Iceland is a complete dream nation to go to, particularly if you happen to’re eager on the form of journey that’s somewhat completely different from a seashore or tropical vacation. That being stated, it’s completely big (a lot greater than you may suppose)! So, I needed to share our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland that’ll provide help to alongside your manner.
You see, Iceland is stuffed with essentially the most dramatic natural sights and the best things to do which can be dotted all throughout the island.
Not solely that, however there’s additionally a heap of scrumptious meals and yummy restaurants that you simply actually can’t miss. Oh, and don’t neglect to go out on one of the crucial spectacular hikes in Iceland, too. Belief me, you’re going to be spoilt for alternative.
Actually, 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 automobile.
The subsequent time we visited nonetheless, 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 might in a single week. All deal with the south and west of Iceland which will be a lot simpler to go to on a first-time journey.
Now, to save lots of to you the trouble of organising all the pieces 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 unbelievable locations all throughout the island. Have the perfect journey!
DAY 1
1.) Arrive in Iceland
Now, among the finest 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 street. Though rental automobiles 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 may be a couple of of you.
Fact be instructed, plenty of the best things to do in Iceland are free to see and so all you want is a automobile to get to them. We will’t suggest this sufficient, it’s completely value it.
Read more: Best tours to book from Reykjavik
2.) Laugarvatn Fontana for a dip
That is the place they bake bread utilizing underground geothermal heat and it’s so cool to see.
After lunch, go for a dip in the geothermal baths and check out 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 you want to give this a go at the very least 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 National Park, all kind a part of the Golden triangle and seeing the geyser erupt is actually a powerful expertise. It’s very easy to go to by automobile and also you don’t have to go on any lengthy hikes or trails to see them.
They’re completely attractive at any time of the 12 months! Simply be sure you pack some good mountain climbing sneakers. You’ll be strolling on plenty of moist or muddy trails at occasions.
Read more: Best tours to book from Reykjavik
4.) Discover Reykjavik
We stayed on the Reykjavik Residence Hotel (we booked this virtually instantly after we paid for our flights). It was additionally sensible 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 stated, Reykjavik is mostly a really walkable metropolis.
As soon as right here, be sure you try a few of the best restaurants in Reykjavik and even, discover the long-lasting cathedral (and see the views from the highest) and come out on a whale-watching tour.
Read more: Best tours to book 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 correct in your doorstep.
Not solely that, however Iceland can be an amazing place to look at the Northern Lights, too. Now, you’ll be able to ebook a tour from town however we personally most popular to only drive out into the nationwide park and anticipate them to seem. This fashion, you’ll be able to spend as lengthy or as little as you need and journey completely by yourself phrases.
Do try our Northern Lights photography tips earlier than you go.
DAY 2
1.) Whale watching (Reykjavik)
We went with Special Tours for what turned out to be a rather fun afternoon searching for whales in Iceland. It’s a good way to catch a glimpse of the native marine life right here and also you’ll have an amazing 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!
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 cherished it, plus they’ve a tasty dinner menu that you simply actually can’t miss (which, you’ll be able to see here)
After dinner, get your self some wine/beer and nip into one of many geothermally heated scorching tubs the place, if you happen to’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 night time 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 be sure you wrap up heat, take your digicam and perhaps a flask of scorching tea, too.
Read more: Best restaurants 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 really 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 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 ultimately because of the storm in Iceland once 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 checklist 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 bear in mind, If you happen to’re heading right here from Reykjavíokay, it’s about 160 km and the driving time is about 2 hours.
Alternatively, book this Ice Cave Tour from Vik that’s completely unbelievable to go to. We had the perfect journey and it’s such a singular expertise to have while in Iceland.
Simply be sure you book this tour before arriving. Areas do promote out in peak journey occasions.
Read more: Tips to experience an Ice Cave Tour in Iceland
4.) Go to the gorgeous 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 here is so dramatic and nothing wanting 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 #1 simply south of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Web site: www.hotellaki.is
6.) See the Northern Lights
Lodge Laki, and the encompassing 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 countless. We noticed the Northern Lights right here and it was unbelievable. 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 be sure you embody some northern gentle recognizing in your 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.
Read more: Best towns in Iceland to visit
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 another amazing sight you need to see in Iceland and one place that’s nice for somewhat cease earlier than you begin heading again east in 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 effectively 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 those two amazing sites. 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 attractive. The panorama round this space of Iceland is simply so stunning, particularly round Stokksnes.
Read more: Best hikes in Iceland
DAY 5
1.) Go Horse Driving at Hestheimar
Icelandic horses are very distinctive to the nation. You see, you’ll be able to’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 stated, there’s no higher option to see the Icelandic countryside than ambling round at your individual tempo on these horses.
We went horse riding 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 at least one night 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 private 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 among the finest issues to incorporate inside our 1-week itinerary to go to Iceland.
Read more: Best things 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 option to spend it than chilling at the Blue Lagoon. We spent the entire day right here and completely cherished 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 turn out to be one thing of an establishment for locals and guests to seize a fairly chew!
DAY 7
1.) Discover Reykjavik
That is your probability to see town at your individual tempo and stick with it 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 perhaps subsequent time you’ll be able to discover some extra by driving the entire coastal street of Iceland (see under).
Read more: Best things to do in Iceland
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