jón Gunnar Árnason in 1990 and it’s become one of the most photographed landmarks in Iceland. You might as well walk down and take a photo of it!
• The Harpa concert hall opened up 2011. It is covered in geometric glass panels that are shaped like the basalt columns. You’re able to freely walk around the lobby and the rooftop terrace (if open) when you’re visiting. If you would like a your they offer group tours for a fee. The bottom floor has a nice paid restroom.

Where to eat?

• ROK: If you’re looking for a nice restaurant in Reykjavik and one with a view ROK is right next to the Hallgrimskirkja. You’ll have a nice view while you eat. Book your reservation on ROKs website.
• Icelandic hot dogs are quite popular so you can check out a hotdog location if you want that.

Read the latest blog posts!

• How to spend 7 days in Iceland? First Time
• Ultimate Iceland Puffin Guide: Everything You Need to Know to see the Puffins in Iceland
• Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Iceland
• Custer State Park: Hidden Gem of the Black Hills
• Visiting Beautiful Cape Flattery: Is the Scenic Trek Worth It?

Day 2: Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Day 2 of your 7 days in Iceland is gonna be the start of your roadtrip! Once you wake up grab some coffee and pastries, make sure you have a full tank of gas and let’s hit the road to discover what the Sneafellsness Peninsula has to offer!

You’re gonna to leave from Reykavik and spend the day driving and making stops throughout the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You will be driving through an underground tunnel called Hvalfjörður Tunnel to get to the peninsula. The tunnel is 3.59 miles (5.77 kilometers) long and 165 meters (541 feet) below sea level. Please drive carefully through the tunnel and make sure your headlights are on! It’s the law in Iceland to always have your headlights on.

Stop 1: Borgarnes, Iceland

• Borgarnes, Iceland is a cute charming town that I spent 1 night in due to my flight being cancel but this town has absolutely stunning views of the mountains and ONE OF THE BEST DESSERTS I’ve ever had.

• Blómasetrið – Kaffi Kyrrð. Do yourself a favor and stop here and grab a slice of the APPLE CAKE it’s literally so good. I had two slices. Yes, TWO slices… I’ve tried to find a recipe to replicated online but I haven’t been successful.
• There are tons of cats walking around outside so be on the look out.
• Take a walk to the Brákin Monument. You will great pictures of the Hafnarfjall mountain

Stop 2: Ytri Tunga

• Ytri Tunga is known for SEAL watching. Harbor and Grey seals live here so you’re likely to see them in the water or lounging on the rocks! We also saw tons of birds diving into the water trying to catch some fish! Summer is the best time to spot the seals here.
  • Remember to be respectful of the wildlife and keep a safe distance.
  • And you’ll enter a quiet zone to be respectful of the wildlife.
• If you’re lucky to visit on a clear day Ytri Tunga has golden sands instead of the usual black sand beach!

Stop 3: Búðakirkja and Búðahraun Lava Field

• Popular 19th century black church in Iceland. It’s one of the most photographed churches in Iceland! It was built in 1703 originally as a trading post and then turned into a church in 1849! The church is next to the Búðahraun Lava Field. There is apparently a hiking trail but we didn’t plan for that as it can take some time to do.
• Hótel Búðir is right next to the church and you can use their restroom for a fee.

Stop 4: Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss

• I did not know this but Kirkjufell is one the most popular mountains in Iceland. Some people describe it as a cone mountain or a “Church Mountain.” To all the dedicated Game of Thrones fans you probably know Kirkjufell as “Arrowhead Mountain.”
• Please do NOT attempt to climb the mountain. It’s dangerous and people have died trying.
• Stop, take a picture, enjoy the waterfall! We got lucky and a rainbow was there but it’s super faint so I don’t have a good photo with it.

Stop 5-6: Grundarfjörður – a town & Kolgrafarfjörður – sword bridge

• Grab a coffee at one of the coffeeshops
• Enjoy the mountain views from the harbor
• Fill up your gas tank!
• Kolgrafarfjörður – sword bridge. This really isn’t a stopping point unless you have a drone. But the bridge looks like a sword from above.

Stop 7: Head back to Reykjavik

Day 3: Golden Circle

Day 3 of your 7 days in Iceland is going to be doing the Golden Circle. Thingvellir National Park was one of my favorite stops!

Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park

• How awesome does standing between 2 tectonic plates sound? Because that’s what you’re experiencing when you visit Thingvellir National Park. The park sits in rift valley called the mid-Atlantic rift which sits between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates!
• Öxarárfoss and Dead Man Walk. You might know this as the game of thrones waterfall. Walk on the path to the waterfall and walk in the opposite direction to enjoy the sites!

Stop 2: Bruarfoss Waterfall 

• Bruarfoss is an easy miss but we decided to visit last minutes visit and it did not disappoint. It was some of the bluest water that I’ve ever seen! Bruarfoss is a waterfall with bright crystal blue water paired with black volcanic rock. It’s no surprise it’s one of Icelands bluest waterfalls.
• You’ll take a gravel road to the parking lot. Once parked it’s a short walk to the falls.

Stop 3: Gullfoss Waterfall (Golden Falls)

• One of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland. It a giant two tier waterfalls the flows into the Gullfossgjufur canyon. Gullfoss originats form Langjökull glacier which then becomes the Hvítá River.
• Be on the look out for the rainbows!!
• There are bathrooms, food, and souvenirs here! Although better souvenirs are at the geyser geothermal area.

Stop 4: The Geyser Geothermal Area

• I wouldn’t say this is a must stop on your trip to Iceland especially if you’ve been to Yellowstone and seen a bunch of geysers you could consider skipping it..
• Strokkur geyser erupts every 6-15 minutes! It’s the most active geyser in the area.
• The hotel/restaurant next to the geyser has great souvenirs!!

Stop 5: Selfoss or Hvolsvöllur

• End the day by Heading to Selfoss or desired stopping location.
• Be mindful of when restaurants close. A lot will be closed by 9pm.
• Erbil Kebab in Selfoss is open the latest and they have very good food. They close around 11pm.

Day 4: Westman Islands

Day 4 and 5 of your 7 days in Iceland can be mixed around depending on your desires. Visiting the Westman Islands was super important to me because I wanted to see the puffins. I wrote a blog about Everything You Need to Know to see the Puffins in Iceland.

I’m not going to recap everything in this post but I cover taking the ferry, where to see the puffins, and more in the post. I spent the morning and the early afternoon exploring the Westman Islands.

Day 5: Waterfalls – Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss, Kvernufoss

You’re going to Iceland of course you want to see the waterfalls! Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Gljúfrabúi, and Kvernufoss are all very easily accessible to you! Day 5 is gonna end in Vik.

Stop 1: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

• Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi can be done together as they share the same parking lot. After you complete Seljalandsfoss you will just keep walking down the path to Gljúfrabúi. For Gljúfrabúi you’ll briefly walk through the stream to get opening to see the waterfall. You definetely need waterproof pants, jackets, and boots for these waterfalls. If you want a packing list and must knows before traveling to Iceland. I wrote my blog post about it.
  • Optional: DC-3 Airplane wreck – Eyvindarholt – Iceland – it’s just a few miles down the road from Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. You will end up taking a gravel road and paying to park. For me it wasn’t work visiting but if you’re into the history of the DC-3 plane crash it might be worth it for you.

Stop 2: Faxi Bakery

• If you need a food option Faxi bakery is in between Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Rhubarb is super popular Iceland. So I had to try Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake (Hjónabandssaela) which was actually just okay. My mom makes a better rhubarb dish.

Stop 3: Skogafoss and Kvernufoss

• You can’t go to Iceland and miss the famous Skogafoss! One of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland. It’s 25 meters wide (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters (197 feet). You can see it from the road as you drive to the parking lot it’s super beautiful.

• There’s a staircase at Skogafoss you can walk up. It’s 527 steps to the top and it’s decently step. It leads to Waterfall Way Hike. You’ll walk along the Skoga river and pass many waterfalls but the hike is multiple miles long so it’s not suitable for this itinerary.
  • PLEASE NOTE: The staircase to the top of skogafoss is grated metal but it gets slipper with the water and it is also wobbly. Please be careful and take your time. Don’t let people rush you. If you have mobility problems I wouldn’t recommend it. Only one side of the staircase has railing.
• Right next to Skogafoss is Kvernufoss. It’s just in a different parking lot but it’s a less crowded waterfall that you can walk behind just like Seljalandsfoss.

Stop 4: Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara Beach

Depending on how much time and energy you have left in your day you could check out Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara Beach before ending your day in Vik.

• Dyrhólaey: The nice part about getting to Dyrhólaey later in the day is the puffins might be back from hunting. So hopefully you will be able to a lot of the puffins! Dyrhólaey is the southernmost point of Iceland
• Reynisfjara Beach: Finally end your day Reynisfjara Beach and see the stunning black sand beach and famous basalt columns! As beautiful as Reynisfjara Beach is it is also SUPER DANGEROUS. The beach is known for sneaker waves that will sweep you out into the ocean. People have lost their lives here. Reynisfjara Beach has signs post about the level of danger at the beach that day. Even with that said you need to be smart and cautious.
  • If you’re bring your kids you need to watch the extremely closely.
  • Somedays you aren’t able to go past the cave due to the tide and weather!

Stop 5: End your day in Vik!

• Plan end your day in Vik.
• Check out the famous church (Vík i Myrdal Church) in Vik.
• Have dinner at one of the restaurants. Always be mindful of closing times of restaurants.
• If you’re wanting to do Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara Beach to end your day you might want to consider getting food first.

Read the latest blog posts!

• How to spend 7 days in Iceland? First Time
• Ultimate Iceland Puffin Guide: Everything You Need to Know to see the Puffins in Iceland
• Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Iceland
• Custer State Park: Hidden Gem of the Black Hills
• Visiting Beautiful Cape Flattery: Is the Scenic Trek Worth It?

Day 6: Vik to Hofn

Days 6 of your 7 days in Iceland adventure can go one of a few ways depending on what you want to do for your Iceland itinerary! If you didn’t have time to go to Dyrhólaey or Reynisfjara Beach you could start you day with either of those but you might have to adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Stop 1: SKOOL BEANS. The original Skool bus cafe and Crepes.is

• If you’ve ever wanted to start your day off getting coffee in an American School bus in Iceland now is your chance! Because there’s an American School bus in Iceland called Skool Beans that you can get your morning coffee at. They also sell some souvenirs throughout the bus.
• If you’re not in the mood for the bagel offered at Skool Beans you can go to Crepes.is. It’s a small Crepe store with outside seating. The Crepe Cafe only has a small menu so be sure to check it before you head over there.

Stop 2: Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach

• Located in Vik and it’s only a short drive from Skool Beans coffee! We were lucky enough to see a few whales here so it was definitely worth going to in my opinion! Just for the chance to see some whales if you aren’t planning on doing a whale tour that it. You could also end day 5 here if you wanted.

Stop 3: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is an absolute stop for you Iceland adventures. It’s about 50 minutes outside of Vik. It the most gorgeous canyon that’s easy to get to. The canyon is right next to the parking lot. At the End of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon you’re surprised with some metal view points hanging over the cliff and beautiful waterfall. I was a little nervous to walk on the viewpoints but you definitely need to do it!

• The canyon is only 1.25 miles (2km) long. You will walk a big hill to get to the top but it’s not too bad. Aim to spend 40-60 minutes here.

Stop 4: Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier

• I’ll be honest the glacier wasn’t really on my must do Iceland list but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip! And if I could do it over I would book a glacier boat tour or a glacier walk!!
• Jökulsárlón glacier is right next to Diamond Beach. Diamond Beach is known for famous pictures of glacier ice sitting on the beach before melting or disappearing into the ocean. But be warned there isn’t always glacier pieces sitting on the beach! When we went there was maybe 5 small pieces of glacier ice. I was a little disappointed so just be aware you might not see anything.

• Jökulsárlón is a glacier lagoon which means you’re gonna hopefully see some wildlife! Be on the look out for the seals! We saw lots of them. Also be on the look out for a possible whale sighting! Humpback whales like to hangout in the area!
• On you’re way to the Jökulsárlón glacier theres are a stopping points with parking lots. Please stop at them! They have great views of the glaciers! They weren’t marked on google but be mindful they have SMALL parking lots so don’t over crowd them.

Stop 5: Svartifoss

If you’re wanting to to Svartifoss plan for a 1-1.5 hour hike which is mostly uphill! We unfortunately didn’t have time for this so we had to skip it do to time constraints. So, if Svartifoss is something you really want to do be mindful of it when planning your itinerary.

Stop 6: Head or Hofn or Head back to Vik

• We head originally wanted to spend a night in Hofn before we went back to Reyjkavik but since we booked our trip so last minute there was no place to stay. Because we actually went to stay in Selfoss for the night.
• Ideally we would have stayed in Hofn or Vik for the night

Day 7: Head back to Reykjavik

On your last day of your 7 days in Iceland I would plan to do one of the two lagoons! Either blue lagoon or sky lagoon. I never did either of them. Just be aware the sky lagoon is in Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon is near Keflavík. Do you research on proper lagoon etiquette.

Finish up with any of the museum you wanted to see but didn’t have the time to see. I enjoyed the Perlan Museum!

Hope you have a great 7 days in Iceland trip!